These few weeks between our two major holiday breaks have always been, for me at least, a time to look back at just how fast the beginning of the school year goes! It really is interesting in the fact of just how much we all go through in just a few months. I also reflect on just how grateful I am for this community and everyone involved. In this season of thanks, I truly am appreciative of my colleagues and everyone else who puts forth so much effort every day to make this truly the great place it is. I hope for everyone they can find time to reflect on what a great start to the school year we have had and can also get excited for what is to come!
-Kevin
Upcoming Dates:
- December 10 – Cluster Lunch (pizza provided for lunch)
- December 12 – 5th + 6th off campus for PE (ice skating)
- December 19 – Holiday Extravaganza (½ Day)
- December 20 – January 5 – Winter Break
- January 5 – Teacher Work Day – No School
- January 9 – 7th + 8th off campus for PE (ice skating)
ELA: 8th grade read To Kill A Mockingbird this week through the lens of literary archetypes. After considering which characters are Heroes, innocents, sages, etc, students selected a literary archetype for which they’d like to create a one-page magazine spread in the style of a horoscope/personality article. This page will be due by 12/12. Their comprehension packet will be due 12/11. Students also began a grammar study of pronoun types and their functions in sentences.
Next week, 8th grade will work to complete the novel and their archetype magazine spread. Readers will then watch the film, analyzing the adaptation choices made. Their grammar test will be on 12/11, so be sure to prepare.
Science: This week in science, 8th graders reviewed the engineering and design process then used that knowledge and their knowledge of sound waves to create and test prototypes of sound proof rooms. Students then discussed how they could improve their designs with materials that best absorb and reflect sound waves. Next week students will start their investigation into light waves using lasers, mirrors, and spectroscopes.
Social Studies: Eighth grade students finished up their work on industrialization and their projects on an invention of the era. They all did a wonderful job and I am truly impressed with the information they were able to find. We are now moving into the revolutions across Europe during the 1800’s and their role in leading into WW1.
Math: This week in math, 8th graders wrapped up unit 4 with their end of unit assessment which assessed their mastery of right triangle trigonometry. Next week, we’ll dive into unit 5, in which we switch gears into solid geometry, studying three-dimensional figures and their properties.
