Welcome to 8th grade!

• I will be teaching the Algebra and Physical Science part of your student’s core this year. Please feel free to reach me by electronic mail (email): kong_josie@nlmusd.k12.ca.us. You may also use the school phone as well (listed above) to leave a message.

• Algebra I: This course covers all 25 of the California standard for Algebra I. First trimester will include solving, graphing, and writing linear equations. Second trimesters will include inequalities, linear systems and exponential functions. Third trimester will include the quadratic equations, factoring polynomials, rational expressions and radicals. Successful completion of Algebra I will result in placement in Geometry for 9th grade.

• Physical Science: This course will focus on reading and interactive assignments to study Physical Science. Trimester one will include the study of matter, Solids/liquids/gases, Elements & the periodic table, Atoms & bonding, and Chemical reactions. Second trimester will focus on Chemical reactions, Acids/bases/solutions, Carbon Chemistry, Motion & Energy, Forces, Forces in Fluids. In the final trimester, students will explore all facets of Space to include the Earth/Moon/Sun, Exploring Space, the Solar System, Stars, Galaxies and the Universe.

*16 spiral notebooks (five * Student Agenda

for each trimester w/1 extra) *Blue or black pens & a red pen

*#2 pencils (mechanical pencil *covered pencil sharpener

is acceptable if #2 lead is used) *Graph paper for entire year

*OPTIONAL: Calculator

(Texas Instruments TI 30Xa or TI 30IIs)

• Please note that unnecessary materials such as toys, makeup, electronic items, permanent marker, use of cell phones during class will be taken away and given to administration.

• Traditional letter grading is given for both Algebra and Physical Science assignments as designated below:

o Grade A 90-100% accuracy of items

o Grade B 80-89% “ “

o Grade C 70-79% “ “

o Grade D 60-69% “ “

o Grade F 59% and below “ “

• Final Grades are calculated in a composite weight-scoring manner. This means that some assignments carry a greater percentage than assignments:

o Algebra: Quizzes/tests/performance exams 60%

Homework, In class work, projects, and class participation 40%

o Physical Science: Homework, In class work, class participation, & labs 60%

Quizzes/tests/performance exams 40%

• Performance assessments result in a product that show concept learning has occurred in class. Algebra exams will require that “work” will need to be shown on paper in order to receive credit. Calculators may not be used on any test unless directed by the teacher. If the student chooses to use the calculator, Ithe teacher will provide the student with a calculator. Students may use classroom notes as per their teacher’s direction for quizzes/tests. It is at the teacher’s discretion to allow students to retake a quiz/test based on one of the following issues:

o To replace an unusually low test score with a mean average of replacing the score.

o Drop an unusually low test score.

o Replace a low test score due to severe illness as verified by an appropriate source.

VII. Extra Credit Policy:

• Extra credit work is given as an extension of classroom work. It is not given to replace or make up regular classroom assignments. Extra credit will be given at the beginning of a unit with a specific additional due date for its return to the teacher.

• At Los Alisos Middle School, “every teacher has the right to teach and every student has the right to learn.” Any student that interferes with this process will follow the classroom progressive discipline plan:

o Verbal Warning

o Student/ Teacher conference (as scheduled/considered to be a cooling off period).

o Time Out/ Parent contact. and or

o Possible detention (At snack, lunch, before, or after school) with teacher.

o Referral to the office or Student Study Team (with student, parent, teachers, and administrator)

o Depending upon the nature of the behavior or incident, deviation from this hierarchy may vary.

kong_josie@nlmusd.k12.ca.us

• Progress reports are given at least once a trimester. In Algebra, progress reports will be given after every chapter test. In Physical Science progress reports will be given after any assessment. Progress reports will be given at parent/guardian request. Please call, email, or document in the student’s agenda.

Please fell free to contact me by e-mail of phone if you have any questions or concerns. I am available from 8:00-8:30 and 3:00- 3:00.

Position:

Contact: