Friday, December 18, 2015

PTA Update December 18

ENGLISH: (BEHAN, FERRANTE, VETTER)

This week we worked on analyzing conflict in the novels for our independent reading. Students will need to continue reading and collecting information to prepare for the essay based on theme, which is due on January 8th, 2016.  Comma rules were also reviewed. We also read "Boiling Sports Controversies" in our Expert 21 book; this was the last reading in the workshop before our inquiry test, which is on Tuesday, December 22nd. Please remind your children to read regularly - next week we will focus on developing a theme statement for our essays.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES: (BERMAN)

This week we continued working on our cooking unit reviewing kitchen math, cooking terms, discussing our cultural backgrounds and how it influences our food choices.  Next week, we will review measuring, nutrition and have our first cooking lab where the students will be cooking Pancakes! Over the vacation, students will be asked to choose a recipe that will be contributed to our Team 7-1 Cookbook.

HEALTH: (LEIBOWITZ)

This week in health we are wrapping up the alcohol unit and beginning the drug unit.  During this unit we will educate the students on the difference between drug use, misuse, and abuse.  We will engage in activities that will help the students understand the dangers of drugs abuse.  We will practice strategies that the students can use in real life situations to help them resist the pressures they may face as they get older.  

MATHEMATICS: (FERNANDEZ, REHNBACK, MCWILLIAMS)

None provided

SCIENCE: (CAMACHO, KALNER, TOBIA)

This week we completed cell division and started genetics.  Students were introduced to the structure of DNA and how to use Punnett Squares to determine the probability of offspring.  There will be on Tuesday on the above 2 topics and we will be continuing our genetics and heredity unit until the break.

SOCIAL STUDIES: (COOK, HOFFMAN, MARR)

This week we concluded our discussion of the causes of the American Revolution. We completed a number of document analysis activities and began working on a document based question (DBQ). Next week we will be discussing the Declaration of Independence. We will begin the American Revolution when we return from break.  For Mr. Cook, next week we will be creating a group project about the Revolutionary War in the Computer Lab.

Friday, December 11, 2015

PTA Update December 11

ENGLISH: (BEHAN, FERRANTE, VETTER)

This past week, we listened to and read "Casey at the Bat", a narrative poem, and worked on its poetic elements and theme. We have also been reading our novels for the independent reading assignment which has an essay due January 8th. We expect students to be reading these novels on a regular basis, and time is being provided in class for reading as well. Next week, we will continue working on material in Workshop Two of the Expert 21 book as well as assignments geared toward developing a better understanding of the plot elements of the novel they are reading.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES: (BERMAN)

This week we officially completed our Careers unit and are moving on to our COOKING UNIT!! The students are all really looking forward to this unit. Next week, the students will be asked to bring in a recipe that represents them and their culture. The students will be compiling all of their recipes to make a team 7-1 Cultural Cookbook.

MATHEMATICS: (FERNANDEZ, REHNBACK, MCWILLIAMS)

None provided

SCIENCE: (CAMACHO, KALNER, TOBIA)

This week students had their analogy projects due which is their assessment for the Cell Unit.  From here we are moving into cell division and genetics. 

SOCIAL STUDIES: (COOK, HOFFMAN, MARR)

This week we completed our study of the Causes of the American Revolution through primary source document analysis, mind mapping, and Cornell notes. Next week we will be looking at the Causes by completing our first Document Based Question of the year. In Mr. Cook's class, next week, we will be exploring the Revolutionary War Battles and the Declaration of Independence through Socratic Seminar, dialogue, video, map/chart analysis etc.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

PTA Update December 4

ENGLISH: (BEHAN, FERRANTE, VETTER)
This week in English students started working in Expert 21, Workshop 2.  Students will read and analyze texts that focus on the essential question, "Do we care too much about winning?"  This week students also visited the library to select a fiction novel for the second quarter independent reading assignment.  Students will write an essay that focuses on the novel's theme.  All assignments are due Friday, January 8th.  As a culminating activity, both teams participated in a team day. Next week, we will continue working on Workshop 2.

HEALTH: (GLASSER & LEIBOWITZ)
This week in health we exploring the world of advertising.  Specifically we are looking at the tobacco companies and how they manipulate ads to sell their products.  The students are creating their own ads for cigarettes.  These ads tell the truth about tobacco products and the dangers of tobacco.  


FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES: (BERMAN)
None provided

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES: (STERN)
The 7th Graders are sewing by hand.  They are practicing various stitches this week.  Next week they will do a hand sewing project and complete it in class to show off their hand sewing skills.

MATHEMATICS: (FERNANDEZ, REHNBACK, MCWILLIAMS)
The next Unit Exam in Math is on December 11th.  The Performance Task is due on December 18th.

SCIENCE: (CAMACHO, KALNER, TOBIA)
This week in science, students continued the study of the cell. All students conducted a laboratory investigation comparing animal and plant cells viewed under the microscope. Each student created a wet-mount slide of their very own cheek cells and onion cells. There was a quiz given on Friday. In addition, the cell analogy project was assigned on Monday 11/30 which is due next week.

SOCIAL STUDIES: (COOK, HOFFMAN, MARR)
Next week we will be concluding our Military briefings on the French and Indian War, followed by a quiz on the same subject.  The essay question will be as follows: What were the causes and effects of the French and Indian War?  At the end of the week we will be exploring the causes of the Revolutionary War.

Friday, November 20, 2015

PTA Update November 20

English: (Behan, Ferrante, Vetter)

During this past week, seventh grade students finished reading the novel Freak the Mighty. They were introduced to the end-of-novel assignment, a GRASPS case study. The activity was explained in detail and will be due Wednesday, December 2, 2015. While they will have some class time devoted to the assignment, some of the work must be done at home. Next week we will continue wrapping up the end of the novel and working on the GRASPS. We will end the short week with a grade-wide Colonial Day.

Health: (Glasser & Leibowitz)

None provided.

Family and Consumer Sciences: (Berman)

This week the students focused on how technology is changing the job market and the skills that they will need for their future. Next week, students will take a personality survey in the computer lab to match them up with possible careers that each student will then research.

Family and Consumer Sciences: (Stern)

Non Provided.

Mathematics: (Fernandez, Rehnback, McWilliams)

All students completed Unit Exam # 3 today.  If they did not hand in Performance Task #3 it is due on Monday November 23rd.  Have a nice weekend!

