THE TIGER QUARTERLY
Marking Period 1 - SY 2023/2024
A Note from Principal Sorafine
Dear Hoboken Middle School Community,
As I reflect on the first marking period, I am so proud of our school community's effort toward academic achievements and a positive school culture. It has been a quarter filled with Tiger Pride (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence).
From academic accomplishments to the vibrant extracurricular activities, our students have showcased their talent and determination. The support and encouragement from our dedicated staff and families have been instrumental in fostering a nurturing environment for learning and growth.
I commend everyone for their hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Let's carry this momentum forward into the upcoming marking period, while continuing to foster an environment where every individual shows growth and enjoys their middle years.
Thank you for your continued support. I hope you enjoy the video montage to celebrate our highlights from marking period one.
Tiger Pride, Enjoy the Ride!
Marking Period 1 Recap Video!
Students of the Month!
September
Naomi Bacon
Grade 6 & Overall
Seneca Perry
Grade 7
Jaythan Padilla
Grade 8
October
Moses Espiritu
Katelyn Marinello
Yuval Segall
HMS Events During MP1
Week of Respect
On the week of October 3rd, HMS participated in Week of Respect. The week included “Blue Up,” “Chalk Talk,” “Diversity Day,” and “Tiger Pride Day.”
Purple Ribbon Week
During the week of October 16, HMS participated in “Purple Ribbon Week” also known as “School Violence Awareness Week” which raises awareness for schools on the importance of school safety and having an understanding of community safety. Every day for one week students and staff celebrated with spirit days and activities that raised awareness and promoted the importance of school safety. On Monday, students visited the Awareness Table and signed the Pledge Against Violence in Our School. People wore purple on Tuesday to symbolize peace and anti-violence. On Wednesday, students and staff wore their most outrageous pair of socks and people wore comfortable clothes on Thursday. Finally, students were encouraged to wear their grade level color to show unity against anti-bullying on Friday.
Red Ribbon Week
HMS celebrated Red Ribbon Week from October 23-27th. Red Ribbon week is a way for the school community to stand united against drugs. Students participated in a spirit week and signed the Red Ribbon Pledge Banner during lunches.
Halloween at HMS
Fall Favorite Survey
Favorite Fall Treat
Favorite Thanksgiving Food
Favorite Fall Drink
6th Grade
ELA
ELA students were excited to begin reading A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. Students utilized the text “Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros to concentrate on applying annotations, context clues, and comprehension strategies to demonstrate understanding. 6th grade ELA students concentrated on identifying explicit and implicit textual evidence and their purposes when citing textual evidence. ELA students analyzed how characters' reactions and changes affected the plot. ELA students learned how to write a personal response to literary or informational texts after rereading and discussing a model of close reading. Next, students read an excerpt from the autobiography, Red Scarf Girl. Then students were introduced to a dilemma and what it is.The next reading that the students would look at is an expert from the novel, Hatchet.
Math
In Unit 1, 6th grade Math students applied their ability to complete computation with rational numbers to problem solving. Students have finished their first topic on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals and fractions. Students learned how to divide fractions and mixed numbers. Students solved word problems to advance their understanding of knowing what operation to use to solve problems. In our new topic, students were able to understand and represent exponents, find greatest common factors and least common multiples. Then, we moved on to algebraic expressions and learned how to simplify them.
Science
In 6th grade science, students explored the characteristics of living things and learned how to properly operate a compound light microscope. Students examined various samples under a microscope and compared and contrasted the cells in each. Students took tests on our knowledge of animal and plant cells, and learned about different types of cells and what they make when they combine together, they explored the organ system and more. Then, students wrapped up the organ systems unit. We learned useful study habits for tests, including creating flash cards, and quizzing each other.
Social Studies
Students learned about the importance of government and had a critical thinking exercise on how to think like a philosopher. Working in their teams, students collaborated on what “rights” everyone should have.The students worked on their National History Day projects, which told what they felt was an important turning point in history. They also learned about different acts that led to the American revolution. Students worked in their teams to learn what experiences lead to the American Revolution. Additionally, they analyzed the Declaration of Independence by listening to John F Kennedey. Lastly, they discussed the colonist’s grievances against the King and examined if they were justified or not.
7th Grade
ELA
The first marking period was such a blast! Students began Unit 1: Conflicts and Clashes and made their way reading Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. Then, they practiced their annotating skills with the text “A Wise Old Woman '' and read through Chapter 7 of Stargirl. To test their knowledge, students responded to “think” questions and demonstrated their understanding of vocabulary words by sketching images and symbols in their notebooks. Seventh graders then read a very relatable short story titled, Seventh Grade written by Gary Soto to practice their critical thinking skills as well as to practice two other skills: Setting and Compare/Contrast. After so much hard work, students finished reading their first core novel Stargirl. We then began Unit 2: Highs and Lows, where students were introduced to their next core novel: Tangerine by Edward Bloor.
