GT with Mrs. G
Week of November 13
What's Happening This Week
PTP: We will work on our unit based on the book Moonshot. We are going to learn about the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Mysteries and Marvels: We're continuing to read The Wright 3. We'll start looking at the math behind Frank Lloyd Wright's designs in the next week or so. Expect to hear your kiddo talking about Fibonacci sequences and Golden Ratios.
Law and Justice: We have started digging in to our first mock trial case, "State vs. Lane," which was used in a high school mock trial competition in Oregon. The issue we're looking at is convicting a rap artist of of inciting arson. We're learning lots of legal terminology and we're examining whether or not this case can be proven beyond reasonable doubt. This week, we'll write opening statements.
Middle School Academic Team
Study/Practice Schedule
Breakfast Club- 7:00 every morning in Mrs. Gilbert's Room
After School- Wednesdays and Thursdays, Mrs. Gilbert's room, until 3:45
Friday Extension ClassesNotes
I've added many parents to this mailing list because they have students who are interested in joining the academic team. We have really started strong this year. It isn't too late to join us, either! The practice schedule is above. We don't do the same thing every day. We spend some time studying, some time practicing on the buzzers, and sometimes creating study materials. JOIN US AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN!
Dates:
- 6th Grade Academic Showcase (Written Assessments and Quick Recall) at Anderson Co Middle, Saturday, 12/2 (Composition will be held earlier in the week. I will have the date/time after a coaches meeting.)
- Middle Grades (6-8) Governor's Cup FPS and Composition- Tuesday, January 16.
- Middle Grades (6-8) Governor's Cup Written Assessment/Quick Recall- Saturday, January 20.
How to Study
We've talked about this at length in practice, but I've also made a handy document with lots of links to help you help your kid study. Quizlet Flashcards and Study Stacks are a lot of fun, as is the website www.ducksters.com. Encourage 30 minutes of study daily for best results!
KYA and KUNA
We were quite successful this year. Below, you'll see pictures of our 8th graders Ella A., Ella M., Claire M., and Dorothy H., who sponsored the BAMBI Bill (you can read it here), and got it passed by both the House and Senate and signed by Governor Isaiah Terry. Seventh graders Audrey G., Makiya M., and Khloe S., sponsored a bill advocating for a Soda Tax. While it died in the Senate, it did generate great debate. I'm so proud of all of our delegates!
Also pictured below are some additional awards our delegation won. We were recognized at the closing session as a Delegation of Excellence and two of our delegates, Audrey G. and Ella M., were recognized among the Outstanding Delegates. Our successful bill sponsors were recognized as well.
KUNA (Kentucky United Nations Assembly) is coming March 18-20. It costs $250. Interested 6th-8th graders should plan to attend an after school organizational meeting in Mrs. Gilbert's room NEXT FRIDAY, November 17. We'll discuss the different roles kids can play, how to sign up for financial aid, and general expectations. KUNA will be offered as a Friday extension for 6th-8th graders 3rd quarter. Students will need to take the class if they plan to attend KUNA. I will need lots of parental help on KUNA , especially with costume making and our Global Village Display- Mrs. G is not artistic!! Be thinking about the countries of Brazil, Argentina, and the Netherlands. We'll be representing at least two of the three!
More information about KUNA can be found here: http://www.kyymca.org/kuna/