HMS Weekly Update #19
Friday, January 20th, 2023
Dear Hoboken Middle School Family,
Happy Friday, HMS,
I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter. We had such an amazing week at Hoboken Middle School. There are many important dates coming up to view in this week's newsletter. I hope everyone had a great week!
Enjoy,
Principal Sorafine
ryan.sorafine@hoboken.k12.nj.us
January Reminders:
- Grade 8 Cap & Gown Picture Day - Wednesday, January 25th (Online Order Forms and Paper Forms sent home)
- LinkIt! Form B Assessment - Week of January 23rd, 2023 - please remind students to bring their Chromebooks to school fully charged each day.
- Scripps Spelling Bee
Arrival Information:
The entrance on the 4th street side of the building is open to all students from 7:30 - 8:15. If your child arrives early, they should report to that door and enter the building. Students will then report to the HMS Cafeteria where breakfast will be served. The grade 6 (Garden Street) and grade 8 (Bloomfield Street) entrances doors open at 8:15 each day.
Please take some time to read through the updates below to learn some more about this past week and upcoming events. Some highlights are:
- HMS Help Desk
- Lunch Application Information Link
- Chromebook Insurance Link
- Oncourse Connect ~ Parent Information
- PTO Corner
- STEAM Tank Update
- Partners in Prevention Free Online Session
- Office of Special Services Corner
- Hoboken High School Informational Sessions! (see flyer below)
- The Redwings Dance Team
- District Musical Information
- Passport to Learning Corner
- Clubs & Activities Corner
- Guidance Counselor's Corner
- Move This World at HMS
- Our corner's that highlight areas within our school community
- Grade and content level summary to give you a peak into the classroom
- Helpful information at the bottom of the newsletter
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- Students should bring a full water bottle to school everyday. If you would like to purchase an HMS Water bottle for $2 please have your child stop by the main office and see Ms. Munoz. We have water hydration stations in the building on the 1st floor and 3rd floor so they can fill up their bottles.
- Chromebooks must be charged each night at home. Please check in with your child to remind them to charge their Chromebook at night.
- Please communicate any health issues to Nurse Kirwin (NKirwin@hoboken.k12.nj.us). You may also share any documentation with her that the school would need.
- Here is the HMS Student Handbook for your convenience
- Please find the HMS School Uniform Guidance information
HMS Help Desk
Here are some helpful items for our families:
My child is going to be absent...what do I do?
Email WVasquez@hoboken.k12.nj.us and SFalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us to inform us about the absence.
I need to pick up my child early...what do I do?
Call the main office 15 minutes prior to pick up so your child can be waiting at the 4th street entrance. The main office is (201) 356-3754. You will need to come into the security area to sign the book for your child to leave.I have an issue with my Chromebook...what do I do?
Please visit the HPS-Tech in Our Schools Site for any tech related questions or problems with Chromebooks.
I have a question about dress code or purchasing...what do I do?
Email Dr. Baskinger (robin.baskinger@hoboken.k12.nj.us) for information
I have a question for about my child making up work if they are absent...what do I do?
Email Ms. Falcone for assistance (SFalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us)
Oncourse Connect ~ Parent Information
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers:
Here is the link for parents to sign up for Oncourse Connect:
https://hoboken.oncourseconnect.com/login
I am also including the link that has FAQ's and videos to assist parents logging in:
https://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/log-_in_options/on_course_connect_parent__student_login_portal
HOPES Vaccine & Booster Clinic
HMS Locker Schedule
Below is the locker schedule for each grade level. Students no longer need to carry backpacks, jackets, phones, and other items that aren't needed throughout the day.
