Cluster 1 Newsletter
March 2024
Hello Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers!
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns!
English Language Arts Update
Hello Guardians!
We have completed our personal narrative unit and are moving onto our next whole class novel: Refugee by Alan Gratz. It has proven to be a really popular book over the years and I know that this group will enjoy it too. This book is a piece of historical fiction that covers 3 different protagonists and 3 different time periods. Josef is a Jewish boy fleeing from Nazi Germany in 1938, Isabel is a Cuban girl seeking new opportunities in America in 1994, and Mahmoud is a Syrian boy fleeing from war-torn Aleppo in 2015.
This is a long and dense book, but one that is packed with action and a great deal of conflict which reveals and shapes different traits in our protagonists. At the end of the novel, students will work to complete a 5-paragraph essay centering on one of the main characters and the conflicts that they faced. As always, reach out if I can help answer any questions!
Peace and Love,
Mr. Allen
P.S. Our electric pencil sharpener broke. If you have an old one lying around, we'd accept a donation!
Math Update
Hello! The 6th grade students are now entering into the third and final term of their 6th grade year at WMS. It is an exciting time as we continue to move forward through our Math curriculum. We started off term 3 with Unit 6 called Expressions and Equations. We are writing and solving equations in the form of `x+p=q` and `px=q`. We will also be using the distributive property to write equivalent expressions with variables. In the near future, we will be evaluating numerical and variable expressions with whole number exponents. We will also be analyzing tables, equations, and graphs that represent relationships.
Here is a useful link to Family Resources that will enable families to learn about our current unit on Expressions and Equations.
Thank you,
Ms. Palermo
Science Update
Students have spent the last few weeks developing their microscope skills. We have solved a CSI style mystery using trace evidence, made wet mount slides of onion cells, observed protist movement and tested what attracts and repels micro organisms! Moving forward we will be blasting off into space - Discussing gravity, the big bang and our Sun - Moon - Earth system.
The science department is also hosting an Eclipse Party to celebrate the upcoming Solar Eclipse on April 8th from 2:15-3:45! Please be on the lookout for a permission slip that will be sent home soon. We are looking forward to this very special event that will feature crafts, games and safe eclipse viewing options! -Ms. Daigneault
Social Studies Update
Unit 6.2 Western Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa
Essential Questions
Why do human communities create government and laws?
What common elements do religions share and how do their differences matter?
How is the physical environment connected to people and the way they live?
Enduring Understandings
Students will begin to understand that:
Judaism, Christianity and Islam shared common roots in monotheism, based upon Abraham’s reported revelation from God. But they also developed distinct teachings and practices and differences of emphasis. Each of these religions was also internally diverse and changed over time.
Learning Objectives:
I can organize introductory information and write questions about three Abrahamic religions — Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
I can build a foundational understanding of Judaism as part of a civic disposition toward religious pluralism.
I can build a foundational understanding of Judaism through text and visual sources.
I can build a foundational understanding of Christianity as part of a civic disposition toward religious pluralism.
I can build a foundational understanding of Christianity through text and visual sources
I can build a foundational understanding of Islam as part of a civic disposition toward religious pluralism.
I can build a foundational understanding of Islam through text and visual sources.
I can complete a Venn diagram to show understanding of the three Abrahamic religions and their relationship.
What was your favorite class in middle school?
Contact Us
Zack Allen - English - zachary.allen@watertown.k12.ma.us
Jessie Daigneault - Science - jessie.daigneault@watertown.k12.ma.us
Ann Palermo - Math - ann.palermo@watertown.k12.ma.us
Megan Lipson - Social Studies - donna.lipson@watertown.k12.ma.us
Jim Duffy - Special Education - james.duffy@watertown.k12.ma.us