Geometry 2011-2012
Michael Watson
email: mwatson@xrds.org
office: math office in 1729
tutorial: G period in the Math Office
ABOUT ME-- This is my sixth year teaching math at Crossroads. I have taught at Idyllwild Arts for four years previously and at UNLV for two years as a graduate student while completing my MS in pure mathematics. I am also a photographer, climber, runner and avid outdoorsman.
MATERIALS -- To be prepared for each class meeting, bring the following each day
1. Yourself -- ON TIME 2. Textbook 3. Graph paper 4. pencils (sharpened before class) & pens
5. homework 6. non-graphing calculator 7. compass and protractor
Welcome to Geometry. Below is an outline of course expectations and grading policies. Please take a moment to read over this:
MATERIALS -- To be prepared for each class meeting, bring the following each day
Textbook, pencils sharpened before class (I will not accept work done in pen), homework, non-graphing calculator (TI30XIIS) compas and straight edge. Coming to class without the proper items will result in a loss of points.
HOMEWORK -- You can expect homework problems every day. Each set will be reviewed at the beginning of the next class meeting.
QUIZZES -- Expect a 10 minute quiz almost every class sessions. These quizzes will not be announced in advance and will contain a few questions for you to work out that are similar to homework problems from two class meetings previous. Note: All quizzes are closed notes. In the math department we do not drop any quizzes or allow any quiz to be retaken. If you miss just one day, be prepared to take the quiz. If you have been absent for several days and return on a quiz day, you will not have to take the quiz. As there are quizzes every day a missed quiz will not count for or against you.
TESTS -- We will have unit/chapter tests and the dates and times will be announced and posted well in advance. You have as many school days as you were absent plus one to make up a missed test.
EXTRA CREDIT -- Extra credit problems may be given on quizzes and exams. These are optional, but they can only help your grade, so try them!!
I do not give "extra" assignments to individuals to boost their grade so please don't ask.
TARDIES -- There are academic consequences for being tardy. If we have started a quiz at the beginning of class, you do not get any extra time. Also, frequent tardies will affect your participation grade (see below).
ATTITUDE / PARTICIPATION / EFFORT -- Each semester, everyone starts off with 100%. Throughout the semester, points may be subtracted from this grade for poor behavior, lack of effort, excessive tardies, and poor participation. Here are some basic rules to follow:
Be respectful of others. This includes listening when another person is speaking
(a classmate or the teacher), following directions, and NO bad language!
Get to class on time. Each tardy after the third one in a given semester will count as a 5% deduction.
Take care of personal needs outside of class time. Class time is not to be used
for bathroom visits, excessive visits to the nurse, going to your locker to get forgotten items, or
for making phone calls! And, leave your cell phone OFF and in your backpack.
ABSENCES - If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the notes from a classmate and to check the homework calendar for the assignments. You have as many days as you were absent, plus one to make up all work. Any missed work completed after that amount of time is subject to late work penalties (the equivalent of one letter grade reduction per school day up to 5 days, when late work lapses into a zero).
GRADING POLICY
Homework 30%
Quizzes 35%
Unit Tests 30%
Participation 5%
Letter grades are assigned according to the following scale:
93% - 100%= A 87% - 89% = B+ 77% - 79% = C+ 67% - 69% = D+ below 60% = F
90% - 92% = A- 83% - 86% = B 73% - 76% = C 63% - 66% = D
80% - 82% = B- 70% - 72% = C- 60% - 62% = D-