WELCOME!
I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and express my excitement about working with your child this year. The 2019-2020 school year will be my 10th year in education. It was in Tylertown, MS that I began my teaching career, teaching 5th grade Mathematics and Science. However, I was called to come closer to my hometown of Petal, MS and was offered an amazing opportunity at Seminary Middle School. At the middle school level I have taught Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. In 2015 I moved up to the high school to teach Algebra. Since my move to the high school, I have taught Foundations to Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Math Ready, Math Essentials, and Marine & Aquatic Science. In addition to my teaching duties, I was an academic coach for the Science Olympiad for 8 years and hopefully will be able to form another team in the future. Also, for 4 years I coached the Seminary Cross Country Team. I also have four children of my own at various ages, so I can relate as a parent.
Qualifications include achieving my Associates in General Studies at Jones County Junior College, where my major was Veterinary Medicine. When I transferred to The University of Southern Mississippi I began helping fellow classmates and watched my Science professors as they enthusiastically shared knowledge and soon realized I wanted to become a teacher. My Bachelor in Elementary Education was earned there 2 years later with an emphasis in Mathematics, Science, and Reading. After four years of teaching I decided to pursue my Master's in Biology. One day I do hope to return and get my doctorate, but for now my time and dedication is to family and to helping your children achieve greatness.
I enjoy teaching Algebra 1 because I care deeply about each of my students. I believe students can grow and develop by examining the mathematical concepts we cover in class. The main goal of my course is to expand on algebraic knowledge while strengthening basic skills of calculation. Over the course of this year, we will evaluate expressions, graph algebraic expressions, model them on calculators, and other supporting skills. The essence of Mathematics is to develop the problem solving abilities in students. It isn't the process but the ability to reach the destination.
Additional information about the class is provided in the syllabus attached to this page. Please read that syllabus and sign the detachable portion on the bottom of this note in order to indicate your understanding and support of the classroom system. There is also space provided for you to express any questions, concerns or comments. Students should return that portion to me.
Also note that if you ever have any comments, questions or concerns, I am available for phone calls and meetings each day by appointment. To schedule a meeting, you may contact me via [email protected] or 601-722-3220. I am excited about working with your child. I welcome questions or comments, and am looking forward to a great year!
Sincerely,
Akila A. Williamson M.Ed.
Foundations to Algebra Teacher
Math Ready & Essentials Teacher
Algebra I Teacher
SEMINARY HIGH SCHOOL ALGEBRA I 2020-21
A. Williamson
Compensatory Mathematics/Algebra I
Achieving our classroom goal (outlined below) will require the cooperation of parents/ guardians, students and teachers.
CLASSROOM GOAL
To dedicate our time and effort to strengthening student’s algebraic skills as well as helping students determine how these skills can be applied in everyday situations. It is absolute that every student has a place in the future to be a productive and educated citizen through conceptual understanding of mathematics and subjects that connect to the discipline.
NECESSARY SUPPLIES
If there is any difficulty obtaining these supplies, students may see me outside of class time to find a solution to obtain the needed supplies.
Notebook: (2 inch binder or larger) Most of your materials will be kept in your binder. You must bring this binder to class every day. Label its dividers according to the model below.
All Seminary High rules will apply in our classroom. Students are also asked to
PROCEDURES
At the beginning of class:
During class:
At the end of class:
POLICIES
Homework/Work not finished during class the previous day
Late Work
• Once I have reviewed the answers, late work will not be accepted and an NG will be given.
• I will accept late large assignments (100 point projects, research papers, etc.) for one week after the due date. Students lose a minimum of 5 points for each day the assignment is late.
• Students WILL NOT be allowed to turn in bulk work at the end of the term.
Tardies
Please be seated and ready to begin at the appropriate time. If you are late, the school tardy policy will apply:
1st tardy—warning
2nd tardy—call home
3rd tardy—Detention/ISS
4th tardy or more—Office Referral (ISS or OSS)
WALKING IN THE DOOR AS THE BELL IS RINGING IS CONSIDERED TARDY
Absences
• With an excused absence, you may make up missed work for full credit. Missed exams must be made up within 2 school days. (In the event you miss 3 or more days, you will be given 1 extra day per sequential absence)
• Make-up work will be addressed outside of class (preferably right before or right after school).
