• Classroom Expectations and Procedures 2023-2024

    Algebra 1 – Mr. Gilpin - Room 2302

    E-mail: kyle.gilpin@rockwallisd.org

         Rockwall High School - (972) 771-7339 ext. 6061

          

    Parents and Students,

    My name is Kyle Gilpin and I am excited to be your child’s teacher during the 2023-2024 school year. This is my 17th year in education.   I’m passionate about mathematics and enjoy watching learning taking place.  My goal for all of my students is to be as successful as possible, and to enjoy the time they have in my class!  I will do my best every day to make sure this happens. You will be able to locate all class materials and resources through Canvas and I will communicate regularly through email and Canvas Announcements.

    I believe that a partnership with parents helps ensure a student's success. If you ever have a question or concern, please feel free to contact me at kyle.gilpin@rockwallisd.org.  I will respond as soon as possible, normally during the same school day. I look forward to partnering with you.

     The purpose of this class is to teach you all algebra skills necessary to be successful in future math courses and to prepare you for future testing such as STAAR, SAT and ACT.

    Classroom Expectations: 

    SUPPLIES:

    Be Prompt 
    • Pencils and erasers

    Be Prepared 
    • 0.5 inch Binder

    Be Polite 
    • Free Desmos Graphing Calculator

    Be Positive
    • Dry erase markers

    Be Productive
    • Water Bottle

     

    Tutorials: 

    Tutorials are offered daily in room 2302.

     

    Grading Policy:

    Averages will be calculated as follows: 40% Formative Assessments (Quick Checks) and 60% Summative Assessments (Tests).  PENCILS SHOULD BE USED ON ALL ASSIGNMENTS.   Grades are updated daily.

    Formative Assessments include practices and quizzes in Canvas, Desmos and Delta Math.  

    Summative Assessments consists of projects, tests and district assessments given periodically to check for understanding.  The intent of a test is to find out what you know, within the given time frame. This is intended to help build stamina towards the STAAR Test and SAT test.  Students with accommodations for extra time: The test is designed to allow for time plus half extension built in. Oral Administration is provided by using the Google Read/Write extension already on the Chromebooks.

    Quick Checks:

    Each day, students will take a Knowledge Check based on the classwork from the previous session. These Knowledge Checks will be very short, only a few questions, mostly from the classwork assignment.  

    Late Work:

    Late work will follow the district policy.  

    Retest Policy:

    Quick Checks are NOT eligible to be corrected for a higher grade. Daily Practice assignments have multiple attempts. Daily Practice assignments and quizzes are considered daily work and are 40% of a student's final grade.  All TEST grades are eligible to be made up for a higher grade. Students will be required to make corrections to their original test and take a mastery retest to show mastery. Student tests are 60% of a student's final grade.

    • All test corrections must be completed by the student after the Post Test review and attending tutorials. Corrections must show all work and include a written explanation of the error.
    • Students must complete the corrections and take the mastery test during the retest window.
    • Only one mastery opportunity is available per assessment.
    • Mastery Tests (retests) are not only for failed tests. Any test, regardless of the original score, can be retested up to 100.

    Academic Honesty:

    I have high expectations for academic honesty, academic effort, behavior, and attitude.

    • Students are encouraged to collaborate in class and on classwork assignments, but they may NOT simply copy another’s assignment. Students may not misrepresent someone else’s work as their own.
    • Student’s may not look on another’s paper/Chromebook during a test or quick checks.
    • Students may not have or use unauthorized materials or devices during a test or quick check.

     Please Note: 

    All RHS, district, and department policies will be followed and enforced in this classroom.  These include but are not limited to: grading, cell phone use, dress code, discipline procedures, food/drinks, etc.

    My Canvas:

    Students must visit Canvas to access daily notes, assignments and keys to reviews.  Please have your student check Canvas for notes and make up assignments when they are absent. ALL WORK IS DELIVERED THROUGH CANVAS.  Students should organize notes in a 0.5 inch binder and complete practice assignments in a spiral notebook or on loose leaf paper. 

    E-mail Communication:

    I will frequently communicate through email and include a progress report with all grades for the term up to that day.

    If you need to reach me, please e-mail me with your concerns/questions and I will respond as soon as possible.

    Cell Phones/tablets/other electronic devices:

    Cell phones are a necessary tool in our current time, however, it can be a distraction if used at the incorrect times.  Unless I say otherwise, cell phone use will not be allowed during class.  If your student is using their cell phone during class, it will be taken up and turned in to their assistant principal.  If your student refuses to give me their cell phone, a discipline referral will be written. This policy will be strictly enforced in my classroom because learning requires attention and focus. 

    FOOD/DRINK:

    No food or drink in the classroom at any time (we have new carpet). Students may have a water bottle. The only exception are students with a medical need that is documented through ARD/504  paperwork.