Precalculus 2020-2021

Mrs. Judy Aukamp Mr. Eugene Farrell Mrs. Ellen Hussain

jlaukamp@fcps.edu efarrell@fcps.edu echussain@fcps.edu

Mrs. Megan Patton Ms. Samantha Wald

mapatton@fcps.edu sjwald@fcps.edu

Course Description:

We will complete one semester of trigonometry and one semester of math analysis. Mathematical
Analysis provides a thorough treatment of functions through the study of polynomials, transformations,
and rational, logarithmic, exponential, and inverse functions. Topics also include an intuitive approach to
limits, continuity, maximum and minimum points, and values. A transformational approach to graphing
is used with families of related graphs. Numerical, graphical, and algebraic solutions should be
considered for all problems where appropriate. Graphing utilities, especially graphing calculators and
Desmos.com, are integral to the course.

The Program of Study is organized by the following strands:

I. Students apply a transformational approach with graphing calculators to analyze,

describe, and compare a variety of functions.
II. Students investigate and identify the characteristics of exponential and logarithmic
functions to solve practical problems using graphing utilities.
III. Students develop an intuitive approach to limits.
IV. Students investigate and identify the graphs of functions, using graphing utilities, to
model and solve problems.
V. Use the definitions of the six trig functions to find values of trig functions.
VI. Find the exact values of special angles in degrees or radians.
VII. Find the value of the trig inverse functions and their domains and ranges.
VIII. Verify basic trig identities.
IX. Graph the six trig functions.
X. Solve Trig Equations.
XI. Solve practical problems using the law of sines and the law of cosines.
XII. Expand binomials having positive integral exponents.determine the sum of finite and
infinite convergent series.

Textbook Information / Link

Students will use Mathspace, an online mathematics ebook and learning resource, for this course.
Students will be able to access the online resource over the Internet from anywhere. There is also a
mobile app that can be used on phones and tablets.  Students will log into their account through the
FCPS Clever portal using their regular FCPS network credentials. The resource link will be provided on
24-7 Learning (Blackboard).
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The following supplies should be brought to class every day for a successful year:

● Pencils and several colored pencils

● lined paper and graph paper
● graphing calculator : TI-84 or any scientific calculator with sin/cos/tan buttons; may use
Desmos.com online.

Teacher office hours: Cougar Time 3rd Period Tues/Thurs and Mondays 10-11am. Individual teachers
may specify certain days specifically for precalculus students.

FCPS 24/7 Blackboard Information /Google Classroom

Please check our team Blackboard for Precalc for reminders under Announcements and unit topics/
monthly course information under Assignments. There are self help videos that will be linked to
Blackboard/Course Documents and class videos on Blackboard Collaborate/Recordings to assist in
learning and review. Google Classroom will be used to share files and list assignments and assessment
dates by individual teachers. When absent, check Google Classroom for information posted by your
teacher. If a synchronous lesson cannot happen due to system issues, a recorded lesson or
asynchronous assignment will be posted on Google Classroom.

FCPS Grading Scale

All grades follow the Fairfax County Grading Scale:

A (93-100) = 4.0 B- (80-82) = 2.7

A- (90-92) = 3.7 C+ (77-79) = 2.3 D+ (67-69) = 1.3
B+ (87-89) = 3.3 C (73-76) = 2.0 D (64-66) = 1.0
B (83-86) = 3.0 C- (70-72) = 1.7 F (below 64) = 0.0

Quarter Grades are calculated as follows:

Homework 10%
Minor Assessments 50%
Major Assessments 40%

The Final end-of-course grade is computed by:

2 semesters @ 50% total 100%

Example: A student has a 1st semester grade of B+ (87%), a 2nd semester grade of B- (83%), a
The grade will be: (83+87)/2=  85%, a B.

*This is not an SOL /AP class, so there is no standardized test at the end of this course.

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Course Grading & Retake Policies

● The lowest grade for any assignment or assessment is 50%

● For test scores below 90%, retakes are allowed at the end of the quarter for all major
assessments that quarter. To qualify for the retake, students must complete requirements
specified by the team for that unit such as review work or a mathspace assignment. The highest
grade that you can earn on the retake is 90%.

● Late homework may be accepted up to a week after the due date at the discretion of the
teacher. A late homework penalty may be applied.

● Gradebook codes used: DNS= Did not submit; MIN=scored below 50% but will receive 50%;
RET=retake grade from semester retake

SIS Parent & Student Accounts

We encourage parents and students to stay apprised of their children’s progress in each course by
accessing SIS Parent Accounts and SIS Student Accounts. More information on SIS Accounts can be
found on Oakton’s website. Please note that all teachers will post grades to the electronic gradebook
within seven school days after the due date with the understanding that major projects/papers may
require additional time to ensure quality feedback.

