Upper St. Clair High School

Geometry

Classroom Policies and Expectations 2022-2023

Mr. Langley

Room 219

412-833-1600 Ext. 2648

clangley@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Textbook: Holt: Geometry (PDF version available on Canvas)

What will I do in Geometry?

By the end of this course, you will have experienced the major components of Euclidian geometry, as well as some exposure to non-Euclidian geometries. Topics will include, but subject to modification, Foundations for Geometry, Geometric Reasoning, Parallel and Perpendicular Lines, Properties and Attributes of Triangles, Polygons and Quadrilaterals, Similarity, Right Triangles and Trigonometry, Extending Perimeter, Circumference, and Area, Spatial Reasoning, Circles, and Transformations.

This course is designed to prepare you for future math courses as well as the “real world.”  Thus, you will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning. This means, that I expect you to complete AND check homework assignments regularly, to be an active participant and listener in the class, to work cooperatively with your peers as well as with me, and to come to class organized, prepared, and ready to learn. In addition, it will be up to you to realize when you need extra help and/or practice.  You must become a self-advocate to be successful in this course and beyond!  It is your responsibility to be familiar with this material and ask questions about it if the information is unclear.

You will be experiencing a variety of activities throughout the year. Some days may involve lecturing and independent class work. Other days, you will be participating in cooperative learning groups or researching and designing projects. The important thing is that you come to class ready to learn and enjoy whatever learning experience there is that day!

What will I need?

•    Chromebook

•    Scientific or graphing calculator—You must bring it to class every day. 

• You WILL NOT be able to borrow calculators!  Calculators on cell phones and Chromebooks WILL NOT be allowed on tests!

A TI-30XS or TI-34 calculator is recommended.  These are user friendly and inexpensive!

A TI83/83+ or TI84/84+ are not required for geometry, but are used in future math courses; get used!

OR if you prefer paper/pencil, here are some recommended items (optional):

•   Pencil(s)—regular and/or colored                    •   Protractor*

•   Three-Ring Binder & Loose-Leaf Paper          •   Ruler w/ inches & cm*                                                                           

*A geometry template includes these tools as well as other useful devices

Reporting Your Mastery of the Material                                                                            

      (percentages as set per Administration)

1. • Tests are anywhere from 40-60 points per assessment.  Chapter tests are given at the conclusion of each unit and include questions from the entire chapter.           
     • Tests will be given during class time on paper. Notes/book/outside materials ARE NOT permitted. Students must bring and use their own scientific/graphing calculator during exams. Sharing of calculators is not permitted.
     • There may be more than one version of each assessment and answers may be     randomized to discourage cheating/plagiarism.
     • Work and/or explanations for solving problems on all tests must be included. A lack of work on problems will result in a penalty deemed appropriate by your teacher.
     • All tests will adhere to a time limit. Part of our goal is to ensure you are prepared for standardized tests. These tests are under strict time limits and if students exceed those time limits, their test is voided. Students with extended time accommodations (504/IEP) will individually be given that time. If you don’t know what a 504 or IEP is, that means you do not have one and are not eligible.
     • If a student is absent from class, they must email their teacher to set up a time when they     will make up the assessment.  An alternative version will be given at the teacher’s discretion. If a student does not email their teacher, it is understood that they will make up the test during their next mathematics class and are responsible for learning the material that they miss.
     • Second chance learning will be available for tests with the following conditions:
       1. All homework for the chapter must be satisfactorily submitted to the expectations laid out below in this syllabus to be eligible for second chance learning.
       2. You must email your teacher to make arrangements for second chance learning. Second chance learning must be taken in the Testing Center during non-class time.
       3. At the discretion of the teacher, additional review materials may be required before taking the second chance learning opportunity.
       4. Second chance learning must occur before the next chapter’s test unless arrangements are made with your teacher.
       5. The second chance learning score will replace the original test score (for better or worse).

2. • Interactive Quizzes vary in point value, up to 30 points, depending on the number of sections and topics being assessed. These interactive quizzes are designed to check your understanding of the topics as we learn in order to ensure your understanding of the targets for the formal tests given in class.    
     • These quizzes are online and multiple-choice; detailed work must be submitted to earn full credit. A penalty will be assessed if work is not included or lacking detail.
     • They may be completed in-class or outside of class at the discretion of the teacher. 
     • All students will be given 100 minutes (including those with extended time)
     • Each student will have 2 attempts.
     • You may use your notes/homework to help answer these questions, but not each other.  They should be completed individually without assistance from anyone (including teacher, peer, tutor, parent/guardian, etc.). 