Locker Schedule (8th)
8:15 arrival
12:03 Before 6th Period Lunch
12:48 After Period 6 Lunch
3:00 Dismissal
Locker Schedule (7th)
8:15 arrival
11:18 Before 5th Period Lunch
12:03 After Period 5 Lunch
3:00 Dismissal
Locker Schedule (6th)
8:15 arrival
10:33 Before 4th Period Lunch
11:18 After Period 4 Lunch
3:00 Dismissal
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Baskinger (robin.baskinger@hoboken.k12.nj.us)
Grade 8 Cap & Gown Photos ~ Wednesday, January 25th, 2023
- Collared Shirt or Polo Shirt
- Hair Style easily worn with Graduation Cap
Students who are absent or would like a makeup photo will be able to complete Cap and Gown Makeups which are scheduled for March 8th, 2023. Hardcopy information and ordering forms were sent home on Tuesday, January 17th. Please refer to the flyer below for details or to preorder your photos now without the hassle of paper-based ordering forms. If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Baskinger.
Scripps Spelling Bee
2023 STEAM Tank Update
Great news! We received glowing feedback from the STEAM Tank judges. They were so impressed by the submissions from HMS. We are proud to congratulate the following teams on advancing to the next round:
6th grade:
The Puppy Potty - Sienna Hyman, Myrandah Jimenez, Maddie Calingasan, Maya Steineld
Handy Headphones - Liba Newfield, Bria Wong, Elsa Scott, Suzannah Kelly, Avery Battles, Seneca Perry
The Emotional Sweater - Albian Jashari, Samuel Leong, Yael Ralston Cohen, Reaghan Lewis
The Emoji Shirt - Sydney Clark, Fiona Blaylock, Julia Martinson
The Insulin Bracelet - Amirah Oliveras, Olivia Dunn, Simrin DSa, Jenna Snider
Laxel Clothing - Dexter Shin, Isaac PIneda, Dylan Decker, Jake Berger, Matthew Nieves
The Garden Box - Adela Horn, Hannah Ballin, Shynita Frazier, Shayna Fried, Elena LaRue Dreyfus
7th grade:
EnVision Tire-Asher Cooke, Darrien Cirino, Gus Frias, and Everett Andrew
Dentie Fresh -Julia Sciarra, Marly Larkin, Dominique Olavarria, And Jimmy Ortiz
Everything Pet Bowl-Nicolas Roche, Taryn Cannavale, Jonathan Offer, and Armani Trinidad
MILES-Isla Brennan, Ruby Henik, Charlotte Peters, and Audrey Turner
Cigarette Receptacle-Amora Dortch, Sihanna Garcia, and Metztli Villanueva
Separation Satchel-Rebecca Collins, Amelie Cademartori, and Caitlyn Byrne
Sole Swap-Vincent Decock, Thomas Gray, Zac Cohen, Connor Fletcher and Tarrick Murray
Improved Water Sewage System-Liam Meade, Jameson Payne, Rye Critelli
Sea Carton-Caroline Thiede, Mallory Whitmore, Zaira Quinones
Eco Pillow-Ella Gagliardi Major, Rafaella Rispoli, Seren Powell, Rebecca Wu, and Mikaela Crimmins
BiStickle -Harrison Green, Jeremy Gomez, Leah Schure, Truman Pimsner, Yuval Segall
STAT- Pria Wolsky, Elizabeth Watkins, India Magaletta
8th grade:
Outside air filter - Jaliyah Bates, Juzaiya Boyd, Devin McMillan
Crop Crosser - Georgina Torres, Olivia Loeb, Kaitlyn Toro
Adjustable Shoe - Alex Loeb, Noah Lopez, Jhosia Sostre, Kelvin Marte, Emanuel Gonzalez
3D Stress Reliever - Kallum Powel and Nikko Rodriguez
Reusable Shower - Ali Kaddour, Dominic Magaletta, Ben Gordon
Plane-Crash Detecting Satellite - Noah Hyman, Matthew Mariniello, Andrey Sapronov, Ethan Sikernitsky
Tree-Replication Seeds - Izayah Johnson, Alex Walker, Jake Stefura, Dante Santiago
Eco-Paper - Avery Martinez, Evangeline Rawhouser, Benjamin Gabriel, Oliver Checkley
Hoboken Middle School Girls and Boys Basketball Corner
Practice & Game Information
Congrats to the HMS 6th grade and 7th and 8th grade boys basketball teams on great wins last weekend. Both teams are back in action this weekend at Hoboken High school.
