1/19 Science

8th grade-tomorrow will be part 2 of the density assessment. Get plenty of rest!

7th grade-will have a test on density on Monday, 1/24.

1/18 Science

8th grade-Students understanding of density will be assessed tomorrow (Weds, 1/19.) Students can use the wiki (focus questions 8,9,10,11, & 12), their notes and density packets 20, 23 & 24 to help prepare for the exam. The assessment's scoring rubric is also on the wiki.

7th grade-Students should reflect on today's lesson by choosing either to write a reflection paragraph, draw a diagrams or review their notes.

1.18 Maths

7th Grade
On Wednesday, students will take the unit test for the Comparing & Scaling unit. To prepare, students should complete question 2 on page 66 and review their notes and assessments from the unit.

8th Grade
The Pythagoras Check-Up 1 quiz was returned to students today. Students began to derive the pythagorean theorem by exploring the relationship between the areas of the squares formed on the legs of a right triangle to the square formed by the hypotenuse. No practice is assigned.

1.14 Maths

7th Grade
We have completed Investigation 4 of the Comparing and Scaling unit. Students will take a test on ratios, unit rates and proportions next week. Question #24 on page 59 is assigned over the long weekend.

8th Grade
Students took a quiz on the coordinate grid, squares and square roots.

1/14 Science

8th grade will be tested on Wednesday, 1/19.
7th grade will be tested either Thursday (1/20) or Monday of the following week.

Students can use their class notes, worksheets and wiki to help study for the test.

1/13 Science

Students will be assessed on their understanding of the concept of density next week in science class. The assessment is a performance-based lab. Students should review their notes, worksheets and wiki to help prepare them for it.

7th grade-should write a conclusion paragraph around the sink or swim activity we did in class today. This is due tomorrow, Friday 1/14.

1.13 Maths

7th Grade
Students continue to practice using proportions to solve problems in Problem 4.3. Be sure to complete to the end of question 4.3.C before Friday's class.

8th Grade
Students will take a quiz on coordinates, squares and square roots on Friday. The following practice is assigned:
R2 2ACE #36, 37, 38, 44
- or -
R3 2ACE #37, 38, 44, 49, 50

1/12 Science

Students will be assessed on their understanding of density next week. Students can review the material by looking over their notes, worksheets and material on the wiki.

7th grade- Students should complete the "Density Formula Homework" worksheet.

8th grade-none

1.12 Maths

7th Grade
Students continue practicing setting up and using proportions to solve problems in Problem 4.2. The following practice is assigned: 4ACE #3, 4.

8th Grade
Students continue exploring the properties of square roots in Problem 2.3. Students should complete all of question A before Thursday's class.

Boston Fundraiser: Pizza Pizza

Milton Middle School has officially launched the Little Caesar's Pizza Pizza fundraiser for the Boston trip. Students have been given a catalog of items that are for sale. We will be accepting orders through Friday 1/28, so please encourage your child to get out there and sell. Co-workers, relatives, and neighbors are great options. If you know of somebody outside of Vermont who would like to order, they can do so online by visiting www.pizzakit.com and entering #87681 when prompted for the school's fundraiser ID. Checks can be made out to Milton Middle School and all money and order forms need to be turned into advisors by 1/28. Please note that the products will be delivered here on Thursday 2/10 at 4:30pm and it would be ideal for families to pick up the items that afternoon.

1.11 Maths

7th Grade
The following practice is assigned:
R2 4ACE #1, 5-13(odd), 16, 17
- or -
R3 4ACE #2, 5-13(odd), 16, 17

8th Grade
The following practice is assigned:
R2 2ACE #4-6, 10, 14-18
- or -
R3 2ACE #5-6, 14-18, 51-13

1/11 Science

Students will be assessed next week on their understanding of density and other properties of matter.

7th grade-students should spend 5-10 minutes reviewing their notes. Students can also click this science link to help review.

8th grade-students should write a conclusion paragraph on why objects sink or swim based on what we did in class today. All claims should be supported with evidence from the experiment. Due at the beginning of class tomorrow, 1/12/11

1.10 Maths

7th Grade
Students are learning to set up and use formal proportions in Problem 4.1. Students should complete question B.1. before class tomorrow.

8th Grade
Students are exploring square root as they work with the area and side length of squares in Problem 2.1. The following practice is assigned: 1ACE #33, 34 and 2ACE #47, 48.

