March 31-April 4, 2014

The 8th grade Campaign Project

WORDS FROM THE MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

ELECTION DAY IS HERE!

Tuesday, April 1^st, Hancock Day School will be holding a Presidential election to select a candidate from either the Green Party, Virginia Maxwell or the Gold Party, Mason Stoever.  The election marks the conclusion of an 8^th grade Social Studies project about the electoral process.  It has been an exciting two weeks at school as the candidates and the campaign teams campaigned hard to earn electoral votes.  Best of luck to each of these parties as they both worked VERY hard.

8^th GRADE KANUGA TRIP MEETING

8^TH grade families will meet at 6:30 on Tuesday, April 1^st to go over the details of the school’s trip to the Mountain Trail Outdoor School in Hendersonville, NC.  We are looking forward to an exciting week (April 14^th – 17^th) in the mountains and a visit to sites in Asheville, North Carolina.  If last year’s trip is any indicator, this should be a great capstone experience for 16 fantastic students who have enjoyed many years together at Hancock.  See all of you at 6:30 on Tuesday.

3 X 3 BASKETBALL
The Hancock Heat remains undefeated (as of Thursday) and leads the league.  We will finish league play on Friday, April 11^th.  After a week off to accommodate the 8^th grade trip we will begin a double elimination, seeded tournament.  It has been a great experience for everyone!  Stop by and enjoy a game daily from 1:00 – 1:20!

Don't forget to sign up for summer camp!


Hancock Day School Cheerleading
Sign-ups 2014-2015
Football and Competition Squads

Who is eligible? Rising 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th graders
April 3rd and April 4th- Cheer Clinics: 3:00-4:30pm, HDS Gym.  Come learn a cheer, pom routine, and skills needed for tryouts.

April 10th, Tryouts-3:00-4:30pm, HDS Gym.
Cheer forms due on this day!

April 25th-Uniforms will be ordered.  No one will be added after this date for the 2014-2015 year!

6TH GRADE NEWS

Dance Club

6th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. O'Connor

Sixth grade students are currently working on research for an expository research project.  For this assignment students have selected a person who has made significant contributions to the world, and each student is responsible for exploring a variety of print and web sources to learn more about their selected topic.  By the end of next week students will organize their research into a basic outline format and select a genre they would like to use to present and share their information.  We will also take a short quiz over the research process on Wednesday, April 2^nd.  

Does your child enjoy creative writing?  Please consider registering for the Creative Writing Camp at HDS July 14^th-18^th.  This camp is a week-long opportunity for students to focus on improving their writing in a fun and supportive environment.  Campers will experiment with a variety of writing styles and genres.  Registration forms can be found here:  http://hancockdayschool.org/files/misc/campocconor2014.pdf

Math 6 with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Math 6 we will begin into Chapter 10 learning some basics of Geometry with a little touch of Algebra mixed in.  We will discuss special types of angles and triangles.  On Monday, students will receive an outline for their Math Facts Quiz that will take place on Wednesday, April 2.  On Thursday, we will start on a poster project in class.  Students will need to bring in 2-3 magazines that can be cut up by Thursday, April 3.  On Friday, April 4, we will take a Chapter quiz over lessons 10.1-10.3 and finish the poster project.

6th Earth Science with Mr. Crawford
Mr. Crawford will send an email out to the parents in his earth science class!

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Blake

The sixth graders started a solar system project the week before spring break.  After researching a specific planet or moon, each student designed an alien that could live in that specific environment.  On Monday, the students will give their presentations.  They will also learn about asteroids and comets.  The class will have a quiz at the end of the week.

6th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class, the 6^th grade will be working with their new vocabulary and grammar from Chapter 5A. This chapter discusses families, celebrations, and expressing possession. The students will begin a new project where they will create a family album with pictures and descriptions of each family member in Spanish. The Chapter 5A test will be Friday, April 4^th.

6th World Civilizations with Mrs. English

This week in World Civilizations we will continue our study on the ancient Chinese.  We will discuss the Great Wall of China and Qin Shi Huangdi’s Terra Cotta Army.  We will also do a little fact versus fiction concerning the Disney movie Mulan.  Students should expect to read in Chapter 11-Lesson 4, define vocabulary, and answer chapter review questions for homework.

