I am grateful to be a member of an extraordinarily strong math department within this wonderful Williston faculty. During the whirlwind of Family Weekend I had one particularly uplifting and gratifying conversation with a parent that gave me reason to appreciate my colleagues even more. This parent shared the story of her daughter’s experience in math as a six year student at Williston. I would like to thank her and share her story here.
Our daughter entered the middle school in 7th grade with very little math ability and even less math confidence. Numbers just did not come easy to her at all. As her parents, we were very concerned about her lack of math abilities, knowing that math is extremely important not just in math class, but in many other future classes, and in day-to-day life. The very thought of math was a source of much anxiety for all of us.
Mrs. King
Our daughter’s first introduction to Williston’s math department was through Mimi King. Mrs. King basically held her hand through 7th and 8th grade math. She broke all concepts down so completely, that there was little room for misunderstanding. Math started to become logical! Our daughter began to get A’s, and though her success was incredible given where she had started in 7th grade, she again had anxiety when she entered the Upper School. Would she be able to manage in a high school math class, particularly when grades were becoming so important?
Mrs. Conroy
In 9th and 10th grade, she was assigned to Monique Conroy’s Geometry and then Algebra II classes. Mrs. Conroy continued precisely with the same philosophy that Mrs. King had already instilled, making the transition to the Upper School math program seamless. By the end of 10th grade, she not only began to feel confident about math, but she could even help her classmates. Through projects and word problems, math actually became practical and applicable in everyday life.
Mrs. Whipple
This continued into Janine Whipple’s 11th grade Pre-Calculus class, and now into Martha McCullagh’s Calculus class. In each class, our daughter worked hard, and her effort was supported and nurtured by her teachers. It is absolutely amazing to us that throughout our daughter’s 6 years of math at Williston, her learning experience has been incredibly consistent because these four amazing teachers have very similar teaching philosophies. This consistency is why she is so successful, and allowed her to raise her own expectations for herself. Though the math concepts continue to get more difficult, her foundation is now so strong that she is not scared anymore, but feels ready for the challenge. She now calls herself a “math student”!
Mrs. McCullagh
Finally and most importantly, our daughter has experienced that hard work and perseverance can truly create success. She was not born a natural math student, but she has become one. To us, she is an example of true academic success at Williston. She has learned how perseverance pays off, and this lesson translates into all areas of her life. As her tennis coach often reiterates to his students, natural talent is not the indicator of success, but hard work is. Her math success is a testament to this! We sincerely thank Williston’s math department, and particularly these 4 exceptional teachers!
The Mathematics Department’s Engineering & Robotics I course introduces students to the fundamentals of the engineering process, robots and robotics sensors, and the computer programming skills required to make robots interact with the world.
This trimester’s students have learned how to make their robots move in a straight line for a specific distance and how to make their robots execute swing and point turns for a specific number of degrees. With these foundational skills under their belts, it is time for the students to show-off their knowledge and have their skills assessed!
In Engineering and Robotics I, major assessments rarely use traditional testing methods. Tests are called “Challenges” and present a three-dimensional environment in which the students’ robots must successfully negotiate a “test course” on the classroom’s Challenge Table. Challenges are scored based on how accurately the students’ robots accomplish their task on the Challenge Table and by the quality of the students’ computer programs.
The Mindstorms Robot
Students are now working on the “Labyrinth Challenge” as their first major assessment. The Challenge’s goal is to have the robot move from the red start line (on the lower right) into the black and red goal box (upper center). Along the way, the robot must travel to each of the three red crosses. To achieve this goal requires the students’ robots to combine a series of highly accurate, straight-ahead movements with precise 90-degree point turns executed on each of the red crosses.
The following video shows the students practicing on the Challenge Table as they develop the computer programs.
At the last math department meeting we collected some of our favorite moments from class from the year so far.
Here they are:
Kathryn Hill: I’ve been so pleased to see the Trigonometry, Probability, and Statistics kids getting the hang of triangle trigonometry. It’s not easy for all of them, but it’s great to know that we are exposing more of our students to the usefulness of trig. The group has been working hard, and while this material does not come easily to all of them, most of the students are finding some significant success.
