February 2-6

Students from Mrs. O'Connor's ELA class came dressed in their best 50's wear in honor of reading The Outsiders

    

NOTES FROM THE HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL 

DC TRIP!

There will be a parent/student meeting on Tuesday, February 3^rd at 5:00 in Hancock Hall.  PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF TIME. We will discuss the details for the upcoming DC trip. Click here for a tentative schedule.

We are awaiting confirmation for our visit to the White House and the Pentagon.  Student information was submitted on Friday to secure security clearances.  See all 8^th grade families at 5:00 on Tuesday.  Please stay and support our students at their basketball games immediately after the meeting.

CELL PHONES 

Many of our students are now very active cell phone users.  This is becoming a problem as they are now bringing them to school and they are starting to appear on the playground and other inappropriate places.  Our policy remains the same, there should be NO CELL PHONES ON CAMPUS.  Recognizing that the cell phone does represent a major link for families when not at school, if, for any reason, your child needs to bring a cell phone to school (for possible use later in the day), that cell phone should be checked in the Middle School office with Ms. Gordon during the school day.

Jump Rope For Heart
Hancock has partnered with Memorial Health University to participate in Jump Rope for Heart in our efforts to raise $40,000 for the American Heart Association. The event is February 6th and students Kindergarten-8th grade will participate. Please make sure all permissions forms are turned in to their homeroom teachers and envelope donations are due back February 5th. We hope you will put on your athletic shoes and come jump with your children during their PE time!


LOWER SCHOOL INTRAMURAL - HELP WANTED!!

HDS is able to offer a wide range of quality programs due in large part to an army of volunteers.  Intramural basketball is one of those programs.  For 4 Saturdays over the next two months students in the Lower School will be playing basketball.  We need volunteers to make these games happen, specifically, clock keepers and referees.  NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - THIS IS LOWER SCHOOL INTRAMURALS!!!  Please consider volunteering as a parent or having your student volunteer to help out.

Please click here for specific dates and times.  You may sign up by contacting Ms. Gordon in the Middle School office.  

Show Someone How Special They Are!

Student government is sponsoring Valentine Candy Grams for all grade levels. Each Valentine's Day Gram will cost $1 and will have a small piece of candy attached along with a personalized note. Order forms are going home today, and must be turned in by Monday, February 9th. Cupid will be delivering Candy Grams on Friday, February 13th.

6TH GRADE NEWS

6th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. O'Connor
The sixth graders have just started brainstorming for a five paragraph essay over a theme in The Outsiders.  Next week students will outline and draft this paper in class.  We will also study adverb clauses in our GUM books, and we'll take a short quiz over adjective and adverb clauses on Thursday, February 5th.

6th Math with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Math 6, we will begin into Chapter 7 by writing expressions and equations as well as simplifying expressions.  On Wednesday, students will take a math facts quiz (outline for this will go home on Monday).  Thursday, we will solve addition and subtraction equations.  If your child is still struggling with adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers it is essential that they come see me for help.  Everything that we do from here on out will involve integers.  Friday, we will take a break from taking notes and play simplifying expressions BINGO!

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

Next week we will complete Chapter 6 by learning about using Similar figures to find the measures of sides (6.5).  We will also learn about scale drawings and models (6.6).  There will be a day of review and the Chapter 6 Test towards the end of the week.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Earth Science, we will continue exploring space by discussing current and future space missions.  The students are really getting into this chapter and are asking some great questions (some that I even have to look up to answer!!).  Towards the middle of the week, we will watch a documentary on when man left Earth.  Students should expect a test over Chapter 22 on Tuesday, February 10. 

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Blake

The sixth graders have begun their look at the U. S. space program. They will learn about all three projams that led to the moon landing in 1969.  They are taking a close look at the Mercury program right now and will look at Gemini and Apollo next week.  This will finish the chapter and they will have their test on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

6th Spanish with Mrs. Dixon-Bender

Next week, we’ll continue to work on our food unit and students will create skits covering the vocabulary and grammar that we’ve learned so far in this unit. There will be a chapter test on Friday, February 13^th. 

6th Ancient Civilizations with Mrs. Hannah
Monday and Tuesday will be devoted to project research in the classroom. Students have begun creating their source cards in their Google Classroom account, and can continue researching over the weekend. Students can bring their poster materials to class, if they have completed all 15 note cards and are ready to begin creating the tri-fold poster that accompanies the research portion of the project. The completed project (note cards, source cards, tri-fold, and works cited) are all due Friday. The source cards and works cited can be submitted through Google Classroom. We will finish studying the Qin dynasty on Wednesday, and quiz over the Zhou and Qin dynasties on Thursday. I am in my classroom each morning for any questions or clarification on a topic.