7TH GRADE NEWS

7th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. O'Connor

Seventh grade students are busy preparing to write a research paper.  All students have selected a topic related to our Science or Social Studies curriculum, and in the week ahead students will continue to explore a variety of print and web sources to learn more about these topics.  As students explore research they are responsible for completing source cards and taking careful notes.  Next week students will begin to organize their research into an outline.  We will also take a quiz over run-ons, comma splices, and fragments on Thursday, April 4^th.

Does your child enjoy creative writing?  Please consider registering for the Creative Writing Camp at HDS July 14^th-18^th.  This camp is a week-long opportunity for students to focus on improving their writing in a fun and supportive environment.  Campers will experiment with a variety of writing styles and genres.  Registration forms can be found here:  http://hancockdayschool.org/files/misc/campocconor2014.pdf

Pre-Algebra with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Pre-Algebra we will finish out Chapter 9 by learning a little trigonometry.  We will look at tangent, sine, and cosine ratios.  On Monday, students will receive an outline for the Math Facts Quiz that will take place on Wednesday, April 2.  On Thursday, we will review Chapter 9 and students will take their Chapter 9 test on Friday, April 4.

7th-8th Algebra with Mr. Lanfear
Next week in Mr. Lanfear’s Algebra class (Grades 7/8), we will continue our discussion of exponent rules (8.1 – 8.2).  We will discover what a zero exponent means (8.3).  We will have a quiz on Thursday.

7th Grade Life Science with Mrs. Blake

The seventh graders are beginning their study of the human body.  They have started with the skeletal system.  They are learning about the structure of bone and the different type of movable joints.  They will then look at the muscular system.  On Thursday, they will have a quiz over the skeleton.

7th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class, the 7^th grade will continue to work with the vocabulary and grammar from Chapter 2A. This chapter covers reflexive verbs and vocabulary discussing daily routines. There will be a graded listening on Wednesday, April 2^nd and the Chapter 2A test will be Friday, April 4^th.

7th American History with Mrs. English

This week in American history we examine government and culture under presidents Washington, Adams, and Jefferson.  Students should expect to read in Chapter 8-Section 1 & 2, define vocabulary, and answer chapter review questions for homework.  We will also learn so interesting attributes about our early presidents.  Did you know that Thomas Jefferson spoke 6 different languages? 

8TH GRADE NEWS

8th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. O'Connor

Eighth grade students have just finished reading A Raisin in the Sun.  We will take a test over this play and contextual vocabulary on Tuesday, April 1^st, and we will begin viewing the film version of this story in class on Wednesday.  Permission slips for the film went home today, and they should be signed and returned by Tuesday.   

8th Grade Physical Science with Mrs. Blake

Next week the eighth graders will continue their study of solubility by looking at the various factors that impact solubility.   They will also learn about acidic and basic solutions and how they react together.   During the week they will also perform a solubility lab.  They will have a quiz over these topics on Friday. 

7th-8th Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week in Mr. Lanfear’s Algebra class (Grades 7/8), we will continue our discussion of exponent rules (8.1 – 8.2).  We will discover what a zero exponent means (8.3).  We will have a quiz on Thursday.

8th Advanced Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week in Mr. Lanfear’s Intro to Geometry class (Grade 8), we will be continuing to explore Surface Area and Volume.  We will learn how to calculate the surface area of cones (9.3) as well as the volumes of prisms and cylinders (9.4).

8th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class, the 8^th grade will continue to work with the vocabulary and grammar from Chapter 5B. This chapter discusses medical terminology and the imperfect progressive tense. The students will have a graded listening on Wednesday, April 2^nd and the Chapter 5B test will be Friday, April 4^th. 

8th American Government with Mrs. English

This week we vote on our election campaign! I am very proud of all the 8^th grade students for all their hard work! In class we will continue our study on the executive branch and specifically define the different roles that the executive branch plays.  Reading will come from Chapter 7-Section 2 &3.  Students should be prepared to answer chapter review questions and define vocabulary.  

Announcements March 10-14, 2014

"The Campaign Room." 8th Grade Campaign Project

Box Tops 

Thank you to all who participated in the Box Tops Collection. The winning class was Mrs. Knarr’s, with 783!!! We collected 4770 Box Tops, which translates to $477.00 for the school. The next collection won’t be until next October, so please continue to clip them, and hold on to them until the next Collection Date. The last collection contributed to a basketball hoop. We will keep you posted as to what is purchased with this winter collection!