Math
In Math for the first marking period, students explored how to multiply and divide rational numbers. Then, students completed their Linkit Form A and went back to focus on mastering rational number operations. Students wrapped up this unit with their first assessment of the year and started Topic 2: Analyze and Use Proportional Relationships. Students progressed their understanding of equations in the form y=kx to represent proportional relationships. Next, seventh graders tackled proportional relationships on graphs, including a quiz that assessed their ability to determine constants of proportionality and write equations with those constants. To celebrate Halloween, students participated in a Haunted House Escape Room filled with creepy puzzles. Beyond that, we have been studying and preparing for our unit test on proportional relationships.
Science
To kick off the first marking period, seventh grade students made paper structures that can hold up at least 6 textbooks. The rules for this project is that the structure has to be at least one inch off the ground and nothing could be used to hold up the structure besides paper. Then, students worked in groups to create a slideshow on Unit 1 Lesson 3, Changes in Pressure that they used to present the content’s key points and terms. Afterwards, students worked in groups and started brainstorming on their STEAM Tank projects. They balanced their time by learning about property changes in matter during chemical reactions and creating their STEAM Tank slideshows. After finishing their STEAM Tank projects, seventh graders presented their idea to their classmates. The projects covered a variety of societal issues, and were focused on using materials that would benefit the environment.
Social Studies
To begin the first marking period, students worked in groups to learn about the 5 themes of geography and described how geographers study the Earth using latitude and longitude. Then, they worked individually and collaboratively to locate cities and countries on maps given their coordinates and also used maps to find cities’ latitude and longitude. To fill their brains with even more information, seventh grade students discovered the main components of maps and were able to describe these components in detail and explain their importance. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, students worked on a project where they researched and wrote about a specific holiday celebrated by the Hispanic community. To start the new unit, they discovered how the Earth’s rotation creates the day and night cycle as well as learning how the tilt in the Earth’s axis helps to create seasons. In addition, we learned about the difference between the climate and weather and proved their knowledge by sorting scenarios into climate or weather categories. Students worked in groups and rotated stations to research the causes, effects, and solutions to climate change around the world.
8th Grade
ELA
8th Grade ELA students began the year with Unit 1: Everyone Loves a Mystery. Students read and analyzed popular tales and poems from Edgar Allen Poe. They used these excerpts to interpret allusions, poetic devices, figurative language, theme, and point of view. After reading some of Poe’s most famous pieces, students were able to reason why Poe left such a literary impact. Students practiced argumentative writing with a mini argumentative essay unit before moving on to Unit 2: Past and Present.
Pre-AP Algebra 1
To start everything off, students explored expressions and equations through visuals and patterns. In addition to this, students learned how to determine the value of any term in an algebraic sentence. After this addition to their knowledge, students learned about geometric patterns and how they are represented and used in contrast to arithmetic patterns. Along with this, students worked on real-world problems to show how scientific notation is used in real life. Next, students learned about slope and its contexts. Finally, students created posters to represent functions using graphs, tables, etc. Students are excited for what awaits them in MP2!
Pre-Algebra
At the start of the marking period, students worked on exponents to learn about multiplication as review for the beginning of the year. Next, students learned more about scientific notation and were able to complete their first ECR from this newfound knowledge. Students practiced their skills on scientific notation, ending with a quiz to assess their knowledge. In addition to this, students completed an activity where they discussed the net worth of celebrities and talked about how much you could buy with this money. Finally, students started learning about pythagorean theorems and irrational numbers, and are learning the difference between square roots and cube roots.
Science
8th Grade Science students started off by defining speed and acceleration to describe the position and motion of an object of person. Then, students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by researching Hispanic scientists and created a visual to show how they contributed to STEM. In addition to this, students started learning about contact and non-contact forces, of which they completed a lab based on their newfound knowledge. Students then discussed scientific notation and discussed how it is used in real life. Finally, students took notes on different types of energy to calculate both kinetic and potential energy, and created model roller coasters and simple machines to end the marking period!
Social Studies
Students started off the year by diving into the memorial of 9/11, then researching the origin of their families, information they used to identify different geological features using the five themes of geography. After that, students began their Hispanic Heritage Month Project where students researched influential Hispanic Historical figures and how they have made an impact on the world. In addition, students examined the Earth’s movements in relation to the sun causing day and night, and seasonal changes. Students then identified how earth’s zones of latitude affect temperature. Finally, students examined relationships of plants and animals within ecosystems, and examined how environment and culture affect the way that we use land.
