September 29-October 3

 The STEM festival at Georgia Southern University this past Saturday was a huge hit! 

Our Volleyball and Cross Country players have had an awesome week! 

6TH GRADE NEWS

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

Students are learning about Anne Frank’s experiences during the Holocaust as we study her diary.  Next week students have two quizzes over reading- one on Tuesday September 30^th and another on Thursday, October 2^nd.  Thursday’s quiz will also include the contextual vocabulary.  Additionally, we will continue to practice identifying predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives.

6th Math with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Math 6, we will review for the Chapter 2 test in class on Monday and students will take the test on Tuesday, September 30.  Wednesday, students will receive an outline for their math facts quiz that will take place on Friday, October 3.  Wednesday and Thursday we will begin Chapter 3 learning about mean, median, and mode as well as creating bar graphs and line graphs.  Friday, students will use the laptops to create a bar graph and line graph using an excel spreadsheet.

6th-7th Pre-Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will begin exploring Chapter 3 and solving equations.  We will start by learning how to solve two-step equations (3.1).  We will move on to solving more difficult equations and word problems (3.2 – 3.3).  On Tuesday, there will be a Math Facts Quiz covering some basic math facts.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Earth Science, we will begin discussing section 2 of Chapter 2.  This section involves taking a look at the different combinations of atoms.  We will learn about what happens when the atoms of more than one element combine, when compounds and elements mix, but don’t combine chemically, and what the forces are that hold atoms together in compounds.  Students should expect a quiz on Wednesday.  On Friday, October 3, students will do a lab involving paper chromatography.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Blake

The sixth graders gave their presentations on elements Monday.  The class heard some very interesting facts about many common elements we encounter every day.  I was quite pleased with their talks.  Thursday, the students had a lab activity in which they designed a Bohr model of an atom. On Wednesday, there will be a quiz on atomic number & mass number.   Also next week, they will learn about compounds and chemical bonds.  

6th Spanish with Ms. Dixon

Next week we’ll work on finishing up CapÍtulo 1B. We’ll continue to work with adjectives, and we’ll cover definite vs. indefinite articles and present-tense conjugation. Expect a quiz on Friday, September 26^th. We’ll review together on Thursday. İQue tengan un buen fin de semana!

6th Ancient Civilizations with Mrs. Hannah
We are busy learning about Sumerian innovations! Tuesday we will have a quiz over lesson 3 and cuneiform, and then we will begin learning about the different empires that ruled in Mesopotamia. Thursday and Friday will be devoted to working on their city-state brochures in class, as their city-state projects (diorama and brochure) are due Monday 6 October! I look forward to seeing amazing creativity from the 6^th grade!

7TH GRADE NEWS

7th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. Hannah
 We are coming to the end of our short story unit, and will have a quiz over our final two short stories on Monday 29 September. We will review all of the literary concepts that we have learned since the beginning of school, in addition to the stories we have read, to prepare for the short story unit test on Wednesday 1 October. On Friday 3 October, the final draft of your student’s original short story will be due. We will be beginning a new novel, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, and your student will receive their text at the end of the week. As always, I am in my room at 7:45 each morning, if your student has questions, concerns, or needs clarification on anything we have discussed in class. Have a great weekend!

6th-7th Grade Pre-Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will begin exploring Chapter 3 and solving equations.  We will start by learning how to solve two-step equations (3.1).  We will move on to solving more difficult equations and word problems (3.2 – 3.3).  On Tuesday, there will be a Math Facts Quiz covering some basic math facts.

7th Grade Life Science with Mrs. Blake

The seventh graders spent most of this week working on their viral disease presentation.  Their presentations will begin next Friday.   On Monday, they will start learning about the development of microscopes and the various types used by scientists.   They will also perform a lab which will help them learn the parts the microscope and how to use them.

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will jump right into Chapter 3 by solving one, two, and multi-step equations.  On Wednesday, we will do a hands on activity involving tootsie rolls and skittles to mimic solving two step equations.  On Friday, October 3, students will have a quiz over sections 1 through 3 from Chapter 3.

7th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the students will continue to work with the new vocabulary and grammar from Chapter 7A.  This includes the use of demonstrative adjectives and stem-changing verbs. There will be a vocabulary quiz on Wednesday, October 1^st and a graded listening activity at the end of the week. Students will also work on their writing skills by incorporating the grammar and vocabulary in a short story.

7th American History with Mrs. English
The Explorer project turned out great! Next week we will discuss the conquistadors in the Americas.  Students will have a quiz on Chapter 2-Sections 1 & 2 and South American Geography on Thursday.  For homework, students should be prepared to have questions from reading in Chapter 2-Section 2 and a worksheet on South American geography.  We will have a Chapter 2 Test on Sections 1, 2, 3 and geography on Tuesday October 7^th.  

8TH GRADE NEWS

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

Students have just turned in a major paper and are currently reading To Kill a Mockingbird.  Journals documenting students’ progress on their 20% projects are due on Tuesday, September 30^th.  On Wednesday we will take a quiz over the first eleven chapters in To Kill a Mockingbird.  We will be working on discussion questions in class early next week to help students prepare for this quiz.

8th Grade Physical Science with Mrs. Blake

The eighth graders are continuing their chapter on measurement next week.  This week they worked with the metric system and did two quick labs with measurement.  Next week the students will work on metric conversions.  This is one area that can be difficult for some students.  Please encourage your student to ask questions or come in for extra help if needed.   There will be a quiz on conversions at the end of the week.

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will jump right into Chapter 3 by solving one, two, and multi-step equations.  On Wednesday, we will do a hands on activity involving tootsie rolls and skittles to mimic solving two step equations.  On Friday, October 3, students will have a quiz over sections 1 through 3 from Chapter 3.

8th Advanced Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will have a quiz on Tuesday on Completing the Square (10.5).  We will then learn about the wonderful Quadratic Equation (10.6)!!  Students will see for themselves where the Quadratic Formula comes from and how it is useful to quickly solve problems.

8th Geometry with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will begin our exploration of Chapter 3.  We will learn about the different types of angles that are formed when two parallel lines are cut by a transversal (3.1).  We will also prove some theorems about how the measures of those angles relate to each other (3.2 – 3.3).

8th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the students will continue to work with the new vocabulary and grammar from Chapter 3A. This includes irregular preterite verbs and direct object pronouns. There will be a graded listening activity on Wednesday, October 1^st and a vocabulary quiz on Thursday, October 2^nd.  Students will also work on their writing skills by incorporating the grammar and vocabulary in a short story.

8th American Government with Mrs. English
This week we will discuss the radical reconstruction following the Civil War and the 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th Amendments that sought to protect African Americans in the South.  Students will have a quiz on Chapter 16—Section 1 & 2 on Friday October 3^rd.  Looking forward, students should expect a test on Chapter 16—Sections 1-2 on Thursday October 9^th.  

September 22-26

NOTES FROM THE HEAD OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

HALF WAY THERE!

We are at the half way point for the first quarter.  Now is a good time to review your student’s grades in Power School.  If you have a concern about a grade, the first step is to communicate directly with the appropriate teacher.  Email is the best medium to establish contact. 

There are several opportunities for your child to receive extra help from his or her teachers.  All teachers are available in their rooms from 7:45 – 8:15 each morning.  They are also available until 3:45 each afternoon.  We provide targeted study halls for students on Wednesdays.  Your student may request to receive help during Eagle Opportunity time (10:30 – 11:00). 

If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school 351-4500 X313 or by email hcrawford@hancockdayschool.org.

HIGH SCHOOL VISITS SCHEDULED

The visits to area high schools are scheduled for our 8^th grade.  They will be held on Mondays, beginning on October 20^th.  The schedule is:

October 20^th – BC & St. Vincent’s             November 10^th – St. Andrew’s

October 27^th – Savannah Christian          November 17^th – The Habersham School

November 3^rd – Country Day

Savannah Arts has not released its admissions calendar for the 2015-16 school year.  When it is, we will schedule a visit.  That visit will be limited to those students seriously preparing to apply to SAA.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN STEM FESTIVAL HUGE SUCCESS

Last Saturday, 19 students attended the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math festival at Georgia Southern University.  The trip was enlightening to us all and a LOT of fun!  Look for other Eagle Op field trips in the future.

SUPPORT THE EAGLES!

Volleyball tonight and Thursday.  Thursday’s game is a home game and we are trying to “PACK THE GYM!”  Everyone please put this game on your calendar and support our girls!  Thursday, our Cross Country team will be running at Savannah Christian (DeRenne Campus) at 5:15.  Watch this exciting race and then PACK THE GYM for Volleyball!  Saturday, the exciting 2014-15 Hancock Football team will travel to Savannah Country Day for a game at 10:00.  The boys have a two game winning streak going, come cheer them onto win number 3!

The National Junior Society spent some time with Mrs. Guggenheim's 3rd Grade reading time. 

6TH GRADE NEWS

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

The sixth graders have composed rough drafts of their memoirs and are in the process of editing their writing.  We will continue revising these papers in class on Monday, and the typed, final drafts are due on Tuesday, September 23rd.  Tuesday we will also begin reading Anne Frank:  Diary of a Young Girl,  and I will provide students with a reading calendar outlining their reading homework assignments, quiz dates, and test dates for our entire study of this book.  Our first quiz over the book will take place on Friday, September 26^th.

6th Math with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Math 6, we will continue in Chapter 2 by learning about scientific notation, as well as measuring and converting metric units.  Both of these skills will be important not only in math, but in science too!  On Friday, students will have a chapter quiz over sections 5 through 7 and on Tuesday, September 30 they will take their Chapter 2 test.

6th-7th Pre-Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will finish Chapter 2 by learning about operations with decimals.  Students will review adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals.  They will then use those skills to solve equations with decimals.  There will be a review day on Thursday and the Chapter 2 Test on Friday.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Earth Science, we will start the week off with students presenting their element poster projects (which look amazing!!).  When we have completed presentations we will move into discussing elements and their symbols in more depth as well as taking a closer look at the atomic model.  Students will take a quiz over the elements and their symbols on Friday, September 26.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Blake

The sixth graders have been researching their elements in order to be ready for their presentations next week.   The students will be learning the chemical symbols for the elements they presented plus 12 more.   On Friday there will be a quiz over these elements and symbols.  Also during  the week the class will learn about the different atomic models. 

6th Spanish with Ms. Dixon

Next week we’ll work on finishing up CapÍtulo 1B. We’ll continue to work with adjectives, and we’ll cover definite vs. indefinite articles and present-tense conjugation. Expect a quiz on Friday, September 26^th. We’ll review together on Thursday. İQue tengan un buen fin de semana!

6th Ancient Civilizations with Mrs. Hannah
Ancient Civ- We are eagerly learning about the first civilizations, and will discuss Mesopotamian achievements and innovations this week. Students will learn about the importance of cuneiform as the first form of writing, and we will analyze early literature by reading The Epic of Gilgamesh. Students will also devote class time to planning and creating a rough sketch of their Sumerian city-state for the upcoming project.  As always, I am in my room every morning at 7:45, if your student would like clarification on anything we discuss in class!

7TH GRADE NEWS

7th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. Hannah
We are approaching the end of our short story unit, and will analyze two final short stories this week: After Twenty Years and Hey-O, Come Out. Students will identify plot structures with these stories and discuss how irony is used. Your student will receive their teacher edited original short story by Tuesday, and the final draft of their story will be due on Friday 26 September. In grammar, we will begin studying predicate nouns, predicate adjectives,  prepositions, and prepositional phrases. As I want students to focus on the final revisions for their short story, there will be no vocabulary assignment this week! As always, I am in my room every morning at 7:45, if your student would like clarification on anything we discuss in class or extra assistance with their short story.

6th-7th Grade Pre-Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will finish Chapter 2 by learning about operations with decimals.  Students will review adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals.  They will then use those skills to solve equations with decimals.  There will be a review day on Thursday and the Chapter 2 Test on Friday.

7th Grade Life Science with Mrs. Blake

 At the beginning of next week the seventh graders will learn about the development of the microscope.  The classes will also be given information about their first project of the year.  With this project, students will be researching different viral diseases for an oral presentation.   They will also design a Power Point slide show to supplement their speech.  All of this work will be done in class.

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will wrap up Chapter 2 with finding square roots and comparing real numbers.  Students will receive a study guide on Tuesday, we will review on Wednesday and they will take their Chapter 2 test on Thursday, September 25.

7th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the 7^th grade will finish up Chapter 6B and take their chapter test on Tuesday, September 23. On Wednesday students will start a new unit discussing clothing, shopping and prices. In this chapter we will talk about preferences and plans using some new stem-changing verbs. Students will also be introduced to demonstrative adjectives. 

7th American History with Mrs. English
This week we will continue to work on our explorer project. Students will have Monday and Tuesday to work on their research word document and brochure.  Students should work on their museum “artifact” at home.  The options of “artifacts” are listed on their project description and rubric.  I suggest that students finish their research word document this weekend so they can use Monday and Tuesday for working on their brochure.  Homework this weekend, Monday, and Tuesday will be to work on their project.  The next region of geography study will be South and Central America.  Why?  Well, we are following our Europeans from the Old World to the New World.  We are working on learning the countries of the whole world! Encourage your child to find games online that help them learn these.  I’ve told them about http://www.toporopa.eu/en/ for European countries, but there are hundreds of other useful websites.  Find what works for your child.  Students will present their Age of Exploration projects on Wednesday September 24^th and Thursday September 25^th.  Looking forward to a great week!

8TH GRADE NEWS

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

This week the eighth graders took a test over our first major unit of literature.  I’m in the process of grading these assessments, and the scores will be posted in PowerSchool very soon.  Next week students will begin drafting their first major paper of the year.  This assignment asks students to rewrite a portion of a story that we have read from a different perspective.  While I originally planned to have rough drafts completed by Monday, this due date is being pushed back to Wednesday, September 24^th.  We will also begin studying some background information as we prepare to read To Kill a Mockingbird.  Students will be issued copies of the book and given a reading calendar during the second half of next week.  

8th Grade Physical Science with Mrs. Blake

In eighth grade, students have been working diligently on scientific notation.  This concept is extremely important in the sciences, so the students need to master the basics before entering high school.  This work with scientific notation will culminate with a quiz on Tuesday.  At that point, their work with measurement will continue with metrics.

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will wrap up Chapter 2 with finding square roots and comparing real numbers.  Students will receive a study guide on Tuesday, we will review on Wednesday and they will take their Chapter 2 test on Thursday, September 25.

8th Advanced Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will continue exploring solving quadratic equations.  We will learn how to solve by the method of completing the square (10.5).

8th Geometry with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will continue our exploration of geometric proofs.  We will finish looking at Chapter 2 and proofs about angle pair relationships (2.7).  There will be a review day on Thursday and the Chapter 2 Test on Friday.

8th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the 8^th grade will finish up chapter 1B and take their chapter test on Wednesday, September 24^th. On Thursday we will begin a new unit discussing schedules, stores, and services offered in the community. We will review the use of direct object pronouns and students will describe past events using some irregular preterite verbs. 

8th American Government with Mrs. English
This week we will discuss the aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction of the South.  Students already started a writing assignment that put them in the shoes of a person after the Civil War.  They wrote a letter or journal response through the perspective of a former soldier, freedman, woman, or child.  Students will turn in a proofed/edited first draft and a typed final draft with a picture of their imagined person on Wednesday, September 24^th.  Students will have homework on Chapter 16-Section 1 and 2 (checkpoint questions, vocab, and review questions).  On Tuesday the 8^th grade will take a field trip to the Green-Meldrim House from 9:30-1:20.  Please send your student with their lunch and $5 for a post-lunch ice cream cone.  Looking forward to a great week!

September 15-19

 Congratulations to some of our 7th Graders on the honor of qualifying for the DUKE TIP Program

Students from our National Junior Honor Society took some time to help with the Pre-K classes!

NOTES FROM THE HEAD OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

EAGLE OPPORTUNITIES (EAGLE OPS!)

This year we began the development of a program that will increase offerings to our students.  These offerings are being presented between 10:30-11:00 each day, a time slot we dubbed Eagle Ops.  Many excellent opportunities exist for our students beyond the walls of HDS.  To facilitate their participation in select events, we are going to run field trips when possible so our students may attend.  Of course, we always encourage families to attend!

Our first weekend EAGLE OP will be this Saturday, September 20^th.  We will be headed to Georgia Southern University to participate in the GSU STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) FESTIVAL.  At the festival students, will participate in exciting activities that will include:

            Robotics in action

            Making ice cream with liquid nitrogen

            Gaze at the stars in the GSU Planetarium

            Learning how video games are created

                        ….and many more activities!

A short video showing activities at last year’s event can be found at http://research.georgiasouthern.edu/stemfest/.

