Ms. Wightman Rm.

D206
Phone: (951) 739-5600 x2315
Email:
jessica.wightman@cnusd.k12.c
Calculus AB Course Syllabus 2016-2017
Welcome to Calculus AB, your soon-to-be favorite class! This course is designed to extend the
mathematics students have learned in Pre-Calculus. This will be a rigorous course in which you will learn
how to analyze, synthesize, and extend the concepts of calculus, as well as justify your answers both
analytically and graphically. This course will look at, in detail: functions, graphs, limits, derivatives, and
integrals. All content will be aligned with the State Mathematics Standards and the standards of CNUSD.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Textbooks: ???????????????????????????????(BRING TO CLASS ON BLOCK DAYS)

Notebook with GRAPHING PAPER
Pencils, highlighters, colored pencils

Although it is not a requirement, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you purchase a graphing calculator,
preferably anything at or newer than a TI-83 or 84 (Texas Instruments is the brand).

CLASSROOM RULES
1. Come to class attentive and ready to learn with an open and patient mind.
2. Respect yourself, other people, and their property.
3. Be nice and polite to the teacher and other students in the classroom.
4. Persevere through tough problems! If you need help, ASK ME.
5. There is a zero tolerance policy for cheating. An automatic zero will be given for the assignment
that was involved with the cheating.

GRADES- can be accessed via Q online

Homework/Classwork 10%
Tests/Quizzes 90%

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

GRADING POLICY
A+ 97-100
A 93-96
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82

C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 65-69
D 60-64
F 59 and below

It is expected that all work turned in with your name on it

is your work alone. Academic dishonesty includes copying
homework, giving or receiving help on a test or quiz, and
passing off the work of others as your own. Any
assignment you are caught being dishonest on will result in a zero on that assignment.

HOMEWORK POLICY
Completion of homework/classwork assignments will be vital to your success in this class! Homework will
most likely consist of 10-20 problems, depending on the topic. On the day that homework is due,
students will work in their groups to discuss any problems that they did not understand on their own. If
the entire class struggles on one problem in particular, the teacher will go over it at the board. During and
after this discussion period, students will get their scores recorded by the teacher. All homework should be
completed on time, in pencil, on graph paper, and turned in with your name, date, period, and page and
problems assigned.

MAKE-UP POLICY
Homework will be accepted late, but will lose one point for every day it is late. So, if you completed all of
your homework on time, you receive a 5 for that assignment. If you completed all of your homework but
are a day late, it becomes a 4, and so on.

If a student plans on missing a test day, he or she should notify me and we will work to make
arrangements. If a student misses a test day without notifying us prior to the test day, he or she may
make up the test with some form of documentation on why the day was missed.

ABSENCES:
Students need to make every effort to come to class. The majority of teaching and learning will be
given through in-class activities, so it is pertinent that students attend class. If students know in advance
that they will be missing a class, I would appreciate it if I am informed ahead of time, so I can catch them
up in a timely manner.

CONSEQUENCES:
POSITIVE: HERO POINTS will be awarded to students for a variety of things, such as helping another
student, coming to class prepared (i.e., pencil, book on block days, homework completed, etc.), setting a
model example for other students, etc.
CLASS POINTS will be awarded for students or table groups for being an awesome class! If students are
working collaboratively together, looking for unique solutions, or offer up interesting ideas, class points will
be awarded. The period with the highest amount of points at the end of each quarter will win an awesome
prize (could be in the form of food, could be in the form of extra credit)!
NEGATIVE:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Seat Change (if appropriate)
3. Discussion after class
4. Detention
5. Parent-Teacher Conference
To sum, students will be rewarded for positive behavior and reprimanded for negative behavior. If students
exemplify excellent citizenship or have a moment of brightness during class, they will be rewarded for it
and encouraged to perform that action again in the future. If students break one of the stated classroom
rules, he or she will follow the listed negative consequences to prevent that behavior in the future.

A TYPICAL DAY
WHEN CLASS STARTS:

Students are to be in their seats when the bell rings, working on the warm-up problems listed on the
board or discussing homework assignments with their partner if homework is due that day.
Students should have any assignments due that day, or any late work, on their desk, ready to be
stamped and recorded.
DURING CLASS:

Students should be focused and on task at all times. Cellphones should be put away unless
otherwise instructed.
The teacher will review the warm up with the class, and record/facilitate discussion on homework, if
appropriate.
The teacher will then present the lesson, which may be delivered in a variety of formats. If a lecture is
being presented, students will be taking notes. If guided practice or a discussion is being facilitated,
students are to work collaboratively with their partners or other group members to complete the
assigned task. If a whole-class discussion is being facilitated, students are to raise their hands to
speak and will respect others when they are talking.
Restroom Policy: If students need to use the restroom during class, they will ask the teacher and, if
allowed, grab the pass off of the posted area. Try not to go during notes, I dont want you to miss the
good stuff!
AS CLASS ENDS:

Students should clean their areas, help straighten up the classroom, and remain in their seats until the
bell rings.

A NOTE TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am delighted to have your child in my class! My name is Ms. Jessica Wightman, and I am a Magna Cum
Laude graduate of California State University, Fullerton, with B.A. in Mathematics with a concentration in
Teaching. I received my teaching credential also from Cal State Fullerton. My teaching philosophy focuses
on student-centered learning and combating anxiety that is common in mathematics classrooms. I
believe that the role of the student is to obtain a level understanding of skills they will use in life, to obtain
a deeper understanding of subject matter that interests them, and to learn to become good, productive
members of society that are able to think critically. Our learning environment will be one that
encourages students to ask questions, create discussions, and be at the center of their own
learning. We will frequently use class discussions, partner or group work, and peer review in our
classroom. It is my belief that this kind of environment, where mistakes are welcome, will be the best in
which we minimize math anxiety and the stigma surrounding mathematics courses. The role I hope to
take on as a teacher will be to provide a positive, inquisitive learning environment, foster student
interest, and to be a gateway to information for students. I will also be available for tutoring by
appointment.
The role I hope you, as a parent or guardian, will take on will be one that positively encourages students to
stay on top of their studies and assist the student in any way necessary. Should you need to contact me
for any reason concerning your child, Id be happy to receive an email at
jessica.wightman@cnusd.k12.ca.us. I check email numerous times a day and will definitely get back to
you within one day of your email, excluding weekends/vacations. If youd prefer a parent-teacher
conference, please email me with dates and times that would work best for you. You can also reach me by
phone at (951) 739-5600 ext. 2315. Please feel free to contact me!
Thank you, and I look forward to the upcoming school year with your student!
Ms. Wightman

Please cut on the dotted line and return the portion below by the next class meeting.
Parent/Guardian & Student Signature Page
I have read and understand the Calculus Course Syllabus, Requirements, and the Classroom Guidelines.
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