7TH GRADE NEWS

7th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. Hannah

We will complete our reading of The Hobbit by Friday! We are devoting three days of class time to the essay chronicling Bilbo's transformation into a hero. We have already discussed two of the three stages of his journey, and your student is able to write the first two sections of the paper, which will leave time for peer review and editing in class. This paper can be written and submitted through Google Classroom, and is due by Monday 9 February. The map that accompanies the essay is also due 9 February. I am in my classroom each morning for any questions or clarification on a topic.

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

Next week we will complete Chapter 6 by learning about using Similar figures to find the measures of sides (6.5).  We will also learn about scale drawings and models (6.6).  There will be a day of review and the Chapter 6 Test towards the end of the week.

7th Grade Life Science with Mrs. Blake

The seventh graders are still looking at the simpler invertebrate phyla.  Next week they will have student led lessons on flatworms and roundworms.  They will also have a short lab in which they will look at slides and specimens of the four phyla studied thus far.  Their test over this chapter will be on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will begin into Chapter 7 by solving linear systems using several different methods. We will begin with graphing and then move on to substitution and then adding and subtracting.  This chapter can be tricky for some students, so I encourage you to bring your child in for extra help as soon as they begin experiencing difficulty.  We will review the first 3 sections on Thursday, and then students will take a Chapter quiz over those sections on Friday (2/6).

7th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the 7^th grade will continue to work with the new vocabulary and grammar from Chapter 9A. We will have a graded listening and a reading comprehension check in the beginning of the week and the grammar quiz will be Wednesday, February 4^th. This quiz will cover “gustar-type” verbs. 

7th American History with Mrs. English
This week we will present our Geography Projects (due Monday).  We will also begin discussing the problems that the new United States faced after the Revolutionary War.  Homework will come from Chapter 7-Section 1.  We will have a quiz on Thursday, Feb. 5th over Chapter 7-Section 1.  

8TH GRADE NEWS

8th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. O'Connor
The eighth grade students are wrapping up their study of poetry by writing their own ballads in small groups.  Students will finish up their ballads on Monday and examine sonnets in preparation for Thursday's poetry test.  We will be reviewing the material we have covered all unit on Tuesday and Wednesday, but students are encouraged to begin reviewing their notes and poetry terms over the weekend. We will also spend time in class next week diagramming compound sentences.

8th Grade Physical Science with Mrs. Blake

The eighth graders will start a new chapter next week in which they will look more closely at chemical reactions.  After reviewing the characteristics of chemical changes and chemical formulas, they will learn about chemical equations.  A chemical equation is simply a shorthand method of showing what occurs during a chemical reaction.  Because of the Law of Conservation of Mass these equations must be balanced.  We will spend the last half of the week working with balancing equations.   

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will begin into Chapter 7 by solving linear systems using several different methods. We will begin with graphing and then move on to substitution and then adding and subtracting.  This chapter can be tricky for some students, so I encourage you to bring your child in for extra help as soon as they begin experiencing difficulty.  We will review the first 3 sections on Thursday, and then students will take a Chapter quiz over those sections on Friday (2/6).

8th Advanced Algebra with Mr. Lanfear 

Next week we will continue to learn about areas of polygons.  We will discover the area formulas for parallelograms, rhombuses (8.5), and trapezoids (8.6).  We will begin looking at circles and some of their properties as well (8.7).

8th Geometry with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will have our Chapter 6 Test on Tuesday and then continue on with Chapter 7, which covers some interesting properties about right triangles.

8th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the 8^th grade will continue to work with new vocabulary and grammar from Chapter 5A. We will have a graded listening and a reading comprehension check in the beginning of the week and the grammar quiz will be Wednesday, February 4^th. This quiz will cover the imperfect and preterite as well as irregular verbs in the preterite tense.

8th American Government with Mrs. English

This week we will continue discussing the Great Depression.  We will have a quiz on Chapter 22.4 and Chapter 23.1 on Thursday, Feb 5th.  Homework will come from Chapter 23.1 and Chapter 23.2. 

    

January 26-30

   

NOTES FROM THE HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL 

LOWER SCHOOL INTRAMURAL - HELP WANTED!!