• After they have been used in class, copies of all handouts are placed in folders located at the front of the classroom. If you are absent, check this for missed work. THIS IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY
CLASSROOM CULTURE
We will work hard to have a positive classroom culture, and to celebrate that culture in many ways (positive phone calls, increased privileges, etc.). In instances where that culture is disrupted, consequences will include teacher-counselor-student conferences, parent/guardian contacts and administrative referrals.
GRADES
PROMISES TO STUDENTS
I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and express my excitement about working with your child this year. The 2019-2020 school year will be my 10th year in education. It was in Tylertown, MS that I began my teaching career, teaching 5th grade Mathematics and Science. However, I was called to come closer to my hometown of Petal, MS and was offered an amazing opportunity at Seminary Middle School. At the middle school level I have taught Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. In 2015 I moved up to the high school to teach Algebra. Since my move to the high school, I have taught Foundations to Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Math Ready, Math Essentials, and Marine & Aquatic Science. In addition to my teaching duties, I was an academic coach for the Science Olympiad for 8 years and hopefully will be able to form another team in the future. Also, for 4 years I coached the Seminary Cross Country Team. I also have four children of my own at various ages, so I can relate as a parent.
Qualifications include achieving my Associates in General Studies at Jones County Junior College, where my major was Veterinary Medicine. When I transferred to The University of Southern Mississippi I began helping fellow classmates and watched my Science professors as they enthusiastically shared knowledge and soon realized I wanted to become a teacher. My Bachelor in Elementary Education was earned there 2 years later with an emphasis in Mathematics, Science, and Reading. After four years of teaching I decided to pursue my Master's in Biology. One day I do hope to return and get my doctorate, but for now my time and dedication is to family and to helping your children achieve greatness.
I enjoy teaching Algebra 1 because I care deeply about each of my students. I believe students can grow and develop by examining the mathematical concepts we cover in class. The main goal of my course is to expand on algebraic knowledge while strengthening basic skills of calculation. Over the course of this year, we will evaluate expressions, graph algebraic expressions, model them on calculators, and other supporting skills. The essence of Mathematics is to develop the problem solving abilities in students. It isn't the process but the ability to reach the destination.
Additional information about the class is provided in the syllabus attached to this page. Please read that syllabus and sign the detachable portion on the bottom of this note in order to indicate your understanding and support of the classroom system. There is also space provided for you to express any questions, concerns or comments. Students should return that portion to me.
Also note that if you ever have any comments, questions or concerns, I am available for phone calls and meetings each day by appointment. To schedule a meeting, you may contact me via [email protected] or 601-722-3220. I am excited about working with your child. I welcome questions or comments, and am looking forward to a great year!
Sincerely,
Akila A. Williamson M.Ed.
Foundations to Algebra Teacher
Math Ready & Essentials Teacher
Algebra I Teacher
SEMINARY HIGH SCHOOL ALGEBRA I 2020-21
A. Williamson
Compensatory Mathematics/Algebra I
Achieving our classroom goal (outlined below) will require the cooperation of parents/ guardians, students and teachers.
CLASSROOM GOAL
To dedicate our time and effort to strengthening student’s algebraic skills as well as helping students determine how these skills can be applied in everyday situations. It is absolute that every student has a place in the future to be a productive and educated citizen through conceptual understanding of mathematics and subjects that connect to the discipline.
NECESSARY SUPPLIES
If there is any difficulty obtaining these supplies, students may see me outside of class time to find a solution to obtain the needed supplies.
- One three ring binder (2 inch)
- Five dividers – These can be bought or made using construction paper and/or card stock.
- Loose leaf paper
- Pencils or pen (blue/black ink only, I WILL NOT accept work other colors)
- Ruler
- Highlighters
- Graphing Calculator
- Classroom set available, but cannot be taken home
- Free Graphing Calculator applications for phone are Desmos, Graphing Calculator, EduCalc, Etc.
- Suggested Book: Algebra I Cliff Notes
- 3 pack of Sanitizing Wipes (Clorox, Lysol, store brand, etc.)
