Wine & Vine 2010 coming soon!
The Sisters of St. Francis and Groppi's Market are hosting Wine & Vine 2010 to raise money for the maintenance of the grape arbor that St. Mary's alumnae are very familiar with.  Click the link above for more information.

HOFer Zore DB 63 retires from Northwestern Mutual
Alumni Hall of Fame inductee and Chancellor Award recipient Ed Zore DB 63 has retired as CEO of Northwestern Mutual after 41 years with the company.  In a JSOnline article, he spoke fondly of his time at Don Bosco.  Click the link above to read more. 

Sign up for the 2010 Alumni Run!
The 13th Annual Norb Wishowski Alumni Run will take place at Greene Park in St. Francis on Saturday, August 14th at 9:00 AM.  Click the link above for more information.

Salisbury TM 04 elected to Alverno Athletics Hall of Fame
Alexandra Salisbury TM 04 has been named a charter member of the Alverno College Athletics Hall of Fame.  Click the link above to read more about this exciting honor.  We're proud of you!

May/June issue of MORE Family News released!
The May/June issue of the MORE Family News has been released!  Click the link above to check it out.

Distance Learning comes to STM!
STM is offering a small number of students the opportunity to be part of a pilot program involving online distance learning.  These courses will be offered through the iQ Academy of Wisconsin.  Click the link above to learn more.

April 2010 Gift Report Released!
The April 2010 Gift Report has been released by the Development Office.  Click the link above to see this year's fund raising progress.

U.S. History students attend Holocaust presentation
A group of U.S. History students at Saint Thomas More High School recently had the opportunity to hear from a Holocaust survivor at Alverno College.  Click the link above to read more about this remarkable event.

Faith Can Cure Cancer in the Catholic Herald
A new club at STM has caught the attention of the Catholic Herald - click the link above to learn about Faith Can Cure Cancer.

STM grad breaks ground for new MU facility
On March 5, Steven Lynch TM 07 took part in Marquette University’s groundbreaking ceremony for its new Discovery Learning Engineering Complex.  Click the link above to read about this momentous event.

Pauly to be President at Green Bay Notre Dame
As of July 1, 2010, STM President Bob Pauly will return to his alma mater, Green Bay Notre Dame High School, as their new president.  Click the link above to read the announcement.

STM names new CEO
Please click the link above to read a letter from STM's Board of Directors about a newly-created CEO position at the school.  Todd Sobotka TM 97 has been named interim CEO of Saint Thomas More High School.

STM welcomes home heroes on Veterans Day
STM's Social Studies Department organized an emotional and deeply moving presentation to honor Veterans Day this year.  Click the link above to read more.

  


                                                             

Mathematics Department

Faculty Members:

Ben Rezutek TM 93, Department Chair
Steven Michelfelder
Mary Spiegel
Mark Thompson

In today's world of competitive business, technology, and science, a solid mathematics foundation is essential.

In order to prepare students for these greater demands, it is the department's belief that a sound mathematics program should assist students in knowing and understanding mathematical processes, fact, and principles.  We must develop a student's ability to perform computations with understanding, accuracy, and efficiency.  We also must develop the student's understanding of the logical structure of mathematics and the nature of proof.  The mathematics department strives to develop the student's problem solving ability.



The mathematics department aims to promote within each student the ability to effectively use mathematical thought.  The essential element in the achievement of this objective is the development of an intellectual spirit, which promotes curiosity, initiative, and confidence.                                                      

Honors Courses

The Mathematics Department's Honors courses consist of Honors Geometry on the sophomore level, Honors Pre-Calculus on the junior level, Advanced Placement Calculus on the senior level, and Advanced Placement Statistics on the junior/senior level.  These courses aim to provide academic challenges and enrichment for gifted students.  Topics supplementary to the textbooks are introduced and students are provided with opportunities to enhance their problem solving skills.  Upon completion of the Honors Program, students should possess a superior math background and should be prepared to take the Advance Placement Test in Calculus during their second year and in Statistics during their junior/senior year.  Students may register for a course in the Honors sequence only with approval of the Mathematics Department.  The history of a student's mathematical performance is a determining factor for registration in the Honors Program.                                                          

Standard Courses

The standard courses attempt to develop a student's mathematical skills to the highest degree possible.  Upon completion of the standard program a student should have the mathematical background to deal successfully with mathematics on the college level as well as with the mathematics needed for technical and professional programs.  It is the basic objective of the Mathematics Department to provide each Saint Thomas More High School student, whether in the Honor or Standard program, with the maximum level of mathematical sophistication commensurate with his/her abilities, interests and career objectives.

