Dear Parents/Guardians, First off, Hello! My name is Mr. McDougal.

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and let you know that I am very excited to begin this next year. I am also very excited to have your son or daughter in my Algebra 1 class this year. Below you will find a lot of information about how my classroom is run and what I expect from my students in order for them to be successful in my class. Please take the time to discuss this information with your son or daughter. Although I am going to cover this information in class it will be beneficial to your son or daughter to discuss this information at home in order to increase understanding. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to contact me. Your students success is the most important thing to me and if we work as a team success is a certainty! Algebra is a universal theme that runs through all of mathematics and is important in nearly every aspect of the workplace. Algebraic thinking is a necessity for the intelligent consumer of goods and information. Algebra 1 will focus on numbers and operations, measurement, geometry, data analysis, probability, and algebra. The largest component will be the algebra unit with a focus on linear relationships and functions. Homework should be expected daily and class time to complete the work will sometimes be given. Students will be required to show their work or credit will not be given. Of course, work must be completed in pencil. By the end of the year students should be able to do the following: 1. Understand that a function represents a dependence of one quantity on another and can be described in a variety of ways. 2. Use the properties and attributes of functions. 3. Understand how algebra can be used to express generalizations and recognizes and uses the power of symbols to represent situations. 4. Understand the importance of the skills required to manipulate symbols in order to solve problems and uses the necessary algebraic skills required to simplify algebraic expressions and solve equations and inequalities in problem situations. 5. Understand that linear functions can be represented in different ways and translates among their various representations. 6. Understand the meaning of the slope and intercepts of the graphs of linear functions and zeros of linear functions and interprets and describes the effects of changes in parameters of linear functions in real-world and mathematical situations. 7. Formulate equations and inequalities based on linear functions, uses a variety of methods to solve them, and analyzes the solutions in terms of the situation. 8. Formulate systems of linear equations from problem situations, uses a variety of methods to solve them, and analyzes the solutions in terms of the situation. 9. Understand that the graphs of quadratic functions are affected by the parameters of the function and can interpret and describe the effects of changes in the parameters of quadratic functions. 10. Understand there is more than one way to solve a quadratic equation and solves them using appropriate methods. 11. Understand there are situations modeled by functions that are neither linear nor quadratic and models the situations. Classroom Rules: The classroom rules are designed to ensure that no students behavior interferes with the learning of others: 1. Students will be in seat, quiet, and prepared with all necessary materials by the time the bell signals the start of class.

2. Students will complete all homework assignments and turn them into the class homework folder by the beginning of class on the due date for the assignment. 3. Remain quiet unless told otherwise by me. 4. Follow all instruction, the first time, without argument. 5. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. For violations of these rules, I will assign minor penalties. These may include detention and/ or tutoring sessions. If you have any questions concerning these rules or the penalties please feel free to contact me. While rule enforcement, when necessary, is important, I will be placing a high emphasis on teaching my students to be productive members of society. I will stress the following traits or Guidelines for Success: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Be a facilitator of your own learning. Be responsible for yourself. Be respectful of everyone, including yourself. Be a team player. Always try, even if you don't succeed.

Grading: Below is the information your student has been given about grades: 1. Students will receive a weekly preparation grade in my class. This grade will consist of 5 points per week. Each day that a student does not adhere entirely to the above rule this student will lose one point. This means that the student needs to be in seat, quiet, AND prepared with all necessary materials by the time the bell signals the start of class. All three criteria must be adhered to in order for the student to keep the point for the day. This grade will account for 10% of the students overall grade. 2. Homework will be worth 30% of your grade. 3. Quizzes will be worth 10% of your grade. 4. Unit tests will be worth 30% of your grade. 5. The final exam will be worth 20% of your grade. Students will be required to keep a personal grade sheet in their math binders. This will ensure that students are always aware of missing assignments and are aware of their current grade in the class. Contact Information: The students know that they can always ask me questions in class and can schedule an appointment to talk to me whenever they need help. They are also aware of all tutoring sessions. If you want to contact me, my email is dougmcdoug05@gmail.com. Thank you for your time. Please sign the attached form and have your student sign to indicate that you have discussed this information. Have your student return the form by Monday for a few 5 extra credit points on their first test. Sincerely, Mr. McDougal