1. Jalene Smith
Geometry teacher

2. About Me Graduated from Westfield High School in 2000
Graduated from Butler University in 2004
I graduated from IWU with a master’s in teaching in February 2011
I began teaching at WHS in the fall of 2004.
I am married and have a daughter in elementary school and a son in preschool. I am lucky to be able to send them to my mom while I am at school.

3. About Geometry 1st trimester 2nd trimester Vocabulary
Learning how to think logically
Proofs
Characteristics of shapes
(careers in computer science, law, engineering, etc.)
2nd trimester
Similarity
Pythagorean Theorem
Trig
Area, Surface Area, Volume
Circles
(preparation for future classes, careers in construction, landscaping, home improvement, engineering, etc.)

4. Grades
55% tests, 30% quizzes, 15% classwork/homework (60,30,10 for honors)
An assignment is given almost everyday to check for understanding
Either due at the end of the period or the next day
Sometimes we just go over it
Other times I will grade it for completion
Occasionally I will grade it for accuracy
A quiz and a test will be given for every chapter
About a week to get tests graded and entered
If students want to know quiz/test grades earlier, they may attend bonus period and go over it with me

5. How to Be Successful Be responsible for your own learning
Take notes and participate in class
Keep a binder with all notes
Know your vocabulary
Do the entire assignment every time
Correct the assignment when we go over it
Don’t be absent
Catch up on work if you are absent
Attend 6th period
Go over quizzes/tests with the teacher if desired grade is not earned

6. How You Can Help Know that the struggle is ok – it takes time to learn
“Struggling in mathematics is not the enemy, any more than sweating is the enemy in basketball; it is part of the process, and a clear sign of being in the game.”
Resist the temptation to explain the struggle as genetic. Instead, explain that their effort can get them through the struggle.
Guide them to resources
6th period
Homework hotline
Expand the focus beyond the grade
Can result in negative behaviors to get the grade
Praise the process
(from an article by Suzanne Sutton in “Bulletin” – Feb. 1997)

7. Other Information See Ways to Stay Connected
See handbook for dress code
Electronic device usage
See Ways to Stay Connected

8. Parent Survey
Please fill out and leave it with me!

9. Thanks for Coming Jalene Smith
best way to contact me:
phone number: