Week of October 13th

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:

In Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn, the students had a Unit 3 math assessment on Wednesday and those tests were handed back on Thursday. The students made corrections in class. Be sure to check in with your student to see how he/she did. On Thursday we began Unit 4 that covers divisibility rules and fractions.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II, students spent the week working with factors and multiples. They reviewed how to write the prime factorization for numbers, how to find the least common multiple, and how to find the greatest common factor. We spent a lot of time working on keeping our abbreviations straight, as there are a lot in this chapter - LCM, GCF, and LCD. 

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

We have been identifying and graphing points in the Coordinate Plane, solving linear equations with two variables and graphing those equations, and finding the slope of a line from a graph and from setting up a table and calculating the change in y divided by the change in x (rise/run).

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, students did a project on bicycle gears. They used the transmission and bike travel equations to answer questions about the gears ratios. They created some very nice looking posters explaining their work. We began a new unit working with inequalities. So far we’ve reviewed solving for a variable using addition and subtraction. Students received their Chapter 2 tests back and will be turning revisions in for Monday. This is the last test they will be allowed to earn back ½ points on their grade. They will continue to be able to fully revise homework and receive credit for it through the end of the trimester. Of course, doing revisions on homework and assessments will continue to be done and will help them gain a better understanding of their mistakes. 

Geometry with Holly:

This week we reviewed the Algebra concepts of slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines and learned how to construct parallel and perpendicular lines using only a compass and straight edge.  After a quiz over the last four sections' material, we finished the week by learning how to use graphing calculators to help solve linear equations..

Language Arts with Jared:

In our poetry unit, students read the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. They also worked on finishing writing the rough drafts of their poem types, and next week will choose 5 to revise. In grammar students started their verbs unit, which begins with a focus on helping verbs. Finally, we also spent the week reviewing our 60 vocabulary words for a test next week.

World Studies with Emily:

I returned students’ Reconstruction tests and we reviewed commonly missed multiple choice questions. I also read a short chapter of a book entitled “A Failed Revolution” because it related to their essay question on the test. I gave students some suggestions when writing an essay on a test, mainly to use as many supporting details/facts to support their argument/opinion as possible and to keep the speculative tangents to a minimum. We also read about and discussed the holiday Colombus Day – who (cities, states and countries) celebrates it, who doesn’t and why, and who has changed that holiday to celebrate something/someone else. Interesting stuff! We started our Immigration and Segregation unit by looking at some timelines; students are working on making timelines for the years 1865 – 1914. For NHD, I collected the first two research checks to look over. We discussed organization systems for their research as well as when to quote, to paraphrase, and to summarize. We had some lively discussion regarding current event summaries.

Earth Science with Molly:

This week students created mock moon craters in flour and cocoa powder with marbles of different masses by dropping them from different heights and angles. We also focused on the phases of the moon using a giant polystyrene ball and then each student held a ping pong ball while recreating the phases as we see them from Earth. Students watched a powerpoint presentation to learn about how tides are created on both the side of Earth closest to the moon and the opposite side of Earth. Ask them to explain the two bulges to you. For Science Fair, students have turned their research summaries and will turn their bibliographies in on Tuesday next week. They are also working on developing their list of materials and specific methods they will use for their experiment. These will be turned in next Thursday for feedback from me before students are off and running (conducting their experiments).

Spanish A with Rebecca:

This week, the Spanish A students practiced describing themselves using the adjectives from chapter 1B. They also interviewed each other and presented about their friends, describing them to the class. On Friday, they took a short vocabulary quiz and then worked on a poster project, on which they composed poems describing themselves.

Spanish with Olga:

Spanish B

On Wednesday, we reviewed for the test. We did some written practice and we played "Pictionary" to help us with vocabulary. On Friday, we had our test.

Spanish C

On Wednesday we revisited reflexive verbs and practiced forming sentences with it. On Friday we talked about our morning routines, using reflexive verbs.

Spanish D

This week we started talking about verb moods and made a list of all the verb tenses we know. We talked about the concept of the subjunctive mood and what it conveys. I introduced the students to the forms of the present subjunctive, and we started forming two-clause sentences that use subjunctive.

Spanish D+

The students joined the D class for an explanation of the subjunctive mood, which is new to them. We will have an assessment on the past tense on Monday.

Art with Patti:

Purple Room artists finished their Complimentary Color Paintings. They did a beautiful job in translating their drawings from a chosen photograph, converting to color compliments, and using value to show depth. They also started a sketchbook assignment where they chose an analogous color group to paint a background. 

Computer Lab with Holly:

This week the 6th grade students finished composing their Internet Safety PowerPoint projects, and the 7th and 8th grade students presented their Internet Safety PowerPoint projects.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This meeting (7^th Fri, 6 & 8 next Mon.), students received their My Goals sheets back and were asked to read over the goals they set for themselves this year, as well as the note from their parents. They were asked to think about whether they were on track toward accomplishing their goals or whether they need to make some changes. I encouraged them to ask teachers for help achieving their academic goals. They also completed a student questionnaire for the fall trimester giving the teachers feedback about their academic and social experience in the Purple Room and taking the opportunity to share anything else they would like us to know. We wrapped up our character discussion this week and began discussing DRAMA or social stress. Students helped define what they mean when they say, “there was a lot of drama at school today.” Next week we will name all of the things that contribute to creating this feeling of drama in their lives, then we will work on ways to minimize its effects on us. 

Thank you from, The Purple Team