Our annual Halloween Carnival isn’t just about candy and costumes, it’s a perfect example of what real learning looks like at Cooper. Every part of the event is completely planned and run by middle school students. It starts with the eighth graders deciding on a theme for the day. Then our fifth graders take that theme and run with it – creating spooky decorations to cover the backyard. From brainstorming booth ideas to creating materials lists, deciding who brings what, designing posters, and setting up for the big day, it’s all on them! Teachers are there to cheer them on and help only when truly needed – no hand-holding here.
What makes this project so powerful is how it brings social-emotional learning (SEL) to life. Students practice empathy as they design fun experiences for younger kids, compromise as they make group decisions, and collaboration as they problem-solve together to make sure everything runs smoothly. It’s messy, meaningful, and full of moments where students learn what it really means to take ownership and work as a team.
This is progressive education in action. We know that students learn by doing, taking risks, reflecting, and growing through authentic experiences. And in the end, our middle schoolers don’t just pull off an amazing carnival…they walk away with the kind of confidence, connection, and skills that can’t be found in a textbook or worksheet.
-RC
ELA- 7th graders analyzed the evidence they gathered on symbols in Gather. Using context, they proposed possible deeper meanings behind repeated objects, words, colors, and places. This analysis served them well as they drafted the beginning of their symbolism essays. 7th grade also began a grammar unit full of conjunctions and types of sentences (simple, compound, and complex).
Next week, 7th graders will test their grammar skills on 11/6 – so be sure to use the study guide! We will finish up rewrites and edits on our symbolism essays (due 11/6, as well), adding them to our impressive writing portfolios.
Science- This week 7th grade reviewed everything they have learned so far about our universe. Students diagramed the relationship between the sun, moon, and earth to show the phases of the moon and when eclipses happen. Students also talked about the forces involved in the formation of our solar system. Next week students will explore space exploration and have their unit test on Thursday 11/6.
Social Studies- Students are doing a great job with their work on European colonization! We had a fun exercise this week in which they had to plan, prepare and elaborate on how they would set up a colony here in the new world. It was great to see their collaboration and thought processes throughout the project and I am impressed with how well they worked together. Going forward next week we will wrap up this with discussing the lasting impact Spanish explorers had on the world and eventually leading to how we view Latin and South America today.
Math- This week, the 7th graders put so much hard work into their 3-D models this week and persevered through material challenges and time restraints! I’m so proud of how hard they’ve worked this week and will continue to work into next week – their presentation is next Thursday and we can’t wait to show off our hard work!