If your child is interested in participating and would like to attend with the HDS Team (Sean Lanfear, Alex Holmes, Michelle Jenkner and Howard Crawford) you should contact Melissa Gordon mgordon@hancockdayschool) by Thursday to reserve a seat on the bus.  Students should bring $10 for lunch.

Look for other EAGLE OPS in the future.  If you hear of any events that would be appropriate for our students, please tell us!

HIGH SCHOOL VISITATION SCHEDULE

At this time we have scheduled visitations for our 8^th grade to Savannah Country Day, St. Andrew’s, BC, St. Vincent’s and Savannah Christian.  Still to be scheduled are the Habersham School and the Savannah Arts Academy.  Visitations will be on Mondays beginning in October.

IS BOARDING SCHOOL AN OPTION TO CONSIDER?

The Hancock Day School Middle School will be holding a boarding school “fair” so our parents may learn more about the boarding school opportunities available in the region.  This fair will be held on Wednesday, October 15^th beginning at 10:30 in Hancock Hall. At this time, schools participating include Chatham Hall, Christchurch School, Christ School, the McCallie School and the Webb School.  Also participating will be counselors from Savannah Educational Consultants, Helese Sandler and Tad Davis. 

The boarding school option is not something many of our families consider.  This event will provide you some “food for thought” about the opportunities available in a residential setting. 

FUN AND FITNESS THIS FRIDAY!

This Friday the Middle School will step back from the rigors of our classes and enjoy some social time in the afternoon.  All core classes will be held in the morning followed by our famous(?) Chic-Fil-A lunch at noon.  From 12:30 – 2:30 Student Government will be running several FUN AND FITNESS activities.  PICK UP ON FRIDAY IS AT 2:30.  THERE WILL BE NO EXTENDED AVAILABLE.

6TH GRADE NEWS

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

Next week the sixth graders will try to write some of their own nonfiction as they compose rough drafts of memoirs that include sensory details and figurative language.  We will be working on rough drafts of this assignment in class, and completed rough drafts will be due on Thursday, 9/18.  Students also have a grammar quiz on Tuesday (over subjects, predicates, direct and indirect objects) and a Wordly Wise Quiz (over lesson two) on Wednesday.  Though we’ve been doing lots of preparation for both quizzes in class, students are always welcome to see me for extra help before school from 7:30-8 on any Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.  Soon we will also begin studying some background information related to the Holocaust as we prepare to read Anne Frank:  Diary of  a Young Girl.

6th Math with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Math 6, we will begin Chapter 2 by comparing, ordering, and rounding decimals.  We will also master adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals.  Students will have a math facts quiz on Tuesday (9/16) and a chapter quiz over sections 1 through 4 on Friday (9/19).


6th-7th Pre-Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will finally begin solving equations.  First, we will solve simple equations mentally (2.4), and then how to solve simple one-step equations using addition/subtraction (2.5) and multiplication/division (2.6).

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Earth Science, we will discuss the first section in Chapter 2 learning about matter, atoms, and elements.  Students will begin an in class project on an element that they will be assigned (example elements might be mercury, neon, silver, sodium, etc.).  The outline for this project as well as the rubric will be going home Friday (9/12).  This rubric is to be signed by the student and parent, so that everyone is aware of the project guidelines as we go forward.  On Monday, students will begin researching their element on the laptops and by Wednesday students should be ready to begin creating their posters.  Any materials that they might need for the poster (markers, glue, & poster board WILL be provided – unless a student would want a different color poster board other than white) should be brought to class by Tuesday (9/16).  Posters will be due by the end of class on Thursday (9/18). Students will also be responsible for the vocabulary in section 1 for a brief vocab quiz on Friday (9/19). We will begin presenting our posters in class on Monday (9/22). posters in class on Friday (9/18).  

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Blake

This week’s chapter test was given back Thursday.   If you haven’t seen it, please take some time to look over it with your 6^th grader.  The students are starting their chapter on atoms and elements.  As part of this study the students will be doing their first project.  They will be working in pairs to research a specific element.  The majority of their work will be done in class.

6th Spanish with Ms. Dixon

We’ll begin next week by reviewing the chapter test from CapÍtulo 1A and then transition into CapÍtulo 1B, covering adjectives and how to use them in conversation, as well as masculine vs. feminine. We’ll work together in group skits to practice our conversation skills. Our verse for this unit is:

Salmos 16:8 “A Jehová he puesto siempre delante de mí; porque está a mi diestra, no seré conmovido.”

