Pre-Calculus Syllabus

 

St. Francis High School
Instructor: Mr. Bretzel
Contact Information
 
Phone: 414.747.3638
 
 
Course Description
 
Student Content: Pre-calculus is a course intended to provide the mathematical concepts, computations and problem solving skills necessary for students with an interest to increase their knowledge of mathematics, or whose intent is to continue their education at a college or technical school. If future education is anticipated in the areas of mathematics, engineering, science, medicine, computers or business, serious consideration should be given to include pre-calculus. Students will investigate “families” of algebraic functions and trigonometry functions throughout the year. Topics of advanced algebra, trigonometry and differential/integral calculus are developed, enhanced and expanded. The mathematical concept of function is infused throughout the course.   A graphing calculator is required and is used on a daily basis. This calculator promotes the comprehension and development of mathematical concepts, reduces the sometimes tedious calculations of more advanced mathematics, aids in the development of problem solving strategies and techniques and aids students in visualizing the mathematical model being studied. Each student will be issued a district-purchased graphing calculator for use during the class and for homework. According to the approved district policy, the student is responsible for batteries and for keeping the calculator safe and in working order. If the calculator is lost, the student is responsible for the replacement cost.
 
Course Outline
 
Quarter 1: Review of solving all types of equations,, Chapter 1: Working with the Absolute Value Function, Chapter 2: Exponential Functions, Chapter 3: Logarithmic Functions
 
Quarter 2: Chapter 4: Learning the complete trigonometric functions, Chapter 5: Identities of Trigonometric Functions, Chapter 6: Graphing all Trigonometric Functions
 
Quarter 3: Chapter 7: Solving Trigonometric Equations, Chapter 8: Polynomial Functions, Chapter 9: Rational Functions
 
Quarter 4: Chapter 10: Polar Math, Chapter 11: Introduction to derivatives, Review for exam
 
General Expectations
 
  1. Come to class on time and be prepared to engage in the learning process.
  2. Complete all assignments to the best of your ability.
  3. Treat everyone in the school community with dignity and respect at all times.
  4. Ask for help or clarification when you need it.
  5. All other rules and expectations noted in the SFHS Student Agenda will be enforced.
  6. Classroom Participation
    1. Be on time - you miss valuable class information when you are tardy. 
    2. Daily attendance is a must - this class is difficult enough, but more difficult if you are not here
    3. Involvement in discussions, homework problems, opening activities, lectures, note taking, etc. IS A MUST .
    4. Contributions made during class - You must volunteer often during each class period or you earn zero points.
    5. Pay attention - get a good night sleep, COME PREPARED TO LEARN AND BE INVOLVED.
    6. Don’t be disruptive during class - be fair to your classmates. Even if you are not interested, let others have the opportunity to learn and share.
    7. There is no sleeping or "putting your head down" in class. If you need a pass to see the nurse, ask.
    8. 5 points every day – 3 points for homework & 2 points for participation 
  1. How to have a successful classroom experience
    1. Sharpen your pencil when you need to. Try to be discrete and quiet.
    2. Pay attention and listen when someone is talking MATHEMATICS.
    3. Don’t eat/drink in class - this includes candy
    4. There is no physical/verbal abuse in the building, this includes inappropriate language and name calling. 
    5. Be in the room when the bell rings or have a pass.
    6. Bring required classroom materials DAILY: your book, notebook, calculator and supplies.
    7. Bring your Agenda, you will not be permitted to leave the room without it.
Textbook/Resource Materials
 
District Provided Textbook: Pre-calculus and Discrete Mathematics,
Handouts as provided by the teacher
 
Required Materials and Supplies:
 
  1. Notebook = 3-ring binder – 1 inch
  2. Texbook – Daily – provided by the District
  3. TI-84+ Graphing Calculator - Daily. 
  4. Straight edge – daily
  5. Pencil & loose leaf paper
  6. 4 AAA batteries for the calculator. The math department has a limited supply. $3 for 4 batteries.
  7. A small pack of colored pencils for the graphing chapter
Grading – Components and Grading Scale
 
