Welcome Back! Pre-Algebra Algebra 1 Part 1 Honors Algebra 1 Mr. Gurysh

Introduction Married Father of two Daughters Graduate of Penn State University (1992) Still Penn State Proud! Avid Golfer and Sports Fan Coach 8 th Grade Girls & Boys Basketball & Track at Sandburg Coach High School Golf 20th year of teaching

Pre-Algebra  Basic Algebra Skills  Integers and Exponents  Rational and Real Numbers  Collecting and Analyzing Data  Plane Geometry  Perimeter, Area, and Volume  Ratios and Similarity  Percents  Probability  Equations and Inequalities  Graphing Lines  Sequences and Functions

Algebra 1 Part 1  PSSA Review  Connections to Algebra  Properties of Real Numbers  Solving Linear Equations  Graphing Linear Equations and Functions  Writing Linear Equations  Solving and Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities

Honors Algebra 1  PSSA Review  Expressions, Equations, and Functions  Properties of Real Numbers  Solving Linear Equations  Graphing Linear Equations and Functions  Writing Linear Equations  Solving and Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities  Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities  Exponents and Exponential Functions  Polynomials and Factoring  Quadratic Equations and Functions  Radicals and Connections to Geometry  Rational Equations and Functions  Probability and Data Analysis

Keystone Exams  Keystone Exams are given to any student who is taking a Full Year Algebra 1 Course. (Algebra 1 Part 1 does not take it)  Keystone Exam scores in 8 th Grade count towards the High School AYP numbers.  Failure to pass the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam in 8 th Grade will result in a remediation class requirement in next year’s schedule at the High School (taking the place of an elective).  Given the fast pace of the Algebra 1 Course and the ramifications of the Keystone Exam, if you see your child is struggling, do not hesitate to contact me to discuss possible options.

Class Expectations Expect to take a lot of notes Expect class to fly by quickly Expect to be challenged Expect homework every night Expect class to be fun (your choice) Expect to be successful (your choice)

Classroom Behavior Seated Prepared On Time Respectful Tolerant

Normal Class Day Warm – Up Go over last night’s homework – Ask Questions! Today’s Lesson – Take Notes! Homework

Algebra of any kind is a disease for which we have a cure! HOMEWORK FACT

Importance of Homework Reinforces concepts covered in class Helps in studying for quizzes and exams It is worth 2 points, possibly 10 points if it is a Homework Quiz!

IDENTIFYING AREAS OF DIFFICULTY

DO HOMEWORK

IDENTIFYING AREAS OF DIFFICULTY DO HOMEWORK DO NOT DO HOMEWORK

IDENTIFYING AREAS OF DIFFICULTY DO HOMEWORK DO NOT DO HOMEWORK APPEAR TO DO HOMEWORK BUT REALLY DO NOT

Calculators You may use your own calculator (as listed below) for all quizzes and tests (except basic skills quizzes) provided you come to class prepared. Leaving it in your locker does not count as being prepared! Pre-Algebra – At the end of Chapter 3 Algebra 1 Part 1 – After Chapter 2 Honors Algebra – After Chapter 2

Notebooks You may use your own notebook for all quizzes provided you come to class prepared. Leaving it in your locker does not count as being prepared! You may not use your notebook on Tests or Basic Skills Review Quizzes.

Progress Reports Grades will be available online through the Home Access Center and will usually be updated daily. Interim Progress Reports will be posted online in Home Access at the halfway point of each marking period. I will also post grades by student number approximately every 2weeks in the back of the room.

I am happy to inform you that First in Math® is back for 6th and 7th grades for the school year. No one other than the student should play on his/her user ID. A child may earn a family membership if the school reaches a set goal of stickers per student. Studies have shown that the more a student does First in Math®, the better he/she will do in math class and on state and district tests. The program can be accessed at home, school or anywhere there is an internet connection. First in Math will be up and running once the District receives more information from the vendor.