1/10 Science

Students should make corrections on their Jump Start #1 quiz.

Students will be assessed next week on their understanding of density and properties of matter.

8th grade-Should complete the worksheet "Density Formula" for homework.
7th grade-Should complete the worksheet "Finding Density" for homework.

1.6 Maths

7th Grade
Students are mastering unit rates, as they complete Problem 3.4. The following practice is due tomorrow: 3ACE #10.

8th Grade
Students took the unit test for Thinking With Mathematical Models today. This test assesses many of the 8th grade algebra standards.

1/6 Science

All students should make corrections on their Jump Start #1 quiz.

7th Grade-Students should complete the packet "Density of a regular-shape solid 23" that was started in class today.

8th Grade-Students should complete the "Finding Density" worksheet they received at the end of class.

***Click here to read an article on the dead fish and birds phenomenon that is happening in multiple locations around the world***

1/5 Science

Students should make corrections on the jump start #1 quiz.

Both 7th and 8th grade students should review their notes for 10 minutes each night!

1/4 Science

Both 7th and 8th grade students should make corrections on Jump Start #1.

7th grade-Should reflect by writing or drawing about what they learned about the motion of particles during each phase of matter (solids, liquids and gases)

8th grade-should review their notes.

Hello, my name is Miss. Tatko...

Hello Team Apollo! My name is Miss. Tatko and for the next few months I will be student teaching with Mr. Caswell. I am a senior at The University of Vermont studying Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics. I am very excited to be student teaching at Milton Middle School and I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you! I hope you all had a great holiday season!

See you in Math class,

Miss. Tatko

1.3 Maths

7th Grade
Students jumped right back into math class calculating unit rates (miles per hour) in Problem 3.2. The following practice is assigned: 3ACE #4-7.

8th Grade
Students continue practicing their algebra skills. For homework, students should finish the last question they started today in class. There will be a unit test later this week (probably Thursday).

1/3 Science

Welcome back! I hope everyone is refreshed and ready to continue our work together!!

All students received a quiz back today. Grades for it are in powerschool. The quiz is color-coded. Questions addressing the same standard are highlighted with the same color. Students should make corrections if they scored an "I" or a "W" on any parts of the quiz!!!

7th grade-Students are investigating the phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and played with oobleck today. For homework, they should write a couple of sentences describing what phase of matter they think it is.

Special Interest-There is a meteor shower happening tonight. For more information, click here.

12.20 Maths

7th and 8th Grade
Quizzes were returned today. Students should complete all quiz corrections before Tuesday's class.

Skating Field Trip Wednesday 12.22

On December 22nd, we will be walking to the Milton Ice Barn to go ice skating. We will be leaving the school at 10:30 and returning to the school by 2:30. Students should dress appropriately for walking over to the Ice Barn and skating. It has been advised that students wear long socks to cut down on blisters. Also, students can either bring a bag lunch or buy lunch at the Ice Barn. Students were sent home with a permission slip on Friday and they should be returned to their advisory teacher by Tuesday, December 21st with $5.00.

12/17 Science

7th grade-

Students should write a reflection paragraph on what they've learned about particles. This assignment is due on Monday 12/19.

8th grade-

Students should write down various solids, liquids and gases found at their homes. Bring this to class on Monday 12/19

Special Interest--December 21st, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year. On the night of the 20/21st, there will be a total lunar eclipse. Totality should occur at 3:17 am, weather permitting. Click here for more details.

12.17 Maths

7th and 8th Grade
All classes wrote a quiz today. Marked quizzes will be returned on Monday.

12.16 Maths

7th Grade
Study and practice for the quiz on ratios, fractions, percent and difference you will take on Friday. Complete 2ACE #6, 7, 23, 24 for practice.

8th Grade
Study and practice for the quiz on linear relationships you will take on Friday. Math Reflections 2 is due at the start of class. CORRECTION: You do not have to complete 2ACE #33.

12/15 Science

7th grade-
students should write a reflection paragraph around what they learned about air.

8th grade-
students should review their notes and watch the two videos on the wiki.

12.14 Maths

7th Grade
Students are using their proportional reasoning skills to compare pizza servings in Problem 2.2. Students should make corrections to the Math Reflections 1 assignment that was returned to them on Monday. Re-dos of Math Reflections 1 are due on Wednesday.

