8th Grade Newsletter January 2025

B. F. Butler Middle School

Welcome!

Welcome to the newest edition of the Grade 8 Monthly Newsletter! Each month we will be sharing highlights in classes, upcoming dates, as well as other important school information. In this edition we wanted to introduce ourselves to our Grade 8 Families.

Please feel free to reach out to any Grade 8 Team member with questions. Thank you!

Q2 Report Cards

Q2 Report Cards will be available in the Aspen portal on Friday January 31st.

Please make sure to sign into the Aspen portal to view the progress report on this date. If you are having trouble with your Aspen login or need some support on accessing the Progress Report, please reach out one of the 8th grade teachers.

Please note: Students should be checking Aspen on a regular basis to review progress throughout the quarter in each class.

PBIS December Activities

On Friday December 20th, all grade 8 students were able to participate in an assortment of activities before leaving for the Holiday break. Students were able to choose between video games, board games, painting, and two movies: Elf or The Grinch.

We hope everyone had a great afternoon! Please enjoy the pictures below.

Video Games

Board Games

Movie

Painting

Students of the Month for November/December

Each month, one 8th grader will be chosen from each homeroom to be out Students of the Month. These are students who represents the Butler core values, follows the PBIS school-wide expectations, and/or is making good choices during the month.

Below are the students who were chosen for November/December. Students pictures will be posted outside the library to celebrate this accomplishment!

Homeroom 227: Emilly De Brito Da Costa

You constantly exhibit a positive attitude for learning and community in your classes. You seek out new understandings and regardless of challenges, you always do your best. We appreciate YOU!

Homeroom 229: Anyeidy Pena

You consistently have such a positive attitude towards learning and spread that positivity to those around you. You exhibit strong excellent citizenship and consistently try your best. Thanks for being you!

Homeroom 230: Lucas Pires de Andrade

You bring a positivity and upbeat energy to your classes that elevates them. Your curiosity is commendable. You exhibit a drive to do well and succeed, which is obvious in all of your classes. We appreciate YOU!

Homeroom 236: Damien McKearin

We appreciate your positive attitude. You are always ready to support classmates, contribute to a welcoming environment, and inspire those around you. Your commitment to building a strong school community makes you a standout role model.We appreciate YOU!

Homeroom 236: Yago Pauferrero

Yago, you bring your determination and sense of humor every day to class and it is appreciated by all of us. You are helpful and patient with others, especially to your classmates that look up to you. You always greet your teachers with joy and are simply kind. Thank you for all that you are!

Homeroom 237: Damian Lieu-Phlo

Your work and your kindness speak volumes. You’re an amazing friend who’s always there for your peers, whether it’s lending a hand, sharing a laugh, or just being a solid, trustworthy presence.

Math & ELA iReady Growth Results

In the month of December, students took their second iReady diagnostic assessments in Math and ELA classes. The diagnostic allows us to see where students are in their skills and sets a growth score for students to reach by the end of the year. Typically in math this is to increase from 9 to 12 points.

All students were able to see their results and have been conferenced with to set goals for the the End of Year diagnostic which will take place in March. Please ask your student how they did!

The students have been working hard and it is reflected in the results and all the growth we have seen. Congrats to all who have already reached their growth goal for the year!

Math iReady Diagnostic #2 Results

ELA iReady Diagnostic #2 Results

Curriculum Updates

What is happening in Math Class?

Students have been working in their 3rd Math Module of the year. In this Module, students build on the 7th grade work they completed involving proportional relationships. Students will compare two proportional relationships represented in different forms (tables, graphs, and equations) using comparison statements. Students will analyze real-world scenarios and even create problems that are relevant to their own lives.

They are now making connections from their work in 7th grade with new concepts from 8th grade to explore properties of different types of relationships they see. Students will be analyzing linear relationship represented in tables, graphs, and equations and comparing and contrasting these properties with proportional relationships. They will also begin to informally explore nonlinear relationships towards the end of this unit.

Linear relationships as a TABLE

In a table that is linear, there will be a constant rate.

Ex. As the Hours increase by 1, the distance increases by 50 miles.

Linear relationships as an EQUATION

A linear relationship will always be in the form of y=mx+b where m is the rate and b is the y-intercept.

Linear relationships as a GRAPH

A linear relationship will always be a straight line on a graph.

What is happening in Social Studies Class?

