Happy New Year from OMS!
8th Grade - 4th Six Weeks Newsletter
Welcome Back!
This year begins with everyone returning rested and energized from a holiday break.
We are more than ready to engage in the challenges and rewards of teaching and learning. Everyone’s enthusiasm and eagerness to be here make up for the cold temperatures of the season… :)
We want to remind teachers and students the goals we set in the past and targeting the new goals. It’s a perfect time to set goals that can be beneficial for a lifetime.
Otto is also introducing Critical Thinking Zone during Bobcat Academy. Students will participate in brainteasers, logic puzzles, and how to solve problems.
Purpose: Practice critical thinking skills with Mind Labs and practice Otto’s core test taking strategy with CATS and WOTW lessons.
Watch the video below and see how a group of boys didn't give up easily on their dreams, and how they dared to think differently.
High School Registration
College Week
college-going atmosphere, our Bobcat family will participate in the following events:
Food Truck Friday
Pre-purchase lunch tickets to avoid long lines Jan 11 - Jan 14
Growth Mindset
THE POWER OF “YET”
One of the leading researchers on growth mindset, Dr. Carol Dweck, gives a TED talk about the power of “yet”. When a student fails, it is not the end. They just haven’t learned it YET. The Otto staff has been adopting this notion by letting students try again and by praising their efforts and strategies. Research shows that students respond positively from being told that they haven’t accomplished something “yet”. They process the error, they learn from it and they correct it. Click the link below to watch the video:Every Kid Needs a Champion!
PBIS
Otto students are proud to be Organized, Mindful, and Scholarly. Teachers incorporate these values throughout their lessons and interactions with students. The article linked below provides great ways for parents to help their children develop strong organizational skills. The next two newsletters will include articles that discuss developing mindful attitudes and scholarly habits
Alice and JavaScript
Otto Events Available to Parents
Help! A Teenager has Moved into my Child's Body!
As our children mature, we are often caught off guard by the rapid changes they experience. As the pull of peer pressure becomes more intense, and interest in clothes, music, or the opposite sex takes on more importance, we may struggle with our emerging adolescents. The strategies that served us well with younger children must be refined as we deal with more complex challenges. Join other interested parents as we discuss such topics as normal adolescent development, effective communication, and workable boundaries for our young teens.
Otto Middle School from 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Friday -- January 15, 2016
Friday -- February 19, 2016
***Different topics each session
For more information contact: Krishna Upadhyaya at (972) 672-7221 or krish605@gmail.com. Visitwww.pisd.edu/about.us/departments/familyservices.shtmlfor a complete list of parent education classes.
4TH SIX WEEKS IN A GLANCE
Math 8, Algebra, and Math Rocks
Algebra students will be simplifying numerical and algebraic radical expressions using the laws of exponents. They will write and graph exponential functions and identify the properties of those functions.
Math 8 will focus on the rate of change of linear functions that are represented in graphical displays, tables, and in real-world problem situations. Students will be able to identify slope and y-intercept of a linear equation.
Math Rocks 8 students will use multiple methods to determine similarity and congruency of triangles. They will solve for missing sides and angles of triangles using special relationships, theorems and trigonometry.
Rosie Coleman
46-752-8582
Kaci McDaniel
469-752-8578
Bonny Pan
469-752-8572
Caresir Gonzales
469-752-8597
Elizabeth Jacobsen
469-752-8591
English
In this new 2nd semester 2016, we will be starting our 2nd to the last unit of 8th Grade English [Unit #3] titled, “Conflict and Unrest.” This unit focuses on the analysis of the concept of conflict as it exists in fiction and non-fiction. With an emphasis on students developing understandings that surpass the superficial definitions of "internal/external" and "man vs. man or self" conflicts, this unit introduces an array of conflict types and levels found in a variety of texts.
Through reading, analyzing, discussing, and writing about various texts, students will answer the following essential questions:
1. Is conflict necessary?
2. What is the value in considering multiple perspectives?
3. What is the effect of conflict?
4. WHAT IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR?
Honors Key Texts:
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
“Phantom of the Opera” (Conflict Study in Play/Drama)
Book Club (Tracking conflict)
On-Level Key Texts:
“Thank You, M’am” (Short Story)
Novio Boy by Gary Soto (Conflict Study in Play/Drama)
Book Club (Tracking conflict)
Rita Attuquayefio
469-752-8586
Courtney Langdon
469-752-8579
Sarah Anderson
469-752-8555
Erin Kerry
469-752-8560
Stephanie Parker
469-752-8530
Stephanie.Parker@pisd.eduHistory and PACE
PACE will be looking at the New Republic Era (1789 to 1829) through the lens of presidential leadership. Classes will be broken into small groups and each group will be assigned certain aspects, events, and concepts from 1 of the first five Presidents of the United States. The groups will then be responsible for teaching that information to their class. The overall goal of this unit is to understand how the leadership of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe in the early years of the United States created the country that we live in today. We will also be discussing some of the more significant ideas from the era, such as Alexander Hamilton’s financial plan and the Supreme Court case of Marbury vs. Madison and how it shaped the court’s role in the federal government.
U.S. History
will be looking at the New Republic Era (1789 to 1829) through the lens of presidential leadership. The overall goal of this unit is to understand how the leadership of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe in the early years of the United States created the country that we live in today. We will also be discussing some of the more significant ideas from the era, such as Alexander Hamilton’s financial plan and the Supreme Court case of Marbury vs. Madison and how it shaped the court’s role in the federal government.
Rob Keahey
469-752-8575
Brent Truitt
469-752-8576
Zeshan Khan
469-752-8577
Science
This six weeks in science we will be covering Energy and Matter. We will have many exciting labs and activities covering the conservation of energy, energy transformations and the conservation of energy and natural resources. The Energy Unit will lead into our Weather unit where we will further elaborate the importance of energy and conservation and its impact on our planet.
Torrey Gragg
469-752-8583
MaryAnn Cowley
469-752-8584
Elizabeth Jacobsen
469-752-8591
Elizabeth.Jacobsen@pisd.eduOTTO MIDDLE SCHOOL
Website: http://k12.pisd.edu/otto-middle-school
Location: 504 North Star Road, Plano, TX, United States
Phone: 469-752-8500