HDS is able to offer a wide range of quality programs due in large part to an army of volunteers.  Intramural basketball is one of those programs.  For 4 Saturdays over the next two months students in the Lower School will be playing basketball.  We need volunteers to make these games happen, specifically, clock keepers and referees.  NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - THIS IS LOWER SCHOOL INTRAMURALS!!!  Please consider volunteering as a parent or having your student volunteer to help out.

Please click here for specific dates and times.  You may sign up by contacting Ms. Gordon in the Middle School office.  

IT’S A SWEETHEART OF A DANCE!

The Middle School Student Government has planned a Sweetheart dance for Friday, January 30th from 6:30 - 9:00.  The students have hired a GREAT DJ for the event.  Light snacks will be provided based on the following schedule:

6th grade bring snacks and finger food

7th grade bring “hand held” desserts (cookies, cupcakes, brownies, etc.)

8th grade bring 2 liter bottles of soda

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

Periodically we receive information about extracurricular offerings at other schools inviting our students to participate.  As I receive these invitations I will announce them on the BLOG.

This week, I received an announcement about summer school offerings at the Lovett School in Atlanta.  Some offerings are purely academic, others are activities like photography and film-making.  Additional information can be found by clicking here.

WASHINGTON TRIP

The students have given their final input to trip itinerary.  We will be holding a parent information night on Tuesday, February 3rd beginning at 6:30.  8th grade families should plan on attending this session.  Along with the announcing the details of the itinerary, we will discuss appropriate clothing and accessories that should be taken and collect emergency information.  4 Weeks and counting!

6TH GRADE NEWS

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

The sixth grade students are reading the conclusion of The Outsiders and preparing for our test (scheduled for Tuesday, January 27^th).  Students are also researching different aspects of life in the 1960’s in order to better understand the novel’s setting.  Students will present their findings to the class on Thursday, January 29^th.  Thursday students also have permission to dress like a Greaser or a Soc instead of wearing the usual HDS uniform!  Late next week we will take a closer look at some major themes in the novel as we begin brainstorming for an essay assignment.  We will also practice identifying adverb and adjective clauses in our GUM book.

6th Math with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Math 6, we will take Monday and Tuesday to review in depth Chapter 6.  Chapter 6 is content heavy, therefore your child should not wait until the night before the test to start studying!  The Chapter 6 test will take place on Wednesday, January 28.  Thursday and Friday we will take a look into Chapter 7 and explore writing expressions and equations.

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

Next week we will be studying proportions.  Students will learn how to write and solve proportions in various ways.  We will have a quiz on ratios and proportions (6.1 – 6.3) on Wednesday.  We will then begin applying those skills towards geometry with similar and congruent figures (6.4).

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Earth Science, we will continue to explore space by taking a look at the different types of telescopes that are used not only to look at stars, but also to study radio waves traveling through space.  We will also discuss some of the early space missions as well as satellites.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Blake

 The sixth graders have just started their unit on astronomy.  They have just read about the electromagnetic spectrum and will be learning how we make use of the various types of radiation.  They will have a short quiz over this information on Tuesday.  At that point, they will begin their look at the U. S. space program which was pushed to the forefront by the 1957 launch of Sputnik I by the Soviet Union.  They will look at all three projects that led to the moon landing in 1969. Also, they will construct a time line of the milestones of the program.  

6th Spanish with Mrs. Dixon-Bender

Next week, we will continue to cover Capítulo 3A. There will be a vocabulary quiz from this chapter on Friday, January 30^th. We will review together the Thursday prior. 

6th Ancient Civilizations with Mrs. Hannah

We are continuing our study of the major Chinese dynasties next week as we cover the Zhou and Qin dynasties. Students received their approved research questions today, along with resources on how to create source cards and note cards as they research their topics. We have class time at the end of next week and the beginning of February devoted to in-class research, but students can begin gathering sources now, so they can maximize the in-class time. I am in my classroom by 7:45 daily for any extra help or clarification. 

7TH GRADE NEWS

7th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. Hannah

We are already halfway finished reading The Hobbit! In conjunction with their project, we have been analyzing Bilbo Baggins' transformation into a hero. Your student has all the resources needed to write the first paragraph and begin the second paragraph of the paper, and should have an idea of how they will create the map that will accompany the paper. We have a quiz over The Hobbit chapters 9-12 on Wednesday, and a quiz over verbs on Thursday.  I am in my classroom by 7:45 daily for any extra help or clarification.  

