Algebra I Syllabus

Ms. Sanchez
2018 – 2019

Dear Students & Parents/Guardians,

I am grateful to have the privilege to be your Algebra I teacher, and I’m very
excited about the new school year and the learning experiences we will
share! I have high expectations for these courses and will strive to make this
year a very positive and successful one.

Parents, I would like to make you aware that Algebra I is different from many
other freshman courses at Cy-Fair High because of the state’s assessment
procedure of the courses. At the end of each semester, students will be
taking an End-of-Course Test (EOC) for both subjects. The EOC is a state-
mandated test that is now given in place of the Graduate Exit Exam (TAKS)
for graduation requirements. This means that in order to graduate from Cy-
Fair High School, it is required that your child passes the EOC. Therefore, it
is important for all students to try their best and work hard throughout both
Algebra I. Tutoring options may also be advised for some students to help
them succeed on the EOC tests. I look forward to helping your child work
toward their goal of passing the EOC.

I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you about the course policies
as well as some Freshman Academy procedures. I will be in contact with
you throughout the semester, and I am asking for your cooperation in making
this year a success. Please read over these policies with your child to be
familiar with the course. I am always happy to answer any questions or
concerns you may have regarding your child’s education, so please do not
hesitate to contact me at the CHS Math Department, 281-897-4600. You can
also reach me by email at s.keren94@gmail.com. Thank you for your
cooperation, and I look forward to a productive year working with you.
 Sincerely,

Ms. Keren Sanchez

Contact Information: Ms. Sanchez

Room 502
Email: s.keren94@gmail.com

Course Overview: This course explores algebraic concepts and its applications in real-life
contexts. Students will learn to recognize real world situations in which they can apply their
math knowledge and skills.
Examples of topics covered in Algebra I include expressions and equations,
slope/rates of change, linear and quadratic functions, parent functions, and data
analysis. Students will become proficient in both reading and creating graphs and tables,
using graphing calculators, and writing equations to solve a variety of problems. The
topics taught in this course are tested on the Texas Algebra I End of Course (EOC) exam
administered in May.
Since the EOC test is state mandated, students must pass the exams to earn credit
for this course. The EOC tests also count as the final exam grades for this course.

Materials: For this class, you MUST HAVE:

 sharpened pencils with erasers
 a pencil sharpener with a dome (if not using mechanical pencils)
 a 2-inch three-ring binder
 5 dividers
 loose-leaf paper (to be restocked throughout the year)
 a Dry-Erase Expo marker
 box of Kleenex

You are responsible for keeping your binder neat, complete, and organized in accordance with my
instructions. I will use binder checks and/or binder quizzes to assess the completion, neatness,
and organization of your binder. Your binder should have the following sections:

 Section 1 – Intro pages

 Class syllabus, EOC typing guide, Reference Sheet & other important class
information

 Section 2 – Lesson Starters

 ALL daily lesson starters completed and in chronological order
  Section 3 – Notes
 Daily notes, definitions, and handouts in chronological order with headings &
dates
 Extra loose-leaf & graph paper

 Section 4 – Homework
 All homework assignments in chronological order with headings & dates

 Section 5 – Assessments
 Any returned tests, quizzes, or mini-quizzes should be kept until the end of the
year

Textbook: Each student will receive an Algebra I Springboard textbook in the fall. He/she will be
responsible for properly using the book. Textbooks should be brought to class daily and will
often be necessary for nightly homework. Students will be responsible for paying for any book
that is lost or damaged beyond usable condition.

FIRST QUARTER – 40% of Final Grade

SECOND QUARTER – 40% - of Final Grade
FINAL EXAM (End of Course exam) – 20% of Final Grade

Grade Point Averages: Quarterly grades are based on the following

percentages:
3.5 – 4.0 A Tests 50%
2.5 – 3.49 B Quizzes 30%
1.5 – 2.49 C Homework 10%
1.0 – 1.49 D Participation/Classwork 10%
0.99 and below F
Grading: Grades will be weighted according to the following:

* Parents/Guardians should be able to view their child’s grades online through the Home
Access Center (HAC). This will give parents up to date information on student
progress.*

Tests and Quizzes: Announced or unannounced quizzes will be given about once a week. Tests will
be announced in advance. If a student is absent for a test, then he/she will need to make it up on
the following Thursday in the after-school testing room. These assessments must be completed
within a week of the scheduled testing date.