Several middle-schoolers have been participating in an afternoon Indoor Cycling Class, at the Habersham Y on Mondays and Thursdays. Recently the staff at the Y commented that these kids are the best mannered children, and are so pleased that they are utilizing their facility. It’s always so nice to hear that they are representing our school so politely!

WORDS FROM THE MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS SHINE!

8th grade art

Two students in our community received significant recognition last week for their work.  Carlisle McCullough participated in the Optimist Club Speech contest and placed FIRST!  This is a quite a significant accomplishment as the contest had participants up through high school. 

Last Friday our Math Counts team participated in the Savannah Chapter contest at Savannah Country Day School.  Other schools who participated were Savannah Country Day, Richmond Hill, and St. James Catholic School.  Our 4 competitors, Alex Mason, Mason Stoever, Caroline Gilpin and Anson Siu did well.  Mason was recognized for his 6^th place finish and qualified to move on to the Math Counts State Competition at Georgia Tech.  Congrats to our team and to Mason.

SPRING BREAK IS COMING…..REALLY!

Only one more week until HDS takes it annual spring break.  There are a couple of important things to keep in mind over the next week.  First, we are wrapping up work for the third quarter.  Students should remain ENGAGED for the week, homework assignments complete, prepared for quizzes and test, prepared to participate in class.  Second, if your student is going to miss any time next week, please let us know as soon as possible so plans can be made for make up work.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT PLANNING MINI FIELD DAY

We are pleased to announce that on March 14 Student Government will be sponsoring a “mini” field day from 1:00 – 3:00 here on the HDS campus.  Students will be split into teams comprised of 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders and will compete against each other in the basketball game H.O.R.S.E., flag tag, and relay games.  Also, as a reward for collecting a “ton” of canned goods for Second Harvest back in the Fall, Middle School teachers will compete in a series of “Minute to Win it” games for the student’s amusement.  This should be a great start to our week long spring break!

OPPORTUNITY RECEIVED

Looking for an interesting summer camp opportunity?  We received a packet from the Summer Boarding School in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.  They are offering a varied program integrating academics, sports, arts and general recreation.  Ms. Edie has the brochure if you are interested.  The school can be found at www.wolfeboro.org.

8th grade campaign 

THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE BLOG WILL BE PUBLISHED ON MONDAY, MARCH 24^TH.

6TH GRADE NEWS

6th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. O'Connor

The sixth graders have just concluded our study of poetry. In the week ahead we will wrap up this unit with a poetry reading on Tuesday to give students an opportunity share some of their favorite poems and poets from the unit. We will also begin to discuss our upcoming expository research assignment. Though students will not be given specific details for this assignment until after spring break, we will use some class time begin exploring possible topics. Students will also have a Wordly Wise quiz on Wednesday.

Math 6 with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Math 6, we will be continuing in Chapter 9 learning about the percent equation, circle graphs, and percent of increase and decrease.  On Monday, students will receive an outline for their Math Facts Quiz that will take place on Thursday, March 13.  On Friday, we will do a mini project involving circle graphs.

6th Earth Science with Mr. Crawford

Understanding atomic structure has proven much more of a challenge that predicted.  Therefore, we are going to spiral through the topic to reinforce it again next week.  We will expand into section two of the chapter, pages 39 – 44 to explore the interaction of atoms and how these different interactions produce different combinations that give us all of the different “stuff” we have. Homework over the weekend is to read 39 – 44.  Monday we will discuss atomic charge.  Homework p 44 # 1 & 2; p 56 # 1-2-6-7-10; Tuesday bonding.  Homework p 44 1 & 2; p 56 # 8 – 11- 12- 13- 14- 15- 16- 17- 18.  Wednesday mixtures. Homework p 56 # 3 – 5 – 9.  Thursday and Friday we will spiral back through section 3 to strengthen concepts.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Blake
The sixth graders had a busy last week of third quarter. They finished their chapter on the Earth-Moon-Sun System and had their test on Thursday. Next week they will begin a chapter on our Solar System. The students will spend most of the week researching a specific planet or moon for a project that will be due after our break.

