Week of January 23, 2017

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:
We had our Unit 7 assessment this week. Please take time to see your child's test results in their portfolio. We began our next unit which is on geometry. The students had a quiz on Friday on geometric terms.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II, students wrapped up their unit on percents with a chapter test on Wednesday. Then we began our unit on geometry. Students learned how to use protractors and compasses. They worked to construct angle and segment bisectors, as well as figure out supplementary and complementary angles. On Friday we revisited a number of these skills on the computer.

Pre-Algebra III with Andrew:

This week in Pre-Algebra III, we worked on finishing up our section on percentages and rates.  We looked at finding percent change, percent markup, and percent discount.  We then looked at how to calculate interest, whether it is added simply or whether it is compounded.  At the end of the week, we had a brief introduction to probability, and we did a coin-flipping activity to practice looking at probability.  Next week, we will finish up some review, and have our chapter test.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week students continued to review working with the three forms of linear equations. Students created scatter plots from data, looked for trend lines, wrote equations for the trend line, and were then able to predict further data. They also learned about graphing and translating the function y equals the absolute value of x. We finished the chapter and took the chapter test on Thursday.

Geometry with Clare:

The highlight of the week was testing the bridges to destruction! Well, almost, as one resisted all attempts to destroy it until I made the edifice collapse (accidentally). Otherwise, I think we could have sat an elephant on it! The written reports and posters have been turned in for grading. On a rather less exciting note, the students successfully completed the mid-year test, much of which was Virginia SOL based. We have worked through the first lessons in Chapter 7, Similarity, and they will take the quiz on that material on Monday 30th.

Language Arts with Jared:

Students spent time this week revising and peer-editing the short stories they began over winter break. While this was the focus of this week, we also spent some time getting caught up in our vocabulary and grammar units.

World Studies & Civics with Andrew:

This week in world studies, we mostly focused on working on our NHD essay outlines and rough drafts.  We spent a lot of time in-class working on our planning and writing, and our rough drafts will be due next week.  In addition, we learned a little bit more about the Syrian crisis, and then finished out the week by looking at the President's executive orders and implied powers.  Next week, we will have a quiz about the executive branch.

Physical Science with Molly:

Students continued writing the script of their “live” scientist interview skit. Next week they will perform and record these skits. This week we focused on the organization of the groups (or families) of elements in the Periodic Table of Elements. The students took notes on characteristics each group shares.

Spanish with Corinne:

Morning Spanish
Sunshine A:
This week we continued to work with the new vocabulary in Chapter 2A. We began learning about the different subject pronouns in preparation for learning verb conjugations.

Sunshine B:
This week we worked with the new vocabulary in Chaoter 6B, rooms in the house and chores. We did several activities from the textbook to practice listening, reading, and speaking comprehension. We also reviewed present tense conjugation of verbs in preparation for learning the informal affirmative command form next week.

Spanish B

This week we reviewed for and took a test on Chapter 7A. On Friday we watched the fifth episode of our mystery series "Eres tú, María?"

Spanish C

This week we wrapped up chapter 2B, talking about stores and discounts. We learned a new form of the demonstrative adjectives (this, these, that, and those), how to refer to a specific item that is far away from you and the person you are speaking to. We also learned how to use adjectives as nouns in order to speak conversationally. Instead of saying "I like the red shirt more than the blue shirt" (me gusta la camiseta roja más que la campsite azul), students can now say "I like the red shirt more than the blue one" (me gusta la camiseta roja más que la azul). We will have a quiz on these topics on Thursday February 2nd.

Spanish D

This week we concluded Chapter 8A, planning a vacation. We practiced the subjective with several verb conjugation races, and then learned the five irregular subjunctive verbs. Students are becoming more confident working in the subjunctive and recognizing when to use it. We will have a test on Chapter 8A on Thursday February 2nd, and I encourage everyone to study the vocabulary and grammar for at least 10 minutes every day.

Art with Patti:

Students have been practicing using a vanishing point to create one or two point perspective drawings. They have also started adding details in linear perspective, as well as fill in the environment. We are beginning to discuss art activism, and watched a quick video featuring Faith Ringgold. Check it out if you want https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Comf9SetjRA. Students also continued working on other various projects.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

6^th grade students were split into gender groups and focused on the puberty growth spurt, specifically on height. Next time we will focus on growing pains, scoliosis, and changes in bone structure.

7^th grade students began completing portfolio reflections.

8^th grade students reflected on their goals, then asked more questions about high school plans.

Thank you from, 
The Purple Team