Teacher: Mrs.

Merritt

Email: acmerritt@cps.edu

Department: Math

Course: Advanced Algebra-Trigonometry

Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday during 5th period lunch
Fridays after school (2:34 3:16pm)
Course Description: Algebra II extends the knowledge students have of algebraic and statistical
concepts; greater depth and scope. They will further investigate basic algebra concepts and
terminology, as well as linear, exponential, and quadratic functions. Algebra II further develops
important mathematical ideas introduced in Algebra I by extending techniques to solve equations and
students knowledge of functions by studying inverses and new function families: logarithmic,
polynomial, rational, radical, trigonometric, and rational functions. Students will also spend a
significant portion of the school year studying probability and statistics.
Course Overview:
Unit 1: The Real and Complex Number System
Unit 2: Linear and Quadratic Relationships; Interpreting and Building Functions
Unit 3: Exponential and Logarithmic Relationships; Interpreting and Building Functions
Unit 4: Polynomial Relationships
Unit 5: Rational Relationships
Unit 6: Radical Relationships
Unit 7: Pythagorean Theorem, Unit Circle & Trigonometric Identities
Unit 8: Statistics & Probability
Syllabus Overview: You are young women and as young women, you are granted certain RIGHTS
and RESPONSIBILITIES. The Simpson Guidelines for Success and this syllabus outlines your
responsibilities within this school. Your compliance with these guidelines ensures your success. All
adults (staff and partners) at Simpson are invested in your success and as such, WILL REDIRECT
YOU as needed.
SAYW Guidelines for Success: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens
1.
2.
3.
4.

Be Proactive: Take control of your life by taking initiative.

Begin With the End in Mind: Set goals and work towards them.
Put First Things First: Prioritize your life by putting your most important responsibilities first.
Think Win-Win: Compromise and look at the bright side of every situation, even when its
hard.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then be Understood: Be an active listener.
6. Synergize: Respect everyones talents and work together.
7. Sharpen the Saw: Maintain balance in your life as a student, mother, and teen.

Universal Grading Systems:

Grading Weights
Category
Class work
Tests/Quizzes
Projects
Participation
Homework

Weight
40%
30%
15%
10%
5%

Grading Scale and Rubric

Letter

Rubri

Grade

A
B
C
D

Score
5
4
3
2

90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69

Meaning

Exemplary
Exceeds Mastery
Meets Mastery
Developing
Mastery /Needs

0-59

Improvement
Beginning
Mastery/Below
Acceptable

Classroom Norms (Rules):

1. Be prepared and On-Time every day
2. Cooperate and Show Respect towards other people, their property, and their opinions
3. Cell Phones must be OFF throughout the entire class period and put in locker/bag.
4. Food and Drink (including candy) will ONLY be allowed before and after school, and during
your appropriate lunch period.
5. Stay on Task; Show Responsibility, Integrity and Positivity
6. Follow Attendance Policy: You have a 3-Day Bank a month. If you miss 4 or more day per
month, you will be in danger of failing.
Classroom Consequences:
1. Teacher will give a verbal warning.
2. Teacher will administer own corrective action; you must comply.
3. If you fail to comply and receive a referral, this is then sent to the Dean and more severe
consequences will occur.
Classroom Procedures:

 Classroom Activities: During our 52 minute classes, we will engage in many different types
of activities. We use the following activities in this classroom: Do Now, Mini-Lesson (teacher
directed instruction), Class Discussion (pairs, whole group), Small Group Work, Independent
Work, Enrichment (skills) Work, Tests/Quizzes, and Daily Assessment. Expectations for
different classroom activities are posted in the classroom. Please refer to these posters for
guidance.
Entering the Classroom: Teacher and student greet each other at the door. The Do
Now/Math Talk is either handed to you as you walk in the door or clearly posted in the room.
Students immediately begin working on the Do Now silently and independently. When
finished, students silently take out materials and wait for the teacher to begin the
walkthrough.
Time: 10 minutes (5 for workout/5 for walkthrough).
Signal for attention: When it is time to focus your attention, I will play the chimes at the
front of the room and and expect you to stop any talking and pay attention to the next set of
instructions. Please be mindful and respectful of the learning in the classroom.
Tardy to class: Teachers will close and lock classroom door at the bell. Students will not be
permitted to enter without a pass.
Materials: All students are required to bring two (2) of their own pencils to class each and
every day. If you do not bring a pencil (or any writing utensil), you are free to use the supplies
on the back table. There will be a supply of golf pencils for you to use. Regular pencils will be
awarded for good/great attendance. Students will also need to bring with their 3-ring binder
and paper (this can be kept in the front closet). We will be doing written work every day
throughout the course, and you will need to be prepared with your materials each day. It is
also important that you have your ID and Flash Drive.

