Dear Parents,
As we start the new school year I wanted to touch base with you about a couple of items of importance to your child's success in Algebra 1.
First, I'd like to inform you about my homework policy. With our text book it is imperative that students do their homework when it is assigned so that they have time to practice and master the material in time for the individual tests. Typically, the day after an assignment is made, we go over the answers and any questions in class. If they feel their assignment is complete and they are happy with their level of understanding, they can turn in the assignment. If they choose, they may keep it another night to work on any problem areas and get help, then turn it in the 2nd day without being penalized. If they don't turn it in the second day, then it can be turned in on the third day but it will receive fewer points because it is late. Assignments turned in after the 3rd day will not be given points unless the student was absent the day it was assigned or the last day it's accepted for credit. If there are extenuating circumstances that keep them from completing the assignment, they can talk to me about an extension.
The next item involves supplies. Students need to have a 1.5" to 2" 3-ring binder, graph paper (preferably in a spiral notebook), a pencil with an eraser to do problems in class (pens are okay), and a graphing calculator. We strongly recommend the TI-83 or TI-84+ (silver or color edition). Our textbook provides many useful online resources including a calculator guide to help students navigate their way through all the buttons and commands. This guide is written specifically for the Texas Instruments (TI) family of graphing calculators. While other brands will perform most of the same functions, students (and parents) may have to look up how to do things using the guide book for their specific brand of calculator. The best time to purchase a graphing calculator to ensure the best price is while retailers are running their back-to-school sales. I understand these are a considerable expense so please don't feel that you have to get the most expensive model. I believe the TI-84 plus or TI-84 plus silver edition are suggested and these go along with what I use for demonstration on the SmartBoard (TI-84 plus color is the same as these but in color rather than grey scale). If cost is a factor, the TI-83 will do the trick although it is usually only about $10-15 cheaper than some of the 84 models. Students will use these calculators throughout high school and some will use them in college depending on their choice of major so encourage your student to take care of their calculator and to keep the screen protector on when they are not in use. If there is a hardship situation, and can not afford to buy one of these, please contact myself or your child's counselor and we'll see what we can do. My best advice- shop around online or in stores.
Continue to encourage your students to do their homework and to check it using the online textbook and to get help when they don't understand. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Deanna Cavicchia