Maple Avenue Newsletter
February 2019
Student of the Month: Reagan Repasky
February's BOLT Pride Focus on Kindness
The Bolt Pride focus for the month of February is Kindness. Utilizing several programs we are encouraging students to be part of a Kindness Challenge and display Random Acts of Kindness during the month. Each team is structuring the challenge for students to go outside their comfort zone and perform acts of kindness. We hope that students will see the ripple effect and that one act of kindness can have a larger effect on the world around them.
“There’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” ~Scott Adams
Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17
6th Grade:
Core 1:
Mrs. Koontz’s and Mrs. Raubenstine Core 1 Math classes are currently working within our Algebra unit. We are currently focusing on writing and simplifying expressions by combining like terms as well as evaluating expressions. This knowledge will serve as the foundation of algebra as we move forward into solving one step equations and inequalities.
Core 2:
Mrs. Koontz’s Core 2 Math class is mid-way through Unit 3 which has an emphasis on proportional relationships and percents. We have applied our knowledge of equations to proportional relationships as we construct graphs of collected data. Within the next few weeks we will be turning our attention to percents. As a reminder, homework is assigned each week and can always be completed for late credit.
ELA:
Miss Collins- We are currently working on finishing our novel, Peak. This novel is about a young boy who attempts to climb Mount Everest with his father. The students seem to be enjoying this book and its connection to our geography class where we are currently studying South Asia. Students should be reading daily, however most students have been successfully able to complete their reading in class. The reading calendar can be found on Schoology. The past two weeks have been spent on learning more about text structures and features. Starting in the beginning of February we will create a Mount Everest informational project using our content in Geography along with our current novel. Students will use text structures and features to complete this project. In addition, students should be completing thirty minutes of Edgenuity a week for ELA. Similar to math, Edgenuity is due every Saturday by midnight. Students are encouraged to complete it during their ACE time.
Mr. Baumgardner’s ELA class has just started reading the novel Wonder. While reading, we are focusing on trying to become better readers by trying to think while we read. We are looking for signposts that the author put in the book. If you are “wonder”ing what they are, ask your child. They should be able to name all four signposts that we are looking for. We are having daily discussions about these signposts with our classmates.
In Social Studies we are exploring North Africa and Southwest Asia. Religion, desalination, and refugees are just a few of the topics that we are covering while in this region of the world. The next region will be just south of North Africa in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Ms. Willet’s ELA/SS classes are finishing our Civil Rights poetry and theme unit and are beginning to read the novel Peak, by Roland Smith. The setting of the novel ties in with our geography unit on South Asia. Students are exploring the geography of this region and how it influences life there. We will be digging deeper into Nepal, the Himalayas, and specifically Mount Everest, as the unit progresses, as well as honing our literature skills. Students will be assigned reading and fiction activities everyday, most of which can be completed during class time. In addition, students should be completing thirty minutes of Edgenuity a week for ELA (beginning the week of 2/11).
Science:
In Science, all classes will be exploring living things, how living things are classified, and cells. Students will be learning about plant and animal cells as we explore the concept of all living things being made up of cells. As part of the unit, students will be creating a book, either digital or paper to demonstrate what they have learned. This book will be a great tool to take to 7th grade and continue building upon it. Students should be accessing Schoology for assignments and using their online text to study at home.
6th Grade Math Update
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In the upcoming weeks in math classes, our teachers, Mrs. Raubenstine and Mrs. Koontz, will be working with your student to introduce, develop, and master Algebra skills. We find that students come into sixth grade with a wide range of prior knowledge and abilities in this topic. Because of this, it is helpful to differentiate instruction to fit their needs. To make this most effective, our teachers will be using MAP data to group students based on areas of strength and need. To you and your student, this could mean some slight changes in the weeks ahead. Students’ schedules will not change, but they may be working for a few days with the other teacher and a different group of students. Again, this is done to best suit the needs of your student. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s math teacher.
