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

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.