Camden Middle School 2022-2023

Pre-Algebra (Math 8)

 Teacher Contact Information

Mrs. Drew Cooper

803-425-8975 x4053

drew.cooper@kcsdschools.net  

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Overview

Welcome to Math 8 (Pre-Algebra). I believe that all students can and will learn mathematics. Keep in mind that this will be your last math course before entering high school. Students will be taking on more responsibilities as they transition into high school math. Pre-Algebra is a medium paced course, covering a new section every two-three days. Remediation and review will be done in class and at home on a student’s own time. Students will need to participate in class, ask for help when needed, stay positive, study, review notes every night, and complete homework and online assignments.

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Course Description

Pre-Algebra is the foundation for high school mathematics. Throughout the year we will be focusing on topics such as, (but not limited to), relationships and functions, understanding graphs, linear relationships, number properties, and data analysis. We will be using various strategies to engage students in problem solving and reasoning.

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Math 8 Standards

Standards

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Content

1. Transformational Geometry (Module 1, Module 2)
2. Linear Equations and Applications (Module 3, Module 4)
3. Relationships and Functions (Module 5, Module 6, Module 7)
4. Statistics and Probability (Module 8, Module 9)
5. Real Numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem (Module 10, Module 11)
6. Exponents, Scientific Notation, and Volume (Module 12, Module 13)

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Course Objectives

Students will use the Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice to …

1.     Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2.     Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

3.     Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

4.     Model with mathematics.

5.     Use appropriate tools strategically.

6.     Attend to precision.

7.     Look for and make use of structure.

8.     Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

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Required Materials

School Provided: Chromebook, All Things Algebra Interactive Notebook

Recommended Materials: Headphones/earbuds, scientific calculator, pencil pouch, pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, expo markers, colored pencils/crayons, scissors, glue stick, highlighter, red/colored pen, ruler, binder, lined paper, notebook, folder, textbook cover,  CLEAR water bottle for water

Scientific Calculator: We use these ALL the time!! Having your own will be helpful! TI-30 are great for this class!

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Major Assignments and Assessments

Quizzes will be given throughout the chapter. Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. Redos will be allowed on Major grades if a student scores below a 70 on a test. Students can only score up to a 70 on the redo assessment. Students who missed the original test due to being absent must complete their test within 5 days after return to school. Students are responsible for scheduling with the teacher to complete the assessment. Redo must be taken within 5 days of the original test being returned.

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Classroom Rules of Conduct

1. Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe
2. Bring required materials every day, be organized and prepared for class
3. Use polite speech and body language
4. No food/candy or drinks, unless provided by the teacher. Only water in a clear see-through container is approved.
5. All school rules in the CMS Student Handbook also apply at all times.

Infractions will be given to students that violate any classroom rules. Three infractions given in the same week will result in a lunch detention. Repeated violations may result in parent conferences or referrals.

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Tardy Policy

All students must be in their classroom when the bell rings.  Repeat offenses of tardiness may result in disciplinary action.

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Use of Electronics

All unauthorized electronic devices (phones, smart watches, ipods, Nintendo switch, etc..) should be placed in lockers during homeroom. Violations will result in a referral and the device will be turned into guidance.

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Passes

Students will need a pass to leave the classroom.

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Homework Policy

Homework is used to practice skills covered in class. The only homework given will be those assignments NOT completed in class.Examples: ALEKS Topics, classwork topics, and other assignments found on Canvas.

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Conferences – Parents are to schedule conferences in advance at times convenient for both teachers and parents, during the assigned teacher’s planning. Conferences must be at such times that they do not interrupt or interfere with a teacher’s class. Conferences may be scheduled by calling the guidance office at 425-8975 to speak with Mrs. Stokes.  Please know if the conference includes additional personnel outside of the core academic classroom teachers, that it may cause additional constraints on availability of conference times.

Makeup Work Policy

Students are expected to attend school every day and arrive on time. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me before/during/after an absence to inquire about any make-up work, quizzes, tests, etc. that you may have missed during an excused absence. Students will have 5 school days to complete missing assignments from the date they return to school.

Grading Policy

Students who fail a major assessment will have an opportunity to take a retest. The best opportunity for this is during lunch and learn time or class time if available. Teachers will also  have a free and open policy to “share” students during Enrichment time on Thursday and Friday to accommodate students.

1. Students must be retested within the grading period in which the original assessment was taken.

1. Retests must be taken no later than five days after the original assessment is returned with a grade or three days before the end of the grading period, whichever comes first.
2. Retests may be taken on summative assignments which measure mastery that is counted as a major assessment. Retesting does not apply to any assignment graded as a minor assessment such as a quiz, homework, or classwork. Furthermore, the retest will not apply to long-term assignments such as research projects. I implore you to seek ways to progress monitor long term assignments in an attempt to support accurate and timely completion. 
3. Students who qualify for a make up test, will either receive the higher grade or an average of the two grades together - neither to be higher than a 70. The teacher has the choice to average the two grades or give the highest grade of the two but with a retest, it cannot exceed a score of 70. Students may also make corrections to earn partial credit towards their final grade in lieu of taking a retest.

Classroom Ethics:

Classroom assessments should demonstrate the students’ understanding of material, therefore, if a student completes an assessment dishonestly the assessment will result in a grade of 0. A retest will be decided on a case by case basis.

Some resources for this course include:

McGraw-Hill online      ALEKS    CMS Homepage     Khan Academy     Powerschool    Gmail      ClassLink ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Letter from the teacher:

Dear Parents,

I am very grateful for the opportunity to get to know your child this year. Since you are allowing me to be a part of your child’s life, I would like to let you know a little about me as well.

I am a fourth year teacher, with this being my first year at Camden Middle School. I received my bachelors degree in Middle Level Education (English and math) from Winthrop University and

my masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. I spent my first three years teaching at Andrew Jackson Middle School in my hometown of Kershaw, South Carolina.

I am married to the love of my life, Graham (who is from Camden),  and have one fur-baby, my cat named Boots. I am very much looking forward to teaching in the town I now call home! If you have any questions or concerns throughout this year, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Drew Cooper

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PARENT / STUDENT RECEIPT & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SYLLABUS

Please review this syllabus with your child and sign below. Syllabus are due by Tuesday, August 9, 2022.

Parent Signature:_____________________________________________ Date:______________

Student Signature:___________________________________________ Date:______________