Algebra I

Salem R-80 High School Mrs. Natalie Sellers

(573) 729-6641 www.nsellers.weebly.com nsellers@salem.k12.mo.us
Course Description
In this algebra I course, students will gain an in-depth knowledge in foundational algebraic
skills and concepts that are necessary for success in advanced courses. Students will learn how to use
algebraic skills in a wide range of problem-solving situations. First semester, students will learn
various topics, including expressions, equations, and functions, linear equations, linear functions,
and equations of linear functions. Second semester will contain a study of linear inequalities,
systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, and quadratic
expressions and equations.
Textbook and Course Materials
The textbook this class will be utilizing is Glencoe Algebra I by McGraw-Hill Education.
Each student will receive and be responsible for their own copy. Students will be required to turn
them in at the end of the year, or if they are no longer enrolled in the course. The materials needed
to succeed in this course will be a composition notebook, writing utensils (preferably pencils as we
will make mistakes in this class), eraser, and loose leaf paper for homework. A scientific calculator is
allowed, but not required.
Grading
Notebooks
All students will be required to keep a composition notebook for this class. This will
contain any handouts students receive, daily notes, and all the examples done in class.
Homework will not be completed in this notebook, nor should it be used for any other class.
There will be notebooks checks throughout the year, which will be a homework grade.
Homework
Homework will be given on an almost daily basis to review the material learned
during that day's lesson. Although homework is given daily, it will be collected every
Friday. This allows students some flexibility on when to complete homework and gives them
time during the week to ask questions. If students fail to turn in homework on Friday and are
not absent, 10% will be taken off for every day the assignment is late.
Quizzes/Tests
Students will typically have a quiz on Friday over the material learned throughout
the week. There will be a review on Thursdays to help students prepare, along with time for
any homework questions. At the conclusion of every chapter, students will have a chapter
test. At the end of each semester, a comprehensive final will be given over all material.
Scale
90% & above- A 60-69%- D
80-89%- B 59% & below-F
70-79%- C
Classroom Rules
Students are to follow all guidelines that are presented in the student handbook.
- You must be in the classroom before the bell rings or you will counted as tardy.
- No food or drink will be allowed in the classroom.
- Please do not bring electronic devices into the classroom, except for calculators.
- RESPECT all teachers, fellow students, staff, school property, and yourselves.
Hall passes
Students are required to have their agenda to leave the classroom. I will give students
6 hall passes at the beginning of each semester. They must have their hall pass and agenda to
leave the classroom. If students do not use their hall passes at the end of the semester, they
can turn in their hall passes and receive bonus points for a test of their choice.
Absences
- Students will be responsible to get the make-up work they miss, including homework
and any notes taken in notebooks.
-When students are absent for a test, they must meet with the teacher to determine a make-
up date.
- In regard to excused absences, students will be given the number of days they were absent
to make up the homework they missed. If students know they will be absent, I encourage
them to get the work ahead of time.
- If absences are unexcused, students will not be able to make up any work missed.
- When it comes to field trips, with prior planning, students are responsible for the material
missed on that day and will be asked to make up any missed test or quiz on the day of return.
- I will adhere to all policies set forth in the student handbook.

By signing this, I understand and will abide by all the rules and policies set forth in this
syllabus. Please return by Friday, August 22, 2014.
Student Signature and Date Parent/Guardian Signature and Date
_________________________________ ____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Contact Info for: (Student name)____________________________________
Name:________________________________ Phone:______________________________
Email:________________________________ Best time/way to contact: ______________

Name:________________________________ Phone:______________________________
Email:________________________________ Best time/way to contact: ______________