MiMS Newsletter
“Enter to Learn, Strive to Achieve!”
The MISSION of Middletown Middle School is to engage students as 21st century learners who strive to achieve their goals. We support students through rigor and active participation within a culture of cooperation, organization, determination and excellence to prepare our students for college and careers.
“The Vision of Middletown Middle School is to challenge students of all abilities to achieve excellence in a wide range of academic and cultural pursuits. Students are equipped to meet the demands and opportunities of the 21st century by receiving a differentiated, effective, and rigorous curriculum. Staff believe and demonstrate that all students can master the essential 21st century skills. The culture of Middletown Middle will include high expectations for all, frequent monitoring of student progress, multiple opportunities for student learning, high levels of engagement, exceptional communication, and daily purposeful integration of technology. We will make it a priority to recognize the academic and extracurricular achievements of our school community. Middletown Middle School will have highly-motivated professional staff and authentic partnerships between the school and home.”
Value Statements
Teachers actively engage students by interacting, moving around the classroom, and allowing them to own their learning.
Staff will have knowledge of the whole student so that lessons provide challenge and rigor for all abilities.
Teachers facilitate lessons where students are engaged, not merely compliant.
Teachers facilitate lessons that allow for students to lead and take risks.
Staff will make authentic learning opportunities a priority in the classroom.
Staff collaborates to promote 21st century student learning.
Calendar
A Message from Mr. Fer
A message from Mr. Fer
As the weather begins to change and we are able to break away from the colder, darker days of winter, so too will we as an educational community move towards days that are full of inspiration and renewed hope. With the season of spring comes a celebration of new growth and the recognition of the difference between what was and what is. Harriet Ann Jacobs who was an African-American writer in the 19th century said, "The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also." Our virtual and hybrid students as well as our teachers have experienced this kind of revival through the recent learning model transition. Whether they are remaining in the virtual world or have been attending in person two days out of the week, students have needed to adapt and grow through the different strategies implemented and the expansion of the academic expectations through the concurrent teaching process. Our teachers are discovering new and exciting ways to engage students and connect them more deeply with the different content areas. All students, regardless of learning model, continue to journey with staff through the most recent transition as an additional stepping stone towards building the capacity to return to an educational experience resembling the one we left behind one year ago.
Even though, as a community, we are experiencing moments that evoke feelings of pride and joy, as a nation, we experienced instances that work against efforts to unify us. Below is a message from FCPS’ Equity Office about the events that took place in Atlanta, GA recently:
Sadly, last week saw continued harm done toward members of our community who identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander. While the hateful acts of last week took place 647 miles away from Frederick, MD, the impact vibrates across time and space impacting multitudes. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic anti-Asian hate crimes have increased over the past year. The historic marginalization of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders goes back generations. In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was signed into law which prohibited immigration of Chinese laborers, some 57 years later forced incarceration of Japanese Americans occurred during World War II; both actions created harmful & hurtful stereotypes, biases, and assumptions.
While the actions of the past continue to cause present day shockwaves that show up in racist and discriminatory practices, we continue to stand together to educate, speak up, and support each other.
The Middletown community is one full of diversity and rich in pride. The students and staff that make up this wonderful school consistently embrace those around them and show how much each individual is an essential part of what makes MiMS special and unique. As an educational community it is our responsibility to demonstrate what inclusivity means through our words and actions, which is what our staff seeks to convey each day. To be a Knight means so much more than simply donning the orange and black showing school pride. Being a Knight compels us to demonstrate belief in each other through kindness, generosity and service. Thank you to all of you for serving as a shining example and for upholding what we believe to be true about being a Middletown Middle School Knight!
At MiMS we believe...
Knowledge is enthusiastically cultivated through all endeavors, which lays the foundation for students to be lifelong learners is a primary focus.
Nurturing creativity allows students to grow and develop their own personal strengths so that their unique talents are celebrated each day.
Investing in others’ success creates a school environment where those around us are held in the highest regard and their needs are sought out and elevated.
Generously serving others in our community and beyond sets ourselves on a path to ensure that their welfare and happiness is a priority.
Honoring the rich diversity that exists within our school community where respect and inclusiveness promotes and celebrates the uniqueness of each of our students.
Transcending the status quo will build a world where Middletown Middle School students lead the way towards a future that is prosperous and beneficial to all.
Safety for all those that set foot in our building is a paramount concern because without it the high standards we hold for student achieve and instruction cannot take place.