-- 

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

Next week we will be studying proportions.  Students will learn how to write and solve proportions in various ways.  We will have a quiz on ratios and proportions (6.1 – 6.3) on Wednesday.  We will then begin applying those skills towards geometry with similar and congruent figures (6.4).

7th Grade Life Science with Mrs. Blake

The seventh graders continue their invertebrate project.  They are working in teams to research a particular phylum and will be responsible for teaching the class about that group of invertebrates.  These presentations will be given over the next four weeks.   Also next week, they will finish sponges and will move on to the phylum cnidarian.

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will wrap up Chapter 6 by graphing linear inequalities in two variables on Monday.  Since this chapter is so content rich, we will take both Tuesday and Wednesday to review the material for the Chapter 6 test that will take place on Thursday, January 29.  Students should not wait until the night before the test to study!!

7th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class, the 7^th grade will begin a new chapter discussing entertainment and how to express preferences and opinions using “gustar-type verbs”. Students will also create a movie trailer in Spanish using their new vocabulary. The vocabulary quiz will be Friday, January 30^th. 

7th American History with Mrs. English
We are finishing Chapter 6-The Revolutionary War this week.  We will have a test on Wednesday. Homework this weekend, Monday, and Tuesday night is to prepare for the test.  Students will begin their geography project on Wednesday in computer class.  We will continue working on it on Thursday and Friday.  Looking forward to a great week! 

8TH GRADE NEWS

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

The eighth graders are continuing to explore poetry by identifying examples of common poetic devices/figurative language through their work on the poetry poster projects.  Analyzing why poets choose to include poetic devices is a major component of the assignment.  This project is due on Wednesday, January 28^th, and students will have time to work in class on Monday and Tuesday.  We’ll spend the second half of the week examining sonnets and ballads as we wrap up our poetry unit and prepare for a test on Thursday, February 5^th.  We will also continue to identify parts of speech and sentence parts through our daily grammar practice.

8th Grade Physical Science with Mrs. Blake

The eighth graders are looking at bonding.  Next week they will learn about the different types of bonds and do some more work with Lewis structures.   They will also review

chemical formulas.  This will complete our short chapter on atomic structure and bonds.  Their test will be at the end of next week.

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will wrap up Chapter 6 by graphing linear inequalities in two variables on Monday.  Since this chapter is so content rich, we will take both Tuesday and Wednesday to review the material for the Chapter 6 test that will take place on Thursday, January 29.  Students should not wait until the night before the test to study!!

8th Advanced Algebra with Mr. Lanfear 

Next week we will continue our exploration of geometry by studying polygons and their various properties (Chapter 8).  We will learn how to classify polygons, as well as some theorems (equations) about the angles of polygons.  There will be a quiz on what we have covered up to that point on Friday (8.1 – 8.4).

8th Geometry with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will finish Chapter 6 by proving triangles are similar by various theorems and postulates (6.4 – 6.5).  We will also use some theorems involving proportions (6.6) and learn about dilations in the coordinate plane (6.7).  There will be a Chapter 6 Test the following week.

8th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class, the 8^th grade will begin a new chapter discussing natural disasters and exchange information over newsworthy events. Students will also create and present a news broadcast completely in Spanish using the new vocabulary. The vocabulary quiz will be Friday, January 30^th.

8th American Government with Mrs. English

This week we will have a test on Tuesday over the Roaring Twenties. On Thursday I will introduce the stock market and how the Great Depression occurred.  Students will also finish their Silent Films on Wednesday and we will "screen" them on Friday.  Homework will come from Chapter 22-Section 4 (defining key terms, checkpoint question, and Check Your Progress questions). Looking forward to a great week!    

January 19-23

       

Middle School students have started on their mural on the outside of our main building!

NOTES FROM THE HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL 

REPORT CARDS
Signed report cards for your child’s records were due back earlier this week.  If you have not returned yours, please make sure they are back by Monday.  You may scan the report card and send it to Ms. Gordon if that is easier.

WASHINGTON TRIP
The 8^th grade continues to work on final plans for their trip to Washington.  The class will meet next Thursday and Friday to finalize its preparation.  Final payment for the trip ($475 total) is due Wednesday, January 21^st.  Mrs. English is planning a parent’s meeting for early February once we have the itinerary confirmed by our tour operator.  Tentative date is Tuesday, February 3^rd, at 6:30.