1400/01 Pre Algebra - Grade 9 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
This course provides an opportunity for students to experience success with mathematics and to gain confidence in their mathematical ability.  Students will experience a rigorous program that will strengthen basic mathematical skills.  Upon completion of this course, students are prepared for the rigors of Algebra I.
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1404/05 Freshman Advanced Algebra - Grade 9 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Guidelines: Department approval is required
This course is intended for freshmen with a special interest and talent in mathematics.  First-year algebra concepts are reviewed and expanded.  Systems of equations involving three variables, arithmetic and geometric series, quadratic functions and the complex numbers systems, and logarithms are some algebraic topics studied.  The study of trigonometry includes right triangles, unit circle, identities, equations, graphs, and applications.  Students are required to purchase a TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-84 calculator.
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1408-11 Algebra 1 - Grades 9, 10, & 11 - 1.0 credit (Required)
The first year of algebra is devoted to the study of the properties of the real number system.  Algebraic expressions, polynomials, systems of equations and radicals are typical topics, which are covered.  The approach is one which attempts to stress the unifying aspects of these topics rather than treating them in an isolated manner.  One of the objectives of this course is to provide the students with a sufficient mathematical background, which will enable them to deal successfully with subsequent math and science courses.
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1412/13 Honors Geometry - Grades 10 & 11 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and departmental approval
The course is devoted to the study of plane geometry, solid geometry, solid mensuration and plane coordinate geometry.  It makes extensive use of a mathematical model of the physical world, studied by deductive methods.  The course seeks to establish a firm foundation in geometrical concepts.

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1414-17 Geometry - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Required)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1
The approach utilized by this course involves the study of the notion of mathematical proof, which enables the student to establish relationships between geometric figures.  The common geometric forms, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles and polygons are studied.
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1418/19 Algebra 2 - Grades 11 & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry.  Department approval is also required.
Students review the concepts of Algebra 1 prior to the properties of families and functions.  Topics covered are similar to those in Algebra 2-Trig.  Trigonometry is taught in right triangle applications.  Computational skills are stressed in this course rather than theoretical development.
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1420/21 Algebra 2-Trigonometry - Grades 11, 12 - 1.0 credit Elective
Guidelines:  Successful completion of Geometry.  Department approval required.
Concepts of first-year algebra are expanded.  Topics covered include systems of equations in three variables, arithmetic and geometric series, quadratic functions, complex number system, and logarithms.  The study of trigonometry includes right triangles, identities, graphs, and applications.  Students are expected to have a TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-84 calculator.
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1422/23 Honors Pre-Calculus - Grade 11 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry.  Department approval is also required.
This accelerated and demanding course rigorously covers the topics of Algebra 2 and the standard pre-calculus topics.  The class prepares students for the Advanced Placement Calculus course senior year.  The course demands insight, maturity, and a strong commitment to the study of mathematics.  Students are expected to purchase a TI-83 or TI-83 graphing calculator.
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1424/25 Pre-Calculus - Grade 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 or Algebra 2-Trig.
The purpose of this course is to prepare college-bound students for college level mathematics.  The topics presented are prerequisites for college calculus as well as for other college level math courses.  Algebra, analytic geometry, and trigonometry are integrated with other important topics in mathematics by an approach that emphasizes functions.  Graphing techniques as well as the interpretation of graphs are stressed.  Upon completion of this course, students will have acquired a strong math background, which should service as a basis for subsequent college level math courses.  Students will be expected to purchase a TI-83 or TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator.
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1426/27 Advanced Placement Calculus - Grade 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra 1, Geometry, Honors Pre Calculus.  Students who have completed Algebra 2 or Algebra 2-Trig need special permission to take this course.  Department approval is required.
The course will consist of an in-depth coverage of all the topics normally taught in the first semester of college calculus.  These topics consist of the study of the calculus associated with algebraic, exponential, log, and trig functions.  The College Board's Advance Placement Calculus syllabus will be followed.  Students registering for this course will be expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in calculus at the conclusion of their senior year.  Students who primary interests are in math, engineering, business, or the physical life sciences will benefit by taking this course.
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1428/29 Basic Pre Calculus - Grade 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 or Algebra-Trig.  Department approval is also required.
The course will consist of the study of algebraic, exponential, log and trig functions.  The course will also emphasize graphing techniques.  The approach to graphing will be intuitive in nature.  Problem solving approaches will rely on conjecture rather than on formal mathematical arguments.  This senior level math course will not be as intensive as the Pre-Calculus course but will demand a high level of commitment and application.  The course is intended for students who have struggled but want to gain confidence in their mathematical abilities.
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1430/31 Statistics and Applications of Mathematics - Grade 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Guidelines:  Successful completion of Algebra II.  Concurrent registration with another math course is allowed.  Department approval required.
This course explores how data is obtained, manipulated, and used.  Statistics includes the study of probability, statistical distributions, sampling techniques, and analysis.  Statistics is studied because of the increasing quantitative approach employed in science, business, and other areas that relay heavily on numbers.  A statistics course is valuable for students with a wide variety of interests and future vocational ambitions.  Students are expected to have a TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-84 calculator.
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