The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.
-Vidal Sassoon
-Vidal Sassoon
MAJOR CONCEPTS/SKILLS
· Real numbers
· Linear functions
· Pythagorean theorem, indirect measurement
· Scatter plots
· Slope
· Equations and inequalities
· Students will solve relevant and authentic problems using appropriate technology and apply these concepts as well as those developed in earlier years.
CONCEPTS/SKILLS TO MAINTAIN
· Ratio, proportion, and percent
· Factors and multiples
· Box plots and histograms
· Volume and surface area
Aside from just mathematics, we will also learn to be thinkers and highly successful people this year. I want each of you to be able to work together, be creative, think on your own, and ultimately become successful at everything you do. Math is about thinking… not numbers! My goal for you this year is for you to learn to THINK for yourself!
Textbook: Mathematics, Applications and Concepts, Course 3
Grading
Journal: 5%
Homework: 20%
Classwork: 15%
Quizzes: 25%
Tests: 35%
***Projects will count as a test grade. Class participation will count as a class work grade.
The grading scale is as follows:
100-93 = A 92-85 = B 84-77 = C 76-70 = D 69-0 =F
Journal: Every day will begin with a journal. You will find the journal prompt on the white board or on your desk. Journals should be started before the bell rings. Most journals will involve specific instructions from preparing for a daily quiz, answering questions, math problems, logic puzzles, word problems, reading and responding or simply filling out a form. Journals are required and will count as 5% of a student’s final grade. All journals should be completed in a notebook.
Notes: If it’s on the board, it should be in your notes. Notes are a tool that you can use to study what we’ve done in class. Notes will be checked at the end of each Chapter for a grade, so you must keep up with them. If you are absent, there is a notebook at the front of the class with copies of my notes. You are responsible for making up missed notes!
Homework: Homework will be checked daily either for completion or taken up for a grade. If a student fails to do his/her homework he/she will receive a 0. However, the student may bring his/her homework the next day for -20 points if it is signed by a parent. Late homework will not be accepted after this point. Homework will be checked using a recording sheet in which the student is responsible for keep up with until it is taken up. If this sheet is lost the student will only receive credit for the homework assignments they can reproduce for me.
Projects: Projects will be assigned periodically throughout the year. Many projects will have work that has to be done outside the classroom. I expect this work to be completed just as I would expect classwork to be completed. You will be given a checklist or rubric at the start of every project. This will tell you how you will be graded and when the project is due. You will always have plenty of time to work on projects therefore; late projects will not be accepted unless specific arrangements have been made between the students, teacher, and parents.
Classwork/Quizzes: Classwork will be done everyday this year. Math will be very hands-on and project-based. Classwork will be essential to your success due to the amount that will be given and the arrangement of math class. Take pride in what you do at school and at home. Many times you will have homework to accompany your classwork or projects. Quizzes will be given randomly throughout the year. I will always announce quizzes and help you prepare to succeed.
Tests: Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. A study guide may or may not be given prior to each test. It is your responsibility to keep up and know what will be on your test! A cumulative exam will be given at the end of each nine weeks.
Absences: If you are absent, call a classmate, refer to your agenda, and check your folder when you return to school. It is YOUR responsibility to come to me and make up tests/quizzes. Students receive one week from the student’s return date to make up missed work. Failure to make up and turn in missed work will result in a zero. There are NO exceptions to this rule... even after progress reports are handed out.
SURVIVOR: Survivor is a very important part of our class. We will play the game of Survivor each day. Survivor is a way for students to interact with one another, learn team work, and ultimately win points for their tribe and themselves. Survivor is explained in detail in an attachment to this syllabus.
Comments: In order for this year to be successful, I am seeking parent/guardian cooperation as well as that of the student. By working together, we can ensure that the 8th grade expectations in discipline and academics remain at the highest possible level. Since communication is an important step in the cooperative process, I would like to make you aware of a couple of procedures/tools.
Students, please let me know if you are having any difficulties and I will do what I can to help. The sooner the better or you will only get further behind. Please have a positive attitude, and be respectful to all questions asked in class. Disrespect will in NO WAY be tolerated!
I am very excited about this year! We are going to learn a lot, become successful individuals, and have a ton of fun! Good Luck… YOU WILL SUCCEED!
Policies and Procedures
Attitude : I expect you to have a positive attitude and come in ready to work each day. I like to do activities that are fun and enriching, however, if you cannot prove to me that you are capable of these activities, we will not do them. Ms. Bowers DOES NOT tolerate talking back or disrespect in ANY way to me or other students.
Textbooks: You MUST have your book with you EVERYDAY unless otherwise told so. If you do not have your book your tribe will lose points. You will each be given a book with a number and your name will be put in them. At the end of the year I will collect the books and if you do not have one, or if yours has marks or is in bad shape, you will be charged. You will not go to high school until these dues are paid.