HMS Girls basketball continues to grow and get better. Last week HMS girls went 1-1. They are back in action this weekend with 2 games.
Good Luck to all players!
HMS PTO Corner
HMS PTO Booster Wall!
Minted Fundraiser
Office of Special Services: Special Education Parent Advocacy Group (SEPAG)
Hoboken High School Informational Sessions
The Redwings Dance Team
Hoboken Middle School Theatre Department Presents...
The Hoboken Middle School production of I Hate Valentine's Day is a self-love journey through the eyes of young teens in school on Valentine's Day. The show incorporates the different viewpoints and perspectives that students face in school on Valentine's Day that ultimately becomes a journey to loving yourself before loving others. The cast and crew of the Hoboken Middle School Theatre Department hopes that you will join them.
Show dates:
February 10th at 7pm
February 11th at 2pm
February 12th at 2pm
To purchase tickets visit hhsnj.booktix.com and for questions you can email pbenson@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Hoboken School District Musical
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Hoboken Theatre Department would like to invite your child in grades K-12 to participate in this year’s district production, The SpongeBob Musical. If you are interested in having your child participate in this year’s musical, please visit our website at http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us under the “The Arts” link/Theatre Department/District Musical for a list of FAQ’s to guide you through this process. This will help acclimate you to policies for rehearsals and the entire district musical experience, as well as answer any questions you may have about the audition process.
All participants in the district musical must commit to a TWO-DAY audition process. Even if your child only wants to dance, they must STILL attend the singing auditions, as both days are required. Participation in the musical is limited in number. Some children who audition may not be cast in the show. Failure to follow the audition process and policies (sign-ups, and attending both days) will result in your child being ineligible to be cast in the
show. While we hope to include every child who wishes to participate, we also need to make sure that we have the resources needed to provide a safe and effective learning environment.
In an effort to expedite auditions, every student must PRE-REGISTER using this google form SpongeBob Audition Form. Online sign ups will happen from now until Friday, February 10th. In an effort to expedite the audition process, after the registration process has closed, you will receive an email from a production team member that states your “specific” audition time. This will be the time that your child needs to arrive on BOTH audition days.
Parents are welcome to stay for the duration of their child’s audition only and not the entire audition process. Each child will be needed for roughly 30-45 minutes both days to complete the audition process. Please keep these audition days cleared from other activities as you will not know your child's audition time slot until a week or so before auditions.
The callbacks list, cast list, and weekly rehearsal schedules are posted at http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us under the “The Arts” link/Theatre Department/District Musical. If your child is cast in the production, you will be invited to a Google Classroom for both cast members and parents. That is where all information will be posted moving forward such as rehearsal schedules, costume requirements, and dance videos.
Auditions and ALL rehearsals are held at the Hoboken High School Auditorium:
Please also note that the production team is NOT responsible for getting students back and forth between buildings after school. We are only responsible for your child once they have arrived at Hoboken High School’s auditorium.
Reminder, you must pre-register your child before February 10th in order for them to be eligible to audition.
***An audition time slot will be assigned and emailed to you at a later date***
All audition material will be taught the day of auditions. There is nothing that your child needs to prepare in advance. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with The SpongeBob Musical soundtrack which can be found on YouTube as audition material will be chosen from those songs.
Important Dates:
- Monday February 27th: Singing auditions
- Wednesday March 1st: Dancing auditions (please dress your child in appropriate clothing for movement)
- Thursday March 2nd: Callbacks (your child is only needed if they are asked to come back). The callbacks list will be posted on http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us under the “The Arts” link/Theatre Department/District Musical. These callbacks will take place from 3:15-6pm as a group as it's a small number of students who will be called back. If your child is NOT called back, that does NOT mean they are not cast. Please check the finalized cast list that will be posted on March 4th.
- Saturday March 4th: Cast list and 1st rehearsal schedule will be posted on http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us under the “The Arts” link/Theatre Department/District Musical.
