Classroom Syllabus

A. Introduction
Hello and welcome to 6th grade math! My name is Walaa Sarsour and I am a student
teacher from North Carolina State University. I am one of three math teachers in my family. In
my free time, I like reading, exercising, and spending time with my family outdoors.
I am very excited to be meeting you and working with you this year. In 6th grade math,
we will cover a range of topics which include ratios and proportional relationships, the number
system, expressions and equations, geometry, and statistics and probability. These are general
topics which cover more challenging yet interesting and relevant real world concepts. I hold high
expectations for every student because I truly believe that all students are capable learners who
can succeed and achieve at the highest levels. I am looking forward to our learning journey and a
wonderful school year together in this class!

B. Class Norms/Rules
 We respect and value the opinions and contributions of one another.
In our classroom, everyone is welcomed, respected, and valued. We respect other individuals,
their property, and their ideas. The ways in which this norm will be implemented include
students using a proper and calm tone of voice when talking to each other, valuing the
contributions of others (even if you have a different idea), showing kindness, and encouraging
each other.
 We use mistakes as learning opportunities.
We will value mistakes and think of them as opportunities to grow. Everyone (including the
teacher!) makes mistakes, and students should not be afraid to make them, because that’s when
they begin to learn.
 We will always give our best effort
Students will be expected to prepare well for class or exams using learning strategies that the
teacher suggested, like asking for help/clarification on a concept and reviewing their notes and
homework. Students must always try their hardest and give their best effort. This includes doing
things like turning in assignments on time, attending class, taking notes, and participating often.
 We act as a learning TEAM
Students will help each other whenever possible. For example, when finishing early, if it’s okay
with the teacher, a student may help a peer. As a class, we will all contribute meaningfully to
group work, discuss with others rather than keeping to ourselves, and know that when everyone
succeeds, we are stronger as a classroom.

C. Consequences
In order for students to succeed and interact in a positive, productive classroom, they
must follow the class norms mentioned above. If students fail to apply these norms or engage in
things like misbehavior or disruption, there are consequences that will follow. Depending on the
severity or frequency of the misbehavior, the teacher may impose the following consequences:
1. A verbal warning and a reminder from the teacher to the student about what they
should be doing.
2. A one-on-one meeting with the student to discuss the reasons for their behavior.
3. A day of silent lunch/lunch detention for the student.
4. A teacher email to parents and a formal warning sent home with the student for
parents to sign and return the next day.
5. A referral to the principal’s office.
6. A scheduled teacher conference with the student’s parent/guardian to discuss the
student’s behavior and to find a solution.

D. Grading Policies
All assignments and assessments in my classroom are designed to set up students for
success. My main goal in the classroom is for my students to learn mathematics, not just to
achieve high grades. However, I believe that by working hard and following these make up work
policies, students will be able to achieve both the ideal grade and a strong understanding of
mathematics. To calculate a student’s grade for the class, you need to know the value of each of
the assignments (see percentages below) and how well the student performed on each
assignment. Below are the list of steps to take to calculate the grade:
1. Convert Percentages to Decimals: Under “percentages” below, there are the weighted
percentages for each assignment. Convert these percentages into decimals for each
 assignment. Divide each weight expressed as a percentage by 100 to convert to a decimal.
For example, if your tests are worth 20% of your grade, divide 20 by 100 to get 0.2.
2. Weight the Grades: Multiply each assignment grade you got by its weighted percentage
(the decimals you got in part 1). For example, if you scored a 95 on your first test,
multiply 95 by 0.2 to get 19.
3. Total the Weighted Grades: Add the results from step 2 to find your weighted average in
the class (Kennan, 2018).

Percentages:
 Homework: 10%
 Classwork (warmups, exit tickets, discussions, group work): 20%
 Quizzes: 30%
 Tests: 40%

Note: The late work/make up policy for each assignment is included in its description paragraph
below.

Homework:
Homework assignments are designed to allow students to have extra practice on concepts
covered in class. Homework will be assigned twice a week, every Monday and Thursday.
Homework assignments that are assigned on Monday will be due on Wednesday at the beginning
of class and those assigned on Thursdays will be due Mondays at the beginning of class.
Homework will be graded based on completion and will be discussed in class. If students fail to
turn in a homework assignment, they may turn it in within three calendar days as make-up work.
For each day the assignment is late, there will be a 10% deduction off of the final grade. If
students fail to turn in homework within three days, they will earn a zero on that assignment.