7th Grade: Aviators
Aviator Team Announcement: Please advise students to wear appropriate winter weather outfits. We would like to take students outside during our free ACE Friday rewards if the temperature allows us to. Please make sure students are coming to school with winter jackets, gloves, hats, etc.
Math
The focus of Unit 3 is proportional relationships and percent. Students will learn how to draw and interpret scale drawings and how to use proportional reasoning to solve problems. They will apply their knowledge of proportional relationships to solve proportions, distance/rate/time problems, and percent increase and decrease problems. In Unit 3, students will have the opportunity to see how they can use math in everyday life.
To prepare for the PSSA students will complete PSSA review packets to practice what they have learned so far this year. Students should also continue to complete 30 minutes of Edgenuity each week.
Science
Science is about “doing” and students will be investigating cell movement by role playing how substances move in and out of a cell. Genetics is another upcoming unit that will have students figuring out the cross between Bikini Bottom critters! Keep reviewing your graphic organizers and quick vocabulary in your green folders!
ELA
Students are wrapping up Black Ships Before Troy with a final TDA on heroism. We will be working through the writing process together, using one-on-one conferencing, peer review, and specific skill work for our essays. Students have selected their 3rd quarter independent novels and projects are due March 11th. We will begin to look closely at persuasive techniques teaming up with Mr. Martino’s class in reading Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. To prepare for the PSSA students will be completing PSSA review packets as well.
Social Studies
In social studies, we are finishing up Ancient Greece. We spoke about democracy and the difference between Athenian democracy and American democracy. Students are working and presenting individual projects on the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Once we are done with Ancient Greece, we will be working on Ancient Rome. We will work alongside Ms. Sabol’s class reading Julius Caesar.
Team Lightning: Grades 7 & 8
SCIENCE Mr. Decker and Ms Enoff
7th Grade Science:
7th grade scientists are finishing their study of natural selection and evidence for evolution. This unit will be followed by a study of organ systems. This section will be capped off with a frog dissection to help the students understand and physically see the concepts we discuss in class.
8th Grade Science:
Students have moved into the study of chemistry, they research the history of the atomic theory to gather an understanding of the atom and how we know so much about things we can’t really see. Know we are working no understanding how atoms interact and bond to form compounds in the world around us. We will move into solutions and pH in the coming weeks.
MATHEMATICS Mr. Heller and Ms Enoff
7th Grade Math:
Math classes are continuing to work toward success and mastery of core content. With PSSA time just around the corner, students will be asked to prepare and reinforce skills through Compass Learning. This can be done through the school or at home. Please talk with your student about completing this task.
Many students have missing work due to absences or lack of effort. Parents are reminded that they can check agendas and Sapphire for updated grades and missing work.
Core 3 Math:
The Core 3 students just finished Chapter 6 which involved Geometry, and transformations of shapes. In the upcoming chapter students will be reintroduced to the concept of slope and explore it more in depth than we did in chapter 5. Students will look for associates based on graphs, as well as be able to make predictions based on linear equations. It is important students are keeping up to date with the weekly homework as well as the GoFormative warm-ups.
Algebra:
Now that students are masters at exponent expressions, and the Laws of Exponents they will be asked to solve equations that include exponents and square roots. Following this small unit, students will explore quadratic functions including how to graph, factor, find intercepts, and manipulate these equations. It is important students continue completing their homework to get the extra practice they need, and keep asking questions for clarification. The next two chapters are really a pivotal point for algebra and algebraic functions. All of this should prepare us to be successful on the Keystone Exams in the spring.
ENGLISH: Mr. Peglow and Mrs. Trout
7th Grade:
The month of February will be occupied by a war/love story you may have heard of, The Illiad, an epic poem depicting the Trojan War. We will be reading a retelling of the epic poem called Black Ships Before Troy. The focus will be on figurative language and imagery so we will also be reading and writing poetry along the way!
8th Grade:
Students are focused on nonfiction articles and informational writing throughout this quarter. The focus of our articles and writing will revolve around our current novel The Killer Angels (A historical fiction based on the Civil war battle in Gettysburg). As we read through this book we will focus on bias and point of view. The students are also in the process of completing their independent project that is due at the end of February where they create a top ten events of 2018 video using research, citations, and multimedia production skills.