ROYCE TUTORING CENTER
The Royce Tutoring Center offers tutoring and programs for students of all abilities.  The Center will be offering a Study Skills Class beginning on Monday, February 9^th and running for 8 Mondays through March 30^th.  More information is available at this link:
Study Skills Flyer

WOMEN ENGINEERS
The Society of Women Engineers annual Girls Engineer It Day will be Saturday, February 21^st.  If your daughter is math/science oriented I highly recommend your family participate.  The events run from 1:00 – 5:30.  If there is enough interest we will run a bus from HDS for our students.  Early pre-registration is VERY IMPORTANT!  Details about the event and online registration can be found at http://sceswe.org/geid.  Please let Ms. Gordon (mgordon@hancockdayschool.org) know if you would like to ride the bus.

CAR POOL ETIQUETTE!
Over the past couple of weeks a lot of anxiety has been generated between cars from the gold zone mixing with cars from the white zone at the afternoon car pool.  By paying close attention to a couple of details we can clear up this friction.  First – Be attentive.  NO TEXTING OR CELL PHONE USE!  If you are here early and parked, fine.  There are many drivers who are either on their cell phone or texting on their cell phone when the lines are in motion.  Please, please, please, for the safety of our students, YOUR CHILDREN, put the cell phones away!!  Second – white zone cars should not arrive before 3:10.  This will put you inline well before the students start exiting the building at 3:15.  If you get here early, please park in a regular parking space to wait and then enter the car pool line at 3:10.  Please do not park in the turn around area outside Hancock Hall.  Third – gold zone cars, please be in line prior to 3:10.  That will ensure you move swiftly to you loading zone.

REPORT CARDS
Signed report cards for your child’s records were due back earlier this week.  If you have not returned yours, please make sure they are back by Monday.  You may scan the report card and send it to Ms. Gordon if that is easier.

WASHINGTON TRIP
The 8^th grade continues to work on final plans for their trip to Washington.  The class will meet next Thursday and Friday to finalize its preparation.  Final payment for the trip ($475 total) is due Wednesday, January 21^st.  Mrs. English is planning a parent’s meeting for early February once we have the itinerary confirmed by our tour operator.  Tentative date is Tuesday, February 3^rd, at 6:30.

ROYCE TUTORING CENTER
The Royce Tutoring Center offers tutoring and programs for students of all abilities.  The Center will be offering a Study Skills Class beginning on Monday, February 9^th and running for 8 Mondays through March 30^th.

WOMEN ENGINEERS
The Society of Women Engineers annual Girls Engineer It Day will be Saturday, February 21^st.  If your daughter is math/science oriented I highly recommend your family participate.  The events run from 1:00 – 5:30.  If there is enough interest we will run a bus from HDS for our students.  Early pre-registration is VERY IMPORTANT!  Details about the event and online registration can be found at http://sceswe.org/geid.  Please let Ms. Gordon (mgordon@hancockdayschool.org) know if you would like to ride the bus.

CAR POOL ETIQUETTE!
Over the past couple of weeks a lot of anxiety has been generated between cars from the gold zone mixing with cars from the white zone at the afternoon car pool.  By paying close attention to a couple of details we can clear up this friction.  First – Be attentive.  NO TEXTING OR CELL PHONE USE!  If you are here early and parked, fine.  There are many drivers who are either on their cell phone or texting on their cell phone when the lines are in motion.  Please, please, please, for the safety of our students, YOUR CHILDREN, put the cell phones away!!  Second – white zone cars should not arrive before 3:10.  This will put you inline well before the students start exiting the building at 3:15.  If you get here early, please park in a regular parking space to wait and then enter the car pool line at 3:10.  Please do not park in the turn around area outside Hancock Hall.  Third – gold zone cars, please be in line prior to 3:10.  That will ensure you move swiftly to you loading zone.

6TH GRADE NEWS

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

Next week the sixth graders will continue to read and study The Outsiders.  Students will take a short quiz on Tuesday over chapters 4-7, and they should review their notes and chapter questions in preparation for this assignment.  We will also spend time learning more about the novel’s setting as we research some popular 1960’s movies, songs, and cultural figures.  Additionally, we will continue to practice identifying simple, compound, and complex sentences in our GUM books.

6th Math with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Math 6, we will continue in Chapter 6 by learning about rational numbers, the distributive property, and the coordinate plane.  On Friday, we will put to use our knowledge of the coordinate plane by playing battleship.  Students should expect a Chapter 6 test on Tuesday, January 27.

