Clark Middle School Newsletter

ELA: Colleen Martinson martinson_colleen@asdk12.org

Students will be researching and writing an argumentative essay in April.

7th Science: Breena Apgar-Kurtz apgar-kurtz_breena@asdk12.org

The students are learning and making connections about the human body by dissecting frogs and squid.

Social Studies: David Holmes holmes_david@asdk12.org

Classes are completing their study of Europe and Asia and will soon move on to their study of Australia and Oceania. Additionally, students are gearing up to begin their Spring semester individual presentation projects.

Some Dates to Remember:

NO SCHOOL ON APRIL 18th

Should you have any questions, you can reach Team Valor at:

holmes_david@asdk12.org - Social Studies

apgar-kurtz_breena@asdk12.org - Science

martinson_colleen@asdk12.org - ELA

Powerful Pride

Getting from here to There, together by Discovering Who We Are

“Tenacity is more than twice the weight of intelligence.”

Springboard, Language Arts 6: Ms. M. Smith & Ms. Ridgley: smith_marissa@asdk12.org, ridgley_marissa@asdk12.org

Our classes will continue to engage with the stimulating lessons presented in Unit 3 of the Springboard theme, "Changing Perspectives." Through a range of thought-provoking articles and insightful interviews, students will explore the transformative impact of shifting viewpoints. This exploration will encompass gaining new insights on familiar subjects, embracing diverse perspectives, and fostering personal growth through the lens of evolving viewpoints on contemporary issues.

SCIENCE: Ms. Olsen: olsen_cari@asdk12.org

For the month of April, the Science curriculum will focus on concluding our unit concerning the utilization of wind energy. Following this, we will transition into exploring the impacts of human energy consumption. Our studies will encompass the effects of fossil fuel use and other nonrenewable energy sources on our ecosystems. Additionally, we will address various forms of pollution and discuss strategies for reducing it, with the aim of protecting and preserving our natural resources.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Mr. Moran: moran_patrick@asdk12.org

In this unit, students will look at the extent that Europe is a heterogeneous culture, to what extent these nations share common cultures, histories, geography and perceptions, how these relationships compare to the rest of the globe, and to what extent do these ideals of peace, and economic strength entice people to unite, or lead to conflict and tension in regions or countries. With this in mind, students look at how the European union came about. -Mr. Moran

Math: Ms. Cleopas: cleopas_danica@asdk12.org

This April, we will be learning about integers, and it is like exploring numbers that go above and below zero! Integers include all the whole numbers, both positive and negative, as well as zero. You’ll see how they work in everyday situations, like temperatures (where it can get below zero), bank accounts (where you might have money in the negative), and elevation (like being above or below sea level). Understanding integers helps you with math problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and it's key for solving real-world problems.

IS6 Classes Ms. Afshan Mohammad mohammad_afshan@asdk12.org

We are learning to comprehend the significance of eco-friendly materials versus end-of-life materials. Over time, renewable resources will not run out, but non-renewable resources run out. Some examples of renewable resources are solar power, water, wind, and geothermal energy from places like fumaroles and hot springs. Coal and petroleum are examples of fossil fuels that are not renewable resources.

Effects on the Environment:
Both the emissions and the footprint of most renewable resources are quite small. The carbon footprint and emissions from non-renewable energy sources are significantly higher.
Money Outlay:
Renewable energy sources have a high initial investment cost. One example is the cost difference between utilizing fossil fuels to generate power and employing renewable energy technology. The upfront cost of non-renewable energy is cheaper than that of renewable energy.
Needs for the Infrastructure:
In most nations, the infrastructure needed to collect renewable energy is either too costly or too difficult to reach. For non-renewable energy sources, there is readily available and reasonably priced infrastructure in most nations.
Needed Space:
Needs a sizable plot of land or ocean, particularly for solar and wind farms.

Ms. Afshan Mohammad’s 6-8 Math Class is focusing on understanding “How to Divide Fractions, and key vocabulary for this unit.

Since we will be using several math vocabulary terms in this lesson, it is important to be familiar with their meanings before we start working on the practice problems.

