The Cooper School Daily
February 16, 2024
Love to Give
As we focus on Valentine’s Day this week, I wanted to share some things that our community loves about the Cooper School! With that being said, I wanted to share mine first. The Cooper School is not like any other school community that I have had the opportunity to be a part of. This community embraces the idea that we are a large family. In any other school environment the likelihood of an eighth grader wanting to interact with a kindergarten student is unheard and here it is the norm.
Zoey F: “It is a small school, therefore, we pretty much know everyone. In a larger school you do not get that opportunity.”
Jack W: “I really like how everyone knows each other, and that everyone is so open and friendly.”
Benton S: “The teachers here really care about the students and are devoted to their work. They are always so happy and it reflects on the students’ moods.”
James: “I like the outdoor breaks because it gives me time to get out some of the energy I have.”
The Cooper School is a special place!
KW
What’s happening in Social Studies?
This week Eighth graders progressed through their World War 1 unit with the focus on the United States entering the war. Students analyzed primary sources, such as the Zimmermann Note, and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. Students then began a debate unit where they are being asked to debate as to which of the European countries should take blame for the war.
Next week, the students will debate which country is to blame for the war before beginning their review for their assessment. Students will move into their new interwar unit towards the end of the week, focusing on life between the two world wars.
What’s happening in ELA?
This week, 8th grade readers finished To Kill a Mockingbird, unpacking its climax, character arcs & foils, and analyzing the final act of the film adaptation. They made finishing touches to their class Archetype Magazine, which will be on display in our classroom and available for viewing during conferences.
Next week, 8th graders will begin a study of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Using tools from No Fear Shakespeare, theatrical experts, and performance study, students will learn key elements of poetry at the 8th grade level. We will eventually use our new knowledge to write our very own sonnets! As is typical with a new unit, we will swap from vocabulary study to grammar work these next four weeks!
What’s happening in Science?
Eighth graders spent the week making sure their conclusions were complete, reports were starting to get polished, and wrapping up research. These past few weeks, they have experienced the scientific process as they collected data, analyzed their results, and contemplated potential application. The eighth graders also started to work on their Science Fair boards. They will have creative freedom to make them fit their personality in a professional manner. We are excited for you to see all of their hard work when they are on display during self assessment conferences, March 4th and 5th.
What’s happening in Math?
This week, 8th graders compared quadratic and exponential functions, used quadratic functions to maximize revenue for a few scenarios, and used diagrams to help rewrite quadratic functions. Next week, we’ll learn how to represent quadratic expressions in both standard and factored form before taking a quiz on Friday.
Important Dates:
February 19th & 20th- February Break (no school)
March 4th & 5th- Self-Assessment Conferences (11:30 dismissal)
Zoey F: “It is a small school, therefore, we pretty much know everyone. In a larger school you do not get that opportunity.”
Jack W: “I really like how everyone knows each other, and that everyone is so open and friendly.”
Benton S: “The teachers here really care about the students and are devoted to their work. They are always so happy and it reflects on the students’ moods.”
James: “I like the outdoor breaks because it gives me time to get out some of the energy I have.”
The Cooper School is a special place!
KW
What’s happening in Social Studies?
This week Eighth graders progressed through their World War 1 unit with the focus on the United States entering the war. Students analyzed primary sources, such as the Zimmermann Note, and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. Students then began a debate unit where they are being asked to debate as to which of the European countries should take blame for the war.
Next week, the students will debate which country is to blame for the war before beginning their review for their assessment. Students will move into their new interwar unit towards the end of the week, focusing on life between the two world wars.
What’s happening in ELA?
This week, 8th grade readers finished To Kill a Mockingbird, unpacking its climax, character arcs & foils, and analyzing the final act of the film adaptation. They made finishing touches to their class Archetype Magazine, which will be on display in our classroom and available for viewing during conferences.
Next week, 8th graders will begin a study of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Using tools from No Fear Shakespeare, theatrical experts, and performance study, students will learn key elements of poetry at the 8th grade level. We will eventually use our new knowledge to write our very own sonnets! As is typical with a new unit, we will swap from vocabulary study to grammar work these next four weeks!
What’s happening in Science?
Eighth graders spent the week making sure their conclusions were complete, reports were starting to get polished, and wrapping up research. These past few weeks, they have experienced the scientific process as they collected data, analyzed their results, and contemplated potential application. The eighth graders also started to work on their Science Fair boards. They will have creative freedom to make them fit their personality in a professional manner. We are excited for you to see all of their hard work when they are on display during self assessment conferences, March 4th and 5th.
What’s happening in Math?
This week, 8th graders compared quadratic and exponential functions, used quadratic functions to maximize revenue for a few scenarios, and used diagrams to help rewrite quadratic functions. Next week, we’ll learn how to represent quadratic expressions in both standard and factored form before taking a quiz on Friday.
Important Dates:
February 19th & 20th- February Break (no school)
March 4th & 5th- Self-Assessment Conferences (11:30 dismissal)