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

Next week we will review and have our Chapter 5 Test on Wednesday.  We will then pick up and learn about ratios and proportions in Chapter 6.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Earth Science, we will review chapter 12 over volcanoes on Tuesday and students will take their test on Wednesday, January 21.  We will then begin to dive into Chapter 22 by exploring space.  We will examine forms of radiation as well as past, current, and future space missions.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Blake

The sixth graders just finished their chapter on volcanoes and their quick research project.  Today, the students gave the final presentations on their specific volcano to the class.  Next Wednesday they will have their chapter test on volcanoes.  At that point the class will start a new chapter on space exploration.  The first topic to be addressed is the different types of electromagnetic waves.  They will learn about everything from radio waves to gamma rays and the uses of each.  This information will help as they look at the various instruments used to study space.

6th Spanish with Ms. Dixon

Next week, SER vs ESTAR quizzes will be returned and we’ll review them together.  We’ll begin Capítulo 3A, covering food and food-related vocabulary. Next week, we’ll take a look at food specific to Spain, as well as the country’s culinary history.   

6th Ancient Civilizations with Mrs. Hannah
6th grade is eagerly learning about many aspects of China, including Tai Chi! We will have a guest speaker on Tuesday to share her Taiwanese heritage and knowledge of Mandarin Chinese. The students have already compiled a list of questions to ask during her presentation. We will continue to study the four major dynasties in China next week as well. Step two of the China project is due Tuesday; students should list five questions related to their research topic. 

7TH GRADE NEWS

7th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. Hannah

We are continuing to read The Hobbit and analyze the main character's transformation into a hero. Students will have a quiz on chapters 5-8 on Wednesday. Please refer to the reading guide for specific details on assigned readings, and remember that chapter comprehension questions are due on the day of discussion. In grammar, we have begun to study different verb tenses, and are currently mastering usage of the perfect and progressive tenses. I am in my room daily around 7:30, for any extra help or clarification on a topic. 

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

Next week we will review and have our Chapter 5 Test on Wednesday.  We will then pick up and learn about ratios and proportions in Chapter 6.

7th Grade Life Science with Mrs. Blake

The seventh graders have started their survey of the animal kingdom.  They began by learning about animal characteristics and symmetry.    Next week the students will begin doing research for their invertebrate phylum project.  Their presentations will begin the week of January 26.   Also next week, they will be introduced to the phylum Porifera.  This phylum is made up of sponges-the simplest animal.  

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will continue in Chapter 6 by solving absolute value equations and inequalities.  Students will have a quiz over sections 5 & 6 on Friday.  They should expect a Chapter 6 test on Wednesday, January 28.

7th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class, the 7^th grade will complete their volunteer project and finish up Chapter 8B. We will continue to work with indirect object pronouns and the preterite tense. The chapter test is Thursday, January 22^nd. 

7th American History with Mrs. English

This week we will have a quiz on Chapter 6-Sections 1 & 2 on Wednesday.  We will start Chapter 6-Section 3 on Thursday.  I will also introduce a geography project that uses all the postcards we received from around the world! Have a nice long weekend!

8TH GRADE NEWS

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

In the week ahead the eighth graders will continue to study poetry as we learn about meter, assonance, and consonance.  Students will learn to identify iambic pentameter and practice scansion.  We will also continue our daily grammar practice and spend some time diagramming different types of sentences.  Students will take a quiz over lesson four in Wordly Wise on Thursday.

8th Grade Physical Science with Mrs. Blake

The eighth grade will spend next week reviewing the periodic table and valence electrons.  They will learn about Lewis electron dot diagrams and how these diagrams help to illustrate which elements will chemically combine to form compounds.  At the end of the week they will look at the different types of bonding.  

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

Next week in Algebra I, we will continue in Chapter 6 by solving absolute value equations and inequalities.  Students will have a quiz over sections 5 & 6 on Friday.  They should expect a Chapter 6 test on Wednesday, January 28.

8th Advanced Algebra with Mr. Lanfear 

Next week we will learn about the very neat properties of the centroid and the medians of triangles.  We will also learn about the Triangle Inequality.  We will then review on Thursday and have our Chapter 4 Test on Friday.

8th Geometry with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will have our Chapter 5 Test on Tuesday, and then we will start Chapter 6 by learning about Similarity.  We will use similar techniques (no pun intended) to prove triangles are similar than we used before to prove triangles were congruent.

