During this Lenten season, Jesus challenges Christians to think of ways in which they can grow closer to Him and understand His sacrifices on a deeper level. Christ showed the greatest sacrifice as He willingly offered himself upon the cross. John's gospel shares with us, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Of course, Christ does not require us to die for anyone, so then, how can we demonstrate such love for others?

It is so easy to get carried away with one's own personal life. No matter who you are, we all have personal concerns, hectic schedules, and things that get us down. It is only human that we sometimes forget to reach out to others. Christ reminds us always, and during Lent especially, to think of others first. Share uplifting words with someone-even if you yourself

are having a bad day. Remind an old friend how important he/she is to you. Do something kind for a stranger. Spend more time with loved ones. It is amazing how encouraging it is to see someone smile, and you never know the impact it may have.

Remember the Lord's love for you. Show that love to someone else, for the Jesus asks us to follow His example. "Continue ye in my love" (John 15: 9).

"This is my body which will be given up for you...This is the cup of my blood...It will be shed for you and for all that your sins may be forgiven."

University of Maryland Young Scholars Discovery Summer 2010

June 20-July 2, 2010

The University of Maryland is offering a wonderful opportunity for "rising eighth grade students" this summer. This program which extends for two weeks, will provide opportunities for students to "explore career opportunities, engage with experts in innovative fields, collaborate during interactive seminars, learn about university life at Maryland, enjoy field trips and social activities." The courses encourage "creative reasoning and problem solving." Public speaking and debate, designing your business, why weather works, and Mock UN are some of the topics included. For more information, log on to ysdiscovery.umd.edu/br.

What's New in Social Studies and Religion

8^th Grade

In the eighth grade, students have begun their study of Reconstruction in America's south after the events of the Civil War. Students will be analyzing the various plans for Reconstruction set forth by several presidents and members of Congress at the time. Through this study, the 8^th grade will be taking a deep look into the entrenched racial struggles most formerly enslaved persons endured after emancipation. Students will participate in a voting simulation and also discuss the importance of tolerance among all people in 2010 and beyond.

7^th Grade

The students of the seventh grade have concluded a look into the importance behind economics within a country's human composition. Extending from there, the class will now begin to explore renewable and non-renewable resources within the Earth's natural environment. Students will be able to identify the different types of energy sources that are available for utilization, especially as an alternative to environmentally harmful and depleting fossil fuels. In addition, students will discuss and innovative additional energy sources of their own.

6^th Grade

The sixth grade students have begun a trip back in time to discover the historical depths of Ancient India. Students will experience life within the very organized and entrenched caste system established in the ancient world, and compare this social structure to present-day social class issues. This study of India will also allow the 6^th grade students to explore the basic beliefs, history, and practices of both Hinduism and Buddhism, as they originated in Ancient India and are still largely pervasive in Asia and around the world today.

Religion

As we are now within the liturgical season of Lent, middle school students will be taking a look into the Lenten promises, almsgiving practices, and acts of service they intent to fulfill for the season's forty days. Each class will take a special look at different prayers, practices, and Scripture passages that are pertinent to the Lenten season as well. Students in each grade will also work in groups to prepare a Lenten prayer service for their classmates. Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in Eucharistic adoration, Stations of the Cross, proper abstention and fasting practices, and the services of the Easter Triduum during this time.

Math Buzz with Mrs. Paolucci

Math

Stanford Testing is approaching at the end of this month.  Please help your students prepare by quizzing them on their multiplication facts, reviewing fractions, and encouraging them to visit the website for our textbook series, classzone.com.

6^th Grade - Students have just completed their study of fractions.  They spent the month of February strengthening their fraction multiplication and division skills.  They are currently studying ratios, proportions and percents.  By mid month, students will be starting a unit on geometric figure, which will include measuring and classifying angles, line symmetry, and classifying triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons.

7^th Grade - Students are studying percents. They will be writing percents as fractions, decimals, and proportions.  They will also be working with real world applications of percent problems, such as simple and compound interest and calculating discounts and sales tax.  This will be an ideal time to plan a shopping outing and put their math mind to the test.  By the end of the month, students will be studying linear functions, so they will be asking for graphing paper within the next couple of weeks.

8^th Grade - Algebra students just finished learning how to solve systems of linear equations using graphing, substitution and elimination.  They will be starting their study of exponents and exponential functions.  They will be learning the properties of exponents and applying those properties to zero and negative exponents.  They will also be able to graph exponential functions and apply their knowledge to solve real world problems using exponential growth and decay models.