To:  Parents, Guardians and Algebra 1 Students

From:  Mark McKeever, Eighth Grade Algebra Teacher

Welcome to a new school year at Friendswood Junior High.  I am excited about teaching Algebra to your child.  In order to help your child fulfill his or her potential in this subject, I am clarifying my expectations in the form of classroom expectations and procedures for the year.

Classroom Expectations

1.     Be in your seat, ready to work, when the tardy bell rings.

            (Locker and restroom trips should be made between classes.)

2.    Listen and follow directions the first time they are given.

3.    Treat others and classroom equipment with respect.

4.    Bring required materials to each class.

5.    Talk at appropriate times - raise your hand to be called upon.

6.    Backpacks and other large bags are not allowed in the classroom.

7.    Eating and drinking are not allowed in the classroom.

Homework

Homework will be assigned each class period.  It is due at the beginning of the next class period unless otherwise directed. All work must be done in pencil.  All work must be shown for full credit.

Late work

No credit will be given to work turned in late.  I am aware that, on occasion, there will be a good reason why your child does not have his/her work handed in on time. If such circumstances arise, consideration will be given if a parent note or call is made to the teacher.

Absences

It is the studentÕs responsibility to obtain and make up all work and tests due to absences.  Missed tests and quizzes are to be scheduled immediately upon the studentÕs return and are usually taken in tutorials.  As stated in the Student Handbook, state law requires that a student be in attendance at least 90% of the time that a class is offered.  If a student does not meet the attendance requirement, credit will be denied. Every three tardies that a student accrues to a class will be recorded as an absence when determining final exemptions and denial of credit. Students who are more than 10 minutes late to any one class will be considered absent.

Supplies

Pencils, checking pens, notebook paper, note taking book.  I have calculators for school use only if needed. 

Grading

Tests   50%                 Quizzes           25%                 Assignments         25%

If a student fails a test he/she should attend tutorials to correct that test.

Extra credit assignments, when given, will only be given to the whole class and not on an individual basis.

Tutorials

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday             8:00  to 8:25 a.m.

Course Outline

We will be studying the properties and operations of real numbers, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, solving and graphing systems of linear equations and inequalities, solving and graphing quadratic equations, performing operations on and factoring polynomials.  Students will be instructed on the use of the graphing calculator but are not expected to purchase their own.  A more detailed outline of the Algebra 1 course can be found in the table of contents of the Prentice Hall Algebra 1 text.

Algebra 1 is a high school level course and will stretch the students' limits! I will do my best to help your child be successful. However, since Algebra 1 is the foundation to all other high school math courses, if your child does not maintain at least an average above 80, he/she may be removed from the course at the end of the first semester or before.

Please feel free to contact me about any concerns you may have.  If you leave a message at school (281-482-7818), I will return your call as soon as possible.  My e-mail address is mmckeever@fisdk12.net.