Meeting in the Middle
November 2014
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Thanks to all of you for your continued support and attendance at Parent/Teacher Conferences! The first trimester will end Wednesday, November 26th. Report cards will be mailed home Wednesday, December 5th. Please continue communication with your child’s teachers to assure a strong end to the trimester! There is no school on Wednesday, November 27th.
Thanks to all of the parents chaperoning the 8th grade Washington D.C. trip! Without you, we could not offer such a great opportunity for our kids! Thanks to Jay Kirkey, Cheryl Elmer and the rest of the LMS staff for organizing and giving of their time to make this trip possible!
Our annual 8th grade EDP parent meeting was held Wednesday, October 29th. We had a great turnout of this event. Not only did parents learn about the required EDP class for all eighth graders, they also were given a preview of high school Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements and learned about programs and opportunities available for high school students who attend the Genesee Career Institute. This is the first step for parents and students as we move toward the eighth grade transition to high school.
The next Parent Koffee Klatch meeting is Tuesday, November 4th from 4:00-5:00 PM in the LMS media center. We will go over upcoming events, fund-raising opportunities, and discuss general questions.
Please feel free to contact the main office with any questions/concerns you may have. Open, two-way communication is an important factor in the success of LMS.
Respectfully,
Julie Brown
October Writer of the Month
As part of the Writer of the Month program, each month students will be honored for completing an exceptional piece of writing. These selections will be on display in the Media Center. The Writers of the Month for October are:
Rachel Dodds
Owen Wcisel
Abigail James
Jack Palmquist
Trevor Cekander
Zayda Richards
Cecilia Anderson
Dylan Malkin
Courtney March
Madelyn Strayer
Talented Talons Newsletter
It is amazing how much time flies when you are having fun! We can’t believe that it is already almost the end of the first tri-mester. So far the Talented Talons have had an exceptional year. Students have successfully transitioned to the middle school and are feeling more comfortable in their surroundings. Here are just a few reminders of what it takes to be a successful middle school student:
1. Come to class prepared. This means having all the materials necessary for that class period. (pencil, books, notebook, homework, etc.)
2. Turn in all assignments – One of the biggest culprits of low grades is missing work.
3. Participate in Class – This means engaging in class discussions, working cooperatively with peers, and asking questions when needed.
4. Be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe
We are looking forward to another fun and exciting tri-mester!
In Science we are exploring metric measurement and will be testing on that tentatively the week before Thanksgiving. After that we will be looking at the changes of the state of matter. This includes freezing, melting, condensation, vaporization, sublimation, and deposition. Students have done an awesome job with their independent practice choice work to support their understanding of the learning targets. They should also be keeping track of their progress on the learning targets in their interactive notebook. I am always available for those who need extra help.
In Social Studies students finished Chapter One on “A Geographer’s World.” Overall, the students did a great job on the unit. Their final test scores were very high so congratulations to all those who performed so well! Our next unit of study is found in Chapter 3, “The World’s People.” It is a fun unit because we will be learning about culture. Students need to have a composition or spiral notebook, 3-ring binder, and colored pencils.
In Language Arts students are finishing up the unit on informational nonfiction. We have been studying how to read informational text and then answer questions using inferencing. For Halloween students are practicing their research skills by researching the legends and myths surrounding famous creatures, such as Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster. This activity will culminate in a presentation to the class. Our next unit of study will be a grammar unit discussing the different parts of a sentence and how they interact.
Math classes have just completed the first unit over Expressions and Equations. Many students are already comfortable thinking algebraically. Way to go Talented Talons! Math classes are currently competing in a friendly competition to see which class can have the highest class average on each test. The scores are always close and are certainly encouraging everyone to do their best. Fine job 2nd hour, you topped 3rd hour by 0.2% winning the Topic 4 Test Challenge. As always, current math grades can be seen via Digits math program. Any questions or concerns are always welcome. Ms. Beckman
Winged Warriors
Social Studies
We are starting chapter three. In chapter three, we will examine the question; What is culture? We will look at what influences how a culture develops. We will also explore economics and population. The students will learn about the different types of economic systems. They will learn how industrialized countries differ from developing countries. Finally, the students will look at how people around the world are connected. Please remember that books may be taken home for study. The pages to read ahead and study are 48-63. On pages 64-65 you will find review and practice.