8th Grade
Students are using their linear algebra skills to find the point of intersection in Problem 2.4. Students must complete all of 2.4 before class on Wednesday. In addition, the following practice is assigned:
R2 2ACE #25-28, 34
- or -
R3 2ACE #25-28, 56

12.13 Maths

7th Grade
Students continue developing their proportional reasoning skills as we complete Problem 2.1. The following practice is assigned:
R2 2ACE #14-18
- or -
R3 2ACE #2, 4, 12, 14-18

8th Grade
Students continue using equations, tables and graphs to solve problems in Problem 2.3 and 2.4. The following practice is assigned:
R2 2ACE #7-11(odd only) and 12-17(all)
- or -
R3 2ACE #7-17(odd only) and 62

12/13 Science

7th grade-
Write a reflection paragraph summarizing what you learned in class today.

8th grade-
Write a reflection paragraph summarizing what you learned in class today. To extend today's learning, please watch this video on Otto Van Guericke.

12.10 Humanities

Finish word roots and poetry assignment.

12.10 Maths

7th Grade
Students continue using ratios, fractions and percents to solve problems in Problem 2.1. Students should complete question D before Monday's class.

8th Grade
In Problem 2.3, students continue using graphs, tables and equations to model linear relationships. Today we were introduced to inequalities. Students should complete 2.3 C before Monday's class.

12/10 Science

7th grade-
Students should write 2-3 sentences reflecting on the quote: "We are all made of stardust"

12.9 Maths

7th Grade
Students continue practicing making comparisons using ratios, fractions, percents and difference. For homework, students should complete the practice they started in class - either the worksheet or Problem 1.3.

8th Grade
Students continue to refine their understanding of linear relationships as they complete Problem 2.2. Problem 2.2 must be completed by Friday. Remember to answer question F as a Math Reflection, with explanations and examples.

12/9 Science

8th Grade-Students should write a 1-2 sentence reflection on what they learned about air today. Due tomorrow at the start of class, 12/10.

12.9 Humanities

Use notes and resources to study for test.

12.8 Maths

7th Grade
Today, students practiced using ratio, fraction and percent, and started to complete Math Reflections 1 on page 17. No homework is assigned.

8th Grade
Students continue to explore linear relationships in tables, graphs, words and equations in Problem 2.2. The following practice is assigned: 2ACE #5.

12/8 Science

8th Grade-should complete coloring in their periodic table of elements.

12.7 Maths

7th Grade
In Problem 1.2, students are learning about using ratio, fractions, percent and difference to make comparisons. Students should complete the following practice: 1ACE #1, 2, 4-7.

8th Grade
Students continue practicing using graphs to write equations and make predictions in Problem 2.1. The following practice is assigned:
R2 2ACE #1, 2, 35
- or -
R3 2ACE #1, 35, 36

12/7 Science

7th grade-
Look at the ingredients/nutrients on a bottle of vitamins, box of cereal, food supplements, cosmetics, cleaning and grooming products or houseplant fertilizers. Using your periodic table, jot down the elements that you see in the list of ingredients. Due tomorrow on Wednesday, 12/8.

8th grade-
Students should either complete the "It's Iron-ic cereal" worksheet or write a reflection around what you learned in class today. Due tomorrow on Wednesday, 12/8.

12.7 Humanities

Write a super 6 paragraph on: How has Mexican culture stayed the same and changed over time? Give specific reasons for cultural change (identify the other culture group that influenced Mexican culture--ex. Spain, United States, Aztec).

12.6 Humanities

Review the items you struggled with on your entry ticket -- either the definition of culture or parts of a map for Friday's quiz. DOGSTAILS (d = date, o = orientation, g = grid, s = scale, t = title, a = author, i = index, l = legend / key, s = sources)

12.6 Maths

7th Grade
Students received their marked unit tests on the Stretching and Shrinking unit. We launched the new unit Comparing and Scaling, where students will explore comparing quantities using ratio, proportion and percent. Students should complete Problem 1.1 question E before Tuesday's class.

8th Grade
Students received their marked quizzes. We continued our exploration of linear relationships in Problem 2.1. Students should complete question A of Problem 2.1 before Tuesday's class.

