HMS Weekly Update #20
Friday, January 27th, 2023
Dear Hoboken Middle School Family,
Happy Friday, HMS,
I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter. We had such an amazing week at Hoboken Middle School. There are many important dates coming up to view in this week's newsletter. I hope everyone had a great week!
Enjoy,
Principal Sorafine
ryan.sorafine@hoboken.k12.nj.us
February Reminders:
- February is Black History Month!
- Marking Period 2 Report Cards - February 9th
- Valentine's Day - February 14th
- President's Weekend - February 17th - 20th
Arrival Information:
The entrance on the 4th street side of the building is open to all students from 7:30 - 8:15. If your child arrives early, they should report to that door and enter the building. Students will then report to the HMS Cafeteria where breakfast will be served. The grade 6 (Garden Street) and grade 8 (Bloomfield Street) entrances doors open at 8:15 each day.
Please take some time to read through the updates below to learn some more about this past week and upcoming events. Some highlights are:
- HMS Help Desk
- Lunch Application Information Link
- Chromebook Insurance Link
- Oncourse Connect ~ Parent Information
- PTO Corner
- The Great Kindness Challenge in Pictures!
- STEAM Tank Update
- Partners in Prevention Free Online Session
- Office of Special Services Corner
- Hoboken High School Informational Sessions! (see flyer below)
- The Redwings Dance Team
- District Musical Information
- Passport to Learning Corner
- Clubs & Activities Corner
- Guidance Counselor's Corner
- Move This World at HMS
- Our corner's that highlight areas within our school community
- Grade and content level summary to give you a peak into the classroom
- Helpful information at the bottom of the newsletter
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- Students should bring a full water bottle to school everyday. If you would like to purchase an HMS Water bottle for $2 please have your child stop by the main office and see Ms. Munoz. We have water hydration stations in the building on the 1st floor and 3rd floor so they can fill up their bottles.
- Chromebooks must be charged each night at home. Please check in with your child to remind them to charge their Chromebook at night.
- Please communicate any health issues to Nurse Kirwin (NKirwin@hoboken.k12.nj.us). You may also share any documentation with her that the school would need.
- Here is the HMS Student Handbook for your convenience
- Please find the HMS School Uniform Guidance information
HMS Help Desk
Here are some helpful items for our families:
My child is going to be absent...what do I do?
Email WVasquez@hoboken.k12.nj.us and SFalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us to inform us about the absence.
I need to pick up my child early...what do I do?
Call the main office 15 minutes prior to pick up so your child can be waiting at the 4th street entrance. The main office is (201) 356-3754. You will need to come into the security area to sign the book for your child to leave.I have an issue with my Chromebook...what do I do?
Please visit the HPS-Tech in Our Schools Site for any tech related questions or problems with Chromebooks.
I have a question about dress code or purchasing...what do I do?
Email Dr. Baskinger (robin.baskinger@hoboken.k12.nj.us) for information
I have a question for about my child making up work if they are absent...what do I do?
Email Ms. Falcone for assistance (SFalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us)
Oncourse Connect ~ Parent Information
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers:
Here is the link for parents to sign up for Oncourse Connect:
https://hoboken.oncourseconnect.com/login
I am also including the link that has FAQ's and videos to assist parents logging in:
https://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/log-_in_options/on_course_connect_parent__student_login_portal
HMS Locker Schedule
Below is the locker schedule for each grade level. Students no longer need to carry backpacks, jackets, phones, and other items that aren't needed throughout the day.
Locker Schedule (8th)
8:15 arrival
12:03 Before 6th Period Lunch
12:48 After Period 6 Lunch
3:00 Dismissal
Locker Schedule (7th)
8:15 arrival
11:18 Before 5th Period Lunch
12:03 After Period 5 Lunch
3:00 Dismissal
Locker Schedule (6th)
8:15 arrival
10:33 Before 4th Period Lunch
11:18 After Period 4 Lunch
3:00 Dismissal
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Baskinger (robin.baskinger@hoboken.k12.nj.us)
Scripps Spelling Bee
And The Winner Is... Aleksander Fennell!
Hoboken Middle School held its School Spelling Bee on Friday so that all classroom winners could compete for the title of winner and Hudson County Competitor. After nearly 6 rounds of intense spelling, sweating, and feelings of doubt, HMS has declared a spelling winner. CONGRATULATIONS to 6th Grader Aleksander Fennel who was neck-in-neck with 7th Grader Amelie Cademartori.
Aleksander will compete next weekend against fellow Hudson County students in the County Spelling Bee. Join us in wishing Aleksander luck on this incredible success and journey!
Winner: Aleksander Fennell (Grade 6)
Runner-Up: Amelie Cademartori (Grade 7)
2023 STEAM Tank Update
Great news! We received glowing feedback from the STEAM Tank judges. They were so impressed by the submissions from HMS. We are proud to congratulate the following teams on advancing to the next round:
6th grade:
The Puppy Potty - Sienna Hyman, Myrandah Jimenez, Maddie Calingasan, Maya Steineld
Handy Headphones - Liba Newfield, Bria Wong, Elsa Scott, Suzannah Kelly, Avery Battles, Seneca Perry
The Emotional Sweater - Albian Jashari, Samuel Leong, Yael Ralston Cohen, Reaghan Lewis
The Emoji Shirt - Sydney Clark, Fiona Blaylock, Julia Martinson
The Insulin Bracelet - Amirah Oliveras, Olivia Dunn, Simrin DSa, Jenna Snider
Laxel Clothing - Dexter Shin, Isaac PIneda, Dylan Decker, Jake Berger, Matthew Nieves
The Garden Box - Adela Horn, Hannah Ballin, Shynita Frazier, Shayna Fried, Elena LaRue Dreyfus
7th grade:
EnVision Tire-Asher Cooke, Darrien Cirino, Gus Frias, and Everett Andrew
Dentie Fresh -Julia Sciarra, Marly Larkin, Dominique Olavarria, And Jimmy Ortiz
Everything Pet Bowl-Nicolas Roche, Taryn Cannavale, Jonathan Offer, and Armani Trinidad
MILES-Isla Brennan, Ruby Henik, Charlotte Peters, and Audrey Turner
Cigarette Receptacle-Amora Dortch, Sihanna Garcia, and Metztli Villanueva
Separation Satchel-Rebecca Collins, Amelie Cademartori, and Caitlyn Byrne
Sole Swap-Vincent Decock, Thomas Gray, Zac Cohen, Connor Fletcher and Tarrick Murray
Improved Water Sewage System-Liam Meade, Jameson Payne, Rye Critelli
Sea Carton-Caroline Thiede, Mallory Whitmore, Zaira Quinones
Eco Pillow-Ella Gagliardi Major, Rafaella Rispoli, Seren Powell, Rebecca Wu, and Mikaela Crimmins
BiStickle -Harrison Green, Jeremy Gomez, Leah Schure, Truman Pimsner, Yuval Segall
STAT- Pria Wolsky, Elizabeth Watkins, India Magaletta
8th grade:
Outside air filter - Jaliyah Bates, Juzaiya Boyd, Devin McMillan
Crop Crosser - Georgina Torres, Olivia Loeb, Kaitlyn Toro
Adjustable Shoe - Alex Loeb, Noah Lopez, Jhosia Sostre, Kelvin Marte, Emanuel Gonzalez
3D Stress Reliever - Kallum Powel and Nikko Rodriguez
Reusable Shower - Ali Kaddour, Dominic Magaletta, Ben Gordon
Plane-Crash Detecting Satellite - Noah Hyman, Matthew Mariniello, Andrey Sapronov, Ethan Sikernitsky
Tree-Replication Seeds - Izayah Johnson, Alex Walker, Jake Stefura, Dante Santiago
Eco-Paper - Avery Martinez, Evangeline Rawhouser, Benjamin Gabriel, Oliver Checkley
The Great Kindness Challenge
HMS PTO Corner
HMS PTO Booster Wall!
Minted Fundraiser
Office of Special Services: Special Education Parent Advocacy Group (SEPAG)
Hoboken High School Informational Sessions
The Redwings Dance Team
Charity Volleyball Game Hosted by HHS Student Government
Hoboken Middle School Theatre Department Presents...