What is the numerator of a fraction?

The numerator of a fraction is the top number of the fraction. For example, for the fraction 2/3, the numerator is 2.

What is the denominator of a fraction?

The denominator of a fraction is the bottom number of the fraction. For example, for the fraction 2/3, the numerator is 3.

Pretty simple, right? Whenever we mention the numerator of a fraction, we are talking about the top number. On the other hand, whenever we mention the denominator of a fraction, we are talking about the bottom number. Figure below illustrates the relationship.

In any fraction, the numerator is the top number, and the denominator is the bottom number.

What is a whole number?

In math, a whole number is a number that is not a fraction. For example, 7, 23, and 100 are all whole numbers.

What is a fraction?

In math, a fraction is a number that represents a part of a whole number. For example, 1/2, 2/3, and 5/8 are all fractions.

What is a mixed number?

In math, a mixed number (or a mixed fraction) is a number that consists of both a whole number and a proper fraction. For example, 3 2/5 is a mixed number that represents the sum of 3 and 2/5.

Why is it important to understand the key characteristics and differences between these three types of numbers? Because, in this lesson we will learn how to work with dividing each type of number using a simple 3-step method.

How to Divide Fractions in 3 Easy Steps

• Step One: Keep the first fraction as is.
• Step Two: Change the division sign to a multiplication sign.
• Step Three: Switch the position of the numerator and the denominator in the second fraction. Then multiply the numerators together and the denominators together and simplify if possible.

Protect your middle schooler from the downsides of social media

The average middle schooler spends an alarming nine hours daily engaging with social media. And not everyone your child interacts with online is a real friend. Who has 639 friends in real life anyway? The US Surgeon General recently issued a warning about the effects of social media use on youth mental health. Since the frontal cortex of the brain (which is in charge of managing distractions and planning ahead) is not well-developed in adolescents, they are vulnerable to the damaging effects of social media, such as sleep loss, distraction, and depression.

To protect your middle schooler:

• Talk about privacy. Remind your child not to share personal information online with strangers. Also, talk about how nothing posted on social media is private.

• Set limits. Don’t allow devices at mealtime or during family time. Keep devices out of your child’s bedroom overnight.

• Talk about what is appropriate to post and what’s not. If your child wouldn’t want the whole world to see it, it’s probably not OK.

• Stay connected. Follow your child’s social media accounts and clarify that you will look at them.

• Tell your child to come to you about any content that seems upsetting or concerning.

• Create a family account. This lets your middle schooler stay in touch with friends in a safer space.

Source: E. Abi-Jaoude and others, “Smartphones, social media use, and youth mental health,” CMAJ, Canadian Medical Association.

Ashshanta Swisher, Special Education Resources

swisher_ashshanta@asdk12.org

It is April and Team Resilience is very excited to prepare for freshman year of high school. These last few weeks are focused on preparing students for their high school experience. Encouraging independence and responsibility within students will be a focus throughout all classes and throughout advisories to aid in preparing students to be successful as they transition into the next saga of their education. Team Resilience will be heading to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on April 16th and 17th. Please remember to submit your child’s permission slip for the AWCC trip no later than Friday, April 4th, 2025.

Science 8: Jason Patterson patterson_jason@asdk12.org

In class we are focusing on genetic studies for 4th quarter. This will include scientific and fundamental concepts on genetics, inheritance, and the diversity of life.

Social Studies: Larry Moberly moberly_larry@asdk12.org

Students will be transitioning into an intensive study of Colonization, Revolution, and the creation of the United States of America. The focus of this look-back in history will be to have students look forward to the next stage of human colonization in space.

Language Arts: Scott Macdonald macdonald_scott@asdk12.org

The students will be finishing up creating multimedia arguments and beginning to look at the challenge of humor.

Greetings, Team Pizzazz Parent/Guardian!

We hope you had a great Spring Break and enjoyed some sunshine and snow. As we approach the midterm of Quarter 4, please be sure to check-in with your student regarding grades and assignments that may need to be made-up/missing. This quarter, your student will be participating in an in-class debate (invitations to watch the debate to follow), researching historical context for global interactions, and participating in energy labs. Please be on the lookout for upcoming emails regarding field trips for May, and as always, do not hesitate to reach out!