12.3 Humanities

Finish Map 3 -- Recreate a special purpose map (land-use and crops OR indigenous languages) of only Mexico. Identify orientation, scale, title, and include a key/legend.

12/3 Science

7th grade-use your 4 vocabulary words from today's reading in a sentence or paragraph. Due on Monday 12/6

8th grade-Look at the ingredients/nutrients on a bottle of vitamins, box of cereal, food supplement, cosmetics, cleaning and grooming product or houseplant fertilizers. Jot down the 'elements' that you see in the list of ingredients. If possible, bring the item with you to class on Monday, 12/6.

12.2 Maths

7th Grade
In class, students reviewed their learning from the Stretching and Shrinking unit, and completed practice worksheets to prepare for the unit test they will take on Friday. Students should study and practice by completing both worksheets and by reviewing their previous work.

8th Grade
Students continue exploring and describing different functional relationships. There will be a quiz on Friday. Students should complete the following before class on Friday:
1. Problem 1.3
2. 1ACE # 3, 4, 27-29
3. Math Reflections 1 (questions 2 and 3 only). Explain with specific examples and counterexamples.

12.1 Maths

7th Grade
Students continue to practice using similar triangles to solve real-world measurement problems. The following practice is assigned: 5ACE #3 or 4, and 22-24. 7th grade students will take a unit test on Friday!

8th Grade
Students were returned their unit tests on volume and surface area of three dimensional shapes. We continue to explore functional relationships between variables in Problem 1.3. Students must complete 1.3 A before class on Thursday.

11.30 Maths

7th Grade
In problem 5.1, students are learning how to apply their skills with similar triangles to solving real world measurement problems. The following practice is assigned:
5ACE #1 or 2, and 7-21(odd only)

8th Grade
Students are exploring and describing relationships between variables in experimental data in Problems 1.1 and 1.2. The following practice is assigned:
1ACE #7, 8, 9

11/29 Science

Welcome back! Hopefully, everyone enjoyed their holiday break!

1) Students should write a reflection about the "what is matter?" card sort they did in class today. The reflection should be 2-3 sentences and can be as simple as: a) what I learned in class today, b) questions I have from today's class and/or c) what was the goal of today's activity. The reflection is due at the beginning of tomorrow's class (11/30)

2) Students can and should make corrections on the "Bicycle Tire" assessment!

11.29 Maths

7th Grade
In problem 4.3, students continue practicing using scale factor and ratios of adjacent sides to find missing side lengths. The following practice is assigned:
R2 4ACE #5-12
- or -
R3 4ACE #5-8, 13, 14

8th Grade
Today we launched a new algebra unit, Thinking With Mathematical Models. In Problem 1.1, students conducted an experiment to explore the relationship between bridge thickness and strength.

11.18 Maths

7th Grade
In class we practiced using ratios of adjacent sides to identify similar figures in Problem 4.1. The following practice should be completed by Friday: 4ACE #1, 3, 15-20 (optional challenge: 26).

8th Grade
On Friday, students will take a unit test on the Filling and Wrapping unit. Students should continue to study and practice surface area and volume of rectangular prisms and cylinders, and volume of cones, spheres and triangular prisms.

11.18 Humanities

Be sure all assignments are complete for book groups, "The Outsiders".

1. Students should finish all wiki questions (4 days) with a response to 2 peers for each day.

2. Finish "Then and Now" chart for Friday.

3. Check over Dialectical Journals and be sure answers have quality details.

11.16 Maths

7th Grade
Students took a quiz on similar figures, scale factor and corresponding sides and angles today. Tomorrow we will begin to learn about how to use ratios with similar figures.

8th Grade
This week, students are applying their expertise with the volume of cylinders to exploring the volume of cylinders and cones. The following practice is assigned:
R2 4ACE #10, 11, 15
- or -
R3 4ACE #10, 11, 37

11/15 Science

1) Students are strongly encouraged to make corrections on their "Bicycle Tire" test. Making corrections will allow students the opportunity to retake the test to improve their grades.

2) Students will present their "Bicycle Tire" assessment as their learning assignment during the parent/teacher/student conference. Students had time to complete the reflection in class today. However, if more time is needed, students should either meet with me or complete the reflection on their own time.

11-11 Humanities

Students are to make all corrections to narratives in preparation for Apollo Learner Celebration tomorrow.

