CY CREEK STUDENTS BOOST ALGEBRA SKILLS AT SUMMER ALGEBRA CAMP

Algebra Camp teachers of Cypress Creek High School

More than 300 students bolstered their algebra skills as the make the transition from eighth to ninth grade by participating in Algebra I Summer Camp, held July 13-30 at Cy-Fair, Cypress Springs and Jersey Village high schools.

Strongly suggested for students who did not pass the eighth-grade math STAAR test on first administration, the camp provided resources for students to strengthen their math skills in order to promote Algebra I success in ninth grade.

The camp began at 9 a.m. and concluded at 3 p.m. each day. A typical day included three math sessions and one of the following:

• a real-world experience provided by career and technology teachers;
• a study and social skills activity through Quantum Learning; and
• an activity period facilitated by Club Rewind staff.

“The Algebra camp helped to excite students about math before they enter ninth grade,” said Yolonda Sneed, Jersey Village camp director. “Students are exposed to a rigorous high school curriculum while having fun without any grade penalties. Students participated in team building activities through Club Rewind, Quantum Learning helps students learn brain based activities to improve student’s study habits and learning and the Career and Technology education classes introduce a variety of career choices students can take once they enter high school.”

The camp added more resources from community business partners, which assisted each of the camps in conducting daily drawings and small giveaways.

“The 2015 Cy-Fair Summer Algebra Camp was turned up a notch this year. It was full of school spirit, fun and surprises,” said Michelle Provo, Cy-Fair camp director. “In addition to all the restaurant coupon giveaways, students were also placed in drawings for perfect attendance to win items such as campus specific paraphernalia, Skull Candy headphones, a Chromecast and an iPod shuffle. The donated items helped keep students and staff engaged and wanting to come to camp every day for three weeks!”

The Cy-Fair camp welcomed incoming students from Cy-Fair, Cypress Creek, Cypress Ranch and Cypress Woods high schools. Students from Cypress Falls, Cypress Ridge and Jersey Village high schools attended the Jersey Village camp. Incoming Cypress Lakes, Cypress Springs and Langham Creek high school students attended the camp at Cypress Springs.

“Algebra Camp has made a great educational and social impact on our students. It’s been gratifying to see the transformation in students’ faces from the first day to the last day,” said Colette Vallot, Cypress Springs camp director. “As we bring Algebra Camp to an end, we’ve notices more participation, a sense of belongingness and self-confidence. Students learned to believe that they could conquer algebra; when they initially thought it was impossible. Algebra Camp has been a rewarding experience for the support staff, the teachers and most importantly the students.”

The following business partners helped make Algebra Camp possible:

• Bahama Bucks
• Catfish Station
• Chick-fil-A
• Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union
• Dairy Queen
• eT Burgers
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
• Gigi’s Cupcakes
• Great American Cookies
• Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union
• H-E-B
• Marble Slab
• Orange Leaf
• Peter Piper Pizza
• Raising Cane’s
• Sport Clips
• Spring Creek BBQ
• Walmart
• Whataburger