Geometry

Syllabus

Supplies - For this class you will need the following supplies:

a 3-ring binder with paper, or a spiral-bound notebook
some pencils and pens
a protractor & a compass
graph paper
a calculator (scientific or graphing)

Homework - You should expect homework assignments every night, and it is critical that you do not fall behind. The previous night's homework will be corrected in class daily. There will be an opportunity to ask questions each day and I invite you to do so since questioning is a vital part of the problem solving process. You should keep your homework in a 3-ring binder or spiral notebook because you are allowed and encouraged to use your homework and notes on all tests and quizzes. Each Monday you will be required to submit all the homework from the previous week.

Assessments - We will have an exam at the end of each unit of study. The exams will often be broken up over two days. We may also have periodic quizzes to check how things are going. Points will be given for both showing reasonable work and getting a correct answer. There will be a large exam at the end of each semester. All of the topics that were covered during that semester will be assessed. You are encouraged to use any notes, homework, or handouts during all assessments.

Retakes - You may retake any tests during the course of the semester subject to the following guidelines:

The retake must be completed within a week after the test has been returned
Retakes must be taken either before or after school (arrange a time with Mr. LaViollette)
Your test score will be the higher of the two exams
There are no retakes on final exams
You will need to complete or correct a specific assignment in order to be given the retake
If you are absent when the first test is given, the retake is your only opportunity

Explorations - At various times during the course, we will do explorations to help clarify the concept we are studying. These explorations may include hands-on constructions, lab work on the computers, games, discussions, or other activities.

Grades & Grading scale - The following percentages comprise your class grade:

Tests & Quizzes = 50%
Homework = 35%
Explorations = 15%

All grades will be determined using the following scale:

	-		+
A	90-92.9%	93-100%
B	80-82.9%	83-86.9%	87-89.9%
C	70-72.9%	73-76.9%	77-79.9%
D		60-66.9%	67-69.9%
F		0-59.9%

Because of the opportunities for retakes, I will NOT round up your overall percentage (no matter how close you are to the next grade!) If you have truly given your best effort, then you should be proud of the grade you have earned.

Scope & Sequence:

1st Semester

Concepts & Definitions
Parallel & Perpendicular Lines
Classifying Triangles
Properties of Triangles
Polygons & Quadrilaterals
Similarity

2nd Semester

Perimeter, Circumference, & Area
Spatial Reasoning
Transformational Geometry
Reasoning
Triangle Congruence
Right Triangles & Trigonometry
Circles (if time permits)

Classroom Policies -

1) Be respectful of the teacher, visitors, other students, and all property

Use "Please" and "Thank you"
Honesty at all times (you don't want to cheat in my class, trust me!)

2) No Food or Drink (with the exception of water)

Do not ask to leave to get food, pop, or milk

3) You will get 4 hall passes to use for the semester

Each unused pass is worth 5 pts extra credit (homework) at the end of the semester

4) No electronic devices in class (no pagers, no cell phones, no video games, etc.)

Please put these items away before entering the room
If you are found using it in class, you will need to reclaim it from the administration

5) Disciplinary policies will be followed from the CHS or OSD student handbooks.

Absence Policy -

1) Make every effort to be in class, on-time each day

absences can lower a grade very quickly

2) If you have a pre-arranged absense, please see me beforehand so we can find a way to plan for what you will miss.

3) If you have an unplanned absense during the week, please:

Contact a friend for the notes and assignment, or
Send me an e-mail before 2:30 that school day to slaviollette@osd.wednet.edu, or
Call the school for a homework request, or
Check the calendar for the assignments when you return

4) If you are confused about something we studied or just need some time to work, I am available for help before school at 7:20 each morning, or after school until 3:30 (except for Wednesdays). I will be unavailable on some occasions due to other responsibilities.

5) You must have your homework checked off by your class period on Monday. If you have an excused absence on a Monday, then you are responsible for turning in your work on the day you return. You can turn in your homework up to two days after it was due for half credit if you come in before or after school.

6) Any other attendance or tardy policies shall be in-line with the student handbooks.

Test/Quiz Information

What you need to know for the test or quiz...

On-line Textbook

To view the on-line textbook, click the following link, click the box for on-line textbook and enter your username and password

http://my.hrw.com

Calendar

Click on the calendar to view the daily assignments (or work that you missed while you were gone...)

Weekly Calendar (PDF)

Mr. LaViollette's Blog (in case of school closure...)

Grades

To view student grades, use Skyward Parent Access and select the appropriate class for your student.

Skyward Family Access

Fractal Images are courtesy of Blatte's Fractals (http://exoteric.roach.org). Used by permission.