Growing up in the FRIGID midwest, Spring Break was always the most anticipated time of year. The end of winter was near, trees were maybe starting to blossom, and of course, everyone would head south for a week to jump-start their thawing. I always thought to myself, when we visited places like South Carolina and Florida for break, “Do people down here look forward to Spring Break as much as us midwesterners and northerners do?” After living here for 2 years now, I can answer my younger self with a resounding “YES!!!!!”
Spring Break, no matter where in the country you are, is a refreshing reset button. It’s a time for students to recharge, step away from the pressures of school, and enjoy a well-deserved break. Whether it’s spent traveling, hanging out with friends, or simply enjoying time at home, Spring Break offers a chance to unwind, explore new activities, and return to school feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of the year. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of balance between work and relaxation in a young person’s life.
We wish you a safe and refreshing Spring Break!
-AG
Math:
This week, 7th graders continued practicing and investigating the laws of exponents to help us write really big and really small numbers. When we return from break, we’ll apply the laws of exponents to scientific notation to help us write large and small numbers in a more efficient way – which will carry over into some of their recent science units!
ELA:
7th grade readers began a novel study of The Book Thief this week. We began by building historical context around WWII and the Nazi Germany. We conducted a close reading of character, setting, and background as we unwound the complex elements of both historic and experimental fiction. Student’s daily journal responses and reflections will be reviewed at the end of the unit as their ‘project’ for this study. Be sure they are keeping up with said entries and participating fully each day. Rubric will be posted for students soon!
After Spring Break, 7th grade will continue The Book Thief – examining the significance of symbols, illustrations, and poetic language when interpreting historic fiction stories. We will also test on April 11th for the grammar we started this week – be sure to start preparing now!
Social Studies:
Seventh graders continued work on Antebellum America and its impact on the United States going into the Civil War. We discussed the election of 1860 and how it was the point in which the South left the United States. We have also done work on Women’s History month and will finish the week with important women in today’s world. They also began researching and working on their historical research papers on a topic of their choice.
Science:
Seventh graders explored mystery mixtures this week! They learned about the importance of using the chemical formula name, the common name, and the chemical composition when describing a mixture. They also started working on the Seventh Grade Family Cookbook. We will be compiling healthful, delicious recipes into a collection for all to use. The seventh graders also started to read Omnivore’s Dilemma, contemplating the farm system here in America.
Important Dates:
March 31st-April 4th – Spring Break
April 9th- Spread the Word (11:30 Dismissal)
April 18-April 21st – April Break
May 6th – Elementary Pass It On (11:30 dismissal)
May 14th-May 16th – Williamsburg Field Trip
Upcoming Assessments and Deadlines:
April 15th – Math Test
May 12th – Math Test