3. • Homework Checks are given for each section via Canvas. They cover a majority of the targets from a section.
     • Each homework check is worth one point (no matter the number of questions).
     • You can retake them as many times as you want.
     • They should be completed by the end of a chapter to ensure maximum understanding of the targets; they will be locked at the conclusion of the following chapter.
     • After attempting homework checks on your own, you may seek out additional help during academic resource (or the resource center) from a teacher/peer tutor/etc.

4. • Homework/Classwork – will be assigned on a regular basis. Homework is a vehicle for you to practice and master the material. You should complete all problems in a given assignment in order to self-assess whether or not you have mastered the material.

5. • • Your assignment is due by 7:30 am the next day it was assigned, with the exception of weekends, where it will be due at 7:30 am on Monday morning. 
     • Homework that is late will be marked late by Canvas.  Even if you are absent from class, you are expected to watch the instructional videos and/or get the completed notes off of Canvas and attempt the homework. Unless there is a significant illness or family emergency, your homework must be attempted each night to help ensure your understanding of the targets. If possible, email your teacher that an issue has come up!
     • Homework submissions will be worth 1 point. If the submission is not a valid attempt, then half credit may be earned. If the homework is not submitted or it is not the correct assignment, then no credit will be earned. This is at the discretion of the teacher. A valid attempt must include a majority of problems attempted as well as applicable work shown. 
     • Late homework will be accepted for half credit through the end of the chapter; after that time, submissions will not receive any credit.
     • Those who do not submit homework repeatedly can expect the following actions to occur in this order...
       1. Email to student through Canvas from teacher (a timely response is expected)
       2. Email to parent(s)/guardian(s) as well as school counselor
       3. Follow up discussion with possible additional intervention (e.g., resource center assignment during free blocks, etc.)
     • If all homework is completed (regardless of lateness), a student may take advantage of second chance learning on the summative assessment, otherwise this opportunity will not be available until all homework is completed.
     • Homework may be completed on paper or Chromebook.  All homework is to be submitted electronically via Canvas. If using paper, please use the Genius Scan (iPhone) or Office Lens (Chromebook) app, which allows you to take multiple pictures and submit them as one file. This is a practice you should be familiar with from your experience in middle school. If you are a new student to the district or not skilled with this, it is your responsibility to reach out to your teacher and get support!

When completing your homework, you should use the following format:

Include a Header:

Name:                                                      Block:

Section #: Pgs. #:  Problem #’s:         Write the amount of time it took you to complete the homework.

• Solve problem in pencil/pen (or one color if using Chromebook)

• SHOW ALL OF YOUR WORK (when applicable) and/or include an explanation of your thought process (when applicable).

• Attempt all of the problems assigned. Leaving a question blank (or omitting a question) will result in the attempt being marked as incomplete. At the very least, write down key information from the problem and/or any relevant postulates/theorems. Sketch a picture even!

• Submit what you have done to CANVAS before 7:30 am the next day it is assigned, with the exception of weekends. If using paper, please use the Genius Scan app. It quickly allows you to take multiple pictures and submit as one file.

If you determine that you do not understand the majority of the assignment, you should first use your textbook and the online help available to you (e.g., Instructional Videos, Canvas, etc.).  Please see the online resources list on the next page for further information. If the online resources do not provide the clarification that you need, please plan on attending academic resource time (ART) or get additional support (e.g., peer tutor).

6. • Projects/Activities – Throughout the year, we will have various projects related to the material we study.  Some of these will be completed in class, while others will be completed out of school.  This is subject to change.

• Semester Evaluations—At the end of the first semester, there will be a traditional final exam assessment. This assessment will contain problems and skills from the entire first semester.  The questions will be multiple choice, to better prepare for SAT/ACT style assessments. It is vital that students take this assessment seriously as it will help prepare them for large tests (e.g. college finals, comprehensive trade exams, actuarial tests, BAR exams, etc.).