Classwork:
Classwork will include in-class activities like warmups, exit tickets, and group work.
This will be graded based on completion and accuracy (accuracy is for warmups and exit
tickets). Any missed classwork due to absence or tardiness may not be made up.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given every Friday of the week and will cover the content from that
week. Students will be reminded of the quiz and will get a chance to review and ask questions on
Thursday. Students will have one week to make up a quiz if they missed it. The student will be
given three days to complete the quiz with no points deducted. If the student doesn’t complete
the quiz within those three days, there will be a 10% deduction off of the final grade for each
additional day it is not completed.

Tests:
Tests will be given at the end of each unit. There will be a review day one day prior to the
test day. Students will get a reminder one week in advance of the test date. Students who miss a
test will be able to make it up by re-taking it within one week upon their return to school. In
terms of test corrections, students who score below a 75 will be required to complete test
corrections. If students need help completing test corrections, they may attend Leopard Time
(study hall) or schedule another time with the teacher to work on it. Test corrections will be
accepted for submission within two weeks of the test date.

Grading Scale:
A 90% - 100%
B 80% - 89%
C 70% - 79%
D 60% - 69%
F 0% - 59%

Academic Dishonesty:
Cheating is unacceptable in any form. The teacher should be consulted before students
offer any assistance to each other on assignments. Students may not share answers to tests,
quizzes, or homework (unless it is being discussed in class). If a student is caught cheating,
he/she will receive an immediate zero on the assignment, the parents will be notified, and the
students will need to re-take an alternate form of the assignment at an individually scheduled
time with the teacher. If the student is caught cheating more than once, then the administration
will be notified for further action.

Absences:

Students are responsible for communicating with the teacher to make up any missed work
due to an absence. Excused absences and tardiness will be accepted with no penalty. Pre-
approved absences, parent notification and signature, and doctor’s notes are possible
requirements for an absence/tardy to be excused. If a student has 3 unexcused tardies, that will
count as 1 unexcused absence. After 1 unexcused absence, the teacher will meet with the student
to give a warning and discuss the reasons behind his/her absence to find a solution. After 2
unexcused absences, the student will receive a second warning and the parents will be notified.

Communication:

Parental/Guardian involvement plays an important role in students’ success.

Parents/Guardians, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or
comments you would like to share with me. I assure you that I will do everything in my
capability to work with you and your child to ensure his/her success and to provide a productive,
enjoyable, and successful learning experience and school year. All classroom assignments,
documents, and calendar events/academic dates can be found on the school website which will
be frequently updated. Student progress reports will be sent home once every four weeks. The
best way to contact me during the school day would be through email. If you prefer to speak to
me through a phone call, I am available during the following time periods:

 Monday-Friday: 5pm-8pm.
 Saturday-Sunday: 8am-8pm.

Students, if you ever need help, have any questions, or would like to meet with me, I have
included my tutoring times below. I am always available to schedule an appointment to meet
with you at a different time as well!

Tutoring Times (Mondays-Fridays):

  During school tutoring: Leopard time-study hall from 11:21am-11:51am and
during lunch from 11:51am-12:12pm.
 After school tutoring: appointments must be scheduled with the teacher.

Contact Information:

 Email: wsarsou@ncsu.edu
 Phone number: 919-527-5606
 School Website: https://www.wcpss.net/millsparkms

I am confident that we will have a wonderful year together! I am looking forward to working
with you, both parents and students, to create a successful year together. Parents and students,
please fill out, sign, and return the contact sheet below indicating that you have read through this
syllabus and to provide me with accurate contact information on record for you.

Student Contact Information:

Student School Email: ____________________________________________________

Student Full Name (Print): _________________________________________________
Student Grade and Class Period: _____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian(s) Contact Information:
Please note: if any line is inapplicable, please write N/A in the appropriate line.
Parent/Guardian 1 Name (Print): ___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian 1 Email Address: _______________________________________
Relationship to student: __________________________________________________
Best phone number to reach Parent/Guardian 1: ______________________________

Parent/Guardian 2 Name (Print): ___________________________________________

Parent/Guardian 2 Email Address: _________________________________________
Relationship to student: __________________________________________________
Best phone number to reach Parent/Guardian 2: _______________________________
Date: ___________

Please sign below indicating that you have read and understood the policies and expectations
stated in the syllabus above:
Parent Signature: _________________________________________
Student Signature: ________________________________________
Teacher Signature: _____________Walaa Sarsour______________