Science: (Camacho, Kalner, Tobia)

This week all Completed Science symposium projects and boards are due. Oral presentations in class started on Wednesday.  The actual Symposium is Tuesday Nov 24th from 6-8pm.  If your child cannot make it in the evening please send them with a note to school so we can make arrangements to save their projects.   Please also return all borrowed materials and equipment as soon as possible.
We have also begun our cell unit which will resume after we return from the holiday break. 

Social Studies: (Cook, Hoffman, Marr)

On Friday, November 20 students completed the Colonial America Unit test. Next week, we will be starting the chapter about the French and Indian War and the road to the Revolutionary War.  On Wednesday, there will be Colonial Day, which will be a presentation conducted by Dr. Marr and Mr. Hoffman. 

Friday, November 13, 2015

PTA Update November 13

English: (Behan, Ferrante, Vetter)
Second quarter started this week! This past week we continued reading our novel, Freak the Mighty, and we continued to delve into the themes of friendship family, and self-acceptance. Students have been engaged in whole class discussion, small group activity and individual responses. Next week, we will finish reading the novel and begin our culminating activity for it. Details will follow. Please encourage your children to keep up with the reading and to plan for and meet deadlines.

Health: (Glasser & Leibowitz)
This week in Health we discussed positive and negative stress as well as the way stress impacts our bodies.  The students engaged in activities to help identify all the ways stress impact our lives.  The students created their own personal stress kits and were asked to use at least one thing they identified in their "kits" over the weekend.  

Family and Consumer Sciences: (Berman)

This week was the end of our Sewing Unit and the beginning of our Careers Unit.  Next week, students will be taking a personality quiz to match them up with possible career options and then researching those careers.

Family and Consumer Sciences: (Stern)
Choosing a career and identifying career opportunities require careful thought and preparation.  Students completed the Personal Development Unit this week with a quiz.  Next week they will use the information learned in PD to help choose a career to research.  They will be doing an in class career project all week.  Students are required to bring in a 22 x 28 Poster Board along with a glue stick, at the beginning of the week, for next weeks project.


Mathematics: (Fernandez, Rehnback, McWilliams)
There will be a Unit Exam on Friday November 20th. In Accelerated the exam will focus on Chapters 4 and 5. In Regents the exam will focus on Chapter 3. Please be aware that the exams are cumulative and will contain concepts from throughout the entire school year thus far. The Performance Task on Toy Trains for team 7-1 is due on November 23rd and Team 7-2 is due on November 20th. Please ensure your child is doing homework every night and coming to extra help if they need support with the material. 
Science: (Camacho, Kalner, Tobia)
This week in science, students went to the computer lab to work on data tables and graphing for Science Symposium. Students also began the next unit of study of the cell. Science Fair Projects are due: NEXT WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18. Oral presentations will begin in-class on Wednesday. The Science Symposium (viewing of the projects) is on the evening of November 24. All students are expected to attend. 

Social Studies: (Cook, Hoffman, Marr)
This week students used iMovie to create trailers for their assigned colonies. At the end of the activity, the students celebrated with a 12 Colony Movie day. Next Friday is the Chapter 3 & 4 Test. Review materials are already coming home and a quizlet will be put up for review. Please check the website at www.team72.co for updates and the page for student movies (which will be up by next week.) You must have a lbeachg account to view the movie trailers.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

PTA Update- November 6

English: (Behan, Ferrante, Vetter)
This past week in English students received the scores on their literary essay. After reviewing their papers, they reflected and placed this material in their writing portfolios. As a reminder, these follow the students throughout their years in Long Beach Schools. We have also continued to work with Freak the Mighty and its conflict development as well as themes within the novel. Next week, we will continue to read the novel and work collaboratively as well as independently to continue to explore the characters' motivations and themes.

Health: (Glasser & Leibowitz)
This week in Health we continue our mental illness/stress unit.  The students continue to engage in activities geared toward the identification of mental illnesses and where to go for help.  

Family and Consumer Science: (Berman)
This week was our last full week in the sewing classroom. Students are finishing up their amazing pillow creations. Next week, we will begin our Careers Unit.

Family and Consumer Science: (Stern)Students began the Personal Development Unit this week.  Students discussed how their personality shows in their appearance, their communication, and their actions.  They discussed how a positive self-concept helps them cope with life.  They also discussed how they are responsible for their own behaviors and actions.


Mathematics: (Fernandez, Rehnback, McWilliams)Next Unit Exam is on November 20th.  The third Performance Task was handed out this week.  The Performance Task is due on November 20th, for Team 7-2, and November 23rd, for Team 7-1.

Science: (Camacho, Kalner, Tobia)
The first quarter ended on Friday.   We ended this quarter with re-visiting the microscope and we will begin the 2nd quarter with the development of the Cell Theory and the structure and function of the cell.  Students had a quiz on the Microscope and Lab techniques this week. Students should be collecting data of their Science Fair projects at this point.  We will be going to the library this week to set up data tables and graphs on the computer.  As a reminder final boards and projects are due November 18th.  Students should take advantage of extra help and the Science Research club (Tuesday - Thursday) for extra support.     

Social Studies: (Cook, Hoffman, Marr)
This week we began to investigate both the early English colonies (Roanoke and Jamestown) as well as the original thirteen colonies. We have been working on creating mind-maps.  The students are learning about the general characteristics of the New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies. We will have a culminating activity called "Love it or List it!" The students will become real estate agents and create a movie trailer on the iPads on the colony assigned to them. The students will be evaluating each other and either love it or list it.  For Mr. Cook, next week we will be concluding content on the early 13 colonies.  On Thursday, we will be starting our research project creating a fictional story about an early settler to America.  Each group will research a different region (New England, Middle, Southern), and each person in the group will be responsible for creating a different part of the story (reasons for settlement, the journey over, life in America, hardships faced).

Friday, October 30, 2015

PTA Update October 30, 2015

English: (Behan, Ferrante, Vetter)
This past week students received a copy of Freak the Mighty, the novel we will be reading over the next few weeks. They should have their novels with them every day. We have begun reading, and by Monday, students should be finished with chapter 7. In class students explored the legend of King Arthur, which is tied to the novel's plot, via a webquest. Students also took an X-skills test, which was based on the skills learned over Workshop 1 as well as its vocabulary. Next week, the conflict development of the novel will be explored. Please remember that the first quarter ends next Friday, November 6, 2015. Any overdue work must be handed in by then.

Health: (Glasser & Leibowitz)
This week in health we are learning about mental illness (facts vs. myths, signs, symptoms, treatments and where to go to get help).  The students are engaging in activities that will help them identify the different mental illnesses and resources available in our building and community.

