MARCH
3/9 Daylight Savings Time Starts
3/11 Ultimate Book Showdown (Middle Schools) at LMHS
3/12 Girls Soccer HOME vs Crosscreek Charter
3/17 Girls Soccer AWAY @ Bunn
3/17-3/20 Reading Remediation Week
3/18 FCS 5th Semi-annual Parent Summit (email heidi.boardman@fcschools.net if you are interested in attending)
3/19 Girls Soccer AWAY @ Hawley
3/20 FULL DAY OF SCHOOL (was an Early Release Day and district changed to a full day)
3/20 END OF QUARTER THREE
3/21 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
3/25 Baseball AWAY @ Bunn
3/26 Reading Check-in #3 6-8
3/27 Baseball HOME vs Vance
3/27 REPORT CARD PICK-UP 3:30-4:30 in the cafeteria
3/28 Report cards and At-Risk letters sent home with students if not picked up on 3/27
3/31 Baseball HOME vs Crosscreek Charter
APRIL
4/3 Baseball AWAY @ Terrell Lane
4/7-4/11 SPRING BREAK NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
4/14 Baseball HOME vs Cedar Creek
4/14-4/17 Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
4/14-4/17 Math Remediation Week
4/17 Baseball AWAY @ Hawley
4/18 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
4/20 EASTER SUNDAY
4/21 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
4/22 Baseball AWAY @ N. Granville
4/23 MATH CHECK-IN #3 6-8
4/23 Baseball HOME vs Butner Stem
4/28-5/1 Science 8 Remediation Week
MAY
5/1 MATH I CHECK-IN #2
5/2 SCIENCE 8 CHECK-IN #3
5/5-5/9 TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - let your teacher know you appreciate all their hard work!
5/5-5/9 Exact Path Diagnostics Math and ELA this week
5/8 EARLY RELEASE - students leave the building at 12:30pm
5/11 SUNDAY - MOTHER'S DAY
5/12-5/23 EOG REMEDIATION WEEKS
5/15 SPRING CELEBRATION BAND CONCERT AND ELECTIVES PROJECTS SHOW
5/22 ATHLETIC AWARDS DINNER AND CELEBRATION
5/26 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
5/28 ELA EOG GRADES 6-8
5/30 MATH EOG GRADES 6-8
JUNE
6/3 SCIENCE EOG GRADE 8 ONLY
6/10 8TH GRADE CELEBRATION
6/10 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - EARLY RELEASE - STUDENTS LEAVE BUILDING AT 12:30 PM
6/11-6/13 RETEST DAYS - MODIFIED SCHEDULE - STUDENTS RETEST IF THEY WERE NOT PROFICIENT
DID YOU GET A VACCINE EMAIL FOR YOUR 6TH GRADER?
The next Franklin County Health Department adolescent health vaccination event will be held:
When: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Franklin County Health Department (107 Industrial Drive, Louisburg, NC)
Cost: Insurance will be billed or no out of pocket cost for adolescents without health insurance
The registration link for this clinic is open and can be accessed by
visiting this web address https://shorturl.at/bDMPT or scanning the QR code. →
Appointment registration will close on March 6th, 2025.
Please note - parents will need to be present for all appointments and bring proof of insurance to the appointment (children who do not have health insurance will not have any out of pocket cost for
vaccinations received at these events).
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and please email me with any questions at
MATH with MS. JENKINS:
March Math Madness! March is an exciting month for math scholars around the world. We will be exploring interesting math facts and discovering math all around us. We look forward to celebrating Pi Day on March 14th. We continue work on Unit 5, Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities. This week we are focusing on inequalities and angle relationships. Next week we will explore the Triangle Inequality Theorem. We will be learning to create equations and solve for missing values using our understanding of complementary, supplementary, and vertical angles. Students are encouraged to study the vocabulary for this unit. Please encourage our students to complete their daily classroom assignments and homework. Homework is only issued if students do not complete their work in class or have make-up assignments. IXL lessons have been assigned to help students retain their understanding of equations. Encourage your students to practice. The Unit 5 Test is tentatively scheduled for next Thursday and Friday.
