The Cooper School Daily
April 19, 2024
Achieving Goals in April
Last Monday, I got the privilege of leading a Middle School Meeting. Within the middle school meeting, the students and I discussed keeping our goals for ourselves in mind as the weather gets warmer and our minds get ready for summer. As the nice weather becomes consistent, and as the school year inches its way to summer, it is hard to remember to carry out our individual goals amongst the excitement.
On Monday, the students were asked to write down two of their personal goals, one being academic and one being social. Students were then asked to talk with a peer about ways they can accomplish each of their goals before the school year ends. I felt as if writing these goals down and holding a conversation about them allows the students to really bring their goals alive and add value to them.
I have asked them to hold onto their sticky notes so that they have the constant reminder of what their goals are for themselves as the school year comes to an end. I encourage you to ask your children about their goals and have those conversations about how to proceed with achieving them in order to create a deeper meaning to their thoughts.
KW
Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes:
What’s happening in Science?
Seventh graders learned about thermal energy this week. They designed insulators, using everyday materials to see which materials maintained the temperature of water most efficiently. They also considered the difference between melting and dissolving, by experimenting with M&Ms. The seventh graders also learned how to calculate calories, by measuring the temperature changes in water. Next week, they will think about food chemistry and why it is important.
What’s up in Math?
This week, 7th graders expanded their knowledge of exponents to write really big and small numbers in scientific notation using powers of 10 and began to wrap up this unit through exponent challenges. Next week, we’ll take our exponents assessment on Monday, and then we’ll begin our final unit of study by exploring squares, square roots, and rational vs. irrational numbers.
What’s happening in ELA?
7th grade novelists transitioned from thumbnails to final page drafting in their graphic novel unit. We took time to test different types of composition and character details before making commitments to final drawings. We kept our storytelling know-how in mind as we tried to stretch out dramatic moments with both clever dialogue and illustration tricks. Grammarians reviewed verb tenses and added to our verbal knowledge by learning about participles, gerunds, and infinitives.
Next week, we will craft compelling endings to our graphic novels while reaching the black-lining and coloring stages of final publication. 7th grade will then transition into a novel study of the fantasy series The Emerald Atlas. We will launch into major grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning practice as we look forward to end of year assessments.
What’s going on in Social Studies?
Seventh graders started their week by going to the Gaillard to see Show Way: The Musical. This helped conclude their Civil War Units. We then progressed into Reconstruction with the understanding of the different Reconstruction Plans that the country was faced with. Students got to decide, if they were a member of Congress, which one they would favor. They not only wrote about their decision, but turned it into a propaganda poster, and a commercial to advertise it!
Next week, the students will learn about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and life during and after Reconstruction! Students will end the week with a studyguide to help prepare for their last unit assessment.
Important Dates:
April 19: 1st, 5th, and 7th Grade Artist of the Month- 8:15am
April 27: Spring Auction & Gala- 6pm @ Founder’s Hall (tickets available until 4/12)
May 9: 11:30 Dismissal (Pass It On for Elementary School)
On Monday, the students were asked to write down two of their personal goals, one being academic and one being social. Students were then asked to talk with a peer about ways they can accomplish each of their goals before the school year ends. I felt as if writing these goals down and holding a conversation about them allows the students to really bring their goals alive and add value to them.
I have asked them to hold onto their sticky notes so that they have the constant reminder of what their goals are for themselves as the school year comes to an end. I encourage you to ask your children about their goals and have those conversations about how to proceed with achieving them in order to create a deeper meaning to their thoughts.
KW
Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes:
What’s happening in Science?
Seventh graders learned about thermal energy this week. They designed insulators, using everyday materials to see which materials maintained the temperature of water most efficiently. They also considered the difference between melting and dissolving, by experimenting with M&Ms. The seventh graders also learned how to calculate calories, by measuring the temperature changes in water. Next week, they will think about food chemistry and why it is important.
What’s up in Math?
This week, 7th graders expanded their knowledge of exponents to write really big and small numbers in scientific notation using powers of 10 and began to wrap up this unit through exponent challenges. Next week, we’ll take our exponents assessment on Monday, and then we’ll begin our final unit of study by exploring squares, square roots, and rational vs. irrational numbers.
What’s happening in ELA?
7th grade novelists transitioned from thumbnails to final page drafting in their graphic novel unit. We took time to test different types of composition and character details before making commitments to final drawings. We kept our storytelling know-how in mind as we tried to stretch out dramatic moments with both clever dialogue and illustration tricks. Grammarians reviewed verb tenses and added to our verbal knowledge by learning about participles, gerunds, and infinitives.
Next week, we will craft compelling endings to our graphic novels while reaching the black-lining and coloring stages of final publication. 7th grade will then transition into a novel study of the fantasy series The Emerald Atlas. We will launch into major grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning practice as we look forward to end of year assessments.
What’s going on in Social Studies?
Seventh graders started their week by going to the Gaillard to see Show Way: The Musical. This helped conclude their Civil War Units. We then progressed into Reconstruction with the understanding of the different Reconstruction Plans that the country was faced with. Students got to decide, if they were a member of Congress, which one they would favor. They not only wrote about their decision, but turned it into a propaganda poster, and a commercial to advertise it!
Next week, the students will learn about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and life during and after Reconstruction! Students will end the week with a studyguide to help prepare for their last unit assessment.
Important Dates:
April 19: 1st, 5th, and 7th Grade Artist of the Month- 8:15am
April 27: Spring Auction & Gala- 6pm @ Founder’s Hall (tickets available until 4/12)
May 9: 11:30 Dismissal (Pass It On for Elementary School)