Class Rules

Entering class.

Please enter class quickly and quietly by the front door. Take your assigned seat and get out your materials to work. Copy the Aim and the Do-Now for that day's lesson into your notebook. Work on the Do-Now until the teacher calls for your attention.

Participating in class.

Class participation is an important part of your learning and of your grade. Please raise your hand if you have a question or wish to participate in a discussion. There is no calling out of answers or other comments in the classroom at any time.

Notebook.

Students are expected to write down the aim of each lesson, to take notes during class, to complete in-class assignments, to keep handouts, and to hold on to returned tests and homework. It is imperative that students have an organized system for keeping all these materials together. Whether a student chooses to use a binder with appropriate sections or a combination of binder and notebook, the entire collection is referred to as the math notebook. The math notebook is subject to inspection during the course and may form part of the class work contribution to the grade. The entire math notebook is available to students for use on an "open notebook" test.

Lateness.

If you arrive late to class, enter quietly by the front door. Sign the late log with your name and the time. Take your seat without any fuss or conversation, and prepare to join the work in progress. Repeated lateness will result in detention.

Homework.

Homework will be assigned each night. It forms an important part of your learning experience and of your grade. It should be written neatly on clean paper or the original handout, clearly labeled with your name, date, and the assignment. Homework is due the next time class meets, unless you have been told otherwise. If homework involves working problems, all work should be shown and the final answer clearly marked. If homework involves writing, it is expected that the writing will be done in full sentences and follow all the rules of good composition, including spelling and grammar. And finally, homework must be written legibly — if I can not read it, I can not give credit for it.

Absence.

A student who is absent should bring a note from home to explain the absence. Students are responsible for making up work that they have missed, and for meeting deadlines for projects, tests, and other tasks.

Respect.

All members of the class are expected to show respect for each other, teacher and students alike. We respect each other by taking care of the property and environment of the classroom, by listening when it is someone else's turn to speak, and by accepting the fact that we will all make mistakes. Mistakes are an important part of how we learn, and are not an opportunity to make fun of someone else. We are here to help each other. Disrupting the class is disrespectful to others and will not be tolerated.

Web Site.

To help students and parents keep up with general course information, I will be maintaining a web blog that can be accessed at http://rkamath-msgordon.blogspot.com/

Grades.

Grades are determined by a combination of three factors:
70% tests and quizzes
20% class work (includes participation, behavior, notebook, and preparation for class)
10% homework


More information about the general rules and expectations for success at RKA can be found in the Student Planner.


PLEASE KEEP THESE GUIDELINES IN YOUR MATH NOTEBOOK / BINDER.

Responsibilities of Students, Parents, & Teacher

Responsibilities of Students

1. Report to class on time, immediately take out binder, and review the answers to homework, or begin the Do Now.
2. Take notes and participate in all class activities including group assignments.
3. Treat my fellow students, the teacher, and others with respect at all times.
4. Observe all school rules, including those that prohibit wearing hats in class, wearing headphones or listening to entertainment devices in class, eating or drinking in class, using offensive language, or cheating. Poor classroom behavior will result in one or more of the following: -student-teacher conference—grade reduction—phone call home—parent teacher conference—meeting with administration.
5. Complete all homework on time, and make up all assignments when absent.
6. Utilize available tutoring services when I need extra assistance.

Responsibilities of Parent/Guardian

1. Provide a quiet place for my child to study.
2. Question my child on a regular basis about what he/she learned that day.
3. Monitor my child’s attendance in tutoring if appropriate for him/her to attend tutoring sessions.
4. Contact my child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor (718-796-8516) if I have any questions on my child’s progress.

Responsibilities of Teacher

1. Prepare and conduct a meaningful lesson each day.
2. Collect student work on a regular basis including examinations, projects, and homework.
3. Return student work in a timely manner and provide meaningful constructive feedback on work submitted.
4. Listen to my students, treat them with respect, and maintain an impartial and positive attitude towards them.
5. Contact parents when necessary to alert them of their children’s progress.
6. Be responsive to student’s request for assistance.

10 Habits of Successful Math B Students:

1. Arrive before the bell rings and ASK QUESTIONS.

2. Complete the Do Now immediately and ASK QUESTIONS.

3. Copy all notes and examples from the board and overhead projector. Add explanations and suggestions given verbally.

4. Complete all homework assignments.

5. Don’t miss class!

6. If an absence can’t be avoided get notes and complete the assignment or test ASAP (before the next class if possible.)

7. Review assignments and tests as soon as they are returned and ASK QUESTIONS.

8. Get help! Before, during, or after school.

9. Have a graphing calculator available and know how to use it to its full capability.

10. STUDY! STUDY! STUDY!!!