Pre-AP World History
Pre-AP World History was full of new information this marking period! Students started off by creating their own letters to their hero in their community, which followed up by examining human and environmental patterns across space and time. Next, students completed their Hispanic Heritage Projects as they explored influential Hispanic Historical leaders and how they have made an impact in our world. In addition to this, students analyzed regions defined by the World Bank and World Health Organization in order to learn two types of criteria that are used to create regions; physical and human characteristics! Students then explored the limits of formal regions, completing their culminating writing activity after analyzing sources, and then learning about causes and consequences of spatial reorganization.
World Language
French
6th Grade Students have been working on their French vocabulary including greetings and discussing plans. Up in the 7th Grade classes, they have been learning how to say the time in French! Finally, in 8th Grade, students demonstrated their speaking skills in a speaking assessment related to their homes.
Spanish
In Spanish Class, students have been learning Spanish greetings and participated in activities to help them connect with classmates.They also have been learning about how to say weather definitions/expressions and even seasons. Spanish students spent time practicing their reading, listening, and writing skills. We reviewed previously learned vocabulary by creating short conversations and skits.
Mandarin
6th Grade has been working on their classroom rules and how to sing the “Class Rules” song. 7th and 8th graders have reviewed all their skills and have stated their own self introductions! Later in MP1, we moved from our first test to reciting Mandarin letters! Also sixth graders during Mandarin during the previous week our mandarin students had a few quizzes based off of pronunciations!
Physical Education
Fine and Performing Arts
Strings
Ms. Monblatt's HMS String students worked incredibly hard during the first marking period! Students are preparing for the upcoming Winter Concert! Students have worked diligently during this first marking period to improve their bow grips, posture, and finger placement for notes that are sharp and flat before performing challenging sections of challenging pieces as a class.
Pre-AP Music
Students engaged in Module 1 and analyzed different pieces of music and composed written reflections detailing compositional changes to express different feelings or emotions in each piece. Students in Module 1 explored the foundations of major and minor scales, working to analyze the patterns that these scales consist of and understand how they are present in different major and minor pieces of music.
Visual Arts
Ms. Whelan’s visual art students had the opportunity to learn a variety of new skills, techniques, vocabulary, and art history during this marking period. Students have been laying a solid foundation of skills and knowledge these past few months!
Creative Writing
In Creative Writing, students explored various topics including origin stories, different genres in fiction, and short stories. Students have been working each day to practice writing a variety of genres!
Pre-AP Dance
In Pre-AP Dance this first Marking Period students in the 6th grade tackled module one of the college board curriculum at HMS, and grades 7th and 8th embarked on module two. Students did an amazing job with putting their creative skills to practice during dance study performances!
Pre-AP Music: Band
In Pre-AP Music: Band, 7th & 8th grade students started Module 2, examining how scales are created using whole and half step intervals. In 6th grade, Module 1 students have been experimenting with interpreting music expressively by altering dynamics, instrumentation, tempo, and articulation. Students spent time preparing for the Winter Concert on December 6th!
Pre-AP Theater
In Pre-AP Theater, students participated in many different activities throughout the marking period to strengthen their stage presence. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students performed pieces to demonstrate their stage presence skills at the end of the marking period!
HMS Clubs
NJHS joined the Connor's School Fall Festival! Our members spent time after school tutuoring students at all three district elementary schools. The Honor Society will be collaborating with the Student Council to conduct drives for the holiday season.
Newsletter
The Newsletter Club spent the marking period crafting the first HMS Quarterly Newsletter of the year. Members brainstormed original ideas to be featured in our Newsletter and worked very diligently to pulish our MP1 Newsletter!
Academic Team
The Academic Team has been preparing for the Continental Mathematics League by doing group challenges!
Best Buddies
October was Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Best Buddies asked HMS to support and follow along in the Down Syndrome Awareness Month to learn about it. Members completed a 21 day Inclusion challenge to encourage people to follow their goals for 21 days straight!
Members began the school year demonstrating that the purpose of GSA: Social Support, Education, and Advocacy. Members spent some time reading novels that were banned.
Student Council
Students Council members took time this marking period making posters and spreading word on the Week of Respect and Red Ribbon week. Elections were conducted to appoint a Student Council Cabinet!
Literary Club
To kick off the 23/24 school year, Literary Club members read "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding!
They have used their tone warmups to not slip off the octaves, and they have started on their first song of this year! They have practiced "March of the Sad Santas" in prepartion for their performance in the Winter Concert!
Chorus
Members are off to a great start as we rehearse for our performance in the Winter Concert!
Junior Thespians
The Junior Thespians spent the marking period rehearsing for their performance of “Descendants” The Musical. Great job to all that were involved in this amazing show!
Yearbook
Yearbook Club members got right to work on generating ideas for this years yearbook. Members worked to take photos and create a cover for our yearbook!