Seventh and eighth grade math
and algebra classes are all beginning the year with a review of basic
skills. Upon completing their review, seventh graders will be introduced
to pre-aglebra and eighth graders to ratio, proportion and percent.
Eighth graders enrolled in algebra as an extra subject will complete an entire
ninth grade algebra textbook this year. Good attendance is crucial to
student success in all of these classes, since much of the year involves the
introduction of new material. All seventh and eighth grade students will
also prepare for and participate in the Illinois Math League and MATHCOUNTS
in-school competitions. A team of eight students and two alternates will
be selected to attend the regional MATHCOUNTS competition held at SIUE in
February. Students who enjoy sharpening their creative problem-solving
skills and/or want to prepare for competition can find a variety of
problem-solving activities at www.mathcounts.org.
Every seventh/eighth grade student
receives a packet of graded math assignments, tests and quizzes from the
previous week at the beginning of each new school week. If the student
needs to make up any work, finish an assignment, or make corrections on an
assignment, instructions are given on a post-it note attached to the front of
the packet. Students are encouraged to get their packet signed by a
parent and returned for 5 extra credit points per week. All missing or
incomplete assignments or corrections are due the last day of the school week
in which the packet was handed out. Students receive partial points for
corrections which are turned in on time. Looking at your child's math
packet each week is an easy way to keep track of your child's progress in
math.
Mrs. Mattis holds a tutorial study
hall in the 8B homeroom every day during noon recess; students needing extra
help are encouraged to make use of this time for individual attention.
Help is also available by phone in the evening, or before or after school by
appointment.
Please feel free to get in touch with
Mrs. Mattis at home or at school any time you have questions or concerns about
your child's progress in math!