As I’m feeling full of gratitude (and food, and pie) after a much needed Thanksgiving Break, I’m reflecting on how much we all, including our students, can sometimes take these special times for granted. The older I get, the more I have to make a big effort to slow down and cherish the time I have with friends and family. So, with the next 3 weeks including busy schedules, calendars that look overwhelmingly full, quizzes, tests, and projects, I want to challenge all of us to SLOW DOWN!!! Enjoy the little moments with our friends, take a couple of deep breaths, and cherish all of the special moments this season brings.
-AG
Math:
This week in Algebra 1, we analyzed functions and systems of inputs and outputs, before moving on to solving different types of functions and analyzing their graphs. Next week, we’ll explore inverse functions and begin wrapping up this first functions unit.
ELA:
8th grade readers continued To Kill a Mockingbird this week, examining its characters through the lens of literary archetypes. They selected an archetype on which to do a magazine spread (which is their final project for the unit, due 12/13). They also began another vocabulary study, with a test planned for 12/13.
Next week, readers will finish both the novel and analyze the film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. Be sure to begin studying for next Friday’s test now!
Social Studies:
The eighth graders have finished up their unit on Nationalism and are preparing for their test next week on Wednesday. The study guide was given out in class and has been filled out. All items that need to be studied can be found in their Google Classroom. Before break, we will be doing a small unit on the ideas of borders, immigration and the ideals of creating a country and how those things led to WW1.
Science:
Eighth graders learned more about waves this week! They continued to teach their lessons to the class. They learned about microwaves, UV waves, gamma rays and more! Next week, they will learn about the components of a wave using Slinkys. They will create transverse waves and compositional waves. They will also learn about waves that are part of our everyday life.
Important Dates:
December 20 – Holiday Extravaganza & PJ Day (½ Day – 11:30 Dismissal)
December 21-January 6 – Winter Break (return on Tuesday, January 7)
