Middle School Weekly 10/7/19

Middle School Updates

 

5th Grade

• Religion: We are continuing to explore what a sacrament through sacred art. We will also be discussing the main components of the sacraments. After this overview, we will delve deeper into the specific sacraments.
• History: Students have now been given their Native American Mural Projects – they are working in groups. This projects includes not only a mural but a presentation as well. Final projects are due Wednesday, October 9, 2019.
• Language Arts: We had a busy week last week, and are still working on finishing up with Save Me a Seat. We are in the process of writing a persuasive essay about recess and its benefits. In our writing, we are focusing on organization and word choice, as this impacts our audience. We will continue to expand our vocabulary by working through Unit 4 of our vocabulary book. Students should be reviewing their vocabulary words nightly on Quizlet or Spelling City.
• Science: We have continued to review how to do science, looking at how graphs and charts are helpful in understanding our information. We will continue to review these topics, along with writing conclusions, before the students are released to explore an experiment of their own, following the method.  
• Math: We are going to finish reviewing order of operations and how grouping symbols affect the order that we complete a numerical expression. We will be taking at test on Chapter 1 on Thursday. Students should be reviewing their computation skills nightly.

 

6th Grade

• Religion:  This week we spent some time talking about the virtue we have been focusing on these last couple of weeks, self-control.  We discussed ways that we struggle and how we can work to be better at self-control. We also studied the prayers we say at mass and how they are directly related to Scripture.  Finally, we talked about ways that we can be stewards in our community.
• History:  We spent the first part of the week reviewing for the 6th graders’ first Social Studies test which they took on Wednesday.  This test was open note, however they did not know this ahead of time. I tend to do this toward the beginning of the year to show the students how important it is to take good notes and to stress that this is a good life skill as they will need it throughout their careers as students.  We also reviewed geographic landforms.
• Language Arts:  We continue to spend time each day reading in class so the 6th graders get closer to their weekly reading goal.  Please make sure they are reading each night at home so they are able to accomplish their goal. We continued to work on our narratives this week, as well.  The first draft is due next Friday, October 11.
• Science: Students are continuing to study the organelles of the cell, looking at the complexity that goes into running each of our cells.  Students are working on a project where they are comparing the functions of the cell to the functions of an organization, such as a school or the human body.
• Math: We are continuing our review of rational number (fractions and decimals) computations. There will be a rational number computation test on Thursday. Each night students should practice their math facts to keep their skills sharp.

 

7th Grade

 

• Religion: We are continuing to study Salvation History, reviewing how the Bible has presented us with God’s revelation of his love to humanity and to each student.  We are working through Abraham this week with students researching and presenting each topic.  

 

• History:  This week, the 7th graders spent some time researching the  ancient languages of Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, and Aramaic. They then gave short presentations to the class.  To further our study of ancient religions, we reviewed the history of Christianity, as well.
• Language Arts: We are watching the movie Where the Red Fern Grows – following the movie we will do a compare/contrast piece. Vocabulary returned this week and we are also in Literacy Centers. Ask your son/daughter what they are.
• Science: Students are continuing to study the organelles of the cell, looking at the complexity that goes into running each of our cells.  Students are working on a project where they are comparing the functions of the cell to the functions of an organization, such as a school or the human body.
• Math: We are applying our computation skills involving integers (positive and negative numbers) and rational numbers (fractions and decimals) to real-life situations. We are also exploring the correlation to algebraic expressions and equations. Students should continue to practice their computation skills nightly.

 

8th Grade

• Religion: We are continuing to study Salvation History, reviewing how the Bible has presented us with God’s revelation of his love to humanity and to each student.  We are working through Abraham this week with students researching and presenting each topic.
• History: We are learning about the four different types of government with a little International Study, plus reviewing the American Revolution.
• Language Arts:  We continue to read Animal Farm by George Orwell. This book also ties into our history class. Students are turning in their second revision of My Personal Michigan Hero Essay. Vocabulary has returned this week also.
• Science: Students are learning about how to scale down large distances to manageable distances.  They are creating a cruise line that will travel to the planets in the solar system, connecting their abilities to scale down the solar system with information about the solar system.
• Math: We are applying our computation skills to solving equations that involve multiple steps, with variables on both sides. This process is also connected to real-life situations. Students should continue to practice their skills nightly. This can be done online if they do not have assigned homework from class.

 

Important Dates

 

Tuesday, October 2 – Picture Day

 

Middle Dutch Dance- See Mrs. Coffin or Ms. Garcia with questions

• 6th – 8th graders only
• $25 non-refundable registration fee per dancer, part of this cost is for a t-shirt!
• Redesigned Walchren (girls) and Axel (boys) costumes only (more costume information coming at a later date) These costumes can be worn into HS as long as they fit.
• Register at https://www.tuliptime.com/getinvolved/dutch-dance/middel-dutch-dancers or in person at the Tulip Time office if you are not comfortable paying online.
• Please follow all directions on the registration page so that the registration goes through properly.
• Practice information is on the above webpage.
• We would LOVE to have an MDD program at West Ottawa, Rose Park, and Innocademy. If you know of anyone willing to coach, please have them contact me!
• For any questions about this program, please contact Jennifer Tenpas, kinderdance@tuliptime.com