This month, students will delve deeper into the causes and effects of the American Revolution, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the events that shaped the birth of the United States. Currently, we are examining the Intolerable Acts, a series of punitive measures that fueled colonial resistance, and the Declaration of Independence, the powerful document that formally expressed the colonies' desire for freedom. As we progress, students will analyze the first government of the United States under the Articles of Confederation, exploring its strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we will transition to studying the United States Constitution, the enduring framework that replaced the Articles and continues to guide the nation today. Through this journey, students will connect historical events to the founding principles of American democracy.

What is happening in ELA Class?

Our ELA classes completed our study of Latin American Realism through the reading of Summer of the Mariposas by Guadelupe Garcia McCall. Our final project was the publishing of a website featuring the Latin American monster they chose to write a narrative and informational essay about. The websites are quite impressive and showcase not only their individual writings from the term, but also a multimedia page that includes images, links, and videos relating to Latin American folklore. We also spent the last day playing Loteria, which is a traditional Mexican board game, similar to bingo, that is a feature of McCall’s book chapters.

After winter break, we will dive into the nonfiction text entitled The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Throughout this module we will learn about where food comes from and navigate various claims in order to make informed decisions about food choices. Throughout this unit students will identify and demonstrate an understanding of the author’s purpose, point of view, analyze text structure, and evaluate opposing arguments. Our nightly reading will increase as will the level of academic writing. The assignments will include an expository and an argumentative essay that will involve independent research. In addition, the production of an infographic and an oral presentation based on their readings throughout the module will be assigned at the end of the unit. Everyday we are focused on comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking, and academic writing skills.

What's happening in Science class?

In science, we are wrapping up our chemical reactions unit and are gearing up to learn chemical reactions. This month, students have tested the properties of different liquids and gases. We learned that all gases have density, and some may increase a flame while others will extinguish it. In metabolic reactions, students will learn about how our bodies work and how they use energy.

Upcoming Events

Please see the School calendar for other important dates and events!

Fri., December 20th: Winter Vacation Begins at the Close of Day
Thurs., January 2nd: Schools Re-Open
Wed., January 8th: Early Release: Dismissal at 12:50pm
Mon., January 20th: NO SCHOOL: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

High School Corner

High School Fair: Wednesday February 5th 2025

On the Early release Day that will take place on Wednesday, February 5th, there will be a high school fair.

The 8th Grade students will get to tour the fair during the school day and parents are invited to attend the fair after school ends for the day from 1-2:00 pm.

A variety of public, public charter, and private schools will be there along with resources to help students succeed in high school and beyond.

A flyer will be sent out after the holiday break.

Future LHS Freshmen: Registering for classes

In late January, the Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Luongo will be assisting students with registering for 9th grade classes at Lowell High School. This is done here at the Butler Middle School during the school day. All 8th grade students sign up for classes at LHS even if they ultimately choose to attend 9th grade at another high school.

Greater Lowell Tech Open House

Students visited the Greater Lowell Tech on Friday October 25th. Students were able to hear information about the school as well as visit some of the shops they have to offer.

If your student is interested in attending Greater Lowell Tech and has not applied yet, you can find the application at this link: https://www.gltech.org/domain/41

Applications are due February 1, 2023, in order to be considered for initial acceptance.

There will also be an Open House for all families of incoming 8th graders on Thursday December 12th from 6:00 - 8:00pm.

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8th Grade Open House Flyer 2024 English.pdf

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Lowell High School Open House

The Lowell High Open House was held on November 19, 2024.

If you were unable to attend, below is information that was shared.

Grade 8 Lowell High School Open House Video

Grade 8 Lowell High School Open House Presentation

Lowell Latin Lyceum

The Lowell Latin Lyceum is an academically challenging, four-year, college preparatory program within Lowell High School. Students gain admission through an entrance exam, teacher recommendation, entrance application and essay, and their academic transcripts. The Latin Lyceum challenges students in an intellectually stimulating environment that emphasizes instruction through traditional models of a humanistic education, whether directed toward the liberal arts, mathematics, science, or the fine arts. All courses in the Lyceum are offered at the Honors, High Honors or Advanced Placement level,

Applications for the lyceum can be found here: https://forms.gle/qewD1s9s4LXP7Akr6

Application forms and teacher recommendations must be submitted by December 15, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. Students will also have to take an admissions test that will take place sometime in December.

Notes From the Social Workers

SEL presentation for students on January 15th

Just a heads up that Dr. Mykee Fowlin will be here on Wednesday January 15th for an assembly with 7th/8th graders doing an SEL presentation. We have hosted Dr. Fowlin before and the student have enjoyed his meaningful presentation/show. We ask that guardians check in with their student following this presentation since it can bring up a lot of emotions and feelings.