SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Advanced Placement Scores
The Social Studies Department continues to offer Advanced Placement coursework in United States History,Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics.Scores from last Spring's Advanced Placement examinations highlighted successful achievement in all three subject areas.In United States History 41 out of 53 students passed the exam making them eligible for college credit.This is a pass rate of 77% which exceeds the national pass rate of 48%. Of the 74 students who took the AP Microeconomics exam, 56 students passed with a score of 3 or better qualifying them for college credit.This represents a pass rate of 76% besting the national rate of 63%. Macroeconomics enrolled 17 students this year and enjoyed a 100% pass rate with nearly a third of the students earning a 5, the highest score.
All AP United States History students will be expected to purchase a review book while AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics students should be prepared to purchase workbooks.The fee for each resource is approximately $20.00.
Summer Reading
Students and parents are reminded that the Social Studies department's Summer Reading test will take place on Wednesday, September 9.
Staff Updates
The Social Studies department has several staff changes to report.The position created by the retirement of Mr. Bruce Field has been filled by Ms. Angela DePalma, and the vacancy resulting from Mr. Christopher Kerr's resignation has been filled by Ms. Casey Brennan.Both women are Simmons graduates who bring exceptional talent and great enthusiasm to their teaching.They will be wonderful additions to the OA community.
The Year Ahead
As usual the Social Studies department will offer two travel study programs.The first is Washington, D.C. Close Up.This week long insider's look at how our government works features student interactions with speakers, policymakers, and peers from across the country.This program encourages student awareness and involvement in the political process and is recommended for all students especially those interested in studying law and political science.The Travel Study Program will visit China and Greece this year.The China trip is planned for the February vacation and the trip to Greece isslated for the April break.This popular program has already begun accepting deposits.Anyone interested in either of this year's trips should see Mrs. Eveline Johnson in September.
MATH DEPARTMENT
Students will receive information on course expectations at the start of the school year.Many classes require the use of either a scientific or graphing calculator (please see calculator information below).It is helpful for students to have their own calculator to use both in class and for homework. In addition, many courses have online resources students can access for additional practice and help.Some helpful sites are included below.Teachers will provide students with specific details in class.Lastly, the Math Team is a fun and challenging way for students to participate in problem solving competitions.Encourage your child to consider joining the team to fine tune his/her problem solving skills!
Staff Update
The Oliver Ames Math Department welcomes Mrs. McGuirk back from maternity leave.
Calculators
Calculators are used in most math courses to allow students to explore and to reinforce classroom concepts, and to perform tedious computations that arise when working with real data in problem-solving situations.Because scientific or graphing calculators are used in most courses, students should provide their own.Teachers will inform students of the recommended calculator at the beginning of the school year. The Texas Instrument 84 Plus calculator is used in Algebra 2 and all higher-level classes.Scientific calculators are typically used in Algebra I and Geometry courses.
Helpful Math Sites
www.classzone.com
www.glencoe.com
Look up student's course and login to find extra practice problems, games, vocabulary, presentations, and practice tests and quizzes.
