Meeting in the Middle
February 2015
Dear Parent/Guardian:
If you have not yet heard, the State of Michigan has changed the annual standardized test from the MEAP test to the M-Step test. This new tests are all on-line and will be proctored from April until the first week of June. If this is not enough, to accommodate the testing schedule, Linden Middle School will adopt an A/B block schedule. For 8th grade testing, the weekly schedule will look as follows:
A SCHEDULE (Monday/Wednesday)
3rd Hour 7:45-9:50
4th Hour 9:55-11:55
Lunch 11:55-12:25
1st Hour 12:30-2:31
B SCHEDULE (Tuesday/Thursday)
5th Hour 7:45-9:50
6th Hour 9:55-11:55
Lunch 11:55-12:25
2nd Hour 12:30-2:31
Friday - Regular Class Schedule
As a result of the A/B schedule, a day's absence will significantly impact learning. During this time, please make every attempt to schedule appointments after school hours. In February, I plan to have a solid testing schedule out for each grade level. Please do not hesitate to contact the office or talk to staff about the testing schedules.
We have distributed the information regarding the annual 8th grade Washington D.C. trip to students. If your child is interested in attending next year's trip, please ask him/her for information. You may also contact the main office with questions. We will hold a parent meeting regarding the trip on Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00 PM in the Linden Middle School cafeteria.
This is the time of the year that eighth graders’ imminent move to the high school becomes more real! Students in EDP classes have begun working on high school schedules, and all students will soon be making high school course selections. Typically the high school orientation for eighth grade students is held in March. When we have the date confirmed, we will communicate.
Please remember that information, including attendance and student grades, is available through ParentVue. Visit the LCS Web site for access to these programs. You will find a direct link under “Student”. As always, please contact the main office at (810) 591-0710 if you have any questions or concerns.
Julie Brown
Principal
Talented Talons
Brenda Beckman
Debbie Coleman
Carrie Cook
Joel Smith
Winged Warriors
In Social Studies, we have started Chapter 8-Mexico. In this unit the students will learn about Mexico’s landforms, climate types, natural resources, animals, and plants. The students will discover what early cultures developed in Mexico and how those cultures have influenced Mexico today. Finally, the children will learn about present-day Mexico, exploring the government and economy. Please continue to monitor your child’s progress on-line. Feel free to contact me if you have a concern.
In Math class students have been working with rational numbers. Students have been comparing positive and negative integers, decimals, fractions, and mixed numbers. The next topic we will be learning is Ratios. Students will learn what a ratio is and how to compare ratios and find equivalent ratios. Please remember that student grades are found on Digits. Under the grades tab you will find test average, homework average, and overall grade.
In Language Arts, students have been analyzing fantasy fiction stories and applying comprehension strategies. Students will be reading a fantasy book of their choice this trimester and completing a book report. They will also write their own short fantasy stories. Weekly spelling/vocabulary words are given on Monday, and students complete various activities using these words throughout the week. A 5-question quiz (Exit Ticket) is given each Friday reviewing the learning targets for the week. Please check ParentVue/StudentVue (online grade book) on a regular basis with your child.
In Science, we are just completing our study of Matter and the Periodic Table. But with this chapter, instead of a test, the students will be completing a project. Watch for more information. We will next focus on Earth Science, specifically the Formation of Earth, the Rock Cycle and Volcanoes and Earthquakes. We will try something different, NO textbook. The students will be responsible for keeping track of all handouts and the reading materials will be kept in the class. Keep your fingers crossed. Help Mr. Zonca out. If you find any The Nature of Matter book,s send them back to school.
Regal Eagles
Thank you to all of the parents who attended Parent/Teacher Conferences on January 15th. We encourage parents and students to keep track of daily work and academic progress using school resources such as StudentVue and ParentVue. If you do not have internet access at home, we are happy to supply you with grade reports upon request. Students, let’s continue to use your planners, stay organized, and turn in work on-time.