- Monday March 7th: 1st rehearsal is 3:15-6pm (check rehearsal schedule to see if you are needed).
SpongeBob Show Dates (3):
Friday May 19th at 7:00 pm
Saturday May 20th at 2:00 pm,
Sunday May 21st at 2:00 pm
***Please do not audition if you cannot attend all three performances***
Pack a water bottle and snack for your child for auditions and rehearsals daily. The K-2 grade ensemble will meet Tuesday and Thursday weekly. If your child already has commitments after school these days please do not send them to auditions.
Additionally we will be holding a “Mock Audition Fundraiser” on Saturday February 25th from 9am-12noon. Information will be sent home about this event at a later date. It is meant to help prepare your child for the audition process. Casting will NOT be based on who participates in this fundraiser event. This event coincides with the high school’s Makers Day (noon to 3:00 pm) and is sure to be a family fun-filled day of STEAM activities.
On behalf of the entire production team, we look forward to working with your children in this production.
Mock Audition Registration
Mock Auditions are open to all students in Hoboken Public schools grades K-8 (Wallace, Brandt, Connors, HMS) on Saturday, February 25th from 9am-12noon at Hoboken High School! Cost: $20 per student either cash or check written out to "Hoboken High School Drama Club".
Learn how to put your best foot forward at an audition. This workshop is meant to assist students in preparing for the “SpongeBob Musical” Audition process. Participants will learn performance readiness skills, by practicing the process and understanding the vocabulary of a musical theatre audition. Our skilled professional teaching artists will help aspiring performers gain self-confidence by giving participants the tools they need for success, including what to expect in an audition, how to connect with new material, how to approach a cold reading, how to understand and take direction, and how to quickly learn a dance combination. Actual “SpongeBob” audition material will NOT be taught at this workshop. It is a “mock” set up of how the audition process works. Material used will be from a different show. Casting will NOT be based on who participates in this fundraiser event. Students will be taught NEW material from the show “SpongeBob” the days of auditions on February 27th and March 1st.
Introducing... Tiger's Got Talent!
The Fine & Performing Art Department at Hoboken Middle School, in conjunction with “Art in Our School Month” proudly presents “Tiger’s Got Talent”. This will be formatted as three separate assemblies per grade that showcase the talents of both students and faculty. It is a great way to build Tiger Pride in our school community. The month of March is historically when we celebrate and talk about the power of arts in our schools. Please consider participating to help us raise awareness of the benefits of arts education on Friday March 10th.
Information:
This is open to all 6-8 grade students in Hoboken Middle School.
Talents welcome include but are not limited to: singing, dancing, acting, martial arts, playing an instrument, poetry, doing magic tricks, performing stand-up comedy, juggling, gymnastics, cheerleading, sports tricks/skills, Rubik’s Cube or any other unique talent!
Sign up on this google form to participate (both students and staff) Tiger's Got Talent Participation Form
Participation form is due Friday February 3rd
Only 1 Form submission is needed per act. Meaning if you have 4 students singing a song, only 1 needs to fill out to form.
All students must participate within their grade level. This means a 7th and 8th grader can not perform a talent act together.
There will be a gift card prize for the best act per grade level.
There will also be an “Overall Best Performance” winner for the entire school. This act will get their names engraved on a plaque outside of the auditorium. Additionally the “Overall Best Performer’s” entire grade will receive a dress down day.
There will be four judges scoring from a range of 5-10 points per act in the categories of Creativity, Effort, Stage Presence, Organization/Preparedness, and Audience Participation.
Requirements:
All acts must be 4 minutes or less
Talent can work solo or you may have up to six participates in a group
No profanity or insensitive subject matter will be permitted, this includes lyrics of songs
Costume may be worn for the performance but must be school appropriate. (No tank tops, crop tops, biker shorts, slides, or face coverings of any kind are permitted) You need to bring these in on the day that your act is screened.
