Skip to main content

Willits High School

Math Department

Math Department

Four individuals stand together in front of a whiteboard, smiling.

I have been working in education for over two decades. I have a Masters in Educational Administration from Cal State San Bernardino and credentials in School Administration, in Social Science, and in Mathematics.  I currently teach Bridge Algebra.

I am also in charge of the religious education program at our local Catholic church where I volunteer to teach teens and adults from Willits and Covelo.  For fun, my wife of 27 years and I enjoy going to heavy metal and country music concerts and playing cards.  We have one son who lives in southern California.

-Mr. Alaniz

I teach several math classes: Geometry, Statistics, Personal Finance, and Academic Decathlon. Since graduating from Willits High School, I've attended several universities. First, I went to Pepperdine University where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Math. Then I attended Cal Lutheran University to get my teaching credential. After that, I went to Fresno State University to get a Master's degree in Math.
In addition to teaching math, I also coach Cross Country.

-Mr. Smith

Courses I teach:

  • Algebra II
  • Precalculus
  • AP Calculus AB

Educational Background:

  • William Jessup University B.A in Pastoral Ministry and Bible & Theology (Double major) 2011
  • CSU East Bay M.S. in Educational Leadership (Expected graduation in 2024)

Ms. Byrns

Classes

  • This course prepares students for success in Algebra I A/B. The course includes instruction in linear functions, rational numbers, radicals, integer exponents, proportional reasoning, introduction to functions, transformations, the Pythagorean Theorem, volume, statistics and probability. The California Common Core Math 8 standards are the basis of this curriculum. This course meets the Mathematics subject requirement towards a high school diploma

  • Algebra I teaches the student to solve problems using algebraic methods. The course covers simplifying algebraic expressions, solving first degree equations and inequalities in 1 or 2 unknowns, properties of exponents, polynomial operations, solving quadratic equations, working with irrational expressions, graphing linear and quadratic functions, modeling two-variable data, sequences, systems of equations and exponential functions. The California Common Core Algebra I Standards are the basis of this curriculum.

  • Geometry is a course in which classical Euclidean geometry is studied. This study includes instruction in transformations, angles and parallel lines, congruent and similar polygons, proportions in triangles, properties of quadrilaterals, arcs and segments of circles, right triangles, trigonometry, equations of circles and parabolas, areas and volumes of geometric figures and probability. The concept of mathematical proof is used throughout the course. The California Common Core Geometry standards are the basis of this curriculum.

  • In this course students will study the math that drives their financial lives. We will look at how math shapes interest rates for everything we buy or want to buy including credit cards, car loans, saving accounts, and mortgages. Students will learn how to compare simple interest and compound interest. We will also explore other practical topics such as, what to consider when getting a loan or a credit card, what a good interest rate is, how income taxes work, APR financing that car commercials talk about, and more! Knowing math adds up to making good financial decisions. Find out for yourself in this course.

  • Algebra II reinforces and extends concepts developed in Algebra I and Geometry. The course includes instruction in quadratic relations, radical expressions and equations, complex numbers, polynomial operations, logarithms, statistics, series, trigonometry (including a study of the six trig functions and solutions of both right and oblique triangles), transformations of logarithmic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical and trigonometric functions, randomization, normal distribution and probability. The California Common Core Algebra II standards are the basis of this curriculum.

  • In this course, students will learn to understand, ask questions, and represent data through project-based units. The units will give students opportunities to be data explorers through active engagement, developing their understanding of data analysis, sampling, correlation/causation, bias and uncertainty, modeling with data, making and evaluating data-based arguments, and the importance of data in society. At the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of their data science work to showcase their newly developed knowledge and understanding. The curriculum will be adaptable so that teachers can either use the data sets provided or bring in data sets most relevant to their own students.

  • Honors Pre-Calculus reinforces and extends concepts developed in Algebra II. It covers graphing of functions and relations, including polar and parametric equations, complex numbers, logarithms, conic sections, sequences, series, statistics, probability, discrete math, vectors and trigonometry. It also introduces topics such as limits to prepare the student for calculus.

  • This course in calculus is designed to cover the first semester of college calculus and to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam. The course covers both the theory and applications of differential and integral calculus. The AP Calculus AB course outline is the basis of this curriculum.

  • This course will cover the use of probability techniques, hypothesis testing, and predictive techniques to facilitate decision-making. Topics include: frequency distributions; descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-square and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings and the presentation of results while using the Scientific Method. Applications may include data from disciplines including business, social sciences, psychology, life science, health science, and education.