Courses Currently Teaching:

Algebra 1

Courses Previously Taught:

Geometry, Algebra 2, SREB Math

All updated class information and communication can be found in Schoology in your class section.

Please e-mail me if you have any questions via my school email address. 

Parents may contact me through School Status as well.

Thank you for your support!

Mrs. Arvin

Students should be signed up for Mrs. Arvin's Algebra 1 Remind 101 messages. See class syllabus for details.

Algebra 1 Fall 2022 Supply List

Small Composition Notebook

1 2" 3-ring binder

3 dividers

1 package loose-leaf paper

1 package graph paper

Pencils, 3 to 4 sharpened every day

Red pen

Yellow highlighter

Scientific calculator (recommendations provided below)

Optional for Algebra 1:
Some students like to use colored pens for color coding notes.

Pencil pouch to store supplies

Additional Wish List:

***Box of tissues***

Chlorox-type wipes

Hand sanitizer

Gayla Arvin 

August 4, 2022 

Dear Parents: 

Welcome to the 2022-2023 Fall Semester of the school year at Center Hill High School.  For those of you new to Center Hill - Welcome to the Hill! 

I believe that learning is about progress—not perfection—no matter the educational level of the student.  My teaching strategies are designed to engage students through differentiated instruction.  I firmly believe that teamwork builds a positive learning environment.  One of my goals for this school year will be to empower my students to become life-long learners. 

With over fifteen years of coaching experience, primarily in volleyball, at middle schools, high schools, and USAVolleyball clubs in the Memphis area, I have developed a strong desire to work with kids.  In addition to coaching volleyball, I also play and coach tennis. 

After graduating from Indiana University in Decision Sciences, I took my math and statistical degree into the business world with companies like IBM, NCR Corporation, and USA Group.  My work experience and responsibilities also included adult education.  Through my professional and coaching experience, my desire to teach in the classroom surfaced.  I recently completed my masters degree from the University of Alabama at Huntsville.  I am excited to be realizing my life-long ambition to teach middle and high school students. 

I am committed to your child’s education and development, and I look forward to getting to know you over the school year. 

Sincerely, Gayla Arvin

Per Texas Instruments announcement:

• FREE SOFTWARE for any PC or Mac: We are pleased to offer free, 6-month licenses of TI software to give students and teachers access to the full functionality of their calculators from any PC or Mac computer. This is available for the TI-Nspire CX, TI-84 Plus family, and the TI-30XS/TI-34 MultiViews.
• FREE TI-Nspire iPad APP: We have also made our iPad app available at no cost (though April 2020).
• FREE TI-84 Plus CE Chromebook^TM  APP:  We are deploying a beta version of the TI-84 Plus CE app in the coming week.

   

        Please use this link to gain access to the software of your choice:                  Software

Scientific Calculator

A basic scientific calculator can be purchased for ten dollars or less at Wal-Mart or Office Depot. A scientific calculator is one with the standard functions of add, subtract, multiply, and divide, as well as the trigonometric functions of SIN, COS, and TAN. Although TI-84 graphing calculators will be beneficial to the student in future classes and on the ACT, a standard scientific calculator is adequate for Algebra/Geometry. Students need a scientific calculator at home for homework and will be required to bring it to class daily. I WILL NOT accept the excuse, “I couldn’t do homework because I didn’t have a calculator.” Any brand is sufficient as long as it is scientific.

Below are two recommendations for calculators with associated pros and cons. These recommendations will get your student the most bang for the buck, but are in no way the only available calculators for use in school.

TI 36X Pro (not provided by the school)

o   Has an internal battery

o   NOT permissible for the Algebra I state test

o   Permissible for ACT

o   Includes scientific and most of functions of TI-84 EXCEPT graphing functions

o   TI 36X Pro DOES NOT graph

o   Is generally allowed for use in College Algebra courses, including dual credit courses taken while in high school

o   Is permitted in other college math courses, at the instructor’s discretion

o   Cost ranges $19 and up (Walmart, Amazon, Office Depot, etc.)

TI-84 Plus (calculators typically provided in class but not this semester)

o   Uses four AAA batteries

o   Permissible calculator for the Algebra I state test

o   Most commonly used calculator for ACT

o   Includes graphing, scientific, and many other useful functions

o   Is allowed for use in all high school math courses

o   Is not generally allowed for use in College Algebra courses, including dual credit courses taken while in high school

o   Is permitted is other college math courses, at the instructor’s discretion

o   Cost ranges $88 and up (Walmart, Amazon, Office Depot, etc.)

o   TI-84 Plus CE

o   The color edition

o   Graphing functions are displayed in full-color format

o   Rechargeable battery

o   Cost ranges $118 and up (Walmart, Amazon, Office Depot, etc.)

Note:  Students are discouraged from purchasing a TI-Inspire calculator, as that calculator will be permitted in very few circumstances throughout high school and college. It is not allowed for use on the Algebra I state test.