2016-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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History and Social Sciences In History and Social Sciences, the department has continued to implement the use of online textbooks and google classroom. During the 2015-2016 school year, the history department had students participate in Distributive Education Clubs of America where they represented MMHS at both local and state competitions in the area of business careers. Our middle school students hosted the annual World's Fair event which brought in over one hundred parents and community members. Mrs. Celeste Reynolds was chosen by the College Board to be an Advanced Placement Reader (grader) for scoring the National A.P. Human Geography Exam. Mrs. Reynolds was also one of fifty teachers nationwide to be selected as an American Geographical Society Teaching Fellow. She has also participated in the Choices Program at Brown University which has become infused into the departmental curricula. Ms. Meaghan McCauley received a mini -grant from Cape Cod Five Savings Bank to pilot a new course entitled the American Superhero. English Language Arts The English Department at MMHS had another strong year. MMHS achieved at a 95% proficient/advanced rating on the grade 10 MCAS and demonstrated nearly 70% growth in grade 8 ELA PARCC testing. MMHS also saw an improvement in Advanced Placement scores in ELA. Several students entered their work into competitions including the Cape Cod Times Poetry for Peace competition which landed a winner with Aidan Goddu (10). Goddu and Dolfina Allan were recognized in the "Classroom Times" for their essays. In addition, the department also boasted several finalists in the MIAA Sportsmanship Essay Contest. The English Department was also proud to begin an online school publication called "The Falconer". This was done under the leadership of Mr. Brian Kehrl. World Languages In World Languages, our teachers are working to provide their students with authentic, relevant language learning experiences through a communicative approach, preparing students to understand and be understood in real -world situations while broadening their outlook in order to succeed in our global society. At MMHS, we entered our second year of Mandarin Chinese instruction as students have responded enthusiastically to this new course offering. Here, as with our French and Spanish classes, teachers are working to align instruction with the new World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages issued by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The ACTFL standards define what students should know and be able to communicate effectively and develop cultural competence. The shift is underway in the department from a grammar -based, textbook -driven approach to one that emphasizes interpersonal communication and interaction, with students developing proficiency through dynamic and engaging activities, and an awareness of the target language culture. Town residents who are native speakers of languages other than English, or those who have lived in other countries, are encouraged to contact Department Chair Tim Rumberger to come in and share their experiences with our students. Science During the 2015-2016 School Year, the Mashpee Middle High School Science Department continued implementing a set of rigorous classes as well as embarking on offering several new programs. Regarding the latter, seventh grade students at MMHS were fortunate to have a coastal geologist come to their lab and spend several days working with them developing and exploring hands-on models to investigate the processes of erosion and deposition. This program was so successful that it is being brought back for a second year in 2016-2017! MMHS offered a one year pilot program of accelerated Biology for eighth grade students who are now taking Chemistry in ninth grade. Throughout the 2015-2016 school year, the Science Department developed and restored an Environmental Science class to our Course of Studies for our ninth graders. MMHS boasts five Advanced Placement courses for our students which include Biology, Chemistry, two Physics courses and Environmental Science. Many students in each of these courses scored well enough on their AP Exams to earn or defer college credits on their College or University transcripts. MMHS students were involved in the Science Lecture Series through our relationship with the Woods Hole Science Technology and Educational Partnership (WHSTEP). Those programs and learning 143