EMPOWER NEWSLETTER
April 20, 2018
EmpoWEr
- Today (Friday, April 20th) we had a 6th grade Earth Day clean-up with Mercy Hospital.
- All parents are invited to the STEAM Fest at McKinley on May 2. (See attached flyer--scroll to bottom of newsletter)
- 6th Graders will be touring the Solid Waste Agency on May 17 from 9 to 2 pm. They will start the tour at the facility on County Home Road and will then head downtown in the afternoon. We are looking for 8-10 volunteers to help chaperone. If you are able to help, please e-mail Jackie at jmason@cr.k12.ia.us. Feel free to ask relatives. Thank you for your support.
Science: We are starting a new unit in heredity and genetics. We have compared traits such as freckles, tongue-rolling and dimples. We have also discussed Gregor Mendel and his contributions to our modern-day thoughts about genetics. Conquering Punnett squares is next.
Math: We have students working on problems involving all four operations with integers. Other students are working on ratios, rates and unit rates. Other students are delving in to solving equations using all four operations. All students are busy reviewing what they have learned throughout the year.
Language Arts/Literacy: We just completed reading the book, Seedfolks, and a final test. We are beginning our research on the final project on this unit in which the essential question is “How can an individual impact a community?” Students will be given numerous choices on what they research and how their final project will be presented. We are also completing district literacy and writing assessments this week and next.
Social Studies: Last week we finished up our study of the Roman Republic ending with Julius Caesar. This week we have looked at some ancient Roman achievements during the Roman Empire – ideas/concepts that have carried forward in some cases to modern times. Next we will begin learning about the monotheistic world religions and their historic origins.
Personalized Learning: Students are exploring global issues such as poverty, lack of medical care, inequalities, and access to education. Students will choose one issue to learn more about and, eventually, will create a product for an audience that extends beyond our classroom walls. Products could include designing and conducting community service, creating a public service announcement, or making a book for younger audiences.
Thank you for your continued support!
Your Empower Teachers
EMPOWERing students through personal inquiry, real-world experiences, and caring environment while challenging students to make a difference in our community.
MCKINLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Website: WWW.MCKINLEY.CR.K12.IA.US
Location: 620 10TH STREET SE
Phone: (319) 558-2348