Course Syllabus: Algebra I Part I

Elkton Middle School

IMPORTANT:
Our classroom is fortunate to have been selected to receive a set of classroom iPads that will be
arriving in October. The iPads will be used daily for instruction, practice, and assessment. It is natural
that as we integrate daily use of technology into our routines, the classroom procedures and policies
described below will be subject to change. I will be in communication with you as we make the
transition.
It is exciting that we are the pioneers to the future of instruction and learning in our school
district! Going digital, as you may hear this change described, is NOT about having the newest and
coolest tools available. We are embarking on this journey because it is what is best for our students
we need to prepare them for their future, not our past. My hope is that all of us who are involved
teachers, students, parents, administrators - will show flexibility, patience, and perseverance during this
process.

Instructor: Laura Hershey
I teach Math 8 and Algebra I Part I at Elkton Middle School. I am excited about teaching and learning,
and I look forward to the adventures and challenges that we will take on this year.
Email: lhershey@rockingham.k12.va.us
Room: A7
Web Page: http://mathwithhershey.weebly.com/

Text: Holiday, Berchie, et. al. Algebra I. Columbus, Ohio: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. 2005.
Required Materials: Each day, students are expected to bring
a positive attitude
a pencil
completed homework
3-ring binder & looseleaf paper
textbook (if specified).






It is recommended that you purchase a Casio graphing
calculator. Having your own calculator will allow you to practice
with it at home. Becoming comfortable with your calculator will
be extremely helpful on the SOL tests that you will take in HIGH
SCHOOL, and for the rest of your math career! (I used my
graphing calculator all the way through college; its a good
investment).

Grading Information:
Scale:

Weighted Components of Grades
10% Homework (Graded for completion. Every problem needs to be attempted with work
shown. Homework may be graded for accuracy.)
20% Classwork Grades (Warm Ups, RDC work, Individual, or Group)
30% Quizzes
40% Tests
Classroom Policies
Homework
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Assignments will be posted on the assignment
board in class, as well as my website listed on the first page of this syllabus. Homework may require
students to take home their Algebra I text.
No late homework will be accepted. The purpose of this policy is to teach and encourage habits
of timeliness and responsibility, which are extremely valuable.
Missing Work
When you are absent
Ms. Hershey will
Collect your work
Put your name on it
Put it in the designated area
Grade it

(If you know you are going to be absent, pick up your work ahead of time. Work is due immediately
upon return unless otherwise arranged. If returning from an unexpected excused absence, work is due
the day after you return. It is your responsibility to request make-up work.)
Assessments serve multiple purposes: to demonstrate that you have learned material, as well as
assisting you in the learning of material. If you are absent for a test or a quiz, it is your responsibility to
come and schedule a time to make up the quiz/test. No points will be taken off for lateness as long as
the assessment is made up as timely as possible.



A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69% F lower than 60%
You must
Pick up your work
Ask any questions or seek help if needed
Turn in the work within one week

Cell Phone/Electronics
Cell phones and other personal electronic devices may only be used in class with direct
instruction from the teacher. This includes but is not limited to cell phones, iPods, iPads, or laptops. If
you bring your device to school, it is recommended that it remain safely locked in your locker. If you
choose to carry your device on your person, it must remain off and put away while in my classroom.
Tentative Course Schedule
1
st
Nine Weeks:
Math 8 Chapter 2.1-2.6, 2.8, 2.9 (SOL 8.1)
Chapter 1.1 1.6, 1.8 (SOL A.1, A.2);
Chapter 2.1 2.4, 2.7 (SOL A.1, A.2, A.3);

2
nd
Nine Weeks:
Chapter 3.1 3.9 (SOL A.4, A.5);
Chapter 11.6 (SOL 8.3 & 8.17)
Math 8 Chapter 5.8 (SOL 8.3)
Math 8 Chapter 6 (SOL 8.6)
Math 8 Chapter 7 (SOL 8.7 & 8.9)

3
rd
Nine Weeks:
Math 8 Chapter 8.1 & 8.2 (SOL8.12)
Chapter 4.1 4.6, 4.8 (SOL A.4, A.5, A.6, A.7)
Chapter 5 and Chapter 12.1 (SOL A.6, A.7, A.8)

4
th
Nine Weeks:
Chapter 6.1 6.3, 6.6 (SOL A.1, A.5, A.6);
Chapter 11.4 (SOL 8.10)
Chapter 7 (A.4, A.5)
















Our classroom will abide by the following Respect Agreement:
Students:
Be kind & considerate with words
Be considerate of others space and belongings (includes Elkton Middle School)
Follow directions right away and with a good attitude
Listen; give full attention
Be on time and prepared for class

Teachers:
Care for the students; recognize students as individuals
Be prepared and professional; Make class interactive and varied
Trust the students until there is a reason not to
Be encouraging when speaking with and about students
State expectations clearly; be fair and consistent

In the case of a violation of this agreement, our classroom will adhere to the school-wide ELKS
Program.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - return lower portion - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Teacher: I will be fair and consistent with handling violations of our respect agreement, in accordance
with the ELKs Program. I will abide by the Respect Agreement.
________________________________
Students: I have read our classroom Respect Agreement. I understand it, and will honor it.
________________________________ __________________________________
Print Students name Students signature
Caregivers: My child has discussed the classroom Respect Agreement with me. I understand it and will
support it.
_______________________________ __________________
Parent/Guardians signature Date

___________________________ ___________________________
Phone Number Parent/Guardians Email address
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