Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Why do I have to take Math?
- How do I get extra help in Math?
Why do I have to take Math?
Because you don't know what you are going to do in life!
Seriously, the answer to the question is either simple or
profound.
The simple answers include things like "you want to graduate,
don't you?" or "well, you want to go to college, and the college
requires you to have mathematics before they'll give you a
degree...," etc. Looking a little more deeply, we have to ask
what mathemaatics really teaches us. It is not all
about finding out what x is! Math teaches us several things,
First, it teaches us that problems have solutions. The most
confusing word problem has within it the things we need to find a
solution to the problem. Just like real life. We simply have to
peel it like an onion. Layer by layer. Sort it out. What do
you know; what do you need to find out? Math teaches you
the mental discipline needed to "peel the onion."
Whatever you intend to be--in fact--even if you don't know what
you'll be when you grow up, will require that you be able to look
at a problem, cut it up into smaller pieces, solve each piece,
and put it back together in a way that makes sense to you, your
employer, or your family.
Math is, as Galileo said, the language with which God has
described the universe. If you want to know anything about the
world you inhabit, you have to understand the mathematical
underpinnings of the world. And, even though you may not grow up
to be an astrophysicist or an n-dimensional geometer, it is
always nice to know if you are getting a good deal on a
house or car loan. If you can't tell, there is always someone
waiting to tell you to sign on the dotted line!
How do I get extra help in Math?
It's easy! First and foremost, ask your teacher. Teachers are
generally at school early and leave late. Try to schedule some
extra one-on-one time with your teacher. If you have internet
access at home, don't overlook the resources availble
on the web. Check out some sites in the Links section of my
TeacherWeb page.
Additionally--the High School has received a 21st Century grant
that pays for daily tutoring. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the
Activity Bus runs, but teachers are available each day to help
students at all levels of mathematics instruction. So, if you
need tutoring or homework assistance, simply ask your teacher or
see Ms. Wilson (on the 200 hall) for scheduling assistance. Don't
forget, we also have the daily activity period, during which you
may seek assistance from your teachers.