ELA/Reading
6th grade: In May, our 6th grade students will concentrate on exploring the essential question: How do you know what to do when there are no instructions? They will examine how figurative language shapes tone and meaning in texts. Based on our PM2 data, we will also address other standards that need extra practice. This approach aims to enhance their readiness for the FAST-Reading Assessment and improve their overall reading abilities. Test-Taking Strategy: Students are logging into the FAST practice portal to get practice on questions similar to those they will see on the FAST test. They are practicing annotating the text, analyzing the questions, and going back to the text for answers.
7th grade: Throughout May, our 7th grade curriculum will focus on the essential question: How can one event change everything? