Encore
Art
Students just wrapped up a unit on mythical creatures of Mesopotamia and will be beginning a painting unit that will help students fine tune their color mixing skills and brushwork.
7th Grade
This is an exploratory class that examines various art genres throughout history. The main theme of seventh grade art is art criticism, in which students describe, analyze, interpret and evaluate works of art, and create their own works based on their findings.
8th Grade
Students are finishing an exciting reduction printmaking assignment (linocut); for most students, this is their first exposure to this advanced technique. Eighth grade will finish the quarter with a painting unit.
Band
Students are learning the basics of playing an instrument.
Home practice is a necessity for success!
7th Grade
Students are continuing their skill development and will work towards playing with the 8th grade band at the Christmas concert and band contest in the spring.
8th Grade
Students are currently working on music for the Veterans Day assembly and will then work on Christmas music.
Computers
In computer class we are currently learning how to use Google Classroom. We have been focusing on saving properly and how to become proficient computer users. On Fridays we have been exploring our 3D printing program. The students will have an opportunity to get their 3D designs printed out.
7th Grade
In computer class we have been exploring the 3D printing program Tinkercad. The students just completed an assignment where they had to create an object that serves a purpose.
In Digital Publishing we have been learning how to use Microsoft Publisher. We just finished creating a timeline for our Creative Arts class. Our current project is to design a 12 month calendar.
8th Grade
In B-Town the students are currently working on filming and editing their episodes.
The other 8th grade class is learning about careers and how much money it takes to live. This has been very eye opening to the students.
Family and Consumer Sciences/Health
Health is currently covering personal health and hygiene practices. At the conclusion of this unit, the students will be assigned a section of this unit to create their own informative health fair presentation.
7th Grade
FACS has just finished discovering proper measuring techniques and are beginning to do food labs in class, starting with making homemade pancakes!
8th Grade
FACS has already begun doing food labs and have made lasagna rolls, fudge brownies from scratch, and chocolate chip cookies. The students are going to be working on creating their own class cook book incorporating recipes from home as well as recipes they have researched online.
Health is currently covering making wise choices and the risks of tobacco and alcohol, as well as how to resist peer pressure. They are also discovering alternative healthy activities to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Library
Your child visits the library once every two weeks during their reading block. We spend the first half of our time learning library skills, while the second half is devoted to finding books students want to read. During first quarter, we are focusing on how to find books using our Reading Counts range.
7th & 8th Grade
Our older students visit the library during their English Language Arts classes. We are working on creating a personalized "Want To Read" list. By having a list ready, students will always know what they want to read next. We are also encouraging our students to fall in love with reading again.
Physical Education
World Languages
7th Grade
In World Languages, we are right in the middle of our quarter focused on Spanish. We've covered topics such as basic questions, colors, and numbers. This week, we will begin learning food vocabulary. Ask your student what they've learned so far!
8th Grade
It's been a busy month or so in Spanish I! We have covered a lot of ground, including learning how to say the Spanish alphabet, introduce ourselves, ask/answer basic questions, and count to 100. We also talked about Mexican Independence Day on September 16. Over the next few weeks, we'll be discussing Spanish grammar in more detail and continuing to build our vocabularies as we learn to describe ourselves and other people.
Vocal
Students are working on concert literature and vocal exploration. We are also learning how to sing through the changes in our voice and build confidence in our musicianship.
7th Grade
Students are transitioning from singing in two parts to singing in three parts. Our concert literature is helping us in this endeavor. We are also working toward discovering tools to help us stay more focused in the choral classroom setting.
8th Grade
Students are experimenting with sight-reading in four part texture. We are working on foreign language pieces for our concert and are having class in mixed arrangement to challenge our ears.