During the second semester, there will be a performance-based assessment (PBA). This PBA will be described in detail toward the end of the year. A detailed rubric and class time will be provided.  Each semester evaluation will be weighted at 10% of your final semester grade.

• Bonus – There will be several opportunities offered during the school year for bonus at the discretion of the teacher. These opportunities will be available for all students. Individual bonus opportunities will not be offered.

Canvas & Focus

All course content (daily note sheets, review sheets, homework answer keys, review answer keys, etc.) is available on Canvas. You will also have your agenda on Canvas (i.e. current interactive agenda) and submit your homework online through this platform. Your grades throughout each semester will also be located on Canvas, so check it often as it has all of the key information on it! Focus will only be used for final grade transfer at the semester and teacher attendance records. 

Missing Class

• Absent due to Illness: Upon returning to school, you must make arrangements to turn in any assignments that you’ve missed, as well as make-up any missed tests. Students (or if needed their parent/guardian) need to e-mail their teacher if they are ill and cannot complete an assessment when assigned. In general, if you are absent, your make-up work should be completed within the number of days that you missed.  For example, if you miss two days, you have two days upon returning to school to turn in your missed assignments. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLETE ANY MISSED ASSIGNMENTS!  DO NOT COUNT ON ME TO REMIND YOU!  I try to update Canvas regularly, so you need to check it frequently to make sure you are caught up.  As according to Upper St. Clair High School policy, any work that is completed more than two weeks after the due date is scored as a zero in the gradebook!  This policy applies to all of the aforementioned categories.  If there are extenuating circumstances, please come see me!

• Absent due to Field Trip/Extra-Curricular Activity: You are required to find out about assignments prior to missing class and are expected to have all assignments completed on the same day as your classmates.  If you miss a test/quiz, then arrangements for taking it are to be made prior to your absence.  I recommend that you e-mail me to keep me in the loop.

• Absent due to Truancy: Any student who cuts class will receive a zero for any work due in class that day.  This includes tests, interactive quizzes, projects, activities, homework, etc.

• Late Work Policy: If a student actively communicates (i.e., emails teacher) that they have a valid reason before class for having to submit something late, then there may be some leniency with lateness. Otherwise, there will be a percentage deducted at the teacher’s discretion.

Help

If you are feeling a bit flustered, I encourage you to seek extra help. You can sign up for academic resource time (ART) with your teacher during the week.  You also can go to the resource center during any free time you have as math teachers are there throughout the day.  There is also a Peer Tutor program that you can participate in.  Please just ask me for details.  It is vital that you reach out for help as soon as you are struggling! Don’t delay!

Cheating/Plagiarism

Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying homework, telling students in other classes about the problems or answers from a quiz or test, storing test answers or formulas in/on a graphing calculator, copying from another student during class, or sharing calculators during an assessment.  Cheating on homework, interactive quizzes, tests, or other assignments is punishable under the school discipline code.  Anyone caught cheating will receive a failing grade for that assignment, quiz, or test and a discipline report will be issued. If you are tempted to cheat, please contact your teacher IMMEDIATELY so that a dialogue can be held. Your teacher is here to help you grow, remember that!

Student Honor Pledge

Learn the Honor Pledge.  If you can sincerely attest to its validity, you are required to sign it at the end of every quiz or test.  If you cannot truthfully sign it, please discuss it with me when you turn in your assessment.

I certify that the work I am submitting is my own and that I have not sought any assistance that would constitute cheating or plagiarism.

Upper St. Clair High School Ethics Committee – May 2008

Class Procedures and Rules

1. Report to class on time and follow the instructions given by your teacher (either verbally or written on the Promethean board); find your assigned seat as soon as you enter the room. Attendance will be taken every class. Three unexcused tardies will result in a discipline report.

2. Bring your notes and all of your materials to class every day, including your Chromebook that is charged. You do not need to bring your book to class unless you are specifically told to do so (it is also available on Canvas in PDF form for you to access).

3. Take notes in the course notebook/Chromebook during class discussions and/or work on practice problems, asking questions of the teacher during class.  Any additional time in class should be used to work on assignments. DO NOT GET DISTRACTED WHILE ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK. If chronically distracted, an email to parent(s)/guardian(s) as well as school counselor will be sent. As needed, a follow up discussion with possible additional intervention (e.g., removal of Chromebook privileges, resource center assignment during free blocks, etc.) will occur.

