Belleville East
Math Department
Department
Information
Course
Options
Tutoring
Options
Course
Guide
Incoming
Freshman
Email A Teacher
- Mrs. Anne Brown: abrown@bths201.org
- Mr. Joe Byrne: jbyrne@bths201.org
- Mr. Shawn Coughlin: scoughlin@bths201.org
- Ms. Meghan Delaney: mdelaney@bths201.org
- Mr. Jason Graves: jgraves@bths201.org
- Ms. Abby Hanger: ahanger@bths201.org
- Mr. Tom Hickey: thickey@bths201.org
- Mr. Brent James: bjames@bths201.org
- Ms. Annie Jenkins: anjenkins@bths201.org
- Ms. Amanda Kemezys: akemezys@bths201.org
- Mrs. Melanie Korte: mkorte@bths201.org
- Mr. Miles Meyer: mmeyer@bths201.org
- Mr. Trent Minder: tminder@bths201.org
- Dr. Andre Morris: amorris@bths201.org
- Mr. Matt Osborn: mosborn@bths201.org
- Mrs. Bethany Perry: bperry@bths201.org
- Mrs. Natalie Peters: npeters@bths201.org
- Mrs. Kelly Rygelski: krygelski@bths201.org
- Mrs. Jennifer Sanders: jsanders@bths201.org
- Mrs. Rebecca Schrader: rschrader@bths201.org
- Mrs. Hilary Sternberg: hsternberg@bths201.org
Courses Offered
- Intro Algebra 1-2
- Algebra I
- Intro to Alg. 1-2
- Algebra I Honors
- Geometry Honors
- Geometry Advanced
- Intro to Alg. 3-4
- Geometry
- Geometry Advanced
- Algebra II Advanced
- Geometry Honors
- Algebra II Honors
- Geometry 5-6
- Algebra II
- Algebra II Advanced
- Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus
- Algebra II Honors
- AP Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus Honors
- Algebra I
- Algebra I Advanced
-
Algebra II Advanced
-
Discrete
- Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus
- AP Calculus
-
AP Computer Science A (11, 12)
- AP Stats (10, 11, 12)
AP / Dual Credit Courses
Advanced Placement
- Calculus BC
- AP Statistics
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Trig/PreCal
St. Louis University
- Calculus AP BC
Calculators
Math Department Calculator Guidelines:
In all math classes, the teachers will be demonstrating using Texas Instruments calculators. Students choosing to use other brands will be responsible for knowing how to use their calculators. See notes for each class to find the recommended type.
Students in the Advanced or Honors track are encouraged to purchase the TI-84 graphing calculator for use during all 4 years, although it is not a requirement for all classes. This calculator is also acceptable for use on the SAT/ACT test. If you are unsure of the model, leave it in the package and bring it to the appropriate math teacher.
Scientific Calculator Required
Recommended Brand: TI-30XS Multiview
- Intro Algebra 1-2
- Algebra I
- Intro Algebra 3-4
- Geometry 5-6
- Algebra II
- Discrete
Scientific Calculator Required
Graphing Calculator Recommended
Recommended Brand: TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator
- Algebra I Advanced
- Algebra I Honors
- Geometry Advanced
- Geometry Honors
- Algebra II Advanced
Graphing Calculator Required
Recommended Brand: TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator
- Algebra II Honors
- Trig/Pre-Calc
- AP Trig/Pre-Calc Honors
- AP Calculus
- AP Statistics
Mu Alpha Theta
Math Honor Society
SPONSORS:
- Ms. Annie Jenkins
- Mr. Brent James
Math Team
SPONSORS:
- Mr. Byrne
- Mr. Coughlin
- Mr. Hickey
- Mr. Osborn
Mathematics Course Options
Plan I
Honors
(8th Grade Algebra Credit & Cut Score)
- 9th Grade: Geometry H
- 10th Grade: Algebra II H
- 11th Grade: AP Trig/Pre-Calc H
- 12th Grade: Calculus AP
- Electives: AP Stats (11, 12), AP Computer Science A (10, 11, 12)
Plan II
Honors – Double
- 9th Grade: Algebra I H, Geometry H
- 10th Grade: Algebra II H
- 11th Grade: AP Trig/Pre-Calc H
- 12th Grade: Calculus AP
- Electives: AP Stats (11, 12), AP Computer Science A (10, 11, 12)
Plan III
- 9th Grade: Algebra I H
- 10th Grade: Geometry H
- 11th Grade: Algebra II H
- 12th Grade: AP Trig/Pre-Calc H
- Electives: AP Stats (12), AP Computer Science A (11, 12)
Plan IV
Advanced
(8th Grade Algebra Cut Score)
- 9th Grade: Geometry Adv
- 10th Grade: Algebra II Adv
- 11th Grade: Trig/Pre-Calculus
- 12th Grade: AP Statistics
- Electives: AP Computer Science A (11, 12)
Students participating at feeder schools with approved high school Algebra course credit and/or cut score may be eligible for Plan I and/or IV.
