Wow! What a great week back from break! We heard so many great memories that were made during break spending time with family. The middle school is currently utilizing Advisory time to focus on gratitude. It has been heartwarming to see what the middle schoolers recognize in their life that they appreciate. 

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

What’s happening in Science?

Sixth graders explored the compound microscopes this week! They learned the different functions, as well as how to use the coarse and fine adjustment to focus their view. Sixth graders brought things from home they wanted to see close up and some of their findings were unexpectedly interesting. They will use their skills to help them investigate the bacteria and fungi they will culture by swabbing different places in the school. Next week, they will learn more about the characteristics of living things.

What’s up in ELA?

Sixth graders are continuing to work on their Deep Study of Character Unit. They are working on their character study book reports in the form of brown bag projects. While your sixth graders are working on their book projects, there will be no reading log homework assignments from November 28th through December 9th. In grammar, they completed week nine grammar and vocabulary lessons/quizzes.  The signed papers that will be sent home on Monday will be for grammar/vocabulary only.

What’s going on in Math?

This week in Math, students have powered through several lessons on adding, subtracting, and multiplying whole numbers. Students have been able to experiment with multiple strategies including area models, partial products, and the standard algorithm. They have been able to proceed with the strategy that feels the best to them. Today, they took a short assessment before we move on to decimal division next week. 

What’s happening in Social Studies?

Students began the week with a review from before break. Students then dove into the unification of China and created a TV interview of Shi Haungdi. Students then concluded the week by completing a jigsaw activity of the Han Dynasty. 

Students will conclude the Chinese Unit next week by completing an assessment on Wednesday. Students will then move into Ancient Greece. Students have shown so much excitement for this upcoming unit. 

Important Dates:

• December 16th: 11:30 Dismissal Pajama Day
• December 17- January 2: Winter Break