1. Central Bucks High School West - Room C119
Honors Precalculus
Greg Wetzel
x 6228
Laptop #:___________________
Expectations: Honors Precalculus covers a lot of material and is very fast-paced, as advertised. To have a successful semester: legitimately attempt all homework problems on time, listen carefully, take good notes and use them to prepare for assessments, and let me know ASAP how I can help you. This course focuses on the understanding of concepts and requires understanding from prerequisite courses.
This honors course is designed for students with outstanding math ability and interest who have mastered the concepts and skills of Algebra 2/Trig. Honors math courses require students to move at a faster pace than the equivalent standard course and are different from equivalent standard course in both the quality and quantity of work required inside and outside of the classroom. Students taking Honors Precalculus will have a more rigorous study of concepts in preparation for future AP math courses. Honors Precalculus is an extension of prerequisite concepts with an emphasis on the functional aspects necessary for preparation for the study of calculus. Polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions are studied. Trig topics include solving equations, identity manipulations, and transforming graphs, including work with amplitude, period, and phase shift. Conic sections, polar and parametric equations, and limits are introduced and emphasized. Incoming 10th and 11th graders who intend to take AP Calculus AB should take Honors Precalculus to more fully prepare for the pace and rigor of an AP course. The decision to take Honors Precalculus should not be taken lightly, and this decision should be discussed so there is no question regarding the expectation for the course. This course is weighted at .25 as a recognition of the fact that it is more demanding and has more requirements that go beyond those of the standard Precalculus course. Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 2/Trig, B- or better and teacher recommendation or Algebra 2/Trig, A- or better and teacher recommendation.
Course Outline
Unit 1: Algebra 2 Review & Polynomials
Unit 2: Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Unit 3: Triangle Trig & the Unit Circle
Unit 4: Graphing Trigonometric Functions
Unit 5: Trigonometric Identities & Solving Trigonometric Equations
Unit 6: Conic Sections
Unit 7: Parametric and Polar Equations
Unit 8: Limits
Assessment: Students will be assessed throughout the semester to measure their understanding of the content standards of our course. Assessments will fall under two main categories: formative and summative. Formative assessments are designed to inform the student and teacher regarding the student’s current progress. Summative assessments are designed to be cumulative in nature and are used to determine whether the student has met the course standards and objectives. Summative assessments will occur at the conclusion of each unit. The student’s overall grade will reflect their understanding of the course and their preparedness for AP Calc AB.
Each marking period grade is calculated the following way:
Formative Assessment (15%)
Homework, graded classwork, and quizzes
Summative Assessment (85%)
Unit tests and projects
Final course grades will be calculated as follows:
Marking Period – 40%
Core Assessment 1 – 3%
Core Assessment 2 – 3%
Multiple-choice Final Exam – 14%
Grading Policies:
Homework is assigned daily. Completing nightly practice problems is essential for success. It is expected that students complete all homework. Each student’s homework grade begins at a 100% and will drop 10% per missed homework assignment for the marking period. ALL PROBLEMS MUST BE ATTEMPTED IN WRITING TO EARN CREDIT. If a student is absent they have as many days as they are out to submit their missing work upon their return.
Homework is reviewed daily based on student questions as well as problems that typically challenge students.
3) Tests will be announced 2+ days in advance; quizzes will be announced at least 1 day in advance.
4) This is a weighted class. Students are expected to fully prepare for assessments. There are NO RETAKES.

