Middle School – Math

Mr Jim Dillard          

As a math teacher, my primary goal is to help each student develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.  Once students begin to understand math, they quickly develop confidence in their abilities, and their math fluency soars. The math curriculum is designed to challenge students and prepare them for the rigors of high school math.

We offer students two curriculum paths to pursue based upon skill level. Our basic curriculum allows students to master applying basic computation skills with integers, decimals and fractions, probability and statistics, measurement conversions, ratios and proportions, as well as investigating two-dimensional geometry. Throughout this program, we help students transition between the concrete subject of arithmetic to more abstract thinking required for algebra and geometry.

Participants of our accelerated curriculum are identified through formal assessments and teacher recommendations. In this program, students cover the basic curriculum during their first two years followed by an Algebra 1 course their final year.

In addition to our math program, 8th grade students are introduced to computer programming through a 10 week elective utilizing the MS Logo software. Students learn to control a computer pen using procedures, variables, and recursion to develop basic animated designs.

Our Math Club meets weekly and provides a variety of math activities for students within a social atmosphere designed to raise enthusiasm for math. Activities range from students working together to solve challenging story problems from the Math Counts competition to spirited competitions playing math games.

At Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, students soon discover that math is truly fun and something everyone can learn!