News from Advanced Academics
SUMMER ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
GEMS at HOOD College, sponsored by Army Educational Outreach Program
from the website: https://www.usaeop.com/program/frederick/
“Courses are 4 days long and take place in beautiful Frederick, MD at Hood College. Students accepted into the program work with young aspiring scientists and engineers called Near-Peer Mentors to complete various engineering challenges and hands on laboratory experiments that are designed to further a students’ understanding of STEM concepts. While at GEMS students also learn about STEM careers that are available to them and pathways they can take to achieve their desired future aspirations. Students navigate a curriculum that local Fort Detrick education specialists and researchers developed just for your student.”
Student Applications window: March 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021
Stay tuned to the website (linked above) for application details. There is a teacher recommendation component. Please email Dianne.Thompson@fcps.org if you need help with this process.
JOHNS HOPKINS Center for Talented Youth typically offers on-site enrichment programs for students in grades 2-6, and 7-12. For Summer 2021, enrichment will be through online courses. You can learn more about course offerings and eligibility here: https://cty.jhu.edu/online/courses/index.html
TERP YOUNG SCHOLARS for high schoolers (rising Grade 9 through graduating Grade 12)
From the website:
“Prepare for college through rigorous academics, dynamic instruction, and virtual activities with the University of Maryland Terp Young Scholars—Online. Alongside other academically talented high school students, you’ll pursue an academic interest, engage with passionate faculty, and get a jump on college by earning three university credits.”
Visit the website (linked above) for more information about course offerings, and admission requirements.
Mrs. Thompson’s Enrichment Groups & Office Hours
All students are welcome to join Mrs. Thompson’s Schoology Enrichment groups. I post regular challenges and interactive posts for asynchronous participation as well as host enrichment activities through Google Meet.
Students may message me (Dianne Thompson) in Schoology to join the fun! All activities are optional.
I also host regular office hours to support any student who may need help with classwork. Days and times vary and are shared through our groups!
Attendance
Thank you
Builders Club
The Builder’s Club at MiMS is a student led service organization for middle school students. The club provides opportunities for students to work together to provide service for our community. Builder’s Club is sponsored by Frederick Kiwanis. At this time Builder's Club will meet virtually after school to discuss how we can implement and provide service to our school and community in these different times. If your student in interested please fill this out and I will be in touch with them.
Cafeteria Information-Spring Break Meal Distribution
CHANGE IN FCPS TO-GO MEAL DISTRIBUTION OVER SPRING BREAK (MEALS PROVIDED FOR MARCH 29-APRIL 6)
To-go meals for Monday March 29th will be distributed on FRIDAY MARCH 26th following the regular to-go meal distribution schedule and locations.
FCPS Food and Nutrition Services will also distribute to-go breakfast, lunch and supper meals twice during spring break at 15 schools and 2 community drop-off sites!
SPRING BREAK MEAL DISRTIBUTION
To-go breakfast, lunch and supper will be provided on
- Tuesday March 30, 2021 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for 2 days (breakfast, lunch and supper for 3/30 & 3/31)
- Thursday April 1, 2021 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for 6 days (breakfast, lunch and supper for 4/1 through 4/6)
LOCATIONS
SCHOOLS
- Ballenger Creek Elementary
- Brunswick Elementary
- Centerville Elementary
- Deer Crossing Elementary
- Governor Thomas Johnson High
- Hillcrest Elementary
- Lincoln Elementary
- Middletown High
- Monocacy Elementary
- Myersville Elementary
- Spring Ridge Elementary
- Thurmont Middle
- Twin Ridge Elementary
- Waverley Elementary
- Windsor Knolls Middle
COMMUNITY DROP-OFF SITES
- 7th Street Frederick Shopping Center Parking Lot, 1305 West 7th Street, Frederick
- Discovery Shopping Center Parking Lot, 8425 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville
Children do not have to be present to pick up meals. A parent or other adult can pick these meals up for them. Meal service in the schools for children following the hybrid model will resume on Tuesday April 6th at all schools. Our regular to-go meal distribution schedule and locations will resume on Wednesday April 7th. Contact FCPS Food and Nutrition Services at 301-644-5061 with questions or visit us at www.fcpsnutrition.com.
Counseling Dept
Counseling Office Secretary/Registrar: Chrissy Farron (240-236-4206)
6th grade School Counselor: Ashley Frushour (240-236-4205)
7th grade School Counselor: Liz Bohan (240-236-4256)
8th grade School Counselor: Rachel Butts (240-236-4220)
Frederick Community Action Agency
Hours of Operation
Frederick Community Action Agency Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Weekend and evening hours vary
Soup Kitchen Hours
Monday through Sunday
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Foodbank Hours
- Monday, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
- Tuesday, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday 7 to 9 p.m.
- Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Friday, 2 to 4 p.m.
*Please call 301-600-1506 for more information.
Picture Day Success
PICTURE DAY SUCCESS!
Thank you for a successful PICTURE DAY at MiMS! We had a great turnout for our virtual options, with more than 150 students attending across two afternoons/evenings!
MiMS will NOT be hosting a make-up/retake picture date.
If your child was unable to attend picture day, you may submit a portrait-style photograph for the yearbook using WALSWORTH SNAP APP. Please select the PORTRAIT category and include your student’s full first and last name and grade. One photo per student, please.
Lifetouch has also partnered with Shutterfly to offer school pictures at home!
At Lifetouch, our goal is to provide students with an annual school picture so that when senior year arrives, they have full photographic record of their K-12 school years. This year, we acknowledge this may not be possible everywhere.
Lifetouch + Shutterfly have come together to make sure your K-12 school pictures collection are not compromised. This year only, through the convenience of the Shutterfly app, you can capture a quick snap, add your favorite Lifetouch background and order a picture package all while @home!
Order the basic package which includes our iconic Lifetouch blue background or upgrade to the Premium package and select a background from our best sellers.
How it works
1. Download the Shutterfly app
2. Select a picture package
3. Smile! Snap a quick pic
4. Customize your image with your favorite background
5. Order your picture package
6. Frame it!
Visit the Shutterfly app to learn more.
These pictures may be shared for our MiMS yearbook!
Email Dianne.Thompson@fcps.org with questions. Thank you!
School Community Activities
- For Elementary & Middle Schools only (ages 6-12): Salvation Army Day Camp: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=14354
- City of Frederick Parks & Recreation Spring 2021 Program Brochure: : https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/255/Parks-Recreation
- For LHS and feeder middle schools only: Linganore Mountain Bike Team: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=14355
School Community Activities Continued..
- For all schools: Frederick Children's Chorus: options for ages 3-18: The Frederick Children's Chorus, for ages 8-18, will be returning to in-person rehearsals and performances during the 2021-2022 season. Little Music Makers, for ages 3-8, is also available. Please see flier for more information. https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=14424
- For all schools: Fort Detrick GEMS program - The Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program at Fort Detrick brings local students to the cutting-edge world of science for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC). The program is designed for current 4th through 12th grade students of all academic abilities in the 2020-2021 school calendar. GEMS promises a hands-on experience that will excite. Applications for students are due April 1, 2021. Please see flier for more information. https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=14423
- For all schools: Delaplaine Spring Brochure: Enjoy the spring issue of Delaplaine Arts magazine from the Delaplaine Art Center—YOUR community arts center! It’s chock full of upcoming art opportunities for the whole family, including: summer art camps for kids and teens, art classes in a variety of media for all ages, exhibitions in seven galleries with free admission, free educational online programs, and much more. https://delaplaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/DelaplaineArts2021Spring.pdf
FCPS Information
For the most up to date information from FCPS please go to www.fcps.org
Find all Schoology Information HERE
FCPS School Calendar at a glance
Health Room News
Yearbooks
UPDATE as of 3/23/21:
SALES ARE EXTENDED, HOWEVER A LIMITED NUMBER OF BOOKS WILL BE PRINTED DUE TO LOW SALES TO DATE.
THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 200 BOOKS REMAINING!
BE SURE TO ORDER ASAP TO SECURE A BOOK!
2020-2021 YEARBOOKS are now on sale!
All orders are placed online via https://yearbookforever.com/
Please search Middletown Middle School to shop our yearbook store.
$35 Yearbook Only.
WE WILL NOT BE SELLING EXTRA YEARBOOKS THIS YEAR. PLEASE BE SURE TO PRE-ORDER
We will continue to build our yearbook virtually to celebrate our students!
We’d love to feature every student!
Please email Dianne.Thompson@fcps.org if you have questions about school pictures or yearbooks.
Thank you!
Currently seeking pictures for the following:
Arts at MiMS
7th graders just finished up a candy/dessert drawing after learning about Wayne Thiebauld. Below are some photos of the amazing work they created. We are now doing an artist research unit and will soon be doing an oil pastel stained glass drawing. If students do not have oil pastels, they can come by during school hours to pick up a baggie from the front office.