Kim Evelti: My students are so *intrinsically motivated* to extend their learning and apply their creativity to game design. When I introduce the ability for students to “mod” (modify) the game prescribed by the book (as I did yesterday,) their desire to make an awesome game propels them to ask what’s possible, get productively frustrated with what they don’t know yet and get excited to find the answers either later in the class term or through individual conversation and research.
Josh Seamon: The start to AP Calculus BC is always a challenge. The class has a quick start and there are some very, very big ideas to grasp right from the start. I have been so impressed by how well my students have absorbed, on a deep level, everything that we’ve been working on! Their knowledge and command of sequences and series has been inspiring!
Matt Lapolla: I have loved working with voting theory in the Topics class. We have been working with a variety of methods to determine a group’s decision breakdown. One example is breaking down and analyzing how the polls in college football work and what it really means to be a group’s first choice but to have less overall first place votes.
Carey Baldwin: We were working on a challenging topic in Trigonometry – the ambiguous case for solving oblique triangles with the law of sines. When we started working in groups, several students came to the board and asked to work through the problems there. Students took turns writing and engaging in the process. It was great to see this initiative from them and their comfort level in the classroom.
Martha McCullagh: Yesterday in my calculus class I was able to step aside while a students stepped forward to take on discussing the fundamental idea of calculus. He didn’t know that was what he was doing – he just came forward to show the class another way that we could look at a problem. His suggestion took the class in exactly the right direction to develop the concept of derivatives. I love when things fall into place!
Ted Matthias: In Engineering & Robotics, all students successfully modified their first ROBOTC program. All students were able to program their robots to accurately travel on the Challenge Table to the finish line.
Monique Conroy: Algebra I is an exciting time in the life of math students. After years of studying arithmetic, discovering the world of variables can be intimidating, interesting and fun. Though my 8th graders were familiar with the distributive property, they had no idea the details we covered early Monday morning. What is being distributed, negatives and simplifying by like combining like terms after distributing led to details and fun no one could imagine. Well done friends of algebra.
Mimi King: When working with my Pre-Algebra on subtracting integers it was very rewarding to watch the understanding sink in as I was using real world examples. Hearing “Wow, that makes so much sense!” was wonderful.
Libby Anderson: One of my classes is seminar like as it is dealing with college level mathematics. Every day the students are at the board presenting, or should I say teaching, different approaches to the same problem as we open our minds to knew and different ways of problem-solving, regardless of the content. We are having so much fun!
I am thrilled to report that the Math Resource Center officially opens tomorrow! The student tutors are VERY excited to help you with your math questions, and to help you learn how to use your resources to help yourself with your own math questions!! The schedule is attached, but here are some very key details for all of you to know:
This is a student-run drop-in tutoring center. No appointment is necessary.
You can arrive any time during the period and stay as long as you need.
The Math Resource Center is room #28 in the Schoolhouse. Tutoring takes place in the center during the class day. On Tuesday evenings tutoring is offered in the Stu Bop from 8pm to 9pm.
Right now tutoring is available Every period (A through F), once a week, and on Tuesday evenings.
If at all possible, PLEASE BRING YOUR TEXTBOOK. We are working on getting a set of student editions for the resource room but are still waiting on this.
I hope that many of you discover this fantastic support system and take advantage of the service these tutors are offering.
See you on the math floor!
Ms. Anderson, the Math Department, and the math tutors extraordinaire!
I am excited to announce a new award, the Upper School Mathematics Students of the Trimester!
Each math faculty member was free to choose whichever student of theirs they thought best exemplified what they are looking for in a model mathematics student. The official description of the award is as follows:
“Awarded to students who exemplify the math department’s core values of competence, confidence, and perseverance while helping their peers realize the relevance and importance of an exceptional mathematical education both for its beauty and for its practical application.”
The following students have been recognized as the Upper School Mathematics Students of the Trimester for Spring 2015.
Please join me in congratulating these outstanding mathematics students!
Ha Bui – I chose Ha because of the way she approaches learning mathematics as well as the manner with which she works with others. She understands the importance of attention to detail and to organizing and displaying her work and her thinking. I actually look forward to grading her work! Additionally, she deepens her understanding of mathematical concepts each day in class by asking insightful questions, but even more so by helping others. Patiently and clearly she explains concepts and problem-solving strategies to her peers without judgment. Her dedication to doing her best and to sharing her quiet enthusiasm for learning is an inspiration to all.
