Maple Avenue Middle School
January 2019 Newsletter
Student of the Month: Rylee Vance
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) in January
In the next two weeks school, your student will take tests called Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®). We give students MAP tests to determine your child’s instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year in the areas of Reading and Math. Your student will take the tests on his/her Chromebook or iPad.
MAP tests are unique in that they adapt to be appropriate for your student’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. And with MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth.
We are truly excited to continue down the path that focuses on every child’s individual growth and achievement. Partnering to help all kids learn, parents and teachers can have a profound positive effect on the lives of our children. Within the next few weeks, be on the look out for your student's score report and goal-setting sheet. We are asking that parents partner with us to support your child in reaching his/her academic and learning goals!...Stay tuned!
MAMS Wresting
Team Bolts: 6th Grade
As the new year begins, it is a good time to start fresh with good study practices. All students should be using Schoology nightly to access homework information. They should also be checking their Sapphire accounts to keep up with how they are progressing in their classes and to also see any work they are missing.
Core 1-
Mrs. Raubenstine and Mrs. Koontz’s Core I Math will be starting out this new year finishing up Unit 3 focusing on Rational Numbers and Operations. Before the break, students were graphing integers on four-quadrant graphs. We will now be applying this knowledge of positive and negative numbers to write and solve integer expressions as well as work with absolute value.
Reminder: math homework is assigned each week and it is important that students are continuing to complete their homework as well as check their answers every Friday. Homework should also be organized within their math binder, as these can be used to help study. Remember--homework can always be turned in for late credit! All homework pages are available on Schoology. Students also have 30 minutes of Edgenuity to log each week for math.
Core 2-
Mrs. Koontz’s Core 2 math class will continue to work through expression, equations, and inequalities as we begin this new year. We will be having a unit test within the upcoming weeks and will be transitioning into our next unit- Ratios, Percents, and Proportional Relationships. The new year is a good time for a fresh start for some, and continued success for others.
Reminder: math homework is assigned each week and it is important that students are continuing to complete their homework as well as check their answers every Wednesday and Friday. Homework should also be organized within their math binder, as these can be used to help study. Remember--homework can always be turned in for late credit! All homework pages are available on Schoology. Students also have 30 minutes of Edgenuity to log each week for math.
ELA-
As we ring in the New Year, students in Mr. Baumgardner’s ELA classes, have recently finished reading Peak by Roland Smith. While reading, we focused on how the author develops the characters, how the main character struggles with specific conflicts, and how the author developed the theme of the book. All students have also completed an online Mount Everest Informational Project. Ask them to show you, they worked hard on the project and it turned out great. We will shift our ELA focus to writing where we will explore Text Dependant Analysis writing. In Social Studies, we have finished learning about Southern Asia, which happened to be the setting of our class novel Peak. Next up, we will learn about Russia’s geography as well as some famous rulers in Russia’s history and the impact they had on Russia.
In Miss Collins’ ELA classes, students finished their Wonder unit right before the holiday break. We enjoyed connecting to our main character, Auggie, as he struggled to fit in at his new school. Students will start off the new year with a spiral review before we take the Winter MAP test. As a class we will then start our next novel, Peak by Roland Smith. While reading, we will focus on how the author develops characters, and how conflicts develop as the plot continues. We will connect our novel with our next geography region of Asia. We will study the physical and cultural characteristics and how they influence life in this region.
Ms. Willet’s ELA classes are finishing our Wonder unit. Students are concluding with Text Dependant Analysis writing and the end of the novel project. At the end of the month we will begin a new poetry unit. In SS, students are learning about the European Union and its effects on the citizens in Europe. We are beginning our unit on Russia and Eastern Asia, beginning with geographic characteristics and how they affect life in this region. Students can access the Geography textbook online (www.discoveryeducation.com).
Science-
Mrs. Becker and Mr. Urey’s Science classes are moving into chapter 5 - natural resources. The main focus of the unit will be exploring why it is important to manage natural resources wisely. Students will be learning about renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, along with the pros and cons of each source. Students are encouraged to use their online textbook to help them prepare for tests and quizzes at https://my.mheducation.com/login.
Team Aviators: 7th Grade
Math
In math class, we are wrapping up our unit expressions, equations, and inequalities. In our next unit, students will learn how to solve proportions and percent problems as well as other proportional relationships like scale drawings and distance, rate, and time. Students should continue to complete 30 minutes on Edgenuity each week to practice math concepts and skills.
Science
Headed to the farm show on January 11!! Will incorporate all the great living things that we see in our next upcoming chapters on structure and function and genetics! Please continue to review notes and vocabulary with the students each night!
ELA
In ELA we are continuing to read Black Ships Before Troy. Students have been working closely with poetic and informational texts. Students had an opportunity to analyze and perform various popular songs, incorporating some music class lessons. Students will be testing their MAP skills again next week on Monday the 7th. Please remind your students to try their absolute best. They have been practicing their skills all year long. Reminder: Independent Novel Projects are due Friday, January 11th. Project choices can be found on schoology.
Social Studies
In social studies, we ended the lesson which spoke about the Jewish faith and the history and culture of Judaism. We also presented our projects about the winter celebrations of the ancient world. will be learning about the ancient Greek world and how it affects our society today in America. Students will be learning about Democratic principles and also about Greek architecture.
Team Lightning: 7th & 8th Grades
SCIENCE Mr. Decker and Ms. Enoff
7th Grade: Our study of genetics will segue into the foundation of biology, natural selection. Students will be examining the history of life on Earth and the changes life has experienced through this history. Natural selection will provide the basis for our transition into organ systems culminating in our dissection of the frog. This is a memorable moment for all 7th graders.
8th Grade: Students have finished up their study of space exploration and are moving into the study of the sun and the formation of the universe. We will be looking at different theories of the formation of the universe and the scientific evidence that is used to support these theories. Once we have a grasp of the origin of the universe we will look at the planets and how their features maybe a result of the early universe.
MATHEMATICS Mr. Heller and Ms. Enoff
7th and 8th Grade:
With the holidays behind us, we are quickly approaching the "testing season" for math. Before we know it, PSSA time is upon us. Please reinforce the importance of these tests with your student. The results are valuable to teachers in giving us a snapshot of what students have learned. All classes will also take their second MAP test of the year in January. This is just another snapshot showing how much students have learned and how far they have come so far this year. They will take the MAP one final time in the spring to show their full gROWth for the academic year.
ENGLISH: Mr. Peglow and Mrs. Trout
7th Grade:
(Mr. Peglow’s Class) As the second quarter nears its end, students are finishing up their Lit. Circle novels and completing their final book review to close out this unit. As we start the third quarter students will be reading either the actual or a version of Homer’s epic The Iliad. We will use this story of the fall of Troy as a backdrop for our discussion of Greek and Roman Mythology. Through readings of poems, nonfiction, and short fiction pieces students will dive deeper into this Ancient civilization. We will continue to work on grammar, improving writing, and enhancing lexicons as well.
(Mrs. Trout’s Class) We will kick off the new year with a look at our MAP goals and prepare to take the second of three assessments. As we start the third quarter students will be reading either the actual or a version of Homer’s epic The Iliad. We will use this story of the fall of Troy as a backdrop for our discussion of Greek and Roman Mythology. Through readings of poems, nonfiction, and short fiction pieces students will dive deeper into this Ancient civilization. We will continue to work on grammar and improving our writing.
8th Grade:
As the second quarter nears its end, students are finishing up their Lit. Circle novels and completing their final book review to close out this unit. As we start the third quarter students will be reading The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara that was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1975. This is a historical fiction piece that recounts the three epic days of the Battle of Gettysburg. We will use this story, in addition to reading poems, nonfiction, and short fiction pieces to enhance our understanding and discussion about what was happening in Pennsylvania during this period of U.S. History. Throughout this unit we will continue to work on grammar, improving writing, and enhancing lexicons as well.
SOCIAL STUDIES Mr. Popoff and Mrs. Trout
7th Grade Ancient Civilizations:
January, much like the month of December, will be primarily focused on religion. Throughout December and early January students scrutinized the religion of Judaism. Now students will set their sights on the religion of Islam. While Islam is similar to other religions, there are also some vast differences. Upon our completion of examining the religion of Islam, students will take a trip across the pond to Europe. Ancient Greece will be our first stop in Europe.
8th Grade U.S. History:
America’s goal of Manifest Destiny will be the central focus of much of January. Expanding west will have its costs though. America will encounter challenges from several nations upon trying to achieve its goal of settling all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Challenges from the Spanish, British, and Native Americans will create numerous issues for America. Upon reaching the Pacific Ocean, America will then begin the process of industrializing.