The Hoboken Middle School production of I Hate Valentine's Day is a self-love journey through the eyes of young teens in school on Valentine's Day. The show incorporates the different viewpoints and perspectives that students face in school on Valentine's Day that ultimately becomes a journey to loving yourself before loving others. The cast and crew of the Hoboken Middle School Theatre Department hopes that you will join them.
Show dates:
February 10th at 7pm
February 11th at 2pm
February 12th at 2pm
To purchase tickets visit hhsnj.booktix.com and for questions you can email pbenson@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Hoboken School District Musical
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Hoboken Theatre Department would like to invite your child in grades K-12 to participate in this year’s district production, The SpongeBob Musical. If you are interested in having your child participate in this year’s musical, please visit our website at http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us under the “The Arts” link/Theatre Department/District Musical for a list of FAQ’s to guide you through this process. This will help acclimate you to policies for rehearsals and the entire district musical experience, as well as answer any questions you may have about the audition process.
All participants in the district musical must commit to a TWO-DAY audition process. Even if your child only wants to dance, they must STILL attend the singing auditions, as both days are required. Participation in the musical is limited in number. Some children who audition may not be cast in the show. Failure to follow the audition process and policies (sign-ups, and attending both days) will result in your child being ineligible to be cast in the
show. While we hope to include every child who wishes to participate, we also need to make sure that we have the resources needed to provide a safe and effective learning environment.
In an effort to expedite auditions, every student must PRE-REGISTER using this google form SpongeBob Audition Form. Online sign ups will happen from now until Friday, February 10th. In an effort to expedite the audition process, after the registration process has closed, you will receive an email from a production team member that states your “specific” audition time. This will be the time that your child needs to arrive on BOTH audition days.
Parents are welcome to stay for the duration of their child’s audition only and not the entire audition process. Each child will be needed for roughly 30-45 minutes both days to complete the audition process. Please keep these audition days cleared from other activities as you will not know your child's audition time slot until a week or so before auditions.
The callbacks list, cast list, and weekly rehearsal schedules are posted at http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us under the “The Arts” link/Theatre Department/District Musical. If your child is cast in the production, you will be invited to a Google Classroom for both cast members and parents. That is where all information will be posted moving forward such as rehearsal schedules, costume requirements, and dance videos.
Auditions and ALL rehearsals are held at the Hoboken High School Auditorium:
Please also note that the production team is NOT responsible for getting students back and forth between buildings after school. We are only responsible for your child once they have arrived at Hoboken High School’s auditorium.
Reminder, you must pre-register your child before February 10th in order for them to be eligible to audition.
***An audition time slot will be assigned and emailed to you at a later date***
All audition material will be taught the day of auditions. There is nothing that your child needs to prepare in advance. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with The SpongeBob Musical soundtrack which can be found on YouTube as audition material will be chosen from those songs.
Important Dates:
- Monday February 27th: Singing auditions
- Wednesday March 1st: Dancing auditions (please dress your child in appropriate clothing for movement)
- Thursday March 2nd: Callbacks (your child is only needed if they are asked to come back). The callbacks list will be posted on http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us under the “The Arts” link/Theatre Department/District Musical. These callbacks will take place from 3:15-6pm as a group as it's a small number of students who will be called back. If your child is NOT called back, that does NOT mean they are not cast. Please check the finalized cast list that will be posted on March 4th.
- Saturday March 4th: Cast list and 1st rehearsal schedule will be posted on http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us under the “The Arts” link/Theatre Department/District Musical.
- Monday March 7th: 1st rehearsal is 3:15-6pm (check rehearsal schedule to see if you are needed).
SpongeBob Show Dates (3):
Friday May 19th at 7:00 pm
Saturday May 20th at 2:00 pm,
Sunday May 21st at 2:00 pm
***Please do not audition if you cannot attend all three performances***
Pack a water bottle and snack for your child for auditions and rehearsals daily. The K-2 grade ensemble will meet Tuesday and Thursday weekly. If your child already has commitments after school these days please do not send them to auditions.
Additionally we will be holding a “Mock Audition Fundraiser” on Saturday February 25th from 9am-12noon. Information will be sent home about this event at a later date. It is meant to help prepare your child for the audition process. Casting will NOT be based on who participates in this fundraiser event. This event coincides with the high school’s Makers Day (noon to 3:00 pm) and is sure to be a family fun-filled day of STEAM activities.