Things to remember
Bring your materials (Chromebooks(charged), notebooks, and pencils) to class daily.
Get a good night's rest and come to class prepared to learn.
Always follow the non-negoiatiable rules in the classroom.
Believe in yourself, you can do it!
Keep up the hard work. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at litishajenkins@fcschools.net.
SOCIAL STUDIES with MR. JONES:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we wrap up the quarter, we’re diving into the final lessons on World War One, covering its causes, major battles, and lasting impact. It’s crucial that all students stay on top of their assignments, as the end of the grading period is fast approaching. Completing all work on time ensures a full understanding of the war’s significance while also securing the grades students have worked hard for. Let’s finish strong by reviewing key concepts, turning in any missing work, and preparing for the final assessments.
SCIENCE with MS. BRACKETT:
Dear Parents,
This is a quick update to let you know we’re about to start a thrilling new unit on Cells. This unit is centered around an exciting development that allows scientists to produce meat in the laboratory using just a few small cells taken from a cow. Students will discuss this ethical issue as they learn more about cells.
We will explore what cells are and learn about the function of the structures inside them. We will also learn how to use microscopes to compare plant and animal cells. Our major assessment task is creating a model of a cell. I encourage you to discuss this topic at home with your child.
You can connect the learning at school to home by: - having a discussion about the man-made burger. Would you spend $300,000 on a burger? Would you eat a burger made from cells in a science laboratory? - challenging your family to guess the number of cells in the human body. - watching a short video with some mind-blowing facts about cells. Don't worry if you have forgotten your cell's knowledge from high school – your child will enjoy filling you in.
We’ll also be using Stile, a highly engaging, interactive science resource – so you can always log in with your child to take a closer look at some of the lessons, and perhaps even learn a thing or two yourself! I’m looking forward to an ex-cell-ent semester ahead.
Kind regards,
Ms. Brackett
ELA with MS. BAECHLE:
Welcome to the end of Q3 (final two weeks) as we continue the second half of the year and where effort and consistency count more than ever!!
It remains critical that we remind our students to stay up to date with their work in class and located on Canvas, as well as their grades updated regularly on Powerschool. As a result, we continue to hold them accountable for their work and growth academically. Please check in with your students to ensure that they are completing their work regularly and submitting it for a grade.
Next week students will partake in the third round of Remediation in order to prepare for their third round of ELA Check-ins on Wednesday. 3/26**
Reminders:
-Q3 ends next Thursday, 3/20/25. As discussed with the students in class, I will not accept any late work past next Wednesday, 3/19.
-As a reminder, students group projects are due next Friday, 3/21 and count as three text grades, They have had roughly a month and a half to work on theses both in class and on their own**
Growth and Accountability Agreement:
I will complete daily work (assigned in class)
I will finish any work that was not completed in class for homework
I will come to class prepared (work completed and a charged chromebook)
I will not disrupt the learning environment, or others
I will check Canvas daily for updated assignments and due dates
I will check Powerschool regularly for grades and missing assignments
I will always try my best
I will ask for further support from my teacher is I don't understand an assignment
I will maintain a growth mind-set for my academic and personal growth and goals!!
Expectations:
Students are to come to class on time, prepared and ready to work. If they are not following the non-negotiables, they will receive a warning to correct their chosen behavior before they are sent to ALC with a write-up and a parent contact.
Remember that each quarter every student begins with a 100% in their classes. What they decide to do with their grades and achievements are up to them.
Sports and Grades: Please ensure your student is keeping up with their work and on their best behavior. Good grades and exemplifying positive behavior is key to being able to play sports throughout the school year. Grads for S2 quarters 3 and 4 will determine Fall and Winter eligibility**
New Curriculum: We have begun a new ELA Curriculum this year called: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Literature. The material is scaffolded in a way that is easy to understand while including detailed lessons/units including: anticipatory sets, clear standards, relatable topics, a variety of genres and activities, as well as various reading and writing activities with vocabulary throughout and plenty of application (practice) of content in order to master numerous skill-sets.
