South Central Middle School
We have the Right Mental Attitude
News from the JH
7th grade SS with Mrs. Adams - 7th graders have spent several weeks learning about feudalism throughout Europe and Asia and the beginnings and rise of Islam in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Eastern Asia. We have studied how trade helped the spread of people, ideas and cultures throughout much of the world. The spread of Islam eventually resulted in what is known as the Crusades, the war between christians and muslims over control of the Holy Land. I wanted students to be able to see the relevance of learning about history and how it relates to current events in the world such as the fighting between Israel and Palestine. The Crusades and the Bubonic Plague changed history and life in Europe. We made connections to how plagues and pandemics, such as Covid 19 change the world and history and alter the economy. Students particularly liked this song about the Black Death and often ask to listen to it again and again. Listen and enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vf0VpVWWNw
8th grade SS with Mrs. Adams - The last two units we have been learning about early presidential administrations, the events leading up to the civil war, especially slavery and reconstruction after the war. While learning about the history of their country they have had the chance to learn about the important role Ohio has played in the history of our country. The Buckeye state has contributed a total of eight presidents to our country and played an important part in expansion and the War of 1812. Hopefully they can appreciate our state's rich history and contributions to the country. We have been trying to cram in as much learning as we can before our Pro core testing next week.
7th grade Reading with Mrs. Richards - As we near the conclusion of S.E. Hinton's classic novel "The Outsiders," I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress that students have made this year. Throughout our reading of "The Outsiders," students have dove into various aspects of literature. Students depicted the setting, and they expanded our vocabulary by encountering words and phrases that resonate with the time period and the experiences of the characters. Students also summarized key events, dissected the motivations behind characters' actions, and examined the ways in which their relationships shape the narrative. They have also worked on creating thought-provoking questions that encourage critical thinking and foster empathy among students for discussions in class and in their small groups. As we approach the conclusion of this novel, I encourage you to engage in conversations with your child about their thoughts and reflections on the story so far. Encourage them to share their insights and interpretations, and consider exploring how the topics of loyalty, friendship, and societal expectations resonate with their own lives.
Additionally, please be on the lookout for a movie permission slip that will be coming home soon. The film adaptation of "The Outsiders" offers another perspective on the story and can serve as a valuable complement to our discussions in the classroom. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education. Together, we can inspire a love for literature and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us.
7th grade English with Mrs. Richards - As we get closer to the end of the year, I wanted to share some exciting activities and lessons that we have been working on in 7th grade English. We just finished the argumentative and explanatory essay writing unit. These forms of writing are not only fundamental in academic settings but are also essential tools for effective communication in various aspects of life. Through structured exercises and guided practice, we aim to equip students with the necessary tools to craft compelling arguments and articulate complex ideas with clarity and precision.
We have also been working on interactive and enjoyable test prep activities. During Test Prep Mini Golf, students navigated through a course filled with questions and challenges designed to reinforce key concepts tested on the Reading State Test. This creative approach to test preparation not only makes studying more enjoyable but also reinforces critical skills in a memorable way. In addition to mini-golf, students went on a Test Prep Treasure Hunt! Students will work collaboratively to solve clues and complete tasks related to test-taking strategies and reading comprehension techniques. This hands-on activity encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills—all while reinforcing important concepts needed for success on the Reading State Test.
Speaking of State testing, I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication your child has demonstrated in preparing for their Reading State Test. I understand that state testing can be stressful, and I am committed to providing support and encouragement to help students feel confident and prepared.
Spanish with Mrs. Richards - Currently, students are concluding the final unit in Spanish. Throughout this unit, students have been immersed in learning about direct object and indirect pronouns, as well as personal pronouns. These grammatical concepts are essential for developing advanced language skills and enhancing fluency in communication. In addition to grammar, students have been exploring vocabulary related to traveling. This vocabulary enables students to expand their ability to express themselves in everyday situations and enrich their conversations about past and future experiences.
I want to commend our students for their diligent efforts in finishing this final unit strong and preparing for their final exam. They have shown exceptional commitment to their learning and have dedicated time and effort to mastering the concepts taught in class. The final exam will be an opportunity for students to demonstrate everything they have learned throughout the second semester and to put into practice the language skills they have acquired. With your continued support and encouragement, I am confident that our students will approach this challenge with confidence and determination.
7th Grade Advance Math with Mrs. Blankenship - In 7th grade advanced math, students have been actively engaged in creating an angles and triangles handbook, showcasing their understanding and application of geometric concepts. As the Map Testing and Ohio State Testing approaches on April 30th and May 1st, the focus has shifted to comprehensive test preparation, ensuring students are well-equipped to demonstrate their learning and skills.
7th grade Science with Mrs. Mozina - In 7th grade science we have learned about the lunar phases, seasons, and eclipses. We took a lot of notes with these topics and completed interactive notebook pages, plus completed a project on solar and lunar eclipses via tech projects and posters. If you were in the building, you may have seen the lovely posters in the hallways leading up to the historical Total Solar Eclipse 2024!! Students learned about the various things to look for during the event which they hopefully shared with their family! We are now learning about atoms and the periodic table of elements, as well as preparing for the upcoming end-of-the-year Procore test and final exam.
8th Grade Science with Mrs. Mozina - In 8th grade science we have learned about the solar and lunar eclipses as well, to reinforce the content about the historic Total Solar Eclipse 2024 they were all going to witness. We completed a project on solar and lunar eclipses via tech projects and posters. If you were in the building, you may have seen the lovely 8th grade posters in the hallways as well, right before the solar eclipse. Students learned about the various things to look for during the event which they hopefully shared with their family! Next we moved on to the topics of genetics, heredity, and inherited traits. We took notes on these topics and completed interactive notebook pages, plus some Punnett Square practice to learn about the probability of genes being passed down to offspring. We are now learning about sexual and asexual reproduction, as well as preparing for the Ohio State Science Test and final exam.
8th Grade ELA/Reading with Ms. Camella
It's hard to believe, but the school year is winding down! These past months have been filled with learning, laughter, and growth. As we wind down with MAP and state testing and prepare to say goodbye to 8th grade and hello to summer, I wanted to share what else we’ve been up to. Our current class novel is "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom. This thought-provoking story explores themes of life, loss, and the connections we make. The discussions we've had in class have been insightful, and the students are tackling big questions and topics in a mature way. I encourage you to ask your child to share their thoughts and interpretations of what we’ve read so far in "The Five People You Meet in Heaven."
Picture Caption: After our first day of state testing, I wanted to make it an “easy” day so students had to make pipe cleaner creations using the three pipe cleaners I gave them. If they read the directions closely they could figure out loopholes on what they could or couldn’t use with their project. This ties into our novel because our main character, Eddie, makes pipe cleaner animals for children at his job. Overall, it was a fun and creative stress relief after a morning of testing.
🗓 Coming Up!
8th Grade Farewell Dinner
Join us to celebrate the Class of 2028's successful completion of middle school! 🎓
Friday, May 3, 2024, 06:00 PM
Our School Cafeteria
💡 Reminders for the Month of May
1. IMPORTANT DATES 📆
1 Spring Band Concert
2 Track Meet at Crestline
3 Farewell Dinner
5 Band Banquet
7 FC Track Meet at Mapleton
8-10 Washington DC Trip
16 Choir Concert
18 Farewell Dance
20 COSI Field Trip
23 Field Day
24 Academic Awards Day