Johnston Middle School for the Performing and Visual Arts
10410 Manhattan Dr. Houston, TX 77096
SYLLABUS
Course
Grade
Title
Room
8th
Mathematics
T-31
Instructor
Name
Email
Conference Period
Website
Ms. Jaclyn Figurski
[email protected]
4th Period
http://www.houstonisd.org/Domain/29160
The Class
Throughout mathematics in Grade 8, students build a foundation of basic understandings in numerical
representations and relationships, computations and algebraic relationships, Geometry and measurement, and data
analysis and personal financial literacy. The course is divided into 21 units:
Unit 1 – Real numbers and Scientific
Unit 8 – Functions
Unit 15 – Solving Equations and
Notation
Unit 9 – Angle Theorems for
Inequalities
Unit 2 – Proportional vs. Non-
Triangles
Unit 16 – Properties of translations
Proportional Relationships
Unit 10 – Parallel Lines
and reflections
Unit 3 – Rate of Change, Slope, and
Unit 11- Angle-Angle Similarity
Unit 17 –Properties of Rotations
y-intercept
Unit 12 – Pythagorean Theorem
Unit 18 – Dilations and Measurement
Unit 4 – Direct Variation
Unit 13 – Volume
Unit 19 – Scatterplots
Unit 5 – Systems of Equations
Unit 14 – Surface Area
Unit 20 – Sampling
Unit 6 – Linear Equations
Unit 21 –Financial Literacy
Unit 7 – Bivariate Data
Course Expectations
To acquire this knowledge and develop these understandings, students are expected to complete all assignments,
homework, quizzes, tests, and projects. Students’ grade in this course will depend not only on submitted
assignments, but also on steadfast attendance and active participation in all classroom activities. In addition,
mastery of Math concepts will be assessed through a series of unit quizzes and tests throughout the school year.
All work should be original and prepared solely for the designated assignment and will be of such quality as to be an
outstanding model for other students. It is Ms. Figurski’s policy that late assignments will be accepted up to 5 days
late with a 10 point per day deduction. After the 5 days late assignment becomes a zero and there will be no
opportunity to complete assignment.
Homework will be given out on Monday for the week. Students will be given 5-7 problems per day; this is 20-35
questions per week. Problems assigned are a combination of review questions and new material. Students are
expected to be working on the problems throughout the week and will be due on Friday when students walk into the
door of my classroom.
Respect for oneself ~ Respect for others~ Respect for the environment
Class Rules
1. Check Your Attitude at the Door
2. Work Hard. Get Smart.
3. 100% Everyday
4. Whatever It Takes
5. No Shortcuts. No Excuses.
Grading Scale
Grade
Numeric Range
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
75-79%
D
70-74%
FAILING
69-BELOW
Tests/Projects-35%
Quizzes-30%
Classwork-25%
Homework-10%
Classroom Policies
-
Colored pencils or pens are ONLY to be used for notes taken in class
PENCIL is to be used for all classwork, homework, quizzes and tests
NO Work NO Credit: ALL steps are expected to be written neatly and in an organized fashion
FORBIDDEN items: food, drinks, cell phones, PDAs, electronic games, laptops, iPods, or mp3 players
Raise hand to speak or leave your seat
No cheating or copying: if found cheating/copying assignment/test/quiz students will be given zeros and will not
be allowed to redo.
BE ready to learn with all supplies when bell rings
10/10 rule
Corrective Action
1st Offense: Warning/document on Infraction form
2nd Offense: call home/document on Infraction form
3rd Offense: Student Conference/document on Infraction form
4th Offense: Referral to administrator/Removal from Classroom
Make – Up Work Policy
- If you are absent, you have missed important notes, activities, and homework. It is YOUR responsibility to
collect the notes and complete the work.
- You will have 1 week to complete missing work after you return from your absence. After that week, you have 5
days to turn assignment in late; every day late will result in a 10 point deduction. After the 5 days assignment
becomes a zero and no longer can be completed.
- Upon returning, pick up the worksheets from the day you missed from the ABSENT folders
- For notes, you should consult with a classmate.
- For class assignments, you should consult with Ms. Figurski to explain worksheets or activities completed.
- For tests or quizzes, it may be necessary to schedule time to meet with Ms. Figurski.
Tutorials
- Ms. Figurski is available Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:10. It is the Student’s responsibility to
get a tutorial pass from me the day before.
Parent Conferences
- The G Team meets as a team for parent conferences. This is important for all teachers and parents to see the
whole picture of what is going on with students. We see each student for part of the day. When we see those
parts together, we see the whole child. This helps us stay on the same page. Please email at
[email protected] our Team Leader Ms. Calvin to schedule a conference
Respect for oneself ~ Respect for others~ Respect for the environment
Supplies: TO BE BROUGHT TO CLASS EVERYDAY
Required – Will need them Tuesday, August 25, 2015
 Binder
 5 dividers with labels
 One 70 page spiral notebook (it must have the 3holes in it)
 Pencils
 1 pack of loose-leaf paper
 Colored pencils or pens (highly recommended for
notes)
 pencil pouch/bag/box (highly recommended to
keep all materials organized)
 Pencil Sharpener (recommend for colored
pencils)
Optional: Donations
 Clorox wipes
 Tissue
 Dry erase markers
 Paper towel
 Post it notes
 Glue (liquid glue)

Respect for oneself ~ Respect for others~ Respect for the environment
Johnston Middle School for the Performing and Visual Arts
Mathematics * 8th Grade * Ms. J. Figurski * Room T-31 * [email protected]
CLASSROOM CONTRACT
STUDENT: I have read and I understand the course syllabus for Math. I agree to abide by the
classroom expectations, rules, and policies as stated in the syllabus, I hold myself accountable
to these standards, and I agree to work hard to succeed in Ms. Figurski’s classroom.
_____________________________________
Student Signature
_________________________
Date
PARENT/GUARDIAN: I have read and I understand the course syllabus for Math. I agree to
hold my child accountable to these standards, and encourage him or her to work hard in Ms.
Figurski’s classroom.
_____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_________________________
Date
FURTHER INFORMATION
Home Phone Number: ____________________________
Work/Cell Phone Number: __________________________________
Email Address: ________________________________________________________
Which number and when is the best time to reach you?
Is there anyone else that I may speak to about your child? Please list the name, relationship,
and contact information of any other important people in your child’s life.
Is there anything else that I should know about your child? Allergies? Health Issues? After
school commitments? Special concerns?
Please have the classroom contract signed and returned by Friday August 28, 2015. Do
not hesitate to email me if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your time and I hope to make this a successful and enriching year for your child.
Regards,
Ms. J. Figurski
Respect for oneself ~ Respect for others~ Respect for the environment