On behalf of the entire production team, we look forward to working with your children in this production.
Mock Audition Registration
Mock Auditions are open to all students in Hoboken Public schools grades K-8 (Wallace, Brandt, Connors, HMS) on Saturday, February 25th from 9am-12noon at Hoboken High School! Cost: $20 per student either cash or check written out to "Hoboken High School Drama Club".
Learn how to put your best foot forward at an audition. This workshop is meant to assist students in preparing for the “SpongeBob Musical” Audition process. Participants will learn performance readiness skills, by practicing the process and understanding the vocabulary of a musical theatre audition. Our skilled professional teaching artists will help aspiring performers gain self-confidence by giving participants the tools they need for success, including what to expect in an audition, how to connect with new material, how to approach a cold reading, how to understand and take direction, and how to quickly learn a dance combination. Actual “SpongeBob” audition material will NOT be taught at this workshop. It is a “mock” set up of how the audition process works. Material used will be from a different show. Casting will NOT be based on who participates in this fundraiser event. Students will be taught NEW material from the show “SpongeBob” the days of auditions on February 27th and March 1st.
Introducing... Tiger's Got Talent!
The Fine & Performing Art Department at Hoboken Middle School, in conjunction with “Art in Our School Month” proudly presents “Tiger’s Got Talent”. This will be formatted as three separate assemblies per grade that showcase the talents of both students and faculty. It is a great way to build Tiger Pride in our school community. The month of March is historically when we celebrate and talk about the power of arts in our schools. Please consider participating to help us raise awareness of the benefits of arts education on Friday March 10th.
Information:
This is open to all 6-8 grade students in Hoboken Middle School.
Talents welcome include but are not limited to: singing, dancing, acting, martial arts, playing an instrument, poetry, doing magic tricks, performing stand-up comedy, juggling, gymnastics, cheerleading, sports tricks/skills, Rubik’s Cube or any other unique talent!
Sign up on this google form to participate (both students and staff) Tiger's Got Talent Participation Form
Participation form is due Friday February 3rd
Only 1 Form submission is needed per act. Meaning if you have 4 students singing a song, only 1 needs to fill out to form.
All students must participate within their grade level. This means a 7th and 8th grader can not perform a talent act together.
There will be a gift card prize for the best act per grade level.
There will also be an “Overall Best Performance” winner for the entire school. This act will get their names engraved on a plaque outside of the auditorium. Additionally the “Overall Best Performer’s” entire grade will receive a dress down day.
There will be four judges scoring from a range of 5-10 points per act in the categories of Creativity, Effort, Stage Presence, Organization/Preparedness, and Audience Participation.
Requirements:
All acts must be 4 minutes or less
Talent can work solo or you may have up to six participates in a group
No profanity or insensitive subject matter will be permitted, this includes lyrics of songs
Costume may be worn for the performance but must be school appropriate. (No tank tops, crop tops, biker shorts, slides, or face coverings of any kind are permitted) You need to bring these in on the day that your act is screened.
Props may be used but are the responsibility of the performer to obtain
Music used must be a karaoke instrumental track and needs to be submitted in the google form
Each participant may only perform in one act
Screening of Material:
All performances will be screened for appropriateness by the Tiger’s Got Talent Committee
You must pre-register in order to participate in the google form
Screening of material will take place during lunch periods on the following days in the auditorium
Tuesday Feb 21st, Wednesday February 22nd, & Thursday February 23rd
You will be emailed a timeslot/date to come get your act approved by the showcase committee.
Performances:
Friday March 10th
Grade 6– 9-10am
Grade 7 –10:15-11:15 am
Grade 8– 1:15-2:15 pm
HMS Passport to Learning Corner
Pickleball
This week in pickleball, we learned and incorporated the proper serving rotation! Our athletes quickly learned that after the serving team scores a point the same player must serve and they must switch sides of the court with their partners. Though the new view and angle of the court was different, after a couple of tries we were able to get the hang of it. We will continue to absorb this rule into our regularly played games! We are eager to get back on the court next week.