Liv Cuevas – Liv was named math student of the trimester for her outstanding performance in the class, her willingness to help her classmates reach their highest potential, and her perseverance. All year Liv has earned very high grades in pre-calculus, but even more than that she has demonstrated a strong and thorough understanding of the material. When she comes across difficult problems, she never gives up on it. Instead, she consults her notes, book, internet, and teachers and peers. Additionally, and the biggest contributing factor for her receiving this title, is Liv’s eagerness to help her friends and classmates. I constantly find Liv taking the time to work through a problem or explain a concept to a struggling classmate. One of the reasons I love teaching here at Williston is that our students are always found helping each other and truly want to see their peers succeed. Liv is a wonderful model of what it means to be a mathematics student at Williston.
Maggie Cummings – Maggie has embraced the role of a statistician in her final project. Her data analysis and written responses illustrate a lot of hard work and an understanding of how to communicate quantitative results to a wider audience. It has been a great having Maggie in class.
Morgan Fisher – Morgan is the one of the hardest workers in Probability and Statistics. She is always one of the first to volunteer to participate during class and sets an extremely positive example for her peers in the class. It has been a privilege working with Morgan this year.
Aidan Greenwood – Aidan’s work ethic and willingness to participate have made him a role model for other students in the class. Also, his passion for the new topics of the term, programming and business development, is exactly what I hope to see in all of my students!
Chloe Harris – Chloe has been an ideal student throughout the entire year. Each day she comes to class prepared to work for one hour and it is her questions from homework that begin our class discussions. Chloe has mastered the concepts, worked with incredible accuracy, learned from her mistakes and grown tremendously as a student. She has given of herself to help her classmates and smiled while doing so. Her outstanding performance this year is the result of her unwavering effort and her determination to be her best. Congratulations Chloe!!!
Lauren Helm – From the beginning of the trimester, Lauren has turned in perfect or near-perfect assignments. Her Engineering Notebook contains extremely complete course notes and is a model of organization. She has excelled in all aspects of this course!
Robby Hill – He high-scored the last test and he continues to impress me in class.
Tory Palumbo – Tory has been a dedicated and focused student all year. She is always willing to take on the most challenging questions. Through her example, Tory has helped other students achieve a greater deal of success as well.
Kenzie Possee – Steady hard work. Helpful to others. Persistent.
Gabby Record – Gabby is an absolute powerhouse. Not only does she has an incredibly deep command of the material, she energetically shares her knowledge with others in an impressively passionate and sensitive manner. Her peers love coming to her for help. Also, she scored a 100% on the most recent test. Whoa!
Shengfu Shen – Shengfu has been consistently one of my top students in Algebra II Honors this year. He is very inquisitive and always wants to fully understand the material that we study. He learns quickly and is able to apply his knowledge to connect different concepts together well.
I am excited to announce a new award, the Upper School Mathematics Students of the Trimester!
Each math faculty member was free to choose whichever student of theirs they thought best exemplified what they are looking for in a model mathematics student. The official description of the award is as follows:
“Awarded to students who exemplify the math department’s core values of competence, confidence, and perseverance while helping their peers realize the relevance and importance of an exceptional mathematical education both for its beauty and for its practical application.”
The following students have been recognized as the Upper School Mathematics Students of the Trimester for Winter 2015.
Please join me in congratulating these outstanding mathematics students!
Anthony Aquadro – Anthony is a consistent leader in class. He did a particularly nice job in keeping up – and improvising – while his wrist was in a cast. He asks lots of clarifying questions, helping his learning and those around him.
Bryan Bates – Bryan is a diligent worker with an enthusiasm for learning algebra. Always engaged in class, Bryan asks insightful questions, volunteers answers to the most demanding questions and enjoys challenging himself as a student. After missing a week of school early in the trimester, Bryan battled back to become my top performing algebra student. Congratulations Bryan!
Yuwei Cao – Yuwei has done impressive work this year in AP statistics showing great improvement in her ability to translate sophisticated problems into symbolic form and apply the appropriate statistical techniques. Yuwei challenges herself to uphold high standards in her written interpretations and continuously works to perfect her responses. It has truly been a pleasure working with Yuwei and I look forward to seeing her continued success.
Max Chipouras – He is consistently top of the class. he works very hard and is always focused and on task. He is also a top notch math student.