- 3 pack of Paper Towels
- 2-3 pack of Kleenex (store brand will be fine)
- 4-5 pack of Black Expo Markers
- Pack of 500 Sheets of Notebook Paper (For Classroom supply)
- 24 Pack of Pencils (For Classroom Supply)
Notebook: (2 inch binder or larger) Most of your materials will be kept in your binder. You must bring this binder to class every day. Label its dividers according to the model below.
- Warm Up
- Notes/Practice
- Study Guides
- Assignments
- Tests/Graded Work
All Seminary High rules will apply in our classroom. Students are also asked to
- Be Respectful (to other people, the environment and yourself)
- Be Responsible (which requires believing in yourself and always trying as hard as you can)
- Be Resourceful (being prepared, practicing skills when asked, using time wisely)
PROCEDURES
At the beginning of class:
- Pick up your “Warm-up” activity (if available) as you enter the room.
- Be seated and quiet.
- Place completed homework on your desk.
- Begin your “Warm-up” activity.
During class:
- Sharpen your pencil when necessary. You do not need permission, but do not make it an event.
- Save trash until after class.
- Bathroom/water/nurse/counselor policy:
- Please do not ask to leave class unless there is an emergency. Anyone who consistently asks to leave will be scheduled an individual conference.
- No one will be excused during the first or last 10 minutes of class or during certain activities.
At the end of class:
- Pack up your belongings only after you have been asked to do so.
- Clean the area around your desk before you leave. This includes removing any sketches and any paper/trash around your area.
POLICIES
Homework/Work not finished during class the previous day
- I will check all homework right after roll. All work must be on your desk by that time. If it’s not there for ANY reason, it will be marked late
- I will come by your desk once. If your homework is not on your desk at that time, it will be marked late.
Late Work
• Once I have reviewed the answers, late work will not be accepted and an NG will be given.
• I will accept late large assignments (100 point projects, research papers, etc.) for one week after the due date. Students lose a minimum of 5 points for each day the assignment is late.
• Students WILL NOT be allowed to turn in bulk work at the end of the term.
Tardies
Please be seated and ready to begin at the appropriate time. If you are late, the school tardy policy will apply:
1st tardy—warning
2nd tardy—call home
3rd tardy—Detention/ISS
4th tardy or more—Office Referral (ISS or OSS)
WALKING IN THE DOOR AS THE BELL IS RINGING IS CONSIDERED TARDY
Absences
• With an excused absence, you may make up missed work for full credit. Missed exams must be made up within 2 school days. (In the event you miss 3 or more days, you will be given 1 extra day per sequential absence)
• Make-up work will be addressed outside of class (preferably right before or right after school).
• After they have been used in class, copies of all handouts are placed in folders located at the front of the classroom. If you are absent, check this for missed work. THIS IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY
CLASSROOM CULTURE
We will work hard to have a positive classroom culture, and to celebrate that culture in many ways (positive phone calls, increased privileges, etc.). In instances where that culture is disrupted, consequences will include teacher-counselor-student conferences, parent/guardian contacts and administrative referrals.
GRADES
- Daily work: 30% of grade
- Homework: 10% of grade
- Tests, Papers, Projects: Averages out to 60% of grade
- Notebook/study Guide Check: This will count as 5% of the test grade that correlates with the test
- Progress reports/report cards will be sent out according to the school calendar.
- END OF TERM EXAM IS 25% OF TOTAL GRADE
PROMISES TO STUDENTS
- If you ever feel I am doing a poor job of living up to these promises, please schedule an individual conference with me. I work very hard to make sure that I am true to my word.
- I will always believe in your ability to succeed. This means my expectations are extremely high. I will demand your best at all times.
- I will listen to you. I ask that you bring questions, concerns or comments to me in a calm, respectful manner at the appropriate time. Individual concerns should be addressed in individual conferences that can be arranged by seeing me before or after class.
- I will respect you, and I will insist that others respect you in our class. Please let me know, in an individual conference, if you ever feel disrespected.
- I will never assign work unless I can explain why it is important. I do not believe in busy work.
- I will work hard and happily. I took this job because teaching is my passion.
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