Quarter 3 Newsletter
Firebaugh Middle School
Principal's Message 🐣
Important FMS Dates 📅
- March 25, 2024 - April 1, 2024: Spring Break
- April 2, 2024: Classes Resume
- April 10, 2024: FMS Open House 5:00 - 6:30 pm
- SBAC Testing Window: Apri 15-April 26
- May 9th: 3rd Quarter Falcon Way Assembly Honoring Honor Roll, Superintendent List, and Stellar Attendance
Will you be attending our Open House Community Event?
Subject Areas📝
English Language Arts (ELA)
6th Grade
In the 3rd Quarter, students learned how authors use text structure to relay information. We analyzed passages to identify text structure. Students learned how to identify compare and contrast, problem and solution, chronological, and cause and effect relationships. Later in the Quarter, students practiced analyzing academic arguments. Students learned to distinguish between argumentative claims that were supported by relevant evidence and sound reasoning from those that were not. Learning how to evaluate arguments was an essential part of preparing them for their 3rd Quarter Argumentative essay. After researching how cell phones are impacting the educational setting, 6th graders practiced the skills they learned by writing an argumentative essay about a school cell phone policy they would support here at Firebaugh Middle School.
7th Grade
In the 3rd Quarter, 7th grade ELA reviewed and practiced their skills for identifying and creating text structure in passages. While reading The House on Mango Street, students practiced defining their academic vocabulary through Frayer models and identifying examples of the vocabulary within certain vignettes. Vignettes are short pieces of writing that express characteristics of something or someone. Finally, we wrapped up the quarter with the iReady Diagnostic #3.
8th Grade
During Quarter 3, our classes covered two major units. First, students studied various text structures and learned how to analyze an author’s purpose. Then, we began our unit on argumentative writing. Students reviewed how to create reasons to support their opinions. They also reviewed concepts such as constructing a counterclaim and rebuttal. Lastly, students also read our third novel, The Hunger Games, throughout the quarter.
Math 📐
6th Grade
In the third quarter the students learned how to find equivalent ratios, unit rate, understanding percentages, how to use percent to solve problems, write and identify equivalent expressions, write and solve one and two variable expressions, and positive and negative numbers. In the 4th quarter we will be learning about absolute value, graphing on the coordinate plane, dot plots and histograms, and finding the mean, median, and mean absolute deviation.
7th Grade
In the third quarter, 7th grade students learned about expressions, equations, inequalities, problem solving with percents including percent change and percent error, and we wrapped up the quarter with learning about random samples in data collection. As we move into the fourth quarter we will focus on learning in the area of data collection and Geometry concepts.
Equivalent Expressions
Solving Equations
Solutions of Inequalities
Percent Change and Percent Error
Random Samples of Populations
8th Grade
This quarter our students learned about the Properties of Exponents, Scientific Notation, Rational & Irrational Numbers, and about the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse. The Pythagorean Theorem describes the relationship between the side lengths of a right triangle and its converse help to prove the existence of a right triangle. They used the Pythagorean theorem and its application to:
- Find the unknown side length of a right triangle (missing hypotenuse or missing leg)
- Find the distance between two points on a coordinate plane
- Find the length/distance in a real world problem
Math Intervention ➗
6th Grade
This quarter the students have been working hard trying to make some growth for their last IReady diagnostic test. The 1st period class is currently at 30% growth while the 3rd period class is at 60%. The goal as an entire class is to reach the 80% mark of an average typical growth. Students learned about equivalent expressions and equations with variables. Now, students are learning positive and negative numbers and how it applies in real-world context.
7th Grade
This quarter the students have been working hard trying to make some growth for their last IReady diagnostic test. The 4th period class met their goal with around 140% while 5th period is sitting at 30%. The goal as an entire class is to reach the 80% mark of an average typical growth. Students have learned percentages involving problems and Statistical Samples.
8th Grade
This quarter the students have been working hard trying to make some growth for their last IReady diagnostic test. The 6th period class reached their goal achieving 90% growth and hope to improve on their 3rd diagnostic. The 7th period class also achieved an 85% growth. The goal as an entire class is to reach the 80% mark of an average typical growth. Students have learned exponent properties and scientific notation. Along with this, students worked on finding the square roots and cube roots to solve problems. Followed by, students learned the pythagorean theorem and why it makes sense by doing an activity as seen below.