Nick Garofano – Nick achieved extraordinary high goals in Precalculus during the second trimester. He is front and center in the classroom each and every day. Nick sets an excellent example for his peers with his diligence on the nightly homework assignments. He understands the importance of the process and cares about how he reaches his goals.
Caleb Holmberg – He made tremendous progress in the winter term. After struggling a bit in the fall he resolved to really work hard after Thanksgiving. He started coming for extra help, and he worked diligently to focus more carefully during class time. He ended the term on a high note, with a solid score on the winter term assessment. I was particularly impressed with the improvement he showed on the proofs. He had found those problems very difficult back in the fall but now seems to have few problems with them. I’m so happy with the growth he has shown in the course.
Oliver Lawrence – Oliver has demonstrated a consistently high level of effort and understanding on each topic in Algebra 1. He has also been able to work with a great deal of patience and thoroughness when working with other students. His level of care has not only helped him succeed but has helped the class as well.
Haley McCreary – Not only is Haley a strong mathematical thinker, but she is also an outstanding student in every way. She takes the time to think critically and creatively about every problem and attacks each with determination and confidence. She collaborates with enthusiasm through openly sharing her understanding while asking for others’ ideas and help as needed. Her solid A work on the Ambiguous Case essay was the perfect representation of her ability as well as her desire to always put for her best effort.
Emily Peirent – Emily has a singular passion and enjoyment for mathematics that’s always well-stated. She has fun with every class and is always a positive driver during class discussions. She works HARD and makes it look easy. Bravo.
Kelli Peters – Kelli is an outstanding student in my algebra II class. She is a model student in the classroom. She is always found answering difficult questions in class, going to the board to explain her work to the class, and helping her peers during group work inside of class and every Tuesday night outside of class.
Michael Warren – Michael has been a very consistent and dedicated math student. In a demanding Algebra II Honors class, he has constantly achieved high grades due to his strong work ethic and instinctive insights into the material. He is always prepared and ready to learn.
Molly Zawacki – She has excelled at Robotics II with nearly perfect scores!
I am grateful to be a member of an extraordinarily strong math department within this wonderful Williston faculty. During the whirlwind of Family Weekend I had one particularly uplifting and gratifying conversation with a parent that gave me reason to appreciate my colleagues even more. This parent shared the story of her daughter’s experience in math as a six year student at Williston. I would like to thank her and share her story here.
Ha Bui – I chose Ha because of the way she approaches learning mathematics as well as the manner with which she works with others. She understands the importance of attention to detail and to organizing and displaying her work and her thinking. I actually look forward to grading her work! Additionally, she deepens her understanding of mathematical concepts each day in class by asking insightful questions, but even more so by helping others. Patiently and clearly she explains concepts and problem-solving strategies to her peers without judgment. Her dedication to doing her best and to sharing her quiet enthusiasm for learning is an inspiration to all.
Liv Cuevas – Liv was named math student of the trimester for her outstanding performance in the class, her willingness to help her classmates reach their highest potential, and her perseverance. All year Liv has earned very high grades in pre-calculus, but even more than that she has demonstrated a strong and thorough understanding of the material. When she comes across difficult problems, she never gives up on it. Instead, she consults her notes, book, internet, and teachers and peers. Additionally, and the biggest contributing factor for her receiving this title, is Liv’s eagerness to help her friends and classmates. I constantly find Liv taking the time to work through a problem or explain a concept to a struggling classmate. One of the reasons I love teaching here at Williston is that our students are always found helping each other and truly want to see their peers succeed. Liv is a wonderful model of what it means to be a mathematics student at Williston.
Maggie Cummings – Maggie has embraced the role of a statistician in her final project. Her data analysis and written responses illustrate a lot of hard work and an understanding of how to communicate quantitative results to a wider audience. It has been a great having Maggie in class.
Morgan Fisher – Morgan is the one of the hardest workers in Probability and Statistics. She is always one of the first to volunteer to participate during class and sets an extremely positive example for her peers in the class. It has been a privilege working with Morgan this year.
Aidan Greenwood – Aidan’s work ethic and willingness to participate have made him a role model for other students in the class. Also, his passion for the new topics of the term, programming and business development, is exactly what I hope to see in all of my students!
