M

A T H

Teacher: Mrs. Colleen Smith

School Phone: 773-722-4600
Office Hours: To be announced

R A D E

ext. 3101

E-Mail: smithco@psmnow.com
Room 310

What Will We Study?

Students will extend their knowledge of number sense to rational and irrational
numbers and use and understand exponents, powers, and roots. They solve
problems and make computations involving rational numbers, as well as
problems involving ratios, proportions, and percentages. They solve linear
equations and inequalities, and extend their previous knowledge of linear
expressions to interpret and evaluate expressions with integer powers. They
graph and interpret functions, understanding the concepts of slope and rate of
change. They deepen their understanding of plane and geometric shapes and
properties by construction shapes that meet given conditions, by identifying
attributes of shapes, and by applying geometric concepts to solve problems.
Students generate and analyze data sets, identifying relationships among
variables within a data set. They determine probabilities and use them to make
predictions. Throughout the course, students use strategies, skills, and concepts
in finding and communicating solutions to problems and move beyond a
particular problem by generalizing to other situations.

Goals for Students:

Be On Time: Your presence in class is critical to your success. If you are

absent, make-up work is your responsibility. You should check for the

assignment with a classmate, or with me via email for missed assignments.

You are required to be in your seat working on the warmup when the bell
rings. At the end of class the bell does not dismiss you I do.
Be Prepared: You are expected to bring necessary supplies (listed below)
and completed assignments to class every day.
Participate: You are expected to follow directions, stay on task, work
cooperatively, and use your time wisely. Class disruptions will not be
tolerated. Homework shouldnt be a problem if you have participated
appropriately in class and made use of tutoring.

Classroom Goals:
We will create a safe, fun, and educational environment where we all learn,
succeed, and grow:
By maintaining high academic and behavioral standards with the teachers
use of a firm, fair, and consistent discipline approach through enforcement
of PSM and classroom rules and the consequence continuum
By creating a positive environment with clear expectations,
encouragement, cooperation, and respect from all members of the
classroom
By accepting responsibility for inappropriate actions and resolving
conflicts in a peaceable way
By creating paths that are best for individual learners through
differentiation, direction, and guidance from the teacher and other
students
By learning from each other through open sharing of ideas, opinions,
obstacles, and achievements
Academic Goals:
You will develop skills in Mathematics through:
Real world problem solving
Applying basic skills to use fluently to solve real problems and aid in
understanding the real world
Making interdisciplinary connections between Mathematics content and
other subject areas
Thinking logically in order to reason, understand, and apply
mathematics meaningfully
Identifying, solving and communicating about real world problems
Reasoning in order to have confidence in reconstructing and
constructing mathematical methods
Engaging in mathematics through enjoyment and understanding in
order to understand your environment
2

Materials
Required Materials for Class:
Notebook or binder (used for Math only)
Loose-leaf Paper
Graph Paper
Several sharpened or mechanical pencils
Math Book
PSM planner
Red/Colored Pen

Recommended Items:
Colored Pencils
Index Cards
Highlighter
Large Eraser

Students are expected to bring required materials to class each day.

Students may earn and loose daily points for having and missing necessary
materials.
Students who are not prepared for class and are missing materials may
receive a teacher request.
** Calculators are NOT allowed in 8th grade math. The use of
calculators will significantly impact your ability in class if they are
used at home.

Other Materials Required for the Course:

You will need to have regular access to an internet-capable computer. Check your
email at least once every 24 hrs. Respond within 24hrs if a response is required. If
you do not have an internet-capable computer at home, you are responsible for
setting up a time with Mrs. Smith to make arrangements.