8th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class, the 8^th graders will complete their biographies and finish up Chapter 4B. We will continue to work with the imperfect and preterite tense as this is a complex topic. The chapter test is Thursday, January 22^nd.

8th American Government with Mrs. English

This week we will have a quiz on Chapter 22-Sections 1 &2 AND Chapter 19-Section 3 on Wednesday.  We will have a guest speaker on Tuesday that will play some jazz and share the history of jazz with us! We will also be working on our silent short films at the end of the week. Have a nice long weekend!

January 12-16

                                                

Fantastic job of raising 1, 605 pounds of food for America's Second Harvest!

NOTES FROM THE HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL 

REPORT CARDS GOING HOME FRIDAY

Two copies of your child’s report card will be sent home Friday.  Please sign one and have your child return it on Monday.

SPORTS IN FULL SWING

All of our basketball teams are playing two and sometimes three games per week.  Please take the time to come support our student athletes!  Use the information provided by our teachers (below) to help your child plan his or hers study time.

3 X 3 BASKETBALL LEAGUE TO START PLAY

Our 3 on 3 basketball league will open play later next week.  Students are organizing themselves into teams with exciting name like Team Intimidating, Ankle Collectors and AG and the Crew!  League play will culminate in May with our annual tournament.  Come watch an exciting game any day between 1:00 and 1:20.

WASHINGTON TRIP

We concluded a very successful fund raising activity to support the 8^th grade trip to Washington, D. C.  Thanks to everyone’s support we were able to reduce the cost of the trip significantly.  With these funds the trip cost was reduced from $650/student to $475/student.  We received deposits of $250 from each family last fall.  The final payment of $225 is due and payable by January 21^st. 

Over the next few weeks the students will be working with Mrs. English to put the finishing touches on the trip’s itinerary and plan what to take on the trip.  Reminder, we will depart Tuesday, February 24^th and return Friday, February 27^th. 

6TH GRADE NEWS

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

The sixth graders have just started reading The Outsiders.  In conjunction with the reading, students will be responsible for answering recall and analysis questions for each chapter.  We are also studying contextual vocabulary words.  On Tuesday students will take a quiz over the book’s first three chapters, and questions over chapters 3-4 will be due on Wednesday.  Friday I will collect questions over chapters 5-6.  Additionally, we will also practice identifying dependent and independent clauses in our GUM books.

6th Math with Mrs. Reardon

This week in Math 6, we will continue in Chapter 6 by subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers.  Integers can be a difficult concept for some, so it is important that your child come in to see me for help if he/she is struggling.  On Thursday, we will review for the Chapter quiz that will take place on Friday, January 16 over sections 2 through 5.

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

Next week we will be finishing Chapter 5 by reviewing dividing fractions and then learning about solving equations and inequalities using multiplicative inverses.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Reardon

This week in Earth Science, we will continue in Chapter 12 discussing the different types of volcanoes.  On Tuesday, students will begin an in-class 2 day project where they will be assigned a famous volcano.  Students will use the laptops to research specific information about their volcano.  On Wednesday, they will be putting together a half-size poster board (this will be provided) with pictures and information on their volcano.  Thursday, students will have a quiz over sections 1 & 2 in their text.  Friday, we will wrap up the chapter by discussing igneous rock features.  Students should be prepared to take their Chapter 12 test on Wednesday, January 21.

6th Earth Science with Mrs. Blake

 The sixth graders have been busy this week studying the different types of volcanoes.  They are learning about the composition of each type and how moisture and silica content influence the eruption force for each volcano.  On Monday, they will start a volcano project and spend two days in class gathering information on their volcano.   They will present their information near the end of the week.  Their test over volcanoes will be Wednesday, Jan. 21.

6th Spanish with Ms. Dixon

We’ve had a great first week of 2015. On Tuesday, students received their Mid-Term exams and we reviewed together. On Wednesday, students were introduced to SER vs ESTAR. We’ll continue to explore this concept together next week, and there will be a quiz covering the material on Friday, the 16^th. We’ll review together on Thursday. 

6th Ancient Civilizations with Mrs. Hannah
 Welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful, relaxing break, because we are getting ready to jump headfirst into the study of Ancient China. Next week we will have a quiz on Wednesday over the geography of China, then begin studying the different dynasties that ruled the civilization. The students will be assigned a project over Ancient China next week as well. As always, I am in my room around 7:30 each morning for any questions or clarification your student may need. 

