Westfield High School

PreCalculus Honors
School Year 2022-2023

Teacher Christy Jenkins-Dietz, R113, [email protected]

Information

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Pre-calculus honors course content serves as a

preparation to the AP Calculus BC course.

Function characteristics are treated in depth through polynomials,

transformations, rational equations, exponential and logarithmic, and
two-dimensional vectors. Trigonometric topics include circular functions, right
triangle ratios, solving trigonometric equations, inverse functions, identities, the
Law of Sines and Cosines, graphing trigonometric functions, and applying
Class trigonometric techniques to solve real-life problems. This course will also include
Description and polar and parametric equations. Also included are limits, continuity, maximum
Outcomes and minimum values and points, definition and properties of derivative, rules of
differentiation, equations of tangent lines to Polynomial functions, infinite limits,
partial fractions, and sequences and series. Graphing calculators are an integral
tool for the course. The course is aligned with the Fairfax County Public School’s
Program of Studies (POS).

FCPS POS:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/mathematics/index.shtml

SUPPLIES NEEDED DAILY:

Pencils

Notebookor 2 ring binder and paper

Textbook &
Required TI-84 plus Graphing Calculator with batteries (the TI-89 cannot be used in
Materials this class)

Schoology: Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to

provide a safe forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on
projects; and to assign and collect work digitally. Parents can sign into
Schoology using the same username and password that is used for SIS
ParentVue. For more information, visit the FCPS webpage.
 The purpose of grading at Westfield High School is to communicate the learned essential
Grading Focus skills and content to students, families and teachers, and to create opportunities for
reflection and ongoing learning.

This course adheres to the FCPS Grading Policies - found here: Secondary Grading
and Reporting and uses the methods listed below for calculating grades.

Grading Scale: This course uses a 100 point grading scale. Read more about the
grading scale on the FCPS website.

This course uses a rolling gradebook.

Rolling Gradebook: A rolling gradebook is a cumulative document which shows student
progress throughout the year. The student’s final grade in the course is determined by
the combination of all assignments and assessments completed during the year rather
than during each quarter. The grade posted at the end of each traditional quarter
provides a “snapshot” of the student’s current progress in the course.

This course uses a weighted gradebook.

Weighted Gradebook: All graded assignments count toward specific weighted grading
categories (i.e. Assessments, Classwork, Projects, etc.). Each category's weight is as
follows:
The overall course grade will be calculated from the following factors:

10% Homework/Classwork
Grading Design
30% Quizzes/Projects/Minor Assessment

50% Test/Major Assessment

5% Midterm

5% Final Exam

Final Grade Determination: A final letter grade will be assigned to students.

Students may be awarded a higher grade based on trends and mastery of
learning. Final grades will be determined by the following calculation in this
course:
● Semester Mark - Semester grades are determined by a combination of all
assignments and assessments at the end of the 2nd quarter.

● Final Mark - Final grades are determined by a combination of all

assignments and assessments. It is not an average of quarter marks. The
grade posted at the end of each traditional quarter is a snapshot of a
student’s current progress in the course.

Common These comment codes are being used school wide this year:
● NTI Not Turned In (assigned 50% on the 100-point scale and flagged as missing)
Westfield SIS ● EXC Excused (No grade assigned)
Gradebook ● ADJ Adjusted grade (to meet 50% minimum, comment with orig score can be
Codes added)
● R Reassessment or Revision Recommended (will be added in with grade, after
the assessment the new grade is entered and the R is removed)
Late
Work/Missed MAKEUP WORK POLICY:
Work Policy Excused Absence:

Students are fully responsible for completing any missed assignments. Each
day of absence affords one class period of makeup work opportunity. Any
work due on the day of the absence is due the next class period. However,
the period of time allowed to make up work may be extended at the
discretion of the teacher. For major assignments and assessments, late
work will be accepted with a maximum penalty of 10 percent if
submitted within two weeks after the due date. Makeup work for excused
absences is graded and recorded in the grade book by teachers without
penalty to students.

For approved pre-arranged absence, a student may request assignments in

advance of the absence. Teachers will provide regular or alternative
assignments in advance of the absence, when feasible. Following any
absence, including a prearranged absence, students should make
arrangements with individual teachers for makeup work.

Unexcused Absence:

If students are absent and are deemed unexcused, they cannot earn credit
for classroom activities missed as a result. Students may choose to make up
work following unexcused absences and teachers may help the student and
parent or guardian to identify missed work, but teachers are not obligated to
provide makeup work. Makeup work is encouraged so that students will profit
from future instruction. Assessments given on a day of an unexcused
absence may be considered and would have a maximum grade of 80%.

Work That Is Never Completed.

If a student has been given multiple opportunities to complete work and has
not done so, and parent contact has been made for major assessments,
quizzes, or tests (tasks weighted more than 10%), a score equivalent to an F (
i.e. 50 on a 100 point scale) may be entered in the gradebook in accordance
with the reasonable late work policy established by the school.

Late-Work Policy:

If a student has had multiple opportunities to complete work and has not done
so by the day of the unit test, a 50% will be entered.