6th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class, the 6^th grade will be creating a skit focusing on all of the grammar and vocabulary we have learned this year. Students will be able to practice their writing, reading, and speaking skills through this assignment. We will also begin a new chapter discussing families, celebrations, and descriptions.

6th World Civilizations with Mrs. English
This week in World Civilizations we will be continuing our study of ancient China in Chapter 11-Section 1 and 2.  Students should expect to read for homework in Chapter 11-Section 2, define vocab, and answer chapter review questions.  We will have a quiz on Thursday March 13^th on Chapter 11-Section 1 & 2A. 

7TH GRADE NEWS

7th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. O'Connor

Seventh graders have just taken their test over our poetry unit. Next week we will wrap up our study of poetry with an authentic poetry reading in class on Tuesday. We will also start to think about and discuss topics for our upcoming research paper. While we won’t really get to work on this until after spring break, next week will give students an opportunity to learn about possible topics. Students will also have a Wordly Wise quiz on Wednesday.

Pre-Algebra with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Pre-Algebra, we will begin Chapter 9 by discussing square roots, as well as the Pythagorean Theorem.  On Monday, students will receive an outline for their Math Facts Quiz that will take place on Thursday, March 13.  On Friday, we will do a mini project involving the Pythagorean Theorem.

7th-8th Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

 Next week in Mr. Lanfear’s Algebra class (Grades 7/8), students will present their business model to the class.  Students are learning how systems of inequalities relate to the real world.  Students researched how long it takes and how much it costs to produce several products.  They then used a system of inequalities to find how many of each to produce to make the maximum profit for their business.  On Wednesday, we will review the chapter (Ch. 7) and have our chapter 7 test on Thursday.  Friday is Pi Day!!

7th Grade Life Science with Mrs. Blake

 The seventh graders have finished their study of ectotherms. They looked closely at the progressing complexity of the three classes covered in this chapter. They ended the week with a test over these vertebrates. Next week the seventh graders will look at mammals.

7th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class, the 7^th grade will begin a new chapter on reflexive verbs. This will include discussion of daily routines and getting ready for a special event. Students will also revisit the differences between “ser” and “estar”.  We will have a graded listening activity on Wednesday, March 12^th.

7th American History with Mrs. English
This week in American history we will continue looking at the impact of the American Constitution in Chapter 7-Section 2.  Students will see how the modern American government was set up and is upheld by the Constitution.  Students should expect a quiz on American government and Chapter 7-Section 2 on Thursday March 13^th. 

8TH GRADE NEWS

8th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. O'Connor

Eighth grade students have been hard at work on their persuasive research papers.  Next week we will finish this assignment, and final drafts will be due on Wednesday.  We are also beginning to explore some background information to prepare students for our next major text, A Raisin in the Sun.  Students will take a short quiz over some contextual vocabulary from the play on Thursday.

8th Grade Physical Science with Mrs. Blake

The eighth graders spent this last week of the quarter finishing the chapter on chemical reactions and having a test. Before they start the next chapter on solubility, they will spend a few days performing various labs dealing with chemical properties and compounds.

7th-8th Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

 Next week in Mr. Lanfear’s Algebra class (Grades 7/8), students will present their business model to the class.  Students are learning how systems of inequalities relate to the real world.  Students researched how long it takes and how much it costs to produce several products.  They then used a system of inequalities to find how many of each to produce to make the maximum profit for their business.  On Wednesday, we will review the chapter (Ch. 7) and have our chapter 7 test on Thursday.  Friday is Pi Day!!

8th Advanced Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week in Mr. Lanfear’s Intro to Geometry class (Grade 8), we will learn to make our very first constructions using only a straightedge and compass.  Students will learn how to create perpendicular and parallel lines.  We will review on Wednesday and have a test on Thursday.  Friday is Pi Day!!

8th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class, the 8^th grade will begin a new chapter discussing the imperfect progressive and the preterite tense.  In addition, students will be creating a Spanish children’s story for the second grade classes when we return from spring break.

8th American Government with Mrs. English

This week in American Government we will continue working on our Election Campaign projects. Students will receive their second list of tasks that they need to complete for the election. We will campaign to classes around campus. Students will also be reading current events on their topics and should be prepared to take reading checks on their readings.  We will also continue to explore the executive office and figure out why people go to such lengths in campaigning to serve as the United States’ president.