WMMMS 8th Grade Newsletter
April Edition
NC Outer Banks Field Trip Reminders
We are excited to be traveling to the Outer Banks on Thursday, April 4. Students attending the trip should arrive at WMMS at 5:30 a.m. using the front carpool. Students should report directly to the cafeteria. Buses roll out at 6:15 a.m. Students should have brought home a letter with expectations and details of the trip. This letter can also be found on the 8th grade webpage (linked below). Please sign up for our Remind group using @parentwmms as the code for updates throughout the day. Students are encouraged to bring snacks, a small backpack for personal items, sunglasses, a hat are a few suggested items. Electronics are permitted and are the responsibility of the student. We expect all students to adhere to the rules and expectations for WCPSS and WMMS at all times.
link to letter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17TP9Y-z2ER9g-mUtUu0eE5y-XUrMORa8rubVVaTHp_M/edit
Updates from Ms. Rogers
We are finally in the 4th quarter of our last year in middle school. Starting this week we hope it starts feeling like spring consistently. We have many activities planned for our students as they begin transition to high school. We want to ensure all of students have the best quarter they have had all year. We ask that you continue to encourage and remind your students to stay focused because we are not at the end just yet.
Spring Time Reminders
- Attendance matters. Being at school every day and on time is important.
- Complete all assignments on time. There will not be time for make ups in June.
- Everyone has grown since the fall. Monitor attire as the temperature rises.
- This year matters. Choices made now can affect next year.
Upcoming Events
April 12- A Honor Roll Breakfast and 3rd Quarter Celebration
April 23- end of year- various incentives for students
June 7- 8th Grade Dance
June 10- 8th Grade Picnic
June 11- Awards Day, Last day of middle school!
We appreciate your continued support. Look out for opportunities on how you can assist or contribute to our end of year festivities coming later this month.
We wish everyone a restful and safe Spring Break!
Language and Literature Updates (ELA)
Language and Literature has started our fourth and final module of the year. Students are reading the book The Omnivore's Dilemma and studying the four different food chains discussed in the book. We will also be analyzing the persuasive techniques used in the book by the author. Students will have reading homework most nights. It is very important that they keep up with the assigned reading so they are prepared for classwork, discussions, and assessments.
We will start working in EOG review as we progress fourth quarter. We have spoken to students about their goals for this year's EOG. It is important that students stay focused as we work to end the year strong!
Science Updates
The next few months in science, we will be moving into units on Ecosystems and Biotechnology. Students will finish up our "hydrosphere" unit before spring break and take a cumulative test on the unit. Ecology will focus on connections between all organisms in various ecosystems and how they all impact each other. Biotechnology will give students the chance to learn about GMO's, the use of genes in medicine, and various other new scientific breakthroughs. Students will be tasked with deciding their own opinion on the use of various technologies, as well as gathering evidence to support their opinions.
Also, in May, we will begin review for the science 8 EOG. Students will need to review and study all of the units they have learned about this year! Finally, in preparation for end of year events, science will be preparing for a fun last week of school and many neat labs. If you would be willing to donate a few supplies for these labs, please reach out to Ms.Colvin or Mrs.Crawford and we will let you know what is needed. Thank you for your support and we hope your students are enjoying science this year.
Individuals and Societies Updates (Social Studies)
In Social Studies we are learning about World War II. The final quarter is on us so we are buckling down and starting to get ready for the Final Exam! We will be studying America's role as a superpower in the late 20th and early 21st centuries over the next few weeks! We will send more information as we get closer to the Final Exam.
Mathematics Updates
Students should be bringing home their math workbooks daily because they will have math homework almost every night.
Healthful Living Updates
Healthful Living just completed a gymnastics unit where students got to perform activities on the rings, rope, high beam and floor. To complete this unit, students utilized their cooperation skills, balance, and agility.
Healthful Living will also be starting Reproductive Health and Safety May 13-24th. A letter to parents will be coming out after spring break with more details.
Arts/Design/World Languages Updates (Electives)
The Spring Dance and Art Show will be held on May 15th. The Art Show will run from 6:00-8:00 pm, and the Dance Performance will run from 7:00-8:00 pm. Come out and see the amazing work our arts students have been working on.
Updates from Mrs. Kimel
Homework Club
Mrs. Kimel's Homework Club meets on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:00. Students can stay after school and work on homework, missing work, or projects. If you would like your child to participate, email Mrs. Kimel at gkimel@wcpss.net
FREE After School Program
The Teen Outreach Program (TOPs) is a free after school recreation program through the Raleigh Parks and Rec held at several community centers in our area (including Green Road, Chavis, and Millbrook Exchange, among several others). Activities include athletics, art, recreational games, field trips, adventure programs, skill building sessions and more. Registration is required. For more information, visit this website https://www.raleighnc.gov/parks/content/ParksRec/Articles/Programs/Teen/TeenProgram.html
Study Skills Camp and Reading Skills Camp at NC State
NC State will be offering summer camps in Study Skills and Reading Skills in June, July and August. These camps can help teach your child important skills to help them as they transition to high school. If you are interested, visit this website for the study skills camp https://psychology.chass.ncsu.edu/school/psyed/studyskills.php or this website https://projects.ncsu.edu/mckimmon/cpe/reading/ for the reading camp.
FREE Girls STEM Day at Duke University
Middle & High School Girls are invited to Duke University on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm for a day of FREE interactive and fun STEM workshops: Science of Cosmetics, DNA, or Robotics. Both Girl Scouts and Non-Girl Scouts are invited to attend!
Parents are also invited to attend a separate parallel Parents Forum specifically designed to engage and provide valuable information about STEM jobs, education and tips for preparing their daughters for advanced STEM education and future careers. Breakfast & Lunch Will Be Served.
Register Early! Space Limited! For additional information & to register, please visit the website below & then scroll down on the page: http://www.nccoastalpines.org/en/activities/activitylist.advanced.html?q=Duke®ions=choose&startdtRange=&enddtRange=
Upcoming WCPSS Parent Nights
BUILDING STRONG MENTAL WELLNESS IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA AGE
Wake County Public Schools will be hosting 2 upcoming parents nights to discuss mental wellness and social media. Parents of K-12 students are invited to discuss strategies to support their children in a world of extensive social media. Whether in early elementary or nearing the end of the high school journey, we are all striving to give students the social and emotional health to make the most of available opportunities.
On the following dates, we are inviting parents from all areas and levels to engage in a discussion on mental wellness and social media. This is a collaborative discussion, and you are an important part of the process!
April 9
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road, Wake Forest
April 11
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Crossroads FLEX, 5651 Dillard Drive, Cary