Science 🧪
6th Grade
Students in sixth grade science applied everything they have learned in a lab investigation. They had to label a plant cell and microscope with groups to complete the lab. They also have been learning about macromolecules and the human body systems. The best part about science is that students can connect to real life experiences and careers around us! Students will begin exploring careers in science and give presentations in the 4th quarter. We can’t wait to see all the presentations.
7th Grade
Science students have been busy learning about atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions. To start the quarter, students learned about the atomic scale. They should be able to tell you how everything is made of atoms, and how atoms can join together to make a new substance. Students were able to see a chemical reaction by lighting steel wool on fire! Some even took videos to share. We are currently learning about states of matter. Students are now able to explain why some substances are solid, while others are liquid or gas. They can also provide details about how molecules can move and change from one state to another.
8th Grade
Students learned the relationships between the Earth, Moon and Sun and how they depend on each other. They learned how moon phases occur and the pattern they repeat every month. As well as why we have lunar and solar eclipses. Overall, this was a very interesting unit in which students enjoyed going outside and watching the night sky. This unit helps students gain a deeper understanding of everyday observations of the Moon, transforming the experience of Moon gazing into an act of profound and expansive perception. We will be having a lunar eclipse on March 25th and a solar eclipse on April 8th just in case you were interested in viewing these celestial phenomena.
History 📜
6th Grade
In Ancient History during the 3rd Quarter we jumped right in our Ancient China unit and learned about different philosophies created in China, along with some of the inventions and important families that ruled Ancient China. We wrapped up our unit watching the animated Disney movie “Mulan” where we identified examples of the 3 philosophies we learned about in class. Following our brief unit on China, we moved on to Ancient India where we learned about the caste system in addition to the differences and similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism. We finished the unit with a document analysis and response to a question regarding whether an Indian ruler, Ashoka, was ruthless or enlightened. The students did an amazing job with making a claim, backing it up with evidence, and giving reasoning for how that evidence supports that claim. The students also had fun designing a comic book cover for Ashoka, making him either a superhero or a super villain.
7th Grade
During the 3rd Quarter, students in 7th Grade World History finished learning about the Islamic Empire by creating and coloring mandalas. Students also spent the quarter learning about the different countries of Asia and the surrounding bodies of water. Students spent the majority of the quarter learning about Medieval and Imperial China from the fall of the Han Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty. Students also wrote an essay about important Chinese inventions and discoveries and how they have changed the course of history. In addition to the essay, students also created a Chinese inventions scroll with the four inventions or discoveries they believed to be the most important. We also began our study of Korea and Japan.
8th Grade
During the 3rd Quarter, students in 8th Grade U.S. History first learned about the westward expansion of the United States. Students studied about how the U.S. gained the different areas of land that now make up the entire United States as well as the exploration of those areas. During this unit students also participated in a Oregon Trail simulation game where they had to become pioneers moving west to Oregon and make decisions about which supplies to take, which direction to travel and when to leave. The decisions they made determined whether they made it to Oregon or died along the trail.
Another area of focus was the division of the country into two pieces: the Urban North and the Rural South as well as delving into the issue of Slavery. This unit will lead the students to understanding the events that will lead to the U.S. Civil War. The students also got to watch the movie Harriet, about the historical figure Harriet Tubman, the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad, who led over 300 slaves to freedom.
Physical Education (PE) 👟
We started the quarter with our tumbling unit. Students enjoyed learning new skills and enjoyed building human pyramids. This required teamwork and lots of communication!
We then finished out the quarter with our physical fitness testing. The areas which were tested were cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. Students performed well in each of the tests, and scores demonstrated this.
English Language Development (ELD) ✍🏻
We want to thank our fantastic ELD students for all the hard work and effort they put into completing the ELPAC test. Our students’ commitment to their studies and the effort they put into preparing for this test did not go unnoticed. Their enthusiasm for learning is inspiring and we have no doubt that they will all continue to achieve great things in the future!