8th graders recently created artworks to show a specific mood, feeling, or emotion. Check out some of the incredible creations they did below. We are currently finishing up our collage artworks and will soon begin our unit on creating art for the purpose of communication.
Don’t forget to check out the Delaphaine Arts Center in Frederick for the Youth art Month display now can be viewed online at https://www.flickr.com/photos/delaplaine/albums/72157718445785123. The FCPS has work on display for the entire of the month of March. We have some amazing young artists on display, check out their work!
Creative Arts is busy creating scripts to perform their rendition of a creative story or rendition of a folk tale - so many awesome options they have come up with for their final performances.
6th Grade visual Arts have been busy exploring the MET - our "virtual" field trip to NYC allowed us to view so many amazing works of art - and now with the new images the class has seen they will be creating their own version the famous artworks.
Band/Orchestra
March/April
Students are making great music at MiMS this Spring! We are excited to be able to make music in small ensembles both virtually and in-person with hybrid students. Students are working on instrumental music projects, composition, and preparing for performances. Some MiMS band and orchestra students are participating in a county-wide virtual ensemble hosted by the FCPS VPA office. Students participated in a "Meet the Composer Night" and are now working on recording parts to submit for the virtual ensemble. We look forward to hearing the virtual band, orchestra, and chorus ensembles soon! More information coming soon for a MiMS Spring Music Showcase later this year!
Career & Technology Education
Mr. Seiler- Pre-engineering - Grade 8
Students will be designing a can label with all of the components listed on the label. When they have completed that they will develop a commercial advertising it.
CSI - Grade 7
Students will continue developing a personal webpage.
Tech Expo - Grade 6
Students will be developing their problem solving skills designing and constructing tower made of paper. The next area of concentration will be aerodynamics.
Mr. Dulberger 7th grade Invention & Innovation (CTE) - The 7th grade Invention and Innovation students are in the middle of our Engineering Design Process unit. Learning about the engineering design process is a critical component of most CTE courses, especially I&I. The students have been given some choice as to how they learn about the design process through a playlist, and will ultimately demonstrate their understanding through a presentation. We are wasting no time with applying the engineering design process to a specific challenge. This challenge asks students to design, build, and test a catapult! Students are encouraged to utilize common household items as materials. If accessing these materials presents a problem, please contact me. As we continue with these hands-on design challenges, it is helpful for students to be utilizing the camera on their device during synchronous learning to share their progress with me and their classmates.The camera allows students to share their progress with me and their classmates.
6th grade Visual Arts - The 6th grade Visual Arts students are beginning to learn about the principles of art. We have closely studied three of the principles so far; movement, balance and rhythm. We have studied various art pieces that combine elements of art to achieve these three principles. The students have also enjoyed learning about Op Art from studying artists like Bridget Riley, Victor Vasarely, and Salvador Dali. They are now preparing for their third big studio project piece that incorporates optical illusions (Op Art) with movement, balance, and rhythm.
Mrs. Ledford-Food Science students are working on their "Food Museum" projects and investigating foods throughout US history starting with the 1600's and moving into the future of food. Students have also planted basil seeds which are sprouting up. This will wrap up our unit in the Food System. Then we will be moving to the food preparation unit which includes safety and sanitation in the kitchen, cooking terms, measuring, recipe reading and so much more!
Mrs. Stuart: 7th and 8th grade Life Skills classes are discussing nutrition. Students are reviewing vitamins, minerals and my My Plate guidelines. The students are planning healthy meals, looking at breakfast foods eaten around the world, and are discussing the impact one's diet may have on one's health. Students also have learned about weight management and the role exercise plays in helping keep ourselves healthy.
Mrs. Duvall: Lab 21 is finishing up our Rube Goldberg projects by learning video editing software and stringing portions of projects together in team videos. Next unit, which we will begin after Spring Break, will allow students to explore elements of 3D printing and design their own 3D printed objects.
Language Arts
7th Grade-ELA has been working through analyzing poems with a focus on figurative language and theme development. As the year progresses, we will continue to study Word Wizard roots, have enriching discussions, and write with a focus on developing ideas and organization. Students are encouraged to attend class on a regular basis and join tutoring sessions when requested. Students are shifting from nonfiction texts, back to fiction. Our focus is analyzing poetry. Just recently, students have reviewed and identified literary devices, such as figurative language, within literature. We have worked through understanding theme, as well as its development in a poem. Students will continue to work on word wizard bi-weekly. We appreciate all the support from home as we continue to work though concurrent teaching.
