Junior High Journal
News and Happenings in the Junior High Department
8th Grade Updates & Reminders 11/28-12/2
- Chromebooks should be charged every night to ensure the battery lasts throughout the day!
- Check Skyward and the homework calendar frequently for missing and current homework assignments, talk to your child about their work.
- Please remember that although you can email your students, absences and early pick-up information must be reported through the office. Please call the Yorkville School office.
Winter Band and Choir Concert
Thursday, Dec 15, 2016, 07:00 PM
Yorkville School, Washington Avenue, Union Grove, WI, United States
Individual Classes
ELA News and Updates
Katie Nicholls katie.nicholls@yorkville.k12.wi.us
This week in ELA, students read a difficult short story titled “The Outsider” by H.P. Lovecraft. We applied the close reading strategies we have focused on this year and successfully gained a deeper understanding of the story. I continue to be impressed with the effort each student puts forth every day, even with difficult material. We also finished a rough draft of a creative piece using the theme of “Action.” Each piece will be considered for submission to the Southern Lakes Anthology Project. I’m sure, once again, we’ll have many excellent pieces to choose from. This weekend ask your student about their Anthology piece.
Science News and Updates
Erin Weis erin.weis@yorkville.k12.wi.us
This week in science, students took a quiz on cell transport, the first section of chapter 4. They learned some different pathways molecules can take to enter or exit a cell. Students also performed a week long lab called the Egg-citing Egg-speriment. A raw egg was placed in vinegar for a day, corn syrup the next day and finally water. Ask your child what happened each day! They all did an excellent job thinking there way through this lab. The lab report will be do on Tuesday next week.
We also began to dive into cell energy. When we are done with this section, students will be able to describe how photosynthesis and cellular respiration are connected.
On a side note, the 8th graders will be going to Union Grove High School on Thursday next week to explore the STEM department. It is a great opportunity to see the engineering, auto, welding, and woods classes that are offered.
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Weis
Social Studies News and Updates
John Johnsen john.johnsen@yorkville.k12.wi.us
This week in 8th grade we looked at the foundation of the legislative branch. We talked about how Congress is made up of two groups the House of Representatives and the Senate. We then compared and contrasted the differences we found between the two houses. When looking at both houses we also examined the different leadership positions found each house and how the committee system makes the branch more efficient. Next week we will look into lesson 2 and focus on the different powers the legislative branch has. We will also discuss the checks the other two branches have over the legislative branch. Have a great weekend. Mr. Johnsen
Math News and Updates
Mary Niccolai mary.niccolai@yorkville.k12.wi.us
Intro to Algebra reviewed solving proportions and multi-step equations. We also spent time on using proportions to find the percent of a number. We ended the week with working on find the percent change between two quantities and working with some simple probability. Next week we will put this all together with a review and unit test. It was nice to meet with many of you at conferences. Have a great weekend.
Algebra worked on graphing and writing linear equations in slope intercept form, standard form, and point slope form. We used real world examples and created graphs to represent these situations. It was a good way to visually understand what a y intercept is. Next week we will look at the relationship of parallel and perpendicular lines. We will also begin reviewing for the graphing unit test. It was nice to meet with many of you during conferences. Have a great weekend.
Please contact me via e-mail if you have any questions or concerns.
Mrs. Niccolai
Spanish News and Updates
Katy Morrow katy.morrow@yorkville.k12.wi.us
We began this week by analyzing a couple news articles about the death of Fidel Castro. Students learned about the history of his regime and U.S. and Cuban relations. We then focused on practicing our ¿Cómo eres? Unit conversation. Students presented the conversations on Thursday and did a wonderful job describing their friends, and their hobbies. Lastly, we began our Family Unit by learning vocabu associated with the immediate family.
Physical Education & Health News and Updates
Amanda Peterson amanda.peterson@yorkville.k12.wi.us
This week in health the 8th graders started their Tobacco Unit by analyzing a mystery product, reviewing advertising techniques, viewing tobacco truth ads, and beginning to create a tobacco truth ad of their own. The students will be working in partners to cover the information of smoking and asthma, secondhand smoke, long term effects, short term effects, smokeless tobacco, what’s in a cigarette?, reasons why kids begin to smoke, and e-cigarettes in their ads.
This week in PE the students finished up the Badminton Unit with a double elimination tournament. This activity generated a lot of competitiveness and excitement!
Have a fantastic weekend!
Mrs. Peterson
Band News and Updates
Mike Beix
The Winter Band Concert will be held on December 15 at 9:45am and 7:00pm in the Yorkville Large Gym. Both concerts are free and open to the public, so feel free to invite all of your family and friends!
Students should be in the Band Room at 6:37pm. The dress code for the evening concert is:
· GIRLS: skirt (at least knee length) or dress pants and a nice top.
· BOYS: polo shirt or dress shirt (tucked in) and khakis or dress pants.
· Shorts, blue jeans, sweatshirts, t-shirts, or athletic shoes are not allowed.
· Students are allowed to wear holiday hats.
Our first Culvers Fundraiser will be on Thursday, December 15 from Noon to 10:00 PM. A portion of your sales will be donated to our band students. Please spread the word!
The Jazz Band had another great rehearsal this week! We improved our reading of and performance of syncopated rhythms in Feliz Navidad. Jazz Band meets every Wednesday from 3:45 to 4:15.
Please check out the band website (tinyurl.com/yorkvilleband) to stay up-to-date with the Yorkville Band!
Choir News and Updates
Carly Kreuscher
carly.kreuscher@yorkville.k12.wi.us
http://yorkvillemusic.weebly.com
The youtube link for our Fall Concert from Nov. 15 with Nash Elementary is now available. If you were unable to attend the performance or would like to view it again, here it is…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-havCtSY9Zc4
We are currently preparing for our winter concert. Our Winter Concert is Thursday, December 15 at 9:45am and 7:00pm.
This years musical will be Music Man Jr. Auditions will be held during the week of Jan 9, 2017. Audition packets are available in the choir room. I have attached to music and choreography the students will need to perform during their audition on my website!!
We continue to work on music for Choral Fest. . Choral Festival is Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 7:00pm.
If you are looking for extra handouts, forms, etc. please check my website. I try to post everything I can so you have access at home!!! http://yorkvillemusic.weebly.com