Note: A digital copy of the text can be located on students' Classlink (ED with a yellow smiley face app) and include each passage we read in class, as well as several comprehension checks (assignments), and several resources.
Please encourage your students to use this resource at home to compete and classwork that was not finished, or any homework that may be assigned. It is very beneficial for students to not only take accountability for their work, but to practice skills regularly in order to master academic goals.
🧱 Supporting Standards
L.7.4 Determine and/or clarify (2) the meaning of unknown (context clues) and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials.**
🎯Target Standards
RI.7.1 Cite (3) several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.7.4 Determine (2-3) the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
RL.7.5 Analyze (3) how a drama's or poem's form or structure (verse) (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning.
✏️Writing Standards
W.7.2 Write an Informative Report/Argument (3-4) informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
W.7.5 Conduct short research projects to answer specific guiding questions (4)** - Q3 Group Project
“More Than A Game” - Unit 5
This Week:
Students continue to utilize beneficial strategies such as T-Chart graphic organizer in order to organize their thoughts, focus on unknown vocabulary and the summary (gist) of a passage/paragraph, and fully comprehend the meaning of any given text. We are in the third week of ProBowl review as well where we focus on specific strategies for additional practice for our upcoming Check-in. Students will continue to put the final touches on their group project as well.
Q3 Project Info: Due Friday, 3/21**
Rubric: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HJkRytGAPoaE2NdXPg6EGJftCfEgxga6hqqynxqQvUM/edit?usp=sharing
Student Project Outline: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eqquehbp1ofDrZgxi5_p2idR-HDNUN34xGgL73Au5II/edit?usp=sharing
Next Week:
We will have our third round of Remediation in the mornings for our thirst round of ELA Check-ins the following week including a focus on: theme and gist, content and academic vocabulary, Informational text with t-chart, as well as Literary text with t-chart and figurative language. Students will begin to present their findings for their group projects. In addition, we will continue Pro Bowl with a focus on specific standards and stations for additional review.
Tutoring:
Tutoring for the 24/25 school year has begun. Tutoring will be held in the cafeteria each Monday and Wednesday from 3:30- 5:00 pm. Please be sure to pick up your student by no later than 5:00 on Vine st. During tutoring students will receive support in both review strategies (gamification) and homework help. Be sure to turn in your tutoring contract form to your homeroom teacher before you start. We hope to see you there!
Homework:
Students should expect homework two to three times weekly in order to continue to develop their skill-sets and to see growth. Please ask your child what work they have for homework, or have not completed on a regular basis to help keep them on track. Work is updated regularly for access on Canvas. Grades are also updated weekly and viewable on Powerschool. Students should expect classwork (homework if not completed) in order to maintain an understanding of reading both inside and outside of class on a weekly basis. The application process is so critical to close gaps in comprehension and to apply to later content**
Grades:
Student grades are present (updated regularly) on Canvas, and are now viewable to students and guardians on Powerschool. Students are expected to check their grades on a regular basis and reach out to their teacher for make-up work, or additional time to complete an assignment if they have been absent, as well as, emailing them a reminder once completed. I allow a one week timeframe to make up work before an assignment becomes a zero.
We are so close to the end of the school year and for what I consider to be the students' superbowl (EOG’S). Let’s finish strong and show us all that you have learned!!
Thank you parents and guardians for your continued support throughout the school year with what promises to be a successful year full of growth and achievements.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further questions or concerns at:
SCIENCE with MS. DOWNUM:
Quarter 3 Update
Good afternoon parents! As we approach the end of Quarter 3, I want to remind you that it will officially close next Thursday, the 20th. Students have until Wednesday the 19th to submit any outstanding assignments for my class, which will give me time to finalize grades. At-risk letters were sent out during the last week of February. Please encourage your students to check their PowerSchool accounts regularly to keep track of their assignments and address any missing work. I enter grades on the due date as a reminder for students, and they typically have a two-week window, or in some cases one week, to turn in late work. By monitoring PowerSchool, students can avoid forgetting to submit assignments. We all make mistakes, and I strive to provide grace during these times!
