Information about the class
Pre-Calculus is one of the most challenging courses we teach at Capital High School. You will need to study each night and get help when you need it to be successful.
Students at this level have so many other activities that they sometimes forget about schoolwork. Falling behind with homework can be the biggest mistake for these students. Also, don't wait to come in for help if you are confused.
Upcoming Test or Quiz
Monday, June 2, IB Portfolio Due, NO EXCEPTIONS. NO LATE PORTFOLIOS ACCEPTED.
Re-Test day for Ch. 5 quiz is Thursday, May 22 before school (7:00-7:55) or after school (2:40-3:15) - no other times
Current list of assignments
Click HERE for a current list of assignments
Class Expectations
Welcome to Pre-Calculus! Pre-Calculus is an exciting class that will stretch your math abilities to new heights. Pre-Calculus is very challenging and will require you to spend time every night practicing by doing homework and/or studying for quizzes and tests.
In order for you to get the most out of your Pre-Calculus experience, it will be important that you do a few things. To start with, you are expected to follow the school rules and guidelines described in the student handbook. It is also my expectation that each student will do the following:
(1) Be in your seat when class starts and prepared to work with the proper tools,
(2) Have your assignment competed in PENCIL when you come to class,
(3) Be respectful of other people and their property,
(4) Take responsibility for your own actions,
(5) Always put forth your best effort, as it is a personal reflection of you.
Scope and Sequence of the Course
1st Semester: 2nd Semester:
Functions Trigonometry
Logarithms Vectors
Trigonometry Statistics
If you are absent, please check my website to get the assignment for the day and any available notes from class. If your absence is excused, you may make up the assignment and turn it in upon your return. It is your responsibility to check my website to inquire about any missed homework, quizzes, or tests. You will have 2 days to make up the homework, 1 week for quizzes, and 2 weeks for tests. It is your responsibility to schedule a time with me to make up any tests or quizzes before school, after school, or during activity period. If work is not made up in the allotted time, a zero score will be recorded (this includes tests and quizzes). Any work missed due to an unexcused absence will be recorded as a zero.
You can expect to receive a homework assignment every day. Daily homework is graded on effort and completeness. To receive full credit on daily assignments, your assignment must include the following:
(1) Every problem copied from the book,
(2) All work for each problem shown,
(3) Every problem completed,
(4) Every problem correct,
(5) All work done in pencil (assignments in pen receive a 0),
(6) Assignment turned in when collected/due.
Daily homework is, usually worth 5 points with points being deducted for not meeting the above criteria. Late homework will earn, at most, 2 points and the final day any late work can be turned in is the day the class takes the test for that material. If you are absent on the test day, any late or missing work is still due on that day. It is your responsibility to get it turned in on that day.
When a deadline for turning in a project is given, that is the day it is due, even if you are sick. If you are absent the day a project is due, it is your responsibility to get your work turned in on that day, somehow. If not, it will be counted late and not receive full credit. Projects turned in late will lose 10% each day it is late. After 5 days, a zero is recorded. Projects will be assigned as they are needed or appropriate. There is one exception to the late project rule; IB Portfolio Projects are not accepted late for any reason.
You can expect a quiz every few days and a test at the end of each chapter. There are no re-take quizzes or tests. Be prepared and do your best the first time.
Extra credit is precious and extra, therefore, I give very little of it. When I do give extra credit, is spread throughout the semester. Since is it extra, if you are absent on the day I give extra credit, you will not have the opportunity to make it up. There is no “make-up” for extra credit. If you do all of the extra credit that occurs during the trimester, it might raise your grade about 2-3% maximum. Don’t count on extra credit to save your grade.
Your grade is weighted by the following, approximate, ratios:
55% - Assessments (tests, quizzes)
35% - Homework
10% - Portfolio/projects/daily preparation
The materials/tools you need for class include: pencil(s), notebook paper, graph paper, and a graphing calculator will be very useful. I have a classroom set of TI-84 Plus calculators to use while you are in class, however you will find it useful to get one for doing your homework at home. The TI-84 Plus or TI-84 Plus Silver is a recommended choice. Keep your personal calculators at home; you will use my calculators when in class. In math, we all make mistakes; that is how we learn. Therefore, I expect all assignments to be done in pencil so errors can be corrected. Any assignment, this includes tests and quizzes, done in pen will receive zero credit.
I provide you with 4 hall passes to use throughout the semester. I record in my grade book each time you use one. A hall pass is also deducted each time you are tardy. When all 4 passes have been used, there are no more. Use your passes wisely and for emergencies. For each un-used pass at the end of the semester, I will give you extra credit.
Cell phones are not allowed in class. If a cell phone is seen or heard, it will be confiscated and turned into the office. You will have to go to your Administrator, in the office, after school to retrieve it.
If you start to fall behind or need extra help, it is your responsibility to come in and get the help you need. I am available most mornings and after school. Check with me in advance to make sure I will be in my room. If I am not available, you can always go to any math teacher for help. The math teachers will help any student who asks for help.
Parents, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have about your student. Email is the fastest and best way to get in touch with me (rlobe@osd.wednet.edu). Please include your email address(es) on the attached sheet to be returned so that I may contact you more quickly. I also will send out group emails to the class reminding them of an upcoming test or project due date.
I am looking forward to a fun and exciting year. Remember this:
Math is not a spectator sport.
My email: rlobe@osd.wednet.edu