Language Arts
Students are continuing their study of non-fiction literature. They have been reading and analyzing several different types of NF and locating text evidence to prove their inferences. Students also researched legendary “monsters,” wrote “Monster Newspapers,” and are now working in small groups to present their findings in a mock “Monster Talk Show.” Weekly spelling/vocabulary words are given on Monday, and students complete various activities using these words throughout the week. A 5-question quiz is given each Friday reviewing the learning targets for the week. Please check ParentVue/StudentVue (online grade book) on a regular basis with your child.
Math
Math classes have finished topic three and have started working on relationships of two variables. Students will learn how to make graphs from tables of values and use equations to make tables. Topic 5 and 6 will cover fractions. Students will be learning how to multiply and divide fractions as well as when to multiply or divide and solve real world problems involving fractions and mixed numbers. Please check your child’s Digits account for all homework and grades. Keeping up on homework and asking questions in class is the key to doing well.
Science
We will spend the month of November learning about Matter, its properties and how it changes. The Chapter 1 Test is coming soon - watch for a study guide. This year students have been keeping up with assignments, THANK YOU for your part in this area. Continue to keep an eye on ParentVue to stay on top of your child’s progress. As always, if you have questions or concerns call or email.
Regal Eagles
Thank you to all of the parents and guardians who attended conferences. It is our pleasure to work with you and your students this year. Be sure to stay in contact with us throughout the year whenever you have concerns or questions.
The beginning of the year is an important time to promote good work habits. Don’t let these habits fade! Encourage your child to use their planner and make frequent checks on homework and study time. Use ParentVue and StudentVue to stay informed of upcoming tests and quizzes and to encourage your child to keep up with assignments in a timely fashion.
Learning is in full force! In Science we are studying cells, including their organelles and functions. We are also exploring how to use microscopes and will be viewing both plant and animal cells next week! Upcoming projects include building an edible cell and creating a cell analogy poster.
Language Arts students are reading and writing in the genre of memoir. We are studying mentor texts to learn writing strategies, study form, and generate topics for our own writing.
In Social Studies, students are finishing Chapter 3, "The Word's People." Topics include the development of culture, economics, population, and globalization. Students are seeking to make connections between these topics in current events worldwide and within their own lives. We will explore specific examples of each topic in depth as we begin Chapter 4, "Southwest Asia" in the next unit.
Soaring Eagles
Thank you to all of the parents who attended Parent/Teacher Conferences. It was very nice to meet all of you. As we finish up the second half of the trimester, it is really time to buckle down. Please make sure that your child is caught up in all classes. If you haven’t received your ParentVue login, or are having trouble with your login, please contact the main office. The end of the first trimester is Wednesday, November 26th. There is still quite a bit of time left for students to improve those grades! If you have any questions or comments, please contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible.
Language Arts classes have started working on writing a personal memoir. Please ask you child what they’re writing about and offer to read their rough drafts!
Social Studies classes will begin learning about the Middle East.
Mrs. Boyer returns from maternity leave on Monday, November 3. We’d like to thank Mr. St. Charles for stepping in and helping the Soaring Eagles start the school year.
Mr. Allessie had the privilege of going with the 8th graders to Washington DC. This is a remarkable opportunity for students to visit our nation’s capital! It’s never too early for our 7th graders to start fundraising to make this trip a reality!
