Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

December 6, 2024

 

Greetings, Middle School Families, 

“Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding.” — William Paul Thurston

The Oakridge Middle School Mathematics Department is simply extraordinary to say the least.Together our math teachers have over 63 years of teaching experience here at The Oakridge School, and believe that math is not just about numbers and equations, but the poetry of logical ideas. 

In 5th grade, students have made so much progress in math this year! They have practiced operations with whole numbers, including Order of Operations. They have mastered the art of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals. Additionally, 5th graders have been learning some number sense tricks from one of our Upper School math teachers, Mrs. Wiseman. Ask your 5th grader to multiply 48 x 11 in their head. Or do 35 squared. How about 36 x 76? You might be surprised at their mental math talent!

During the first quarter, students in the 6th grade math classes were challenged with researching a potential future career. The students selected three universities and researched the cost of tuition necessary to complete a four-year degree program. Slide presentation. The students were then tasked with finding out the average salary and the average cost of living for their first year out of college. The information was compiled and the students presented to their classmates via canva. 

During the 2nd quarter, students worked in groups to create math games appropriate for children in kindergarten.  After our winter break, the students will take a field trip to the ECC and serve as academic mentors, helping to teach math while playing games with the kindergarten classes. 

In the 7th grade math classes the students have solidified solving basic equations and have started applying them to more complex situations.  We have learned all about ratios, unit rates, and even some direct and inverse proportion applications.  The students have also worked with percentages to help calculate savings while shopping for Christmas.  Next semester, we are looking forward to a spring filled with probability, angles, and geometry topics.

The students in 8th Grade Honors Algebra have mastered taking an equation and graphing it into a line.  We have learned about slope and working with more complex equations. As we finished the semester, the students have been studying systems of equations and are looking forward to working with polynomials, factoring, and quadratics.

Finally, the 8th graders in honors geometry have established foundations of geometry while learning how to write and analyze proof and perform constructions.  The students have also learned logical reasoning and properties of triangles while reviewing specific skills of Algebra 1 which is crucial to Algebra 2 readiness. As we embark on the new semester, we will delve into properties of quadrilaterals, similarity, and trigonometry.  Lastly, each student has completed a sewing project.  The students had a choice of designing a coaster, pillowcase, zipper bag, or bowl cozy.  Please be sure to ask your child about the wonderful things that are happening in our math courses.  

With gratitude,

Tamika R. Dees
Head of Middle School

 

Information Station: 

Middle School Semester Exam Schedule

7th Grade Class Trip- March 26-28 

8th Grade Class Trip- April 9-11

OPC Holiday Treasures Information for LHMS