11/11 Science

7th Grade-Have "measuring length" worksheet to complete for homework.

11.4 Maths

7th Grade
Students are using rep-tiles to explore the relationship between area and scale factor of similar figures. Students should complete all of questions A and B of Problem 3.1 before class on Friday.

8th Grade
Students continue to explore strategies for finding the volume and surface area of cylinders in Problem 3.3. The following practice is assigned:
R2 - 3ACE #16, 17
- or -
R3 - 3ACE #15, 16

11-3 through 11-7 Humanities

Narrative Essay on a natural disaster and its impact on your character, and your country's infrastructure and economic activity.

Students should continue working on their narrative stories both in and out of class through Monday, November 8th. To achieve mastery, use your resources given and created in class--Narrative planning sheet, 2 natural disaster planning sheets, RAFT, and rubric--and apply that information to your story. Be sure to carefully incorporate all feedback given on rough drafts. Students can access additional support for this assignment with Miss Bakr and Mrs. Endres during Reads and Needs and/or afterschool.

Informational Session on Standards-Based Reporting, November 9th

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope you will attend an informational session for Standards-Based Reporting on Tuesday, November 9th at 6pm in the school library. Apollo teachers' objective for this evening will be to provide clarification around the reporting system in place. Please review the materials sent home with your student and via email last week regarding Powerschool access and the reporting system itself. The team and Laurie Hodgdon welcome further questions and look forward to sharing in this discussion with you. Please note that this is a general Q&A, and that individual student progress will be the focus of Student-Led Conferences on Wednesday, November 17th.

Sincerely,
The Teachers of Team Apollo

Student-Led Conferences November 17

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope you can attend a Quarter 1 Student-Led Conference on the evening of Wednesday, November 17th in the school library. Educational research tells us that children benefit greatly from having meaningful conversations about their learning with important adults in their lives. To that end, your child will present to you artifacts of their learning from the first quarter – work from each class that he or she has thoughtfully selected to demonstrate learning and growth.

For your convenience, we are scheduling conferences at 5:30 and 6:30 on Wednesday, November 17th. Anyone is welcome – parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, etc. If no adult is able to attend on this night, we will gladly make arrangements for you to conference with your child at another time. Please make every effort to attend, as conferences will not be scheduled again before the New Year.

We have received tremendous positive feedback from parents after similar events in the past. We look forward to seeing you on November 17th!

CLICK TO RSVP TO THIS EVENT

11.3 Maths

7th Grade
Students who are working on the Similarity and Scale Factor worksheet should complete it before tomorrow's class. Students who have not yet turned in their quiz corrections must do so tomorrow.

8th Grade
Students continue to explore volume and surface area of cylinders and prisms in Problem 3.3. The following practice is assigned:
R2 - 3ACE #2, 8, 9, 10
- or -
R3 - 3ACE #9, 10, 13, 14

11.2 Maths

7th Grade
Students received their marked quizzes and performed a "quiz dissection" to identify what they know, and what they still need to learn or practice. Quiz corrections should be completed for homework.

8th Grade
Students are exploring volume of cylinders in Problem 3.2. All of Problem 3.2 should be completed before class on Wednesday.

10/29 Science

Students will be assessed on their inquiry skills next week. 8th grade will be assessed on Monday 11/1. 7th graders will be assessed on Tuesday, 11/2. Students should use previous assignments and feedback on those assignments to help study. They can also use the scientific method unit page on the wiki to support their studies. I will be available for questions this weekend via the teacher page for all those that may have any questions. Q1 ends on Friday, 11/5.

10.28 Maths

7th Grade
Students will take a test on similar figures and coordinate rules ("the wumps") on Friday.

8th Grade
Students will be returned their tests on Friday.

10/28 Science

7th graders-should try and complete the Colliding Plates Packet for homework for class tomorrow 10/29.

Both grades have a test on Monday, 11/1.

8.27 Maths

7th Grade
Students were introduced to scale factor, and are using scale factor to identify similar figures in Problem 2.3. Students should be sure to have completed questions A, B and C before next class. Students should expect a test on similarity and coordinate rules this Friday.

8th Grade
Students who were ready took the quiz on surface area and volume of boxes, while other students wrapped up their practice. The balance of the class will take the quiz on Thursday.

