Welcome to Pre-Calculus!

Welcome to Pre-Calculus!Mrs. Holman 2011-2012

Mrs. Sheri Holman Mrs. Sheri HolmanEducation • Bowling Green State University – BS in Education• Ashland University - Masters in Computer Technology

Experience (19 years)•Solon High School 2002 – Present•Wooster High School 1995 – 2002•Vermilion High School & Middle School 1992 - 1995

Course ObjectivesThis course provides the tools that you will need for college mathematics courses, particularly Calculus. You will build on your learning from Algebra II and Geometry to construct a deeper understanding of functions. As you study Pre-Calculus and trigonometry, you will be investigating functions in new ways and working with more abstract forms, including trigonometric functions. You will develop a deeper understanding of the concepts of limits, area and slope that are essential in the development of Calculus.

Required Materials• Pre-Calculus Text with acceptable cover• A sharpened pencil, pen, and colored

pencils (highlighters are helpful)• Notebook for notes and homework - a

3-ring binder is recommended• A graphing calculator (TI-nspire or TI-

84+ recommended)• Two dry-erase markers

Structure of the classThis rigorous course is designed for students

who intend to take Advanced Placement Calculus next year. The expectation is that

you have mastered and retained the skills and concepts learned in Algebra I, Algebra II,

and Geometry. We will use minimal class time to review these skills and concepts.

You will be working individually, with partners, in groups, and with technology to complete problems and activities that will help you understand new mathematical

ideas and methods.

Study Buddies/GroupsIt is important that you complete EVERY

homework problem. This course is designed to “spiral”, meaning that topics are visited

more than once, so you need to do all problems to get a complete understanding of

the material.

Each individual has a unique way of seeing and approaching problems, so each of you will

have something to contribute while you work with your classmates in this course.

I strongly encourage you to work with another student or group of students when studying

and preparing for this class.

AssistanceI am here to help you so if at any

time you are having a problem pertaining to this class please see me immediately so that we can

remedy the problem as quickly as possible. I am available most days both before and after school. The Math Lab is also available during

the school day.

Grading Scale

A: 90 – 100% B: 80 - 89.9% C: 70 - 79.9% D: 60 - 69.9% F: 59.9% or below (You earn this!)

• Note: Your grade in Pre-Calculus is weighted. In-class assessments will constitute 85% of your grade; assessments with resources/other will constitute 15% of your grade. Current grades are accessible on the parent viewer.

In-Class Assessments vs. Assessments with Resources

In-Class Assessments

Anything done in class in front of the teacher:

• Tests• Quizzes• Formative

assessments

Assessments w/Resources

Anything graded where you have access to resources (classmates, family members, internet, book, etc.)

• Graded assignments• Portfolios• Projects• Team assessments• Class presentations

and/or activities

In-Class Assessments – Tests

• Tests will be administered every three weeks on a Math Test Day (Monday or Wednesday). If you are absent for a test, you are expected to make up the test in the testing center between 7 AM and 4 PM the day you return to school unless previous arrangements have already been made. Failure to do so will result in a 10% reduction in score.

• If you are absent for a test, but are present in school anytime during the day, you will be expected to take the test before leaving the building that day and/or contact me prior to leaving, or face a 10 percent reduction in score.

In- Class Assessments - Quizzes

• Quizzes (15 points each) will be given regularly throughout the grading period. Most will be announced in advance, with dates (Mondays or Wednesdays) posted on the board and on the Family Information System online. Quizzes will NOT be made up.

• If you take all the quizzes in a given grading period, the

lowest quiz score will be dropped. If you miss class, but are present in school the day of a quiz, you may take the quiz before leaving the building that day.

• Pop quizzes are worth fewer points but cannot be dropped. “Partner Quizzes” may be given from time to time, but cannot be dropped either.

Assignments & Grading• Assignments will be posted in the classroom

and online. It is your responsibility to write them down in class or find them online. You are expected to do ALL assignments.

• Portfolio assignments and projects will be given periodically during the course. They will be discussed in more detail when assigned.

• I will not grade on a curve nor will grades be rounded. Keep track of your own grade so that it is not a surprise at the end of the quarter.

On my page, you will find daily lessons, homework, upcoming tests and quizzes as well as some of the class resources. To get to my page follow these steps:

1.   Go to the Solon Schools web page www.solonschools.org

2.    Choose Schools

3.    Choose SHS 9 – 12

4.    Scroll down to my name (Charlotte Holman)

5.    Choose “Calendar” from the bottom

6.    Choose the appropriate class

Internet Information

Tonight’s Assignment• Check out the class website!

• Complete Student Information Sheet.

We’re All in This Together!

We’re All in This Together!

Welcome to Pre-Calculus! I am looking forward to assisting you in learning and have high expectations of you for this year. If we work together, it will be a rewarding and successful year for all!