SEMS Pre-Algebra SyllabusMrs. Aguinaga

Contact Info: Homepage:(760) 290-2800 Ext: 3803 www.smusd.org/sems , click "Faculty",belinda,aguinaga(q)/smusd.org click "Aguinaga, Belinda"

Dear parents and students,

Welcome to this new 2012-2013 school year! My name is Belinda Aguinaga, and I am so excited to get toknow all of you as we explore and discover math!

In this course we will be following the California Content Standards for 7th grade mathematics (Pre-Algebra) which includes analyzing proportional relationships, applying common operations to rationalnumbers, simplifying and solving algebraic expressions and equations, describing geometrical shapes andcalculating their area and volume, and analyzing statistical data and probability. In order to succeed inthis course, participation in class and completion of daily assignments is of the utmost importance. I alsoencourage you to see me before or after school with any questions you may have.

Please become familiar with the following information to help you prepare for this course, and sign andreturn the last page only by Tues., Aug.21st (keep the other pages for your reference). Parents, pleaseconsider attending Back-To-School Night on September 20 at 6:30pm. I would love to meet you andprovide you with resources to help your son/daughter succeed in this class. I am looking forward to anexcellent school year!

Sincerely,Belinda Aguinaga

Textbook:Holt California Mathematics, Course 2: Pre-AlgebraYou can access this book, homework help, and video tutorials online at:

- http://my.hrw.com- username: agumath- password: yourock

Materials: required daily (Please see me if you are not able to acquire any of these items.}Homework and Practice Wkbk (provided) 2 pencils, erasers and 2 red pensSpiral notebook for class notes Dry-erase board (provided)Lined loose leaf paper for homework Dry-erase markers and eraser (sock works well ©)Two sections in binder titled: (Ruler, compass, and protractor- provided,"Math homework" and "Math tests" but you may want your own)

Grades:

Academic: (A,B,C,D,F)Grading Scale

Weight of Overall Grade 90-100% AChapter Tests & Benchmarks 60% 80-89% BQuizzes / "Check-ups" 15% 70-79% CHomework & Class work 25% 60-69% D

59% or less F

Citizenship: (Excellent, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, Unsatisfactory)Follow class rules and directions, promote a positive learning environment, respect others and property.

Effort: (Excellent, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, Unsatisfactory)Complete all assignments, stay on task in class, work to the best of your individual ability, and ask for helpwhen needed.

PLEASE REMEMBER: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT AND PARENT/GUARDIANTO CHECK MYGRADEBOOK.COM REGULARLY TO CHECK ON YOUR PROGRESS.

Homework Help:Every Thursday from 2:15 - 3:00 I will be available to answer homework questions and help youcatch up on concepts you missed. Come to get help from myself or other students, or just come tohave a dedicated place to do homework each week!

Mrs. Aguinaga's Grading Policy

CHAPTER TESTS AND BENCHMARKS - 60%

***No test or quiz retakes will be given, so make sure you are prepared the first time around. ***

QUIZZES /"CHECK-UPS" -15%- 5 minute quizzes given every Friday- Questions given will be very similar to homework - so make sure to askquestions on the problems you miss!

HOMEWORK-25%Expect 20-30 minutes of homework almost every night!

POINTS:10 points - complete and on time;

7 points - complete but late (must be turned in before next benchmark);0 points - incomplete or turned in after benchmark.

- Complete and on time: Credit is only given if homework is complete AND written inpencil. This means mathematical work or a verbal explanation is shown for EVERYproblem (unless otherwise indicated in class).

- Complete but late: Incomplete assignments may be finished and turned in for late creditbefore the next benchmark. Please write LATE at the top of the paper, in order to receivecredit.

- Incomplete or turned after benchmark: is unacceptable.

- If you are absent: You have three days from the day of your return to receive full crediton all absent work. (Example: If you return on Tuesday, all your absent work is due thatThursday.) Please write ABSENT at the top of the paper, in order to receive completecredit.

NOTE: Homework must be written in PENCIL ONLY - otherwise 0 points!

HOMEWORK HELP:

Every Thursday from 2:15 - 3:001 will be available to answer homework questions and help youcatch up on concepts you missed. Come to get help from myself or other students, or just come tohave a dedicated place to do homework each week!

MRS. AGUINAGA'S CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

&

REWARDS

EXPECTATIONS:

1. Be in your assigned seat working on your bell work when the tardy bell rings.

2. Come to class prepared with ALL needed materials and take them when you leave.

3. Ask for permission to get out of your seat.

4. Respect each other and the teacher.

5. Do not talk when the teacher is talking.

6. Follow all procedures and policies in the SEMS handbook.

SPECIAL EXPECTATION:This classroom is a "No Whining Zone." That means that there will be no whining, for ANY reason.

Everything that I do is in your best interest, so please respect the "No Whining Zone" this year.

RESULTS OF FOLLOWING EXPECTATIONS:

• Verbal acknowledgement

• A stress-free learning environment

• A pleasant and orderly classroom atmosphere

CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT FOLLOWING EXPECTATIONS:

1ST Warning and "Guideline Infraction Notice"

2nd Action Plan, Parental Contact, and 30 minute after school detention Fridays only!

3rd Disciplinary Referral

SEVERE CLAUSE:

Any student who uses profanity, fights, damages school property (this includes the property of the teacher and other students),or is disrespectful (as defined by the teacher) will be sent to the office IMMEDIATELY.

REWARDS

Silver (Ag) DollarsEarning Silver Dollars:1,2,3- class participation1 - good class substitute report1 - sweeping classroom at lunch/after school2 - named as helpful student on sub report2 - donations (tissues, pack of pencils,

whiteboard markers, notebook, pack of paper)3 - attending Homework Help on Thursday3 - completing "Online Homework Help" worksheet5 - raising test grade by at least 8%

Rewards:3 - pencil or pen3 - whiteboard3 - spiral notebook3 - whiteboard eraser (sock)5 - 1 Va inch binder5 - pack notebook paper5 - whiteboard marker6 - homework pass9 - leave 3 min. early pass9 - "A" Check Up10 - skip a test problem (max 2 per test)15 - choose your seat

Please return this section to Mrs. Aguinaga by Tuesday, Aug. 21st

Student's Name Period Class Number

Parent/Guardian Names

Parents/Guardian Phones

Parent/Guardian e-mails

Parent/Guardian preferred language:

Parents, please let me know if there is anything I should know about your student. (IEP, 504 plan, Support/Resource teacher,student is living two homes etc.)

Does your family have access to a computer on a daily basis?

I have read and I understand the follow for Mrs. Aguinaga's pre-algebra class.

• Syllabus

• Mrs. Aguinaga's Grading Policy

• Testing Policy Clause (located under "Quizzes and Tests" on Mrs. Aguinaga's Grading Policy)

• Mrs. Aguinaga's Classroom Rules

• Expected Behavior with a Substitute

Student Signature-Date

Parent/Guardian Signature-Date Parent/Guardian Signature-Date