6th Ancient Civilizations with Mrs. Hannah
We just finished our unit on Early Humans and took the unit test Thursday, so be sure to check PowerSchool to see how well your student performed! On Monday, we will begin to study Mesopotamia, which is Chapter 3 in the textbook. There will be a project to accompany the unit, so look for that information to go home next week. As always, I am in my room in the mornings at 7:45 if you student has questions about what we cover in class. Have a great weekend!

7TH GRADE NEWS

7th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. Hannah
We are beginning the editing process of creating an original short story. Today and Monday we will be completing peer editing in class, with a revised draft due Tuesday 16 September. On Wednesday, our class will take a quiz over Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, which will encompass not only the story, but also personification and characterization.  In grammar, we have been studying subjects, predicates, direct, and indirect objects. There will be a grammar quiz Thursday over these topics, along with a Wordly Wise quiz over lesson 3. This is such a busy week, so if your student would like extra assistance or clarification on anything we have been discussing, I will be in my room every morning at 7:45. Have a great weekend!

6th-7th Grade Pre-Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will finally begin solving equations.  First, we will solve simple equations mentally (2.4), and then how to solve simple one-step equations using addition/subtraction (2.5) and multiplication/division (2.6).

7th Grade Life Science with Mrs. Blake

This week, the seventh graders performed a lab on acid-base indicators and wrote a formal conclusion which was typed in class.  They will begin next week by reviewing for their first test of the year which will be on Tuesday.   At that point, they will be starting their next chapter which is devoted to the microscope and the cell.

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon
Next week in Algebra I, we will continue in Chapter 2 by mastering multiplying and dividing real numbers as well as applying distributive property. Students will do an activity using the properties they have learned up to this point in Chapter 2 on Thursday and will have a chapter quiz over sections 4 through 6 on Friday (9/19)

7th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the 7^th grade will be working with affirmative commands and the present progressive tense. Students will have a quiz over the grammar on Thursday, September 18^th. They will also begin a writing assignment describing the house of their dreams using the new grammar and vocabulary.

7th American History with Mrs. English

This week we will begin studying the first explorers to the New World.  Students will see what products, ideas, and diseases were transported between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.  Students will have a quiz on Friday September  19^th on the geography of Europe.  Students will also pick their Explorers project! 

8TH GRADE NEWS

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

The eighth graders have been discussing perceptions as we’ve read a variety of fictional pieces related to the theme of identity and power.  In the week ahead, students will review examples of this theme and the major plot points of each text to prepare for our test on Thursday.  Students will also example the role point of view plays in literature by rewriting a piece we have read from the point of view of a different character.  Rough drafts of this assignment will be due Monday,  September 22^nd.  Students are also beginning to work on semester-long independent projects related to English Language Arts.  Each eighth grader designed his/her own project, and their creativity is impressive!  Please ask your child what he/she will be working on over the course of this semester!

8th Grade Physical Science with Mrs. Blake

The eighth graders have just started a new chapter on measurement in science.  Students will be using their math skills a great deal in the next few weeks.  They begin by reviewing rounding of decimals and the importance of estimation.  They will also learn the difference between precision and accuracy and how they relate to each other.  All of this leads to our coming work with metrics.

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon
Next week in Algebra I, we will continue in Chapter 2 by mastering multiplying and dividing real numbers as well as applying distributive property.  Students will do an activity using the properties they have learned up to this point in Chapter 2 on Thursday and will have a chapter quiz over sections 4 through 6 on Friday (9/19).

8th Advanced Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will finish looking at graphing quadratic equations.  Students will discover themselves where the formula for the axis of symmetry comes from.  This is part of the “advanced” section – looking at the deeper mathematics behind the formulas we use.  On Wednesday we will review sections 10.1 – 10.3 and on Thursday we will have a test on what we have covered in Chapter 10 so far.

8th Geometry with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will finally start our very first two-column proofs (2.5 – 2.6)!  Students will practice writing, first, algebraic proofs similar to what they are used to seeing from Algebra (2.5).  Then, we will begin our foray into geometric proofs (2.6).

8th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the 8^th grade will be working with the new grammar from Chapter 1B. This includes comparisons, time expressions, and saber vs. conocer. We will also read and discuss some articles describing a typical day for student in other countries.  There will be a graded listening assignment on Tuesday, September 16^th and a grammar quiz on Thursday, September 18^th. 