Electives can be taken concurrently with the grade levels listed.
Plan V
- 9th Grade: Algebra I Adv
- 10th Grade: Geometry Adv
- 11th Grade: Algebra II Adv
- 12th Grade: Trig/Pre-Calc
- Electives: AP Computer Science A (12) AP Stats (12)
Electives can be taken concurrently with the grade levels listed for Plan V
Plan VI
- 9th Grade: Algebra I
- 10th Grade: Geometry
- 11th Grade: Algebra II
- 12th Grade: Algebra II Adv, Discrete
Plan VII
- 9th Grade: Intro to Alg. 1-2
- 10th Grade: Intro to Alg. 3-4
- 11th Grade: Geometry 5-6
- 12th Grade: Algebra I, Algebra I Adv
Tutoring Options
- Lunch Hour Tutoring – Lunch hour tutoring is provided Monday – Thursday in the library. Students must ask their teacher for a pass.
- PAPER Tutoring – Online 24/7 – Students can access on their clever page
- After School Tutoring – Wednesday & Thursday in the library
- Schedule an appointment before school with a teacher
- Use helpful websites, such as KhanAcademy.org or IXL.com/Math
Belleville East 2023-2024 Course Guide
Incoming Freshman
Selecting classes can be an overwhelming experience. We strive to find the right fit for every student so that they can be successful and challenged at the same time. In recommending a class, we take into account placement scores, teacher recommendations, previous grades, and the overall goal of the student. Within the first four weeks of school, teachers may administer additional assessments to make any changes necessary. A list of frequently asked questions is below. Please communicate with your child’s teacher about any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which math class should I sign up for next year?
A: Belleville East will make a recommendation based on your placement score, teacher recommendation, and previous grades. If you do not agree with the placement or have questions about the placement, you can contact the guidance office or the math department chair, Mrs. Rebecca Schrader, at 618-222-3701 or rschrader@bths201.org
Q: I took high school Algebra in my junior high and passed the 1st semester final. Since I plan to start in Geometry Honors, do I still need to sign up for Algebra I Honors?
A: Yes – Students possibly eligible to skip Algebra I Honors will sign up for both Algebra I Honors and Geometry Honors. Once the final exam is completed in the spring, students will be given the option to stay dual-enrolled in math or eliminate one math class. Belleville East will notify students via email.
Q: What if I am not eligible to skip Algebra I honors but I already took the class in 8th grade? Why should I take two math classes?
A: Traditionally, students “double up” in math in order to reach AP Calculus by their senior year. Not only is Calculus an AP class where students can test out to earn college credit, but the class also is currently eligible for dual credit through Saint Louis University, and students can earn up to 8 credit hours and save over $10,000 in SLU tuition. Students pay a discounted tuition rate through SLU.
Q: I was not in high school Algebra during 8th grade. Am I still eligible to take honors?
A: YES – Students that excelled in the traditional math sequence during middle school, and have the proper teacher recommendation and placement score can still take Algebra I Honors.
Q: I am not an “Advanced” student, but my teacher recommended me for Algebra I Advanced. Should I take Algebra I?
A: Algebra I Advanced is the “traditional” Algebra track for college-bound students. Families should not be scared by the “advanced” in the title. We offer 4 regular education levels for freshmen, and teachers will work with all students to determine proper placement so that students are successful, yet challenged.
Q: Why is Algebra I Advanced lab on my schedule?
A: The lab class is for students who may need additional help to succeed in Algebra I Advanced. Since Algebra I Advanced is a prerequisite for harder math classes in the future and some science classes like Chemistry, we try to help students stay in the most challenging course possible. The lab class is in place of a study hall and is taught by a math teacher. Students earn elective credit.
Q: I can’t decide between Algebra I Advanced and Algebra I. How do I choose?
A: In general, we always recommend students sign up for the “harder” course in mathematics, if it is recommended by Belleville East. Our teachers will work with students and determine if a level change is needed during the first four weeks of school. Once students level down, it can be more challenging to level back up.
Q: I could have done better in math in the past, but I didn’t work hard. I want to challenge myself in high school. Belleville East recommended I take Algebra I. Should I try to change classes?
A: There is a fine line between pushing oneself and getting in over one’s head. As a department, we take multiple items into account when recommending a course. We want students to be successful and challenged. If you feel a class is too easy, you can reach out to your teacher or the department chair in the first four weeks.
Q: I signed up for a math class, but it feels too hard. What should I do?
A: First, always talk to your teacher. At Belleville East, we offer teacher-led tutoring during lunch hours and after school. Students can also access online tutoring 24/7 in all subjects by accessing their PAPER account through Clever on their Chromebooks. Your teacher may also recommend a level change in the first four weeks.
Q: I’m really nervous about high school. Should I change classes to try to be in a class with my friend?
A: No. You will meet many other students at East, and hopefully, you will make new friends. Reach out to your teacher or the counseling department if you have any questions or need resources to feel comfortable.