SOCIAL STUDIES Mr. Popoff and Mrs. Trout
7th Grade Ancient Civilizations
Over the next month, students will be focused on two of the most prestigious and influential civilizations in world history: Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Many may argue that these two civilizations are the most influential because they have affected virtually every society that evolved after them. Some of the largest areas of impact include: government, architecture, art, literature, and philosophy.
8th Grade U.S. History
After students see the United States fulfill its manifest destiny, they will set their sights on one of our countries worst time periods, the Civil War. Students will learn how slavery divided this great nation during the 19th century, ultimately leading to a civil war amongst the north and south. Before the year comes to a close, we will examine the Civil War from start to finish.Team Sky Pilots: Grade 8
Sky Pilot’s are celebrating February, Random Acts of Kindness month, by participating in The Great Kindness Challenge 2019. Students who commit Random Acts of Kindness are being recognized and are earning badges to become eligible to participate in our end of the months rewards activity, which will be a school wide random act of kindness. We’re hopeful you’ll help promote the challenge at home as well.
Social Studies classes will be studying the failed compromises over the issue of slavery and their path to the American Civil War. We will soon begin an examination of the Industrial Revolution. We will look at how two different economies developed in the North and South and how the two sections of the country were at odds.
English classes The Sky Pilots have just finished reading the Civil War Novel, The Killer Angels. We followed a narrative from the perspectives of eight men who fought in the battle of Gettysburg, to develop an understanding of our local history. Along with reading the novel, we have also been analyzing poetry. We can confidently read beyond the words on the page to decipher deeper meaning with a complex poem.
Geometry classes are finishing up unit 6 and will begin Unit 7 Proofs and Quadrilaterals.
Core Connections 3 students are finishing and will begin unit 7 “Slope and Associations”.
Please continue monitoring your child’s progress using Sapphire portal. Please note students should be completing PSSA assigned ONLINE Compass Learning assignments.
If your child does not have access to the internet accommodations will be made.
Science classes have been working through the Chemistry Unit and will be learning about the Periodic Table, Compounds, Mixtures, Acids and Bases. Students will then explore Earth Science and Ecology, followed up with Biology and Human Systems.
Miss Sestina's Class Trip
Order a Yearbook Today!
If you have not purchased a yearbook yet for your son or daughter, they can still be purchased online! Prices for softcovers are $20 and $25 for hardcovers. You can also add other features like personalized covers, autograph pages, and more.
To order online go to this website ybpay.lifetouch.com/ (there is also an active link on our MAMS website). The MAMS Yearbook ID code is: 12585219
If you have any questions please email Mr. Peglow at peglowja@lasd.k12.pa.us
MAMS Geography Bee
News from our School Counselor
Help your middle schooler remain excited about learning
Students have been in school for months and summer still seems far away. This is the time when it is easy for middle schoolers to fall into a mid-year rut.
To help your child remain motivated through the end of the school year:
Point out past successes. Say things like, “Yes, this is a very challenging class. But you did so well on the last test because of all the study time you put in. I know you can do that again with this test!”
Have a “one day at a time” attitude. The last thing your child wants to hear is, “Before you know it, it will be June.” That’s an eternity to a middle schooler. Instead, try, “Hey, it’s Thursday. Just one more quiz and then you can look forward to the weekend.”
Spend time together. Making an ordinary day feel special can really improve your child’s mood and attitude. “I got the ingredients for your favorite dinner. Finish your homework and then come and help me make it. After dinner, we can watch that movie you recorded.”
Encourage her to get involved in a new project that helps others. Volunteering is a wonderful way for your child to get involved in her community. It will also help her shift the focus off herself and onto others who have greater needs.
Does your middle schooler have a ho-hum attitude about his classes? To help him get excited about what he’s learning and motivate him to succeed:
Let yourself be “wowed.” Do you give off a “been there, done that” vibe when your child tells you about something he’s learning in school? A fact or idea may not be new to you, but if it’s new to your child, show some enthusiasm. “Your science teacher poured liquid nitrogen on a flower and it froze? How cool!”
