9.17 Humanities

Students need to revise their "Who I Admire" narratives over the weekend. All but 10 students have the ability to make corrections and changes using teacher/peer feedback.

Additionally, all students should be sure they included a fourth paragraph that directly relates their person to 2 Habits of Mind.

Have a great weekend!

9/16 Science

Generate a list of 10 scientific questions in your journal. Bring the list with you to class for Monday, 9/20

9/15 Science

Students should complete the "3-types of variables" worksheet for homework tonight. This assignment is due tomorrow, September 16th.

9/9 Science

Students are to write down 5 questions and/or observations of the world around them in their science journals. This assignment is due 9/13/10. Enjoy the 3-day weekend!

9/7 Science Homework

Students should answer the 5 reflection card questions on persistence. The reflection card will be collected at the beginning of class tomorrow (Wednesday, 9/8)

FYI

Homework clinic and the afterschool bus start up again on Monday, September 13th. Both operate Monday through Thursday. Hours for the homework clinic are 2:35-4:00. The afterschool bus leaves school at 4:00. A list of dropoff locations for the afterschool bus can be made available to those interested upon request. All students are encouraged to take advantage of these resources as needed!

Welcome to Team Apollo!

We hope you are as excited as we are about the upcoming school year! We are greatly looking forward to getting reacquainted with our eighth graders, and to building new relationships with our seventh grade team members. These connections will help us to foster a strong and supportive team community.

In the spirit of that community, this letter contains important information that will explain some of our team norms. These expectations are meant to honor a productive and respectful learning environment. We encourage you to discuss these norms with your student/parent/guardian.

Food and Drink
We encourage students to bring healthy snacks and drinks to class. Research has shown that healthy snacking during the school day improves student learning. Please do not send junk food, soda, or energy drinks

Cell Phones and Electronics
Cell phones and electronics can be a source of distraction in the classroom. For this reason, we ask that students keep their cell phones and electronics off and put away. Teachers will grant permission for the use of these devices when appropriate. Inappropriate use of electronics will result in confiscation. If you need to reach your child, please call the school at 893-3230. Likewise, if your child needs to reach you during the day, he or she will have access to a school phone.

Homework
Please check this Apollo Team Blog, where we will post all assignments and other important messages.

Home-School Communication
We believe that home-school partnership is vital in supporting your child's success. Your student’s advisory teacher will serve as the primary contact for team-wide issues. Celebrations and concerns expressed by the Advisory teacher are shared by all teachers on the team. In situations specific to one class, that classroom teacher will contact you directly. Of course, we encourage you to keep in contact with us.

We anticipate that this school year will be a successful one for your student! As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with your contributions or concerns via telephone or email. Here’s to a great school year ahead!

The Teachers of Team Apollo

THANK YOU!

Dear Apollo Students, Parents, and Teachers,

Before you leave to enjoy your summer, I wanted to thank all of you for such a wonderful student teaching experience. Every one of you has taught me something and made a difference in my life. I truly cannot thank you enough for being so welcoming and supportive during my time at Milton. You are a wonderful group of people.

Those of you becoming 9th graders today, CONGRATS! Good luck in High School!! I know you all will do great things! Remember to do your best and have fun!

Those of you moving on to 8th grade, keep working hard and making your Apollo teachers proud! I know you will make next year a great one!

Have an awesome summer! Hopefully I will see all of you again one day. It has been a true pleasure working with each and every one of you!

Keep up the great work! I will never forget the great time I had a Milton!

Thank you again!

-Miss. Licari

FUTURIST CONVENTION THIS FRIDAY

Apollo students have been working diligently as Futurists these past few weeks. In our Futurology unit, students have become experts in the study of trends of the past and present, as they develop a prediction for an object or idea twenty years into the future. Students have applied prior learning from each of their core classes in this grand finale of the school year.

We cordially invite you to our Futurist Convention, on Friday June 11 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM in the school cafeteria, where students will present their visions of the future!

If you are able to attend, please RSVP (ncaswell@mtsd-vt.org) so we have a sense of how many guests to expect.

We'll see you in the future!

Science

Students and parents are highly encouraged to log onto powerschool to find out student grades and what assignments they may owe. Students should meet with me to make up any missing work before the end of the marking quarter. I will accept assignments up until Thursday 6/10. This week, I will contact parents/guardians of students who have D's/F's in science class. As always, if you have any questions, please contact me at rdecicco@mtsd-vt.org or 893-3230 x322.

5/28 7th grade field trip

Please be advised that our 7th grade field trip to Quarry Hill has been changed to the Sandbar. Quarry Hill experienced some damage from yesterday's thunderstorm and their pool is out of service. Our trip to the Sandbar will be the same amount of money or less as the trip to Quarry Hill. So, there will be no additional costs associated with the switch. Students will return in time for dismissal tomorrow. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 893-3230 X322 or rdecicco@mtsd-vt.org. We appreciate your flexibility and hope that tomorrow's trip will be a success.