Restroom Breaks: You will be allowed 3 bathroom breaks each 9 weeks free of charge. Each time you leave after those 3 will result in 5 points taken from your tribe and silent lunch. True emergencies will not count as one of the 3 outs.
Hallway Conduct: When in the hallway, you will walk in a straight line, with your mouths closed, on the right side of the hallway. Failure to do this will result in Silent Lunch or any other action deemed necessary.
Tardies: If you are not in the classroom before the bell rings you are TARDY. Three tardies equal a week in lunch detention, every tardy after that will equal one more week in lunch detention. These will be reset at the start of each nine weeks. Your tribe will also lose points when you are tardy! Don’t let them down!
Silent Lunch/ISS: Lunch detention is eating lunch at an assigned table in the lunch room for the duration of the lunch period. This will be given for tardies or in place of an ISS write up. ISS will be used ONLY when the student is uncontrollable. This will be used very sparingly in my class. There will be parental contact if a student is sent out of my class for misbehaving. I do not like sending students to ISS but I will not hesitate to use this.
Class Rules:
1. Be Prepared.
2. Respect the Teacher, yourself, and others.
3. Do not leave your space without permission.
4. No flying objects.
5. Keep your hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.
Gum/Food Policy: If it is seen or heard I will ask that you remove it from your mouth. There is absolutely NO FOOD or drinks in the classroom.
Seating Chart: There will always be a seating chart in my classroom. If there is a problem with your seating assignment, you may come to me AFTER class to discuss this issue.
Electronics: Cell phones, CD players, PSP, iPods, game boys, walkmans, MP3 Players, or any other device that is not listed is NOT allowed in class. If I hear, see or find these materials I will take them.
Book bags/Jackets: There will be NO book bags, this includes the pull string gym bags, or heavy jackets in the classrooms at ANY time. The only time they will be allowed in school is before school or after school. No exceptions. If you are seen wearing or carrying these, you will be asked to put them away and if you fail to do so, you will be sent to the office. Jackets are not allowed in the classroom as stated in the Pitt County Uniform Policy. Students are allowed to wear un-hooded sweatshirts in the appropriate colors.
· Real numbers
· Linear functions
· Pythagorean theorem, indirect measurement
· Scatter plots
· Slope
· Equations and inequalities
· Students will solve relevant and authentic problems using appropriate technology and apply these concepts as well as those developed in earlier years.
CONCEPTS/SKILLS TO MAINTAIN
· Ratio, proportion, and percent
· Factors and multiples
· Box plots and histograms
· Volume and surface area
Aside from just mathematics, we will also learn to be thinkers and highly successful people this year. I want each of you to be able to work together, be creative, think on your own, and ultimately become successful at everything you do. Math is about thinking… not numbers! My goal for you this year is for you to learn to THINK for yourself!
Textbook: Mathematics, Applications and Concepts, Course 3
Grading
Journal: 5%
Homework: 20%
Classwork: 15%
Quizzes: 25%
Tests: 35%
***Projects will count as a test grade. Class participation will count as a class work grade.
The grading scale is as follows:
100-93 = A 92-85 = B 84-77 = C 76-70 = D 69-0 =F
Journal: Every day will begin with a journal. You will find the journal prompt on the white board or on your desk. Journals should be started before the bell rings. Most journals will involve specific instructions from preparing for a daily quiz, answering questions, math problems, logic puzzles, word problems, reading and responding or simply filling out a form. Journals are required and will count as 5% of a student’s final grade. All journals should be completed in a notebook.
Notes: If it’s on the board, it should be in your notes. Notes are a tool that you can use to study what we’ve done in class. Notes will be checked at the end of each Chapter for a grade, so you must keep up with them. If you are absent, there is a notebook at the front of the class with copies of my notes. You are responsible for making up missed notes!
Homework: Homework will be checked daily either for completion or taken up for a grade. If a student fails to do his/her homework he/she will receive a 0. However, the student may bring his/her homework the next day for -20 points if it is signed by a parent. Late homework will not be accepted after this point. Homework will be checked using a recording sheet in which the student is responsible for keep up with until it is taken up. If this sheet is lost the student will only receive credit for the homework assignments they can reproduce for me.
Projects: Projects will be assigned periodically throughout the year. Many projects will have work that has to be done outside the classroom. I expect this work to be completed just as I would expect classwork to be completed. You will be given a checklist or rubric at the start of every project. This will tell you how you will be graded and when the project is due. You will always have plenty of time to work on projects therefore; late projects will not be accepted unless specific arrangements have been made between the students, teacher, and parents.
Classwork/Quizzes: Classwork will be done everyday this year. Math will be very hands-on and project-based. Classwork will be essential to your success due to the amount that will be given and the arrangement of math class. Take pride in what you do at school and at home. Many times you will have homework to accompany your classwork or projects. Quizzes will be given randomly throughout the year. I will always announce quizzes and help you prepare to succeed.