From Molecules to Organisms Unit
We have officially started the "From Molecules to Organisms" unit as of last Monday, and I am thrilled to share that students are excelling with this topic! Their pre-test scores have shown remarkable improvement compared to previous assessments. It seems that the challenges of the global pandemic have positively influenced their understanding of science. This unit includes rigorous assignments that encourage students to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. We kicked things off with an engaging lab that demonstrated how illnesses can spread, and I was delighted to see the students' enthusiasm during this activity. This unit is designed to last about 15 days, followed by a shorter 10-day unit.
Social Emotional Learning Update
We have successfully caught up on our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for the quarter, and as we prepare for the next quarter, we will conclude with our final unit titled "Managing Relationships and Social Conflict." This unit is particularly beneficial for students as they navigate the complexities of middle school. Our goal is to equip them with effective strategies for resolving social conflicts in a healthy manner, fostering a positive school environment.
Looking Ahead to the End of the Year
As we near the end of the school year, it can be challenging for students to maintain focus. A common question I hear is, "When is Spring Break?" They are eagerly anticipating this break and looking forward to summer vacation. Please take a moment to encourage your students to stay strong and finish the year on a high note. Remind them that summer break will be their well-deserved rest before entering high school, but it's crucial they complete the school year with dedication. I will do my best to keep them engaged, but it's important to remember that not every task will be exciting. Additionally reinforcing the importance of non-negotiables is essential for maintaining a respectful and productive learning environment. I will post those below for a refresher.
MATH with MS. CUNNINGHAM:
We are closing in on the end of quarter 3- where is the time going? We only have 8 more days left of quarter 3. The quarter closes on Thursday, March 20th. I can’t believe we are close to closing out quarter 3 and moving into quarter 4.
Your child’s effort and consistency in performance count more now than ever. Please speak to your child about finishing STRONG!
In the classroom, we are close to finishing up unit 3a on Functional Reasoning/Systems and plan to take the end of unit assessment next week, then moving into unit 3b- -Functional Reasoning/Systems. In this unit, students will analyze linear functions. Students will create and interpret graphs for situations in contect. Then, they will also analyze the functional relationship between two quantities and determine the solutions of two linear equations using a graph.
Standards:
NC.8.F.5 Qualitatively analyze the functional relationship between two quantities.
• Analyze a graph determining where the function is increasing or decreasing; linear or nonlinear.
• Sketch a graph that exhibits the qualitative features of a real-world function.
NC.8.EE.8 Analyze and solve a system of two linear equations in two variables in slope-intercept form.
• Understand that solutions to a system of two linear equations correspond to the points of intersection of their graphs because the point of intersection satisfies both equations simultaneously.
• Solve real-world and mathematical problems leading to systems of linear equations by graphing the equations. Solve simple cases by inspection.
The following concepts from previous grades may support students in meeting grade-level standards in this unit:
Identifying parallel and perpendicular lines. (NC.4.G.1)
Identifying vertical and adjacent angles. (NC.7.G.5)
Vocabulary
Function, dependent variable, independent variable, slope, rate of change, linear function, function table, increasing, decreasing, input, output, x-intercept, y-intercept, x-axis, y-axis, coordinate, coefficient, slope-intercept form, constant, term, relation, domain, range, unit rate, constant of proportionality, system of equations
Looking ahead: Math Remediation is set for April 14th -April 17th. With that being said, math check-in #3 is right around the corner, on April 23rd. .