Community service

A special thanks to all 7th graders who contributed meaningfully to their community today! Milton Parks and Recreation were very thankful for the service that we provided! Thanks again.

7th Community Service

Dear Parent/Guardian of a 7th grader,

On Thursday (5/27) of this week, 7th grade students will perform community service at Middle Road park. Students will clean the park grounds, dig holes for fence posts, and other low-impact jobs for Milton's Parks and Recreation Department. Students should dress appropriately for the day (clothing that can get dirty, a light t-shirt, no sandals/flip flops, etc...) and are encouraged to bring water, a snack and sunblock to prevent sunburning. All students are expected to participate at a level that they are comfortable with. There's a variety of jobs to accommodate the needs/desires of all of our students.

Our service is weather-dependent! There is a chance of rain for Thursday's forecast. If it rains, then we will NOT perform community service at the park. We may perform service around the school and/or other alternative activities on school grounds. Either way, students will be back in time for lunch and dismissal at the end of the day. Our team enjoyed performing service for the park last year. This year should also be a hit!

If you have any questions or reservations, feel free to contact me at:

rdecicco@mtsd-vt.org

893-3230 X322

Health Alert

There are 2 reported cases of the chicken pox in the middle school. If your son or daughter is not feeling well and has spots/blisters that itch, please keep them home! This is especially important as 8th grade students get ready for Boston and 7th graders for Quarry Hill. For more information on chicken pox, please click the following link

5.19 Maths

Tests
7th and 8th grade classes will be writing tests on Thursday. 7th grade test will be on linear relationships in tables, graphs, words and equations. 8th grade test will be on equivalent expressions and solving multi-step equations.

5/19 science

8th graders completed the science NECAP today. I'd like to thank each student individually for all their hard work throughout the school year and for trying their best on the test. While there is always more work that can be done, I think that our scores will reflect our hard work and effort! Thanks again!

Friendly reminder: The genetics report is due on Friday 5/21 for 7th graders!

Summer Opportunity

Check out the Teen Congress 2010 brochure.

5.18 Maths

8th Grade
Thank you for all your hard work on the NECAP test today!

7th Grade
Students turned in their Math Reflections 2 and 4 today, and practiced working with slope and y-intercept in equations, graphs, tables and word problems.

5.17 Maths

8th Grade
Students are solidifying their mastery of solving linear equations. Depending on readiness, students are either practicing solving linear equations on a labsheet, or extending their learning to quadratic equations in Problems 3.3 and 3.4.
*there will be a unit test on Thursday*

7th Grade
Students are summarizing their understanding of linear relationships in Math Reflections 2(#1) and 4(#1, 2). The Math Reflections assignment is due at the beginning of class on Tuesday.

5/17 Science

This is a big week for students in Apollo science. On Tuesday and Wednesday, 8th grade students will take the science NECAP. The test covers what students have learned in 6th, 7th & 8th grade. Students should get plenty of rest the night before and should try to have a small breakfast in the morning. As always, students are encouraged to try their best!

Depending on the grade level, the genetics report is due at different times. For 8th grade, the report is due on Tuesday 5/18. For 7th grade, the report is due this Friday 5/21.

8th Grade Celebration

8th grade students and their families are reminded of the 8th grade celebration on June 11 at 6:00pm in the auditorium. Dance to follow.

5.14 Maths

8th Grade
Due to a modified schedule today, 8th grade students did not have math class.

7th Grade
Students began to summarize their understanding of linear relationships and y=mx+b in the following Mathematical Reflections assignment: #1 page 45, #1 and 2 page 89. #1 page 45 should be completed before class on Monday.

5.13 Humanities

Finish Western settler profile for Monday, May 17th. Be sure to answer all the questions required before designing your project. Your classmates should be able to answer the questions required about your settler from your presentation.

5/12 Science

At this point, students should have a thesis statement and ideas for supporting paragraphs. If not, they must complete that for homework. For those students who have this part completed, they can start writing out their report. Report is due Monday 5/17 at the beginning of class.

5.12 Maths

8th Grade

Students went over 3ACE problem 1 as a class. Students began problem 3.2. The following practice is assigned:

8-1: Label pieces of the "Tile and Beyond" equation.

8-2: Finish 3.2 A 1 & 2

7th Grade

Students finished problem 4.2 and began reviewing linear relationships. The following practice is assigned: 4ACE # 8-12

5.11 Maths

8th Grade
Students continue to practice solving equations and combining expressions to solve problems. All students must have completed 4ACE #1 before class on Wednesday.

7th Grade
Students are learning how to find the slope of a line from the rise and run of a linear graph or table in Problem 4.2. Students must have completed Labsheet 4.2 before class on Wednesday.

5.10 Maths

8th Grade
Students continue to apply much of their prior learning from this year to the algebraic problem solving in Problem 3.1. Students must have completed the entire Problem 3.1 before class on Tuesday.

