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Thank you students and parents for the wonderful gifts and words expressing your appreciation.
This has been a great year. I will miss you! I hope you have a fun and safe summer. Keep in
touch with me!!
Mrs. Storms
Classwork/homework:
Monday, May 19 to Thursday, May 22
Course 3
During the last week of school we will be working on chapter 13, Polynomials and Functions.
Bring your workbook to class each day. We will be finishing up sections 13.1, 13.3, and 13.4.
**If you have not yet turned in your textbook, please remember to turn it in!!**
Algebra
During the last week of school we will be practicing factoring quadratic equations and
simplifying radical expressions by completing Pizzazz worksheets on those skills.
**If you have not yet turned in your textbook, please remember to turn it in!!**
I have enjoyed getting to know each of you. I hope you have a very happy, fun, and safe
summer.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
EIGHTH GRADE ALGEBRA & COURSE 3 MATH
WEST VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
2007-2008
Sherry Storms, Teacher
Curriculum: The Knox County Middle School Math Curriculum is aligned with the State of Tennessee
standards for mathematics. It meets and exceeds the State of Tennessee mathematics standards.
For information about state standards for algebra, visit the state website at
http://tennessee.gov/education/ci/standards/mathhighschool/math912intro.shtml. For information
about state standards for 8th grade math(course 3), visit
http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/cistandards2001/math/cimath68stand.htm. For additional
information about Knox County’s mathematics program, visit Knox County’s website at
http://www.kcs.k12tn.net/curriculum-dpts/math/math-index.htm.
Text for algebra students: McDougal Littell Algebra 1
Text for Course 3 students on grade level: McDougal Littell Middle School Math Course 3 TN
Edition
Goals:
Prepare algebra students for honors geometry and course 3 students for algebra 1 in 9th grade
Use mathmatics for problem solving
Develop an appreciation for mathematics and its relevance to everyday life
Demonstrate the ability to apply math skills to real life situations
Requirements:
Come to class prepared each day. It is imperative that students bring spiral, pencil, book,
calculator (when necessary), and agenda to class each day. The spiral should have pockets
inside for loose papers, worksheets, quizzes, etc. If the spiral does not contain pockets, your
child will need a folder for loose papers. Calculators will be used only occasionally in the
first few weeks of school. Students will be informed when calculators are necessary. Graphing
calculators will be used often by the algebra students following the first three chapters. The
calculator that will be used most often in class demonstrations for the algebra students is the
TI-84 plus. The TI-83 plus or any other graphing calculator is sufficient for this year,
however, the recommended calculator for your child in high school will be the TI-83 plus or TI-
84 plus. For the students in 8th grade/Course 3 math, the calculators that will be used in
class demonstrations are the TI-30XIIS, TI-83 plus and TI-84 plus. The TI-30 or any other
calculator with fraction capability is sufficient for this year. However, your child will need
the TI-83 plus or TI-84 plus for algebra, so if you plan to invest in a graphing calculator, I
suggest the TI-83 plus or TI-84 plus.Please make sure your child’s calculator has his/her name
or other identifiable mark because they are often misplaced.
All test grades are recorded on a sheet in the agenda. Students are responsible for acquiring a
parent signature. This aids in promoting organization and helps students keep track of their
grades. I suggest that you check your child’s spiral and agenda periodically so you can see how
your child is progressing. Due to the nature of the accelerated course, the algebra students
are expected to meet the requirement of maintaining a B average for each nine week period and a
score of 80% or better on each Knox County nine-week exam. If these requirements are not met,
your child may not qualify for honors geometry in high school.
Grading:
There are several factors that are taken into account when averaging nine weeks grades. They
include the following: daily work grades (which include notes), quizzes, tests, and special
projects. Class work/homework will be assigned daily and graded the following day. The daily
work grade is determined by completeness of assignments (including notes) and process shown.
The process in the assignment should match the process in the notes! It is very important that
the assignments are completed on time. Quizzes are given after covering a few sections.
Students will have the opportunity to make corrections on some quizzes, but not all quizzes.
Students will be informed when quizzes are correctable. On the correctable quizzes, students
are given the opportunity to correct problems they missed on the quiz by redoing the problem,
showing all process, attach to original quiz and turn in before given deadline to earn back 80%
of the credit. Unit tests are given at the end of each unit. The unit test score will be
recorded in their agenda. Cumulative tests are given periodically throughout the year and a
final cumulative exam at the end of the year. I also assign special projects periodically, at
which time students are given written and oral explanations of deadlines and requirements
pertaining to the projects.
In accordance with Knox County policy, the following grading scale will be used:
93-100 = A
85-92 = B
76-84 = C
70-75 = D
0-69 = F
Make-up work:
Students are responsible for making up work missed when absent. All assignments are recorded on
an assignment sheet posted in my room. Students are responsible for securing assignments from
this sheet and turning them in on time. The number of days absent determines the deadline for
turning in make-up work. (i.e. 1 day absent, 1 day to make up work). Students are also
responsible for setting up a time to make up any missed tests as promptly as possible. Any
tests, quizzes, or homework not made up will result in a zero. Various special arrangements can
be made for students with prolonged excused absences.
Class Rules:
Be prompt.
Be prepared.
Be polite.
Communication:
In order to keep you informed of your child’s progress, I will send home a midterm report about
four and one half weeks into the nine weeks. This report gives detailed information on daily
grades, tests, quizzes, etc. This also prevents “surprises” at the end of the nine weeks. I
ask that parents sign and return them to me so that I know that you are aware of your child’s
progress. Sometimes students fail to share the midterm report with their parents, so about four
to five weeks into the nine week period, you may want to remind your child to share it with
you! Also, visit this website for homework and other valuable information! If you have any
concerns at any time, feel free to contact me at 539-5145, ext. 144 or email me at
stormss@k12tn.net.
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