Additionally, they do a historical study of Theodorus - using him as an example of a person called upon to ‘think’ and to prove, through math and its patterns, the existence of what was unknown and to discover an underlying pattern and system that holds the truth of what is seen in math or in Petrelli’s words, “the beauty of math in the world around us.” They also study contiguous triangles, geometry, square roots, rational numbers, patterns, Pi, right angles, isosceles triangles, hypotenuses, legs and angles. They have to create the mathematical drawing, determine the hypotenuse, show their work, look for patterns, write about their discovery and attempt to explain the ‘why’ of what they have found. It lets students express their knowledge of math with the Pythagorean Spiral while discovering patterns of ratios. I include several large-scale projects that not only apply the mathematicalĬoncepts to be mastered, but get the kids to apply purposeful thinking to the applications of real life success.” Petrelli feels it’s important that readers of this article know that she is just part of an incredibly talented and dedicated team of mathematics teachers at Newton, and is proud of their work and honored to be among them.Ī popular project in her class is The Pythagorean Spiral, or Wheel of Theodorus. “It’s a rigorous exploration of the prescribed comprehensive math curriculum as laid out by LPS, Colorado State Standards and Common Core. Her most recent degree is a Master of Integration of Technology.Īt Newton, Petrelli teaches 8th grade math to students who require a more accelerated pace. This means her classroom can have 5th, 6th and 7th graders enrolled in the accelerated class with 8th grade material. in science with a minor in math in less than four years - she finished it in two years. Later, when I realized I didn’t have enough time to go to medical school and be a mom, I still wanted to be able to take care of anyone that needed my help, and the classroom was the perfect setting.” When Petrelli started her studies at Metro State, she promised herself that she would complete a B.S. I knew he would do everything possible to help my dad, and I wanted to do that too. “The doctor that oversaw his treatment was the most amazing example of care and compassion I could imagine. Petrelli!” That didn’t surprise me at all.”Īs a young girl, Petrelli had aspirations to be a doctor after seeing her sick father improve with a physician’s guidance.

We had a little girl start school Monday and that afternoon as she was going home she told me, “my favorite teacher is Mrs.

With her, it’s about her interactions with the kids inside and outside of the school. I’ve been a teacher, counselor, dean and principal…and she’s the best I’ve ever worked with. Just ask James O’Tremba, the Littleton Public Schools principal at Newton for the past 10 years. The answer, now 23 years later, is a definitive and resounding ‘yes!’ At that instant I knew I loved them so much - but would I have enough to give all of them the best that they deserve?”

“I can remember that first day of teaching, looking around the class, seeing all of those young faces and thinking…I’ve got a home here. It was August of 1994 when math teacher Shonya Petrelli stood in front of her first classroom of students at Newton Middle School - she admits to being nervous and excited to begin her dream job - when the reality of the moment hit her.

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