Miss Mekkers

hlmekker@interact.ccsd.net
(740) 799-2400

8th Grade Pre-Algebra 2010-2011 Course Expectations

Course Description:
This one-year course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and
skills to successfully complete algebra and geometry. This course builds on the concepts
of number operations with integers, decimals, and rational numbers, word problems and
reasoning skills, data analysis, probability, geometry, measurement, spatial sense,
patterns, and beginning algebra. Problem solving using a graphing calculator as an
instructional tool is an integral part of this course.

Course Materials:
1. Math Book; McDougal Littell Pre-Algebra (will be provide)
2. One three-subject notebook.
3. Pencils (all assignments in the math class room are required to be written in pencil).
4. Cortney Cobra Student Planner (all assignments must be written in planner)

Course Timeline:
1st Quarter:
Chapter 1: Variables, Expressions, and Integers
Chapter 2: Solving Equations
Chapter 3: Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities

2nd Quarter:
Chapter 4: Factors, Fractions, and Exponents
Chapter 5: Rational Numbers and Equations
Chapter 6: Ratio, Proportion, and Probability

3rd Quarter:
Chapter 11: Data Analysis and Probability
Chapter 7: Percents
Chapter 8: Linear Functions

4th Quarter:
Chapter 9: Real Numbers and Right Triangles
Chapter 10: Measurement, Area, and Volume
Chapter 13: Angle Relationships and Transformations
Chapter 12: Polynomials and Nonlinear Functions
Grading:
The grading scale below will be based upon homework, tests/quizzes, class projects,
and math notebooks.

Grading Scale:
90 - 100% =A 60-69% = D
80 - 89%=B 0-50% = F
70 - 79%=C
Grading Breakdown (Quarter) Grading Breakdown (Semester)
20% Test 45% 1st/3rd Quarter
30% Quizzes 45% 2nd/4th Quarter
20% Assignments 10% Semester/Final Exams
20% Notebooks
10% Basic Skills

Attendance
Attendance is an important in the students education. If a student has more than 10
unapproved absences during one semester, than the student will receive an F and receive
a denial of credit for that semester.

Classroom Participation
Classroom participation is critical part of the students grade as well. Students must ask
questions and be apart of classroom discussions in order to fully understand the concepts
that are being taught in mathematics.

Planners:
Students are responsible to have and use the Cobra Planner daily. Students must write the
content objective and the homework assignment daily, both will be posted on the board.
Planners will be checked every Friday. **An up-to-date grade will be posted in the
planners every Friday.

Notebooks:
All students MUST have and use notebook on a regular basis. Students will be required
to take daily notes. The class notes are used to complete homework assignments and test
preparation. The notebooks will be evaluated for completeness and neatness on a quarter.

Homework:
You are required to complete all homework assignments on time that are assigned.
By completing homework, you receive practice on the daily lesson completed in class.
Homework is mainly assigned Monday through Thursday in the classroom. Homework
is due at the beginning of the period on the following day it is assigned. Students will
lose one point for each day the assignment is turned in late. Homework will be graded
according to work done, neatness of work, correct method used and accuracy of answers.
Problem Of The Day:
Each student is responsible for completing the problem of the day. This will be posted in
class and must be completed daily. Every student will turn in his or her completed
Problem of the Day on Friday, having each day completed. If absent, the student is still
responsible to complete the problem of the day.

Make-up Work
All make-up work is due 3 days after an approval absence. It is the responsibility of the
student to get all makeup work and notes from the teacher for all absences.

Dress Code
The schools dress code rules will be enforced in classroom.

Tardy
If a student is tardy to class, the student must sign in and follow the consequences
1st Verbal Warning
2nd Teacher Detention
3rd Teacher Call Home
4th Dean Detention
5th Required Parent Conference (RPC)
6th Suspension
 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES POLICY

In order to have a progressive learning environment, it is essential for all students to recognize the
rights of others by seeing that the responsibilities outlined below are reflected in the way they
conduct themselves on a daily basis.

RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES
You have a right to be treated with respect. You have a responsibility to treat all
members of the classroom with
respect and kindness, to greet others
and visitors to the school, to be polite
and well mannered.

You have a right to a good education. You have a responsibility to carry

out all of your teachers instructions,
work hard, meet all your
commitments, be on time for lessons
and school activities, and hand in all
work timorously.

You have the right to work in a clean classroom. You have a responsibility to look
after all the schools facilities and
equipment and to keep the school
clean and tidy.

You have the right to be part of a caring community. You have the responsibility to show
respect for others and tolerance for
the views of others.

Classroom Rules:
1. Be Prompt
2. Be Prepared
3. Be Positive
4. Be Productive
5. Be Polite

Consequences from Failure to Follow Classroom Code of Conduct

1. Verbal Warning
2. Detention
3. Call home
4. Deans Referral
Course Expectations can be found at www.my.ccsd.net search Mekker; Pre-Algebra.
Please use this webpage to find up-to-date information about the course, class notes and
useful resources to help your child with this course.

Some important reminders:

1.) Students MUST have a math notebook & pencil daily

2.) Students will have math homework Monday-Thursday; check

students planners or www.my.ccsd.net for assignments

3.) Please check parentlink for your childs grades periodically;

contact main office for login information.

4.) Contact Miss Mekker by e-mail hlmekker@interact.ccsd.net if

you have any concerns.

_________________________________________
Please sign and return the notice below to Miss Mekker by September 15, 2009.

I have read the course expectations for my childs 8th grade Pre-Algebra class. I
understand what my child will be expected to do in math class, how my child is expected
to behave and how my childs work will be graded. I understand that if I have any
questions or concerns about my childs progress in math, I can contact Miss Mekker at
Cortney Junior High at 799-2400 or e-mail hlmekker@interact.ccsd.net

Students Name: _____________________________________

Parent / Guardian Signature: ____________________________________

Students Signature: ___________________________________

E-mail Address: ______________________________________