Celebrate small victories. Yes, earning a perfect score on a test is a reason for high-fives all around. But so is a solid B your child worked hard to achieve on a history project. Show him that you notice the effort he’s putting in, and it may motivate him to keep trying his best. Congratulating your child only if he gets A’s may crush his enthusiasm and cause him to think, “Why bother trying at all if only ‘perfect’ matters?”
Reprinted with permission from the February 2019 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2019 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc
Maple Avenue Wresting Update
News from Our Nurse
If your 6th grader has not had a physical yet please schedule their appointment and have the form returned to school. Per the Pennsylvania school health law 6th graders are to have a physical. Also please make sure that you get their vaccinations updated while they are at their visit and send a copy along in with their completed physical form.
All 7th graders are required by Pennsylvania school health law to have a dental exam for seventh grade. If you have not already done so please return completed dental form as soon as possible.
Flu season is here. If you have not already gotten you flu shot now is a good time to get it.
The best way to prevent the spread of colds and flu is to wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer) frequently when in contact with others.
If your student is running a fever, has diarrhea or vomiting please do not send them to school. It is recommended that the student be fever free, no diarrhea and not vomiting for 24 hours before returning to school.
Please be sure that proper footwear and clothing are being worn during the winter season so that we can stay warm and not fall on the ice.
Spring will soon be here.
A Music Minute
Students Interested in Joining Chorus
Students interested in joining chorus please use this link to sign up. https://goo.gl/forms/OxfdgIXafi5cnVR13
Students who were in chorus in the Fall need not resign-up. If you have questions, please contact Miss Iati at iatim@lasd.k12.pa.us
Reminders for Band/Chorus students
It's time to sell the donuts (and coffee)!
Please find attached the Krispy Kreme donut and coffee fundraiser letter and the sales order form.
Orders will be accepted through Monday, February 11th
All money is due when the order forms are turned in (to Mr. Bish, Mr. Lobaugh, Mr. Krape, or Miss Iati by February 11th)
No cash--Checks or money orders only please, made payable to the Littlestown Band Boosters
Pick-up date will be Fasnacht Day Eve--Monday, March 4th from 5-7pm in the High School cafeteria
Please be sure to list a parent/guardian's current phone number and email for reminders or in case there's a question about your order.
To anyone signed up for the high school music trip this Spring...$1.00 for every item sold will be put toward your trip balance.
Info Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_qgFape0qBaNHlsbW5lWTBSQkRwLVBmSmFiNzZyQ3phaGRZ/view?usp=sharing
Order Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_qgFape0qBaMlk1bmtSZHREZjAyREgyc0lJWlljeGlzSEo4/view?usp=sharing
Questions: merkeln@hotmail.com
MAMS MUSICAL
Miss Iati and Miss Sabol are proud to announce the 2019 MAMS Spring Musical, Mary Poppins. Mark your calendars for the performances on April 5th and 6th at 7 pm.
Jazz Band
Band students interested in being in the MAMS Jazz Band should be on the lookout for announcements for Mr. Bish after Winter Break.
Student Standouts
Congratulations to the 2019 County Band Members, Eden Brown, Araceli Portillo, Kenzie Hull, Chase Wootton, Peyton Small, Mason Adams, Christian Keller, Harris Haifley, Harrison Moroz, Tanner Rock, Julie Kint, and Christopher Johnson. They did a great job representing Maple Avenue.
Congratulations to the 2019 County Chorus Members, Harris Haifley, Nicholas Albright, Harrison Moroz, Nathan Snyder, Skylar Hahn, Izabella Perez, Amari Beskid, Keira Lee, Kaelonnah Darlich, Chloe Sentz, Kenzie Hull, Alazay Hoffman, and Abigail Riedel. The did a great job representing Maple Avenue.
Upcoming Events @ MAMS
Friday, February 15: No school for students (Act 80 Day)
Monday, February 18: No school for students and staff (Presidents' Day)