7th Grade
In Problem 4.1, students acted as building inspectors to determine the ratio of rise to run of the stairs in the middle school. This is our introduction to rise and run as slope of a line. The following practice is assigned: 2ACE # 5, 8, 16, 42.

5/10 Science

Apollo students started a week-long genetics report today in class. The assignment overview can be found by clicking the following link. For homework tonight, students are expected to choose an area of interest and decide what point of view they most closely align themselves with. Tomorrow in class, we will write a thesis statement that expresses this point of view and will serve as a theme for the report.

5.7 Maths

8th Grade
We have started Investigation 3 where students will revisit how to formally solve equations, and then use these strategies to solve complex problems. No practice is assigned.

7th Grade
Students completed Problem 2.4, where they explored relationships between tables, graphs and equations of linear functions. Students should complete 2ACE #5.

5/6 Science

Students should complete the "Peppered Moth Simulation" Lab for homework (all questions except #4). Due Friday 5/7

5.6 Maths

8th Grade
Students continue combining expressions and using equations to solve complex problems in Problem 2.2. The following practice is assigned:
R2 - 2ACE #9, 19, 20
R3 - 2 ACE #6-8, 19, 20

7th Grade
Students continue exploring the relationship between equations, tables and graphs for linear relationships in Problem 2.4. Students are expected to complete question B before class tomorrow.

5.5 Maths

8th Grade
Students continue to practice combining expressions to solve problems. Today we started problem 2.2. Students should complete questions A and B.1. before class tomorrow.

7th Grade
Students are exploring the relationship between equations, tables and graphs in problem 2.4. The following practice is assigned: 2ACE #11-14.

5.4 Humanities

Homework 1 -- Find a song (print lyrics or find a way to play it for class) that talks about moving west, going west, life in the west or describes a western state.

Homework 2 -- Choose 3 words from scramble list and write a Super 6 paragraph describing conditions of the country during Reconstruction (1865-77 after Civil War).

5/4 Science

Students should:
1) Meet with me or log onto powerschool to find out their grade in science.
2) Make up any missing work.
3) Write a paragraph in super 5 format that answers these focus questions, "what role does each parent play in the inheritance of traits?" and "what role does chance play in the inheritance of traits?" Assignment is due at the beginning of class tomorrow and may be collected.

BOSTON Reminder (8th Grade)

The second $50 payment for the 8th grade Boston trip is due this Wednesday. Because we did not quite meet our fundraising target, the total cost for each student is $100.

*No student will be denied the experience for financial reasons. If you have financial concerns, contact your student's advisory teacher.*

5.4 Maths

8th Grade
Students have begun working on Investigation 2, which focuses on combining expressions to simplify problem solving. Problems in this investigation require students to exercise much of their learning from the past two years. The following practice is assigned:
R2 2ACE #1, 13, 14, 16
R3 2ACE #13, 14, 16, 38

7th Grade
Students were introduced to the formal algebra concepts of slope, y-intercept, and y=mx + b, and then explored these concepts in Problem 2.3. Students should complete all of question A before doing the following practice:
R2 2ACE #2, 10, 39
R3 2ACE #2, 9, 39

5/3 Science

Welcome Back!
We are continuing our investigation into the inheritance of traits. Students should:
1) Meet with me or log onto powerschool to check their grade in science and find out if they owe any assignments
2) Make up missing work
3) Use a punnett square to determine the probability of tall and short offspring in a Tt X tt crossing. Due tomorrow, Tuesday 5/4.

5.3 Maths

Welcome back! Mr. C. is excited to be back in the classroom.

8th Grade
Students prepared and presented lessons to review the following concepts: the Distributive Property, the Commutative Property, Order of Operations, and Combining Like Terms.

7th Grade
We dove right back into exploring linear relationships in Moving Straight Ahead, Problem 2.2.

4.22 Maths

8th Grade

Students took an assessment today. After students finished the assessment, they self-corrected the assessment. There is no practice assigned.

7th Grade

Students took a look back at their walking rates. Students began problem 2.1 "Finding Points of Intersection". For practice, students should finish question A.

4.21 Maths

8th Grade

Students played review games today and were able to ask any questions they had about the topics covered in the last few days. There will be an assessment tomorrow on the following topics:

• Equivalent expression
• Distributive property
• Commutative property
• Combining like terms
• Finding common factors

Students will not be allowed to use their note on the assessment tomorrow.

7th Grade

Students took a quiz on linear relationships today. No practice is assigned.

4.20 & 4.21 Humanities

1. On the back of your warm-up map, give a written response to the question, "Do you agree with both big ideas [1. As more states entered the Union, it became more difficult to maintain the balance of power between free states and slave states, 2. Southern states felt secession--leaving the country to form a new country--was necessary since Southern states' interests were not represented in the national government], why or why not?" Give proof!

2. Read article, "The Once and Future public of Vermont" and do annotated reading notes.

4.20 Maths

8th Grade

Students reviewed combining like terms and finding a common factor. Tomorrow we will look closer at the distributive property. There will be an assessment on Thursday that will be on the three topics listed above.

