Course Syllabus: Math 8

Elkton Middle School

IMPORTANT:
Our classroom is fortunate to have been selected to receive a set of classroom iPads that will
be arriving in October. The iPads will be used daily for instruction, practice, and assessment. It is
natural that as we integrate daily use of technology into our routines, the classroom procedures and
policies described below will be subject to change. I will be in communication with you as we make
the transition.
It is exciting that we are the pioneers to the future of instruction and learning in our school
district! Going digital, as you may hear this change described, is NOT about having the newest and
coolest tools available. We are embarking on this journey because it is what is best for our students
we need to prepare them for their future, not our past. My hope is that all of us who are involved
teachers, students, parents, administrators - will show flexibility, patience, and perseverance during
this process.
Instructor: Laura Hershey
I teach Math 8 and Algebra I Part I at Elkton Middle School. I am excited about teaching and
learning, and I look forward to the adventures and challenges that we will take on this year.
Email: lhershey@rockingham.k12.va.us
Room: A7
Web Page: http://mathwithhershey.weebly.com/

Text: Bailey, Rhonda, et. al. Mathematics: Applications and Concepts. Columbus, Ohio:
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. 2005.
Required Materials: Each day, students are expected to bring
a positive attitude
a pencil
completed homework
3-ring binder & looseleaf paper
textbook (if specified).
Grading Information:
Scale:

Weighted Components of Grades
10% Homework (Graded for completion. Every problem is attempted with work shown.
Homework may be graded for accuracy.)
20% Classwork Grades (Warm Ups, RDC work, Individual, or Group)
30% Quizzes
40% Tests
A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69% F lower than 60%
Classroom Policies
Homework
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Assignments will be posted on the
assignment board in class, as well as my website listed on the first page of this syllabus.
No late homework will be accepted. The purpose of this policy is to teach and encourage
habits of timeliness and responsibility, which are extremely valuable.
Missing Work
When you are absent
Ms. Hershey will
Collect your work
Put your name on it
Put it in the designated area
Grade it

(If you know you are going to be absent, pick up your work ahead of time. Work is due
immediately upon return unless otherwise arranged. If returning from an unexpected excused
absence, work is due the day after you return. It is your responsibility to request make-up work.)
Assessments serve multiple purposes: to demonstrate that you have learned material, as
well as assisting you in the learning of material. If you are absent for a test or a quiz, it is your
responsibility to come and schedule a time to make up the quiz/test. No points will be taken
off for lateness as long as the assessment is made up as timely as possible.
Cell Phone/Electronics
Cell phones and other personal electronic devices may only be used in class with direct instruction
from the teacher. This includes but is not limited to cell phones, iPods, iPads, or laptops. If you bring
your device to school, it is recommended that it remain safely locked in your locker. If you choose to
carry your device on your person, it must remain off and put away while in my classroom.




You must
Pick up your work
Ask any questions or seek help if needed
Turn in the work within one week

Tentative Course Schedule
1
st
Nine Weeks:
Ch 1.2-1.6 [SOL: 8.1(a), 8.3(a), 8.4]
Ch 2.1-2.4, 2.8 [SOL: 8.1(b)]
Ch 2.1-3.3 [SOL: 8.2, 8.5]
2
nd
Nine Weeks:
Ch 1.7-1.9, 1.4(A)-1.6(A) [SOL: 8.15(a)]
Ch 3.4-3.5 [SOL: 8.10]
Ch 4.5,4.8 [SOL: 8.8]
Ch 5.1-5.3, 5.7, 5.8 [SOL: 8.3(b)]
Ch 6.1, 6.-6.9 [SOL: 8.6(a), 8.8]
Ch 8.6, 10.1-10.2,10.4-10.7 [SOL: 8.15]
3
rd
Nine Weeks:
Ch 7.1-7.8 [SOL: 8.11, 8.9, 8.7]
Ch 8.1, 8.5 [SOL: 8.12]
Ch 9.1-9.2, 9.4 [SOL: 8.13(a)]
Ch 11.6 [SOL: 8.13(b)]
4
th
Nine Weeks:
Ch 11.2-11.3 [SOL: 8.14, 8.16, 8.17]



















Our classroom will abide by the following Respect Agreement:
Students:
Be kind & considerate with words
Be considerate of others space and belongings (includes Elkton Middle School)
Follow directions right away and with a good attitude
Listen; give full attention
Be on time and prepared for class

Teachers:
Care for the students; recognize students as individuals
Be prepared and professional; Make class interactive and varied
Trust the students until there is a reason not to
Be encouraging when speaking with and about students
State expectations clearly; be fair and consistent

In the case of a violation of this agreement, our classroom will adhere to the school-
wide ELKS Program.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Please sign and return lower portion - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Teacher: I will be fair and consistent with handling violations of our respect agreement, in
accordance with the ELKs Program. I will abide by the Respect Agreement.
________________________________
Students: I have read our classroom Respect Agreement. I understand it, and will honor it.
________________________________ __________________________________
Print Students name Students signature
Caregivers: My child has discussed the classroom Respect Agreement with me. I understand it and
will support it.
_______________________________ __________________
Parent/Guardians signature Date

___________________________ ___________________________
Phone Number Parent/Guardians Email address
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