Props may be used but are the responsibility of the performer to obtain
Music used must be a karaoke instrumental track and needs to be submitted in the google form
Each participant may only perform in one act
Screening of Material:
All performances will be screened for appropriateness by the Tiger’s Got Talent Committee
You must pre-register in order to participate in the google form
Screening of material will take place during lunch periods on the following days in the auditorium
Tuesday Feb 21st, Wednesday February 22nd, & Thursday February 23rd
You will be emailed a timeslot/date to come get your act approved by the showcase committee.
Performances:
Friday March 10th
Grade 6– 9-10am
Grade 7 –10:15-11:15 am
Grade 8– 1:15-2:15 pm
HMS Passport to Learning Corner
Pickleball
During this short week at pickleball, we really focused on our serving skills! We learned that the ball must first be bounced on the floor before it can be hit by the server. Sure, it was easy to make contact with the ball, but what really made this skill difficult was the ability to accurately put the ball where it needed to be placed in order to get a point or start a volley. Nevertheless, we will keep practicing and hopefully make this aspect of the game second nature.
Rock Climbing
Chef It Up
Passport Printmaking
HMS Clubs & Activities Corner
Academic Team
Student Council
GSA
This week, the GSA read the short comic, "The Golem and the Mapmaker" by Molly Knox Ostertag. This is another short story from This is Our Rainbow. After reading, club members discussed the theme of the story, “Make your own map.” We discussed the importance of being ourselves and finding our own paths in life. After the reading, students created their own life “maps” that included dreams, ambitions, goals, and purposes.
Artist Corner
Effective School Solutions Corner
Coping emotionally through the Winter months is very challenging and impacts individuals of all ages. While some may be adjusting to the winter weather and daylight changes, others may also notice an impact on their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The first article identifies common symptoms for Seasonal Affective Disorder including social withdrawal, oversleeping, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Tips to care for you or your family members mental health include (in both articles): building a coping toolkit for yourself and supporting your family member in building one, practice and model self-care and reflection, and ask for help or support as well as offering support to a family member who may be struggling.
Article: Tackle the Winter Blues
Ms. Falcone's Guidance Counselor Corner
The Great Kindness Challenge
Our school is proudly participating in the Great Kindness Challenge, a week-long program dedicated to creating a culture of kindness and compassion in communities worldwide. To help students practice kindness and put our compassion into action, students will receive a Great Kindness Challenge checklist during the first period on Monday, 1/23/23. The goal is to accept this challenge and complete at least 15 kind acts, 3 of which must contain evidence of its completion to be entered into a raffle by Friday at Noon. Together, we will lift each other up, cheer each other on, and show the world that kindness matters! The Great Kindness Checklist and all information for the week can also be found on Ms. Falcone’s Counselor’s Corner Google Classroom.
Monday, 1/23/23
The Great Kindness Challenge Kick-Off: Enjoy the Ride!
● Students are encouraged to wear their “Tiger Pride, Enjoy the Ride” t-shirt
● Students will receive their Great Kindness Challenge Checklist
Tuesday, 1/24/23
Best Buddies Club will hang up the HMS Chain of Kindness in cafeteria periods 1-3
Wednesday, 1/25/23 Coffee Shop Kindness:
○ During lunch and Best Buddies Club, students will create kind notes and we will
drop them off to Empire to place on all their to-go beverage cups
Thursday, 1/26/23
Kindness Matters Crafts
○ During recess, students will make friendship bracelets with Ms. Falcone
○ Create Kindness Matters bulletin boards with Ms. Whelan
Friday, 1/27/23
Team Up with Tigers
● Wear your favorite team’s jersey
● Turn in Great Kindness Challenge Checklist and evidence to be entered into raffle by Noon
Throughout the week during morning announcements, our Rachel’s Challenge members will share a
quote that includes the themes of:
● Kindness
● Community
● Respect
● Inclusiveness
● Gratitude
To learn more about The Great Kindness Challenge, please visit: greatkindnesschallenge.org
Kidsforpeaceglobal.org
If you have any questions about the Great Kindness Challenge, please reach out to Ms. Falcone:
Email: sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Phone: (201) 356-3600 ext. 3746
Partners in Prevention: “Strengthening Families Program”
The Hoboken Public Schools Special Services Department, in collaboration with Partners in Prevention, will be facilitating a "Strengthening Families Program" from February 7-March 21, 2023. The mission of Partners in Prevention is to improve wellness and prevent substance abuse disorders and related health challenges in Hudson County and New Jersey. "The Strengthening Families Program" is a 7 session program that will focus on the following themes:
- Love and Limits
- Making House Rules
- Encouraging Good Behavior
- Using Consequences
- Building Bridges
- Protecting Against Substance Abuse
- Getting Help for Special Family Needs
If you are interested in attending, please see the flyer below for my details and scan the QR code to enroll in the program. Should you have any questions, please reach out to me directly (sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us).