  1.  Homework = assigned DAILY 
    1. Graded on completeness and how well you attempt the problems – Part of classroom participation points.
    2. Requires calculator DAILY
  1. In-Class work and Opening Activities
    1. All students are required to participate in the opening activities. Failure to do so will lower your quarter grade. Opening activities are done the first 5-10 minutes of the class and usually review important concepts from the day before or a previous class. Even if you were absent, you need to attempt the opening activities.
    2. Part of participation grade.
    3. Require a calculator DAILY
  1. Quizzes
    1. Given on Friday only
    2. Need to study and prepare for them
    3. Require a calculator
    4. 50 points in value
  1. Tests
    1. Given at the end of a unit
    2. Require a calculator
    3. 100 points in value
      5. Grading Scale
 
Divide the points you earn on participation, in-class activities, opening activities, quizzes and tests by the total number of points possible. The following percentages will be used to determine your letter grade.
 
                100 %                = A+                                       99 % - 93%                  = A
92 % - 90 %      = A-                                        89 % - 87%                  = B+
86 % - 83 %      = B                                          82 % - 80 %                 = B-
79 % - 77 %      = C+                                        76 % - 73 %                 = C
72 % - 70 %      = C-                                         69 % - 67 %                 = D+
66 % - 63 %      = D                                          62 % - 60 %                 = D-
59 % - 0 %        = F
   6.  Semester Exams
 
All students MUST take the semester exams. They cover material that is taught each semester and are worth 20% of your semester grade. Each quarter is work 40% of your semester grade. See Exam Exemption Policy to earn an exemption.
 
Late Work Policy
 
 Make-up work
 
    1. If you are excused absent, you are entitled to 2 school days to make up the work missed. It must be shown to me to get credit. Failure to do so will lower your quarter grade. Late work WILL NOT be accepted.
    2. If you miss a quiz, see me regarding make-up.
    3. If you miss a test, see me to make arrangements. All make-up tests MUST be done within 2 school days unless you see me to discuss it.
    4. If you miss a scheduled EXAM and are unexcused, a zero will be recorded for the Exam grade. If you are absent for an EXAM and are excused, you MUST see ME to make arrangements to take the EXAM during the scheduled make-up period. Failure to do so will result in a zero being recorded.
Absences & Tardiness Policy
 
Attendance
 
a.   Be here DAILY.
b.      Unexcused tardiness will not be tolerated. Failure to report after school will result in a make-up period with me.
1st unexcused tardy = Free
2nd unexcused tardy = Free + Warning
3rd unexcused tardy = 10 minutes after school, Rm 122 that day, unless you see me to discuss it.  20 academic points will be deducted from your quarterly earned points for failure to report (unless you have seen Mr. Bretzel to make alternative plans)
4th unexcused tardy = 20 minutes after school, Rm 122 that day, unless you see me to discuss it.  20 academic points will be deducted from your quarterly earned points for failure to report (unless you have seen Mr. Bretzel to make alternative plans
c.   If you are absent because of illness, you MUST show Mr. Bretzel your homework that was assigned that day. Up to 20 academic points may be deducted from your quarterly earned points for failure to turn in assigned work. 
d.     When you are absent for a field trip or are released early for a sporting event, you are to plan as if you where in attendance at school the entire day. No exceptions.  20 academic points will be deducted from your quarterly earned points for failure to come to class with completed work assigned during the class absence.
e.      If you are planning a family vacation during the academic school year, you MUST meet with Mr. Bretzel prior to the absences to get the needed materials, homework and a time-line for completion.  Failure to follow this policy will results in ZEROS being given for all missed homework, in-class work, quizzes and/or tests assigned during the period of absences.
 
Extra Credit
 
There is no formal extra credit policy. As the year progresses, student will be given the opportunity to earn extra points considered extra credit.
 
 
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St. Francis School District
4225 S. Lake Drive
St. Francis, WI 53235
Phone: 414-747-3900
Fax: 414-482-7198
 

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