Social Studies We now have an exciting new Social Studies Curriculum. Along with the study of World History, Geography, and American History, we will institute a Law and Forensic Program under the direction of Mr. Anthony LaVecchio, our Magnet Director. We will initiate an "Inter-disciplinary Approach" to teaching Social Studies utilizing the Sciences, Technology and Language Arts. The Law and Forensic Program will introduce our students to interesting speakers in the field of Law and Forensics, and provide our students with field trips. Through this program, our students will receive a better understanding of law and social justice. Our studies will explore the world of early Greeks and Romans, as well as Constitutional Law. This study of law will provide our students with an understanding of how our laws were created. Important documents that are our guides in a democratic-capitalistic society and various practices inclusionary and exclusionary will be part of this study program. We want our students to: understand the court system; to partake in mock trials; and to develop sound and just decisions. This will enable them to become critical thinkers and valued citizens in our society. It will help them to make the "Right Choice." Through our Magnet Grant and the arduous work of many industrious and creative people, we were able to put together this exciting program.

Mathematics Our Mathematics Department at MS 180 is ready for the new challenges facing our students in this "Information Age." We feel that it would be interesting and beneficial for our 8th grade students to learn about investing and making sound financial decisions in our corporate economy through the "Stock Market Game." Mr. Testa and Mr. Hadbafnick will instruct our students using interdisciplinary approach of Mathematics and Social Studies to teach our students about economic issues. Our interest in the "Penny Harvest" is to involve our students in a volunteer situation, which involves collecting pennies for the poor. This is a part of our students' Community Service credit. In addition to our regular NYS Standardized courses, we are providing a Math A Program. This advanced program is being offered in September 2002 to students who show a proficiency and talent in the fields of Math and Science. In sixth grade, our students will be working on sixth and seventh grade math. Upon entering seventh grade, they will be completing seventh grade math and beginning eighth grade math. By the middle of seventh grade, NYS Regents preparation and eighth grade math instructions will begin. By the eighth grade, these students will be in an advanced math placement program working on advanced algebra, trigonometry and geometry. This Math A Program provides student with an excellent opportunity to be competitive in our society and lead them towards pre-college advanced studies in high school.