4. In order to create a focused and engaged learning environment, students will be asked to place their personal device(s) in a numbered caddy located by the teacher’s desk at the start of each class. They will be assigned their number when they start the course, based on the attendance sheet. These devices will remain in the caddy for the duration of the class.
• As a reward, students can earn up to 10 bonus points at the end of each semester by doing this each day.
• If a student forgets to put their device in or removes it early any given day, their bonus will be reduced by 1 point per day. Thus, students can earn 1 to 10 whole bonus points in a semester.
• This policy still applies when a substitute is present (as well as all the other policies in this syllabus).

Any student that does not wish to use the caddy is still expected to keep their personal device(s) AWAY for the duration of class, knowing that NO BONUS points will be awarded. This includes any smart device (e.g., Apple watch, Air Pods, etc.)

Failure to comply will result in the confiscation of the device, contact of the parent(s)/guardian(s), and/or, discipline reports will be issued.

5. Be responsible, honest, and respectful at all times.

6. Water is the only drink allowed in class. If you bring food or another drink, you will be asked to throw it away.

7. You must be responsible for picking up and disposing of your own trash. Make sure the classroom is cleaner than when you arrived.

8. Please try to use the restroom before class, but if you do need to go during class, raise your hand and ask. If there is a true emergency, please calmly and quietly go and we can discuss when you return.

The items included on this syllabus are subject to change at your teacher’s discretion. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me. (See first page of syllabus for your teacher’s email address!)

A Note to the Parent(s)/Guardian(s)…

Geometry is similar to other math courses because new material is built on the knowledge of previous material.  In Geometry, students will have the opportunity to learn the process of how math is created.  In this class, students will be exposed to a lot of definitions, postulates, and theorems. Success will depend upon a long-term working knowledge of those items.  Items studied in early chapters will continuously show up throughout the remainder of the course.  For this reason, it will be important that the students take certain measures to help ensure a long-term understanding of the material.  

I recommend that before beginning assignments, students spend a little bit of time reviewing definitions, postulates, and theorems from the day’s lesson.  Students should review the before the chapter test.  This will allow students to study the material several times to transition that material into long term memory.  Last minute cramming of the definitions, postulates, and theorems will most likely lead to short term knowledge of the material and ultimately hinders future success in later chapters. 

Please take some time to review the syllabus given to your student in class today so that you are aware of the classroom policies and expectations. Thank you for your time and support.  I look forward to working with you and your student to make the 2022-2023 school year a successful one!   

A Note to the Student…

I am looking forward to an exceptional year with you in geometry!  I know that together we can accomplish GREAT things in this class.  Please know this:  EFFORT CREATES ABILITY. You are capable of doing well in mathematics! With hard work, effort, and dedication you will thrive in geometry. To help you achieve this target, I often keep in touch with parent(s)/guardian(s) through e-mail.  I do this for both positive and constructive reasons.  Please know that WE (your parent(s)/guardian(s), myself, and every other professional in this school) are working hard to make sure that you succeed.  Think of us as a TEAM, not an adversary!

            Also, I want you to learn mathematics and at the same time ENJOY it!  Math can be fun, just have an open mind and a positive attitude!  Those things go a long way not only in the classroom, but also in life.  I will be working very hard to keep things interesting every day in class. Also, know that research has shown ANYONE CAN DO MATH. I implore you to embrace having a growth mindset throughout this year and moving forward in all that you do! You’ll be surprised how much it changes your life in a positive way!   

            I set high standards for my students, but also for myself as a teacher.  If you ever have concerns or questions, please reach out to me so that we can discuss them.  Do not hesitate to email me with questions. I do respectfully ask that you do not expect an immediate response in the evenings or the weekend. I will return your email as soon as possible during the following school day.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Your signature indicates that you support the expectations of this course and the use of the available online resources.  You need to submit ONLY this portion of the syllabus to the assignment on Canvas to receive credit.  This will serve as a record of your agreement to these conditions.

Student Name: _______________________________________ 

Student Signature: _____________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: _________________________________          

Parent/Guardian Signature:________________________________