1. Mrs. Helenski’s Classroom
Welcome to
Mrs. Helenski’s Classroom
My mission statement:
To provide a safe, non-threatening environment in which mathematical concepts can be used to promote and develop critical thinking skills for mathematical knowledge and every day life.

2. Mrs. Helenski’s Biography
Upper Merion graduate
University of Delaware (Bachelor’s degree)
Cabrini College (Masters degree)
Saint Joseph’s University (Continuing Education)
Upper Merion Resident
24th year of teaching mathematics. .

3. Why does Math sometimes prove confusing?
WELL... Try translating the following with only some of the alphabet.
HE QUI ON FO MP VER HE LY DG.
How did you do?

4. Why does Math sometimes prove confusing?
TRY AGAIN…Only the vowels are missing.
TH QCK BRWN FX JMPS VR TH LZY DG.
A Little Easier?????

5. Why does Math sometimes prove confusing?
What if you know ALL your CONSONANTS and VOWELS?
THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPS OVER THE LAZY DOG.

6. To make math less confusing sometimes, we need the right tools:
Mathematical background. (i.e. vowels & consonants)
Supplies
Practice/Homework
ATTITUDE!
(A little thing that makes a BIG difference.)

7. About the Course
Geometry Honors is a discipline in metacognition* and is highly theoretical. Students will not only be asked to apply their knowledge, but they will be asked to prove justify, and explain their work.
Geometry Honors is a transitional course for students who plan to continue in the AP sequence and pursue a career in a mathematical field.
Students will need to think and reason abstractly.
Students will need to apply their Algebra I skills.
*Metacognition: an awareness or analysis of one's own learning or thinking processes.

8. Supplies Textbook/Computer/Headphones or Ear buds
Binder/ 3-Ring Notebook
Calculator
Scientific calculator for Geometry
TI-84 graphing calculator for Algebra II or higher courses
TI-84 graphing calculator = $ $129.99
180 days in 1 school year = $.55 - $.72 a school day for 1 year.
360 days in 2 school years = $.28 - $.36 a school day for 2 years.
540 days in 3 school years = $.14 - $.24 a school day for 3 years.
720 days in 4 school years = $.07 - $.18 a school day for 4 years.
A student’s high school career = Priceless

9. Practice
Practice is assigned daily and is located on the Schoology calendar. It is posted on the date that it is assigned in addition to an answer key. Students should check their work before reporting to class.
Practice includes: problem sets, taking notes, reviewing previous practice problems and notes, watching videos, completing online tutorials, online problem sets, etc. The expected daily practice times are as follows: College prep = minutes, Honors = minutes, AP = minutes a day.

10. Practice (continued)
Daily progress and understanding is assessed through weekly problem sets on Schoology. The weekly problem set can be completed an unlimited number of times with the highest grade being earned in the grade book.

11. Important Course Information
Students may re-take* any quiz or topic(s) on a quiz within a One-Week period after it has been returned. The retake may be taken during a study hall, before school during homeroom, or after school Mondays-Thursdays. The HIGHER grade will be your final grade for that topic.
* NOTE: The retake option is NOT permissible for any assessment given by the school district or department. (i.e. unit tests, final exams, etc.)

12. Important Course Information
Each concept/topic on a quiz is worth 5 points and is graded by the following scoring rubric.
5 - Mastery.  Student shows mastery and full understanding of the concept. No errors.
4 - Proficient.  Student shows an understanding of the concept and needs more opportunity to deepen understanding of the concept.  Minor error.
3 - Basic.   Student shows basic understanding of the concept.  Incorrect work is consistent through all problems.
2 - Below Basic.   Student shows no understanding of concept.
0 - No attempt at the concept/topic

13. Important Course Information
The mathematics department has adopted the following categories and weights to determine a student’s grade.
Assessments (Quizzes, Problem sets, Project based assessments.) 75% of marking grade
Quarterly Exam – 20% of marking period grade
Other/Miscellaneous (Graded homework/classwork/concept development projects) – 5% *

14. Important Course Information
Extra Help
Extra Credit
Available before school and/or after school for any student meeting the class expectations.
There are NO extra credit opportunities. You will achieve success if you meet and complete the daily expectations of the course.

15. Important Course Information
Please NO TEXTING during the hours of 7:35 – 2:21
Upper Merion is a Distraction Free Learning Zone.

16. Course Curriculum* Tools of Geometry Reasoning and Proof
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Congruent Triangles
Relationships in Triangles
Quadrilaterals
Proportions and Similarity
Right Triangles and Trigonometry
Circles
Areas of Polygons and Circles
Extending Surface Area
Extending Volume
* Not necessarily in this order.

17. Sapphire vs. Schoology Sapphire Schoology See Grades
Assignments (Calendar)
View Item to see answer key
Class Notes (Materials)
See weekly updates
Dates to Remember
Upcoming, Past, & Current Topics
Extra Help weekly schedule

18. Important Links
Website:
Schoology:
Sapphire:
Homework Assignments:
Textbook:
Textbook Publisher site:
Mathematical Resources:

19. Other General Information
Interim Dates: 9/30, 12/09, 2/24, 5/5
End of Marking Period Dates: 11/4, 1/20, 3/31, 6/8
Report Cards Issued: 11/11, 1/27, 4/07, 6/19
Conference Dates: 11/17, 2/16

20. THANK YOU.
Thank you again for coming out tonight and investing in your student’s education. Together we can assist your mathematician in meeting his/her mathematical potential.
Please have a safe drive home.