Marking Period 2 ends on January 31, 2023, and report cards will be available on OnCourse on February 9, 2023. If you would like to schedule a conference with your child's teacher(s) at any time, please email me.
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Email: sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Phone: (201)-356-3746
During the week of January 23rd, the Hoboken Public Schools will be participating in the Great Kindness Challenge. Our Best Buddies and Rachel's Challenge Clubs will be working together to help promote kindness and respect among our school community. More information, including spirit days, will be included in next week's newsletter. Please see the flyer below to learn more about the Great Kindness Challenge!
If you would like to schedule a conference with your child's teacher(s) at any time, please email me.
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Email: sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Phone: (201)-356-3746
Move This World at HMS
We continue to support our students' social-emotional needs and mental health through Move this World. Move this World is integrated into our Fine & Performing Arts classes during periods 1-3. Additionally, all teachers have been utilizing Move this World in their classrooms to allow students opportunities for a break and movement. This week, Mrs.Bruce's class participated in the Power of Pause, which served as a brain break during Math.
I invite all our families to log into Move this World as well!
Below, you’ll find log in instructions:
Visit: sel.movethisworld.com
Username:hobokenms.family
Password:movethisworld
To learn more about Move this World, please visit their website.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions!
Thank You,
Ms. Falcone
(201) 356-3600 ext. 3746
HMS Nurse's Corner
If your child has any medical needs please feel free to call me to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. As a reminder, if your child has any kind of over the counter or prescribed medication that needs to be kept in school and administered, please have your doctor fill out a medication form and supply me with the medication.
Please do not send in the medication in your child’s backpack or drop it off with the security guard. This is a safety concern! All medications must be handed to the nurse, by the parent, with orders.
Good management of your child’s asthma is important to his or her success at school. Clear communication between you and your child, your health care provider and school staff is the key to managing asthma at school. A written Asthma Action Plan developed by your health care provider and shared with the school will help keep your child safe at school. Following the Asthma Action Plan will enable your child to participate fully in school activities.
If your child has an Asthma Action Plan, please send a copy to the school nurse. If your child does not have an Asthma Action Plan, please talk with your health care provider about developing one that can be shared with the school staff. Your child should not be carrying an inhaler around with an asthma action pan in place.
It can be faxed directly to the school at 201-792-4801 or sent via email to the nurse at nkirwin@hoboken.k12.nj.us.
Should you have any questions or concerns I can be reached at 201-356-3744 or nkirwin@hoboken.k12.nj.us.
HMS World Language Corner
French, Spanish, & Mandarin
This week in World Language classes:
In Spanish class, Grade 6 students started chapter two this week. We read and discussed interrogation words. Students did an amazing job creating and answering questions in the target language. Also, students acted out some conversations they created in class using question words vocabulary. Grades 7 and 8 are completing chapter 3. Students did an outstanding job using grammar and vocabulary words in context. We discussed verbs ending in -er, such as: comer, beber, leer, comprender, hacer, and ver in the present perfect tense. ¡Hasta pronto!
In French class, students in sixth grade began our second unit of French study. Students learned how to discuss their likes and dislikes as it pertains to various sports and social activities. The week culminated in a receptive language quiz for which students matched pictures of activities with the French language equivalent. In 7th and 8th grade, students demonstrated their mastery of the unit vocabulary and grammar by completing a unit test on the topic of movie genres and cinema terms. Students engaged in listening and reading comprehension activities as well as a writing task in French.