10/27 Science

7th graders-should graph their data from the "Sugar Cube Lab"

8th graders-should graph data from the "Sugar Cube Lab" AND make corrections to the sugar cube lab as suggested by their peer.

Due Wednesday, October, 27th.

10.26 Maths

7th Grade
Students continue to explore rules that stretch, shrink and move figures on coordinate grids. Students should complete the following practice before class on Wednesday: 2ACE #3 OR #4.

8th Grade
Students have been working hard to complete their self-paced learning guide, which is due complete at the start of class on Wednesday.

10/25 Science

Students are graphing data sets from the "Making Data Tables" worksheet and had time to work on them in class. If they are not finished, they should complete their graphs for tomorrow's class (Tuesday, 10/26)

Students will also have a performance-based assessment next week (Monday 11/1) that will culminate our scientific inquiry unit. Students can review the assignments in the 'evidence' section of their binders, use the wiki, and/or meet with me to discuss how to best study for this exam.

10.20 Maths

7th Grade

Students completed Problem 2.1, where they used rules to stretch and shrink geometric figures on a coordinate grid. Please be sure to complete question C of problem 2.1 before class on Monday.

8th Grade

Students are working through a self-paced learning guide for Investigation 2, as they become experts in surface area and volume of rectangular prisms. No specific homework is assigned, but students should make sure they are on tract to complete the entire checklist by Wednesday October 27.

10\19 Science

1) Students should complete the Sugar Cube Lab for Wednesday's class 10/20. Students are encoruaged to use class discussions, feedback on previous assignments, & the sample lab report on the wiki to help with tomorrow's lab.

2) Students received a copy of their progress report in science. Students should have it signed by a parent or guardian and returned to class tomorrow (Weds 10/20) Assignments highlighted in yellow are either missing or requiring a follow up step! As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

10.19 Maths

7th Grade
Students completed Math Reflections 1 by defining what it means for two geometric shapes to be similar. We started looking at similar figures on coordinate grids in Problem 2.1. Students should complete the drawing of "Mug Wump" before next class.

8th Grade
Students began working on a Self-Paced Learning Guide that lists all the learning activities for Investigation 2. Students must complete the learning checklist by Wednesday Ocotber 27. Students must carefully judge how much work to complete each day to ensure they complete all the tasks by the deadline.

10\18 Science

Students should incorporate feedback from previous work/classes into "Sugar Cube Race" Lab due Wednesday 10/20.

Students should be meeting with me to discuss their progress in science. Tomorrow, I will hand out progress reports showing students what assignments they have completed and giving feedback that we should discuss.

10.18 Maths

7th Grade
Students continue to explore similarity and enlargement/reduction factors in question 1ACE#5. This question should be complete before class on Tuesday.

8th Grade
Students are summarizing their understanding of nets, surface area and volume of boxes in Math Reflections 1, which is due in good copy at the start of class Tuesday.

10.15 Maths

7th Grade
No practice is assigned over the weekend.

8th Grade
Students should complete a first draft of Math Reflections 1 on page 18.

10.13 Maths

7th Grade
Students turned in their final drafts of "The Payment Plan" and equation writing assignment today. No practice is assigned.

8th Grade
Students should complete 1ACE #1-13 before Friday's class.

10.12 Maths

7th Grade
Students explored qualities of similarity by comparing original and enlarged images in Problem 1.2 "Comparing Similar Figures." Students should complete the following practice:
1ACE #1, 2

8th Grade
Students continue to explore dimensions and nets for rectangular prisms in Problem 1.4 "Surface Area of a Rectangular Prism." No practice is assigned.

10/11 Science

Students need to hand in their "Germination of Radish Seed" Lab tomorrow, Tuesday, October 12th. Completed lab reports should have a hypothesis, a data table with the key elements to a 'good' data table (title, labels, and both qualitative and quantitative data), and a concluding sentence regarding their data.

10.11 Maths

7th Grade
Today we started a new unit on similarity, called Stretching and Shrinking. Students used scale and proportion to solve "the mystery teacher."

The final assignment from the Variables & Patterns book was returned to students with feedback today. Students making corrections on the assignment must do so before the end of the day on Wednesday.

8th Grade
Students continue their exploration of surface area and volume of boxes in Problem 1.3. Students should complete 1ACE #7 before class tomorrow.