Rock Climbing
Chef It Up
HMS Clubs & Activities Corner
Academic Team
Best Buddies
Student Council
GSA
The HMS GSA began a close study of LGBTQ+ representation in popular media this week. Over the course of the next month, the GSA will be viewing a series of TV shows and short films that include LGBTQ+ characters. Club members will evaluate how accurately and positively LGBTQ+ people and themes are represented. This week, the GSA read an article about the Disney show, The Owl House, which highlighted the creators and directors that fought to include LGBTQ+ characters in the show, despite the backlash they received. After reading, students watched an episode of The Owl House and discussed the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and themes in the show.
Newsletter Club
Effective School Solutions Corner
During all childhood ages especially middle school years, The Power of Positive Attention is an important tool for a parent/guardian to utilize. This article discusses the use of positive attention to create more effective change rather than negative attention. This research encourages parents to celebrate the positive behavior that you may notice or catch in your child. Positive attention that you can provide can look like clear verbal praise, rewards, hugs, kisses, high fives, and so on. An example could be verbal praise/celebration for the 1 homework that your child may have completed (even if you may have wished they completed more) or their willingness to separate from their phone for 5 minutes during the 15 minute dinner. When there is behavior that you would like to see change, the article recommends to ignore (unless there are safety concerns) the negative behavior in the moment with the plan to return back to that problematic behavior once the situation de-escalates. It is likely to take time, patience, and practice to transition to this model so please celebrate your efforts and progress as well! See attached article for more tools to reinforce your child's positive choices.
Band Club
Chorus Club
Ms. Falcone's Guidance Counselor Corner
Partners in Prevention: “Strengthening Families Program”
The Hoboken Public Schools Special Services Department, in collaboration with Partners in Prevention, will be facilitating a "Strengthening Families Program" from February 7-March 21, 2023. The mission of Partners in Prevention is to improve wellness and prevent substance abuse disorders and related health challenges in Hudson County and New Jersey. "The Strengthening Families Program" is a 7 session program that will focus on the following themes:
- Love and Limits
- Making House Rules
- Encouraging Good Behavior
- Using Consequences
- Building Bridges
- Protecting Against Substance Abuse
- Getting Help for Special Family Needs
If you are interested in attending, please see the flyer below for my details and scan the QR code to enroll in the program. Should you have any questions, please reach out to me directly (sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us).
Marking Period 2 ends on January 31, 2023, and report cards will be available on OnCourse on February 9, 2023. If you would like to schedule a conference with your child's teacher(s) at any time, please email me.
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Email: sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Phone: (201)-356-3746
Move This World at HMS
We continue to support our students' social-emotional needs and mental health through Move this World. Move this World is integrated into our Fine & Performing Arts classes during periods 1-3. Additionally, all teachers have been utilizing Move this World in their classrooms to allow students opportunities for a break and movement. This week, Mrs.Bruce's class participated in the Power of Pause, which served as a brain break during Math.
I invite all our families to log into Move this World as well!
Below, you’ll find log in instructions:
Visit: sel.movethisworld.com
Username:hobokenms.family
Password:movethisworld
To learn more about Move this World, please visit their website.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions!
Thank You,
Ms. Falcone
(201) 356-3600 ext. 3746
HMS Nurse's Corner
If your child has any medical needs please feel free to call me to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. As a reminder, if your child has any kind of over the counter or prescribed medication that needs to be kept in school and administered, please have your doctor fill out a medication form and supply me with the medication.
Please do not send in the medication in your child’s backpack or drop it off with the security guard. This is a safety concern! All medications must be handed to the nurse, by the parent, with orders.
Good management of your child’s asthma is important to his or her success at school. Clear communication between you and your child, your health care provider and school staff is the key to managing asthma at school. A written Asthma Action Plan developed by your health care provider and shared with the school will help keep your child safe at school. Following the Asthma Action Plan will enable your child to participate fully in school activities.
If your child has an Asthma Action Plan, please send a copy to the school nurse. If your child does not have an Asthma Action Plan, please talk with your health care provider about developing one that can be shared with the school staff. Your child should not be carrying an inhaler around with an asthma action pan in place.
It can be faxed directly to the school at 201-792-4801 or sent via email to the nurse at nkirwin@hoboken.k12.nj.us.
Should you have any questions or concerns I can be reached at 201-356-3744 or nkirwin@hoboken.k12.nj.us.
