Hello! My name is Chris Adkisson and this is my first year teaching in Somerset, although this is my 7th year of teaching high school. Before moving here, I taught 1 year in Flagstaff, AZ and 5 years in San Diego, CA. The past 2 years, I have worked as the math department chair at Temecula Preparatory School, a public charter school focused on preparing all students for college-level coursework. Over the past 6 years, I have taught Pre-Algebra, AP Calculus and just about everything in between. I have also taught Biology, PE, and AP Psychology. In addition to teaching, I have coached high school tennis and football, as well as middle school flag football.
I believe that high school students are very capable individuals! In my experience, they can rise to any challenge with the proper motivation and encouragement, or they can sink to unbelievable levels of apathy when allowed to. I think that the difference comes when students feel free to make their own decisions and are guided towards their goals.
I am looking forward to a great year!
-----CLASS SYLLABUS-----
REQUIRED MATERIALS
1. Textbook and workbook
2. Paper and Pencil
3. Red Pen
4. Journal - 3-ring binder
5. Agenda book
6. Scientific Calculator
7. Graph Paper
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Respect yourself and other at all times.
2. Bring all supplies every day. (This includes all homework assignments)
3. Be on time to class.
4. Class notes will be taken each day.
5. Only plastic bottles with lids will be allowed in classroom for drinks.
6. Food and candy are not allowed unless authorized by the teacher.
7. Sales of candy are not allowed.
8. Raise your hand before speaking out.
9. Listen and do not talk when someone else is doing so.
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
Your grade in this class will be based upon your accumulation of points. No late assignments will be accepted without penalty.
1. Daily assignments collected each week (50 points each)
2. Sectional quizzes (up to 50 points each)
3. Chapter tests (100 points each)
HALL PASSES: Students may leave the class only in case of an extreme emergency.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: A student can only be successful in mathematics if he/she attends school on a regular basis. If a student must miss, makeup work will only be accepted if the absence is excused. Students are allowed five parent excused absences per semester and must have the absence excused within three days of returning back to school.
CHARACTER EDUCATION: The Pulaski County School System believes strongly in a student demonstrating good character. The character education words for Pulaski County High School are as follows: Respect, Compassion, Loyalty, Optimism, Perseverance, Initiative, Adaptability, Trustworthy, Honesty, Contemplation, Courage, and Responsibility. It is the hope of the teacher that every student will demonstrate each of these traits daily.