GEOMETRY SYLLABUS – MR.

BAKER
Fall 2008
Personal Phone: 314.506.9283
Math Office Phone: 314.506.9260
Email: ccbaker@fergflor.k12.mo.us

MR. BAKER-SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS

Everyone in this classroom with one common goal: to master the fundamentals of
Geometry. Even if you all have no other commonalities, your Geometric goals are
enough to foster a community of teamwork in this classroom. It may take some work,
but I expect every student in my classes to have a positive, community-building attitude.
That being said;
I understand that everyone may be best of friends, but WE WILL RESPECT
EACH OTHER.
Everyday may not be your best day – humans go through ups and downs both
physically and mentally, but EVERYDAY WE WILL GIVE ALL OF WHAT WE HAVE. If
you are having an especially bad day, let me know at the beginning of class.
We know that no one grasps every concept easily all the time, so when we do, WE
WILL HELP EACH OTHER.
We will work in groups from time to time and when we do, WE WILL EACH
WORK TO FULFILL OUR ROLES AND DUTIES.
Sometimes you need a day to yourself, but EVERYDAY WE WILL WORK
TOWARD PUTTING OTHERS ABOVE OURSELVES, so that we all may grow.
Any other expectations not addressed here are consistent with those outlined in
the 2008-2009 Student Discipline Code, including electronic devices, food, and drink.

TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS

This is our second year using the book called Discovering Geometry, published by the
company Key Curriculum Press. This book is unique in its setup and approach from
probably any other math book you have seen – it certainly was for me. Instead of
focusing on rules, theorems, and proofs to memorize, the lessons throughout the book
will lead us to discovering concepts and truths of Geometry through examining
relationships of lines, angles, and shapes. Because of this approach, there may be less
homework than you are used to taking home. Trust me, THIS WILL BE OKAY! In
addition to our textbook, the publishers also have many resources available on their
website that you can access from home at www.keymath.com.
Resources include:
 Geometry explorations similar to ones will we practice in class
 Condensed lesson summaries (for extra understanding or catching up)
 Extra skills practice
I encourage you to explore what the website has to offer you in aiding your success!

Necessary Supplies
You should have with you daily in class:
• Discovering Geometry textbook (Please remember that you will be held
accountable for the book checked out to you and that fines are NOT FUN.)
• Pencil
GEOMETRY SYLLABUS – MR. BAKER
Fall 2008
• Eraser (can be very helpful!)
• Folder with brads on the inside (can be kept in class or taken home. This folder
will be used to hold work in progress)
• Composition notebook with graph paper
• Scientific calculator
Up to TEN NEW pencils can be brought anytime in the semester for 1 extra credit point
each.

GRADING AND ASSIGNMENTS

Here we are. The section everyone really cares about – homework and grades. My
grading scale will be consistent with the system in place across the school in every
classroom. The scale is different from the one used at Cross Keys or perhaps in other
districts, but it should not come as a surprise to any returning students.

A: 93-100
B: 84-92
C: 70-83
D: 60-69
F: 59 or below

Your grades on the scale will loosely be broken down accordingly:

Classwork / Homework ~ 50%
Tests / Quizzes ~ 50%
Each worksheet or book assignment is usually worth 10 points, quizzes (which will be 1
or 2 a week and open-note) worth between 20 and 30 points, and tests usually between 50
and 60 points (coming every week and a half to two weeks)
I WILL SEND HOME A PROGRESS REPORT WITH YOUR STUDENT EVERY FEW
WEEKS SO HE OR SHE KNOWS WHERE THEY STAND.

If a homework assignment is due at the beginning of class or in-class work due at the end,
it will be counted as late if not turned in when I request it.

LATE WORK POLICY / MAKE UP EXAMS

Classwork/homework grades lose 10% for each day they are late, up to 50% off. Exams,
quizzes, or in-class assignments may be made-up for five school days most days before
or after-school, as arranged with me. Due to the group work nature of some in-class
work we will do, those points will not be available for make-up.

ABOUT ME:
I graduated from McCluer North in 2001 and went on to study secondary education at
Mizzou and serve in the Marine Corps ROTC for the duration of my time there. After
graduation I did not take a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, and instead returned to St.
Louis. My other educational interest is in history and government, so I tend to look at
mathematics from more of a historical perspective than others may. I think this deepens
our studies of Algebra and Geometry because their fundamentals are rooted in a history
of everyday people searching for systematic, easier methods of making sense of their
GEOMETRY SYLLABUS – MR. BAKER
Fall 2008
everyday lives – the same we can do today.

Other jobs I have worked: electrician, lumberyard associate for a summer in Alaska.
TEACHER, PARENT, STUDENT AGREEMENT

PLEASE DETACH THIS SHEET AND RETURN TO CLASS WITH THE

APPROPRIATE SIGNATURES!

I will daily give my best to educate my students, honor their interests, and foster a
community of pride in our classroom and school.

CHARLES C. BAKER

I have read the above syllabus and am clear on the expectations specific to this course for
my son or daughter.

Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________________

May I also contact you by email? (Any email correspondence from me will be from a
Ferg-Flor District email address.)
Address: ______________________________________

STUDENT – TEACHER UNDERSTANDING

I will…
… RESPECT OTHERS AND MYSELF.
… GIVE ALL THE EFFORT I HAVE TO GIVE ON ANY GIVEN DAY.
… HELP MY PEERS ON CLASSWORK WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
… WORK TO FULFILL MY GROUP ROLES AND DUTIES.
… WORK TOWARD PUTTING OTHERS ABOVE MYSELF.

Student Name (PRINT PLEASE!): __________________________________

Student Signature: __________________________________________