April 2017 Newsletter
Time is flying...
Reading-
Happy Spring! As I mentioned to the students, this time of the year flies by. Please encourage your student to put forth 100% effort for each assignment. If they need any help, they should make arrangements to stay after school with the appropriate teacher.
In Reading we are looking at the story of Anne Frank. Along with Ms. Martin, We will research some background information on the Holocaust and the Frank family. “The Diary of Anne Frank”, by Francis Goodrich and Albert Hackett, is a shortened play version, and we will listen to the audio, while incorporating our reading strategies. There will be a few vocabulary and comprehension quizzes, and they will be announced on Google Classroom. Also, students have been sent home with permission slips to view, "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" as part of this unit. I would ask that the forms be filled out and returned ASAP. Thank you!
Math-
We had a little break in this unit due to English MCAS & April vacation. We’re finishing up the sections on angles, polygons, & 3D shapes. Our first test of term 4 will be on May 4 for A, B, & C blocks and on May 5 for E & F blocks. This will be our last cumulative test of the year. The week after that, we’ll have math MCAS on May 9 & May 10.
We’ll continue to have weekly IXL assignments and please check Aspen & Google Classroom for all class assignments.
English-
We have finished up our biography unit, with Mark Twain’s life along the mighty Mississippi River. We have started the novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and are loving the adventure! Please remind your child to review their “Tom Sawyer” packet every night.
The English MCAS test is over!!!The students worked very hard for two days of testing. I’m very proud of the time and effort they put into the test! Way to go kids!!
Please keep checking Google Classroom for updates and homework.
Social Studies
April was filled with a lot of work despite having April Vacation. We finished learning about Ancient Greece, students completed a debate after a Sparta vs. Athens research project – It was a huge success! Chapter 6 test averages were overall very high as well. Students continue to do well in my class. After April Break we had a lesson that covers the history of WWII & the Holocaust to tie into the Diary of Anne Frank they are starting with Mrs. Theriault. Then we moved on to Ancient Rome where we dressed up as ancient Romans and were able to learn about Ancient Roman teenagers and what their lives were like.
In May, we will be working on the final project in class where students will have the opportunity to pick whatever topic they want to present to the class on Ancient Rome. Check Google Classroom for the guidelines, rubric and deadlines. Students will get limited time in class to work on projects; most of the project will be completed outside of school. However, students are encouraged to use Powerblock and after school to work on it. I stay everyday Mon-Thurs until 2:30. Students should give me a heads up if they plan on staying after. I cannot wait to see the final projects! I know the kids are excited!
Science-
Guidance-
Wednesday, June 14th – Field Day – Students will participate in various games and activities as a culmination of our powerblock challenge program.
Thursday June 15th - End of the year Field Trip - Details to follow
Friday, May 19th – Semi-Formal Dance. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
We would like all students to participate in all events regardless of finances, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Wilder (awilder@wbridgewater.com) with any financial concerns, arrangements can always be made.
Parents and students are reminded that these year-end activities are a privilege. Students who are not in good academic or behavioral standing will be excluded from participating in one or all of the events.