8th Grade Newsletter
It’s been another busy month for the 8th Graders. The Washington D.C. trip was a success. The students had great weather to enjoy our nation’s capital. Linden Middle School was well represented by our 8th grade students. Thank you to Mrs. Elmer and Mr. Kirkey for organizing the trip. Also thank you to the parent chaperones who attended with our students. The students that stayed back traveled to the Holocaust Museum in Farmington Hills. Washington D.C. t-shirt orders will be coming home soon. This is a fun way to remember the trip!!
All first trimester EDP students will be going to the GASC on November 6th. Please make sure your student has the permission slip turned in.
8th grade students will be taking a field trip December 19th . Permission slips and details to come home after Thanksgiving. Each student will need to have a permission slip signed to attend.
Thank you to all the parents who attended parent-teacher conferences on October 16th.
We would like to remind parents that using ParentVue is a good way to keep track of your student’s progress. If you are unsure of your password, the Linden Middle School office can help. Remember to keep checking your student’s Digits account, too! This will help track homework assignments and grades.
8th grade Science is gearing up for an interstellar experience!! Students will be working on a planet research paper. Ask your student about the planet they chose!
Language Arts students are reading “The Outsiders.” Look for them to become “Greasers” or “Socs” before Thanksgiving for extra credit!!
Finally, the 8th grade hall would like to give special thanks to Krystn Carriger. Ms. Carriger has been in Sara Persyn’s room this trimester. She has done an outstanding job!! Thank you Krystn!!
Thank you for all your continued support !!!!
8th Grade Staff
www.protectMIchild.com
1. What is the Michigan Child Protection Registry? The Michigan Child Protection Registry was created by the Michigan State Legislature in 2004 as a do-not-contact service for Michigan families. The Michigan Child Protection Registry is a free, state administered program that allows Michigan’s families to protect their households from adult-oriented messages.
2. What addresses are eligible for registration? You can register e-mail addresses, mobile phone numbers (SMS), instant messenger IDs, and fax numbers.
3. What types of adult-oriented messages are my addresses protected from? Families sign up their addresses are protected from messages that advertise pornography, tobacco, illegal drugs, alcohol, and gambling. The newest effort for these types of companies is to text their ads to any cell phone numbers they can find.
4. Does the registry only protect children? No. The Michigan Child Protection Registry can include:
- Family addresses (both adults and children)
- Addresses in a household where a child is present
- School domains (students and educators)
5. How much does it cost to sign up my addresses? This is a free program offered to residents by the State of Michigan.
6. How do I sign up my addresses? Registering your addresses is quick and easy. Go to www.protectmichild.com, click “Protect Your Household Addresses”, and follow the steps to register your household addresses.
7. How can I send my friends information on how to register? To send your friends, family, co-workers and neighbor’s information on how to register, simply send them a “refer a friend” e-mail after you register, and an automatic message on the Registry will be sent to their inbox.
8. How often do I need to renew the registration of my addresses? Registrations last for three years with the option to renew at any time. You will receive a notification e-mail reminding you that the three year time period has expired.
9. Are my addresses safe? Senders of messages are NEVER given registered addresses. Marketers and companies are required to submit their solicitation lists to the state, where all registered addresses are then removed and returned to the sender.
10. What if I receive an adult message after I sign up my addresses? If you are contacted with a message to a registered address, you should submit the report to the Division of Consumer Protection. The process is easy and allows you to help the state investigate those companies who are not complying with Michigan’s Child Protection Registry Laws.
11. Which state office administrates the Michigan Child Protection Registry? The Michigan Child Protection Registry is administered by the Michigan Secretary of State and enforced by the State Attorney General’s Office.
Marketers pay a fee of .007 cents for each address they scrub to the state registry. Funds generated by the program are set aside to fund the Secretary of State’s Office in the maintenance, promotion and upkeep for the program.
Calendar
November 7 7th Grade Cyber-Bullying Presentations; All Day
November 11 Veteran's Day
November 18 Choir Concert; Cafetorium; 7:00 PM
November 26 No School; Teacher Records Day
November 27-28 No School
December 1 Classes Resume
December 9 Band Concert; LHS; 7:00 PM