In Mandarin class, 6th grade students finished the Unit 5 test and moved to the Chinese New Year special unit. Students learned the happy new year song, and we compared how Chinese people celebrate Chinese New Year with how people celebrate Christmas.
7th and 8th grade students finished the Unit 3 test and students learned about the culture of Chinese traditional clothing. Afterwards, students started a Chinese traditional clothes project, which will include making and designing Chinese traditional clothes.
Mandarin
Spanish
French
Grade & Content Level ~ What Have We Been Learning?
6th Grade
Language Arts
This week our Sixth Grade ELA students intellectually prepared for our Linkit Exam next week. We analyzed short text and practiced answering specific test related questions. On top of our preparation we were able to brainstorm featured article ideas by reading mentor text as a class! Our ELA students are continuing to read our core novel Lunch Money and analyzed how our main character is developing. On Friday we participated in a schoolwide Spelling Bee contest!
Math
This week our sixth grade Mathematicians discovered that ratios tables can be used to compare ratios and solve problems. Students learned how to find the unit rate of everyday items. Students compared unit rates in different supermarkets to determine which item would be the best buy. Throughout the week, students have been researching items online and finding the same exact item on another website for a different price. Students would then have to figure out which would be the better buy. Next week, students will be brushing up on their metric conversion skills and comparing different measurements. Students will also be taking Form B of LinkIt next week.
Social Studies
This week in Social Studies, students participated in a Day of Service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy. 6th grade students wrote thank you letters to the local police and fire departments that will be mailed next week. They wanted to take a moment to say thank you to the men and women who keep our community safe. Students spent the majority of the week preparing for our quiz. Students were assessed on events during the American revolution and how the states set up new governments after the war.
Science
This week in science, sixth graders explored how animals engage in characteristic behaviors, which often involve gathering and responding to sensory stimuli to increase odds of sexual reproduction and the survival of their young. Our class chose an animal to conduct research on and in groups, looked into how each species finds a mate which they then presented to the class. Groups also worked together to identify how an offspring might survive after they are born and studied how environmental/genetic factors affect the growth of an animal.
7th Grade
Language Arts
This week, seventh graders continued their core novel study of The Outsiders by engaging in a Mock Trial. Students were assigned to the Prosecution or the Defense for the murder of Bob the Soc. The Prosecution used evidence from the text to prove that Johnny Cade intentionally murdered Bob, and the Defense used evidence to prove that the act was self-defense, and therefore, not murder. The opening statements, witness testimonies, and closing statements were compelling! In Writing Workshop, students began drafting the body paragraphs of their Photo Essays. We look forward to completing our first drafts next week!
Math
This week, students continued to learn about the properties of operations such as the distributive, commutative and associative property. They learned how properties of operations are used to rewrite, simplify, expand, and factor expressions. In addition, they learned how equivalent expressions can be used to show relationships between quantities.
Furthermore, students finished preparing for their upcoming benchmark, Linkit! Students prepared by taking several practice quizzes throughout the week. They received immediate feedback after each quiz. After preparing for their benchmark this week, students feel confident that they will master the assessment.
Science
The students finalized their content based slides, and presented a variety of topics based on Unit 2: Dynamic Earth. The students were able to deliver the content and assess their classmates for understanding. The students will use their scientific data to determine how they would modify their presentation for future presentations. The students enjoyed diving deeper into individual portions of the content, and being able to determine how to deliver their findings to their classmates.
Social Studies
In Social Studies this week, 7th graders wrapped up their maps and began prepping for their big Canadian Province Travel Infomercial! Groups created a slideshow of images in order to make their commercial colorful and exciting. We can't wait to see these travel commercials next week!
8th Grade
Language Arts
This week the 8th graders continued to delve into the world of Maycomb, Alabama through the eyes of Scout Finch. We focused on setting and character development through sign-posts along with comprehension and discussion questions. We began to discuss empathy and what it means in relation to TKAM as we analyzed Atticus’ famous quote. Additionally, the students are working on their research papers; outlining and introductions were the focus this week. Finally, classroom spelling bees were held today to determine who will represent the 8th grade in the school spelling bee next week. Great job, everyone!