Mathematics: (Fernandez, Rehnback, McWilliams)
The end of the quarter is approaching.  All homework must be made-up by next Friday. There will be a quiz the next 3 Friday's.  The next Unit Exam is on November 20th. Happy Halloween!

Science: (Camacho, Kalner, Tobia)
This week in science, all students went to the computer lab to work on created slides for their mini-board and project display board. Science Fair Experiments should be underway. Final projects are due: Wed November 18. The end of the quarter is next Friday, November 6 (already!).  Any owed work must be submitted by Monday, November 2. Our current unit of study is Cell Theory, Microscope, and Microscope Techniques. This will lead into the study of the cell.

Social Studies: (Cook, Hoffman, Marr)
This week week in social studies students reviewed and completed the quarterly exam. Next week students will be engaging in current events and talking about the evolution of the thirteen English colonies as they begin to grow into what will become the United States. Please have a happy and safe Halloween. In Mr. Cook's classes next week we will be starting the chapter about the Thirteen English Colonies in America.  Discussion, Socratic Seminar, Primary Source document analysis, etc. will be explored.  Storybook project will be created the following week. 

Friday, October 16, 2015

PTA Update October 16

English: (Behan, Ferrante, Vetter)
This past week, students in English read "Start Your Own Business" in their Expert 21 books and in groups "planned" their own business. They were also given suggestions for completing a well-developed essay. A rough draft was due in class for the students to peer-edit each other's work. A final copy of this independent reading assignment essay will be due Tuesday, October 20th and is based on the goals of the character in the novel they have read.  Next week, we will read "What's Your Life's Blueprint?" Later in the week, students will have their second inquiry test, which will cover the last three selections of Workshop 1.

Family & Consumer Science: (Berman)
This week in Home & Careers, the students started sewing their zippered pencil cases. Next week, they will complete the pencil cases and begin planning and sewing their pillows. Each student needs to bring in a bag of Fiber Fill by October 26th.

Family & Consumer Science: (Stern)
Students are Cooking!  Students will be showing off their knowledge by creating various dishes during the upcoming weeks.  They will collaborate with their partners and interpret recipes while developing their skills.

Health: (Glasser & Leibowitz)
This week in health class we are continuing our "anti-bullying" unit.  We are engaging in many activities that raise awareness about we treat each other and the power of our words.  We are challenging the students to made changes to encourage a more positive learning environment.

Mathematics: (Fernandez, Rehnback, McWilliams)
The Old Bethpage Restoration Village was a great success.  Fun was had by all! Unit Exam # 2 will be administered on Thursday October 22nd.  The Accelerated exam will cover Chapters 1 - 3. The Regents exam will cover Chapters 1 and 2.

Science: (Camacho, Kalner, Tobia)
This past week students began their research on the Science Project titles they chose for Symposium.  The due date has been pushed to Friday October 23rd.  In addition to their specific research, students should have their problem statement and hypothesis as part of their paper.  A work cited page with at least 3 resources is due with the paper as well.  Please refer to the packet provided to each students for additional information.

Students should begin gathering their materials to start their projects.  As a reminder, the entire project is due November 18th.

Next Wednesday students will also have their first unit test which will include Biological Sciences, Life Functions, Scientific Method and Measurement.  Students will receive review sheets and should attend extra help the day before. 

Social Studies: (Cook, Hoffman, Marr)
The Quarterly exam will take place on Thursday, October 29th! Quizlet review sheets are available on www.team72.co and we will hand study guides out in the coming days. We would like to thank all the students who attended the Old Bethpage Field Trip on there proper behavior. Many students asked excellent questions and your exposure to this local historical treasure will help you to understand the role of technology in transforming the lives of people throughout history.

This week we began our study of the Age of Exploration by examining Christopher Columbus in terms of the Iroquois belief of "Straight Mind/Crooked Mind." Students were asked to complete a position writing on weather they believe Columbus is a hero or a villain.  We ended the week with an examination of the "Five Guys" of Exploration and students completing an exploration simulation on the iPad.

Next week we continue our study of the Age of Exploration. We will look at the early nations that explored, there motivations, and we will complete TCI Workbook Chapter 2. Students will end the week creating a poem about one aspect of the Age of Exploration.  In Mr. Cook's class next week we will be creating travel brochures in the library based upon the areas of exploration.  Group responsibilities similar to the first project.  Group and project managers assigned.  Test Mon 10/26

Friday, October 9, 2015

PTA Update - October 9

Team 7-2 Announcement:
It has come to the team's attention that the extra help schedule on the middle school web page had a number of errors. We apologize for this and we have corrected the page in question. Extra help days can be found on the district site or on www.team72.co.


English: (Behan, Ferrante, Vetter)
This week in English, students took their first Inquiry Test based on the first three reading selections of Workshop 1. We also started the second half of the workshop by reading and working with the selection "We Beat the Street". Next week, we will begin to work on organizing our essays for the first quarter independent reading assignment, and we will continue in our Expert 21 books with "Start Your Own Business". Please remember that the final, good copy of the essay is due on Tuesday, October 20th.

Family & Consumer Science: (Berman)
Earlier this week, students presented their All About Me Movie Trailers. Later in the week, we began our sewing unit. Our first project is sewing a zippered pencil case followed by a pillow. Students are asked to bring in a bag of Fiber Fill by October 26th.

Family & Consumer Science: (Stern)
7th Graders finished reviewing kitchen and safety information needed to cook in the kitchens this week.  They will do a hands on practical test Tuesday by reading a recipe and making it.  Students will be in the kitchen labs creating various items for the next 2 weeks.

Health: (Glasser & Leibowitz)
This week in health we are continuing the "healthy habits" unit.  We also began discussing the power of our words and how our relationships with our peers impact our health.  

Mathematics: (Fernandez, Rehnback, McWilliams)
Next Math Unit Exam is Thursday October 22nd for all classes.  The 2nd Performance Task was handed out today.  It is due on October 26th.  The first Unit Exam was handed back this week. If you didn't see your child's grade, please ask them.  If they did not do well have them attend extra help.

Science: (Camacho, Kalner, Tobia)
This week we practiced identifying variables and the different parts of the Scientific Method as we begin the process of Science Fair.  Topics were due this Friday and we will begin doing in depth research on the topics on Tuesday and Wednesday.  A background research paper will be due October 20th as their first bulk of points toward their project grades.  Please be sure to refer to to the packet provided to the students for all due dates and requirements.  The packet will also be available on the school website.

Social Studies: (Cook, Hoffman, Marr)
This week students completed out student of Ancient American Civilizations and Native cultures. Students took the Chapter 1 test on Friday, October 10 in Dr. Marr and Mr. Hoffman's classes. This test will be returned next week. Next week we will examine Christopher Columbus and his exposure to the New World as a result of the Age of Exploration. Students will complete a position paper on the topic of: "Should Columbus Day Be Changed? Is Columbus a Hero or a Villain?" On Thursday we will begin talking about the Age of Exploration and the impact European Explorers had on the United States.  Groups of explorers include Spanish, Portuguese, English, French.

Friday, October 2, 2015

PTA Update - October 2

English:
This past week, students took their first SRI online, a diagnostic reading test. They were asked to bring home their score sheet and recommended reading list to share with you. Seventh grade levels should be, between 950-1150. We will work to expand the score as the year progresses.
Next week, we will have our first test (Inquiry Test) based on the first three readings in the Expert 21 book. Then we will begin working with "We Beat the Streets".  Essential questions that are being explored throughout this workshop are "is it necessary to have goals", "is sacrifice necessary to achieve a goal", "how do others influence our decisions", and "how does an environment contribute to a character's development". Please remind your children to read regularly. Their independent reading assignment was explained to the classes and will be due October 20, 2015.

Family & Consumer Science:
This week students completed their All About Me Movie Trailers in the computer lab and will be presenting them next week. Students need to bring in a bag of Fiber Fill by October 26th.

Health:
This week in Health we discussed the importance of setting goals, both short term and long term.  The students set short term goals and we will revisit their goals to see if they are following their plans of action.  We also discussed self-esteem and how our self-esteem relates to our health.  We engaged in an activity that promotes healthy self-esteem.

Mathematics:
The first Unit Exam was administered on Friday October 2nd. Performance Task is due on Monday October 5th, if not already handed in. Next week: Accelerated - We will start Chapter 3 Expressions and Equations. Regular - We will start Chapter 2 Rational Numbers.

Science:
This week in science, students explored the Scientific Method. Science Symposium was introduced and students went to the library this week and will go next week to research topic ideas. Students sharpened their measurement skills in a  laboratory investigation which focused the concepts of mass, volume and density. A complete lab report will be due next week. (The due date will depend on the teacher.)

Social Studies: Hoffman & Marr
This week students engaged in a recreation of primitive hunter gatherers as each tribe competed in a series of "hunts" against four pinatas. The winning tribe caught the food and survived, the losing tribe died as is the way in nature. In the end, Dr. Marr's tribe won the overall hunt. The hunt this year was very close, with the winner in each period being decided within a few points. Great job to all the students involved. We spent the rest of the week examining how natives adapt to their environment and the importance of myth in understanding native worldview. Next week we will continue our student of Native cultures with a focus on the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois.)

Social Studies: Cook
Next week, the students will be taking an essay test on Tuesday on Native Americans.  The question will be as follows: What was the relationship like between Native Americans and the world around them?  Be sure to include how they adapted to their environment, as well as contributions made to current society.
Following the exam, for the rest of the week we will be examining the early explorers to the Americas.


Friday, September 25, 2015

PTA Update - September 25

English:
This week in English we visited the library to select our first quarter independent reading novel.  Students received a detailed description of the assignment  that should have been signed and returned.  The written assignment will be due October 20th.  We read the first reading selection in Expert 21, Workshop 1 titled, "The Explosion."  Next week we will continue working in Workshop 1.  We will also take the first Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) for each student to receive their current lexile score.

Health:
This week in health class we are reviewing the "health triangle".  We are discussing the idea of "balance" and what that means.  The students have constructed their own "health triangles" and will set goals in order to help maintain balance.  We will be discussing healthy habits and how our daily decisions can help us have a successful year.

Mathematics:
Accelerated:  We completed Chapter 1 - Integers and started Chapter 2 - Rational Numbers this week. The first Unit Exam is next Friday, October 2nd.

Regular: We are still working on Chapter 1 - Integers.  The first Unit Exam is next Friday, October 2nd.

Social Studies: Hoffman & Marr
This week we worked on geography skills and discussed how the earth is like an onion. We began to touch on how creative man needs to be to survive in nature. We took a quiz on the basic social sciences and had our picture taken on Picture Day. We ended the week with a walkabout on Berengia and early Native civilizations. Next week we will continue our discussion on Natives. Monday (or the next rain-less day) we will be completing an atl-atl simulation. We will also be utilizing the iPads to begin working on the TCI workbook for Chapter 1. Please consider bringing headphones early in the week if you would like to listen to the textbook. There will be a vocabulary test on Chapter 1 at the end of the week. 

Social Studies: Cook
Next week we will be creating a Native American story book.  This will be a research project done in the computer lab during class time.  There will be project and group managers assigned in class Monday.  Project will be due next Friday (in class).

Science:
Students completed their investigation of the Characteristics of Life. Next week, we will be introducing Science Fair/Symposium. We will be going to the library to begin research for topic ideas.


Friday, September 18, 2015

PTA Update - September 18

English:
This past week students received their Expert 21 workbooks. This will go back and forth to school with them. It is broken into four workshops and explores various themes. Students were introduced to its format. We also worked on a portfolio review of previous materials. Next week, we will continue working with the first workshop in the book. We will also visit the school library to get books for our first independent reading assignment. The requirements for this project will be discussed in detail with the students.

Mathematics:
It was a pleasure meeting everyone at back-to-school night. Next week accelerated students will be starting chapter 2 and 7R will be finishing chapter 1.

Social Studies: Hoffman & Marr
This week we continued our use of iPads and creating our log-in's. We analyzed documents through our social scientist walkabout. The students also created their classroom constitutions for Constitution Day! Next week we will work on geography skills, and start with our investigation into Otzi the Iceman. We will be going down for picture day on Thursday Sept 24

Social Studies: Cook
Next week we will be continuing our content centered around the early Native American Civilizations.  Among these peoples are the Iroquois, Algonquin, Aztec, Inca, and Mayan Civilizations.  Group projects to follow.

Science:
This week in science, students explored the topic of life functions or, the characteristics of life. The first “Choice Project” on Biological Sciences was due this week (Monday, September 15). The projects look really great! Next week in science, there will be a quiz on Biological Sciences on Monday, September 21. We will wrap up our study of the life functions with a quiz on Friday, September 25. We will be introducing the Science Fair/Symposium which falls on Tuesday, November 25 this year. Looking ahead, team 7-2 science students will be going to the library for the initial search of topic ideas on Monday, September 29. Stay tuned for more information and deadlines. On a personal note, it was a pleasure to meet so many parents at Back to School night. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come. If you weren’t able to make it on Thursday evening, please do not worry! You may contact me via email (mkalner@lbeach.org) or phone anytime if you have specific questions. In addition, Dr. Marr will be updating the team website regularly with any important information from the team. The team website is: www.team72.co (this is not a typo, it is .co, not .com) Have a great weekend!



Friday, September 4, 2015

Welcome to the 2015-2016 School Year!

On behalf of all of us, I would like to welcome you to our team. This website contains team information and links to material that all team students will need. Each week I will post a PTA Update to the site that will let parents know what we have covered the past week and what we plan on covering in the upcoming week.

In addition to email and the phone, the team communicates with students and parents directly through the remind.com website. Information on joining our group will be backpacked home to students and is also available on our website. Once you join, team information will be transmitted as a text message or email. This is an anonymous service, meaning the team will not be able to see the phone number or email address you have input.

The following team teachers have made their syllabus available to view. Please take a moment to review them if you have not already done so.

Dr. Marr
Ms. McWilliams
Ms. Vetter

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the team via our email or the middle school (516)897-2166.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

A Team Thank You

As the 2014-2015 school year closes, the educators on Team 7-2 would like to take a moment to thank the students and parents for helping to make this year a fun, rigorous experience full of engaging, memorable activities. Over the last ten months, our students have had the opportunity to rise above the curriculum demands and engage in authentic learning activities which connected our curriculums to the world.

We began our journey with in a number of simulations involving Native Cultures, Iroquois Longhouses, and Colonial Day, an interdisciplinary activity spearheaded by our very own Dr. Marr. Next, we visiting Old Bethpage Village Restoration where students learned the rules of 19th century baseball and began to solidify differences between modern life and the past. These differences helped student to understand the very different life of students in Africa when Mrs. Vetter’s son, a peace corp teacher, helped us begin a Uganda Pen Pal Project in English class. This activity allowed both students and teachers to open our minds and hearts beyond Long Beach and become global thinkers who consider the community and world around them. This thinking was further expanded as we read The Testing in English and began to consider the impact of individuals and governments on the freedoms of people. Students again used this knowledge when, after completing a community service project involving a beach clean-up and ecology scavenger hunt, they wrote letters of concern to local and state elected political officials to address many unseen issues which influence our shores. As the year ended, students were able to experience hands-on science at the Franklin Institute and relive the history of America at Independence Hall when we traveled to Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Finally, we ended our experiences at the annual 7th grade Mushroom Park BBQ. The mediocre weather didn't hinder the great time had by all! As the final exams commence, we look forward to field day, the 7th grade Spelling Bee, and Awards Day next week.

English:

The school year in English has ended on a positive note. Final research papers will be added to the students' portfolios that follow them to the eighth grade. I would like to thank the parents for their support throughout the school year. It has been a pleasure working with your children. Please encourage them to read over the summer; in this way they can hit the ground running in September. Enjoy the vacation! 


Math:

Thank you for letting me teach your children this year.  It was wonderful year!  Have a wonderful summer!


Science:

I couldn't be more proud and pleased with this 7th grade year! Science fair, frog dissection, milkweed bugs, terrariums and aquariums are only a few of the highlights experienced in science class this year. I will miss you all. Have a wonderful and well deserved summer ! I wish everyone the very best for next year. I am always here for help or guidance next year and beyond!


Social Studies:

One of the most difficult lessons for students to learn involves the reality that student voice- their voice, matters in a Democratic-Republic. These students are the future, and they need to be able to think critically, problem solve, and trust themselves that they can and will achieve greatness. As our year together ends, please reiterate to your children that they have just successfully transitioned from the elementary grades. Next year students will continue to be asked to think, trust, and express themselves in their writing and with their voice. Together we have built a firm foundation and through guided practices allowed students to apply the "social" to our studies. Trust yourself. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Have a great summer. 


Friday, June 12, 2015

End of Year Report

English

This week we started to wrap up the school year in English. First, research papers were handed in on Monday. There are still a number of students who have not completed it; please talk to your child if he/she is one of those students. This research paper counts heavily in fourth quarter and takes the place of a final exam. We also reflected on the work in our writing portfolios and revisited our writing and reading goals for this school year.
Finally we viewed the film Ruby Bridges and made connections between it and the themes we covered over the course of this past quarter. Next week we will have our final x-skills exam of the year. Students have been given the information they need to review for the test. As this is our last week of classes with the students, I would like to encourage you to have your children read over the summer, and I wish everyone a healthy and happy summer.

Mathematics

The Final Exam is on Wednesday June 17th.  All students will use a calculator for the entire test.  They can also bring a 4 x 6 index card with notes on it to use during the exam.  Math extra help is on Tuesday from 3 - 4.  Everyone should start studying over the weekend.

Science

This week in science, students completed their study of Genetics, which was the last unit for this school year! Where did the time go?! The Science Final Exam is Friday, June 19. Students received final exam review packets this week. The review packet must be brought to class daily and must be completed by Tuesday, June 16. The last science after school extra help will be Tuesday, June 16. I will be offering morning review Tuesday, June 16 through Friday June 19 at 7:15am. Students should be studying a little bit each night from now until the exam. Textbooks can be returned on Tuesday, June 16 or Friday, June 19.

Social Studies

The final exam for the year will be Thursday, June 18. Last week your child created a google slide presentation in which they answered a key question/concept we have covered this year. These slide presentation are available for all students to review with and can be found on team72.co. Students must log into their google drive account in order to view the slide presentations. The review sheet for the final exam is a quizlet that is also found on our website. Extra help will be given on Wednesday after the Mathematics final.  On Monday and Tuesday we will be taking notes as Dr. Marr reviews the entire story of the American experience from the last Ice Age to Reconstruction.

Friday, May 29, 2015

PTA Update June 1 - June 5

English:

This past week we peer edited and conferenced over the rough draft  of our research paper. Now students must revise, edit, and hand in their final product on June 8th. We also took our final Inquiry test for Workshop 4 of the Expert 21 book. Tests will be returned on Monday. Next week, students will take their final SRI to measure reading level score.

Mathematics:

A great time was had by all in Philadelphia.  Mushroom Park is next Friday, June 5th.  If you did not bring in your permission slip and money, please bring it in on Monday.

Science: 

This week in science, students took a mid-summative assessment on food-webs. Organisms arrived for the terrariums and aquariums finally! Students will be able to observe many different organisms interacting in these mini-ecosystems. The 7th grade trip to  Philadelphia was a wonderful experience had by all. The Franklin Institute had many exciting, interactive, hands-on science interactive exhibits. The Giant Heart in the Heart Exhibit and the new Brain Exhibit were some of the favorites. Next week, we will continue to study our mini-ecosystems and begin our last unit of study of Genetics. Looking ahead, the science final exam will take place on Friday, June 19th.

Social Studies:

This week we will be be completing our study of the American Civil War and begin to look at the rebuilding of the South. We will be discussing PTSD and the link to the Civil War.

Friday, May 22, 2015

PTA Update May 25 - May 29

English: 

This past week we read "Hum", a short story about a Palestinian American boy's encounters with discrimination. We also read "A Letter from a Concentration Camp, a short passage about the Japanese internment camps during World War Two. Both passages are inclusive of the themes of protecting our rights that we've encountered in Workshop 4.
After our beach clean up, we asked the students to write letters to local officials expressing their observations and concern for our environment. These will be proofread by my and returned to them next week for a quick re-write. Please have them complete these.
Next week we will review our rough drafts (due May 26th) and have our second Inquiry Test (open-book, as always) on May 27th. The Philadelphia trip is Thursday, and we will be tidying up our rough drafts on Friday.
Have a happy Memorial Day weekend!

Mathematics:

The Philadelphia trip is on Thursday May 28th.  All students need to arrive at the Middle School at 6:15 am.  We hope to return back to the Middle School at 9 - 9:30.
 
A Test will be given next week On Wednesday.  Accelerated will be tested on Chapter 16.  Regular will be tested on Volume, Surface area and Angles.

Science:

This week in science we were able to take our study of ecology to the beach! Students explored the biotic and abiotic factors of our beach ecosystem and participated in a ecology scavenger hunt. After the scavenger hunt, students participated in a beach clean-up. It was a wonderful community service experience had by all. Next week, students will build their aquariums and terrariums and introduce organisms to each. There will be a mid-summative exam given on Wednesday, May 27.

Social Studies:

Happy Memorial Day! This week students will begin to study the American Civil War. We will cover tactics, goals, and early victories and defeats. We will be finished with the curriculum the following week and begin to work on our end of the year project.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

PTA Update May 18-22

English:

This week we worked in the Expert 21 book on the play "Gracie" and learned about the elements of drama. We also continued in our steps towards completing our research paper. At this point, students should be working on their rough drafts. We went to the library to work on the computers. Please be aware that documents meant to assist the students with the research writing process have been uploaded and shared with the students via their Google Docs accounts. They have access to these at home as well. The rough draft is due in class on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, and the final product is due June 8, 2015. In addition, students received their scores for the first Inquiry test of Workshop 4. This was returned on Tuesday.

Next week, we will read "Hum" and "Letters from a Concentration Camp" in the Expert 21 book. We will also continue working on our rough drafts in the library computer lab. At the end of next week, we will have our multidisciplinary beach experience. The English component will ask the students to write letters to our local officials about our environmental concerns.
Beach Clean-up Field Experience next Friday may 22nd. 
 


Mathematics:

Philadelphia trip Thursday May 28th.

7th Grade Activity Day is June 5th at Mushroom Park.

Accelerated:  We reviewed area and volume this week.  We will start Chapter 16 - Exponents next week.  There will be a quiz next Thursday.

Regular:  We reviewed area, surface area, and volume this week.  We will continue on Chapter 9 - Volume next week.  There will be a quiz next Thursday.

Science:

This week in science, students completed watching a National Geographic Movie focusing on Jane Goodall and her groundbreaking study of chimpanzees. Students applied their knowledge gained in the first part of our Ecology investigation to answer questions about Jane Goodall's research. A mid-summative exam for the first part of the ecology module was given this week. Observations of Milkweed Bugs continue! Students work daily in their lab notebooks, noting any changes and developments within their habitat. The bugs are slow to mature and populate their habitats. We look forward to next week to see what type of development continues. Food Chains and Food Webs are being explored this week and next, as we prepare to build terrariums and aquariums. This will enable students to see food chain/web relationships live! (Organisms for terrariums and aquariums are delayed until the last week of May.) Looking ahead: Science Congress Awards for top honors is Monday, May 18th at the Wheatley School. Science Final Exam is Friday, June 19th.

Social Studies:


This week we will be analyzing the causes of the American Civil War using primary and secondary source documents and close reading skills. Students will be asked to use these documents to answer one of the seven essential questions we have covered throughout the year. This question will be answered in class and count as the test grade for this topic. At the end of the week we will also be covering the brutality and social impact of slavery using primary source photographs.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

PTA Update May 11 - May 15

English:

This past week in English, we finished the first half of Workshop 4 in the Expert 21 book and took an Inquiry Test - open book. Scores will be available early next week. We also continued our research for our fourth quarter final project - "Breaking Barriers Research Paper". Students have been using Google Docs to research databases for sources. I have also shared via their accounts several items that may help them in the completion of the paper. Rough drafts are due in class for peer review and conferencing on May 26, 2015. The final product is due June 8, 2015. Next week, we will continue research practices and begin "Gracie", our next passage in the Expert 21 book.

Mathematics:

All students took the first Unit Exam of the 4th Quarter on Friday. 
 
Accelerated: We just completed Chapter 14 on Real Numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem.  We will begin Chapter 15: Volume and Similar Solids on Monday.  We are working groups right now.  All groups are working together wonderfully.  There will be a quiz next Friday.
 
Regular: We just completed Chapter  on Angles.  We will start reviewing Area, Surface Area and Volume on Monday.  We are working groups right now.  All groups are working together wonderfully.  There will be a quiz next Friday.

Science:

Exciting things are happening in science class this week! Students have started to discover concepts of Ecology through inquiry, in the Populations and Ecosystems Ecology Module. Students constructed habitats for Milkweed Bugs. They introduced two Milkweed Bugs into the habitats and have been making daily observations in their lab notebooks. They completed a sorting activity that encouraged discussion and debate which led to deeper understanding of fundamental concepts of Ecology. Next week, there will be the first formal assessment Tuesday or Wednesday.

Social Studies:

Last week we discussed the Reform movements that contributed to the Civil War. This week we will be working on a document based question on the reform movement then continue to look at the other causes of the Civil War

Thursday, April 30, 2015

PTA Update May 4 - May 8

English:

This week, we continued our work, both with Workshop 4 and our research paper. We listened to Barack Obama's speech "A More Perfect Union" and read it as well. We researched databases to help us with sources, and we have been note-taking for our biography books. Next week, we will finish the first half of Workshop 4 and have an inquiry test on Friday the 8th. We will continue researching for our papers and write a rationale for the research paper. The final product will be due on June 8th, but we are taking the research process step by step. Please encourage your children to complete work in a timely manner. Thank you!

Mathematics:

Next week there will be a Unit Exam next week!  Have a great weekend.
Regular:  The test will cover Chapter 7 next Friday.

Accelerated:  The test will cover Chapters 13 and 14.


Science:

This week in science, we concluded our study of Regulation (Nervous System & Endocrine System). Students participated in a right brain/left brain activity and there was a quiz given to complete the unit. In addition, the culminating poster/research project for the Digestive, Circulatory, and Respiratory Systems was collected on Tuesday. (If a student has not handed in the project and paper, it must be done ASAP!)

We will begin our Ecology unit next week. Students will be building habitats for Milkweed bugs. The seventh grade science teachers are asking students to bring in a few small twigs/sticks to help construct these habitats. Students will begin to make daily observations after they introduce a male and female Milkweed bug into each habitat.

Social Studies:

This week will be handing in our Manifest Destiny flip book and begin studying the Causes of the American Civil War. The quarter will be ending in a few weeks. Please be sure that students are working on the end of the year project files given to then at the start of the year.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

PTA Update April 20 - 24

English

This week, the ELA was administered. During classes, students worked on a culminating in-class assignment for the novel The Testing. All novels must be returned by this week. Next week, we will begin our "Breaking Barriers" unit. We will explore such questions as: how do we protect our rights, how does an individual affect society, is it an individual or a movement that effects change? Students will work in their Expert 21 books once again using the fourth workshop. Students will also be introduced to their fourth quarter research project.


Mathematics

Next week we will continue reviewing Chapters 1 - 10. Have a nice weekend!


Science

Welcome back and to the fourth quarter!!! This week in science, the culminating project for the Digestive, Circulatory, and Respiratory Systems was assigned, and is due April 28. Students worked in the computer lab Monday and Tuesday to research a disorder of one of the body systems and began writing their research paper. Many students worked very diligently and finished or are close to finishing the paper portion of the project. The remaining work on the project must be completed on their own; at home, at extra help, or during lunchtime.  Wednesday, students completed a web quest as an introductory exploration of  the Nervous System, which is the next unit of study. Thursday and Friday, students continued their investigation of Regulation in the human body. Human Body Handout.


Social Studies

This Tuesday we will be having a unit test on the Early Presidents. We have been creating an interactive flip book since before break, and the contents of this book are on the test. The rest of the week we will be discussing the ideals of Manifest Destiny and the movement of Americans to achieve the American Dream.

Friday, March 27, 2015

PTA Update March 30 - April 3

English

This week in English we continued our analysis of the novel The Testing. We have been looking through the text for evidence that helps the author develop the characters, conflict, and theme. We have also been using inquiry to develop a deeper understanding of the text. In addition, we have continued practicing our critical reading and writing skills. Next week, we will complete the novel reading and review poetic devices.

Mathematics

Both classes will have the next and last Unit Exam for the Quarter on Wednesday April 1st.

Accelerated- The exam will cover both Chapters 12 and 13 with some review topics.  All students received their Common Assessment score on Thursday.  Please review with them and sign.  The Math State Assessment Exam will be administered on April 23 - 25.

Regular- The exam will cover Chapter 10 with some review topics.  All students received their Common Assessment score on Thursday.  Please review with them and sign.  The Math State Assessment Exam will be administered on April 23 - 25.

Science:

Please visit website for update. TBA.

Social Studies:

We are continuing to work on our Interactive Flipbook that will count as a unit exam for our Early President Unit. If you student has a pair of scissors and a glue stick, please encourage them to bring it next week so we can all complete the activities efficiently. Have a great break. We will be completing the Interactive Flipbook when we return from the break.

Friday, March 20, 2015

PTA Update March 23-27

English

We continue to work with ELA review and a novel study for The Testing. Students received three assignments, each due on one of three due dates: March 20th, March 27th, and April 1st. These have been explained to the students. Students should be reading at home regularly.

Mathematics

Reminder the 7th Grade Trip was changed from May 7th to May 28th. If you have not already signed the permission slip, please do and hand in on Monday.

Accelerated: The Common Assessment will be returned at the beginning of next week. The next Exam will take place on April 1st.  We will continue working on Chapter 13 next week.  The exam will cover Chapters 11 - 13.  We will start reviewing Chapters 1 - 10 before the Spring Break, and will continue until the NYS Assessment Exam.  All material will be tested again on the Final Exam.

Regular:  The Common Assessment will be returned at the beginning of next week.  The next Exam will take place on April 1st.  We will continue working on Chapter 10 next week.  The exam will cover Chapters 9 and 10.  We will start reviewing Chapters 1 - 10 before the Spring Break, and will continue until the NYS Assessment Exam.  All material will be tested again on the Final Exam.

Science

This week in science, students explored the Circulatory System. They took an in depth look of the components of blood and the anatomy of the heart. There was a quiz on the parts of blood on Thursday. Looking to next week, we will continue to study this body system through a variety of labs and inquiry based activities. Students will conduct an investigation on factors that affect pulse rate, and another that demonstrates the properties of blood typing. Students will make connections to how poor health choices can lead to illnesses  of the Cardiovascular System, and how it relates to our body's ability to make energy.

Social Studies

This week students will continue to look at the development of political parties and theses surrounding the early nation including the Bank of the USA, American Neutrality, and how the Constitution is interpreted. Students will be having a quiz at the end of the week on the materials covered so far.

Friday, March 13, 2015

PTA Update March 16-20

English:

This week we started The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world and centers around the character of Cia, a sixteen year old who lives in a small colony and who wants desperately to attend the University. However, as she proceeds towards the entrance tests, she discovers not all is what it seems. We will spend both class time and at-home time reading the novel. The students already seem very interested. We will explore the  following essential questions: Do "good" people sometimes do "bad" things; can one person influence a change in society; should citizens always trust their leaders; is hurting someone ever justified; how does one determine what to trust: their instinct or what they've been told. For the purpose of the unit, students have been placed in "colonies"; these are the groupings with whom the students will collaborate on various activities in class. They will also have individual assignments.

