Geometry Honors

1. Geometry Honors Day 1 Welcome

2. Today’s Objectives • Introductions • Review Curriculum Paper • Algebra Review • Assignments

3. Curriculum Paper

4. Course Description: Geometry Honors is a course designed to provide an intensive study of the traditional topics found in most geometry courses. Throughout the course, the main topics from algebra are applied to solve problems and therefore are continually reinforced. The emphasis of the course is logical arguments and proofs. Students are regularly required to explain and justify their work, even in fairly routine applications. Students do intensive work with logical argumentation and forms of presentation. This course contains a balance of computational skills, conceptual understanding and problem solving. Preparation for standardized tests such as the SAT will also be included. Successful completion of this course will be based upon student performance on class work, homework, quizzes, and tests.

5. Course Format: Geometry is a full credit course in which the student earns ½ credit each semester. Each semester grade is independent of the other. If one semester is failed, and averaging the grades obtained in each half would result in a passing grade, the district will recalculate the final grade. This class will meet every other day for the entire school year. The class will use cooperative learning as well as teacher lead instruction to develop and teach new concepts. Students are expected to constructively participate in small and large group discussion using a variety of effective problem solving strategies.

6. Text & supplemental materials: Florida Geometry, Glencoe McGraw-Hill

7. Supplies to be purchased by student and brought to class every day: • Notebook paper, lots • Pencils, several • Graph paper, quad-ruled • Ruler(s) • Compass • Protractor • Two or three colored pencils, markers, or highlighters • 1½ - 2” binder with tabs – Students are expected to keep notes, homework, and returned test/quiz papers in an organized manner that can be reviewed at any time. • Scientific Calculator – Some students wish to have graphing calculators. This is fine, but be aware that there will be some tests on which graphing calculators will not be permitted.

8. Grading Procedures: The student’s grade is based upon the a points-based system (the number of points earned by the student divided by the total number of points available). The final grade will be based upon the Duval County School Board’s grading scale, which is as follows: A= 90 – 100% B= 80 - 89% C= 70 - 79% D= 60 - 69% F=59% and below I DO NOT ROUND UP!!!!! A 89.9 % is a B.

9. Tests and Quizzes Tests and quizzes are given to assess understanding of material. All work must be shown to reach the final answer - no credit will be given if work to reach the result is not documented. An extra credit problem is provided on most tests. Only students present the day of the test will have the opportunity to earn these extra points. There are usually three tests per quarter.

10. Homework / Class Activities Homework and class activities will be assigned on a regular basis to aid students in understanding the objectives of the course. Homework must be labeled with the assignment page number, date and student name, it will be collected and recorded based upon completion. All work must be shown to reach the result - no credit will be given if work to reach the result is not documented. All assignments should be done in pencil and should be neat and legible.

11. Attendance: Regular attendance during each grading period is necessary for a passing grade in each course. Any student who misses more than four (4) days on a block schedule during one grading period must meet both criteria below to be eligible for a passing grade (A-D) in that course: • The student passes the required comprehensive quarter exam (Mastery Exam) or the required comprehensive project in the course. A comprehensive exam or project will be given to ALL students in ALL courses for EACH semester. • The student has an overall passing grade in the course for the grading period.

12. For all absences (excused & unexcused): Students who are absent shall receive a grade of zero for work missed for the day(s) or class period(s) in which the absence(s) occur. Students are expected to turn in work due on the day of absence on the day of return, and have one day to make up work assigned during absence for every day missed. Students shall be responsible for providing a valid excused readmit, requesting and making up missed work for each absence. Students will receive 100% credit for all make-up work for all absences completed within the allotted time, (i.e., a day of make-up work for each day or absence when appropriate, or as determined by the principal).

13. Classroom Behavior • Class begins when the bell rings. This means: be seated, have materials ready (including sharpened pencils), and have homework out for evaluation. • Class ends when the teacher dismisses you, not at the bell. • Come to class prepared to work. This includes having your textbook, a sharpened pencil, paper, a calculator, and any other item that may be required. • Students should not work on any other subject in class unless they have completed class assignments or everyone in the group has completed a group assignment. No note cards or other books should be open on your desk or in your lap. • Students are expected to use calculators to complete work in the classroom and not to play games during class. • Students are expected to keep the classroom clean and return any borrowed items by the end of class. • Hall passes shall be given grudgingly and sparingly. You cannot learn if you are not in class, and you are a distraction to other students. Only one student is allowed on a hall pass at a time.