7th Grade

Students finished up problem 1.4. There will be a quiz on linear relationships tomorrow, April 21st.

4/20 Science

1) Students can make corrections on their human body quizzes but should meet with me first.

2) write a paragraph in your science journl describing how you are alike/unlike your parents. Choose a trait or two that you discussed in science class today and elaborate on it. Due 4/21.

4.19 Maths

8th Grade

8-1 Students finished up their quizzes from Friday and reviewed how to combine like terms. The following practice is assigned: 1ACE #10, 11, 13

8-2 Students began a quiz on the distributive property and equivalent expressions. Due to disruption in class, students were unable to complete the task at hand. For practice students must come to class with at least one question about the concepts we are working with right now.

7th Grade

7th Grade will have a quiz on linear relationships on Wednesday, April 21st.

7-1 Students worked on using linear relationships in problem 1.3. For practice, students should finished question B # 1 & 2 in 1.3.

7-2 Students finished up problem 1.3 and began problem 1.4, "Recognizing Linear Relationships". The following practice is assigned , 1.4 question c.

4/19 Science

1) Students received back their Human Body Systems quizzes in science today. Students interested in making corrections should meet with me first to review their quiz and develop a plan for corrections. Quiz corrections due by Friday (4/23).

2) Please bring in a family photo of you, your parents/guardians, siblings, and extended family (if possible) due tomorrow, Tuesday (4/20).

4/16 Science

Students should complete all parts of the sugar cube lab for Monday April 19th.

4.16 Maths

8th Grade
Students in 8-1 took a quiz on equivalent expressions. Students in 8-2 reviewed for the same quiz that they will have on Monday.

7th Grade
Students began problem 1.3 which we will finish in class on Monday. If students have not finished their graph of their groups running rate they must do so for Monday.

4.15 Maths

8th Grade

Students finished problem 1.4 "Diving In" in class today. As a class, we reviewed equivalent expressions, finding common factors, adding and subtracting like terms, and the commutative and distributive property. Students will have a quiz on investigation one tomorrow.

7th Grade

Today, students finished on problem 1.2 using walking rates. We began problem 1.3 "Using Linear Relationships" and we will continue using linear relationships tomorrow.

4.14 Maths

8th Grade

Students worked on problem 1.4 "Diving In" in class today. We finished up our review the distributive property. The following practice is assigned: Finish 1.4 through D.

STUDENT REMINDER: Re-do for the Frogs, Fleas, and Painted Cubes unit test TOMORROW during recess and SSR.

7th Grade

Today, students worked on problem 1.2 using walking rates. We will continue our work with linear relationships tomorrow. The following practice is assigned : R2 - 1ACE # 4, R3 1ACE # 30

STUDENT REMINDER: Re-do for the Accentuate the Negative unit test TOMORROW during recess and SSR.

4/14 Science

Human Body Unit Quiz tomorrow (Thursday, 4/15). The quiz consists of 10 questions in a true/false, fill in the blank & short answer format. Students are encouraged to use their class notes, assignments and the human body page on the wiki to help review for the quiz.

4/13 Science

Students will have a 10 question quiz on the human body this Thursday (4/15). They can use their notes, assignments, and the wiki (human body systems unit page) to help them prepare for it.

4.13 Maths

8th Grade

Students completed problem 1.3 in class today. We began reviewing the distributive and commutative properties along with the order of operations. This discussion and graphic organizer will be a nice launch into problem 1.4 "Diving In". The following practice is assigned: 1ACE # 5 & 6

STUDENT REMINDER: You must attend a study session after school Wednesday April 14, 2010 in order to take a re-do of the Frogs, Fleas, and Painted Cubes unit test.

7th Grade

Today, students finished problem 1.1 using their walking rates. We began problem 1.2 as a class and students finished making a data table. If this was not completed in class please do so for tomorrow.
The following practice is assigned : 1ACE # 1 & 2

STUDENT REMINDER: You must attend a study session after school Wednesday April 14, 2010 in order to take a re-do of the Accentuate the Negative unit test.

4/12 Science

Students will have a 10 question quiz on the human body this Thursday (4/15). They can use their notes, assignments, and the wiki (human body systems unit page) to help them prepare for it.

4.12 Maths

8th Grade

Students used their prior knowledge of circles to design a new pool given the area. Students worked with their groups to complete problem 1.3 "The Community Pool". As a class, we will summarize our findings tomorrow. The following practice is assigned: 1ACE # 5 & 6

Students were also given the following information today...

Re-do Directions for Frogs, Fleas and Painted Cubes Unit Test

1. You must make corrections to your unit test and bring them to the study session

2. You must attend a study session after school Wednesday April 14, 2010

3. The RE-DO will be Thursday April 15, 2010 during SSR and practice time.

You must attend the study session in order to take the redo.