In addition, we continue to practice for the upcoming ELA (April 14,15,16) by reviewing in our ELA review booklet and practicing testing, critical reading, and writing strategies.

Family & Consumer Science:

This week students presented their All About Me: Movie Trailers and we started our Cooking Unit. Before getting into the kitchens, students will be refreshing  Kitchen Safety, Cooking Terms, Cooking Tools and Equipment, and Measuring Skills. The students voted on a theme for their upcoming Luncheon and the winning idea was a "Disney" Theme.

Mathematics:

The Philadelphia trip has been RESCHEDULED to THURSDAY MAY 28th.  There is a new permission slip going home on Friday.  Please sign and return on Monday.

Accelerated:  A Cumulative exam was administered on Thursday.  We will continue working on Chapter 12 - Angles and Triangles next week.  There will be a Unit Exam given within the next two weeks.  This exam will cover Chapters 11 and 12.  Have a nice weekend!

Regular:  A Cumulative exam was administered on Thursday.  We will continue working on Chapter 10 - Probability.  There will be a Unit Exam given within the next two weeks.  This exam will cover Chapters 9 and 10.  Have a nice weekend!

Science:

This week we finished the Respiratory System and started the next of the 3 body systems directly involved in making energy which is Circulation.  With this unit,  students will learn about the structure and functions of the heart, the parts of blood, the blood vessels, and blood typing.  Students also completed a Lung Capacity Lab this week.  Any students who were absent must come to extra help to make up the lab.

Social Studies:

We have been reading an excerpt from Little Brother, a story about four teens who experience life in the USA as an enemy combatant. As we wrap up our discussion of our rights under the Bill of Rights and Constitution, next week we now turn to a discussion of the issues and challenges of starting a brand new Government under George Washington. We will examine the early Presidents with a focus on Washington, Adams, and Jeffersons and how the development of Political Parties both help and hinder the new nation.

Friday, March 6, 2015

PTA Update Week 22

English:

This past week, students practiced in their ELA review booklets for the upcoming ELA, which will occur the week we return from Spring Break. We also reviewed for and took an X Skills test for Workshop Three, which tested the critical reading skills and vocabulary they acquired over the past workshop. At the end of the week, students were introduced to their next whole-class novel, The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau. We will spend the next several weeks working with this novel. Students will be reading both in class and out, so please expect to se the novel at home.

Family & Consumer Science:

Students are beginning the Sewing Unit.  They will learn how to sew on a button and mend a seam this week.  Each Student will need to bring in an 8oz bag of Poly-Fil stuffing for their upcoming pillow project.  They will need their stuffing by the end of next week (March 13).

Science: 

This week in science, students continued their study of the Respiratory System. A quiz was given on Wednesday. We explored lung capacity in a laboratory investigation. Students used balloons to measure lung capacity and discussed/predicted what might affect a person's vital capacity. We also constructed  working mini-models of the respiratory system  using plastic bottles and balloons. Next week, we will conclude our investigation of the Respiratory System  and begin to explore the Circulatory System.

Mathematics:

Both classes will take a Cumulative Assessment on Thursday March 12th.  Extra help will be given on Tuesday and Wednesday.  There are 12 Multiple Choice questions and 4 Constructive Response on the exam.  Please make sure that your child is reviewing over the weekend.  They should review Chapters 1 - 9.  They should study notes and can also use the Big Idea website.  Have a nice weekend!

Social Studies:

This week we will be completing our study of the the Bill of Rights with a reading of an excerpt from “Little Brother”. We will then begin study of the Early New Nation under the first six Presidents.

Friday, February 27, 2015

PTA Update Week 21

English: 

This week we culminated our 3rd Workshop, Nature's Fury. Students took their second Inquiry test on Tuesday, and we finished the week with a group activity that asked students to take what they learned about natural disasters and their effects and apply their learning. Upcoming: There will be an X-skills test on Wednesday, March 4th. A review sheet will be uploaded onto the team website at www.team72.co We have begun reviewing for the ELA; students will receive a light blue workbook with passages and exercises. This will be used both at home and in class. We will also begin work with our third whole-class novel, The Testing.


Home & Careers:  

Mrs. Stern:  Students are working on a career research project that is to be completed during class throughout the week.  It is due Friday, February 27th.  The students will need to bring in a poster board that is 22x28 inches and a glue stick. 


Mathematics:

TBA


Science:

Welcome back from Winter Break! This week in science, we jumped right in with a review of  the Digestive System. A morning review was given on Tuesday before the Digestive System Exam for extra support. The  next human body system of study is the Respiratory System. Students read an introductory article, "With Every Breath", that gave a general overview of the parts and functions of the Respiratory System. In addition, this informational reading offered explanations of the various diseases and disorders of the system. It is exciting to see the interest spark in students at different times, during each of the human body units. They really seem to be engaged, and love making connections to their real life experiences.


Social Studies:

This week we will be exploring the rights that we have in the United States under the US Constitution. After completing a graphic organizer walkabout, we will discuss the importance and limits of our freedoms. We will end the week reading an excerpt about what may happen in the USA after a terrorist attack.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

PTA Update Week 20

English: 

This week in English students took the first Inquiry test for Workshop 3. Scores were provided to them on Thursday. In addition we started work on the second half of the workshop, with "Storm in the Night", "The Big Wave" and "Cartoonists Capture Nature's Fury".  the second Inquiry test will be administered on Tuesday, the 24th. I wish you all a very restful February vacation!

Home & Careers: Mrs. Stern 

Students are  working on the Personal Development and Career Unit.  We have been discussing values, goal setting, self esteem vs. self concept as well as various other related areas.  Students will take a Quiz to finish Personal Development on Friday 2/13.  When the students return from Winter Break they will be working on a Career Project that they will complete during class time.  I ask that the students bring in a Poster Size Board (22x28) for their project as well as a glue stick.

Mathematics: 

Please check website at http://www.team72.co

Science: 

This week in science we wrapped up our investigation of the Digestive System. The unit test will be Tuesday, February 24. The next units of study will be the Respiratory and Circulatory Systems. The pace will be picking up as we progress through the body systems. It is imperative students are completing their daily homework and studying regularly.

Social Studies:

We have finished our iMovie Project. Over the vacation, students must complete a reflection on the project. This form is accessible on my website at http://www.team72.co. When we return, we will have a film festival on Student Rights and then begin our study of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Enjoy the February break!