Best,

Team Pizzazz

Ms. Cash (Language Arts) --> cash_ellie@asdk12.org

Ms. Pfisterer (Science) --> pfisterer_abigail@asdk12.org

Ms. Nault (Social Studies) --> nault_tanya@asdk12.org

Social Studies: Natalie Moten moten_natalie@asdk12.org

In the Social Studies class months of March and April, our students will continue their exciting journey of learning about Europe and Asia.

In our unit on Europe, students will explore various geographical regions and the diverse cultures of the people who inhabit these areas. To culminate their studies, students will have the opportunity to create a world travel game that showcases what they have learned.

In April, our focus will shift to Asia, where students will delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this vibrant continent.

Science: Alicia Warren warren_alicia@asdk12.org

We hope this newsletter finds you well and full of joy. As we continue our educational journey, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership. Your involvement makes a significant difference in our school community!

Important Announcements

• Gizmos for Projects:
  We are excited to announce that our students will use Gizmos for their upcoming projects! This interactive tool will enhance their learning experience and allow them to explore concepts hands-on. Please encourage your child to take full advantage of this resource. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about accessing Gizmos!

Celebrations from the Week

• Energy Technology:
  Next month, our students will explore solar energy and waves. Their enthusiasm and creativity were truly inspiring! Many students presented their findings in class, showcasing innovative ideas and solutions related to energy technology. We are proud of their hard work and dedication to understanding these critical topics.

Additional Information

• Building More Projects This Quarter:
  We plan to embark on even more exciting projects as we progress this quarter! These projects will reinforce the concepts learned and encourage student collaboration and critical thinking. We look forward to seeing their creativity shine!

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in nurturing our students' growth and development. Your involvement is invaluable to our school community, and we appreciate everything you do.

As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities for collaboration between our school and families. Together, we can create a vibrant and enriching learning environment for our children.

ELA: William Gordon gordon_william@asdk12.org

In April students in ELA will be engaging in a novel study for the book Tangerine by Edward Bloor. Through this story we will be studying plot and character development, figurative language use, and how to display learning through different modalities. Students will be choosing different projects to show their various understandings of the story. Students will also be keeping a reading journal to show their progress throughout the story.

In April, Team Perseverance is kicking off studying Genetics, modern US history and Shakespeare!

The biggest thing in April is that we are going to do is take a field trip to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on April, 23rd and 24th. Keep a look out for the permission slip coming home soon!

6th Grade Math: Michelle Friedline friedline@asdk12.org

After working hard on rates and ratios 6th grade students are learning about percents. This is a great opportunity to talk about all the percent signs we see in stores and their meaning.

7th Grade Math: Michelle Friedline friedline@asdk12.org

We are learning about solving equations. 7th grade students worked hard on the distributive property and simplifying expressions. Ask them to demonstrate how to distribute with this expression: 4(x-3)

Math 7: Mr. McIntire mcintire_brian@asdk12.org

The class will be working on understanding and reasoning with random samples as well as some geometry involving area and surface area. We will then move into probability.

Advanced Math 7: Mr. McIntire mcintire_brian@asdk12.org

The class is currently working on slope, linear equations, and systems. We will be moving to linear and non linear relationships next.

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You can order your yearbook via online at ybpay.lifetouch.com or you can scan the barcode below. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Christina Russell 907-742-4727 or email russell_christina@asdk12.org. You may also contact Jason Patterson at patterson_jason@asdk12.org

National Junior Honor Society

The Clark Middle School Aurora Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society has accepted applications for new membership. Recognition of these students will be honored at the Induction ceremony on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 9:00 am.

Membership in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a middle school student. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in five areas of evaluation: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Students are selected for membership based on the contents of their completed application, which highlights their strengths in these areas. Current 6th and 7th-grade students are eligible for membership. For the scholarship criterion of the CMS Chapter, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students who meet this criterion are invited to complete an application packet each spring.