HMS World Language Corner
French, Spanish, & Mandarin
This week in World Language classes:
In Spanish class, Grade 6 students discussed question words, subject pronouns and the verb to be: a lot to unpack for the next few weeks! We will engage in many activities to reinforce their reading, listening, writing and speaking skills. Grades 7 and 8 learned about Spanish artists. We discussed how artists incorporate all stylistic elements and themes. Students had to create a Google Slide presentation by choosing a Spanish artist. Students had to evaluate six original pieces in the target language. It was an amazing experience to see students describing paintings from Joan Miro, Fernando Botero, Salvador Dali and many others. Hasta Pronto!
In French class, students in sixth grade continued our second unit of French study with a focus on French culture. Students learned about the major attractions of Paris as well as several culturally relevant sports in the Francophone world, including: e-sports, the Tour de France and Canadian hockey. The week culminated in a receptive language quiz for which students identified key vocabulary and cultural facts. In 7th and 8th grade, students began learning about vocabulary involving family members as we began Unit 5. Students engaged in listening and reading comprehension activities and completed the week with a receptive language assessment for which they identified the meaning in English of each vocabulary word.
In Mandarin class, 6th grade students learned about the culture of Chinese new year by participating in a variety of Chinese new year activities such as the Chinese word " fu" calligraphy writing and Chinese spring couplet making. 7th and 8th graders also learned about Chinese new year by using the Chinese new year lucky symbols and characters to design their own Chinese traditional clothes.
Mandarin
Spanish
French
Grade & Content Level ~ What Have We Been Learning?
6th Grade
Language Arts
Our sixth grade ELA students prepared for the LinkIt! Form B Assessment this week, and completed this assessment on Wednesday, January 25. Students were encouraged to do their best to demonstrate how their skills have developed over the past few months.
Students also continue to read our current novel Lunch Money focusing on plot development. In our SchoolWide Writer’s Workshop Unit 2 - Feature Article, classes continued to analyze the mentor texts and began brainstorming possible ideas for their own original feature article which they will be writing. After analyzing an article’s focus, students began narrowing down their broad ideas to smaller, more focused angles.
Math
This week, our 6th grade mathematicians discovered that ratio tables could be used to compare ratios and solve problems. Students discovered that rates are easily compared when they are expressed as unit rates. Students also discovered that unit rates and conversion factors can be used to convert customary units of measure. Students worked with customary units of measure to learn two approaches to converting measurement units. They gained the understanding of how to compare ratios using common terms and applied this understanding as they solved real-world and mathematical problems. Students also completed Form B of LinkIT this week. Next week we will begin our Topic 5 review and have the assessment towards the middle of the week
Social Studies
This week in Social Studies, we completed our Unit 2 projects. Students got to choose between creating a poster about Shays Rebellion from a farmers perspective or a poster of the Northwest Ordinance 1787 and its successes. Students then took time to present their hard work. Some students informally debated different positions on the Articles of Confederation. They either took the position to defend the Articles of the Confederation or argued they needed to be revised.
Science
This week in science, 6th graders learned how plants reproduce both sexually, asexually, and what factors affect the probability of their successful reproduction and growth. We studied how specialized features, genetic factors, and local conditions affect plant reproduction and growth as well.
The sixth grade also helped out our students who advanced to the next round for STEAM Tank. We watched the advancing pitch videos and provided feedback so they could work on preparing for the judge’s questioning. STEAM Tank groups will be working on perfecting their innovations a couple times a week leading up to the virtual meet with judges.
7th Grade
Language Arts
This week, students in seventh grade completed the first drafts of their Photo Essays. After analyzing the conclusions of our mentor texts, students crafted their own conclusions which included emotional appeal and a “call-to-action.” In Reading, students are nearing the end of our core novel, The Outsiders. We began working on a final performance task. Students will produce newspaper articles to be included in The Tulsa Times, reporting on key events, themes, and characters from the novel. Next week, we will finish the novel!
Science
The students wrapped up their presentations for their Unit 2 project. They have begun the second section of Unit 2 and were introduced to Natural Hazards with Earthquakes. The students were able to identify how earthquakes occur using prior knowledge, and were able to explore related information to current events with the 4.2 earthquake in Malibu, CA this past week. The students continue to work hard, and show their creativity in everything they do during science class.