7th Grade

Students received their Accentuate the Negative unit test. Do-over directions as follows:

Re-do Directions for Accentuate the Negative Unit Test

1. You must make corrections to your unit test and bring them to the study session

2. You must attend a study session after school Wednesday April 14, 2010

3. The RE-DO will be Thursday April 15, 2010 during SSR and practice time.

You must attend the study session in order to take the redo.

We will be looking at linear relationships in our new book "Moving Straight Ahead". Today, students discovered their walking rates. Students calculated the unit rates of meters per second and seconds per meter. We will use this information to discover a linear relationship tomorrow. The following practice is assigned : 1ACE # 1 & 2

4.8 Maths

8th Grade

Students completed their work with problem 1.1, "Writing Equivalent Expressions". The following practice is assigned: 1ACE 1 or 2 & 19, 20

7th Grade

Students took a unit test on integers and rational numbers. No practice is assigned.

4/7 Science

Students should have a completed human body project by now. If not, complete it for homework. We will be evaluating them in class tomorrow.

4.7 Maths

8th Grade
Students received a new book today, "Say it With Symbols". As a class, we took a look at equivalent expressions for the perimeter of a rectangle. Students began problem 1.1 Writing Equivalent Expressions. No practice is assigned.

7th Grade
Students finished up their integer unit. Students reviewd and summarized thier learning for each investigation. Tomorrow, each group will have a unit test. Practice is as follows:
Group A - Review for test
Group B - 3ACE #4abc & 8abc
Group C - 4ACE #4abc & 7abc

4/6 Science

Students should complete the lab they did in class today for homework. It is due at the beginning of class tomorrow, Wednesday 4/7.

Students should also complete their human body project on the wiki for class on Thursday 4/8. We will be self-evaluating them in class and conferencing with students to discuss their work.

4.6 Maths

8th Grade

Students took a unit test today. There is no practice assigned.

7th Grade

Students worked in their integer groups. Students practiced their skill work today and went over their work in their groups. No practice is assigned.

4.5 Maths

8th Grade

Today, students worked on math reflection 2. Students continued reviewing for their unit test. The test will be tomorrow Tuesday, April 6th.

The following practice is assigned - finish math reflection 2 - Due tomorrow in class.

7th Grade

Today, students worked in their integer groups. Students worked on the following...
Group A - Students worked on Problem 2.2 - Adding integers - No practice is assigned.
Group B - Students worked on Problem 3.3 or 3.4 - Dividing integers - The following practice is assigned: (7-1)finish problem 3.3, we will go over this in class on Wednesday.
Group C - Students worked on Problem 4.3 - The following practice is assigned: finish 4.3 C & D

4.2 Maths

8th Grade

Today, students went over practice and finished problem 2.4. Students began reviewing for their unit test on Tuesday, April 6th and began Math Reflection 2. There is no practice assigned.

7th Grade

Today, students worked in their integer groups. Students worked on the following...
Group A - Students worked on Problem 2.2 - Adding integers
Group B - Students worked on Problem 3.2 or 3.3 - Multiplying and Dividing integers.
Group C - Students continued their work on Problem 4.2

No practice is assigned.

8th Grade

Today, students continued working on problem 2.4. Students looked at factoring expressions in expanded form. The following practice is assigned: Finish problem 2.4 E.

7th Grade

Today, students worked in their integer groups. Students worked on the following...
Group A - Students began Problem 2.2 - Adding integers
Group B - Student's took a quiz and began Problem 3.1
Group C - Students finished up problem 4.1 and summarized their findings. We launched problem 4.2 as a group.

No practice is assigned.

3/31 Science

With only 2 days left to the 3rd Quarter, students should be:
1) Making up missing work
2) Performing cells test corrections
3) Finishing up the Human Body Project

3.31 Maths

8th Grade

Students explored problem 2.4, "Factoring Quadratic Expressions." This problem develops further understanding of the distributive property. There is no practice assigned.

7th Grade

Students worked in their integer groups again today.

Group A - worked on Problem 2.1 - No practice
Group B - worked on Problem 2.5 - Practice - Review packet - QUIZ TOMORROW!
Group C - Took a quiz and moved on to problem 4.1 "Order of Operations" - Practice - Complete MR 3 - MR 3 is due tomorrow!

3.30 Maths

8th Grade -

Students explored the distributive property today as they worked through problem 2.3. We will finish and summarize problem 2.3 tomorrow. The following practice is assigned: Problem 2.3 D.

7th Grade -

Students worked in their integer groups again today.

Group A - worked on Problem 2.1 - Practice - 2ACE # 2, 3
Group B - worked on Problem 2.3 - Practice - 2ACE # 10, 11, 12
Group C - worked on additional practice and Math Reflection 3 to review for the quiz tomorrow. Practice - Work on additional practice packet and MR3. We will finish MR3 tomorrow in class.

(For those students who did Problem 2.2 - practice - 2ACE #6, 7, 32 )

Group C will have a quiz tomorrow!