Team Sky Pilots: 8th Grade
December’s Growth Mindset Theme is “We Love a Challenge”
Core 3 students will begin and complete chapter 4 Multiple Representations. The chapter will focus on connections between the four representations of data: patterns, tables graphs, and equations (also referred to as “rules’ ) Several traditional textbook lessons will be replaced with online interactive experiences which challenge students to learn through their efforts and mistakes.
Geometry students will begin and complete chapter 4 Trigonometry and Probability. Student will discover side ratios in a right triangle can serve as a powerful tool which allows them to find missing side lengths and missing angle measures for any right triangle.
All math students who score as non-proficient on any assessed Grade 8 Math PSSA assessment anchor or Geometry anchor will be required to complete remediation activities and alternate assessments. Students are required to email me when they complete the activities and assessment. Activities and assignments will be posted in Schoology in the same chapter as the test. A majority of the assignments will be online activities. Students are expect to see me or email if they have any questions about any activity. Additional math help is available before and after school as well as during ACE Period.
Science is moving through Energy, Work and Simple Machines. We will be testing Levers and Pulleys in lab investigations. Later we will be discussing Sound and Light and then moving into Chemistry: the Periodic Table of Elements, Atoms and Chemical Reactions.
English classes are completing a unit where we are practicing critical thinking as we analyze the triangle of rhetoric. Students should be able to identify the use of pathos, ethos, and logos in speech and writing after this unit. You can test them on it as they watch commercials on TV. This unit will wrap up in time for us to begin our next novel before the holiday break.
History classes are looking at the launch of a new nation following the writing of the U.S. Constitution. Following this, we will discuss the age of Andrew Jackson as president and westward expansion. We will also be looking at the root causes of the Civil War in the third marking period and will be looking forward to the Civil War traveling trunk and Gettysburg field trip in May.
Growth Mindset at MAMS for December: "We Love a Challenge!"
Nurse's News
If your 6th grader has not had a physical yet, please schedule their appointment and have the
form returned to school. Per the Pennsylvania school health law 6th graders are to have a
physical. Also please make sure that you get their vaccinations updated while they are at their
visit and send a copy along in with their completed physical form.
All 7th graders are required by Pennsylvania school health law to have a dental exam for seventh grade. If you have not already done so please return completed dental form as soon as possible.
Flu season is here. If you have not already gotten you flu shot now is a good time to get it.
The best way to prevent the spread of colds and flu is to wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer) frequently when in contact with others.
If your student is running a fever or vomiting please do not send them to school. It is
recommended that the student be fever free and not vomiting for 24 hours before returning to
school.
Please be sure that proper footwear and clothing are being worn during the winter season so
that we can stay warm and not fall on the ice.
School Counselor's Corner
Being involved benefits you and your family in three ways
Family engagement at the middle school level is just as important as it was in elementary school. Students’ grades, test scores, attendance and behavior all tend to be better when parents are aware of what is going on at school. But your child is not the only one who benefits when you get involved. Here are three ways being involved also benefits you:
You understand more about how the school works. Perhaps you come from an area where the school system is quite different from the one where you are currently living. Being involved helps you become familiar with the local education system.
You learn whom to contact if you have concerns. You know your child’s teachers. You know the counselor and are familiar with the administrators.
The school and the teachers have a better understanding of you and your family. Perhaps English is not your first language. Perhaps you need support. The school staff may be able to direct you to community agencies and organizations who can help. If they know what is going on at home, they can better respond to your child at school.
Be sure to check the school website and Sapphire portal to stay informed of school happenings.
Order a Yearbook Today!
If you have not purchased a yearbook yet for your son or daughter, they can still be purchased online! Prices for softcovers are $20 and $25 for hardcovers. You can also add other features like personalized covers, autograph pages, and more.
To order online go to this website ybpay.lifetouch.com/ (there is also an active link on our MAMS website). The MAMS Yearbook ID code is: 12585219
If you have any questions please email Mr. Peglow at peglowja@lasd.k12.pa.us
Bolt PRIDE: January
Mark Your Calendars!
January 17 End of the 2nd Marking Period
January 18 No School for Students (Act 80 Day)
January 21 No School for Students (Act 80 Day)