I labored as I do each year over the explanation of ‘perfect tense’ with most grade levels this week. I’ve always believed an important part of teaching this concept is pointing out how, in this case, perfect does not refer to something “flawless.” Rather, this leans on the less popular definition of perfect where perfect simply means “complete.” Therefore ‘perfect tense’ deals with completed actions. My point incoming …
I delight in emphasizing this version of perfection. It is a ‘perfect’ that does not emphasize the shiny or polished or pretty. It simply acknowledges the need for all parts to be present, a pursuit of wholeness. This is the perfection I want our Cooper Kids to be hungry for – it’s one that doesn’t look to the mirror but looks out into the world. This ‘perfect’ is another lesson, a new friend, another attempt at a skill. This ‘perfect’ is not just grades, it’s also experiences and the process itself. This ‘perfect’ asks not, “How can I be less flawed?” but, “How can I be more complete?” This perfect is not just the glossy pumpkin pie with a centered flourish of whipped cream, it’s the table of recipes executed to varying levels of success surrounded by people who care for each other. Messy but whole, scattered but complete. Middle school is a bunch of kids in the thick of pursuing perfection, and it’s our job as teachers and families to point out where true perfection lies. I hope you get a chance to demonstrate the pursuit of “the good perfection” with your families over the break and revel in it. Even in the times where there are “things missing,” may we seek to complete ourselves in fresh new ways.
I certainly feel “more perfect” when I am here teaching your brilliant kiddos. Happy break!
With thanks,
MK
Math:
This week in Algebra 1, we worked on analyzing the rates of change in a function’s graph, and next week we’ll analyze a function and a system of inputs and outputs, before moving on to solving different types of functions and analyzing their graphs.
ELA:
8th grade readers analyzed key turning points and even the meaning behind the title of To Kill a Mockingbird this week. They also took their grammar test on Thursday – be sure to ask about those test scores!
After Thanksgiving break, readers will incorporate discussions of literary archetypes into their reading of To Kill a Mockingbird. They will begin another two week vocabulary study, as well, with a test planned for 12/12.
Social Studies:
The eighth grade worked hard this week on nationalism and the rise of European nationalism and the creation of many of the new European nation states. It was a lot of reading and discussion, but it led to a lot of good conversation and information being shared. We will continue to grow this topic and start to talk about the rise of militarism and how that will lead into WW1.
Science:
Eighth graders learned and taught about waves this week! They each chose a wave from the electromagnetic spectrum and created a lesson for the class. It was a fun way to jump start our next unit that we will explore over the next three weeks when we return back from Thanksgiving Break. When we return after the New Year, we will start to think about the Science Fair.
Important Dates:
November 22: Harvest Feast @ 10:30 (11:30 Dismissal)
November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break