7TH GRADE NEWS

7th Grade English Language Arts with Mrs. Hannah
Happy New Year! It sounds like everyone enjoyed the break, and is ready to get back to business! We have begun reading The Hobbit, and each student has received a reading calendar, a packet of comprehension questions and vocabulary terms that accompany each chapter, and a character packet. Your student should refer closely to the reading calendar and associated due dates, as chapter comprehension questions are due on the day of discussion. For example, the chapter 1 and 2 discussion is today; therefore, the chapter 1 and 2 comprehension questions and vocabulary are due at the beginning of class. In the event of an absence, students are still expected to stay current with the readings and chapter questions. Students should also work on the character packet as they read the book. It will be due at the conclusion of the novel. The quiz over chapters 1-4 will be Tuesday, and students will receive information regarding the project the correlates with The Hobbit next week as well. As always, I am in my room around 7:30 each morning for any questions or clarification your student may need. 

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

Next week we will be finishing Chapter 5 by reviewing dividing fractions and then learning about solving equations and inequalities using multiplicative inverses.

7th Grade Life Science with Mrs. Blake

This week, the seventh grade classes have been finishing their study of genetics by learning about multiple alleles and sex-linked traits.  They are also learning about several genetic disorders.  The students will present their research on these disorders next week.  On Wednesday they will have their quiz over all of this information.  At the end of the week seventh grade will start their survey of the animal kingdom.  

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

This week in Algebra I, we will continue in Chapter 6 by solving multi-step inequalities as well as compound inequalities.  We will also take a look at solving absolute value equations.  On Thursday, we will review for the Chapter quiz that will take place on Friday, January 16 over sections 1 through 4.

7th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the 7^th grade will continue to work with the new vocabulary and grammar from Chapter 8B. This chapter discusses community service and volunteer work. Students will be learning about indirect object pronouns as well. The vocabulary quiz will be Wednesday, January 14^th and the grammar quiz will be Friday, January 16^th.

7th American History with Mrs. English

This week in American History we will continue our study of the Revolutionary War.  Students will perform their Declaration of Independence projects on Monday.  For homework students should expect reading and questions from Chapter 6-Section 2. 

8TH GRADE NEWS

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

The eighth grade students are currently studying poetry.  So far we explored free verse poetry as well as reviewing common sound devices used in poetry.  Next week students will study poetry by Shakespeare, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow as we examine poems and poets who have influenced American history.  Students will take a brief quiz over this material on Thursday, January 15^th.  We will also continue to examine parts of speech, sentence parts, clauses, and punctuation as we complete daily grammar practice.  Additionally, students will begin working on their next lesson in Wordly Wise.  

8th Grade Physical Science with Mrs. Blake

This week eighth graders were finishing their study of properties by looking at chemical properties of matter, such as reactivity, toxicity, & flammability.  This led to learning about physical and chemical changes.   Today and Monday, they have two labs which illustrate chemical changes.  Their quiz over this information will be on Tuesday.

7th-8th Algebra I with Mrs. Reardon

This week in Algebra I, we will continue in Chapter 6 by solving multi-step inequalities as well as compound inequalities.  We will also take a look at solving absolute value equations.  On Thursday, we will review for the Chapter quiz that will take place on Friday, January 16 over sections 1 through 4.

8th Advanced Algebra with Mr. Lanfear 

Next week we will have a quiz on Tuesday covering sections 4.1 – 4.2.  We will then learn about the Base Angles Theorem of isosceles triangles.  We will also review the Pythagorean Theorem and how it can be used to determine if a triangle is acute, right, or obtuse.  We will also learn properties of medians of triangles.

8th Geometry with Mr. Lanfear

Next week we will learn the Hinge Theorem and its converse.  We will also learn a NEW METHOD of PROOF, called an “Indirect Proof.”  We will review Chapter 5 on Thursday and the Chapter 5 Test on Friday.

8th Spanish with Ms. Hughes

Next week in Spanish class the 8^th grade will continue to work with the new vocabulary and grammar from Chapter 4B. This chapter discusses events and celebrations. Students will be learning about reciprocal verbs as well. The vocabulary quiz will be Wednesday, January 14^th and the grammar quiz will be Friday, January 16^th.

8th American Government with Mrs. English

This week in American History we will continue our study of the 1920s.  Notes and homework will come from Chapter 22-Section 1 as well as Chapter 19-Section 3.  Students will examine how women’s rights and the role of women changed during the 1920s.  Students have a quiz on Central and South American geography on Tuesday, Jan. 13^th.    

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