Classroom Procedures 1.Be on time for class. You must be in the classroom PRIOR to the late bell. 2.Always come prepared for class with your covered textbook, pen/pencil, calculator (after Chapter 3 in Pre-Algebra and after Chapter 2 in Algebra 1), notebook/binder, and HOMEWORK. Keep in mind that if you forget something you need, you are out of luck – No LockerPasses! 3.Please sit in your seat once you enter the room. Once you are in the room, you are not to get out of your seat without permission. 4.Once you are in your seat, get out the previous night’s homework, check over it for any questions you may have, and begin the Warm-Up Assignment. 5.During the lesson, take notes. If it is on the board, you should be writing it in your notebook/binder. 6.Once homework has been assigned, begin working on it quietly. 7.If you have something to say, please RAISE YOUR HAND and wait to be called upon. If you have a question, please ASK! (I cannot help you if you are not willing to help yourself!) 8.Restroom privileges are to be used at the beginning or end of class. If possible, please request to use the facilities during the warm-up or after homework has been assigned and not during instruction. Emergencies are obviously a different story. 9.My desks or materials are NOT yours…Hands Off!

Consequences Consequences for not following classroom procedures or disrupting class in any way read as follows: First Offense:Warning Second Offense:Timeout / Parental Contact Third Offense:Referral to Office

Absentee Procedures 1. When you return from an absence, the first thing you do is check the assignment board and copy down all missed assignments. 2. Assignments missed due to an absence can be given to me at the beginning or end of class or passed in with the present assignment. Please be sure to write the assignment number at the top of the paper. If it does not have your name or assignment number on it, you will not receive credit. 3. The assignment from your last day present prior to your absence is due the day you return. For example, if you are in school on Monday, absent Tuesday, and return to school on Wednesday; Monday’s assignment is due when you return on Wednesday. 4. From the same example above, Tuesday’s assignment would have to be made up within one week. 5. Class notes and warm-up assignments should be copied from a friend or neighbor when you return; or see me. 6. If you are absent for a single day on which a quiz or exam is given, you will be expected to take it the day you return. 7. If you are absent for more than one day at a time, see me about making up exams, quizzes, and assignments if you have any questions. 8. You will be expected to keep up with present assignments while working to make up assignments missed due to an absence. 9. Bottom Line: It is your responsibility to make sure that you have made up all exams, quizzes, and assignments if you are absent. Failure to do so will result in a zero for anything not made up.

Grading Procedures Grades will be determined through a point system. Points will be earned as follows: Tests: Tests will usually be given at the end of a chapter or unit and will almost always be worth 100 points. NSD Quarterly Exams will also be given and will be worth 100 points. Quizzes: There are three types of quizzes: announced, take home, and “pop”. Announced quizzes are usually worth 20 – 30 points and are given approximately 2 or 3 times during each chapter. Take home quizzes are very similar to announced quizzes. The only difference is that you can work on them at home. “Pop” quizzes are very rare. They are only given when I feel everyone needs a reminder of how important it is to stay focused during class. Notebooks may be used on all quizzes! Every so often there may be a “Quest” which is a 50 point “Hybrid” of a Quiz and a Test. Assignments: Homework is the most common type of assignment but there may also be in-class assignments. Homework assignments are usually worth 2 points and are given almost daily. In-class assignments are similar to homework assignments but must be finished during class time. Occasionally (once every week or so) I may give a “Homework Quiz”…This is when I grade your homework based on correctness and not just 2 points for completion as explained below. Homework Quizzes will usually be worth 10 points and will be given randomly and unannounced…This is to keep you from “going through the motions” when completing your homework. Projects: Occasionally there may be a project that will be assigned. Projects are given in advance with plenty of time to be completed. Projects not completed by the given Deadline will result in a “Zero”. Once all of these grades are put together, you can figure out your percent by dividing the total points you’ve earned by the total possible points. Once you have a percent, it will then be assigned a letter grade as follows: A: B: C: D: F: Below 60

Have you completed your Homework? Have you shown all necessary work? Have you attempted every problem? Have you checked your answers to the odd numbered problems in the back of your book? Have you tried the problem again if it was incorrect? Have you asked questions and fixed the incorrect problems in class the next day? If you can answer “YES” to all of these questions, then your homework is complete. You may earn 1 point for incomplete homework assignments provided they are completed with all answers correct by the next Chapter Test or by the end of the marking period, whichever comes first.

PSSA Thank you for an outstanding effort on last years PSSA! 88.6% Proficient!!!

I’m looking forward to a great year with your child! Mr. Gurysh