Week 9 Update

Hello Calculus Families!

We have officially made it to the end of the first nine weeks! Time flies when you are tackling continuous rate of change and analyzing functions. It has been such an incredible start to the year, and I am so proud of how our learners are pushing themselves in AP Calculus.

🧠 What Did We Learn This Week?

Our Unit 3 test results weren't quite where we wanted them to be. Because Calculus is a subject where every single concept builds directly on the last, I decided to pause and dedicate two full class periods to working through every single test question in detail. While this wasn't on our original calendar, taking the time to rebuild our foundation was well worth it!

After our test review, we kicked off Lesson 4.3. This is a large, foundational lesson containing heavy AP-style content, so I am taking my time to ensure every single concept clicks before we move forward.

Because of these unexpected detour days, I’m working on recalibrating our class calendar and updating our homework deadlines for the rest of the nine weeks to keep everything fair and manageable.

When we return from the nine weeks break, we will finish up the remaining parts of Unit 4 before taking our Unit 4 Test on Friday, October 23rd:

• Lesson 4.3: Differentials, Linear Approximations, & Newton’s Method — Learn how to use tangent lines as "local magnifying glasses" to approximate complex function values, and discover Newton’s clever iterative method for finding roots!

• Lesson 4.4: Indeterminate Forms & L’Hôpital’s Rule — What happens when a limit gives you Indeterminate form (0/0 or infinity/infinity)? We unlock one of the coolest tools in Calculus: using derivatives to evaluate "impossible" indeterminate limits!

If your learner scores below 85% on a test, they are expected to meet with me within 3 school days of receiving their test results to complete test corrections.

Available times include:

• Before school
• During Advisory
• During lunch

Please note: I will not be able to provide class time for test corrections.

If test corrections are not completed within the 3-day window, the original score will be entered into Skyward and will not be changed afterward.

For minor grades, learners may complete corrections once to review their mistakes and improve their understanding of the material. However, minor-grade test corrections will not result in an increase to the recorded score.

Learners, please take advantage of this opportunity! Test corrections are not just about improving a grade — they are a chance to identify misconceptions and learn from mistakes. 🧠✨

To give students multiple opportunities to show growth while maintaining accountability across all material, we will have 4 major assessments calculated into 3 Major Grades (with the lowest dropped):

• Unit 1 Test (50 pts) + Unit 2 Test (50 pts): Combined into one 100-pt grade in Skyward.

• CA 1.2: 100 points

• Unit 3 Test : 100 points

• (The lowest of these 3 final major grades will be dropped at the end of the 9 weeks)

We will have more than 8 minor grades throughout the nine weeks. Every assignment is important, and I will NOT be dropping minor grades.

Learners, please be intentional about completing all homework and class assignments. Small assignments may seem less significant than a test, but they are where you practice, make mistakes, ask questions, and build the skills needed for success on major assessments.

Consistency beats cramming! 🚀

🌅 Morning Tutorials

I’m available for individual/small-group tutorials: Monday • Tuesday • Friday- ⏰ 8:15 AM

📌 By appointment

Learners who would like extra practice, clarification, or help preparing for an assessment are welcome to schedule a tutorial.

⭐ Mandatory Tutorials

Learners who score below 85% on an assessment are required to attend tutorials beginning Thursday, 09/03, during Advisory.

These tutorials are designed to help learners identify areas of difficulty, correct misconceptions, and strengthen their understanding of the material.

Remember: Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness! 💪📐

Your AP Calculus BC Journey Has a Destination!

As we work through the course, it's important to keep the AP Exam in mind.

📌 Please review the AP Exam registration information in the image below.

Make sure you pay attention to the registration deadline, payment information, and any school-specific instructions provided in the announcement.

The AP exam may feel far away right now — but every derivative, every practice problem, every quiz, and every mistake we correct along the way is helping learners build toward that goal.

One lesson at a time. One skill at a time. One step closer to the AP exam! 💙📈

🌟 A Note to Our Learners

Engage your learner in a quick conversation over the break about how linear approximations work in the real world:

• The Local Linearity Trick: "If you zoom in super close to any smooth curve on a graph, what does it start to look like?" (Hint: A straight line! That's local linearity!)

• L’Hôpital’s Rule: "How do derivatives help us solve limits that seem impossible, like zero divided by zero?"

• Growth Mindset Check: "What was one question from the Unit 3 test review that made you go 'Aha! Now I get it!'?"

• Fully Charged Chromebook: Essential for accessing Webdesk, our BFW eBook, AP Classroom, and DeltaMath during class.

• Writing Utensils: Pens and pencils for daily note-taking and working through practice problems.

• Note-taking Materials: A dedicated notebook or loose-leaf paper to take daily notes and show work for AP-level problems.

• Binder: A 1-inch binder (if using loose-leaf paper) to keep handouts, notes, and returned assignments neatly organized.

• Daily AP Classroom Practice: Essential for skill-building; these check-ins may or may not be scored for a grade.

• BFW Assignments: Accessible directly through Webdesk.

• 📅 Unit 4 Test: Friday, October 23, 2026

• 📌 Accommodation Note: Learners with testing accommodations are strongly recommended to be at school by 8:30 AM or during B Lunch (12:18 PM – 1:10 PM) to utilize their extra time. Tests and quizzes must be completed on the same day; any unfinished test left at the end of the day will be submitted and graded as-is per policy.

Did you know that NASA uses Linear Approximation and Differentials to keep spacecraft on course? Calculating exact orbital trajectories in real-time requires immense computing power, but by approximating complex curves with tangent lines over small intervals, flight computers can calculate rapid navigation adjustments in milliseconds!

Sanskrit:

Transliteration
Satyaṁ jñānaṁ mokṣāya sādhanam,
Karmayoge pravartate ca,
Dhairyaṁ vīryam ca sādhakānām,
Jñānaṁ jīvanaṁ prakāśayati.

Translation:

“Truth and knowledge guide us toward understanding and personal growth; taking responsible action shapes our character; courage and perseverance come from consistent effort; and knowledge brings clarity and direction in life.”

Applicability:

This reminds us that learning—whether in math, other subjects, or life itself—requires curiosity, persistence, and the courage to face challenges. By applying knowledge thoughtfully and acting with integrity, we grow stronger, wiser, and more capable of navigating life’s complexities.

It is a privilege to partner with you through AP Calculus this year! Thank you all for your understanding and support as I recover—I look forward to a fantastic week ahead in our math lab together. If anyone ever has questions, please feel free to reach out.

Have a wonderful weekend and Enjoy your Fall break, everyone!

Mrs J