Make Up Work for Absences

Students are fully responsible for completing any missed assignments. Each day of absence affords one
school day of makeup work opportunity. Students have a maximum of ten days to make up work missed
during an excused period of absence. However, the period of time allowed to make up work may be
extended at the discretion of the teacher.

Makeup work for excused absences is graded and recorded in the grade book by teachers without
penalty to students. For an approved pre-arranged absence, a student may request assignments in
advance of the absence. Teachers will provide regular or alternative assignments in advance of the
absence, when feasible. Following any absence, including a prearranged absence, students should make
arrangements with individual teachers for makeup work.

Unexcused absences do not mandate course failure. If students are absent and unexcused, they cannot
earn credit for classroom activities or labs missed as a result. Students may choose to make up work
following unexcused absences and teachers may help the student and parent or guardian identify
missed work, but teachers are not obligated to provide makeup assignments. Make up work is
encouraged so that students will be prepared for future instruction.

Assignments and homework/assessment calendar can be found on Google Classroom.

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FCPSOn

The FCPSOn initiative at Oakton High School provides students with equitable access to meaningful
learning experiences and technology to support their learning. Each Oakton student receives an FCPS-
issued laptop to access dynamic resources and participate in learning tailored to the student’s individual
needs. At Oakton the FCPS laptop is considered a school supply that students will bring to school each
day. We will not have laptops to loan to students during the school day.  We will provide loaners to
students whose FCPSOn device is in need of repair or is experiencing difficulty while it is being fixed.  

An FCPS webpage has been published to support students with distance learning. The Tips for Online
Learning Success page has suggestions for students; technology tips for families; troubleshooting guides;
and links to the parent and student tech support sites.

Additional resources and supports are available for students on the OHS Student Website.

Honor Pledge and Code

Mission Statement: Oakton High School strives to be recognized as a school of honor. Students,
teachers, staff and parents uphold high moral values focused upon fostering a love of learning and pride
in individual accomplishment. Oakton students will gain an understanding that giving their word has real
meaning. To avoid compromising their values of integrity and honesty, students recognize the
importance of communication with their teachers.

Oakton students will:

● Support one another in the learning process, but not during individual assessments or
on individually graded assignments.
● Utilize a range of sources to broaden their knowledge and properly credit sources used.
● Communicate honestly with faculty and staff.
● Respect the intellectual property of others.
● Understand and follow the Honor Code as well as individual teacher guidelines.
● Be familiar with the consequences resulting from Honor Code infractions.

Oakton students know not to:

● Use unauthorized study aids during a test.

● Use unauthorized digital/electrical devices (i.e. cell phone, cameras, etc) during
assessment activity.
● Copy another student’s work (i.e. test, quiz, homework, paper) without authorization.
● Deliberately allow another student to copy their work.
● Give or receive signals during a test.
● Coerce another student to provide unauthorized help.
● Take or copy the test key and use the key.
● Steal intellectual property.
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Classroom Policies and Procedures

The student is responsible for his/her conduct online. Being prompt to class, contributing to the online
learning environment, asking appropriate questions, engaging in teacher lessons, and helping one
another during group work is expected. Interrupting class by holding side discussions in chat, using
inappropriate language in chat or class discussions or with online assignments will be dealt with
accordingly. The Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook outlines more of the details.

If students prepare themselves and respect their own integrity, then there is no need to cheat.
However, if a student is caught cheating, it will result in a referral to the Honor Council and action
appropriate to their findings.

Asynchronous Work
 
Students will be given approximately an hour of asynchronous work per week to complete outside of
class time.  Information about all work will be posted on Google Classroom and communicated to
students in class.

Digital Tools

This information is provided in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to
provide you with information about the measures FCPS takes to keep student data secure when using
digital tools. By completing this digital form, you provide permission for your child to use the FCPS-
approved online tools listed below as part of an instructional program.  

More information for you to review regarding what digital tools your children may be using this year can
be found here.  Parents only need to complete this form one time and it will cover all classes. 

Oakton High School Internship Program

Eligible seniors may participate in the Oakton Internship Program during the final weeks of the school
year. Seniors may arrange to serve in local businesses, schools, or service organizations in the Oakton
Community. The intent of this experience is to benefit Oakton seniors by helping them explore a
possible area of interest for their future, which provides them a real world experience putting academic
interests in action in a non-academic setting. The internship experience may also be part of or
connected to the Senior Capstone project.

Participating seniors will finish all of their classes and coursework prior to the start of the internship and
be exempt from senior final exams.

The operating status of FCPS will determine our ability for our seniors to participate in the Oakton
Internship Program for this school year. Depending on health conditions in the spring, we will revisit
how and whether to offer the Oakton Internship program.

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