Reassessment Quiz Adjustments - The goal is for students to use the feedback provided by quizzes
Policy to modify techniques and processes prior to taking the Unit Test. If students review the
missed concepts and show an increase of mastery of those concepts on the Unit Test
they will receive a “quiz adjustment”. For example, if a student earns a Unit 1 quiz
average of 70%, but after remediation and studying earns a 85% on the Unit 1 Test, they
will receive points to raise their Unit 1 Quiz average to match the 85%.These additional
points will be recorded in a “Grade Adjustment” column in the grade book.
 Test Corrections - After a Unit Test is graded, it is encouraged that all students review
what concepts were missed and seek to further their understanding. Those students who
scored below an 80% will be offered a grade redemption opportunity by showing
increased mastery by completing test corrections to every question that was missed on
their test. If those corrections are done satisfactorily and accurately, they can receive up
to ½ of their missed points back with a maximum final score of 80%. Due date of the test
corrections will be determined by the teacher for each unit. It is highly encouraged for
these test corrections to be completed with the teacher after school or during advisory for
additional support.

Homework Homework should be a vehicle through which students practice, apply, and/or elaborate
on content that they are currently learning. It may also be used as preparation for
learning new content. It is recognized that students vary significantly in the amount of
time they need to complete given assignments. High school teachers plan for homework
not to exceed 30 minutes per class block.

Homework for practice or preparation for instruction may account for no more than 10
percent of a quarter or final grade.

Communication Parents/guardians should access information about their student’s attendance, report
cards, class schedules, gradebook, course history, discipline, health and school
information through SIS ParentVue accounts. Those with a SIS Parent Account may opt
in to receive regular email progress reports with course grades and missing
assignments. Parents/guardians should activate their SIS Parent Account by following
the instructions available on the FCPS website.

Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a safe forum
for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect
work digitally. Parents can sign into Schoology using the same username and password
that is used for SIS ParentVue. For more information, visit the FCPS webpage.

Should you have questions/concerns regarding your student’s progress in the course,
please contact me directly by email.

Classroom Student Expectations: Prompt Prepared Polite Productive

Protocols/ ● Come to class on time.
● Be Prepared. Make sure you have all supplies each day, including a charged
Expectations laptop. Have your homework completed every day and be prepared to ask and
answer questions regarding your homework. Class will begin promptly so be on
time
● Participate in Class. Take notes. What may seem clear in class may not be so
clear when you sit down to do your homework. You can refresh your memory by
reviewing notes. Ask questions!! As we check over homework in class, be sure
to make corrections on your homework. This will help you on your assessments.
● Extra Help. Extra help will be available on late bus days and during the Advisory
Period. Students should make arrangements with the teacher to stay for help as
soon as they feel unsure on a mathematical topic. Hint **Do not wait until test
time to get help. Plan ahead.
● Attendance. Promptness and good attendance are mandatory. Fairfax County
Public Schools and Westfield High School attendance policies will be followed. It
is the student’s responsibility to get any work missed during an absence and work
must be completed by the deadline.
Parent VUE/ Grades and feedback will be posted in SIS and on Schoology, and will be visible on
ParentVUE within seven (7) days after the due date. Some major projects/papers may
Student VUE require additional time to ensure quality feedback. Please remember that SIS is the
gradebook of record.
● Parent Vue: https://sisparent.fcps.edu
● Student Vue: https://sisstudent.fcps.edu

FCPS Portrait Portrait of a Graduate prioritizes the development of skills that will empower students to
be productive citizens of a global community and successful in the workforce of the
of a Graduate future. An FCPS goal is to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate learning in
more authentic ways. Teachers in FCPS are enhancing learning opportunities to include
the attributes of Communicator, Collaborator, Ethical and Global Citizen, Creative and
Critical Thinker, and Goal-Directed and Resilient Individual.

Honor Code For full text of the honor code, please visit the FCPS website: Honor Code
and PRIDE Members of the Westfield High School community strive to demonstrate Personal
Statement Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Empathy (PRIDE) in all (activities and
programs.  Westfield teachers are committed to supporting honest, individual student
achievement; therefore, the policies and procedures outlined in the honor code will be
upheld and enforced in this class.  Students and parents/guardians are expected to be
familiar with the code and to adhere to its guidelines. 

Digital Fairfax County Public Schools uses a variety of resources to support student learning,
both virtual and in the classroom. Some of the digital resources your child may use this
Resources year require parental consent according to their terms of service and/or privacy policy.
FCPS takes your child’s privacy and security very seriously, and follows the guidelines
set forth by federal legislation.

More information about the tools we will use at Westfield and the link to provide parental
consent for your child can be found on the Westfield Webpage.

Course Specific SCHOOLOGY: 

Information All teachers will be using the Schoology platform to share course information,
note packets, support materials, content videos, and other items key to your
success in the course.

CALCULATOR USE:
This course is designed to prepare students for higher level mathematics and
higher order thinking, therefore, students will be permitted to use a calculator
only at given times in class that are designated by the teacher .

HAVING PROBLEMS?
Anyone who is having difficulty should seek extra help. We will be more than
happy to help anyone who puts forth the effort themselves first. Extra help will be
available on late bus days and by appointment. Do not wait until test time to
get help. Plan ahead.