Algebra 2 Honors Syllabus

Mission Vista High School Ms. Wetmore, Room 806

E-mail: laurawetmore@vistausd.org
Website: mvhswetmore@weebly.com
I.

Course Description

II.

Grading Policy

Phone: (760) 758-6800, Ext. 73806

Twitter: @MsWetmoreMath

Algebra 2 Honors continues on the concepts from Algebra 1 and Geometry. It develops advanced
algebra skills and concepts such as systems of equations, polynomials, imaginary and complex
numbers, quadratics, and includes the study of trigonometric functions, as required by the
California Common Core State Standards. Students will develop the ability to explore and solve
mathematical problems, think critically, work cooperatively with other students and communicate
mathematical ideas clearly. The content of this course is important for students success on the SAT,
ACT, and college mathematics entrance exams.

Assessm ents
(Scheduled tests [3-4], final)
Quizzes
Assignm ent Packets
(Warm-Ups, Classwork, Homework)
Notes W orkbook

50%
20%
20%

Grading Scale:
A
90 100%
B
80 89.9%
C
70 79.9%
D
65 69.9%
F
Below 65%

10%

*Parents may check Parent Portal for current information on your students progress.
**Grades will not be rounded.

III. Test, Quizzes, and Finals:

Quizzes will be given mid-unit and may include group tests. Students may do quiz corrections
to earn up to half of the points back. This is due before the unit test and must have the original
quiz attached to the Learning from Your Mistakes form.
Tests will be administered at the end of each unit/chapter. Students will be allowed to retake 1
test per final grading period to average with original score. The Request to Retest Form must
be complete and turned in prior to retaking. Retake dates will be announced and held after
school.
Final/Midterm Exam will be administered at the end of each final grading period and may count
for up to 2 times a regular test. There are no retakes on midterms or finals.

IV. Assignment Packets:

Packets are due at the end of the units but unless otherwise indicated, hom ework is assigned
and checked daily. Homework is worth 5 points a day. In order to receive full credit, ALL
problems and work must be shown and problems need to be corrected in class. Work is
considered late if it is incomplete or not done by the due date. These will be graded based on
completeness and correctness and, on occasion, you may be asked to redo an assignment if it is
done incorrectly. Students may turn in late homework for up to 3 points but it is due before the next
unit test. If students are absent, they will be given an additional day to make up the homework they
missed. *No late homework will be accepted during class! In order to receive any

credit for late work students m ust turn in their assignm ent during lunch or after
school. *

V.

Substitute Teacher Policy

There will be instances when the teacher is not able to attend class, and a substitute teacher will be
assigned. Students are expected to 1) follow ALL classroom and school rules 2) behave the
same, if not better than they would for their regular classroom teacher, and 3) show the substitute
respect. If a students name is left by the substitute for behavior problems/issues, the student will
receive a detention or referral. It is unacceptable to misbehave for any substitute teacher.

VI. Materials and Supplies

Textbook (please leave at home)

Calculator: Scientific or graphing calculator (TI-83/84 preferred)
Spiral, 3-ring or composition notebook (for warm-ups, classwork, etc.)
Graph paper
Notes Workbook: will be provided to you the first week please keep in good condition.
Pen or Pencil: students m ust have a functioning writing utensil every day of class.
Highlighter (used to highlight answers on quizzes, tests, and used for in-class note taking, etc.)
Colored (other than black) Pen (used for correcting work)
Dry Erase Markers: we will try to write on white boards often as well as their desks
Colored pencils and/or markers

VII. Classroom Procedures and Rules

(All VUSDs and MVHS policies will be enforced in this classroom)

1. Respect O thers. You are required to respect everyone in this classroom by avoiding
profanity, disparaging rem arks, and insults all of which will not be tolerated.
2. Be on tim e, ready to work. Students will be marked late if they are not in the classroom
and beginning to work when the tardy bell rings (see Late/Tardy Policy for further details).
3. Take care of all personal business before or after class. This includes going to the
bathroom, talking to friends, and borrowing materials from classmates before class begins.
4. Listen during Instruction. All students in this class have a right to learn therefore
disruptions during instructional time are unacceptable.
5. W e will work the full class period. You need to wait to pack up your belongings until you
are instructed to do so. Ending work and packing up early will require you to make up the
class time.
6. Cell phones, I-pods, ear buds, or other electronic devices will fall under the technology
policy (See XII)

VIII. Support Opportunities

Some confusion is normal when you are learning new material; everyone will occasionally get stuck
on a problem. Do not worry; we can discuss any misunderstandings in class. But if you are
frequently having a difficult time understanding or accurately completing assignments, then you
are urged to contact me or seek further help right away. There are many opportunities for you to
receive additional support through tutoring or extra practice. More specific information about the
tutoring schedule will be available later.

IX. Attendance

Students are responsible to keep up on the daily work while they are absent. Generally, you are
given the same number of days that you were out to make up your work if your absence is excused.
You will usually have a guide that will cover the unit, so you have an idea on what you are missing
and are able to still complete it. In addition, you may check on my website, which will be kept up to
date on all information. Nevertheless, I still recommend getting the phone num bers of other
students from class.
Excused absences: Students may take quizzes and tests afterschool or during lunch before a
scheduled absence or within two days of an excused absence. Please speak to Ms. Wetmore
before or after your absence.

X.

Late/Tardy Policy

You are expected to be in the classroom and ready to work when the bell begins to ring. If you
are not in the class at that time, I will mark you late. Frequent tardies will NOT be tolerated and
may result in lunch detention or office referral. Note: you will not be penalized under this policy for
arriving late with an excused pass from a teacher or administration.

XI. Academic Honesty Policy

Cheating, of any kind, will not be tolerated . This course seeks to empower students for
independent learning, resourcefulness, clear thinking, and perception. You have many responsibilities
in this class. Your honesty must never be in question. All submitted work and activities should be
genuine signs of individual achievement from which the student should derive personal satisfaction and
a sense of accomplishment. Plagiarism and cheating undermine these goals and will be treated
according to the policy stated in the Student Planner. The reward is not worth the risk.

XII. Technology Policy

I plan on students using technology to learn. The use of technology is designed to enhance and
enrich the educational experience, and increase authentic student engagement to academic
activities. Connecting to the VUSD and MVHS wireless network is a privilege, not a right. Students
and parents must assume full responsibility for any privately owned technology brought on to
campus. Neither Vista Unified School District nor Mission Vista High School (or Ms. Wetmore) will
accept responsibility for any lost or stolen privately owned electronic device.
The use of cell phones or other electronic devices during class may only occur when the light is
green and must still be used ONLY for educational purposes.
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