Week of January 16, 2017

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:
We spent a good majority of the week working with percentages; finding the percent, finding the part, and finding the whole. We also briefly practiced percent of change. We also worked with circle graphs. Next Tuesday we will have our Unit 7 test, along with a notebook check.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

This week we finished up our unit on percents. We had a fun "shopping day" where students tried to "spend" $200 on various items in store advertisements, in conjunction with a  variety of "percent-off" coupons. We also looked at other practical applications of percents, using it to determine sales tax, tip, and commission. On Friday we spent some more time on writing out and using equations to solve problems. We'll review some more on Monday before our chapter test on Tuesday.

Pre-Algebra III with Andrew:

This week in our class, we spent more time looking at percentages.  We saw how to interpret word problems in order to find percents and wholes.  We also practiced finding percent change, which also corresponds to finding percent markup and percent discount.  Next week, we will work on using percentage rates to calculate interest, and look at how to calculate probability.

Algebra I with Molly:

Students continue to work with the point-slope form of linear equations. We’ve been practicing when to use each form of linear equation and applying them to real-world situations. Students have also learned to write equations that are parallel and perpendicular to a given line. They took a quiz on Friday on 6-3 and 6-4.

Geometry with Clare:

We crammed a lot into the past short week! Ch. 6 tests were graded, returned, discussed, and fixed. The bridge project was discussed - note that this is due Monday 23rd. We made a start on Ch. 7, Similarity. And there was a lot of review for the half-year test which was taken Friday.  This was almost completed by the students and will be finished Monday 23rd, with one particular question being a cooperative effort that day. I look forward to seeing the popsicle stick bridges and supporting material!

Language Arts with Jared:

Students continued reading their novels in their literature circle groups. Seventh and eighth graders also looked at some historical documents from the time period in order to better understand the setting. Sixth graders spent the week working on revising the rough drafts of the stories they wrote a while back. Eighth graders finished their grammar unit on verbs, and took their chapter test on Friday, and sixth and seventh graders took a quiz on linking verbs.

World Studies & Civics with Andrew:

In Civics this week, we worked on our NHD essay outlines.  We looked at an example essay in order to understand how to write topic sentences for our body paragraphs.  We also learned more about the Executive Branch with a video that discussed many details of the organization, role, and powers of the president and executive branch.  At the end of the week, we watched a special video that helped us understand the transition of power between presidents.  We then watched the inauguration ceremony for President Trump.

Physical Science with Molly:

This week students began writing the script of their “live” scientist interview. This is a different way of presenting a current event from scientific progress made in 2016. We also completed learning about the differences between the non-metals, metals, and metalloids in the periodic table.

Spanish with Corinne:

Morning Spanish

Sunshine A

This week we continue working with the vocabulary from Chapter 2A, talking about the school day and classes.

Sunshine B

This week we watched an episode of “Eres tú María?” and started the vocabulary from Chapter 6B, household rooms and chores. 
Spanish B

This week we began reading the Spanisg version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  We will continue reading it throughout the year. We learned about demonstrative adjectives and how to make them agree in gender and number with their noun. We will have a test on Thursday January 26.

Spanish C

This week we reviewed for and took a quiz on the vocabulary from chapter 2B and the preterite tense.

Spanish D

This week we enjoyed the sunny Thursday by reading outside together from Harry Potter. We also continued to work with the formation and uses of the subjunctive, including a verb conjugation race on Friday.

Art with Patti:

We are almost finished with clay, and as that tapers off, we have started art warm-ups again. This week we reviewed and practiced one and two-point linear perspective. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade artists have all experienced some time working on the wheel. They continue working on clay or finishing a “happiness” themed artwork. To help reflect on how they are engaged in creating artwork during class students will write a short log at the end of each class. Come on in and check it out!

Computer Lab with Lauren:

This week we did lots of typing practice and we reviewed for the Digital Citizenship Unit Test that is next Thursday/Friday.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

No Monday classes (no 6^th & 8^th)

7^th Grade students continued to focus on the puberty growth spurt. The girls focused on the different body types, the weight spurt, and the dangers of “fad” diets. The boys focused on different body types and the risks and benefits of weight training. We will continue this focus with eating healthy next week, then soon will focus on anorexia, bulimia, and steroids.

Thank you from, 
The Purple Team