8th Grade-Students are reading "The Diary of Anne Frank Play". Students are analyzing the historical context, as well as, the character development displayed throughout the play.
Literacy Specialist
On Tuesday, March 16, the Frederick County Literacy Chapter (FCLC) celebrated this year’s county and state Young Authors contest winners in both middle and high school. Among those being recognized was MiMS 7th grader, Searlait Hoyt, for her short story. “Becoming Sophia.” Along with the short story and poetry winners in grades 7-12, guest speaker Gayle Danley joined those in attendance. Ms. Danley is a former national and international poetry slam champion who recently joined the Kennedy Center’s roster of master teaching artists who provide high level arts integration workshops for language arts educators. Guests who joined the Google Meet got to experience an abbreviated poetry slam workshop, led by Ms. Danley. She encouraged writers to WRING (get all your thoughts and feelings out on paper), FLING (draw lines through words that don’t work), BLING (reflect your style by making your work noticeable and unique), and SING (perform your poem for anyone who will listen!). Since April is National Poetry month, here is a short video from Ms. Ganley on how to become a slam poet in five easy steps.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/gayle-danley
Knights in the News
Check out this article about the FCPS winners!
What's happening in Math?
Sixth and seventh grade students are writing and solving algebraic equations and inequalities. Solving linear equations is an important skill for middle and high school students to master. It is imperative that students understand what they need to do and why they need to do it. Please encourage your students to show their steps as they solve the equations and check their work.
Eighth grade students are solving systems of equations graphically and algebraically. The students will be solving real-world problems leading to two linear equations in two variables.
Algebra students are solving and graphing quadratic equations. They will focus on building models of quadratics to compare properties, represent relationships, and model real-life contexts.
Some helpful reminders:
Create a learning zone. Children need a place to focus and learn. Choose an area or location and teach your child that this is their new learning zone. Keep the playroom a playroom. They need a place to play.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect. Do the best you can for your children with the time and resources you have and that will be enough. Keep your kids healthy and keep their minds at ease.
Ask for help. We here at MiMS are ready to help. Please email your child’s teacher, counselor, or me @ Marianne.Lipinski@fcps.org
Media Specialist
Media Center: Office hours 2:15-3:00
Book Exchange
The media center is open for business!! The library will be open every morning from 7:30-7:55. Students can swing by on their way to advisory and look for a book.
Virtual students can check a book out remotely and it can be picked up at the school. Once the book(s) have been checked out the student will receive an email and parents or guardians can come by at any time when the office is open and pick those books up.
For instructions on how to check out books remotely please watch this video or find it in your ELA teacher’s media center folder in Schoology.
Books can be returned at any time to the return box at the front of the school.
25 Book Challenge - there is still time to join!
Mrs. Poscover and the literacy specialist Mrs Casey are challenging students to read 25 books this year! We have set up Schoology courses for each grade level. All rules and regulations are on the challenge sheet students will get when they join the challenge. We would love it if your child accepted! Course codes are as follows:
6th grade: 3N9G-MZGF-PBB5X
7th grade: DP2V-TZ5W-9KKQM
8th grade: 4SC2-KS2C-P4ZJW
Click this link to view the top rated books from last year’s Challengers!!
2019 Student Book Recommendations
Overdue Library Books???
We left school abruptly in the spring. Your child may not have had a chance to return library books (or any school materials) before leaving school. When a student accesses their account (see video above) he/she can also check to see what they might still have out or you can email Mrs. Poscover for that information. mary.poscover@fcps.org Books can be returned at any time to the box at the front of the school.
Library Digital Resources
Looking for reliable, age appropriate sources of material for your student’s distance learning needs? No need to “google” ever again. Look no further than the library media page!!
https://education.fcps.org/mms/mediacenter
FCPS has purchased a number of databases that are trustworthy and aligned to state and national standards. When accessing from home you will need remote access codes. These are available by clicking on the link located at the top of the table of databases. It says “Click HERE for login and password information to access these databases from home.” Use these award winning resources today!
E-books sources
FCPL - Frederick County Public Library’s site. Access to a lot of digital content and ebooks. Students can use the following code to access all materials:
119829 + their 8 digit student ID#
Sora - FCPS’s new ebook platform has hundreds of fantastic books and is easy, easy, easy to use. Try this new product today!!
