Week of August 25

Purple Teacher Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:

In Pre-Algebra I, we have been reviewing about whole numbers and place value, the commutative, associative, and identity properties of numbers, estimating by rounding and compatible numbers, order of operations and today we reviewed place value of decimals. The students had their first quiz today. I will return those on Monday. Most of the students are having difficulty with remembering to use the order of operations to solve math equations. I gave each of them a practice sheet to reinforce this skill. It is not homework and it is totally up to them (and you, of course) if they want to complete it. Next week, more decimal work.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II, we started at the basics, explaining how to show work on assignments, how to take notes, and how to use estimation strategies for double-checking solutions. We then looked at decimals, going over how to line up the decimal points for adding and subtracting decimals. We spent the second half of the week on multiplying and dividing decimals, and spent Friday reviewing these skills online at the IXL website. We will have our first quiz on Wednesday.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

In Pre-Algebra III, students are already more than half-way through Chapter #1--Algebra: Integers and Algebraic Expressions. We have been evaluating, simplifying and writing algebraic expressions, using the order of operations, trying different strategies to problem-solve real-world word problems, working with absolute value, and adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers (positive and negative). So far, students are off to a great start! 

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, we focused on review to get our math brains working. We practiced using variables, exponents, and order of operations. We defined and added with real numbers. Next week we will have a quiz on our first two sections, 1-1 and 1-2 on Wednesday and a quiz on 1-3 and 1-4 on Friday. The students are doing a nice job showing their work and working carefully.

Geometry with Holly:
We have a very enthusiastic and inquisitive group in geometry this year, and I am looking forward to having fun with them as we dig into Geometry.  After an introduction to the class and a diagnostic test, we began discussing a variety of topics which will be our tools.  On Friday of the first week we discussed Patterns and Inductive Reasoning, then on Monday we discussed Drawings, Nets, and Other Models.  We took two days to review and discuss Points, Lines, and Planes; and finished the week discussing Segments, Rays, Parallel Lines and Planes.  Next week the students will have their first quiz over the material to date.

Language Arts with Jared:

In Language Arts, we went over the literature we'll cover this year, and talked about how the reading choices will tie in with Emily's US History curriculum. Students turned in their summer reading book review, and began an "I Am" poem from the perspective of a character in another book they read this summer. We looked at our vocabulary unit, and students made flash cards in preparation for a quiz in a few weeks. Each grade level also started their grammar units, beginning with prepositions (a number of which they'll need to memorize). And finally we began our first literature unit, focusing on 19th century American poetry. We started with William Cullen Bryant, and started analyzing some of his poems.

World Studies with Emily:

In World Studies, we set-up our binders as we discussed what we will be studying in US History from 1865 to present day and what my expectations are for the students’ work and participation. I explained that their World Studies letter section class that meets once a week will focus on National History Day projects, geography, and current events. All purple program students will read a current article from a newspaper, magazine, or legitimate website, write a paragraph about it for homework, and then present a summary and a statement about its overall significance to the class every week. This assignment is due either on Wednesdays or Fridays, depending on when their section meets. We watched a short video about what National History Day is and we will delve into NHD much more this coming week.  US History class meets three times a week as a grade (6^th, 7^th, and 8^th). For US History, students read the introduction chapter to an excellent book entitled A Different Mirror by Ronald Takaki, who is an emeritus professor of Ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and chose at least two of my six questions to write about in their readers’ response journals. I am eager to read these responses this weekend!

Earth Science with Molly:

This week we set up our binders, went over this year’s Earth science curriculum, and classroom expectations. We began a focus on the Earth Sun relationship by creating mystery season paragraphs. We also discussed ancient models for the way the sun passes from East to West and then from West to East. Students are coming up with their own creative models to explain the return of the sun in the East each day, as if they were alive 1000 years ago in Blacksburg. These activities help students pay attention to the many changes that take place in how we see and experience the Sun throughout the seasons, prior to learning the facts. We also began a focus on science fair, which happens in the fall in middle school, by learning about qualitative and quantitative observations. 

Spanish A with Rebecca:

The students started the year by reviewing greetings, self-introductions, classroom objects, feminine vs. masculine nouns, and when to use the formal and informal "you". We have been practicing introducing and greeting each other in class to get used to hearing and speaking everything we learn.

Spanish with Olga:

Spanish B

The students watched two cultural videos about families from Mexico and Guatemala. We reviewed vocabulary and verbs from Spanish A. We listened to music to help us tune our ears back to Spanish.

Spanish C

The students watched two cultural videos about families from Mexico and Guatemala. We reviewed vocabulary and verbs. We started the first Unit in our book. We read about Enrique Iglesias (ask the students about Enrique's dog) and listened to his music.

Spanish D

The students watched two cultural videos about families from Mexico and Guatemala. We reviewed vocabulary and verbs from last year. After reviewing informal command forms, we jumped right in into a new structure: formal commands, positive and negative. We listened to music to help us tune our ears back to Spanish.

Spanish D+

The students joined the D class and watched two cultural videos about families from Mexico and Guatemala. They worked independently on the grammar book. Their first reading assignment is due next Friday. On Friday, they once more joined the D class, as we listened to music to help us tune our ears back to Spanish.

Art with Patti:

Please bring a 100% white cotton t-shirt for this Wednesday. Students will have the option of screen printing their shirts before tie dying them.

Computer Lab with Holly:
Students have been setting up their Edmodo accounts and linking to their new classes for this year. Parents will be given a code to link to their child(ren) this week.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

In our first meeting, students learned about the topics that will be covered in Life Skills and Sex Ed. I will share these with you during our Back to School Meeting next Wednesday. Students learned about the BNS Dress Guidelines, how to be prepared for the Cascades Hike, and each told something about their summer experiences. They also filled out a short questionnaire about their first impressions of Purple Room and what they hope for in the next few weeks. Teachers will read these together at our meeting next week. Next week we will focus on the self, personalities, and character traits.

Thank you from, The Purple Team

Week of August 20th

 We had a fun first three days of school in Purple Room. We spent time getting to know each other, getting to know the Purple Room and policies, and students began a couple of classes. On Friday, students worked hard to make the playground a nicer place to be. They trimmed and weeded, dragged the brush away, and enjoyed using the loppers you sent in. Thanks for sharing your wonderful children with us.