South Central Middle School
We have the Right Mental Attitude
News from the JH
7th Grade Science with Mrs. Mozina - We have been learning about energy flow in ecosystems, cycles of matter, biomes, and biodiversity. In addition to reading the chapter, we used chalk markers to draw the water / carbon / nitrogen cycles on the table, we created a shoebox model of several biomes and completed research on them. We also drew and colored pictures of the various ocean zones, and finished the chapter making comic strips showing the value and effects of biodiversity. Next we will be moving on to learning about the lunar phases.
8th Grade Science with Mrs. Mozina - We have been learning a lot about geologic history, geologic time scale, relative / absolute dating, and weathering / erosion / deposition. With these topics, we have watched videos and completed slide presentations while taking notes and discussing the topics. We created a dream resort and presented them to possible investors stating how they would keep erosion / deposition from destroying the resort. We also drew a rock layer picture showing various aspects of relative dating that was also colored and labeled, then numbered the sequence of layers from oldest to youngest. We completed a Skittles lab that represented radiometric / carbon dating, a type of absolute dating. Next we will be learning about solar and lunar eclipses.
7th grade ELA with Mrs. Richards - Seventh grade Reading has been packed with powerful storytelling and critical thinking. We've dove into Alan Gratz's gripping novel, "Refugee," following the journeys of three young people escaping persecution in different eras. Josef is escaping the Holocaust, Isabel is escaping Cuba ruled by Fidel Castro, and Mahmoud is escaping the Syrian Civil War. We have been focusing on plot development, characterization, figurative language and how the author interines the real historical events into the fictional text. Don't forget to ask your child to summarize each characters' story in the novel. English has been "dissecting" argumentative essays! Students have been examining the different elements of an argumentative essay and how the authors use them in their writing. We have also talked about the effective ways to create solid arguments. After several examples, students are preparing to write an argumentative essay of their own. We have just started this process, so ask your child what they have selected to write about and why.
Spanish with Mrs. Richards - Eighth grade Spanish students have been working really hard on their lessons. They are digging deep in verb usage and sentence construction. Students are picking up words and using them around the classroom.
8th Grade ELA/Reading with Ms. Camella- Students have finished their five week novel study where they got to pick a book of their choice and were to fill out a given reading log as they read. Their reading logs helped them to summarize each time what they read as a main idea and combine those for the weekly summary which was the central idea. They have just started their book reports for this and most students seem excited to combine their writing and creative skills to show what they read and learned.
As we approach April, it's important to start thinking about the upcoming state and district testing. The 8th grade reading and language arts exams are just around the corner, and it's crucial that we prepare diligently. In class, we're focusing on using the skills we already have for our reading comprehension, and strengthening our writing abilities, while reviewing key language arts concepts. Outside of class, I encourage each student to dedicate time to independent reading and practice exercises that have been posted to Google Classroom to reinforce what we're learning in class. With hard work and determination, I'm confident that we'll all be well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Let's make this testing season one of success and achievement!
A friendly reminder, if youโd like to sign up for my 8th grade ELAR Remind text messages, where you can also text me instead of emailing, then text the message @mscamella to the number 81010. If you need assistance please email me at lcamella@south-central.org and I can set that up for you.
7th grade Social Studies with Mrs. Adams- Students have just finished learning about the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of the Byzantine Empire. We are now learning about the Middle Ages. This includes feudalism, Knights in shining armor, manors and the rise of the Catholic church in Europe. This is one of my favorite topics in history and I am hoping students will enjoy learning about it.
8th grade Social Studies with Mrs. Adams- 8th graders are learning about our government and how it was developed. We have been focusing on the constitution, the three branches of government and early presidents. The current chapter covers the presidency of Thomas Jefferson and his accomplishments including the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In addition, we are learning about the election process and how it has evolved into what we have today. With this being an election year it is important for students to understand the importance of voting and being good citizens.
๐ Lunch Menu
๐ฅPancake Breakfast ๐ฅ
๐ Coming Up!
9 OMEA Band Contest at Oak Harbor
19 Grade Cards go home
22-23 Dinner Theatre
27-1 Spring Break
28 JH Track Meet at Mapleton
๐ก Reminders
1. IMPORTANT DATES ๐
Washington DC Trip is May 8-10
Eighth Grade Farewell Dinner is May 3rd
Farewell Dance is May 18th
2. PARENT RESOURCES ๐ค
- Come to tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Transportation is provided (if needed). Must have a permission slip filled out.
About Us
3291 Greewich-Angling Rd.
Greenwich, OH 44837
419-752-0011