Tests: Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. A study guide may or may not be given prior to each test. It is your responsibility to keep up and know what will be on your test! A cumulative exam will be given at the end of each nine weeks.
Absences: If you are absent, call a classmate, refer to your agenda, and check your folder when you return to school. It is YOUR responsibility to come to me and make up tests/quizzes. Students receive one week from the student’s return date to make up missed work. Failure to make up and turn in missed work will result in a zero. There are NO exceptions to this rule... even after progress reports are handed out.
SURVIVOR: Survivor is a very important part of our class. We will play the game of Survivor each day. Survivor is a way for students to interact with one another, learn team work, and ultimately win points for their tribe and themselves. Survivor is explained in detail in an attachment to this syllabus.
Comments: In order for this year to be successful, I am seeking parent/guardian cooperation as well as that of the student. By working together, we can ensure that the 8th grade expectations in discipline and academics remain at the highest possible level. Since communication is an important step in the cooperative process, I would like to make you aware of a couple of procedures/tools.
- Agenda – All students will receive an agenda on the first day of school. The agenda is a great means of communication and a wonderful organizational tool for students. Each day, students will be expected to write down homework assignments, projects, events, or reminders for the day or week. Parents are encouraged to view the agenda daily to check for homework, notes from the teacher, important events, etc. Notes/Information may also be written to me in the same manner.
- Phone calls-All teachers at CME have a phone inside their classrooms. Please feel free to call me at any time. If I am in class, leave me a message and I will return your call ASAP!
- E-mail-I check my school email daily. It is the quickest way to get in touch with me and get a response.
- Website-www.bowersl.weebly.com I will update my page DAILY with class information and assignments.
Students, please let me know if you are having any difficulties and I will do what I can to help. The sooner the better or you will only get further behind. Please have a positive attitude, and be respectful to all questions asked in class. Disrespect will in NO WAY be tolerated!
I am very excited about this year! We are going to learn a lot, become successful individuals, and have a ton of fun! Good Luck… YOU WILL SUCCEED!
Policies and Procedures
Attitude : I expect you to have a positive attitude and come in ready to work each day. I like to do activities that are fun and enriching, however, if you cannot prove to me that you are capable of these activities, we will not do them. Ms. Bowers DOES NOT tolerate talking back or disrespect in ANY way to me or other students.
Textbooks: You MUST have your book with you EVERYDAY unless otherwise told so. If you do not have your book your tribe will lose points. You will each be given a book with a number and your name will be put in them. At the end of the year I will collect the books and if you do not have one, or if yours has marks or is in bad shape, you will be charged. You will not go to high school until these dues are paid.
Restroom Breaks: You will be allowed 3 bathroom breaks each 9 weeks free of charge. Each time you leave after those 3 will result in 5 points taken from your tribe and silent lunch. True emergencies will not count as one of the 3 outs.
Hallway Conduct: When in the hallway, you will walk in a straight line, with your mouths closed, on the right side of the hallway. Failure to do this will result in Silent Lunch or any other action deemed necessary.
Tardies: If you are not in the classroom before the bell rings you are TARDY. Three tardies equal a week in lunch detention, every tardy after that will equal one more week in lunch detention. These will be reset at the start of each nine weeks. Your tribe will also lose points when you are tardy! Don’t let them down!
Silent Lunch/ISS: Lunch detention is eating lunch at an assigned table in the lunch room for the duration of the lunch period. This will be given for tardies or in place of an ISS write up. ISS will be used ONLY when the student is uncontrollable. This will be used very sparingly in my class. There will be parental contact if a student is sent out of my class for misbehaving. I do not like sending students to ISS but I will not hesitate to use this.
Class Rules:
1. Be Prepared.
2. Respect the Teacher, yourself, and others.
3. Do not leave your space without permission.
4. No flying objects.
5. Keep your hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.
Gum/Food Policy: If it is seen or heard I will ask that you remove it from your mouth. There is absolutely NO FOOD or drinks in the classroom.
Seating Chart: There will always be a seating chart in my classroom. If there is a problem with your seating assignment, you may come to me AFTER class to discuss this issue.
Electronics: Cell phones, CD players, PSP, iPods, game boys, walkmans, MP3 Players, or any other device that is not listed is NOT allowed in class. If I hear, see or find these materials I will take them.
Book bags/Jackets: There will be NO book bags, this includes the pull string gym bags, or heavy jackets in the classrooms at ANY time. The only time they will be allowed in school is before school or after school. No exceptions. If you are seen wearing or carrying these, you will be asked to put them away and if you fail to do so, you will be sent to the office. Jackets are not allowed in the classroom as stated in the Pitt County Uniform Policy. Students are allowed to wear un-hooded sweatshirts in the appropriate colors.