Autobiographical Poetry
Our students worked on a project where they wrote an autobiographical poem (bio-poem) and illustrated it to show what they wrote about. This simple activity offered readers insight into the personal life, experiences, and emotions of their peers!
Cryptid Reports
Our ELD students will hone their research skills, explore their interests, and expand their knowledge as they learn about cryptids from around the world!
Resource Specialist Program (RSP) 📝
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Special Day Class (SDC) 📝
ELA
We have been learning about the difference between fiction and nonfiction texts. We have been analyzing characters and the setting of a story, as well as creating story maps. We are also continuing to review identifying key details, and academic vocabulary in Informational Texts.
Math
We have been learning about calculating speed, time, and distance in word problems. We are continuing to review key mathematical concepts: calculating area/perimeter, multiplication and division, place value, multidigit addition and subtraction with and without regrouping, money, measurement/data.
History
- In History we have just completed our California Missions projects. Each student chose one mission from California Historic Mission Trail to research and write a report about. Students' reports included: research notes, a labeled map, a written report containing the mission's founding, history, description, the mission present day, and a bibliography.
Science
- We have been learning about our solar system. Students have examined how the Sun affects the Earth (day/night, seasons), phases of the Moon, and all of the planets of our solar system. Each student chose a different planet from our solar system to research and create a written report about.
Visual Arts Performing Arts (VAPA) 🎵🎨
Photo: This class prepares students for Firebaugh High School’s Photography, Intro to Graphic Design and Digital Media & Graphic Design Pathway. The skills learned in this class can lead to career paths in graphic design, marketing, and web design.
Art: This class prepares students for the Firebaugh High School art electives (Art I & Art II). Students also learn about careers in art through training and production. Mr. Flood says, “With hard work, students are prepared to be in any endeavor as they work to build skills in art.”
Band
All of the band classes have been preparing for Festival Season! This means that students in the advanced classes will travel to perform for a panel of judges who will score them based on their national accuracy as well as stylistic interpretation.
The Jazz Band
The Jazz Band has really pushed themselves and can play through all of their pieces, which include multiple solos for many of our members. Their most challenging piece, Aventuras by Paul Baker, is an energetic Latin rock piece that features solos on Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Piano, and Drums! They will be traveling to Lemoore and Buena Vista to in April and May.
The Advanced Band
The Advanced Band will be playing three very different pieces, including The Legend of Devil’s Lake by Michael Sweeney. This piece depicts a Native American legend of an ancient battle between water serpents and giant thunderbirds. With heavy percussion and assistance from the winds, the audience will be transported to Devil’s Lake, located in central Wisconsin as the battle ensues. They will be traveling to Fresno and Santa Cruz in April.
Advanced Percussion
Advanced Percussion is gearing up for Day of Percussion, hosted at Fresno State, where multiple groups of students will compete on a national level. One of the pieces being performed, Three Scenes From the Desert by Alex Stopa, is over 6 minutes long! Directors are not permitted to conduct during this competition, so students are displaying their independence and strong music ensemble skills for these exciting pieces! They will be traveling to Fresno State in May.
Beginning Band and Percussion
Beginning Band and Percussion have been building their musical skill with pieces that you may be more familiar with. Beginning band learned some history about composer John Williams who wrote Star Wars (Main Theme). Beginning Percussion has had an introduction to latin instruments including congas and guiros in their piece Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder. These songs will be performed during their Spring Concert in May.
We would like to give a HUGE shout out to the FHS Band Students who have been coming to the middle school every Wednesday to provide individual lessons to our students! With your help, Falcon Band members get one-on-one attention and instruction from student experts who can teach them the tips and tricks to mastering their instrument. It has made a HUGE difference in their playing skills and we appreciate your dedication to the Firebaugh Music Programs!