10/8 Science

Students should write a detailed procedure about a topic of their choosing. The chosen topic should be something that requires series of steps in order to accomplish. This assignment is due at the beginning of class on Monday, October 11, 2010.

10.8 Humanities

Snakes & Crows -
Finish your assignment on the elements of a story (due Monday). This was a choice assignment (7 options) but all require you use proof from the actual stories to achieve mastery of the standard.


Hawks & Ravens -
Finish your Super 5 paragraph around either a) compare/contrast Russia and India or b) How is Asia grouped--physically, politically or culturally, or c) What is the best way to group the world's regions--physically, politically, or culturally? (due Monday)

8th Grade Trip Meeting 10/14

This is an informational meeting for all middle school parents and students about the 8th grade trip to Boston. Seventh and eighth grade parents are encouraged to come. The meeting will take place on Thursday, October 14, at 6:30 p.m., in the library.

NECAP Testing This Week

Students will be hard at work on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, as they take the 7th and 8th grade NECAP tests in reading and mathematics. Being prepared for a good day of testing can make a BIG difference. Please remember to bring:

• A positive attitude (studies show that just believing in yourself actually improves test performance)
• Water bottle (a hydrated brain is a happy brain)
• Healthy snacks (a happy stomach makes a happy brain)
• A reading book (so that your brain can relax after writing the test)

We know our students are going to do awesome!

Mt. Mansfield Trip 10/14

Please complete and return the permission slip for Mt. Mansfield by October 8th.

10.4 Maths

7th Grade
Students are wrapping up Investigation 3 of the "Variables and Patterns" unit, where they have been working with tables, graphs, rules and equations. Over the course of the week, between NECAP sessions, students will be working on questions 3ACE #8-16 to practice and solidify their skills.

8th Grade
Students are just beginning the unit "Filling and Wrapping," where they will be exploring the surface area and volume of three dimensional geometric shapes. Over the course of the week, between NECAP sessions, students will explore volume and surface area of rectangular prisms (boxes).

10/4 Science

***Only for Hawks (7th grade section)****
Please complete the "Writing Hypotheses" worksheet and bring to class tomorrow (10/5)

9/30 Science

Students should complete the "writing hypotheses" worksheet to the best of their ability. This assignment is due tomorrow, Friday, October 1st. If students have a difficult time with it, they should meet with me tomorrow during "reads and needs" or schedule an appointment with me for a different time.

9.29 Humanities

Finish written response -- Compare and Contrast 2 world regions. (Super 6 style)

9/28 Science

Students should complete the "Penny Prediction" Lab and answer the last question. Students should site evidence (numbers from your actual experiment) when framing their answers. Due tomorrow 9/29.

9/27 Science

Each student should bring a penny, nickle, dime and a quarter to class tomorrow for an activity.

9/20 Science

Students should write a paragraph describing either 1) what they learned in class today or 2) why science is important? Students should use the "Super 5" paragraph format that they learned about in Humanities. This assignment will be collected tomorrow, September 21st.

9.20 Maths

7th Grade
Students exercised their expertise in graphs, tables and variables today by completing 2ACE #22. After completing the graph and related questions, students completed a Partner Assessment of their work. Students must come to class on Tuesday with a completed 2ACE #22.

8th Grade
Students are applying properties of equality and inverse operations as they solve linear equations in Problem 3.4. We are paying careful attention to showing each step and checking our solution. Students should come to class on Tuesday having solved and checked questions A and B.

Parents and Guardians - Habits of Mind Learner Celebration this Thursday 9.23

Team Apollo would like to invite you to our first Learner Celebration on Thursday September 23. The school year is well underway and students have been learning about five habits of highly successful people, which we call the Habits of Mind. Apollo students have produced a fantastic film which explains each habit as it relates to academic and personal development. Additionally, students have written personal narratives to recognize the value of the habits in the life of someone they know and admire. This new learning is being applied in self reflection and goal setting, designed to empower students to take an active role in their own learning.

We sincerely hope that you will be able to take part in this evening in order to engage in conversation with your student surrounding his/her goals. The insight you offer to your student is a critical element of their success in achieving these goals. For it is the collective support of parent/guardian, teacher, and student, that truly enables our students to realize their fullest potential.

We'll see you on Thursday, September 23rd at 6:30pm in the Library for our Habits of Mind Learner Celebration!

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