14. Classroom Behavior • No food or drinks are allowed. Bottled water is acceptable, unless it becomes a disruption to the class. If you have special dietary needs, let me know. • Any cell phones seen or heard from shall be confiscated and turned into Student Services. Any cell phones seen or heard from during a test or quiz shall be interpreted as cheating, and shall incur the severest penalty. This also applies to PDAs, iPods, and any other portable electronic device. • Raise your hand to be called on. When involved in discussions, keep your voice to a reasonable, indoor level. • Participation in group work is an essential part of this course. If you let the other members of your group do all the work, you will not be fulfilling your potential for this class. Active, enthusiastic group involvement will be expected of everyone. • This classroom is a safe environment for learning. Everyone makes mistakes (even me!); indeed, mistakes are an essential part of learning. No student should be afraid to ask a question or suggest an answer. You must treat your fellow students with the same respect you would want shown to you.

15. Electronic devices Electronic devices such as cell phones, ipods, and mp3 players may not be used by students in the classroom and are subject to collection by the teacher. The confiscated device will be turned into the dean and returned to the student’s parent/guardian. Cell phones taken out in the classroom during or after a test will be considered cheating and the consequences of cheating (see Stanton Academic Integrity Program).

16. Teacher’s Make-up Policy It is the student’s responsibility to get the make up assignments. Homework missed due to an absence can be made up and turned in by the next class day. A student who is absent is expected to turn in all work that was due the day of the absence. Any student missing the day of a test will be expected to make up the test within a week of the original test. Due to additional time to study, makeup tests will not include any extra credit given on test day. Arrangements will need to be made by the student to come before or stay after school to take the test or quiz. Make up tests will not be given during class time.Students that miss a day due to an approved field trip should ask for the assignments and make arrangements to take any tests or quizzes in advance.

17. Stanton Academic Integrity Program: Statement to the Student Body from the Honor Review Board Cheating is not gamesmanship; it is unethical. Cheating may affect not only the individual but others as well, and, hence, is more than the concern of one person. In addition to verbal or written instructions concerning cheating, a student should implement common sense and rational judgment so as not to bring about any question of his/her integrity and honesty.

18. Integrity: Description and Judgment of Cheating • studies (more than a glance) or provides advanced acquaintance with questions or prohibited material • studies (more than a glance), actively reads, makes notes, copies another student’s answers • has test questions or prohibited material • uses material from a source not credited (plagiarism) The teacher’s judgment is final. This does not mean that the teacher cannot change that judgment later, but that there is no debate about the behavior. The term “prohibited material” includes the book, homework or notes that have not been approved by the teacher for use on a test or quiz. Any use of a cell phone during or after a test for any reason is prohibited and is considered cheating. Using another student’s work to copy for submission.

19. Integrity: Consequences as School Policy No credit (0) on the assignment An Integrity Referral written by the teacher which is also a Class 2 Discipline Offense The Dean of Students will handle the discipline regarding the Class 2 offense A copy of the Integrity Referral is kept on file A copy is sent home, and verbal contact with parents will be made. Any additional class consequences at the discretion of the teacher.

20. Teacher Information: Voice Mail: 630-6760 x 172 Email: petersond1@duvalschools.orgPlease feel free to contact me at any time. This is the only email I check regularly. Access to Student Grades:Progress reports will be provided according to the Duval County schedule. Progress will also be available via the County online grade book system, OnCourse. The system will be updated after every exam and as various assignments are graded. (More information to follow.)

21. Parent –Teacher conference schedule: If you have questions or concerns about anything in the course during the year, I will be happy to meet with you, or speak with you on the phone. Contact the Guidance Office (630-6770 ext 115) to set up an appointment.

22. Help Sessions: If you need some extra assistance with course material, see me immediately to schedule a mutually convenient time that we can meet. I will be happy to help you outside of class to ensure you master the material. BUT, do not procrastinate and tell me the day or two before a test that you do not understand anything we have been talking about for the past month!!! IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SEEK ASSISTANCE IN A TIMELY MANNER.

23. Learning Recovery • To be discussed at a later time

24. Let’s get started with Math… You will form groups of four and participate in a series of activities designed to review critical skills from Algebra I. No pressure – this won’t be counted as a grade. However, these are the skills I expect you to be fully competent in at the start of this course.

25. Assignment • Complete last page of curriculum packet and have parents sign. • Make sure your textbook disk works. Familiarize yourself with its navigation and features.