Hello!   Welcome to Mrs. Corio's 2008 - 2009 Algebra web site!  Please check this site often as I will update information regarding class news, current units of study and  homework assignments. 

Some quick notes:

Mid term is December 5, 08.  Interim reports will be sent home shortly thereafter. 

During the months of December and January we will be learning all about linear equations.  We have a packed schedule, so I am hoping these last weeks of cold weather aren't a sign of things to come! ( Like snow days!!)  We will be using the graphing calculators so if you have not yet purchased one, now is the time!!!

On Monday Dec 1, all students will receive a homework calendar for the month of December.  I know how busy this month can be for families, so I hope it is helpful to have an idea of assignments in advance!  There will be a weekend bonus offered each Friday for anyone wishing to add a few points to their grade or get a little bit of extra practice!  You can still check weekly assingments by clicking on the "what's due?" link on this page.

The Great Holiday Challenge

From December 1 through December 19, I will once again be offering students a chance to win a holiday treat bag!  In order to meet the challenge and win a treat bag, a student simply needs to do all homework assignments during these 3 weeks and never have their behavior card signed .  The most common reasons I have been signing cards lately are T - Talking, and C- coming to class unprepared. ( unprepared is usually without homework or without book) Remember that if your card is signed 3 times for the same reason, a lunch detention will be assigned.

Remember that anyone wanting extra help can come early on Tuesday and Thursday morning from  7:30 - 7:50

Here is a link to the powerpoint we used in class on Monday Oct. 20:

http://www.worldofteaching.com/powerpoints/maths/SOLVING%20MULTI-STEP%20EQUATIONS.ppt#262,1,March

Check out the Algebra HSA problem of the week. Go to

http://www.mdk12.org/hsteachers/index.html

Are you checking grades on Pinnacle? go to :

https://grades.fcps.org/pinnscripts/piv.exe?action=signin

Have your user name and password (student ID) ready!

Calculators:  If you have not yet purchased a graphing calculator, ( TI - 84 or TI-84) you may want to consider it.  With basic operations and rational numbers behind us, students will now be allowed to use calculators on most class, homework and assessment activities.  I do have a small supply for students who do not have one to use in the classroom.

This year, while WFMS is under construction, my classroom is located in modular  A,  room 110. 

The grading policy in my class is

90- 100 % = A

80- 89.9%= B

70- 79.9%= C

60- 69.9% = D

Grades will be determined with the following break down:

Classwork - 65%

Tests and quizzes - 25%

Homework - 10%

The following excerpt is taken from the Frederick County Public Schools Middle School guide.  It is the course description of the 8th grade Algebra course. 

"This mathematics course is a full-year study of Algebra I.  The language of higher mathematics is introduced through an intensive study of algbraic notation, symbolism and methods of solving problems.  Topics include simplifying expressions, solving linear equations, distributive factoring, working with linear and nonlinear functions, inequalities, systems of linear equations and data analysis.  Students will use graphing calculators.  This course is the first sequence of high school mathematics courses for college bound students. "

If you have questions or concerns regarding your child's progress in class, please e-mail me at:

Maureen.Corio@fcps.org

I can be reached by phone at 240-236-9094

You can now access our textbook online at:    www.algebra1.com

You should have received the user name and password for the text book web site at the beginning of the school year.  If you need it, send an e mail to me with your child's name and I will reply with that information.