Pencils/pens (2)
Binder with Paper
CPS ID
Flash Drive

Trash: You are responsible for disposing of any trash you produce/bring in to the classroom.
All desks should remain free of trash. Be respectful of the other students in the building &
towards the schools property.
Using the Restroom: Please make sure that you are using the restroom (and getting water)
before school, during passing periods and during lunch periods. In case of an emergency, I will
issue a restroom pass, however each student will only be allowed three (3) trips to the
restroom/water fountain per quarter. I will be keeping track with a notecard and hole
punches. This does not apply to those students who are pregnant.
Emergency in Class (sick): If you feel ill and it is something for which you would seek
Emergency Room Treatment, raise your hand and ask your teacher/staff member for a pass. If
it is a true medical emergency, we will give you a pass to the clinic. *The clinic staff will only see
you during class time if you have an appointment slip from them or a pass from your teacher.
Non-Emergency Illness: If it is not a true medical emergency, you may visit the clinic
during walk-in hours. Walk-in Hours are before the start of school (prior to 8:00AM), during

your lunch period, or after school (3:16pm). Please use the Walk-In Hours to book your
appointment. You will not be able to get out of class to schedule/change an appointment.
Electronics: Students may use their cell phone and electronics (MP3 players, iPods, gaming
systems, or any related items) in the hallway during passing periods or in the cafeteria during
their lunch periods. The use of cell phones is NEVER permitted in the classroom or during
class time regardless of the location. During class time, Cell Phones must be turned OFF and
placed out of sight (bag, pocket, etc).
If you violate the cell phone policy, a Simpson Staff Member or Partner will REDIRECT you
AND turn in a ticket the Dean. Each Cell Phone Ticket received will result in a one-day Cell
Phone Ban (next school day).
Any student receiving three (3) Electronic Tickets within one week will be issued a one-week
electronics ban. If a student is placed on a one-week ban due to policy violation, a parent/legal
guardian will be required to pick up the electronic item at the end of the week. Simpson is not
responsible for any loss or damage of any personal electronic equipment.
In case of an emergency during class time, students should request a pass to the office and
come to the office to make/receive a phone call. Office Staff will determine if it is a true
emergency. Family/Childcare Providers/Physicians should contact the front office (not the
students cell phone). Office staff will immediately locate the student to come to the office and
take the call. The office number is 773-534-7812.
Cell Phone Charging: You are only allowed to charge your cell phones in the teacher
designated area of the lunch room, and only during lunch times.
Lockers: You may only access the lockers before school starts, during passing periods, and
after passing periods. You are responsible for keeping your belongings secure and making sure
your locker is free of clutter and trash.
Turning in assignments: All In-Class assignments will be collected during the class period
on the day they are given, unless additional time is needed. If additional time is needed, you
will have up to ONE (1) week to turn in your assignment. After that time, the assignments are
considered late (see below).
Late, Missing, or Incomplete Assignments: Students will have a due date (ONE week
from when the assignment is given). You will not receive credit for assignments submitted after
that date.

Returning assignments to students: I will return assignments back to you within 2

weeks, and also input your grade in the system. If you are absent when I return assignments
back, it is your responsibility to come see me to get your graded work.

Finding out your grade status: You will receive a midterm grade and a quarterly report
card. Parents are asked to pick up report cards after the first and third quarters. To find out
your grades on your own throughout the year, you will need to get your login and password
information from the Office and check your grades Online. If you have any questions on your
grades, you will need to come see me during my office hours (see above).
Student responsibilities after an absence: On the day you return, please come see me at
the end of class or during your lunch period that day to get the work. There will be a Tasks

binder, Practice binder and a Skills binder with the make-up work for each course. You can
turn in the work before the due date in the green bin for your specific class period. You will not
receive credit for any assignment that is one (1) week after the due date. If you do not see me
ON THE DAY you return, you are not guaranteed opportunity to receive full credit for this
work.
Communication procedures with parents and families: Parent phone calls could be
made weekly for general progress reporting and as needed for issues/emergencies. Attendance
calls are made each day of absence.
Ending Class: Students will use the last five minutes of class to complete the daily
assessment (Exit Slip). If a student finishes early, they may work on another assignment, if
time permits. The teacher will dismiss the class, not the bell. There should be no lines at the
door waiting for the bell.
Guest Teacher Behavior Expectations: If there is a guest teacher (substitute), observer or
another teacher/guest in the classroom, please be respectful towards them and make sure you
are cooperating and participating as usual, throughout the class. This should not be different
than any normal day. We will still follow the normal 52 minute schedule and procedures.
Consequences for Code of Conduct 5-6 Violations (Non-Negotiables): All level 5 and
level 6 Violations will warrant a referral and discipline in accordance with the Chicago Public
Schools Code of Conduct. This may include out of school suspension or expulsion depending
on severity.
Student Leader of the Month: There will be an assigned leader in each of Mrs. Merritts
classes. The student will be chosen based on past attendance and performance in the
classroom. If necessary, students may be able to help elect the upcoming student leader for the
class. The student leader role is extremely important and is a huge honor, as they will be
leading the classroom. The following are example roles of the student leader.
Running an errand for Mrs. Merritt during class time, as needed.
Reporting back to Mrs. Merritt after a guest teacher (substitute) visits.
Keeping students on track (and collecting work- putting in office mailbox)
when a guest teacher visits
Stamping for daily completed Do Now/Exit Slip
Writing the Do Now/Exit Slip on the board, as needed.
Collecting assignments from students at the end of each period.
Encouraging other students in the room to stay on task.
Simply being a LEADER!