Please remind your children that they are responsible for writing their homework down in their agendas everyday. We cannot always rely on the online homework as internet and network problems may sometimes occur.
Please visit http://www.team72.co for team updates.
ENGLISH:
This week we began our unit on The Hunger Games. Books were distributed, and we have worked through chapter three. We've begun analyzing characterization and setting and have already made some connections to the amendments learned in social studies. Over the course of the unit, students have the option to complete certain activities for "sponsor points". These activities relate to the reading and serve as enrichment, and these points are given to them and their district members. The districts compete, in effect, to accrue points. The optional activities were explained in detail, and they received a handout explaining each. They include, among others, interviewing a character, writing a song, being a screenwriter, writing a newspaper article. They may also accrue points for their districts by having adults in the building witness a positive action, for example a great act of kindness. Points may be deducted for negative behaviors, like fighting, for example, but we prefer to focus on the positive. Therefore, if your child is a part of something extraordinary, and you are so inclined, you may email one of the team teachers and inform us.
We are also continuing to work in the blue review booklet that was distributed last week, strengthening our critical reading and writing skills. Next week, students will be expected to read through chapter 10, as we investigate the novel's themes through writing.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE:
Students will continue working in our sewing unit. They will review and learn how to use basic sewing tools, create sewing patterns for their cartoon pillow projects and make fabric selections.
MATHEMATICS:
All classes took the Common Assessment # 3 on Friday. It was the same format as all other exams. We have been working on Spiral Reviews as a do-now activity and homework assignments to better prepare them for this exam. The students should be completing a homework assignment every night in math. The best was to study for math is to practice. Every lesson taught in class is followed by workbook or worksheet that mirrors that day's lesson. If they every need more practice they should go to the bigideasmath.com website. There are many problems, practice quizzes and tutorials in this website to help further , if necessary.
Each student will receive the State Assessment review book next week. They will complete assignments each night in this workbook to get them ready for the State Exam on April 30 - May 2.
SCIENCE:
We completed our study of the Circulatory System unit this week. A laboratory investigation was completed that explored various activities and how it affects pulse rate. In lieu of a unit exam, a culminating project was assigned this week.
For this project, students will be creating a poster that demonstrates how the Circulatory, Respiratory, and Digestive Systems work together to enable our body to produce energy. Students will also be conducting research on a disorder that affects one of the systems listed above. They may choose to work individually or with a partner of your choice from their class period. One class period was provided in the library for the research portion of the project. If a child was absent, it is their responsibility to complete the research on their own. The project will be due: Monday, March 23.
We are nearing the end of the 3rd quarter and many students are coming to class unprepared with necessary supplies, i.e. pencils, pens, binders and homework summary books. Please encourage your child to be prepared everyday. Extra Help next week will be on Thursday for 1 hour.
Science Congress is Thursday, March 20. Science Research Club met Tuesday and Wednesday for an hour each day this week, and will meet the same next week, to help participants to prepare for the competition. Many students have taken advantage of this time after school. Those students unable to meet after school, are encouraged to review their project and background research and practice their presentations at home. They must submit their abstract and work cited page ( 5 copies each) to Ms. Camacho or Mrs. Kalner by Wednesday, March 19. Best of luck to all participants!!!
SOCIAL STUDIES:
This week we will be continuing our exploration of the impact that leaders have on the United States. Last Thursday we began a mini-research project on the Presidents. Each student was assigned a different President. The project is due Friday, 3/21. This week we will be finished our research in the library then begin our study of how Presidents react to different events throughout history.
