Algebra I Syllabus

Ms. Jess Durofchalk ( or Ms. D ) Room: 216

Greencastle-Antrim Middle School

How to Contact Me Email: jdurofchalk@gcasd.org (preferred)

Phone Number: 717-597-3226 ext. 20216

Website: http://jessdurofchalk.weebly.com/

Sign Up for Homework and Upcoming Test/Quiz Text Reminders! Text

@___________________________________ to 81010. Text stop at any time to cancel.

Textbook: Algebra I; Glencoe McGraw-Hill; 2008.

Calculator: We will be using TI-83 Plus graphing calculators in class. You may purchase
your own graphing calculator for use at home, but any model beyond the TI-83 (or 83 Plus)
or TI-84 (or 84 Plus) is not permitted.

What to Bring to Class Every Day:

- Algebra I binder (2-inch, 3-ring) - Textbook
- Notebook paper - Pencils (No pens please!)
- Planner - Homework

Course Goals & Objectives: Throughout this course, you will develop reasoning and
problem solving skills and explore and solve mathematical problems. You will also learn to
think critically and work cooperatively with others. These skills will improve your ability to
understand and communicate mathematical ideas effectively.

Grading: The grades for this class will be comprised of unit/chapter tests (one at the end of
each unit/chapter), mid-chapter quizzes, in and out of class assignments/projects, math
journals, random homework checks, and class participation. Test corrections are always an
option to earn back half credit. As long as you do not have any zeroes, the lowest quiz
score each marking period will be dropped. There will be occasional opportunities for
extra credit. In order to be eligible for high school credit and progress to Geometry next
year, you must pass the Keystone Algebra I Exam at the end of the course. The grading scale
is as follows:

Algebra I Syllabus - 1
 - A: 93-100% - C+: 77-79%
- A-: 90-92% - C: 73-76%
- B+: 87-89% - C-: 70-72%
- B: 83-86% - D: 65-69%
- B-: 80-82% - F: below 65

Homework: Practice at home is essential to succeed in mathematics. You should expect

homework almost every night on the topic(s) covered in class. This is to help you, not
punish you! It is your responsibility to complete all assignments whether you are present
or absent. Homework checks will be done randomly and at my discretion these will be
graded based on effort and completion. I will inform you if an assignment will be graded
based on accuracy. Late homework will be accepted 1 day late but only for half credit.
There will be time to review homework each day, so feel free to ask questions!

Class Participation: Class participation is expected every day. This includes but is not
limited to: coming to class prepared, meeting the classroom expectations, taking notes,
asking/answering questions, working well with others, etc.

Make-Up & Late Work Policies: It is your responsibility to make up all assignments that
are missed due to an absence. If absent, you should hand in homework the day you return;
however, if you are absent more than 1 day, I will work with you to set appropriate due
dates. Please let me know of an extended absence in advance if possible. You can
reschedule an assessment only if you missed 2 or more days prior to the assessment.
Missing a day several days before an assessment is not an excuse to reschedule.
Larger assignments that are handed in late will receive a deduction of 10% for each
day it is late. No assignments will be accepted after the last day of class.

Rules & Classroom Management Policies: You are expected to come to class prepared
every day ready to learn with a positive attitude. You are required to act in a behavior
conducive to learning, according to GAMS Code of Conduct and the expectations
established in my classroom. If you are not able to follow the rules, you will be disciplined
according to the steps and procedures detailed in GAMS Code of Conduct. Hopefully, we
wont get to that point.

Other Important Bits to Address:

- Any student suspected of cheating or handing in work that is not his/her own
will receive a zero for that assessment/assignment and will not be able to make
it up.
- Every student is welcome and encouraged to get extra help after school or
during Anchor if needed as long as he/she has fulfilled their responsibilities as a
student in class.

Algebra I Syllabus - 2
 Please complete, detach, and return ONLY the following page to Ms.
Durofchalk. KEEP THE FIRST PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS!
Student and Parent/Guardian Agreement

My child and I have carefully read the course syllabus and understand that by
signing below, we agree to the terms and conditions in this document. The contact
information I provide will only be used for classroom updates, concerns, and/or
congratulations!

Student Name (Print): ________________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (Print): ________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Email: ________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Phone Number: ________________________________________________________________

Circle one: My child ( DOES / DOES NOT ) have access to the Internet at home.

Date: ________________________________________________________________

Comments:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Algebra I Syllabus - 3
 Student Questionnaire
Name (First & Last): ______________________________________ Period: ________

What do you like to be called? ________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Names (First & Last): _____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Extracurricular Activities/Hobbies: _________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Do you like math? (Be honest!) Why or why not? _____________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

I learn the most when: _______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Comments/Questions/Anything I should know about you? ____________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Draw a picture that you feel represents you:

Algebra I Syllabus - 4