Can you see him? The racoon? I spotted this little buddy while walking this week. As I watched him climb super high into the tree, in amazement, honestly, I was in disbelief how much he blended in when he paused. It made me think about how animals’ instinctual adaptations and understanding of learned behaviors have evolved for survival. Us humans, also animals, are included in these beautiful adaptations. Every day, the middle school teachers come to school not only to teach, but also to guide how to be self-regulated, functioning middle school students, who understand what behaviors are appropriate for school in and out of the classroom.

Kids just want to fit in, and this little raccoon reminded me of the importance of all of us animals using camouflage for survival. I witness kids trying out new behaviors. I see boys coming in with new haircuts, girls with the latest make-up trends, the same shoes, the same ole shorts, and of course, similar slang. Are these trends authentic? Some of it, maybe? At least our Cooper kids are about as authentic as middle school kids go. But even if it isn’t…is that developmentally appropriate?

According to an article, found in Frontiers Psychology, “We Copy to Join in, to Not Be Lonely, “ imitation behavior occurs throughout our lifetime. However, the adolescent tendency to copy peers is not only for protective purposes, but also to form a community of their own to counterbalance rejection and create their own rules of belonging. They’re figuring out who they are and copying others can help them explore potential roles. Interestingly, they don’t just copy each other, but they copy adults they trust in their life. They look to adults to learn how to be one. No pressure, right guys?

So, when your son or daughter walks into the kitchen with a ridiculous looking hairdo, just know they are doing what they should be. And if they want to borrow your shoes, you know that you are too 🙂

LD



Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes:


What’s happening in Science?
Seventh graders learned about kinetic energy this week! They considered what happens to the kinetic energy and temperature when hot water and cold mix. They conceptualized on the particle level what the molecules would be doing inside of their cup. The seventh graders also compared and contrasted the different types of energy transfer and where they occur in their daily lives. Next week, the seventh graders will continue to work on their interactive periodic table of elements and more about the substances and how they interact here on Earth.
What’s up in Math?
This week, 7th graders explored the relationship between cylinders, cones, and spheres, and took a test over these on Thursday! After Spring Break, we will explore exponents, their laws, and how to perform different operations with them!

What’s happening in ELA?
7th graders began a comic book writing unit this week. We studied mentor graphic novels and selected novels to read throughout our writing process as inspiration. Writers learned the process of doodling to develop character, crafting loglines for story concepts, building worlds through sketching, and drafting an outline of their story in prose.


After Spring Break, graphic novelists will start outlining and drafting their first panels of their story concepts while developing their cartooning skills.

What’s going on in Social Studies?
Seventh graders dove into the Civil War this week. Students studied different major battles of the war while also being challenged to create a timeline of the battles! Students were then asked to reflect upon the different battles into a diary entry of a soldier in the war!

After Spring Break, the students will read a portion of the Emancipation Proclamation and be asked to analyze the portion to the best of their ability. Students will then participate in a “race” in order to assess their knowledge of the different northern and southern characteristics.


Important Dates:
March 23-April 1: Spring Break
April 10: Spread the Word- 11:30 Dismissal