Well, let’s get to it. We are about to start on another year of school. This maybe our first year together, but we have been in school for years. I have been through a lot of school. I forget at times the pressures of being a teenager, but I am interested in sharing with you what I know to help you achieve whatever goals you have set for yourself.

Speaking of setting goals, do you have any goals for yourself? I always have goals in mind. Over the next ten months, my overall goal is to help you work towards moving onto the next level of mathematics in your high school career. I know, some of you do not see school as a job, but the dividends will be paid in full in the future. Those of you that have clear cut objectives for your future let me know how I can help you.

Many of you know how to be successful in school. In the 45 minutes a day we spend together I want you to work to your fullest potential. I understand that people have bad days. I understand that kids have bad days. You must remember, we are in school and we all have a job to do. Your job is to learn and mine is to teach. Remember, teaching comes in all forms.

Since my classes are primarily 9^th grade, we will be working under the guidelines of the 9^th Grade Academy.

Here is a downloadable verison of the 1st day of school packet:

2012-2013 Algebra First Day Packet

9th Grade Academy

Vision

The vision of the 9^th Grade Academy is to transform all students into leaders so that they may be the catalysts of positive change and growth for Penn Hills School District and for the community of Penn Hills.

Mission

The mission of the 9^th Grade Academy is to provide students with the academic and social tools and skills necessary to be or become self-respecting leaders of the Penn Hills School District and Penn Hills community.

Theme

Responsibility and Respect

-        Do what you are supposed to do

-        Do it the right way

Expectations for Students

1. Every student will be expected to have materials for class, which is dependent upon the individual class.
2. No congregating in the hallways.
3. Arrive on time to all classes – meaning in the room when the bell rings
   
   • Sept. 6 – all students are to be on time for classes
   • Incentive:  Field trips and assemblies
4. The Positive School Wide Behavior Plan will be presented and reviewed once with students in the first week of school in every class, every period of the 9^th Grade Academy.  The matrix will then be revisited and reviewed throughout the year.  Those adhering to the matrix and class responsibilities will be rewarded through various incentive programs (i.e. field trips, assemblies, student of the month, etc.)
5. Adhere to dress code
   
   • Dress code violations are to be addressed at metal detectors.  However, for students who may “slip by” or change after metal detectors, homeroom/1^st period teachers will “double check” for any violations. 
   • Students in violation will be asked if they have appropriate attire to change into.  If they do, student will be sent to change.  Those on hall duty may assist with movement of students to lockers and restrooms during this time.  If a student does not have a change of clothes or refuses to comply, then security and/or hall duty personnel will escort the student to the office to arrange for appropriate clothing or to speak with an administrator if necessary.  
6. Student leadership – students will be empowered to lead through student of the month incentive program.  As well, a student forum will be established to meet monthly with revolving students so as to ensure representation of the student body.  Student of the month recipients will be invited to attend a lunch meeting with teachers to have their concerns, questions, issues and/ or voices heard.

Classroom Management

1.  10/10 rule – no passes written in the first 10 minutes of class, none written in the last 10 minutes of class
2. No locker passes – students are to be prepared for class and will not be given passes for lockers during class time.
3. Late student sign-in sheets
4. Classroom register – students sign-out and in when given passes
5. All teachers have had and will continue to have the ability to address any concerns in regards to the above strategies.  As a team, we have agreed that these are the basic practices to be followed by all teachers within the team.  This section may also be modified as needed throughout the year.  Appropriate behaviors will be reinforced as mentioned above in the teacher and student expectations sections.