Hello Middle School Families,
We are quickly approaching Easter vacation, and I’m so excited for all the 7th and 8th graders going on the D.C. trip! If you have any questions between now and the trip, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Prieto or me. We will hold a student meeting during lunch on Tuesday.
Our class hamster, Milo, sadly passed away last Thursday evening. The middle school wrote his obituary in language arts this week. Please keep him and our middle school family in your prayers, as we lost our dear class pet. Below is a picture from his first day as our class pet.
In language arts this past week, all students wrote Milo’s obituary. 8th graders had their religious contest essay due and also continued work on their portfolios. Portfolio work will continue through the rest of the year. Please see the portfolio handout with all due dates and instructions. 7th and 8th graders also have a creative poem due on Wednesday, 3/28, to complete the poetry unit. The last novel study for Character Based Literacy will begin as soon as we get back from vacation, and students will participate in literature circles. The novel will be Farewell to Manzanar. 5th and 6th grade continued working on their creative storybooks, which are also due on Wednesday 3/28. The last novel study will begin at the same time as the 7th and 8th grade one, and students will also participate in grade-level literature circles. This novel will be Number the Stars.
In ancient civilizations, students began their study of Ancient India with a Breaking News! assignment based on the discovery of two ancient Indus Valley civilizations. We will study the caste system and ancient dynasties early next week. This unit will continue after the break. In US History, we studied primary sources that document the Federalists’ disapproval of the Louisiana Purchase, and will move into the Lewis and Clark expedition. We will focus primarily on the Native American position regarding westward expansion in the coming week.
Please remind your student to keep track of his/her supplies as the end of the year approaches, and also remind them that it is their responsibility to print their homework at home before it is due.
Sign your student up for Teacher Experience! It’s going to be tons of fun! Save the date – May 18th.
Reminders:
Minimum Day/Living Stations: Thursday, 3/29
No School: Friday, 3/30
Easter Vacation: 3/30 – 4/8
8th grade portfolio personal statements will be filmed on Thursday, 4/12. Please make sure your student comes to school looking neat and tidy, and is prepared to be in front of the camera! Paragraphs should be memorized, so encourage your student to practice over the next two weeks. (These were written in January).