Media Page Twitter
Check out Mrs. Poscover’s Twitter feed, located on the media center homepage. There are periodic book recommendations and other exciting news. Looking for your next great read?? It’s a great place to start.
Physical Education
PE is off to a great Hybrid start! We want to thank you all for your patients as we work through the new Google codes! Remember if your child is ALL virtual they should be using MIMSVPE (#). If they are coming into the building they need to use MIMSHPE(#).
We are excited to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. In terms of the outside, please come prepared with older shoes and warm clothes. Weather permitting we will be out side as much as possible.
In regards to warm weather, we are excited to offer a PE clothing store. This will be sent out via Find out First as well as on the Schoology pages. Please stay on the look out for this information. There will be sweatshirts, sweatpants, and Tshirts. These are not required for PE but we thought it might help boost Spirit!!!
Keep moving!
Science
As students continue their studies of weather and climate, they will work with Climate Factors and investigate how the climate of an area can be determined by its latitude, elevation, topography, proximity to water, and global winds. As we approach the end of term three, students will study natural disasters, the effects they have on land and structures, and also the mitigation technologies and strategies available to help reduce the impact of these events.
7th Grade-Happy Spring and happy Chemistry. Ms. Martz's & Ms. Staley's 7th grade students are discussing the amazing parts of chemical equations. The remarkable MiMS students are showing their knowledge of elements, atoms, and molecules. Students are describing subscripts, coefficients, reactants, products, element symbols, and chemical formulas. Students are explaining the Law of the Conservation of Matter (mass) by sharing their understanding that "matter is never created or destroyed". Students are completing illustrations of atoms, elements, compounds, and chemical equations to prove that the number of atoms in the reactants & products are the same. Students are discussing examples that illustrate that the number of elements in the reactants and products are the same. Chemistry is cool!!
Ms. Martz and Ms. Staley would like to wish you and your students a safe & outstanding Spring break from March 27- April 5th. Enjoy the chemistry you see in elements, compounds, or mixtures during the break; or the fabulous details of photosynthesis in the growing plants of your yard! Happy beautiful Spring!
If you have any questions about the Science curriculum or our future topic = "Human Impact", please contact your student's Science teacher!! Have an outstanding April!!
8th Grade-Students are finishing up our space unit with the reasons for the seasons! We have been following "Perseverance" and its journey on Mars along with moon phases and eclipses. Be sure to watch for the lunar eclipse on May 26!
Social Studies
7th Grade-In 7th grade history, Ms. Emerick and Mr. Bittner’s classes are studying Europe during the Middle Ages. Topics include the Dark Ages, the rise of the Feudal System, its social classes, and the growth, development and the influences of the Catholic Church and its teachings. As we conclude that unit we will be transitioning to the Europe during the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Reformation. We continue to focus on writing well developed responses to prompts based on evidence from primary and secondary sources.
8th Grade-In American Studies, Mrs. Kefauver/Miss Cotton and Mr. Wishner’s classes are beginning to study the Civil War. We will begin by examining the causes of the war, including slavery, abolition and reform movements, and sectionalism. Then, we will focus on factors affecting the war’s outcome, experiences of people during the war, and reconstruction.
Theatre Arts
Theatre students worked on Poetry in Performance inspired by diverse poets including Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman and Maya Angelou. Students have been studying the performance aspect of spoken word poetry and last week, we wrapped up our Poetry unit by creating and performing our own spoken word poems. Students used the poetic form to work on their vocal inflection and their final poems.
In the upcoming weeks, students will be choosing their monologues for performances and we will begin working on our Spring Shows for each class.
Be on the lookout for information coming soon regarding our first virtual Arts Showcase which will highlight works from our students in Theatre, Visual Art, and Music classes. We will be working with the theme "Lost Art". More information to come!
World Languages
Spanish I students are learning to talk about clothing items and how to use some of the trickier, irregular verbs of the language.
Spanish II students just finished reading an Aztec legend that explains the existance of 2 volcanos outside Mexico City and are learning how to narrate stories in the past. Can't wait to learn about what they were like when they were younger as we work on a "When I was young..." project!
French 1 students just finished designing a menu and sharing a cafe skit. We are reviewing time and schedules now and talking about movies and genres of film. World Language Exploratory students will be wrapping up learning German this term. They are designing and labeling a house in German! Next quarter we will explore and learn some Spanish!