URGENT: 50/50 Raffle

Team I-Leap is in the final stages of our 50/50 raffle fundraiser for the 8th Grade Trip to Boston. We will be drawing the winning ticket this Thursday evening at the Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at the Middle/High School (Dinner begins at 5:00 PM). Tickets are $20 each and the jackpot is already over $1000 with tickets sales increasing rapidly each day. We will only sell 500 tickets guaranteeing the odds of winning to be 1 in 500 or better with a jackpot of up to $5000. Please either purchase your tickets by contacting your favorite Middle School student or you can contact the I-Leap team teachers directly at the email addresses at the bottom of the page. We will sell any remaining tickets at the Spaghetti Dinner, but cannot guarantee their availability.

Thank you,

Tom Keblin
tkeblin@mtsd-vt.org

Pete Wyndorf
pwyndorf@mtsd-vt.org

3.29 Maths

8th Grade -

Students finished up problem 2.2. Some began problem 2.3, "The Distributive Property". The following practice is assigned: 2ACE # 2-4, 16

7th Grade -

Students worked in their integer groups again today.

Group A - worked on Problem 1.4 - Practice - 1ACE # 6, 8, 48
Group B - worked on Problem 2.2/2.3 - Practice - 2ACE # 6, 7, 32
Group C - worked on Problem 3.4 - Practice - 3ACE # 12-17, 19

Group B & C will have a quiz on Wednesday, March 31, 2010

3/29 Science

This is the last week of Q3. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their teachers to find out how they are doing. Along those lines, students were given a progress report in science today. The progress report should be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to science class.

Other homework includes:
1) Make up missing work
2) Cells test corrections
3) Wiki Project day 6: Tags and comments on other people's systems.

3/26 Science

Students should be finished with wiki parts I & II by friday (day 3 & 4 on the project.) If not, please complete it for homework or during our midday block. If anyone has any questions or feels like they are unable to meet this deadline, please speak with me.

3.26 Math

8th Grade

Students explored equivalent quadratic expressions. We looked closely at representing quadratic relationships in both expanded and factored forms. No practice is assigned.

7th Grade

Students worked in their integer groups again today. Comparing and Scaling Unit Project was handed back today. Students who have not handed it in must do so by Monday. Students may revise their write ups, these are due on Monday as well. There is no practice assigned.

3.25 Maths

8th Grade

Students began investigation 2 today. In this investigations students will be exploring quadratic expressions. We began with problem 2.1 which focused on equivalent expressions to represent areas of rectangles. Students should complete problem 2.1 before class on Friday.

7th Grade

Students continued in their integer groups. Students worked on the problems listed below and the following practice is assigned.

Group A - worked on Problem 1.2 - Practice - 1ACE # 9-19
Group B - worked on Problem 2.1 - Practice - 2ACE # 1-3
Group C - worked on Problem 3.2 - Practice - 3ACE # 4-6

3.24 Maths

8th Grade
Students took a check-up quiz on writing quadratic equations to model the relationship between side length and area of rectangles with fixed perimeter. The grade for this quiz is entered in PowerSchool under the two separate skills assessed - 1. writing equations; and 2. interpreting models of quadratic relationships.

7th Grade
We had a good collaborative discussion about classroom norms today. Students will resume their study of integers on Thursday.

3/24 Science

Depending on where students are at with their research, students may or may not have homework tonight. If students have NOT finished day 3's research and write up (see project overview), then they should complete it as homework (either at home or at school during our midday block.)

3/23 Science

Students should complete their body system's background research and drawing, if they did not finish it during class.  Tomorrow, we will use the information from their research to start building a wiki page for others to view.

Students should also:

1)  Complete "Feel The Beat" assessment.

2)  Make cells test corrections.

3)  Make up any missing work. 

3.23 Maths

8th Grade

Students finished problem 1.3 in class. The following practice is assigned:

R2 1ACE #6-8

R3 1ACE #8, 13

If you did not finish problem 1.3, please do so for practice.

7th Grade

Students began work in "Accentuate the Negative". Students were grouped based on a pre-assessment given last week. The following practice was assigned...

Group A - worked on Problem 1.1 - Practice - 1ACE #6-8, 48

Group B - worked on Problem 3.1 - Practice - 3ACE # 2, 3, 30

Group C - worked on Problem 1.4 - Practice - 1ACE #35, 36, 37

Personal Research Essay

We are about to being a personal response paper that demonstrates a point of view based on the struggle you chose. On the wiki you will find a writing guide for the personal response, which is the same outline received in class. Also, you will find general questions to consider that should help you determine what needs to be in each paragraph. If you have not yet met with Mrs. Endres or Mrs. Bakr to outline your essay please make sure that you do. In this meeting you will assisted in designing the flow of the essay.

Remember:

• Make sure every pararaph has your reaction or personal connection to the topic of the paragraph.
• You must also make sure that every paragraph supports your point of view.
• Most impotrantly, leave your reader with something to think about.

