Western Hills Book Fair

Cranston West Spirit Wear

 

8th Graders:  Here's your chance to show your Cranston High School West Pride! 

Short Sleeve T-Shirts are $10 ($12 for adult XXL)

Long Sleeve T-Shirts are $12 ($14 for adult XXL)

Hoodie Pull-Over is $25 ($28 for adult XXL) 

Sweatpants are $25 ($28 for adult XXL) 

Check out the samples in the display case across from the Guidance Office.  Order forms will be available with your team teachers, in the main office or right at the display case.  Cranston West representatives will be coming to Western Hills this Thursday and Friday during  lunches to collect orders.  The order deadline is Friday, May 31, 2013.

 

Upcoming Events at Western Hills

JUNE 4^TH-PAW SOX NIGHT – BAND,CHORUS,ORCHESTRA-7PM

JUNE 5^TH-8th GRADE HONOR’S NIGHT REHEARSAL-PER.4&5

JUNE 6^TH-8th GRADE HONOR’S NIGHT REHEARSAL-PER.7&1

JUNE 6^TH-8th GRADE HONORS NIGHT – CRANSTON WEST 7PM

Brown Summer Reading Program

Do you have difficulty with reading?  Would you like to increase your reading speed and improve your comprehension?  Wish you knew the best way to read textbooks, take notes and study for tests?  The Brown Summer Reading Program may be the help you need.  Check out the flier below:

Rhode Island College Summer Sports Camps

Check out the flyer for the upcoming Rhode Island College Sports Camps.  Call the RIC Athletic Department for more information at (401)456-8007.  Or visit http://www.ric.edu/summeryouthprograms/ for additional programs in Music, Performing Arts and Writing.

Math Success

Tips for Math Success

Tip #9:  Do you know what the calculator is doing?  Using the calculator is a good way to get the answer but in order to understand the problem you need to know what the calculator is doing.  Education.com give a great example "if the teacher asks for “the square of negative three,” many students will type in “-3^2” which gives the answer “-9.” But the real answer is “(-3)^2”, or 9. Students should play around with their calculators and become familiar with the way they work."

Tip #10:  How well do you know Algebra?  These skills are crucial to later math courses in high school.  Some of you may be taking Algebra I now but how well do you actually know the material?  If your grade is in the C range or below you should really consider taking Algebra I again in Grade 9.  The skills you will gain will benefit you through high school and well into college.

Math Success

Tips for Math Success

Tip #7:  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Chances are that your fellow students have the same question.  Saying it out loud will help you, your classmates and your teacher. I know that asking questions in class can be a bit scary at first but the more you do it the more comfortable you'll become AND the better you'll do academically.

Tip #8:  Review your basic skills.  You probably haven't had to quickly call on your addition, subtraction, multiplication and division tables in some times.  The quicker you can answer what 6 times 9 is or what 11 minus 4 is the better you will do in class.  Make flash cards to practice these skills.

Instead of flash cards why not try and app.  Math Workout, shown at left will help you master some of those basic math skills in a fun and interactive way.  Download it for FREE for iPhone and for Android.

Math Success

 

Tips For Math Success

Tip #5:  Analyze and understand every mistake.  Student's want to pass
              over a mistake made on homework or a test, but it's important to fix
              mistakes and understand why you made them.  Ask your teacher if you
              can't figure it out yourself, so you won't make the same mistake
              again.

Tip #6:  Get help fast.  If you realize that you are having difficulty in a class,
               you should get as much help as possible as quickly as possible. 
               Teachers are very receptive to requests for extra help. 

Math Success

 

Tips For Math Success

Tip #3:  Try not to miss class.  Math class moves fast, teaching a new concept
               every day.  What you do today in class builds towards tomorrow.  Try
               to scedule doctor's appointments, etc. after school so you won't miss
               any classes.  If you do miss class, arrange a time before or after
               school to meet with your teacher to learn/review material that you
               missed.

Tip #4:  Establish a good relationship with your teacher.  Let your teacher
              know you are interested in the class by asking questions and partici-
              pating in class discussions.  Take the opportunity to go after school
              for any tutoring/review sessions a teacher offers before a test.

Math Success

                  

 

Tips For Math Success 

Anyone can be successful in math - they just need the right strategies. 

Since we are now in the 4th quarter, the following tips will help you improve your math grade:

Tip #1:  Do all of your homework.  Don't think of homework as a choice.  It's
              an important way to practice and master concepts taught in class.  Set
              up a regular time and place that make doing the homework automatic.

Tip #2:  Find a friend to be your study partner.  If you are absent due to a
              illness, etc., find a friend who takes good notes so you can call them
              regarding homework.  Forming a study group is also a good idea to
              practice for tests.

Motivational Tips for Reading Part 5

Tip #5 Act it out - really get into the character.  What does this character sound like?  Read any quoted dialogue in the voice you imagine.  Stop for a minute and think about how the character would react in a new situation that is not in the book.  Does this character have any personality quirks?  The more invested in the people in the story you become the easier it will be to finish the book.

Do you like to laugh?  Then check out this list of Funny Fiction for Teens.

Motivational Tips for Reading Part 4

Tip #4 Still looking for suggestions on what to read next?  Check out Amazon.com.  Do a search for a book you've read that you really like.  Scroll down to where it says "customers who bought this item also bought..."  This will lead you to other books in the same style as your favorite.

Still looking for a book to read?  Check out this list of 10 Great Young Adult Novels with Strong Female Lead Characters.

Motivational Tips For Reading (Part 3)

Motivational Tips For Reading

Tip #3:  Read the first page...out loud.  It will help you visualize the story.
              Many times you may feel that if you don't like the first page, you
              don't want to read the rest.  Reading out loud, engages you in
              story and encourages you to read further.

Motivational Tips for Reading Part 2

Tip # 2 Try reading a book series - Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Princess Diaries are excellent books that will hook you in with the first in the series.  Once you've read one you'll be itching to pick up the next.

Check out this list on Good Reads for the 100 Best Young Adult Series Books.  It may help you find your next favorite book.

Don't forget the Bluford Series of books.  You can even listen to the audio and read along for free at this link - http://bluford.org/audiobooks/

Motivational Tips For Reading (Part One)

  Motivational Tips For Reading  

We have noticed recently that some students have been struggling with independent reading (which is an important part of your English grade).  Reading comprehension (understanding what you read) affects your performance in other subjects and standardized tests as well.  This week we will look at tips to motivate you to become a better reader. 

Tip #1:  Experiment with a variety of reading material.  Choose books that
              interest you.  If you have trouble finding something you like, ask
              your teacher, librarian, or book store clerk to suggest some books
              based on your hobbies or interests.

Looking for a good, young adult mystery book?  Check out these reviews http://youngadultbookreviews.com/category/mystery/

Arts Fest

 

Check out the artistic talent of the Cranston Public School Students at the 2013 ArtsFest.  The show runs from May 1st - 30th with an opening reception on May 7th at 6pm.  Cranston Public Library - 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, RI.