About Miss Modock:



Algebra Class Information Sheet 2016-2017

Course: 8th Grade Algebra

Teacher: Mrs. Kapalko

440-933-8142 ext. 2506

Email: yvonne.kapalko@

Website: kapalko. (team website is linked on here)

Red Team Website: learwoodred8. (my website is linked on here)

Red Team Teachers:

Mr. Grumbos – U.S. Studies

Mrs. Kapalko – Algebra

Ms. Moffat – Language Arts

Mr. Myers - Science

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome back to school! During this school year you will be learning many new and exciting mathematical concepts. I look forward to a successful year in Algebra working with you and your classmates.

Common Core State Standards:

• Avon Lake’s math curriculum reflects the Common Core State Standards. There have been changes to the Algebra 1 course as well as the other HS courses to reflect these standards.

• The CCSS can be found at Math

Textbook:

• Pearson “Algebra 1 Common Core”

• Students will be issued a textbook. Online access through PowerSchool is also available.

Supplies:

• Pencil with eraser

• One subject spiral notebook (replace as needed)

• 2-Pocket Folder

• Loose leaf and graph paper

• Calculator – Students will need either a graphing calculator (TI-83 or higher) or a scientific calculator (TI-30 XIIS recommended). I have a class set of graphing TI-84C calculators for students to use in class. Purchase of a graphing calculator is not mandatory.

Homework:

• Given most nights and due the next day in class.

• Homework is weighted 15% of the quarter grade.

• It is the responsibility of the student to correct answers, ask questions in class, and seek assistance when homework is not thoroughly understood.

• Write down the original problem and show all work for full credit and attempt all problems.

• No credit for late work. One “Late Pass” will be given to each student for each quarter. This allows a student an opportunity to turn in the HW late and still receive full credit.

Important Things to Remember:

• Algebra is a high school class

o Need to receive 80% or higher for the year to get high school credit (See Note below)

o Class is much faster paced

o Multiple topics in one lesson

o Fewer examples

o Basic facts (including fractions) must be mastered

o Cannot be dependent on calculator for computation

Note: Any student who earns a 72% or above but fails to earn the Algebra 1 credit will be eligible for an Algebra 1 summer boot camp class. This class will be taught over ten 3 hour days (dates TBA) and will conclude with a final exam type test. Any student earning an 80% or above on the final will still receive Algebra 1 credit from the 8th grade. Any student who earns less than an 80% (or fails to attend the boot camp) will need to repeat Algebra 1 as a 9th grader.

• Homework vs. Test

o HW is approximately 20% basic level questions; 60% average questions; 20% challenging questions.

o Tests are approximately 10% basic level questions; 60% average questions; 30% challenging questions since unit concepts are combined.

o Most problems occur because students learn a process for that day’s assignment rather than understanding the big picture (when to use that particular process).

o HW is based more on basic understanding of the topic for that day but by the time of the test there should be mastery and connection to the bigger picture.

o Application (story problems) is a strong part of this class.

Absences/Make-up Work:

• Make up all work for excused absences within allotted time (one day for each day out). Make-up work not completed in allotted time will become zeros.

• Meet with teacher during academic support, before or after school for help.

• Assignments due on the first day of absence are due the first day back.

• A student who misses just the day of a quiz/test should be prepared to make-up the quiz/test the day of return.

• Whenever an absence is known ahead of time, please let me know as I may be able to provide support/notes/assignments in advance.

Grades:

• PowerSchool login: //psal.public. This can also be accessed from the websites.

• Grades are weighted. 15% of grade is homework/classwork, 85% is tests/quizzes. I do my best to update grades frequently. Monitor your progress on a regular basis.

• Grades are based on performance on daily assignments, class work, quizzes, and tests.

• Progress Checks - do not count in grade average but do show student knowledge of concepts leading up to quiz/test. These are usually unannounced.

• The course grade consists of all four quarters and the final exam. 80% is required to earn credit.

Extra help:

Each student must take responsibility for his/her learning. If you are completing your homework, are taking notes and are participating in class and still experiencing difficulties, I expect that you see me promptly for extra help. Difficulties do not go away by ignoring them. I am available during academic support, most days after school until 3:30 PM, and most mornings beginning at 7:30 AM.

Class Expectations

• Be in seat with materials out ready to begin class.

• Phones are to be kept in locker or in the phone “holder” in the classroom unless it is a BYOD day (Bring your own device).

• Use student planner to help organize and monitor assignments.

• Be respectful to yourself and to all people in the classroom.

• Accept responsibility for your own behavior and your own learning.

• Do your own work. Cheating, copying other students’ work, or allowing another student to copy your work, will result in a zero.

• All school rules and regulations in the student handbook will be enforced.

• Insubordination or any disruptive behavior which denies other students the opportunity to learn and for me to teach will not be tolerated.

What about Next Year:

• Recommendations for high school are typically made in early February.

• Below is a general explanation of the requirements for the available courses for next year. This is only a guideline. I will be compiling data to use when making the recommendations for next school year.

• If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Algebra 1

8th Grade

Algebra 1

9th Grade

Geometry

Honors

Geometry

*Appropriate class for students who consistently earn high A’s in Algebra 1, especially on tests and exams.

*Demonstrates strong skills on Algebra applications and word problems.

*Appropriate class for the student who does not maintain a 80% or better.

*Student who lacks necessary skills to be successful in Algebra II.

*Student who would benefit from another year to gain more confidence and further enhance algebraic fundamentals.

*Appropriate class for the majority of students currently in Algebra 1.

*Need to earn at least a 80% course average in Algebra.

Note: see boot camp statement under “Important Things to Remember”

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