Please be sure you are checking canvas and powerschool. There are many students who are not completing the expected work in their classes by the indicated deadline. REMEMBER, the third quarter ends on March 20th.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions michellecunningham@fcschools.net
ELA with MS. FROST:
Review of Grade 8 Classroom Expectations… https://tinyurl.com/Grade8FMS
Last Date For ELA Late Assignments: Tuesday, March 18th
We are at the End of the Third Nine Weeks! Check PowerSchool Frequently…
Check PowerSchool daily to ensure your child is up-to-date on assignments. The protocol for submission of late assignments is to send an email to me with the titles of the late assignments completed. Please encourage your child to check PowerSchool for missing assignments. Note: assignments close after two weeks and students cannot make up work after the assignment(s) close. Students are not penalized for submitting late assignments within each two week period. Again, it is the responsibility of your child to email me with the title(s) of completed work after the due date.
We are at the End of the Third Nine Weeks! Check PowerSchool Frequently…
Check PowerSchool daily to ensure your child is up-to-date on assignments. The protocol for submission of late assignments is to send an email to me with the titles of the late assignments completed. Please encourage your child to check PowerSchool for missing assignments. Note: assignments close after two weeks and students cannot make up work after the assignment(s) close. Students are not penalized for submitting late assignments within each two week period. Again, it is the responsibility of your child to email me with the title(s) of completed work after the due date.
HMH Lesson One (3 to 5 Days): “The Debt We Owe to the Adolescent Brain”
Learning Objectives:
Cite evidence to support analysis of an informational text.
Analyze the author's purpose. (PIE)
Persuade
Inform
Entertain
Identify the structure(s) of an informational text.
Main Ideas and Details
Description
Compare and Contrast
Problem Solution
Sequence of Events (Chronological Order)
Research (graphic organizer) Please make sure your child’s chromebook is fully charged everyday.
Language and Conventions: Accurately connect pronouns with their antecedents (nouns).
FHS DRUMLINE AUDITIONS *8th grade only
April 22nd and 24th
4 - 5:30 in the FHS Band Room
Only 1 snare spot and 2 bass spots are open!
SPRING MARCHING PRE-CAMP
Any band student currently in 7th or 8th grade!
April 28, 29, 30, May 1
4 - 5:30 in the FHS Band Room
CTE with MR. PIRRONE:
Computer Science Discoveries 1 and 2:
CSD 2:
Lessons 9-14
9. This lesson starts to dig into what makes sprites such a powerful programming construct - that they have properties that can be modified as a program is running. This lays the foundation for much of what students will be doing in the rest of the unit in terms of accessing and manipulating sprite properties to create interesting behaviors in their programs. The lesson starts with a review of what a sprite is, then students move on to Game Lab to practice more with sprites, using their properties to change their appearance. They then reflect on the connections between properties and variables.
10. This is the last type of element that students will be placing on the screen - after this, students will focus on how they can control the movement and interactions of these elements. The lesson begins with asking students to caption a cartoon created in Game Lab. They then move on to Code Studio where they practice placing text on the screen and controlling other text properties, such as size. Students who complete the assessment early can go on to learn more challenging blocks related to text properties.
11. Using the problem-solving process as a model again, students define the scene that they want to create, prepare by thinking of the different code they will need, try their plan in Game Lab, then reflect on what they have created. They also have a chance to share their creations with their peers. The open-ended nature of this lesson also provides flexibility for the teacher to decide how long students should spend on their work, depending on the scheduling demands of the particular course implementation
12. In this lesson, students are introduced to the draw loop, one of the core programming paradigms in Game Lab. To begin the lesson students, look at some physical flipbooks to see that having many frames with different images creates the impression of motion. Students then watch a video explaining how the draw loop in Game Lab helps to create this same impression in their programs. Students combine the draw loop with random numbers to manipulate some simple animations with dots and then with sprites. Students should leave the lesson understanding that the commands in the draw loop are called after all other code but are then called repeatedly to create animation. Students will have a chance to continue to develop an understanding of this behavior in the next two lessons, but laying a strong conceptual foundation in this lesson will serve them well for the rest of the unit.
