We have completed Chapters 1 through 5 in our book and have now began Chapter 6 on solving equations.  We have been solving one step equations involving addition,  subtraction, multiplication and division transformations.  I insist that the students show every step and check.  We will begin two step equations and translating word problems into equations to solve them.  This can be very challenging for many students because it stretches them to think critically and use abstract and higher level thinking skills.  This is our ultimate goal in mathematics - to guide students to use critical thinking skills to solve problems.

       On November 3, all the 7th grade classes took the first Math Fax Test.  This competition is a series of four test, one in November, one in December, one in February and the last one in March.  The sum of the scores from these tests will be used in competition with other participating schools.  In the past, our students have performed very well on these tests.  Our 8th grade last year placed first in the state and our 7th grade placed second in the state.  Our 2nd Math Fax Test will take place on December 2.   Results may be viewed on the following website:

      www.catholicmathleague.com

Click on Math 7 and you may choose to see the school scores or individual scores.  We did not publish the names of our students for safety reasons but each of our students have a number.

       On November 18, the Math Competition Class  participated in  the American Mathematics Competition.   Students who score in the top 1% nationally will have their names published in a booklet that comes out in April.  In the past, we have had one or two 8th graders each year who have achieved this high honor.  We hope to continue this tradition.  We will receive the results next month.

                             PreAlgebra Class

       The PreAlgebra class has been  working on Chapter 3 on equations.  We have reviewed the basic four transformations of equations and have enlarged them to include positive and negative numbers and two step equations. 

          I am insisting that the students show every step as they solve these equations.  We will continue to enlarge these equations this month to include equations with variables on both sides of the equal sign and equations involving parenthesis.

                                    Algebra Classes

       Last week both Algebra classes began Chapter 4 on polynomials  The objectives of this chapter are to add, subtract, multiply and divided polynomials, to solve equations involving these skills, to transform formulas, and to solve problems involving distance and area.

       On Monday, November 3, all the 8th grade classes  took  the first of the Math Fax Tests.  This competition is a series of four test, one in November, one in December, one in February and the last on in March.  The sum of the scores from these tests will be used in competition with other participating schools.  In the past, our students have performed very well on these tests.  Our 8th grade last year placed first in the state in the school competition and our 7th grade placed second in the state.  We are off to a great start with  8th grader Alex M. earning a perfect score of 25 and leading the entire country in first place.  Kaitlyn F. has a score of 21 and we have several scores of 20 and 19.  The second Math Fax Test will be on December 3.  To view our progress in this contests go to the following website:

      www.catholicmathleague.com

Click on Prealgebra and you may choose to see the school scores or individual scores.

       On November 18, all 8th grade classes  participated in  the American Mathematics Competition.   Students who score in the top 1% nationally will have their names published in a booklet that comes out in April.  In the past, we have had one or two 8th graders each year who have achieved this high honor.  We hope to continue this tradition.  We will receive the results next month.