Enjoy these quotes heard around The Cooper School Middle School during this past week: 

“What I love about The Cooper School is that we don’t just learn in the classroom, we are like a family, learning life things together.” – Margot Schuetze 

“Our school is so inclusive and no one is left out. We all just build each other up.” – Eva McNulty

“It’s good. It’s fun. It’s just a cool place.” – Fin Thompson 

“It’s not like a regular school because we get to be free and express ourselves.” – Zoë Raymer

“Are the students always this amazing? I haven’t enjoyed teaching this much in 20 years!” – Ms. Caroline (French teacher)

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

What’s happening in Social Studies:

Fifth Graders finished up their Chemistry study this week! They transitioned back into Social Studies and began their study about the Renaissance era. They discussed, read, and contemplated the importance of a “new era” after the dark medieval period. Fifth Graders considered how this important period of history bridges the gap between the middle ages and modern day civilizations. They also studied how humanism and Gutenburg’s printing press not only impacted communication and education, but the power of the Catholic Church. The final project that Fifth Graders will be working on for this school year…crazy, huh?…is a research project about influential artists, explorers, scientists, and philosophers of the Renaissance period.

What’s up in Math? 

This week, students have been adding and subtracting fractions. Students have learned about creating common denominators and why that is important and how to create them. Jay showed us how to create improper fractions out of mixed numbers – we have been using that skill all week. Towards the end of the week, we learned how to order and compare fractions on a line plot. We also learned how to use a line plot 🙂 I am excited about getting through the 5th grade benchmarks in the next couple of weeks!  

What’s happening in ELA:

Students continued revising and editing their “Spread the Word” writings. They are rehearsing the sharing of their selected writing. “Spread the Word” will take place on May 4th, starting at 12:30 PM. We hope friends and families will be able to come and support the middle school students in this event. It will take place at The Cooper School outdoor classroom. 

This week, students have also been working on their fantasy book reports. Feel free to check in with your students on how they are doing on their final book report project which will be due on May 5th. 

Important Dates:

May 4: Spread the Word

May 30: Memorial Day- No School

June 3: Last Day of School/ Field Day