Algebra Combat

Algebra Combat Session 1:

Open to: Students entering a Geometry or Algebra II curriculum.

August 19–23, 2024

9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Are you taking Geometry, or Algebra II in the fall and want to brush up on your Algebra skills? Algebra Combat is back by popular demand! Algebra Combat is a one-week preparatory session run by Rivers School teachers, Samantha Vandergrift and Betty Bloch. We will reinforce computational and algebraic skills as well as strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Target topics include real number operations, factoring, solving multi-step equations, graphing relationships, and solving systems. Students will start each day with a pretest to examine their existing skill set and this will determine their grouping each day. The small classes along with the two professionals leading the groups will allow for individualized instruction and hands-on activities. No book is required for this course—all materials and a snack will be provided.

Tuition:  $400.00

-Maximum enrollment: 20

Algebra Combat Session II:

Open to: Students entering a Pre-Algebra or Algebra curriculum (Rising Sixth, Seventh, or Eighth graders).

August 19–23, 2024

1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Are you taking Pre-Algebra in the fall and want to brush up on your skills? Algebra Combat is back by popular demand! Algebra Combat is a one-week preparatory session run by Rivers School teachers, Samantha Vandergrift and Elizabeth Wendorf. We will reinforce computational and algebraic skills as well as strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will start each day with a pretest to examine their existing skill set and this will determine their grouping each day. The small classes along with the two professionals leading the groups will allow for individualized instruction and hands-on activities. No book is required for this course—all materials and a snack will be provided.

Tuition:  $400.00

-Maximum enrollment: 20

Testimonials:

• “I expected this week to be very hard and intimidating, but I was placed in the right group for my ability and it was not intimidating at all”.

• “This really helped me get ready for the upcoming year. This didn’t just help me, it gave me more confidence for the year! It was fun!”

• “I would definitely suggest this for others… in a week you can learn not only math but other study habits in order to prepare you for the school year. Thank you teachers, I had a great experience!”

Samantha Vandergrift, co-instructor

Samantha Vandergrift is a seventh and eighth grade math teacher in the Rivers Middle School, head coach of the Middle School cross country and softball teams, advisor, and seventh grade girls leadership co-coordinator. Sam enjoys making math accessible, fun, and relevant to the real world. She received a Masters of Education in teaching secondary mathematics at Harvard University. Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and Japanese from Middlebury College.

Elizabeth Wendorf, co-instructor

Elizabeth Wendorf is a seasoned teacher of Upper School mathematics. A graduate of Wesleyan University with both a BA and an MA in mathematics, Elizabeth loves sharing her passion for the subject with her students. Before joining Rivers, Elizabeth taught high school mathematics at Kent School in Connecticut. She was also a teaching assistant at Wesleyan. In addition to teaching, Elizabeth runs the math teaching assistant program for seniors and supports the venture capital competition club.

BETTy BLOCH, co-instructor

Betty Bloch has a BA in biochemistry and Japanese from Middlebury College and a PhD in chemistry/biochemistry from Lehigh University. Before joining Rivers, Betty taught honors chemistry and designed and taught an advanced biochemistry course at the Pomfret School. She brings a deep passion for teaching science in a student-centered manner and is an innovative teacher. Betty is part of the team teaching biology and chemistry, serves as a freshman advisor, and coaches volleyball.

Enrollment OPEN

Details & Eligibility

▸ On-Site Course
▸ August 19–23, 2024

2024 Tuition: $400.00
Financial aid is available (July 15 deadline)

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