Blair math: functions

[Anonymous]

For kid currently in TPMS magnet, any suggestions for how to prepare for functions in summer. If Algebra II is required, which textbook is recommended? Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For kid currently in TPMS magnet, any suggestions for how to prepare for functions in summer. If Algebra II is required, which textbook is recommended? Thank you.

Do you know if your kid is invited?

[Anonymous]

I get the disturbing impression that people are putting their energy into doing whatever it takes to get their kids into the functions track. As the parent of a kid who will go to the Blair magnet next year, this sounds crazy. I want them to put my kid into whatever level is right for him, and which will make his experience there more positive, and I trust that they are better judges of that than I am.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For kid currently in TPMS magnet, any suggestions for how to prepare for functions in summer. If Algebra II is required, which textbook is recommended? Thank you.

You worry too much. If you child is at TPMS magnet now, his/her teacher's recommendation will reflect your child's learning level. No need to do amything extra to prepare for the Functions. Most of kids doing extra are preparing for math competition. There are a few math camps around the nation for the math nerds.
A current Functions parent

[Anonymous]

I'm a current Functions parent and one thing to note that is missing from this discussion is the excellent instructor, Jeremy Schwartz. I agree with the observation regarding the additional hour(s) of HW. This is my DC's favorite although most challenging class. Mr. Schwartz is beloved by his class. I got to sit-in on class during visitation day and was entertained by his enthusiasm. I would highly recommend any additional effort for your DC to have Mr. Schwartz as an instructor.

[Anonymous]

Got our letter today inviting dc to functions. We are at TPMS, so it may come later for those who are invited via the summer camp experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Got our letter today inviting dc to functions. We are at TPMS, so it may come later for those who are invited via the summer camp experience.

My DD got Blair letter of functions acceptance too. Will your DC who is currently in TPMS do the Blair summer camp too? Do all TPMS kids recommended for functions, attend Blair math summer program?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a current Functions parent and one thing to note that is missing from this discussion is the excellent instructor, Jeremy Schwartz. I agree with the observation regarding the additional hour(s) of HW. This is my DC's favorite although most challenging class. Mr. Schwartz is beloved by his class. I got to sit-in on class during visitation day and was entertained by his enthusiasm. I would highly recommend any additional effort for your DC to have Mr. Schwartz as an instructor.

Good to know. Is your DC able to perofrm 1-2 extra curriculars? Does the homework take up all the time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Got our letter today inviting dc to functions. We are at TPMS, so it may come later for those who are invited via the summer camp experience.

My DD got Blair letter of functions acceptance too. Will your DC who is currently in TPMS do the Blair summer camp too? Do all TPMS kids recommended for functions, attend Blair math summer program?

I think mine will do it -- Ms Manchester recommended it. She also said that only 15 or so from TP get recommended for Functions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Got our letter today inviting dc to functions. We are at TPMS, so it may come later for those who are invited via the summer camp experience.

My DD got Blair letter of functions acceptance too. Will your DC who is currently in TPMS do the Blair summer camp too? Do all TPMS kids recommended for functions, attend Blair math summer program?

I think it is more critical for kids who are not from TP..but anyone can attend.

[Anonymous]

We also got Functions letter today. The letter "highly recommends" attending the summer math program if your child is going to take the class.

PP whose child is in Functions - how many hours total of homework is your child doing a night? How do-able is the class for a child with a daily afterschool extracurricular?

Child LOVES math and it really is a perfect fit for him. It's just Mom who worries about the workload

[Anonymous]

This is really interesting. My DC told me Ms. M told the kids who were recommended for Functions that theydo not need to go to the summer math camp. None of the kids I know went to the camp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is really interesting. My DC told me Ms. M told the kids who were recommended for Functions that theydo not need to go to the summer math camp. None of the kids I know went to the camp.

She told my kid it would be a good idea but that it wasn't necessary.

[Anonymous]

Current function parent responding to the extra homework and extracurricular questions.

My DC also participates in several extracurricular activities including math, coding and debate competitions.

My DC's homework in the Functions class was stressful initially but has caught up. Mr. Schwartz's class is engaging and he might call on you at any time. My DC has learned to think and work faster. More information (from students) on rate my teacher: https://www.ratemyteachers.com/jeremy-schwartz/3817377-t

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the response, the info about the time was helpful. But I would discourage anyone from using/citing "Rate My Teachers." I'm assuming people said great things about Mr. Schwartz (not clicking on it), but often it's a forum for students to unleash on teachers who require real work or who may have caught them cheating as a payback. I just think the whole anonymous rating thing is not cool. FWIW. Full disclosure, I am a professor who got burned on one of those sites (pretty sure by a serial plagiarist student who I busted).