Opposites attract: Math Lab

By Ananya Jain '24

The Parish Math Lab, a helpful system that has been in Parish’s curriculum for many years, is a structure where any Parish student can receive help on math assignments by consulting a math teacher available to aid during any hour of the day. The Math Lab also allows students to complete any missed math assignments such as tests or quizzes and retake a math assessment. Algebra 2 student Saina Beemidi ’24 discusses her appreciation for Parish’s Math Lab structure.

“When I’m experiencing difficulties on any math assignment, the Math Lab is the most convenient source of help as it’s open during all periods of the school day,” said Saina. “It’s nice to receive help from a math teacher unique to my class teacher to further broaden my understanding of any concept.”

Upon entering the Math Lab, students will turn in their phones and sign-in, respectively. Meticulously organized, the Math Lab fosters collaboration among Parish students and teachers with one table designated to questions and help with math work. In another part of the room, away from the interactive discussions, are arranged desks so students can complete any tests or quizzes needed. This environment creates both an interactive and calm atmosphere allowing everyone to focus and ask questions when needed.

The Math Lab continues to be recognized for its broad range of math teachers who swap out to help every block. Precalculus Honors student Zeke Barnett ’24 and Precalculus Advance student Gigi Enrico '24 agree.

“If I’m having a problem with my mentality in math, a myriad of teachers are there to support me," said Zeke.

“The Math Lab’s structure is one of the most organized structures I’ve seen," said Gigi. Certain math teachers are assigned to each block so it’s easy to come back to someone who provided great help to me in the past. Since someone’s always available to help me at the Math Lab, I can get any math questions answered as soon as possible.”

The Math Lab is one of the busiest classrooms on Parish’s campus, with frequent visitors who seek help with their math homework or simply need to reassess/make up a test. Many students, such as Precalculus Advanced student Meritt Reynolds ’24, claim that visiting the lab hastens their math process.

“I’ll go into the Math Lab and the teacher there will be able to help me understand any concept within fifteen minutes,” said Merrit. “It’s a nice, quiet environment where I can focus.”

Although the majority of students who visit are in Upper School, the Math Lab also allows Middle School students to come in when needed.

“The Math Lab helped me so much as a middle schooler," claimed Aashna Jain '28, Prealgebra student. I am able to visit during my study hall block and ask questions about my homework along with completing any math tests I may have missed.”

The accessibility of the Math Lab for students to visit and discover new methods to help them with their learning in math is such a great benefit.

And, of course, like any program at Parish, the School and students like to look for ways to evolve. Peyton Wartell '23 did just that when she started working on her Leadership Institute Project to redesign the Math Lab. Read more from Peyton on page 6.

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