Chloe Harris – Chloe has been an ideal student throughout the entire year. Each day she comes to class prepared to work for one hour and it is her questions from homework that begin our class discussions. Chloe has mastered the concepts, worked with incredible accuracy, learned from her mistakes and grown tremendously as a student. She has given of herself to help her classmates and smiled while doing so. Her outstanding performance this year is the result of her unwavering effort and her determination to be her best. Congratulations Chloe!!!
Lauren Helm – From the beginning of the trimester, Lauren has turned in perfect or near-perfect assignments. Her Engineering Notebook contains extremely complete course notes and is a model of organization. She has excelled in all aspects of this course!
Robby Hill – He high-scored the last test and he continues to impress me in class.
Tory Palumbo – Tory has been a dedicated and focused student all year. She is always willing to take on the most challenging questions. Through her example, Tory has helped other students achieve a greater deal of success as well.
Kenzie Possee – Steady hard work. Helpful to others. Persistent.
Gabby Record – Gabby is an absolute powerhouse. Not only does she has an incredibly deep command of the material, she energetically shares her knowledge with others in an impressively passionate and sensitive manner. Her peers love coming to her for help. Also, she scored a 100% on the most recent test. Whoa!
Shengfu Shen – Shengfu has been consistently one of my top students in Algebra II Honors this year. He is very inquisitive and always wants to fully understand the material that we study. He learns quickly and is able to apply his knowledge to connect different concepts together well.
Anthony Aquadro – Anthony is a consistent leader in class. He did a particularly nice job in keeping up – and improvising – while his wrist was in a cast. He asks lots of clarifying questions, helping his learning and those around him.
Bryan Bates – Bryan is a diligent worker with an enthusiasm for learning algebra. Always engaged in class, Bryan asks insightful questions, volunteers answers to the most demanding questions and enjoys challenging himself as a student. After missing a week of school early in the trimester, Bryan battled back to become my top performing algebra student. Congratulations Bryan!
Yuwei Cao – Yuwei has done impressive work this year in AP statistics showing great improvement in her ability to translate sophisticated problems into symbolic form and apply the appropriate statistical techniques. Yuwei challenges herself to uphold high standards in her written interpretations and continuously works to perfect her responses. It has truly been a pleasure working with Yuwei and I look forward to seeing her continued success.
Max Chipouras – He is consistently top of the class. he works very hard and is always focused and on task. He is also a top notch math student.
Nick Garofano – Nick achieved extraordinary high goals in Precalculus during the second trimester. He is front and center in the classroom each and every day. Nick sets an excellent example for his peers with his diligence on the nightly homework assignments. He understands the importance of the process and cares about how he reaches his goals.
Caleb Holmberg – He made tremendous progress in the winter term. After struggling a bit in the fall he resolved to really work hard after Thanksgiving. He started coming for extra help, and he worked diligently to focus more carefully during class time. He ended the term on a high note, with a solid score on the winter term assessment. I was particularly impressed with the improvement he showed on the proofs. He had found those problems very difficult back in the fall but now seems to have few problems with them. I’m so happy with the growth he has shown in the course.
Oliver Lawrence – Oliver has demonstrated a consistently high level of effort and understanding on each topic in Algebra 1. He has also been able to work with a great deal of patience and thoroughness when working with other students. His level of care has not only helped him succeed but has helped the class as well.
Haley McCreary – Not only is Haley a strong mathematical thinker, but she is also an outstanding student in every way. She takes the time to think critically and creatively about every problem and attacks each with determination and confidence. She collaborates with enthusiasm through openly sharing her understanding while asking for others’ ideas and help as needed. Her solid A work on the Ambiguous Case essay was the perfect representation of her ability as well as her desire to always put for her best effort.
Emily Peirent – Emily has a singular passion and enjoyment for mathematics that’s always well-stated. She has fun with every class and is always a positive driver during class discussions. She works HARD and makes it look easy. Bravo.
Kelli Peters – Kelli is an outstanding student in my algebra II class. She is a model student in the classroom. She is always found answering difficult questions in class, going to the board to explain her work to the class, and helping her peers during group work inside of class and every Tuesday night outside of class.
Michael Warren – Michael has been a very consistent and dedicated math student. In a demanding Algebra II Honors class, he has constantly achieved high grades due to his strong work ethic and instinctive insights into the material. He is always prepared and ready to learn.
Molly Zawacki – She has excelled at Robotics II with nearly perfect scores!