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Class Overview
Class Overview
In this class, students will continue working to develop the foundational knowledge and skills that will turn them into full-fledged math explorers. The course is intended to prepare students for a serious study of Algebra and Geometry before they enter the “big leagues” of math exploration in our Exeter math classes. Thus, all of the work we will do together this year is meant to establish and reinforce that foundation; by mastering concepts such as real numbers, ratios and proportionality, negative numbers and operations, geometric relationships, fraction and decimal operations, and probability, students emerge from the course ready to apply their pre-algebraic skills to a rich variety of problems. The work of mathematics essentially involves the conjecture, investigation, and writing of proofs. In Pre-Algebra, our exploration and proofs will mostly investigate the nature of real numbers, with an emphasis on their properties.
Above all, students in this class should develop their appreciation of the verum, pulchrum, bonum—i.e. the truth, beauty, and goodness—in mathematics. More fundamental than any specific skill or datum, a good math student cultivates a practice of mathematical exploration. That practice makes us better thinkers, problem-solvers, and life-livers.
(Hint: A telltale sign that we have found a healthy approach to collaborating in mathematical exploration is when we start to enjoy the challenge of a good problem, and the beauty of an interesting idea!)
About Ms. Palafox
Tutoring Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu 3:30–3:50 in Rm 107
My name is Melissa Palafox. I was born in Arizona and raised in Mexico, where I completed my education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Architecture. I am married and have three children, two of whom currently attend Archway Arete and the Prep campus.
Before pursuing a career in education, I worked as an architect in Mexico for the government’s healthcare sector, designing hospitals and medical facilities. I also had the opportunity to teach Architectural Design for one semester at the University of the Northwest of Sonora. After moving to the United States in 2006, I gained experience working on commercial and retail architectural projects.
After dedicating several years to raising my family, I began volunteering at Archway Arete. Through that experience, I discovered how much I enjoyed working with students and being part of the educational community. That passion led me to become a substitute teacher, then a 5th Grade Assistant Teacher. Last school year, I had the privilege of combining that role with teaching Physical Education for Kindergarten and 1st Grade students.
I am excited to begin this school year teaching two subjects I truly enjoy—Middle School Math and Spanish. I look forward to creating a classroom environment where students feel welcomed, encouraged, and challenged to grow. My goal is to foster a culture of curiosity, respect, and meaningful learning, helping students build both confidence and a lifelong love of knowledge.
About Mr. Humphreys
chumphreys@areteprepacademy.org
Tutoring Hours: Tue/Thu @ Lyceum in Rm 107
I'm trying my best!
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