Middle School
Sixth Grade
Updated: 3/22/23
All grades started the week with an introduction to the newly adopted state standardized test: VTCAP. They were able to access the ELA practice test for their grade level via a link in their ELA Google Classroom; we focused on familiarizing ourselves with the tools available and taking a look at test question types.
We then moved on to reading a nonfiction text about refugees with a focused lesson on main idea and supporting evidence.
We will be moving on to a novel study unit for The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf. This novel is a realistic fictionalized account of a young Syrian refugee.
Homework: It is highly recommended that students read a book of their choice for 20-30 minutes each evening, Monday-Thursday, or more frequently if they wish.
- 6th
- content
- homework
The 6th grade has begun working with Nonfiction Text. We are preparing for a large year end research project that will require them to be able to use nonfiction text.
We are currently covering Chronological Text Structure along with identifying Text Features.
They are reading about planting seeds and germination. They will finish up with getting to grow their own plants.
Nonfiction helps students develop critical thinking, and analytical skills, as well as the ability to read and understand complex texts. Nonfiction also helps to develop knowledge of their environment and society and is very important as they move on to more complex content focused text. Being able to read nonfiction is also a critical life skill and will help them be successful in the workplace and to live in a democratic society.
Homework:
IXL recommendations practice 3 times per week.
- 6th
- content
- homework
We have started a new unit on physics by examining motion. Students first calculated their speeds as they ran a short distance. We are currently conducting an experiment that tests how different surfaces and different masses affect how much friction is created when moving a block.
- 6th
- science
6th grade math has just finished its unit on ratios and proportions, and we are just beginning on fresh work with percentages and reviewing unit rates. No homework has been assigned.
- 6th
- homework
- math
Seventh Grade
Updated: 3/22/23
All grades started the week with an introduction to the newly adopted state standardized test: VTCAP. They were able to access the ELA practice test for their grade level via a link in their ELA Google Classroom; we focused on familiarizing ourselves with the tools available and taking a look at test question types.
We then moved on to reading a nonfiction text about Malala Yousafzai with a focused lesson on main idea and supporting evidence.
We will begin a novel study unit this week as well. We will be reading I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, which is a biography about a young education activist.
Homework: Students should read 20-30 minutes each evening, from a book of their choice, Monday-Thursday, or more frequently if desired. ELA Practice Packet #1 is due Friday, 3/24/23.
- 7th
- content
- homework
3/20 Sr. Wooly 2,000 Coins
DuoLingo 150XP
Conjuguemos 45 minutes
IXL 45 minutes
3/20 Sr. Wooly 2,000 Coins
DuoLingo 150XP
Conjuguemos 45 minutes
IXL 45 minutes
- 7th
- 8th
- Spanish
The 7th grade has begun working with Nonfiction Text. We are preparing for a large year end research project that will require them to be able to use nonfiction text.
We are currently covering Chronological Text Structure along with identifying Text Features.
They are reading about planting seeds and germination. They will finish up with getting to grow their own plants.
Nonfiction helps students develop critical thinking, and analytical skills, as well as the ability to read and understand complex texts. Nonfiction also helps to develop knowledge of their environment and society and is very important as they move on to more complex content focused text. Being able to read nonfiction is also a critical life skill and will help them be successful in the workplace and to live in a democratic society.
Homework:
IXL recommendations practice 3 times per week.
- 7th
- content
- homework
In an effort to better understand why we have so much diversity, students have been examining real world examples of how species change as well as how some mechanisms can lead to the creation of new species. We are now looking backwards and asking "what species may have come from what" and "which species are more related to one another?" We will look at the following evidence to help elucidate this: fossils, anatomical structures, embryos and DNA.
- 7th
- science
7th grade math is now working on radius, diameter, circumference, and using circle related mathematics to find perimeter/circumference in polygons with arcs. No homework has been assigned.
- 7th
- homework
- math
Eighth Grade
Updated: 3/22/23
All grades started the week with an introduction to the newly adopted state standardized test: VTCAP. They were able to access the ELA practice test for their grade level via a link in their ELA Google Classroom; we focused on familiarizing ourselves with the tools available and taking a look at test question types.
We then moved on to reading a nonfiction text about wildfires with a focused lesson on main idea and supporting evidence.
In the near future, we will move on to a novel study unit. We will be reading Missing Mike by Shari Green, which is a story told through narrative poetic prose about a family impacted by a wildfire.
Homework: Students should read 20-30 minutes each evening, from a book of their choice, Monday-Thursday, or more frequently if desired. ELA Practice Packet #1 is due Friday, 3/24/23.
- 8th
- content
- homework
3/20 Sr. Wooly 2,000 Coins
DuoLingo 150XP
Conjuguemos 45 minutes
IXL 45 minutes
3/20 Sr. Wooly 2,000 Coins
DuoLingo 150XP
Conjuguemos 45 minutes
IXL 45 minutes
- 7th
- 8th
- Spanish
Financial Literacy Time!
8th grade is going to focus on both literacy and math skills for the next few weeks as they complete a FINANCIAL LITERACY project. For this project they have inherited $1,000,000 from a family member but must first meet several conditions before they can spend the rest. This task will introduce them to budgeting and the costs connected to adulthood. They will also learn to write checks and maintain ledgers. They will present their research by creating a visual display. This project contains LOTS of nonfiction text and math!
1. They will be planning for college/trade school. They will be choosing a school that they wish to attend, researching it, and then will record the costs for that school. They will specifically need to find tuition, room/board, books, and fees. They will then add 10% to that total for inflation. The final total is then subtracted form the 1 million inheritance. They will keep a running total for this project.
2. They will buy a house. The maximum they can spend is $300,000 and it must be "move in" ready. They will research using real estate websites. They need to record the cost of the house, taxes per year, and add 18% for closing costs. This total will be deducted from their inheritance.
3. They will research and plan a vacation for at least 3 people. They must cover ALL expenses like food, transportation, hotel, tickets, etc. This will be deducted from their inheritance.
4. They will research and buy a car. There is a maximum price on the car and they must add 8% to the total for taxes, title, and registration. This will be deducted from their inheritance.
5. They must donate to a charitable organization. They will research various organizations to donate to but must choose one that is a non-profit. This total will be deducted from their inheritance.
They have begun this task and their reactions are incredible. They have been very surprised by what it takes to be an adult and are embracing this learning experience. They are all fully engaged!
Homework:
IXL Practice at least 3 times per week.
- 8th
- content
- homework
Students were asked to examine the question "does color comes from an object or is it an interpretation of our eyes." They realized that it is a complicated answer that has many variables at play. We have looked at the variables and now have started developing a basic vocabulary of the different ways light interacts with our environment.
- 8th
- science
8th grade math is working on the Y=mX+b format for linear algebra, including calculating the slope of a line on a graph and reading a graph to find its equation.
- 8th
- math