DEPT. NOTES WEST SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL / FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Math

Student Support Services

The   2017 Challenge has finished. Students were given the month of January to challenge themselves to compute at least one of the numbers 0-100 using only the digits 2,0,1,7 only once. Many students did a great job with some really creative solutions. Shout outs to two very creative answers: Richard Darkwa with (2 + 0! + 1)! + 7 = 31 and Nick Kressler with 102 ⦁ .7 = 70. Also, shout outs go to Madison Dover with exceptional use of factorial (!) and several contributions. The winner of the drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card was Samantha Ansart, a sophomore who also contributed quite a number of correct solutions.

Parents should have received Progress Reports in the past week.   If a parent has not received a copy, contact student’s Special Education Liaison.

In addition, here is a peek into the ELL beginning Algebra class working to understand the basics of solving equations, understanding structure of expressions and proportionality through the use of two number lines. The students have been working hard to build conceptual understanding and defend their reasoning. Kudos to their teacher, Mr. Pitkin, who has worked hard to bring this new method into the classroom in an effort to better support their learning and still challenge them with deeper thinking about the material.

Art Ms. Kasunick’s Drawing and Painting 2 students chose to draw from an object in their classroom or use the concept of 'hunger awareness' for their repeat pattern drawings. The Rachel's Table Teen Board will present Hunger Awareness ArtsFest​ on Sunday, March 26th, 2017 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame.

BCTE The Business Club students completed a successful candy cane fundraiser before the holidays and were able to contribute a check for just over $150 to the Conor McCormick Foundation.

Currently, they are on a mission to sell Valentine Bears to help fund Business Club activities and events. With The Credit for Life Financial Fair at Holyoke Community C o l l e g e q u i c k l y a pproaching, the BCTE D epar tment is preparing to bring as many Seniors to the “financial life simulation” as possible.