Pre-AP Algebra
Happy Friday everyone! This week we jumped into a new unit on systems of linear equations and inequalities. Students are putting their knowledge of linear relationships to work determining where a system of lines might meet. Algebraically this understanding that one point is a solution to more than one line is an important one. Students started the week exploring puzzle squares in which they needed to use the value of different combinations of the same variable to determine the value of one of each variable. This then led to using letter variables to represent each equations in order to use a system of elimination (adding or subtracting one equation from the other order to eliminate one variable and solve for the other.) Students have found this work challenging but by exploring these ideas from different angles were are making great headway. Next week we will look at a different way to solve systems using elimination and we will also take our second Linkit test of the year.
Pre-Algebra
Happy Friday! This week we continued to work on linear and nonlinear functions. Students were able to look at graphs and create their own linear equations from the graphs by identifying the slope and y-intercepts. Next week the students will be introduced to Qualitative graphs and how we can use data from word problems and equations to create these graphs on our own.
Science
This week our eighth graders continued exploring forces and motion. We started off the week by reading about balanced and unbalanced forces and practicing free-body diagrams. Students have been getting more and more comfortable with physics problems and the use of new equations. To close out this week, we introduced our new project that we will start next week - building a roller coaster! Students will use their knowledge of Newton’s laws and potential and kinetic energy to build a roller coaster powered solely on gravity.
Pre AP World History
This week in Pre-AP World History and Geography we began by taking a look at the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The students researched different parts of his life from his childhood to his assassination and got a better understanding of who Dr. King was as a person and activist. The students then Wrapped up the Neolithic Revolution by reviewing its causes and effects and filling out guided notes. We then began taking a look at the innovations that sprang from the Neolithic Revolution in terms of farming and cultivating the land. We took a close look at the benefits of terrace farming and the use of fertilizer during this time period. Next week we will be reviewing for a test on the Neolithic Revolution.
Social Studies
This week during World History and Geography we began by taking a look at the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The students researched different parts of his life from his childhood to his assassination and got a better understanding of who Dr. King was as a person and activist. The students then continued their examination of Ancient Roman life by exploring their innovations and achievements in construction, irrigation, food production etc. Finally, we took a quick look at the life of Julius Caesar and the impact he had on ancient Rome. Next week we will be reviewing for the test on ancient Rome.
Fine and Performing Arts Corner
Strings
Ms. Monblatt's HMS students had an excellent week of string class! Students were actively engaged in sight reading new music this week, focusing on bow grips, technique, and sound quality during their practice! Students performed pieces including a new arrangement of "Sweet Child Of Mine" and the traditional Folk song, "Ashokan Farewell". Students worked with peers to analyze, count, clap, and play syncopated rhythms in challenging sections of their music and did a wonderful job! Bravo to all of these outstanding students for all of their hard work!
Creative Writing
This week the students began to write their own myths. This will be the final project of the marking period, (it is hard to believe that the 3rd marking period is right around the corner). Students will write a myth to explain, inform and entertain a phenomenon. Why is the sky blue? Why do unicorns have horns? The list goes on and on. Stay tuned to read some myths written by the creative writers at HMS!
Pre-AP Dance
Pre-AP Visual Arts
Health & Physical Education
Physical Education
Parent Resources for Cell Phone Monitoring
Most children today have a cellphone on hand and use it extensively to do homework, communicate with friends, and view social media platforms. It is almost unimaginable to think of a modern-day child who doesn’t take full advantage. These rapid advancements in technology have been proven to be a recent challenge. Below are two suggested cellphone monitoring services that include activity monitoring, location services, filtering, and screen time management. Though not offered through Hoboken Public Schools, these resources may be helpful in managing cell phone usage. Click on each link below below to be taken directly to the resource website.
Qustodio: The All-In-One Parental Control and Digital Wellbeing Solution