Social Studies
Students wrapped up their Canada Unit by sharing their final presentations about their province of choice. These infomercials advertised why each region is the place to visit! Groups recorded, practiced, and laughed through this tricky task, but all in all did a fantastic job. Next week, more to come!
8th Grade
Language Arts
We began this week in ELA with the LinkIt! Form B assessment to measure student progress of ELA skills mastered so far this year. On Tuesday, we resumed reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Students continued to analyze the dynamic characters and the effects of the Maycomb society. We looked closely at the “Boo Radley” game as the subplot developed. Students continued to write their rough drafts for our “Research Report” unit. We practiced proper comma use to apply in our writing! Students also worked in small groups to respond to a writing prompt and write an interview for one of the incidents in To Kill A Mockingbird.
Pre-AP Algebra
Elimination, Substitution and Graphing were our words of the week in algebra class. Students are working to determine best ways to find the solution to a system of equations and we focused on the three strategies mentioned above as we explored many different situations this week. Students are becoming experts at picking a strategy that works for them and proving that they are correct. In addition this week we took Linkit B, which will give us some information about how students are doing so far with the major standards for algebra 1. We are unbelievably half way through the school year next week. Students should be making sure that all major assignments and assessments are complete before January 31st.
Pre-Algebra
This week we discussed Qualitative graphs of functions. Within qualitative graphs we were able to identify their behaviors of the functions through different intervals shown. Once students were able to master identifying where graphs were increasing, decreasing and constant, they moved on to actually creating their own graphs. The students were given word problems and a blank graph where they could label the title of the graph, the x and intercepts, the intervals of their line and where it is increasing, decreasing and constant. This section was the completion of Unit 3 and starting Tuesday we will begin reviewing for our Unit 3 test. The test will be given on Thursday (2/2).
Science
In science this week we began our exploration into potential energy and kinetic energy. Students learned the equations for potential and kinetic energy and studied what factors affect gravitational force. On Tuesday, we started their roller coaster projects! Students were tasked with creating a marble roller coaster powered solely on gravity. After their roller coasters were finished, they measured the velocities and acceleration of the marble at different points in the roller coaster.
Pre AP World History
This week in Pre-AP World History and Geography the students wrapped up reviewing the effects of the Neolithic Revolution. They then practiced analyzing various documents and how to pull information out of them and then reviewed the Neolithic Revolution by playing Kahoot. The students finished off the week by completing a test on the Neolithic Revolution and its effects. Next week we will begin analyzing the origins of complex societies and pastoralism in ancient Afro-Eurasia.
Social Studies
This week in World History and Geography the students wrapped up our section on Ancient Rome by taking a brief look at the life and legacy of Julius Caesar. The students watched a brief video on Caesar’s life and accomplishments and filled out a video analysis worksheet. We then began studying for the test on Ancient Rome by completing a study guide and then reviewing by playing Kahoot! The students finally demonstrated their knowledge of Ancient Rome by completing their test. Next week we will be taking a look at the Early Middle Ages.
Fine and Performing Arts Corner
Strings
Ms. Monblatt's HMS students had a wonderful week of string class! Students were actively engaged in partner play, performing pieces including a new arrangement of "Sweet Child Of Mine" and the traditional Folk song, "Ashokan Farewell". Students worked with peers to analyze, count, clap, and play syncopated rhythms in challenging sections of their music and did a wonderful job! Bravo to all of these outstanding students for all of their hard work!
Creative Writing
As we wrap up the 2nd marking period (wow that went quickly), the students completed their original myths. Through conferencing and peer review the students were able to revise and edit their myths. Great job by all!
Pre-AP Dance
Health & Physical Education
Physical Education
Parent Resources for Cell Phone Monitoring
Most children today have a cellphone on hand and use it extensively to do homework, communicate with friends, and view social media platforms. It is almost unimaginable to think of a modern-day child who doesn’t take full advantage. These rapid advancements in technology have been proven to be a recent challenge. Below are two suggested cellphone monitoring services that include activity monitoring, location services, filtering, and screen time management. Though not offered through Hoboken Public Schools, these resources may be helpful in managing cell phone usage. Click on each link below below to be taken directly to the resource website.
Qustodio: The All-In-One Parental Control and Digital Wellbeing Solution