| from Petrina Gunsolley, Math Instructional Chair
~ 203-452-4466 ~ gunsollp@trumbullps.org
Welcome
to the 2009-2010 school year! We have all been working very hard to make sure
your math classes are ready so that you will have a successful year. If you have
any questions about our math program at Hillcrest please contact me. 
Math
In The Real World
Many middle school students
have trouble seeing the connection between math and everyday life. You can help
your child see how the math skills he or she is learning in school is used everyday
to make decisions. - You can start by teaching
your child about personal finances. Let them watch you write out a check or
record a check transaction. Have them go to the bank to see the importance of
managing a bank account.
- Have your child join
you at the grocery store. Bring a calculator along to find out what item is
the best value for the money by dividing the item's price by the number of units.
- Teach your child to compute gas mileage. Talk
about the estimated miles you can drive per gallon of gas that you use. Your child
can record the miles on the odometer and the number of gallons pumped into your
car. At the next visit to the gas station have your child subtract the new mileage
reading from the old and divide the answer by the number of gallons needed to
fill up the gas tank. Does the figure match the estimated miles per gallon?
- Put
your child's geometry skills to work. Having your middle schooler rearrange
their bedroom is a great way to practice area and perimeter. Your child can draw
out their bedroom on a piece of graph paper including all of their bedroom furniture,
windows, closets etc…. For example, 3 squares by 5 squares for a bed, 3 squares
by 4 squares for a dresser. Once the drawing is complete, ask the question "Where
else would the bed fit?"
Talk about why knowing
the area of a room would be helpful if you were to purchase a new carpet or flooring.
You can compute the room's square footage by multiplying the length of the room
by the width. Your child can then calculate the price for a new carpet or flooring
by calculating the square foot cost of the carpet or flooring by the room's square
footage.
Success
In Mathematics
I often hear from many students that math is
difficult for them. There are several things that a student can do that may help
them become successful. Homework:
Take time to look
at the problem carefully and work at your own speed. If you are struggling understanding
how to do a problem, talk it out. Look through your notes and the appropriate
section in your textbook to see how the author explains how to calculate similar
problems. Write out the problem:
Take the time to
write out each problem on a separate piece of paper. If you write out the problem
neatly and clearly you will most likely perform better on tests. You will be able
to retrace your steps when you are working out a complicated problem and your
teacher will be able to see your thought process and help you to find your errors. Know
Your Number Facts:
There are some things you must know without thinking.
As you get into higher level mathematics, math facts are critical. Your mind must
be free to listen to your teacher explain the steps of a problem and to think
out a solution. If you are stuck on multiplying, adding or subtracting you will
be missing important information of new material being taught. Studying
for a Math Test:
I often hear students say that they do not know how to
study for a math test, or that you cannot study for a math test. Practicing problems
are the best way to study. Often there are many different types of problems on
a math test. You do not only need to know how to work out a problem you must be
able to identify what type of problem it is. In preparing for a math test, flip
through the chapter read and practice the different types of problems, prepare
by practicing and solving a few problems from each section. Extra
Help:
Our math teachers at Hillcrest are always willing to provide extra
help. What they would like to see is that you have reviewed the material that
has been taught in class, reviewed your notes and the textbook and have practiced
problems. Then if you are still having trouble, come with your questions. Often,
if you come prepared with questions you will leave feeling the extra help was
effective and successful. I encourage each student to
take advantage of their math teacher's website daily. They are continuously updating
homework assignments and information that will help your child succeed in his
or her math class.
Extra
Help
Extra help is given on a weekly basis by each math
teacher and by Mrs. Gunsolley by appointment. Your teacher will have a designated
day where they will stay after school. Check your math teacher's website for his
or her extra help day and/or stop by and see Mrs. Gunsolley in D-3 to make an
appointment. Often times a little extra help is all that is needed to clear up
any
confusion or misunderstanding.
Attention
Grades 6, 7, 8
Math Counts:
Math Counts will be starting on Thursday, October 1st in room B-1. Please join
Math Counts if you like to work on challenging math problems with others.
Stock
Market Club: The Stock Market Club will be starting on Monday, October 5 in
room B-1. Come and join us for some fun while learning about the stock market.
Math
Center
Our Math Center is now up and running every Wednesday afternoon
from 2:30 -3:15pm in room A-9. Mr. Tobitsch, Mrs. Gunsolley and students from
Trumbull High School are available to work with you. Please join us.
Math
Websites for Practice Math Connections via Google
Google
Math Math Forum at Drexel University
Drexel
Math Forum Flash cards with a timer, games, etc
A+
Math Explanations and examples of all kinds of middle school
math topics
Math.com An
animated math dictionary offering activities, practice, and interactive
explanations.
(Mrs. Gunsolley's favorite)
Math
Dictionary Word problems broken down by grade level
Word
Problems for Kids Mathcounts.org - Promoting middle school
math achievement
mathcounts.org
CMT
Resources
Connecticut
Mastery Test Resources and Publications CMT
Mathematics Portion CMT
Scores by District/School | 