Integrity Expectations
Honor Code and Expectations:
Per the Student Handbook, The rules and regulations which appear herein, as
well as day-to-day instructions from faculty, staff, and administration, are
developed to give expression to the philosophy on which PSM is based:
maximum development of the student -- academically, socially, emotionally
and morally. Thus it is expected that all students will comply with
instructions, both verbal and written, given them by members of the PSM
faculty, staff, and administration. These instructions apply when students are
in the building, on the immediate grounds of the school, and/or representing
the school on any trip or function. Language that is respectful and conducive
to the academic setting is expected to be used by everyone during school and
school associated events. Failure to comply with these directives may result
in disciplinary action or dismissal of the student. Parents are expected to
support policies and procedures of the handbook.
Furthermore, in keeping with the schools philosophy which states that . . . the
moral development of our students . . . (is) a central concern for us at
Providence-St. Mel . . ., we declare that a PSM student does not lie, cheat, or

steal. Those who engage in such actions may be subject to disciplinary action
and/or forfeiture of the privilege of attending PSM.
Cheating Policy:
Cheating is considered a serious matter at PSM. All of the following student
actions are considered cheating, which is an offense requiring disciplinary
consequence:
Copying another students work or giving another person his or her work.
Having a book or notebook open or having slips of paper visible during test
or quiz time that were not approved by the teacher.
Making verbal or eye contact with another student during the test or quiz.
Having conversations regarding the questions and answers on future tests
or quizzes. This includes talking about quizzes, tests, or exams in the
hallway.
Texting assignment answers during a test or quiz.
Comparing or collaborating in the hallway on any work.
If cheating occurs, the teacher will write a referral and give the student a zero. If
students are caught copying the work of another student, both students will receive
referrals.

Discipline:
In most instances of misbehavior, the teacher will use the PSM Consequence
Continuum. The continuum starts over every school day. The teacher can issue
an immediate referral if a student is engaging in an extreme offense or
repeatedly engaging in an inappropriate behavior. (Reference the handbook
regarding this information.)
Step 1: The student receives a verbal warning from the teacher.
Step 2: The student receives a teacher-requested meeting notice for an
after-school conference. The teacher will call the parent or guardian.
Step 3: The student receives an immediate referral from the teacher and is
sent to the Dean of Students. The teacher will call the parent or guardian.

OBJECTIVES

To provide an educational program which will prepare students for further

academic work and careers.
To develop in students basic skills in critical reading, writing, thinking, and
problem solving.
To provide an educational program which encompasses both remedial and
advanced courses.
To challenge each student to attain his/her fullest potential.
To maintain a standard of excellence through consistent evaluation and update
of both curriculum and instructional methods.
To create and maintain a community atmosphere based on mutual respect and
concern between and among students, faculty, staff, and administration.
To instill in students a sense of pride in their accomplishments and the
determination to overcome obstacles.
To instill in students personal discipline and self-direction.
To facilitate in each student the development of a Christian moral value system.
To challenge students to gain admission into a top tier college or university.

Grading Scale
Students will be evaluated on a variety of assignments, including homework
assignments, in-class assignments, projects, quizzes and tests, and quarter
exams. All in-class and homework assignments should follow the PSM
guidelines for hand-written work. Projects should adhere to the guidelines for
typed assignments.
Students can earn 3 participation points on random days. Full credit in
participation is earned by following all rules and procedures. However, students
may lose one or more points for any of the following infractions:
Being unprepared for class (-1 point)
Violation of a rule or procedure (-1 point)
Speaking in non-Standard English (-1 point)
Verbal warning (-1 point)
Teacher request or referral (-3 points)
The following grading scale will be used to evaluate all work in the course:
PSM Standard
Grading Scale
A+ 97-100
A
93-96
B+ 88-92
B
83-87

C+
C
D+
D
F
65

78-82
73-77
69-72
65-68
Below

Assignments/Categories
The following methods of assessment will be used to evaluate work throughout
the course:

Each quarter, 1/3 of the grade will consist of homework and classwork, 1/3 of the
grade will consist of projects, tests, and quizzes, and 1/3 of the grade will be the
final exam.
Homework:
Math assignments will be done in pencil. The goal of math is not simply correct
answers but learning processes and logic. Therefore, each math problem
must be written on the paper, the calculations and formulas written out
showing the logic, and answers circled. Papers with just answers on them
will NOT be accepted for a grade. Students must show all work and follow all
directions in order for an assignment to be considered complete. Students
who do not complete homework neatly in pencil, including the proper
heading, using the correct equation and expression formats, circling
all answers, and on loose-leaf paper must redo the assignment to receive
credit and will receive 50% of the earned grade. (Loose-leaf paper is not torn
out of a notebook and does not have ripped crinkly edges.)
If you are struggling with your assignment, ASK for help soon. Math always
builds upon itself and if you have not mastered the current operations, you
will continue to fall behind. After school hours will be posted when available.
Late and Absent Work
Assigned homework is due on your desk when the bell rings. (Step 1: Take out
your homework, Step 2: Start your warm-up). All other assignments are due at
the time of collection indicated by the teacher. Work is considered late if it is not
turned in on time when the assignment is collected or if it does not follow the
guidelines for hand-written or typed assignments. Late homework may be
handed in after school or the next day for 50% credit. If a project is not turned
in on time, the grade will drop 10% each day it is late. If a student has an
excused absence, he or she has one day to complete any missing assignments for
full credit. Students may not receive credit for assignments if the absence is
unexcused.
Homework will be graded using the following rubric:
Point
s
Crite
ria

10

100%-93%
92%-80%
79%-72%
71%-65%
accuracy/
accuracy/
accuracy/
accuracy/
mastery
mastery
mastery
mastery
displayed.
displayed.
displayed.
displayed.
Questions
Most
Some
Few
are
questions questions are questions are
answered
are
answered
answered
completely
answered
completely
completely
and work is completely and work is and work is
shown.
and most
partially
not shown.
Strategies
work is
shown.
Few

64%-58% Homework
accuracy/
is not
mastery
completed.
displayed.
Little to no
work is
shown. Paper
is
disorganized
and difficult
to read.
6

used to
shown.
Some
strategies
answer
Most
strategies
used to
questions
strategies
used to
answer
are
used to
answer
questions are
appropriate.
answer
questions are appropriate.
Paper is
questions appropriate.
Paper is
neat,
are
Paper is
disorganized
organized appropriate. somewhat and difficult
and easy to Paper is
neat,
to read.
read.
fairly neat,
organized
organized
and easy to
and easy to
read.
read.
Notebook:
Students will keep a notebook as a portion of their grade.
Notebooks will be collected periodically for grading, so students are
responsible for keeping notebooks neat and accurate.
Math requires its own, separate notebook that may not be shared with
any other course.
Each new notebook entry should be dated, titled and the days goal neatly
and clearly stated beneath the date and title.
Notebooks are to only be written in using pencil, unless otherwise
specified by the teacher.

Notebooks will be graded based on the following rubric:

Point
4
3
2
1
s
Crite ~Notebook is ~Notebook is ~Notebook is ~Notebook is
neat.
lacking one of lacking two of lacking three
ria
~Organized the previous the previous of the
by date and criteria.
criteria.
previous
lesson.
criteria.
~Notes and
activities are
completed in
pencil.
~All notes
and activities
are
accounted for.

0
~Notebook was
not turned in or
contained no
necessary
entries.

Testing:
Tests and quizzes will be given regularly. There are three types:
Concepts Test or Quiz (announced) to assess the students overall
understanding of the material.
Pop Quiz (unannounced) to assess students understanding of current concepts
throughout the unit.
Notebook (pop quizzes) to assess the students organizational/study skills as
they pertain to math.
Power School:
Each student and parents/guardians have access to view all grades and scores
online through Power School. Please check grades often to monitor student
progress, learning, and hard work. Please reference your Power School contract
for further details regarding Power School.

I have read the syllabus and I understand the expectations of Mrs. Smiths
classroom.
Student name and Signature
_____________________________

_____________________________
8

I have read the syllabus and I understand the expectations of my child in

Mrs. Smiths classroom.
(Please provide your e-mail address and phone number.)
Parent/Guardian name and signature
_____________________________

_____________________________

Parent/Guardian phone number and e-mail address

_____________________________

_____________________________

Parent/Guardian name and signature

_____________________________

_____________________________

Parent/Guardian phone number and e-mail address

_____________________________

_____________________________