Whew!

Well, February was a busy month!  I didn't even make it to this blog once in the entire month!

So, for an update:

   In Algebra, we are deep into a study of functions.  We are learning about the different representations of functions, including graphs, equations, T-charts, maps and sets of ordered pairs.  We are developing fluency in going from one representation to another.  

   We are also making connections between the abstract language of algebra and the real life functions around us.  

   Lastly, we want to talk about slope and y-intercepts in functions, and what they represent in the real world examples.  

   Geometry students are busy preparing themselves for the Math AIMS, which is coming up on April 10.  After finishing our unit on 3D Solids, we are starting a short unit on Logic and Reasoning.  We've been introduced to the basic starting point of logic and reasoning:  if...then statements.  We'll talk about and combine if...then statements in a variety of ways to build arguments.  

   

Homework for both classes is listed on the homework pages, and links for the assignments will be posted soon!

Regaining Credit

A few students did not earn a passing grade in the first semester of Math, and therefore did not earn Credit. If you are in this situation, there is a chance to earn that credit in the second semester.  I emailed the following letter home to parents, and gave a copy to students who need to earn credit.  Remember that this is just an option, if you would like to pursue 1st semester math credit another way, such as summer school, that is your choice.

Both myself and Charles, who is running the after school study hall, has material students can use to study the first semester content in preparation to retake the tests.  As students feel ready, they should schedule a time with me to retake each test.




Dear Parent/Guardian,

Your student failed 1st semester of math this year. We are offering a chance to
regain the credit without having to take summer school. Here are the guidelines to
regaining credit:

• Your student must pass second semester with a grade of a C or better

• Your student must come in either before or after school to retake all exams from first semester. They may take exams up to 2 additional times and earn a 70% or better average on all tests. These times must be prearranged with the teacher to make sure materials are ready and that a teacher can be present during the testing time.

If your student does both of the above, they will earn a “P” for first semester.

Office hours will continue to be available to help your student.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either Sarah Miller at
sarahm@cityhighschool.org, or KC Engelmann at kce@cityhighschool.org. We
would be happy to answer your questions!

Sincerely,

The Math Team
City High School

Daily Update - 1.24

Today was the Geometry students' turn to take the Galileo Test.  This test is designed to be an indication of where students are as they prepare for the AIMS test.  As we are over halfway through the Geometry curriculum, students should be able to do most of the test.  The results will inform me who is on track to meet or exceed the standard, and who needs some support.

After the test, students began their homework, which is about Central and Inscribed Angles.  There is an explanation and examples on the worksheet for students to look at if they need help.

Daily Update - 1.23

Today in Algebra, we took another Galileo test.  These tests are taken on the computer, and are meant to inform students and teachers about a student's progress toward meeting or exceeding the standard on the AIMS test.

As students finished the tests, they worked on missing math work, or started tonight's homework, which is an equation solving practice.  There were several problems on the page, students may choose any 8 odd-numbered problems and any 8 even numbered problems to complete.

Daily Update - 1.20

Whew...Friday sure came fast this week!

In Algebra, students solved rational equations  - equations that have a big fraction in them - with expressions for the numerator and denominator.  Once we learned the trick, they became easy to solve!  Homework was to finish the practice sheet, which is a double-sided sheet with 8 problems.  There is room to show their work on this sheet.

Geometry students took a quiz today on Arc Length, Sector Area and circle vocabulary.  Grades should be up on PowerSchool tonight!

Daily Update - 1.19

In Geometry today, students had a quick lecture about finding arc length, and then practiced on their own.  I also provided an opportunity for students to work with me in a small group setting to practice finding sector area, if they so chose.  Since these two skills are highly related, students who understood one were able to use that to understand the other.

Homework tonight was to finish the practice problems that didn't get finished in class.  Students should try to do these problems without a calculator, as they will be expected to do so on the AIMS test.

Also, there will be a quiz tomorrow on finding sector area, finding arc length, and circle vocabulary.

The Homework Situation

Overall, I've been impressed by the level of homework completion in the new semester.  There are still a number of "NHI's" in my gradebook, still, and I'd like that to change.

I also would like to post about my homework policy in the second semester:

I will not be collecting homework.  I go through and check that homework has been completed at the beginning of each day.  Then, I display the homework answers so that students can grade their own work.  It is up to them to use this resource wisely.  I also try to ask the students if there are any problems they really struggled with that they'd like me to review or solve with them.

Late work is worth half credit.  Unless a student has a valid reason for turning in homework late, I will give them half credit for the assignment.  "Late" includes finishing it during the school day and reporting back to me at the end of the day.

Late work will only be accepted for one week.  I will accept assignments up until a week past their due date.  After that they may not be made up.  All late work (including that for absences) should be placed in the box on the corner of my desk.  I've also adopted Molly's grade book trick - "NHI's" may still be handed in; "0's" may not.