Seventh graders attended an annual presentation given to our grade level on suicide prevention. Students are taught signs of depression to look for in themselves and in others and are taught the importance of speaking up and where to get help. We also attended the Career Fair. Some of our speakers were business owners, Army recruiters, nurse anesthetists, and funeral directors.
Finally, we would like to mention curriculum topics being covered. In language arts, we are in the middle of our mystery novel and will begin writing a mini-mystery. In science, we are beginning our Cell Processes Unit where we are taking a closer look at the cell membrane and learning about the different ways materials move in or out of the cell.
Upcoming in-class projects include an egg osmosis lab and observing photosynthesis. In social studies, the Regal Eagle students are finishing Chapter 6, "The Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan." Mini-units were completed on special topics such as Middle East oil, cultural transformation, and updates on current events surround the Arab Spring. Within the next few weeks, students will begin studying the continent of Africa.
Soaring Eagles
It was nice seeing so many of you at parent-teacher conferences. We are halfway through the school year already, and we are all amazed we haven’t had a snow day yet!
On Wednesday, January 28, all 7th grade students were given information about the Washington DC trip next fall. There will be a Washington DC parent meeting on Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Linden Middle School cafeteria. This is a great opportunity for your student to visit our nation’s capital, and will be a trip they will remember for years to come.
Language Arts classes will find out “who dunnit” in the murder mystery And Then There Were None soon! After that we will begin work on the City Research Paper. Students will also receive a school G-mail account in Language Arts so they can take advantage of the many resources Google offers.
In Math, students are finishing simplifying expressions and will be moving into solving equations very soon! Please check your child’s Digits account for updated math grades and assignments.
In Social Studies, students will be visiting each region of Africa and learning about each culture and history.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Updated grades are available on ParentVue. If you do not have log-in information, please contact the main office at 591-0711.
8th Grade February Newsletter
Eighth graders are off to a great start in 2015! We are more than half way through the second trimester. It is important to keep checking your student’s progress on ParentVue! (Synergy). Also, teachers are posting homework assignments with due dates and upcoming tests/quizzes on ParentVue to keep you informed. If you still cannot access your account please call the office. It is also important to keep checking your student’s Digits math account. This will help you check for missing assignments!
Except for a few cold days, Jack Frost has nipped at other states’ noses. That means students need to be prepared to go outside after lunch! They need coats, hats, gloves, and all winter accessories with them at lunch every day.
Speaking of weather, 8th grade Science is descending from atmosphere and breezing into weather. From there, the prevailing winds will take students on to climate. Ask your student about these awesome topics!
The second trimester focuses on biographies in Language Arts. Students will read Anne Frank, Abraham Lincoln, and choose a famous person they would like to study. Projects and writing papers will be a part of this trimester’s grade.
We would also like to thank the parents who attended parent teacher conferences in January. It was great to see familiar and new faces and to discuss your child’s progress.
Eighth grade students have turned in permission slips to experience many different museums at the University of Ann Arbor on February 24th . Students will visit the Museum of Natural History, the Planetarium, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and the UMMA (University of Michigan Museum of Art). Students will need to DRESS for the weather since this is a walking adventure. Students MUST bring money for lunch at the Student Union on campus.
Field trips are an important part of the Middle School Concept. some trips are more social in nature for team bonding, but others, such as this trip, are educationally driven. Please expect your child to attend team/grade-level field trips. The day is a school day, and attendance is expected.
LMS Calendar of events
February 12 Band Concert @ LHS; 7:00 PM
February 13 Boyne Ski Trip; All Day
February 16 No School
February 24 8th Grade University of Michigan Field Trip; All Day
February 26 Butter Braid Bread Fund-raiser Tentatively Kicks Off
February 27 Media Day
March 3 LMS Choir Concert; 7:00 PM
March 10 Koffee Klatch Meeting; Media Center; 4:00-5:00 PM
March 11 Butter Braid Bread Fund-raiser Ends
March 12 Annual Talent Show
March 13 End of Second Trimester
March 16 Records Day - No School