Course Overview
Welcome to STAR Academy! STAR Academy math builds on knowledge gained in previous grades and focuses on developing four main areas of understanding: proportional relationships; operations, expressions, and equations with rational numbers; solving problems using scale factor, 2D, and 3D geometry; and drawing inferences based on sample data. In order to best prepare our students for the new standards, students will be taught using a technique that requires them to be actively involved in the learning process.
Behavior Expectations
As scholars join the STAR Academy, their ability to meet and exceed expectations for behavior becomes increasingly important. I utilize positive consequences (including awards, prizes, no homework passes, positive calls home, etc.) when earned, and negative consequences (including infractions, reflection time, and parent contact) when necessary. I look forward to working with students and parents to ensure that all students behave in a manner that is conducive to learning.
There are a few expectations for my class:
- Students are to enter the classroom silently and will begin bell work as soon as they sit down.
- Students are assigned seats by the teacher and they are to stay in their seats until the bell rings unless they get permission by the teacher. If a student has trash, they may throw it away at the end of class only.
- Bring ALL books and materials to class and take them with you when you leave.
- Getting teachers attention should be by hand raising only, not the use of voices.
- If our classroom has a visitor, the students will remain silent or will become silent when a visitor enters and we will continue to work. It is not a time to start a conversation.
- Restroom passes will not be given unless students have a doctor’s note. The school allows 5 minutes to transition from class to class and restroom time. Nobody will leave the classroom during the first 15 minutes and the last 15 minutes of class.
- During drills and emergencies-students will line up, stay by the teacher and remain silent to ensure all students are safe.
- Students are to get ready or apply beauty products before school or can touch up during class changes in the restroom. We do not offer cosmetology in school and will take up beauty products if they are used in class.
- At the end of class, the teacher will dismiss students, not the bell. Do not get up unless directed by the teacher.
- Follow directions the first time they are given.
- Treat each person in our room with respect and dignity.
**As always, all rules, procedures, and expectations of the school are enforced at all times in my classroom.**
Discipline plan
The first infraction will be considered a warning and will result in a student/teacher conference and will be entered in the discipline log.
The second infraction will result in a phone call home and will be entered in the discipline log.
The third infraction will result in loss of priveliges and a phone call home.
The fourth infraction will result in a write up/office referral.
Choosing to follow the rules will result in a pleasant and secure atmosphere and a stress free learning environment.
Grading
Students will take weekly quizzes, will take a Unit Exam at the end of each unit of study covering the topics learned within the unit, and will also complete unit projects when applicable. Homework will be given at least one day a week to reinforce daily lessons. Scholars are expected to master content with a score of 85% or higher on every assessment.
Grading percentages:
Performance 40%
Tests/Quizzes 40%
Homework 5%
Projects 15%
Late Work
Late work is accepted up to one day after the due date with a valid excuse and a note signed by a parent/guardian. A grading penalty of one letter grade will be deducted for every day that the work is late.
PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR EXTRA CREDIT OR TO MAKE UP WORK.
Absences and/or Make-up Procedures
When a scholar is absent, all missed work must be completed. It is the scholar’s responsibility to consult with each of his or her teachers to make sure he or she is aware of all assignments. The time generally allowed to complete this work without a penalty will be the number of days the scholar was absent. For example, if a scholar was absent for one day, then he or she will have one day to make up any missed work. Upon return from an absence, the scholar must take the initiative to collect any missing assignments. There will be a pink crate with dated folders that has missing assignments.
Supplies
Scholars are expected to come to class prepared each day. Pencils will be the only writing utensil allowed. The following supplies will be used in STAR Academy math:
- Loose leaf paper
- Multiple Sharpened Pencils
- 3 ring binder
Pencils should be sharpened BEFORE the tardy bell rings. Every student needs “backups” and should not interrupt class to ask for lead or pencils.
Calculators
Calculators will be utilitzed at times in class. I have a class set that we will use in class. It is a vital that this resource is handled with care and not damaged. You may purchase your own calculator to use for homework. If you have a smart phone, you can download the graphing calculator app.
Contact Information
Emails or messages through remind.com are my preferred modes of communication. If you require a quick response, please ensure that you contact me before 3:30pm. Any communication received after that time may be addressed the following day. Please find my contact information below the heading of this syllabus. I encourage all parents to sign up for remind.com. I will try to use remind.com to let you know of any upcoming projects, tests, quizzes, and homework.
6th grade will text @6thstar to 81010
7th grade will text @7thstar to 81010
8th grade will text @8thstara to 81010
Homeroom will text @knolto to 81010