Welcome

The universe is defined by mathematics. Here at El Diamante High School it is my pleasure to teach the fundamentals of mathematics that will start students along the pathway of noticing patterns and using logic and reason to solve problems. The question is not "When will you ever use this stuff?" it is "When won't you?"

 

Office Hours

My regular office hours are times that students and parents may meet with me. Tuesdays and Thursdays are devoted to Benchmark and Test retakes. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are devoted to tutoring.

• Session 1: Lunchtime   Tuesday - Friday
• Session 2: 3:15 - 4:15 Monday - Friday

              

Daily Practice (Homework)

     Students are expected to practice math on a daily basis. The minimum is five problems a day seven days a week but they are encouraged to practice more than that as needed. Practice should not be a mindless and pointless activity but should be meaningful and goal oriented.  Students should practice those topics that they have not yet mastered in order to gain mastery of them. Daily practice logs kept in a composition book will be checked in class and points awarded for days that practice occurred. Practice problems can be found in the textbook, notes, benchmark examples, test study guides, and handouts.  Students may practice the same problems more than once as long as it is meaningful and helpful for them to do so.

 

Benchmarks

Benchmark quizzes are short 1-4 question tests that are all on a single topic. These topics align with the California Content Standards for each of the courses I teach. Benchmarks represent 30% of a student's grade and are graded on a percentage. Students have two chances to retake a benchmark and the highest percentage they are able to earn will be kept as their permanent grade. Students should make sure they are absolutely ready before retaking a benchmark. Coming in to retake without serious preparation will be a wasted chance.

Benchmarks will always be taken for the first time in class. Retakes or makeups can only be taken on Tuesdays and Thursdays during office hours. Practicing for benchmarks or getting some tutoring for them can be done during office hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.