3/22 Science

Students began a research project where they are expected to become "experts" on a particular body system.  This week, students will study a body system, create a wiki page that displays their research for others to view and create 'tags' on their wiki page that connects their body system to the other body systems.  For an overview of the project, check out number 8 on the human body page in the science folder.  Students are expected to connect their research to the larger idea of homeostasis (how the body maintains a healthy balance among these systems) and offer suggestions to others on how to keep this system healthy.

students can also:

1) Make up missing work.

2) Make cell test corrections.

3) Complete the "Feel The Beat" Inquiry Assessment.

3.22 Maths

8th Grade
In class, students reviewed their learning from Problem 1.2, and began Problem 1.3 where they are introduced to equations for quadratic relationships. No practice is assigned.

7th Grade
Today, students cleaned out their binders and got their new books, "Accentuate the Negative". As a class, we explored our new book. There is no practice tonight.

3.19 Maths

7th Grade

Today, students shared their scale building projects with each other and had class time to work on their building plan write up. The building plan write up is due on Monday March 22, 2010.

8th Grade
Students continued to explore quadratic relationships and their patterns in tables and graphs in Problem 1.2. Students must complete practice questions 1ACE # 1, 14, 15 before class on Monday.

3/18 Science

1) Students should meet with me to review how they should study/prepare for test corrections and then make those corrections.
2) Feel the Beat Assessment/write is due Friday 3/19.

3.18 Maths

8th Grade
Students explored their first quadratic relationship in Problem 1.1. The following practice is assigned:
1ACE # 1, 14, 15

7th Grade

Today, students finished up their model building. Groups will share their projects and tie up any loose ends tomorrow.

Practice: Have numbers 1 -3 completed on write up checklist.

3.17 Maths

8th Grade
Students were returned the Unit Test, and the Math Reflections 3 assessments today. Any student wishing to improve either of these assessments must meet with Mr. C before the end of the week. Login to PowerSchool to see all of your assessments from this quarter.

Students received the textbook for the next unit, "Frogs, Fleas and Painted Cubes." In this unit, students will master the distributive property while exploring quadratic relationships. Check out an overview of this unit here.

7th Grade

Students worked on their model homes today. This project will be wrapping up on Friday. Students building plan write up will be due on Monday, March 22, 2010.

For practice tonight, please begin working on the building plan write up. Directions are on the project handout.

3.16 Humanities

2 Paragraph Constructed Response due Wednesday.

BE SURE to compare and contrast a past group's struggle for equality with a current group's struggle.

Your topic sentence for both paragraphs should identify both the past and current group AS WELL AS the big idea you chose (i.e. Groups mobilize in a variety of ways to enact social change).

Revise your work to be sure all parts of your Super 6 paragraphs relate back to your statement.

3/16 Science

1) Students received back their cells test and should make corrections on it.
2) Read the "tissue debate" worksheet and answer the 5 questions to the best of your ability.

3.16 Maths

8th Grade
Students took the unit test on the Pythagorean Theorem today. Tests will be returned tomorrow.

3/15 Science

1)  Students should make up any missing work!

2) Students received a reading packet in class today.  They should read the packet and underline anything that they think is important.  Students are encouraged to use the annotation skills they worked on in humanities clinic to help highlight key ideas, etc and be prepared to discuss the reading in class tomorrow.

3.15 Maths

8th Grade
The unit test on the Pythagorean Theorem has been moved to Tuesday. Students should continue to review their classwork and complete the previously assigned practice assignments.

7th Grade
Students continued work on their Comparing & Scaling building project. Students received their math reflections back today. Corrections to math reflections are due Wednesday, March 17th.

3.12 Maths

8th Grade
Students are practicing applying the Pythagorean Theorem to problem solving situations in preparation for the unit test on Monday. The following practice is assigned:
R2 - page 65 #1; and 4ACE #6, 8
R3 - page 65 #1, 2; and 4ACE #8, 10, 35
*Remember - there are useful study tools on the 8th Grade Math page of the team wiki!*

7th Grade

Students are applying their proportional reasoning skills to a building project. Students will be building a model for a miniature person. The building process will be done as a group and a written building plan will follow which will be done individually. Have a great weekend!

3.11 Maths

7th Grade

Students worked on math reflection 4 today. These reflections are due tomorrow at the beginning of class. Students were also introduced to the unit project they will be starting tomorrow.

8th Grade
In class, students are mastering applications of Pythagorean Theorem in real world situations in Problem 4.2. Math Reflections 3 are due at the beginning of class on Friday. There will be a unit test on the Pythagorean Theorem on Monday. The following practice is assigned:
R2 - 4ACE #3, 5, 9
R3 - 4ACE #5, 9, 12

3/9 Science

Students will be assessed on their understanding of cells and cell processes.  Students should utilize the wiki and the study guide that was handed out to help prepare for the exam.  The test format will be multiple choice, fill in the blank, true or false and constructed responses.