13. This lesson builds on the draw loop that students learned previously to create programs with purposeful motion. Students learn how to control sprite movement using a construct called the counter pattern, which incrementally changes a sprite's properties. Students first brainstorm different ways that they could animate sprites by controlling their properties, then explore the counter pattern in Code Studio. After examining working code, students try using the counter pattern to create various types of sprite movements. The skills that students build in this lesson lay the foundation for all of the animations and games that they will make throughout the rest of the unit.
CSD 1:
4. In this lesson, students pause their own on developing web pages so they can develop an understanding of how personal information is surfaced on the internet, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. Students look at several fictitious social media pages to see what they can learn about different people purely from publicly available information. They then reflect on what guidelines are appropriate for posting their own information online, especially as they prepare to create more personalized websites.
5. In this mini-project, students use what they have learned to create a web page for a user. Students begin their project by using the Problem-Solving Process to help them design a web page for a user. As they determine what content to include on the web page for their user, they will identify which tags they will use to implement their design. Students then build their user’s web page in Web Lab. Optionally, after engaging in a formal feedback process, they may change their web pages based on feedback before reflecting on their process. The lesson also includes an optional review of the HTML students have learned before building the web page.
6. This lesson introduces CSS as a way to style elements on the page. Students learn the basic syntax for CSS rule-sets and then explore properties that impact HTML text elements. They work on an HTML page about Guinness World Record holders, adding their own style to the provided page. While only a few CSS properties are introduced in the core lesson, students are encouraged to use the optional activities at the end of the lesson to explore more ways that they can express themselves using CSS.
7. Until this point, the only content that students have used on their web pages is their own, but in the next lesson, they will be adding images to their sites. Before they do so, they need to understand the rules governing how to legally use content they find on the web. Starting with a discussion of their personal opinions on how others should be allowed to use their work, the class explores the purpose and role of copyright for both creators and users of creative content. They then move on to an activity exploring the various Creative Commons licenses as a solution to the difficulty in dealing with copyright.
Keyboarding Skills and Basic Word Processing:
At this point, you should have a solid grasp of all the letters in the alphabet. Time to move on to words! We will begin by introducing the 100 most common English words.
Home Row Review:
In each class session, we will conduct a review of the home row keys (A, S, D, F,, J, K, L, ;). This is to ensure students maintain proficiency in their foundational typing skills.
Emphasis will be placed on maintaining proper posture while typing, which includes sitting up straight with feet flat on the floor, hands positioned correctly on the home row keys, and wrists elevated above the keyboard.
Posture and Ergonomics:
Proper posture will be a recurring theme throughout our lessons. We will discuss the importance of ergonomics and how maintaining a good posture can enhance typing efficiency and prevent fatigue.
Students will be reminded to check their posture at the beginning of each class and to adjust as necessary.
Introduction to Numeric Keypad:
Following our letter lessons, I will introduce the numeric keypad. This section will provide students with the skills needed to use the calculator function on the computer effectively.
We will cover basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Practical exercises will be provided to reinforce these concepts.
Paxton Patterson Career Labs:
Students will persist in their current rotation of two modules as they strive toward the completion of Day 10. During this time, they will engage in various hands-on activities such as creating, building, and cooking, as outlined in the daily activity guides provided in the lab. It is my hope to have all grade levels successfully participating in these activities within the next few weeks. This structured approach not only fosters creativity and critical thinking but also reinforces the skills necessary for their academic growth.
Not much of an update here, as these labs sometimes can take 3-4 weeks to complete one rotation. My goal is to have all students touch 3-4 rotations. More updates to come.
ART with Mrs. CLIFTON:
Portrait Photography
Students will learn about taking portraits through the slideshow and the youtube video and then Students will have hands-on practice. Students will use a variety of tools, media, and processes, safely and appropriately.
One formal portrait session, with full set up.
One environmental portrait session.