Lesson Starters: The students will be given Lesson Starters Monday through Thursday. Cy-Fair
believes these Lesson Starters will help prepare students for End of Course testing at the end of
each semester. Every Friday we will have a Lesson Starter Quiz. If a student is absent on
 Friday, then he/she will take the quiz the following Monday in the WISE room. At the end of
each nine weeks, students will also take a cumulative benchmark test based on the weekly
Lesson Starters and course content covered.

Classroom Expectations: Throughout this course, students will be working both individually and in
groups, collaborating with peers. As always, students and teachers at Cy-Fair High School are
expected to be Respectful, Responsible, and Positive.

Homework: Homework practice is a vital part of all math classes. For this reason, failure to complete
homework timely or correctly will result in a W.I.S.E. Room session on the following
day. There he/she will have the opportunity to make-up the assignment or alternative assignment
for partial credit. If a student is absent the day an assignment is due, it must be submitted the day
of return.
Homework assignments can be viewed on my teacher page at kerensan.weebly.com.

Tutoring: The Freshman Academy will have tutoring available after-school every Thursday from 2:50-
4:00pm. Bus transportation home will be provided to any student who stays until 4:00pm.

Absences: These courses are rigorous and fast passed, so regular attendance is necessary to fully learn
all concepts and be successful on both EOC tests. If you are absent, you MUST make up
assigned classwork and homework the day after you return. Missed tests or quizzes should be
made-up within a week of the testing date afterschool on the Thursday of your return. If you
are aware that you will be absent one day, please notify me in advance so that we can schedule
make-up dates for any assessments you may have missed. Always continue to review previous
notes taken so you do not forget material covered before your absence.

Completing work early: If you finish a test or quiz early, work on IXL computer assignments, read a
book, or work on an extension or challenge problem. If you complete classwork early, most
days you may assist other students first, then follow the protocol for early completion of tests
and quizzes.

Graphing Calculator: You will be assigned a math class number. You will only have permission to
use the graphing calculator that corresponds with your class number. You may only use your
assigned calculator. You are responsible for keeping the calculator in top condition. If you
notice a problem with your calculator, report it to me immediately. You will be responsible for
damage caused to your calculator if not reported immediately.
Acknowledgement of Syllabus:

Students are fortunate enough to have access to calculators, Activotes, additional

textbooks/workbooks, and other materials in class. These materials are costly and are not to
leave the classroom. Each student will be assigned a number for his/her calculator and Activote
and will be held responsible for their care. If any of these items are damaged or lost, the student
will be financially responsible for their repair or replacement.

Students will also be issued a Springboard textbook for both Algebra I and
Geometry. Each student is responsible for his/her assigned books. If lost or damaged, the
student will be financially responsible for repair or replacement.

I have read the syllabus and understand what is expected of me/my child in these courses.

__________________________________ _________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Name (Please Print) Student’s Name (Please Print)

__________________________________ _________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature Student’s Signature
 CY-FAIR HIGH SCHOOL
22602 Northwest Freeway
Cypress, TX 77429
Phone: 281-897-4600
2018-2019
Dear Parent,

The teachers in the mathematics department are excited about the upcoming school
year. We know that your student will grow academically at Cy-Fair High School.

When school begins, your student will meet his math teacher(s) and learn the policies,
procedures, and expectations of that teacher. We encourage you to be in contact with your
student’s teachers throughout the school year.

To benefit all students, we have instituted a check out procedure for those who need to
borrow graphing calculators. The use of these calculators can be helpful to students as they
do their homework, study for tests, practice specific functions of the calculator they have
learned in class, and prepare for the ACT. Each calculator is checked out through the library.

Please be aware that these calculators are valued at $130.00. Should the calculator be lost,
defaced or damaged while in the possession of a student, that student is responsible for the
cost to replace or repair the calculator.

Again, we are looking forward to this school year with our students.

Sincerely,
Keren Sanchez
Mathematics Teacher
Cy-Fair High School

Please sign this letter in acknowledgement of your having received this information. Have
your student return it to school.

Print student’s name: _______________________________________

Print parent/guardian’s name _________________________________

Signature of parent/guardian __________________________________

Date _________________

Math Course: Algebra I Math teacher: Ms. Sanchez