3.9 Maths

7th Grade

Today, students discovered new strategies for finding an unknown value in a proportion. Students began problem 4.3, "Developing Strategies for Solving Proportions" where they used rate tables, scale factors, unit rates, and cross multiplication to solve proportions. We will finish problem 4.3 in class tomorrow.

The following practice is assigned:

R2 - 4ACE #6-9, 14, 24

R3 - 4ACE # 6, 7, 27

8th Grade
Students explored the Wheel of Theodorus in Problem 4.1 For practice, students should complete even questions only on pages 39 and 40 of the Practice Packet.
*There will be a unit test on the Pythagorean Theorem on Friday*

3.8 Maths

8th Grade
Students are formalizing their understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem as right triangles defined by the algorithm a² + b² = c². After completing problem 3.4, students began Math Reflections 3. Math Reflections 3 is due on Wednesday. The following practice is assigned: 3ACE # 15-17.

7th Grade

Students continued setting up and solving proportions. Today, students focused on everyday uses for proportions.

Practice:

R2 4ACE # 3, 5, 18

R3 4ACE # 5, 18, 25

3/8 Science

Students have a test on their understanding of cells. They were given a study guide and can use the wiki to help review the material and prepare for the test

Students should also make up any missing assignments

3/5 Science

1) Students will be tested on their knowledge of cells 3/10. Students can use the wiki (cells page in the science folder) to help review for the test.

2) Students should make up any missing work.

3.5 Maths

7th Grade
Do Over Instructions for Comparing and Scaling Investigation 3 Quiz, DUE - MONDAY MARCH 8
You may re-do problems you got wrong. On a separate piece of paper, please rewrite the original problem and your original answer. Next, you need to re-do each problem. For each, please include the following…

• An explanation of what you did wrong on the quiz in your original answer;
• Show every step of your work as you re-do the problem;
• A brief description of what your mistakes were and how you went about fixing them and finding the correct answer.

In order to show Mastery on your re-do, all of the above must be included and checked off. Please remember to reread the directions on the quiz and label everything! Please include your quiz, completed quiz dissection, and redo stapled together when you turn it in.

3/4 Science

1) Students will be tested on their knowledge of cells on Wednesday 3/10.  Students can use the wiki (Cells page in the science folder) to help review for the test.

2) Students received a progress report that shows any assignments they may owe.  Students should make up any missing work.

3.4 Maths

8th Grade
In class, students applied the Pythagorean Theorem to find the length of line segments drawn on a coordinate grid in problem 3.3. The following practice is assigned:
R2 - 3ACE #24, 35
R3 - 3ACE #24, 34

7th Grade
In class, students practiced setting up and solving proportions in Problem 4.1. Tomorrow, we will take a look at everyday uses for proportions.
Practice:
**If you did not finish Problem 4.1, please do so for tomorrow!**
Otherwise…
R2 4ACE # 2, 17, 21
R3 4ACE # 4, 22, 23

3.4 Humanities

FINISH SUPER 6 PARAGRAPH.

Super 6 Paragraph - Statement (that is provable)
Example (related to the statement)
Proof (supports your statement)
In Your Own Words (context - who, what, where, when, how)
Why Important (Why is it important to the point made in your statement)

Super 6 Paragraph should be on ONE of the following topics (from One Woman, One Vote):
*Effectiveness of the protests
*Struggle of each (Early Movement w/ Susan B. Anthony began with move for abolition of
slavery VERSUS Later Movement w/ Alice Paul focused on improving
working conditions but needed right to vote)
*Change takes time (72 years)
*What approaches were necessary to begin a change

Summer Opportunities!

Rosie's Girls
Rosie's Girls Summer Program is an exciting summer day camp that helps girls develop and strengthen their capacities and confidence while exposing them to a range of educational and career opportunities they may have never considered. For girls entering grades 6-8. Explore woodworking, auto repair as well as creative arts and games. At the Essex Tech Center from June 21- July 9.

Partners In Adventure
A summer day camp for young people from the age of 12 to 22 with or without physical, develpmental or emotional challenges. There are four two-week sessions beginning on June 21 in Chittenden county.

Green Mountain Conservation Camp
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has summer camps that last for a week in which children learn about forests, fishing, canoeing and other outdoor activities. The cost is $200.

Ask your advisory teacher for more information on any of these opportunities.

3.3 Maths

WELCOME BACK!

8th Grade
Students dove right into problem 3.1 to discover one of the most famous and important mathematical concepts: The Pythagorean Theorem! The following practice is assigned:
R2 3ACE #1, 2, 5, 6, 13
- or -
R3 #1, 2, 8, 9, 14

7th Grade
Students took a closer look at their quizzes on Investigation 3 and worked on their quiz dissections. We discussed quiz do overs and students received instructions. These do overs will be due Monday, March 8th.
Today, we also began talking about proportions.

For tomorrow please complete your quiz dissection.