Choir (M, W, Advanced, Beg)
This past quarter the FMS choirs have been preparing for their CMEA festivals. Festivals are great opportunities for students to perform for a panel of judges who will give them feedback on their musicality and performance! They are also able to see other schools perform. Beginning Choir and Advanced Choir traveled to their festival on March 13th in Auberry, CA where they both received “Good” on their ratings! Journeymen and Athena traveled to their festival on March 19th to Central East HS in Fresno. Journeymen received “Good” and Athena received “Excellent”. I am very proud of the students for putting in the hard work and dedication as they prepared for these performances. They are doing amazing work!
Music Technology🎼
Music Engagement
Music Engagement has continued to explore music elements through technology using soundtrap . This past quarter we worked on storytelling in songwriting. They have just finished up a project, writing a song about an inspirational person in their life. This project included an interview with the person they chose to help guide them in their music writing.
Computer Sciences💻
Computers 1 & Computers 2
Computers 1/2-Students will be able to create a new spreadsheet, type text, numbers and rename a spreadsheet, use the SUM function, adjust columns, rows, cells and headers. In addition, they will be able to categorize and keep track of monthly expenses, learn how to budget and make good financial decisions.
Agriculture Science🐮
Students in Agriculture Science went to the California State Leadership Conference in Sacramento, Ca on March 20-24, 2024. Some of our FMS students also participated in Kids Day on March 12 with some students posted in Firebaugh as early as 5:00 am!
MESA🔧
MESA for 6th Graders
After the outstanding results for MESA at the Fresno State competition we had two third place groups in Cargo Gliders and Moonbase. The teams consisted of Emiliano Andrade, Carlos Jaramillo, Allan Jimenez, and Esteban Serna. We have 3 students going to regionals! That will be Emiliano Andrade, Allan Jimenez, and Esteban Serna. After the competition students focused on building solar robots. Although competitions are coming to an end we are still doing a lot more projects.
MESA for 7th and 8th Graders
Our MESA students had their preliminary competition at Fresno State this March, and many groups did so well, they placed 1st and 3rd and some are even moving on to regionals! Two students Jeremiah Posadas and Nicholas Leyva will be going to regionals at UC Davis to present their Think Tank Talk presentation on a water powered truck. All of the students worked very hard all year and their hard work paid off!
Dual Enrollment🎓
For this quarter, students began their third and final project: the Literary Food Truck Festival. Students read a novel of their choice and met weekly to discuss it with their peers. We will complete the rest of this project during Quarter 4. In addition to this, our class took another brief tour of the West Hills Firebaugh Center. On March 19, our 8th grade dual enrollment students also began their college course and will be attending once a week until May 21. The 1 unit class with go on their college transcript.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support 🍎
Academics
On March 7th, 8th grade students visited Firebaugh High School’s Local Career Skills Challenge. The Local Career Skills Challenge is designed to prepare students to participate in the Career Skills Challenge held on the Fresno City College campus. The Career Skills Challenge provides recognition and encouragement to high school students for their accomplishments in career skills, improves participation in educational programs, and encourages public support of career technical education.
Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Education Resource Guide: IPLAN for Students
The earlier you begin preparing for college the better. You’ll have more options for schools to attend and you’ll be better prepared for college-level work.
If you want to attend a CSU or UC campus, the selective admission process requires certain courses from 8th grade on, known as the “a-g” course requirements. The following plan explains the steps to take each year to meet those requirements.
Depending on what grade you are in when you start your planning, some of these steps may not apply to you.
Behavior Team
In January 2024, the behavior team with support from school psychologists presented a Conflict Resolution lesson as a Tier 1 intervention to all middle school students during P.E. The lesson was geared to help students learn constructive and destructive ways of dealing with conflict. In February 2024, we presented a Gossip and Rumors lesson as a Tier II intervention to all 6th graders during P.E. This lesson was meant to encourage students to not engage in spreading gossip and rumors in any capacity. On March 14, 2024, the behavior team hosted a parent/student breakfast to discuss all the different work we do with the behavior team students.
Expanded Learning Program/After School Program Information 🐇
Expanded Learning Program Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
3:23 PM-6:00 PM
Wednesday
2:03 PM-6:00 PM
Snacks are provided and transportation is available.
Enrollment for Expanded Learning/After School Program:
Applications are available in the Firebaugh Middle School Office.