8th American Government with Mrs. English
This week we will have a test on the Civil War on Wednesday September 17th. At the end of the week we will discuss Abraham Lincoln's assassination and the effects that is had on Reconstruction in the South. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday September 23rd! The eighth grade will go on a field trip to the Green-Meldrim House to visit the place that Sherman signed Savannah over to Abraham Lincoln. 

September 8-12

 2014-2015 Running Candidates for the HDS Student Government 

Students from Ms. Oosterhoudt's art class

Notes from the Head of the Middle School

Last week we officially kicked off our sports season with a pep rally on Thursday.  The volleyball and football teams had their opening games.  This week will be our first full week of classes.  It will be a busy week for assessments, especially Wednesday and Thursday.  Please plan time wisely and study throughout the entire week to be prepared.

AND THE RESULTS ARE IN!

Student Government held its election of officers and homeroom representatives.  Elected were:

President – Isabelle Stafford

Vice President – Madigan Mourning

Secretary – Jackson Selman

Treasurer – Ellie Smith

Historian – Jack Harn

Homeroom representatives elected were:

6^th Grade O’Connor – Lucas Tucker

6^th Grade English – Landon Stone

7^th Grade Blake – Wyatt Martin

7^th Grade Lanfear – Julia Marshall

8^th Grade Hughes – Callie Friedman

8^th Grade Reardon – Ashley Lanier

Congratulations to all of the winners and to all of the students who put it “all on the line” and ran spirited campaigns.

8^th GRADE HIGH SCHOOL VISITS

The dates for high school visitation for our 8^th grade students are filling up.  At this time we will be visiting BC and St. Vincent’s on October 20^th, Savannah Christian on October 27^th, Country Day on November 3^rd and St. Andrews on November 10^th.  A request for a tour has been sent to the Habersham School and Savannah Arts.  Application season is approaching!

EAGLE OPPORTUNITIES BEGIN THIS WEEK!

Students get two additional days of health and fitness activities, an opportunity to participate in a club, time for our Student Government to meet, and access to additional time for support from their teachers.  

6TH GRADE NEWS

Math 6 with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Math 6, we will wrap up Chapter 1 by discussing the problem solving plan.  Students will use their problem solving skills to do an activity on Tuesday.  Wednesday, we will review for the Chapter 1 test that will take place on Thursday, September 11.

6th-7th Pre Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will begin learning about solving equations.  We will learn about the commutative, associative, and identity properties of addition and multiplication (2.1), the distributive property (2.2), and using those properties to simplify variable expressions and combining like terms (2.3).  There will be a quiz on that material on Friday.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Earth Science, students will write a conclusion from the findings of Friday’s lab called “rate of reaction”.  They will have time in class to type up their formal observation.  Tuesday, we will review for the Chapter 1 test that will take place on Wednesday, September 10.  The end of the week, we will finish up our cross-curricular project on myths about the Greek gods and goddesses of weather. 

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Blake

The sixth graders performed an experiment today that reinforces the scientific method.  Next week they will learn how to write a formal conclusion for that lab.  The students will review on Tuesday and have their first chapter test on Wednesday.  At the end of next week, the will begin their chapter on atoms and elements.

6th Spanish with Ms. Dixon

Next week we’ll finish CapÍtulo 1A in our textbook and review the material from Para Empezar. Students can expect a chapter test on Friday, September 12^th. We’ll have a review session on Thursday. Continue to review the vocabulary and work on our verse of the month. “1 Juan 1:9: Si confesamos nuestros pecados, Él es fiel y justo para perdonar nuestros pecados, y limpiarnos de toda maldad.” 

6th Ancient Civilizations with Mrs. Hannah

 We are preparing to take our first test this coming Thursday! We have already taken quizzes on chapters one and two, and students will test over both chapters. The best way to prepare is to be familiar with the notes we have taken in class, the maps we have studied, and the quizzes they have taken over the material. On Friday, students will receive their graded test and correct any wrong answers, using all the materials we have studied so far (maps, notes, extra activities, etc.). If any student wants extra assistance or clarification, I will be in my room every morning at 7:45. Have a great weekend!

