KHS Math Department Update
October 22, 2026
Math and Science -- they go hand in hand!
What little things with a big impact can we do?
If we could get our kids to consistently use labels!!! I know we try and so does science. Not labeling makes the math harder in science classes!
Dimensional analysis is reported to be challenging for kids in a variety of classes (including AP Enviro!). What is dimensional analysis? Example, converting from miles per hour to kilometers per hour. Labels would really help the kids here :)
Do you have a minute? (or hour)
Can you help for the greater good of the group?
Big Ideas for Special Education
Leave comments on this document for Erin so she can continue this project!
Feel free to use this document to find your team members. If you are a team of one, fill this out! If you have team members, start and email conversation or suggest a meeting time. Fill out the document, and share with those on your team that were unable to be a part of the conversation to see if they agree.
Want to help wrap up course 4? Start a group to work together on this project before we need to use it!
DL Updates
Thank you to all who submitted the Google From regarding the top issues they’d like DL to tackle this year. As you can imagine, there were many items submitted that were beyond our control in DL. However, this gives admin some more insight into the problems we face each day. Itime was a big one, and while we can’t change our schedule, we can work on ways to better utilize staff that have consistent low itime numbers. Stay tuned for more info on this.
Hopefully we’re all getting the tissues that we need. As a reminder, they are being purchased by the school’s general fund and not through department budgets. Shauna has boxes in the Purchasing Office if you need some.
One more reminder on Securly - particularly for Securly Classroom, which has put more restrictive filters on the students’ computers. If students are unable to access websites that they need for your classes, please submit an IT Help Ticket for them to unblock it. Hopefully Securly Pass is working smoothly for you - if not, please submit an IT Help Ticket. IT needs to know what issues we’re having so they can be addressed!
Need a Spot for Test Takers in ITime?
A Good Read . . .
This was a good read sent on from school counseling! If we get more kids taking more math . . . then we will need more math teachers :)
Removing Old Categories in Powerschool
If you have extra categories (beyond formatives, interims and summatives) here are the directions for making your categories cleaner!
Which Math Department Member?
This week . . .
Which math teachers have coached (current or past) at KHS and what have they/do they coach? Hint there are five (If I did not exclude anyone!)
Last week's winner . . .
Last week's winner was Taft -- who has/had each side gig . . . DiRusso and Sansone were the only other ones who had all the answers!
- VLACS (3) -- Houle, Ahnert, Taft
- Sole's -- Sensei Blair
- Fritz's Fries -- Taft
- Reading College Applications -- Sansone
- Painting Houses -- Mr. Billy Gilly
- Painting KHS -- Kimmy Jean!
- Teaching Kids to Drive (not as a parent , which is challenging enough!) -- Jillson
Score:
- Kimmy Jean = 1 win (correction -- she is not in the lead!)
- James = 1 win
- Taft = 1 win
ELOs at KHS!
Our students are fortunate to be able to get credit for Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) at KHS! Do you have students who are passionate about something or want to expand their thinking? They can participate in an ELO -- and you can suggest that seek our Tracy Cohen (ELO coordinator). Are you interested in being an overseeing teacher (minimal work), let Tracy Cohen (ELO coordinator) know. For example . . . if someone was interested in an ELO related to equestrian life . . . I can think of someone in our department who would be a phenomenal overseeing teacher!
November PLC Groups
Remember: Taft, Levin, Blair, Felegara and Ahnert have PLC on 10/30
Remember to put your absence in Frontline!
One of My Favorite Annual PD Opportunitites!
Making Math Moments That Matter Virtual Summit November 14th and 15th
I LOVE this duo!!!! They are so innovative and bring great presenters to the world for free!!! Did I mention that they are Canadien? You can register and view recorded sessions later if you miss them! Who doesn't want to spend a weekend on the sofa learning about math education!?!
Other PD Opportunities
Igniting a Passion for Mathematical Problem Solving Nov 6th in Portsmouth
Math for All Conference November 18th in Manchester
Algebra for All Learners Day 1, January 11th Virtual
Algebra for All Learners Day 2, February 9th Virtual
Data and Statistics (Grades 6-12), March 31st Virtual
Questions about PD Paperwork . . . see the weekly update or ask Natalie Ahnert!
Lots of good stuff in the Math Department Notebook!