Congratulations to those students who will be recognized for their hard work and dedication to academic excellence and community service.

For additional information, please email

Mrs. Swisher @ swisher_ashshanta@asdk12.org

Edward Kelkis kelkis_edward@asdk12.org

Careers Exploration classes will have a class trip to University of Alaska Anchorage on 4 April to explore university and campus life as well as programs of study offered at UAA. Students will finish their Alaska Council of Postsecondary Education booklets, which have focused on financial aid opportunities for attending school and training beyond high school. Students will be searching for scholarships and grants that apply to them so they can be better prepared for what they need to do in high school to earn scholarships and grants. During April students will also learn about unions and begin learning about financial literacy while having several guest speakers visiting our classes.

Health: Edward Kelkis kelkis_edward@asdk12.org

Students will be learning about the human body, various functions of internal organs, and diseases that can impact their lives. On 11 April, a water safety training will be presented to students. Students will also be diagramming the muscular and skeletal systems as well as other sections of the body while learning about how to avoid injuries and diseases.

What is the Migrant Education Program and does my family qualify?

In a nutshell

The Migrant Education Program seeks to ensure all migratory students achieve challenging academic standards, graduate with high school diplomas, and are prepared for responsible citizenship. Migrant Education is a federally funded program that is authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

What do we do and how do we help students and families?

While these services vary from year to year and may be limited, a few things we offer are;

• Free Lunches
• Student Advocacy - Help navigating families and students on the path to success
• Homework Help -before/after school and lunchtime
• Free books - Literacy events, free books and activities.
• School Supplies - Paper, pencils, binders, etc.
• Family Engagement - Frequent communication with parents, teachers and students.
• Summer School - Financial help with summer programs
• Preschool
• College Prep
• Student Success Coaching - In and out of class support ranging from academics to family dynamics. The success coach acts as a lesion between the district, teachers, admin, students and parents/guardians.
• Life Vests - Free life vests for students.
• Babysitting Courses - Teens get certified by the American Red Cross
• CPR - Certification for high school students
• Early childhood education - resources and education
• High School Credit Recovery
• Out of School Youth (OSY) support
• Community Resource Referrals - Food banks, clothing, housing

• Technology Support

What qualifies a family for the Migrant Education Program?

I thought you had to be Native Alaskan?

Nope. You're thinking of The Indigenous Education Program. --->

This is a common misconception. We work closely with Indigenous Education Program and share about 30% of our students and families. The two programs are very different. Keep scrolling and find out more.

Does your family…

Here are some questions to see if your family may qualify:

National Junior Honor Society

The CMS Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society has accepted applications for new membership. Recognition of these students will be honored at the Induction ceremony in the third week during Advisory.

Membership in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a middle school student. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in five areas of evaluation: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Students are selected for membership based on the contents of their completed application, which highlights their strengths in these areas. Current 6th and 7th-grade students are eligible for membership. For the scholarship criterion of the CMS Chapter, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Each spring, those students who meet this criterion were invited to complete an application packet.

For additional information, please email Mrs. Swisher @ swisher_ashshant@asdk12.org

APRIL

April 1st - 50 Day Wellness Challenge Starts (Tue/Wed/TH only @ 8:30 - 9:00 AM)

April 3rd - Track & Field Meet 5:30pm @ The Dome

April 5th - Q4 Discipline Committee Meeting

April 6th - Sports Pics.for Track Team

April 7th - Track & Field Meet 5:30pm @ The Dome

April 12th - Debate Tournament

April 14th - NJHS Rehearsal

April 17th - All City Orchestra Concert @ West HS

April 17th - Track & Field Meet 5:30pm @ The Dome

April 17th - [NJHS] National Junior Honor Society Rehearsal

April 18th - April Closure Day [No School]

April 21st - Track & Field Meet 5:30pm

April 22nd - Track & Field Meet @ Clark @ 5:30pm

April 24th - STEM Science Family Night 5:30-7:30pm

April 28th - NJHS Induction Ceremony

April 28th - Track & Field Meet @ Clark @ 5:30pm

April 29th - Spring Orchestra Concert @ Clark MS