Minidoka Jr. High Parent Newsletter

September 2: Labor Day/No School

Aisen Coltrin has started the year STRONG! He is a hard worker who asks thoughtful questions. He is always willing to help other students. Aisen is doing an excellent job in academics and behavior choices!

Students in social studies are first and foremost looking at different ways that they can be resilient in class, and noticing and acknowledging the resilience of others. Students have been really constructive to one another!

In 6th grade, we are looking at the origins of life, prehistory, and the old and new stone age, and looking at how social scientists and historians uncover the past.

In 7th, we are looking at central and south Asia and seeing how the geography of a place can have a strong impact on the peoples, cities, and cultures that live there.

Finally, in 8th grade, students are learning to back up their own arguments with evidence, and are researching the status of certain populations during the time when the US Constitution was being written.

6th grade science investigating light and matter with one way mirrors.

Parents - I am looking forward to this upcoming school year! We are using a new learning platform this year, but I am happy to let you know that the Math curriculum will be the same that we have been using for the last few years (Illustrative Mathematics). Illustrative Mathematics uses a "Problem-Based Teaching and Learning Cycle" through which the teacher ensures that the students understand the task for the day, students have a chance to work both individually and in teams to self-discover the math (scaffolded and supported by the teacher), and then the teacher synthesizes the results at the end of the task. I really appreciate this cycle, because it gives students a chance to take ownership of the math and figure out strategies to solve problems. This gives students more confidence and success in mathematics. I hope your kiddos find success and joy in my class, and I look forward to working with them and you. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, you can always reach out at cbruns@minidokaschools.org. Thanks!

-Colton Bruns

English classes are off to a great start. Most students have been responsible learners who are asking good questions and participating in class discussions. I would like to celebrate a few students who really made an impression the first week: Hallie doesn't quit - even when I push her out of her comfort zone, Levi and Nataly have asked more questions in one week than in the whole last year, Vanessa is making new friends by asking crazy questions, and every student in the sixth grade class participates in discussions - that class zooms by! I know that challenges will come, but we are focusing on RESILIENCE this year and I know that all of our students will be able to bounce back from challenges and find success. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns that I can help with. I am looking forward to working together this year!

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Elective classes:

We started with health this semester.

We have gone over self image and how we view ourselves, and decision making.

The students have been in group discussion for this portion of class time.

It has allowed students to openly discuss these topics and use critical thinking to process the questions for each objective.

I am enjoying getting to know each student in each grade! So far everyone has shown an eagerness to learn and grow!

Miss Hendricks

We are excited to ​s​hare the new Minidoka Schools App. You can download the app by visiting your mobile device's app store. The app is a quick, easy way to access information about our schools. Watch this short video tutorial with a quick overview of the app.

• Parents/Guardians have the right to request professional qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals.
• Parent/Patron Advisory Committee meets monthly at 12:30 here at our building. Lunch is provided, and parents/guardians have the opportunity to be part of the decision making process for our schools. We would love to have you participate as you can.