ENGLISH
MATH
Mr. McAuliffe
Mr. Iacobellis
We have begun to read classic short stories in
class: stories which have stood the test of time
and are excellent examples of strong writing.
It is a pleasure to witness the students as they
realize why they have stood the test of time. All
of these stories are being read in preparation
for our field trip to the theater in early
December in which we will watch these stories
come to life on stage with live actors. As we
read these great tales we have had some lively
and positive discussions. We will continue to
work hard to understand the language used as
well as following what these stories are about.
I have really enjoyed watching everyone's
reactions to certain moments and certain ideas
which come up within the stories, and I look
forward to the reactions to upcoming stories.
Pre-Algebra – In Unit 2, Algebraic Reasoning, students will be
writing, simplifying and factoring expressions. They
will then write and solve one and two-step equations
and inequalities. Finally, they will be factoring
expressions, again using Lab Gear. There will be
quizzes based on each concept, followed by a unit test.
From here they will move into Unit 3, Proportional
Reasoning. You also can visit my website and view the
unit 2 and unit 3 outlines. It is under Pre-Algebra
curriculum.
Pre-Algebra Plus – In Unit 2, Algebraic Reasoning, students
will be writing, simplifying and factoring expressions.
Finally, students will writing and solve one and twostep equations and inequalities, using addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division. There will be
quizzes throughout this unit as well as a test at the end
of the unit. From here they will move into Unit 3,
Proportional Reasoning. You also can visit my website
and view the unit 2 and unit 3 outlines. It is under PreAlgebra Plus curriculum.
Parents please use the following websites to help your child
with the math being discussed. I have also included links in my
website.
Websites: www.math.com
www.mathfactcafe.com
www.aplusmath.com
www.classzone.com
https://www.ixl.com
World Geography
SCIENCE
Mrs. Holmes
Ms Bonalli
Students are currently examining various issues that
impact the European Union today. Among the topics
we are focusing are the following:
For our earth science unit, we are continuing
with our essential question “How do internal
and external forces shape Earth’s landforms?”
We have conducted three lab experiments so
far. These experiments provided an
opportunity for students to discover how
weathering, both physical and chemical,
change rock.
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EU countries’ ability to take in refugees from
Syria and African nations
Greece’s economic struggles
Continued conflict between the Ukraine and
Russia
Factors leading up to the UK’s potential exit from
the EU
Once students have gained a basic understanding of
these issues they will use a focused questioning
technique to agree upon an essential question they
will explore in small groups. They will present their
research findings to the class in an oral presentation
accompanied by a Powerpoint/Slideshow.
Students will be assessed in two ways for this
assignment: 1) the research findings; and 2) their
oral presentation. The oral presentation will focus on
the following overall skills: nonverbal, which will
include eye contact, body language and poise; verbal
skills, which include appropriate enthusiasm and
elocution; and content, which include subject
knowledge, organization and conventions.
In addition to helping students acquire
knowledge on how weathering shapes the
Earth, these experiments are the first steps
to designing and conducting valid
experiments. With each lab the expectations
for completeness and depth increase.
Additionally, student choice in what they test
is expanded. For example, in the first lab the
problem question was provided for students
and the analysis of data was a collaborative
effort. In the third lab, students were
expected to develop their own problem
question, independent variable and come to a
conclusion about their data with their
partner.
Please encourage your young scientist to log
on to the various earth science links from my
webpage to help him/her in understanding the
concepts. There is also a link under
‘Experiment’ to help them with independent
and dependent variables, control group and
experimental group.
A.C.T.
ACT GOAL OF MONTH
Caring and Compassion
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.
Without them humanity cannot survive.” --The
Dalai Lama
“Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three
universally recognized moral qualities of men.” -Confucius
“Our human compassion binds us the one to the
other - not in pity or patronizingly, but as human
beings who havelearnt how to turn our common
suffering into hope for the future.” --Nelson
Mandela
“One's life has value so long as one attributes value
to the life of others, by means of love, friendship,
indignation and compassion.” --Simone de Beauvoir
“The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen
awareness of the interdependence of all these living
beings, which are all part of one another, and all
involved in one another.” --Thomas Merton
How does one become a caring and compassionate
person? Here are some traits: Treat people with
kindness and generosity. Be sensitive to people’s
feelings; even words can hurt. Think about how
your actions will affect others. And always
remember – we become caring people by doing
caring things!
What are some ways you show caring and
compassion in your life? What are some ways you
have seen caring and compassion demonstrated?
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
The Chester, Deep River, Essex, Region #4, and
Supervision District Boards of Education are committed
to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all
qualified persons and equal access to Boy Scouts of
America and other designated youth groups. The
Chester, Deep River, Essex, Region #4, and Supervision
District Boards of Education do not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national
origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, disability (including, but
not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present
history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning
disability), genetic information, or any other basis
prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal
nondiscrimination laws. The Chester, Deep River, Essex,
Region #4, and Supervision District Boards of Education
do not unlawfully discriminate in employment against
qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction.
Questions or complaints related to Title IX should be
directed to Dr. Kristina Martineau, Assistant
Superintendent, 1 Winthrop Road, Deep River, CT 06417
or by phone at 860-526-2417 or e-mail
kmaritneau@reg4.k12.ct.us; questions or complaints
related to disabilities, should be directed to Sarah
Smalley, Director of Pupil Services, 1 Winthrop Road,
Deep River, CT 06417 or by phone at 860-526-2417 or email ssmalley@reg4.k12.ct.us.