6th Language Arts with Mrs. O'Connor

Next week sixth graders will wrap up their study for short nonfiction pieces.  Our test over this unit is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10^th, and students already have a study guide that outlines the major concepts and texts to review.  After the test students will begin brainstorming and drafting their first major paper of the year – a memoir.  We will also continue our work in lesson two of Wordly Wise and explore predicate nouns and adjectives.

7TH GRADE NEWS

7th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. Hannah

 We have spent the majority of this week beginning the short story writing process, and the rough draft of their original story will be due Friday, 12 September. I am very excited with the ideas the students have created so far! Next week we will also study Wordly Wise lesson 2, with a quiz on Thursday over the vocabulary. The next short story we read is Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, on page 199 of the literature text. Students should read the story over the weekend and be ready to analyze and discuss on Monday. I am in my room at 7:45 each morning, in case any students would like guidance on their short story, or simply clarification on what we discuss in class. Have a great weekend! 

7th-8th Algebra with Mr. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will begin Chapter 2 by learning more in depth about integers and rational numbers.  Thursday we will do a hands-on activity and review briefly for the quiz that will take place on Friday, September 12.

6th-7th Pre Algebra with Mr. Lanfear 

Next week we will begin learning about solving equations.  We will learn about the commutative, associative, and identity properties of addition and multiplication (2.1), the distributive property (2.2), and using those properties to simplify variable expressions and combining like terms (2.3).  There will be a quiz on that material on Friday.

7th Grade Life Science with Mrs. Blake
The seventh graders will spend next week learning about classification.  They will look at the classification system proposed by Aristotle and how classification has developed over the centuries.  Near the end of the week they will perform a lab that reinforces the scientific method.  Their first chapter test will be on Sept. 16.

7th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the 7^th grade will begin Chapter 6B. In this chapter students will learn about rooms in a house, household chores, and how to tell someone to do something using affirmative tú commands. I will also be introducing the present progressive tense.  Students will have a quiz over the new vocabulary on Friday, September 12^th. 

7th American History with Mrs. English
This week in American History and Government I we will review for our first test on Chapter 1—Sections 1, 3, & 4.  Students will take the Chapter 1—Sections 1, 3, & 4 test on Wednesday, September 10^th.  On Thursday and Friday we will introduce the Age of Exploration by constructing models of  15^th century ships.  Looking forward to a great week!

8TH GRADE NEWS

8th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. O'Connor
In the week ahead, the eighth graders will read two short fictional pieces in the textbook as we continue to explore themes in literature.  Students will also evaluate the role point of view plays in a story as they rewrite one of the pieces from a different perspective.  Additionally, we will also be working on sentence parts and continuing our work in lesson two of Wordly Wise.  Our next Wordly Wise quiz will take place on Thursday, September 11^th.  Looking further ahead, we will also take a test over the literature selections from the textbook on Thursday, September 18^th.

8th Grade Physical Science with Mrs. Blake

The eighth graders have been working in groups to design their own labs that reinforce the scientific method.  They will perform these labs on Monday.  At that point they will develop their formal conclusions.  Wednesday they will have their first chapter test and then start a chapter on measurement.  

7th-8th Algebra with Mr. Reardon
Next week in Algebra I, we will begin Chapter 2 by learning more in depth about integers and rational numbers.  Thursday we will do a hands-on activity and review briefly for the quiz that will take place on Friday, September 12.

8th Advanced Algebra with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will start using our graphing calculators to help us graph quadratic functions.  We will learn about the properties of parabolas (10.1 – 10.2) and how to use them to solve quadratic equations (10.3).  There will be a quiz on Wednesday covering sections 10.1 and 10.2.

8th Geometry with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will continue out discussion of Chapter 2.  We will discuss conditional statements (2.2) and applying deductive reasoning (2.3).  We will have a quiz later in the week covering those topics.

8th Spanish with Ms. Hughes
Next week in Spanish class the 8^th grade will begin Chapter 1B. This chapter discusses after-school activities, making comparisons, and time expressions. Students will learn about schools in other Spanish-speaking countries and how they differ from our school. There will be a quiz over the new vocabulary on Friday, September 12th. 

8th American History and Government with Mrs. English

This week in American History and Government II we will study the second half of the Civil War and the difficulties that both the North and South faced.  Students will have a quiz on Chapter 15—Sections 2, 3, and 4 notes on Wednesday, September 10^th.  Starting Thursday, students will learn about the atrocities at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and analyze Sherman’s total war during the March to the Sea. Looking forward to a great week!