Description and Objectives

The Heights School 9th Grade Algebra I 2025

Mr. Joe Kilmer
jkilmer@heights.edu

Course Objectives: The course is designed to increase and deepen students’ understanding of functions and algebraic rules from previous courses. The remaining course covers polynomials, functions, and advanced algebraic concepts. These topics will prepare students for Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus or other courses that rely heavily on math such as Chemistry and Physics.

Class Materials: We will use the textbook, Structure and Method Algebra I by McDougal Littell. Each student should bring a pencil and a notebook for notes.

Grading Scale:

45% Tests (~5 total) 30% Quizzes (weekly)
15% Homework and Classwork (daily) 10% Participation/Conduct

Classroom Expectations and Etiquette:

• CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: At the start of class, students are expected to be in their seats, ready to begin, having already visited the restroom, gathered all their class materials. During class, students will follow the rules of the classroom outlined in the student handbook and show respect for the teacher and their fellow students. This includes participating and working on the task at hand – not other work.
• ASSIGNMENTS: Students are expected to complete their work neatly, professionally, and on time. Work must be shown in order to receive credit. Final answers for each problem should be boxed. While students may ask for help (not for answers) from classmates or myself, all assignments, including homework, must reflect the student’s own work and own understanding of the material. Obtaining answers is a disservice to learning and will reflect on the quizzes and tests.
• HONOR CODE: Cheating is strictly prohibited. Any student caught cheating, plagiarizing, or assisting other students to cheat or plagiarize on ANY assignment will be subject to disciplinary actions at the discretion of the teacher and school policy.
• LATE POLICY: An assignment is considered “late” if it is not turned in at the expected time.

o Quiz/Test: If a student is absent for 1 day, the student has up to 1 day to complete the quiz/test. If a student is absent for 2 days, the student has up to 2 days to complete, etc. Students who are absent are expected to contact the teacher to schedule a time to take their missed quiz/test. Those who fail to do so will not receive any credit. It is the responsibility of the student, not the teacher, to keep track of missed assignments and to complete them.

o Homework/Classwork: Assignments are due before class begins. Students who turn in a homework or classwork assignment late within one day after the due date will lose 50% credit. After one day, the assignment will be marked incomplete (including weekends).

All policies may be amended or implemented by the teacher as deemed necessary.

Textbooks

Course Requirements

 Homework will be assigned every day.

 Quizzes will occur about once or twice a week.

 Tests can be expected about every two weeks.

Successful Students

Students should bring the following items to every class:

• Textbook that is kept neat and clean
• Composition notebook 
• At least two (2) pencils, sharpened, with erasers that are adequate for corrections
• Completed homework assignment with all work shown