Precalculus

2019 - 2020

Instructor: Mrs. Anne Otroszko Room: 1009

Email: aotroszkoos@olatheschools.org Phone: 780 – 7160
Website: aotroszko.weebly.com
DeltaMath code: 758301
Remind code: @ aopc19

Course Description
This course is designed to strengthen and build upon previously learned algebra skills to
prepare students for Calculus. Students will study the graphs and algebraic characteristics of
the ten (10) basic functions including polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic
functions. Triangular and rotational trigonometry will be explored in greater depth. Vectors
and polar equations will be introduced.

Class Materials
It is essential to the learning experience that students have their supplies each day. Students
should bring each of the following to class each day:
 Student handbook
 Pencil/Pen
 Notebook/Paper
 Textbook (necessary at times but not required)
 Graphing calculator (TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus)
I do not have calculators to lend out. Calculators may be rented from the school for
$20/year (please make checks payable to USD #233). If you pre-ordered a calculator
during enrollment, it will be passed out to you this week. If you didn’t pre-order one and
need one, calculators may be rented in my room (#1009) on announced days before and
after school. You may not share calculators when taking a test or quiz.

Grading Policies
 Semester grades will be weighted as follows:
 Homework (5 %)
Homework will not be collected, but it will be assessed by a daily homework
quiz. Homework solutions will be posted, and questions posed on the quizzes
will mirror homework problems. Students will be able to use their own
completed homework on these quizzes.

 In-Class Assignments (5 %)
Students are expected to actively participate in individual and group activities to
complete a variety of tasks and exercises in class.

 Out-of-Class Assignments (5 %)
Students are expected to complete in individual and group activities to complete a
variety of tasks and exercises out of class.

 Quizzes (30 %)
Students will be required to complete announced and unannounced quizzes. These
quizzes will vary in length and be given in different formats, such as with or without
notes/calculator and completed individually, in pairs or in groups. Students who miss
a quiz need to make arrangements with me to make it up. Quizzes can be made up
before school, after school, during Falcon 50 or during seminar. One quiz per
semester will be dropped.

 Tests (55 %)
Tests are announced far in advance and will be given at the end of each unit. Students
will not be allowed to use notes on the tests. Tests may include with and without
 calculator parts. Most tests will consist of a multiple-choice section and a free
response section to imitate the AP Test style. Students who miss a test need to make
arrangements with me to make it up. Tests can be made up before school, after school
or during seminar … not during class. Students may choose to retake one test each
semester. The exceptions to the retake policy are the last chapter test of each semester
and the final exam. The retest grade (higher or lower) will replace the original test
grade in the grade book. Students must complete an extra review assignment before
taking the retest. Students must complete the retest within two weeks of receiving the
original test back.

 Semester grades will be weighted as follows:

 Quarter grades = 90%
 Semester final test = 10%

 Deadlines for make-up work

All missing homework presentations, in-class assignments and quizzes must be completed
before the test for that unit. Any items not turned in by test day will be recorded as zeroes.

Extra Assistance Opportunities

At Olathe South, we want students to have every opportunity possible for them to be successful.
For this reason, there are many opportunities for students to come in for extra assistance
including:

 Falcon 50: Every day during Lunch A

 Seminar: Thursday (block days)
 Office Hours: 7:30 – 7:55 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and
3:00 – 3:30 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons

Students should check with their instructor to ensure availability before and after school on that
day. Students should not hesitate to ask for help if they are having difficulty.

Classroom Expectations
 Be prompt, prepared and respectful

 Follow school rules

Students are expected to follow the student code of conduct and school policies which
can be found in the student handbook. Students should become familiar with the policies
and consequences.

I am looking forward to getting to know each of you! Let’s have a GREAT year! Mrs.
Anne Otroszko 