2. General Classroom Rules
RESPECT – Respect for yourself, your classmates, your teacher, our custodian, and all classroom property (including technology) is paramount.
PREPARATION – Bring to class your homework, textbook, binder, pencil and graphing calculator EVERY DAY! In order to succeed, preparation is absolutely necessary.
ATTITUDE – How you approach this class, subject and each problem is important. Having a positive attitude and outlook will help you be a more successful student and person.
RESPONSIBILITY – It is your responsibility to do your homework, take notes, and study. Take an active role in your education – it will show in your knowledge and abilities!
BEHAVIOR – Excellent behavior is expected. Being disruptive, disrespectful, and/or frequently late is NOT tolerated and will result in detentions or further disciplinary action according to CBW policy. In general, if the teacher is speaking to the class, you are actively listening. If I write it, you write it; any notes on the Promethean Board are done for the benefit of the students, and are expected to be written down by each student.
EFFORT – Effort is mandatory. Mathematics is not a spectator sport. Like everything else worthwhile, it requires work, practice, and effort. You must show effort by showing your work on ALL assignments. If you do not show work, you will not receive credit.
Policies and Procedures
ABSENCES – You are responsible for all missed work. This includes any notes, in-class activities, groupwork and homework. You have one day for each day that you have missed to make up any work. If you only miss a test/quiz review day, you are still expected to take the test the day you return, since you would have known about the upcoming test before your absence. If you are absent, please me for notes, PowerPoints, and assignments and check infinite campus for the homework assignment due the next class (hwk posted there daily).
PUNCTUALITY – Please be in your seat and beginning the warm-up as the bell rings. 3 unexcused lates = 1 detention.
CHEATING – Cheating will not be tolerated in any form. During assessments, do not look at other classmates’ papers, talk to another student, pass any materials, signal, or use unauthorized materials. You will receive a zero, a phone call home, and the offices will be notified accordingly. Copying is unacceptable and both students will be disciplined. If you are not sure whether an action is cheating, always ask the teacher (e.g. Storing formulas or example problems in your calculator IS cheating!). Copying homework is also unacceptable. Collaboration is very cool but cheating is not – show your work and be ready to explain your process.
4. CALCULATORS – The math department of the Central Bucks School District recognizes the use of calculators as a valuable tool for learning in the math classroom. The graphing calculator is an essential part of this course for all CB students. It will be needed on a daily basis. As a result, all students need to have access to a graphing calculator for this course, for both in the classroom and as part of out of class assignments. We recommend purchasing a TI-Inspire, TI-84+, or TI-83+ graphing calculator. Not having a calculator is not an excuse for failing to complete homework assignments. Students may not share calculators on tests/quizzes.
EXTRA HELP – Extra help is available before school, in homeroom, during C lunch, or 4th period. Confirm with me in advance so that I know to be in my classroom at that time.
CELL PHONES – As per the Central Bucks West cell phone policy, any student using their cell phone in class for any non-school related reason will receive a cell phone referral. See the cell phone policy posted in class for full details. During and after assessments, technology is not permitted under any circumstances.

3. Technology Use Agreement
Your Final Course Grade will determine your recommended placement for your next math class:
-- If you earn at least a “B”, you are eligible to move on to AP Calculus AB. (A- or A definitely go AP!)
-- If you earn a B- or B, you can take Calculus 1.
-- If you earn a C- or higher, you can take Statistics & Data Analysis.
-- If you earn a D+ or lower, you should repeat Precalculus.
At the end of the semester, each student should check-in for the teacher’s recommendation.
Technology Use Agreement
You will be using CFF laptops as a valuable educational tool in our classroom. Throughout this semester, you must adhere to some guidelines when using the equipment. If you cannot follow the guidelines provided, you will lose laptop privileges.
Laptop Guidelines:
Use two hands when carrying the laptop.
2. Laptops must be placed on your desk at all times.
3. Before you close the computer, you must exit all open windows, shut down the computer, and wait for the screen to be blank.
4. If you become a distraction with the laptop you will lose privileges.
5. You may not use any software or navigate to any website that is not part of the assigned class activity.
6. When you return the laptop, you must plug in the proper charge cord after placing the laptop in its appropriate place.
7. Viewing inappropriate material on the internet is not acceptable. If while on task and researching appropriate material and something inappropriate appears, contact the teacher immediately.

4. ***************** PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS PAGE *******************
I have thoroughly read the classroom policies and course requirements and I understand what is expected in Honors Precalculus. Parents, please indicate at least one address on this form so that I may contact you.
Student’s name (please print) ________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s signature _____________________________________________________________ Date: ______________________
********* Student’s Address ___________________________________________________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s name (please print) ___________________________________________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s signature _________________________________________________ Date: ______________________
********* Parent’s/Guardian’s Address ______________________________________________________________
I intend on taking AP Calculus as my next math course  YES  NO  Not Sure
I will have my own graphing calculator.  YES  NO
 YES  NO
Parents, is there anything you’d like me to know about your child?  YES  NO
Feel free to share below.
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Thank you for taking the time to fill out this sheet. Please feel free to contact me throughout the semester if you have any questions or concerns
I agree to the technology guidelines outlined on the previous page. I will treat all technology with respect and will use it appropriately to enhance my learning. I understand that the use of technology is a privilege, and failing to adhere to any of these guidelines will result in the loss of privileges and possibly further disciplinary actions.