Algebra 2 (Period 2, 6, & 7)

General Information, Policies, and Expectations:

Course Description: 

• Building on their work with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, students extend their repertoire of functions to include polynomial, rational, and radical functions. Students work closely with the expressions that define the functions, and continue to expand and hone their abilities to model situations and to solve equations, including solving quadratic equations over the set of complex numbers and solving exponential equations using the properties of logarithms. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.

Classroom Policies:

• All Hope & Legacy rules will apply in our classroom. 
• In addition, students are expected to: 
  • Be Respectful (to other people, the environment, and yourself)
  • Do Your Best (which requires believing in yourself, being prepared, never giving up, and advocating for yourself by asking questions when you do not understand)

Procedures:

• At the beginning of class:
  • Quickly and quietly be seated with materials ready for class.
  • Begin assignment/activity/bellwork listed on the board.
• During class:
  • Please do not ask to leave class unless there is an emergency or you are not feeling well. You will not be allowed to go to your locker once class has begun.
  • Please restrict bathroom usage to non-instructional time, if possible. 
• At the end of class:
  • Pack up your belongings only after you have been asked to do so. 
  • Clean the area around your desk before you leave. (Throw away trash, return borrowed materials, push in your chair, etc.)

Late Work:

• I will only accept late assignments for five school days after the due date. Students lose 10 points for each day the assignment is late.           
• Students will not be allowed to turn in bulk work at the end of the term.

Absences/Make Up Work:

• You are responsible for missed/make-up work!
• With an excused absence, you may make up missed work for full credit. Missed exams must be made up within one week.
• All formal assignments will be posted on Google Classroom, but please check with me to be sure of what else you missed (it may be notes that you may need to get from another student, etc.). 

Grades:

• Homework – 15% of grade
• Classwork – 20% of grade
• Quizzes – 20% of grade
• Tests  – 40% of grade
• Participation – 5% of grade

        *Per the student handbook, extra credit will not be offered within the last 4 weeks of the quarter.

Homework:

• I do not believe in assigning homework just for the sake of homework. Math is a skill that needs to be developed through practice. Look at homework as a learning opportunity and ask questions when needed.

Extra Credit:

• If and when there is extra credit, it will be used as a tool to reinforce and solidify understanding for academic success; it is not and will not be used as a last minute attempt to correct a lack of effort for the entire term.
• Extra credit for each quarter is due four weeks before the end of the quarter. This is in accordance with the student handbook. Extra credit will not be accepted after this point.

Test/Quiz Policy:

• Tests and quizzes  are meant to assess content knowledge of an individual student. If a student looks in the direction of another person’s paper, talks, or uses notes/phone, they will receive a zero. Please do not talk at all; this includes “talking to oneself.” Students should not use the bathroom before they have turned in their test, unless it is an emergency, in which case they will be asked to leave their phone on my desk if it is in their pocket. 

Test/Quiz Procedures in place to help alleviate zeros:

• I will go through the rules of testing repeatedly and consistently throughout the year.
• Students are allowed to take out a book to read or work on other school work for other classes AFTER they have handed in their test.
• I will announce when all tests/quizzes have been turned in and it is ok to talk again. 

Grade Forgiveness:

• I believe strongly in the value of personal responsibility and work to instill that value in my students as well. However, I also understand that in the middle of that, life can happen. With that in mind, students will be given one opportunity for grade forgiveness for the year. This means, they will have the opportunity to drop one grade (any one assignment) in the event that “life” is happening to them at a given point. This does not include tests or quizzes. 

Promises to students:

• If you ever feel I am doing a poor job of living up to these promises, please schedule an individual conference with me. I work very hard to make sure that I am true to my word.
• I will always believe in your ability to succeed. This means my expectations are extremely high. I will demand your best at all times. 
• I will listen to you. I ask that you bring questions, concerns, or comments to me in a calm, respectful manner at the appropriate time.
• I will respect you, and I will insist that others respect you in our class. I ask in turn that you respect me as well. 
• I will work hard and happily. I took this job because I love teaching, I love math, and I love my students. 
• I will learn from you. You are smart, and each of you brings experiences and perspectives to the class that will benefit the group. Please share your viewpoint every day! 

Sign up for Google Classroom using the following code; please note, you must sign up for the correct class period below: 

PERIOD 2: fqtu5qb

PERIOD 6: 3ug7o4e

PERIOD 7: qanvzq5

Google classroom will be used for announcements, assignments, and will serve as a communication platform. Google Classroom accounts must use a Hope Charter email address. All students have been assigned a new email address if they did not already have one. The new email address will be in the format firstname.lastname@hopecharter.org. For example, my email is Nicole.Wilder@hopecharter.org.

If this is a new account, students will go to www.gmail.com and enter the new email address. The password will be Hope2020. Students will be prompted to change the password to something unique. If the student has an old account, it has been reactivated, but may still have the old password. If anyone cannot remember his/her password, please email tech@hopecharter.org and they will reset it. If the student has a current account already in use, please continue to use the same account.

Once you have logged into Google Classroom, please complete your first Google Classroom assignment acknowledging student & parents/guardians have read and understood the entire syllabus. This will count as your first homework grade.

Supply List:

• Scientific calculator (such as TI-36X Pro) 
• 2-4 Spiral Notebook for taking notes
• College Ruled lined paper
• Pencils (there will be no borrowing)
• Non-erasable colored pen (bright color, such as red, to be used for self correcting papers)
• Highlighter (for notes)
• Sticky tabs (to organize notes)
• Water Bottle

PLEASE NOTE: To help minimize the spread of germs, students are asked to bring in all necessary supplies for personal use only. Please label all supplies with the student's first and last name. 

Parents/Guardians: Please email me at nicole.wilder@hopecharter.org from the email address you would like me to use to communicate with you.

Please include the following:

• Student name
• Your name and relationship to student
• Your phone number
• Any additional information such as medical, interests, and fun facts.

Thank you!