Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year! Although the kids weren't all excited to come back, they have done a pretty good job at diving into their work.

The Pre-Calculus class has been learning the power of the graphing calculator. At the same time, they are learning about how frustrating they can be. Multi-variable equations can easily be solved with the use of matrices (and the process is fairly simple). However, the question of whether it is easier to use the calculator or not in certain situations may be one of the hardest lessons they have learned this year. Also, copying a graph from the graphing calculator onto paper has been a challenge.

The Key Curriculum Geometry class is learning the difficulty of not automatically having an equation to use. First, you must read and understand the problem. Second, you must identify what you know and what's being asked of you. Third, you need to come up with a way to get from what you know to what's being asked. Hopefully, this will help them with critical thinking skills in the future.

The other math classes are focusing on a variation of topics. Algebra 1 started with adding fractions of both like and unlike denominators. Advanced Math is getting into proofs of similarity and congruence. Math 87 is working on geometric figures and general story problems. Algebra 2 has been working on simplifying expressions with radicals in them. The Math-U-See Geometry class has been working on the measures, compliments, supplements, and bisectors of angles. Algebra 1/2 has worked on finding missing numbers in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

The two newer classes being taught this year are Small Gas Engines and Publications. These are newer classes because it has been a while since they have been taught. Publications is responsible for the announcements in the morning, updating Kingdom Academy's Facebook Page once a day, taking pictures during the year in hopes of creating a yearbook in the spring, will do a newsletter twice a quarter, and will also help with miscellaneous projects. The Small Gas Engines class has been doing both book work and hands on work with engines. The book work has included safety instructions and correct use of tools when working in a small gas engine. The hands on work has involved replacing the pull starter unit of a 4-wheeler and troubleshooting a battery problem.

It has been a busy, but successful start to the year. Prayerful support is encouraged as Kingdom Academy continues to roll through the 2016-2017 school year.