One of the most intriguing elements of our middle school program is the opportunity for each grade to go on a grade level trip. 5th grade heads towards the mountains, 6th into the magic world of Disney, 7th to space (camp), and 8th to our nation’s gorgeous capital. On the surface level, one could look at these excursions as “just a fun trip,” but the Cooper School is far from the surface level. My hope is that each hike, every roller coaster, all gazes through telescopes, and every step across presidential lawns will follow the tenets of project based, experiential, progressive learning. That is to say, I hope our sixth graders see the elements of storytelling in every ride they stand in line for. I hope our 5th graders see complex problem solving in the simple act of building a campfire. I hope our seventh graders see science and math constantly colliding as they tinker with model rockets. I hope, I really hope, our 8th graders see themselves in that capital – as engaged citizens, as future stakeholders, as reformers, as leaders.

So wish us bon voyage over the next couple of weeks! May our travels be safe! May we dive deep into what the world has to offer and what we have to offer the world!

~MK



What’s happening in Social Studies?
This week, the 8th graders finished their Cold War unit! Students completed their assessment for this unit on Friday.

Next week, the students will be taking their ERB tests before we head off to Washington, DC! We will return for a quick, highly requested by the 8th graders, geography study!

What’s happening in ELA?
8th grade readers started a new unit in dystopian fiction this week. We unpacked the elements of dystopian writing and asked what dystopian fiction seeks to critique in society. Readers analyzed stories like The Lottery and The Examination. We asked about power dynamics, systematic issues, and twists within those stories and compared them to the historical context in which they were written. 8th grade also heavily reviewed grammar, vocabulary, and ERB questions in preparation for the end of the year.

Next week, Ms. Maggie will be out of town chaperoning the 6th grade Disney trip!! 8th grade will be taking their ERB tests and hanging out with Ms. Lindsay and Mr. Kevin. We will pick dystopia back up upon Maggie’s return and after the DC trip.


What’s happening in Science?
Eighth graders finalized their evolution unit. They studied and took their final test Friday…Whoop Whoop! They also utilized the engineering process by developing their own rice crispy treat recipe. They contemplated ingredients, steps to take, and if they should alter their recipe based on taste testing. The eighth graders also presented their projects about plants that changed history. Next week, they will take ERB tests and enjoy some nature time with me and Kevin at Hampton Park and Demeter Park before heading to DC.

What’s happening in Math?
This week, 8th graders began a slew of Algebra 1 reviews to help solidify, clarify, and master our Algebra 1 skills! Next week, they’ll take their ERBs before heading to DC the following week. When all of that wraps up, we’ll finish up with a bit more review in the final 2 weeks!

Important Dates:
May 9: 11:30 dismissal (Pass It On for Elementary School)
May 6-9: 6th Grade Orlando Trip
May 8th-10th: 7th Grade Space Camp Trip
May 13th-16th: 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip
May 14th-17th: 5th Grade GRP Trip
May 24th: Teacher Work Day (No School)
May 27th: Memorial Day (No School)
May 30th: 11:30 Dismissal & 8th Grade Graduation
May 31st: Field Day & 11:30 Dismissal