Introduction: What To Expect From This Blog

Introduction

What To Expect From This Blog

Welcome to the blog for Mr. Sciacchitano's (or as you no doubt call him, Mr. Shock's) Geometry class. This entry serves as an introduction to the kinds of things you can expect from me - Mr. Shock - and this blog, this year. I will start with the purpose and mission of this blog.

Purpose and Mission

This blog exists specifically to give students a pseudo-textbook of geometric fact, and to serve as a means to stay connected to the class even on days when they are absent. The mission of this blog is to instill in students a stronger sense of connection between all the material we will learn this year, as well as provide a (hopefully) interesting learning platform for them.

The mission of the blog is simple: education for all. Whether a student is healthy or sick or home or on vacation or working or busy or a babysitter or a parent, they can learn Geometry. This blog exists as a means of learning geometric content at home or work, or just life. No more excuses; just learning.

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The purpose and mission can seem a bit sweeping, so I will break it down for you. The next part of this introduction consists of the expectations of both myself - the teacher - and of you - the student.

Expectations Of The Teacher

As the teacher, it is my job to teach, and you can still expect that every day in the classroom. The teaching itself will, however, look a bit different than you're used to. As follows are a list of things I will not do as your teacher:

Things I Won't Do

1. Give Definitions: We're all big boys and girls with the power to look things up on our own. Plus, all important definitions will be on this blog, so I will not be taking class time to read a definition from a math glossary.

2. Do A Problem Start-To-Finish: As you are all (or most) in tenth grade at this point, there exists a certain expectation that you can pay attention and follow along, and that you can do basic algebra. In class, if an example is too difficult, I will of course help break it down with you, but I will not be spoon-feeding anyone any answers.

3. Issue Quiz Re-Takes: You are perhaps used to the notion that, in math class, you are allowed to take a quiz or assessment more than once. I do not believe in this. If you did not perform to your best abilities, then study up and ask for another version of the quiz; I will not re-issue a quiz.

All of this being said, it is of course expected that I do my best to ensure your learning and the expanding of your mind. What follows is a list of things I will do as your teacher, to the best of my abilities:

Things I Will Do

1. Real-World Examples: The world is full of real-world Geometry examples, and as often as I can, I will relate all of this class' content to you in a manner that reflects that, using as many examples from real life as possible.

2. Explain Concepts: Being ignorant of  a definition is never an excuse; however, not knowing how to apply that definition in order to solve problems is a difficulty that I can level with. I will always explain how a concept works in class if it is needed. It should be noted, however, that the ideal time to get help with conceptual things is during tutoring sessions.

3. Offer Test Corrections: I understand that from time to time you are not in your best state of mind for a test, and so you will occasionally earn a grade on a test that you did not want. In those times, I will offer the opportunity to do test corrections. These corrections must be done on your own time after school on days that have tutoring sessions.

Expectations Of The Student

First and foremost, you are a part of the Lobo PACK here at La Joya Community High, and as such, you are expected to follow the guidelines of PACK:

PACK

Positive

This means that your attitude, behavior, and decisions are positive. We understand that everyone has bad days or even weeks, but the manner in which you carry yourself on the campus should be a positive one, and this is a daily decision you make.

Accountable

This means that you are responsible for your actions and behavior. This also means that, as a student, there are people that you "answer to." These people are teachers, administration, coaches, parents, and even study partners or groups. Accountability means that there are people looking out for your best interests and that you are working with them.

Connected

This means that you are a part of the greater La Joya community, and beyond that, the community of Avondale and Maricopa. Participating in sports, drama, choir, band, open-mic nights, community events, community service, clubs, youth groups, etc. is expected of you. It is important that you become an active member of your community.

Knowledgeable

This means that you know what you are doing, and that you know the school rules, at all times. Having this understanding, you would never pull your cell phone out in class, because you know that there is a rule against it in your Student Handbook and you also know that the consequence for disobeying this rule is a referral for misuse of technology.

As the student, it is understood that you are trying to understand the content, as well as learn skills such as problem solving and critical thinking. Your actions as a student should in all ways reflect this desire to learn and think. As such, here are the expectations of you, the student:

Expectations

1. Come Prepared: In the next post, titled "Syllabus," you will read of the three basic necessities for this class. It is your responsibility to acquire or purchase these basic necessities and bring them to class every day. I will not provide notebooks, pencils, or folders for students. This is your job.

2. Stay Up-To-Date: This blog will have every lesson, vocab word, homework assignment, and example that we do from class. As such, even if you are absent, it is expected that you stay up-to-date with lessons and assignments. It is also expected that if you miss a quiz or test, you come in on your own time to make it up.

3. Respect Your Teacher: We work best as a class when my students understand that I am in charge. Once that understanding sets in, we can focus on learning our content and expanding our minds. Parts of respecting me are also turning in homework, doing your best on tests, asking questions during class, respecting your fellow students during class, and arriving/leaving on time (no arriving late, no leaving early).

4. Pay Attention: Believe it or not, you can't soak up math knowledge just by being here. The more attention you invest, the better you will do in my class and in life.

5. Obey Class Rules: I have very specific rules about backpacks, cell phones, purses, and food. These rules will be posted on the walls and discussed on day 1. Please make yourself aware of these rules and follow them.