April Newsletter
Marking Period 3 Report Cards
Next week, students will receive their marking period 3 report cards. If you have any questions about report card distribution, please contact your student's homeroom teacher.
Here is what students will learn in their classes during marking period 4:
In ELA, students will . . .
- continue to develop writing skills, specifically focusing on organization and sentence structure
- learn and analyze rhetorical devices used in mentor speeches
- write an original, argumentative, research-based speech
In Math, students will . . .
Algebra -
- be introduced to Quadratic Equations
- learning how to simplifying radicals
- prepare for the Keystone Exams
Geometry -
- create 1/4 Size Me Project - a project on proportional reasoning
- begin chapter 10 - Applications of the Pythagorean Theorem
- be introduced to SohCahToa
EnVision -
focus on the Pythagorean Theorem basics and application
calculate surface area, volume, perimeter, etc.
evaluate similar and congruent figures and their properties, including transformations
In Science, students will . . .
- continue their study of chemistry while designing, completing and analyzing data from simple experiments
- collaborate in small groups to construct a Rube Goldberg machine which uses six or more steps to accomplish a simple task
- tour a wastewater treatment plant to learn about the separation of mixtures
In Social Studies, students will . . .
- study two units - Unit 7: Rise of Fascism and World War II and Unit 8: Cold War and New World Order
- research the costs of war comparing World War II to modern armed conflicts
- travel to Washington D.C. to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
In Project History, students will . . .
define human rights
- discuss the purpose of International Organizations
- begin researching an issue they are passionate about
- complete and mail letters to elected officials
In Spanish, students will . . .
Kent -
- discuss and plan a vacation
- describe a hotel
- talk about how they feel
- talk about seasons and weather
Cohen -
- continue to develop writing skills with a focus of conjugating verbs
- read text for comprehension and fluency
- create an original family tree using their own or TV family
In German, students will . . .
- talk about foods and grocery shopping
- talk about meals and describe flavors
- use restaurant vocabulary and phrases
In General Music, students will . . .
- engage with voice, keyboarding, and dance
- develop critical listening and analysis skills by listening to various musical works
In PE, students will . . .
- participate in the sport units of tennis, lacrosse, track and field, and softball
- set goals for and complete the timed mile
- prepare for Color Day 2024 which will take place on 5/31
In STEM, students will . . .
- investigate the innumerable career paths that exist in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics
- complete a research project for a career field or specific job that they are interested in learning more about
- create Spartan Spotlight, a student created news program that covers what is happening in the middle school
In Art, students will . . .
- investigate new concepts and artistic techniques
explore diverse artists in history
critique their work and the work of peers
In Health, students will . . .
- learn how to identify and engage in healthy relationships
- participate in topics related to human sexuality including sexually transmitted infections and keeping your body healthy
- have a presentation from stoAc and learn more about the short and long term effects of drugs and alcohol
Teacher Spotlight
Ms. Wano
This marking period's teacher spotlight shines brightly on Gwen Wano. With 12 years tucked under her science teaching lab coat—three of which have been dedicated to catalyzing curiosity at our school—Ms. Wano has perfected the formula for a riveting science class: one part hydrogen and two parts fun for the perfect educational reaction. Beyond the periodic table, Ms. Wano is an avid traveler, collecting stamps from over 20 countries in her passport. A native of Bucks County, PA, her journey has taken her from serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho to living in Japan for four years—experiences that have greatly enriched her perspective and pedagogy. Now settled in the Philadelphia area, she finds joy in hiking local trails with her husband and two young children, engaging in conversations with new people, and indulging in culinary experiments, recreating some of her favorite dishes from around the world in her kitchen.
PSSA Dates
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessments will be administered later this month. See the dates below for more specifics.
April 23 - April 25: ELA PSSA
April 29 - April 30: Math PSSA
May 1 - May 2: Science PSSA
Contact Us:
Find your teacher below -
ELA Team -
- Mrs. Andre-Borges - sonia_andre-borges@sdst.org
- Mr. Gaston - quyntyn_gaston@sdst.org
- Mrs. Litzenberg - maggie_litzenberg@sdst.org
- Ms. Photiades - christina_photiades@sdst.org
Math Team -
- Mrs. Evans - mary_evans@sdst.org
- Mr. Hammond - ian_hammond@sdst.org
- Mrs. Kinkade - katie_kinkade@sdst.org
- Mrs. Pinelli - lori_pinelli@sdst.org
Science Team -
- Ms. Franks - ariel_franks@sdst.org
- Ms. Wano - gwen_wano@sdst.org
Social Studies Team -
- Mr. Hibbs - joshua_hibbs@sdst.org
- Mr. Kelly - patrick_kelly@sdst.org
Specials Team -
- Spanish: Mrs. Kent - yamila_kent@sdst.org , Mrs. Cohen - jeannie_cohen@sdst.org
- German: Mr. Martin - kevin_martin@sdst.org
- Music: Mr. Barlow - matt_barlow@sdst.org , Mr. Puntel - andrew_puntel@sdst.org
- Art: Mr. Grummun - kevin_grummun@sdst.org
- PE: Mrs. Eife - melissa_eife@sdst.org , Mr. Massucci - john_massucci@sdst.org , Mr. Butler - floyd_butler@sdst.org
8th Grade Team