Algebra I  Pt. 1 with technology                                    

Instructor: Tony Alcon –  room #1724

Algebra I Pt.1 with Tech. includes the study of algebraic concepts including operations with real numbers and polynomials, relations and functions, matrices, creation and application of linear functions and relations, linear regression, and an introduction to nonlinear functions.  This course is designed to help students develop the ability to reason abstractly.  For each session of classroom instruction, the student is expected to spend at least 30 minutes outside of class on assignments, review, and preparation.  There will be homework assigned every night and in order to attain a high degree of success you must attempt all homework problems.  A large portion of each class period will be spent reviewing the previous night’s homework.  Students receive 1 unit of credit for completion of Alg.I with Tech. Pt. 1, but must also complete Alg. I Pt.2 with Tech. to fulfill the N.C. high school graduation requirement for Alg I.  There  is no End-of-Course test for this class, however there is a final exam.  The standard course of study for Alg.1 can be viewed at  

Required materials:     1.  3 ring binder notebook with 2 inside pockets

                                  2.      Pencil or pen.

                                  3.      Calculator (not required but recommended with the

                                         calculator of choice being the TI-83 Plus.)

Grading Policy:

1. Each 9 weeks grade                                 2. Semester grade                                   

    1. Major test average                     65%          A. 1^st 9 weeks average    40%       

    2. Homework  average                   15%          B. 2^nd 9 weeks average   40%

    3. Worksheet (quiz, puzzle,etc.) average 20%          C. Exam                          20%

                                                          100%                                                 100%

Homework – All students are expected to attempt all homework problems every night. Students are challenged to attempt new concepts before they are covered in class.  Home- work will be reviewed every day in class.  Students will be expected to present and explain problems in class.  All homework needs to be worked “column style” with all work shown.  Unannounced homework checks will be made several times weekly.  Please note: When checking grades on SPAN, blank grades are omits and do not count against the overall average.

Interims will go out the weeks of Sept. 21 & Dec. 7.  Report cards will go out after each 9 weeks.  Fall open house is scheduled for Sept. 15.

I am looking forward to working with you and I encourage you to complete all assignments and to attend every day.  Should your parents need to talk with me please call the school (233-4050) and leave me a message and a time that’s best to reach them. Or  feel free to contact me through e-mail at <ralcon@wcpss.net>

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Parents/students are encouraged to check on progress by accessing SPAN (Student Parent Access Network) which will be updated weekly.  Please e-mail me if there are questions.

 Athens Drive utilities SMART (Students Maximizing Achievement with Resources and Time) Lunch, which is an opportunity for students to get extra help in their classes.  Students may be assigned to Mandatory Guided Study if their performance in my class indicates that they will benefit from this intervention.  I will notify students when they are assigned to Mandatory Guided Study, which is on a weekly basis.  In addition SMART Lunch will provide opportunities for open tutorial sessions on designated days. There is a complete explanation of SMART Lunch and a schedule for Mandatory Guided Study and Tutorials on the Athens Drive web site at <athensdrive.com>.

The Wake County Dress Code and Athens Drive Tardy Policy will be strictly enforced.

         In order to maintain a positive learning environment and foster self-control and responsibility, the following classroom policies are in effect each day.  Always put forth your best effort.

1.      Treat each other with respect, both physically and verbally.

2.      “Common Sense” should be used at all times.

3.      Restroom visits are limited to 3 per 9 weeks unless you have a doctor’s note on file.  For each visit after 3 if it occurs at the beginning of class it will be counted as a tardy. If it occurs during class, the time (10 minutes) must be made up either before school, after school, or at lunch.

4.      Always bring your notebook and book to class.  You will not be permitted to leave class to find  these or other forgotten items.

5.      Any paper turned in without a name will automatically have 10 points deducted from it.

6.      No “late” assignments will be accepted after an announced deadline.

7.      If you fall behind request help before it’s too late!!!!!

I am here for you but I can’t learn the material for you.  Let’s have a fun and productive semester. 

                                                            -Tony Alcon

                                                              ralcon@wcpss.net