Math I Course Syllabus

Bailey Middle School

Ms. Kocis 2014-2015
Continuous effortis the key to unlocking our potential

Welcome parents and students to Math I! This letter is intended to inform you, the parent, and remind your
child of their expectations for this year. The topics of this course include the 8th grade Common Core State
Standards, in addition to the remaining Math I skills necessary for completion of the Math I course. Students
will be expected to use and apply the operations of polynomials and factoring, to create and apply linear
functions and relations, and to understand algebraic representations of geometric relationships. An introduction
to nonlinear functions, such as quadratic and exponentials will also be studied. Students will be expected to
recognize potential problems, analyze errors, solve problems proficiently, and use complex reasoning. All
Math I students will take the End-of-Grade (EOG) test and End-of-Course (EOC) test.

Classroom Expectations
- All students are expected to follow the Bailey Middle School Rules (will be discussed in class)
- Be prepared, Be respectful, Be responsible, Be safe
- Consequences Bailey Discipline SIX (will be discussed in class)

Materials
- 1

in. binder with paper and 5 dividers

- Spiral notebook
- Graph paper
- Several sharpened pencils
****All work is to be completed in pencil!
- Eraser
- Highlighter
- Calculator - The use of the TI-83 is an essential tool for Math I. It provides students with numerous
opportunities to extend their learning. In order to ensure that all students have access to these
learning opportunities, students are encouraged to purchase a TI-83, TI-83+ or TI-84+ graphing
calculator. Students are responsible for bringing their calculator, with batteries, to every class.
Students need to take necessary precautions to prevent loss or damage to calculators. I suggest
clearly labeling the calculator on the inside of the battery cover.

Policies
Math I is considered to be an advanced course for 7
th
grade students. As such, it is a very rigorous
and challenging course. It is expected that students will have mastered requisite general math skills
as they will need to take the North Carolina End of Grade Test at the conclusion of this year as well
as the North Carolina End of Course Test. Students will receive high school credit for successfully
completing this course. With continued progress, it is expected that 7
th
grade Math I students will
take AP Calculus as high school juniors.

State Deadline
Although every effort has been made to identify readiness for Math I, students, parents and teachers
should carefully monitor progress during these first few weeks. By state mandate, students will not
be able to exit Math I after September 22. Students will be required to complete the course and
take the End of Course Test for Math I at the conclusion of the school year.

Homework and Assignments
Homework assignments are given regularly Mon- Fri. Students will typically spend 25 minutes or less
each night on assignments and are required to have them completed before the beginning of the next
class session unless otherwise discussed in class. Students should attempt all problems. If they are
unable to solve a problem, they should write down what is confusing to them. Questions will be
addressed in class. Homework is checked at the beginning of each class. Assignments are posted in
the classroom daily on the whiteboard as well as our class website and should be entered in their
agendas. A completed on-time assignment receives a 100% (10/10 points). If an assignment is late
the student will receive an 80%. After two weeks, the grade on the assignment will remain as a zero
(0%) if not turned in. If a student has an excused absence, the student is responsible for contacting
the teacher to determine the missing work. The student will have 2 days for each day absent to turn
in their assignments for full credit. The student will receive up to an 80% for any assignment turned in
after the two day grace period and a zero after two weeks.

*Students are responsible for missed assignments, notes, and warm-ups.

Tests and Quizzes
One major test and several quizzes usually occur while each topic is covered. All assessments will be
kept in the classroom in the students individual file. If you request the file to be brought home, the
student will check-out the file and is expected to return it the following school day with the same contents
that it contained when it left the classroom and your signature.
* Show all work on all problems! Partial Credit may be given!

What is it all worth? Grading Scale
Informal Assessments (35%) Class work, homework, quizzes 100 93 = A
Formal Assessments (65%) Tests and projects 92-85 = B
EOC will be 25% of the final grade 84-77 = C
76-70 = D
69-0 = F

Communication
Please check agendas, and PowerSchool regularly for assignments and notes. This is an effective
form of communicating. Feel free to call us at school 980-343-1064 and leave
a message or e-mail me at alyssad.kocis@cms.k12.nc.us . I also encourage
you to access my weebly site at www.kocismath.weebly.com for more detailed
course information as we proceed through the year. I will also be using Remind
(formerly Remind101) as a way to keep parents and students updated and
informed. If you would like to receive emails or texts regarding this course,
please enter (919) 666-6798 with the message @mskocis or scan the code on
the right.

I look forward to working with you and your child in order to make this year
successful!

Thank you,
Ms. Kocis


Please sign and return this portion of the letter.

I, _________________________, parent or guardian of _______________________ have read and discussed this
letter in its entirety. We understand what is expected for a successful year in 7
th
grade.

Parent Signature: _____________________________ Student Signature: ____________________________