Mathematics 9

Teacher: Mr. DeSandoli Email contact: mario.desandoli@brentwood.bc.ca

Favourite Number: 2

Website: www.mrdesandoli.weebly.com Password: Brentwood

Textbook: I won’t be handing out a classroom set but if you’d like one to use for extra practice,
let me know.

Topics: refer to end of this handout.

Materials you require:

calculator, small binder, writing utensils, eraser, notebook, ruler, loose leaf paper

Calculator
• You will require a scientific calculator for this class.
• We will use the calculator as an aid and not a crutch; we will try to do as much
work as possible without the use of our calculators.

Organization
• It is expected that you will keep a neat and organized record of your learning
activities. You should have a binder, or a section of a binder, specifically for this
course.
• Daily homework checks/notebook checks can happen at the end of the unit or at
any time during a unit.
• After each unit, you may want to take the material out of your binder and file it
elsewhere.
• When you have any homework assignment returned to you, please keep it until
the unit is finished – that way you have “evidence” if an assignment does not get
entered correctly.
• You will use your daily planner to record homework assignments.
• I will check your organization and tracking until I see that I do not need to.

Homework Expectations
• Homework/assignments should be neat and well organized/labelled.
• Assignments should be submitted at the very beginning of the class that they are
due.
• Your daily homework assignments should be visibly marked; you should attempt
to complete your corrections and seek out help as it is required.

Student Expectations
• It is expected that each student will be punctual, prepared, and polite.
• Work habits and behaviour in class will be such that they enhance your own
learning and that they do not disrupt the learning of others.
Language: Inclusive and Positive
• The things we say and how we say them offer the first glimpse at our views,
opinions, and perspectives. Words are important.
• Do not give an incorrect view of yourself by being ignorant to the effects your
words can have on other people.
• You will not use words/language that put other individuals or groups of people
“down” or suggest negative views about particular demographics.
• No student will be made to be self-conscious about their math abilities by any
other student – be positive, encouraging and supportive at all times.
• Take ownership over your learning and ask how you can improve rather than look
to find excuses for any challenges or struggle to meet your goals.
• Each of the previous three points can take practice – we are creatures of habit and
some of our habits need to be unlearned. This can take time.

Electronic Devices
• As soon as you enter class, cell phones should be in the “phone box” or out of
sight. In your bag or pocket. Laptops need to be put away as soon as class starts.
We may need phones/laptops at times, and I will tell you when it is okay to have
them out.
• you will be allowed to listen to music while you work occasionally, but you
should not begin to think this is something you need every single class.
• phones or any other electronic devices that interrupt learning will be confiscated
• you will sometimes need a computer in class and will occasionally require
headphones
• common sense goes a long way

Assessments
• You will be assessed based on a MOST RECENT EVIDENCE policy when it
comes to generating your mark for this course. You will have the opportunity to
rewrite unit retests. The dates for retests will be prearranged for all math classes.
The first retest sitting will be after Winter Break.

Grading This grade breakdown is consistent in all Brentwood math classes from grade 10 to grade 12.

Type of Assessment Weighting

Tests and Quizzes 45%

Everything else (assignments, competency assignments, journals, observations, 15%

group work, project, etc)

Cumulative Assessments 20%

Final Examination 20%

Absences

Whenever possible, please let me know BEFORE a planned absence and provide me with the
date of and reason for the absence.

It is your responsibility to catch up on any missed notes or assessments. I will put my best
effort towards keeping my website current and you are also encouraged to utilize your classmates
for assistance in getting caught up.

Other

No food or drink in classrooms (except water). You’ve got pretty regular breaks during the day
so plan accordingly.

You are expected to be dressed in proper uniform at all times during the academic day. On #1
days, you do not have to ask me permission to take off your blazer but need to put it back on
when you leave class.

If you are late, or waste class time, you should be prepared to make up that time at break or
lunch.

Extra Help

One or more of the mathematics faculty will be available in the Math Help Center in room Ross
308 on Monday afternoons, Tuesday evenings, and Thursday evenings. The schedule is subject
to changes during the year and will be communicated via email. The schedule will also be posted
in class.

Regular, one-on-one peer tutoring will also be available this year. Please speak with me if you
are interested in using this wonderful resource.

You can also arrange for additional help from me when possible; the best time to catch me in the
classroom is during break, tutorial time, and at the beginning of lunch.

Knowing when you need help (and seeking assistance) is a sign of strength and maturity. Some
of my highest achieving math students have been students who have sought help the most
frequently.

For information about expectations and school rules,

please refer to your student handbook.
Course Topics

• Rational numbers
• Algebra and Polynomials
• Linear Relationships
• Working with Exponents
• Inequalities
• Choice Unit

For more specifics about Big Ideas and Curricular Competencies, please refer to the BC
Ministry Foundations of Mathematics 9 breakdown (just google BC Math 9 curriculum).

Key Words/Phrases with an Eye to Success:

positive, participate, enthusiastic, respectful, encouraging, maximum effort,

striving to improve, diligence

To achieve success, you have to take steps to earn it. :)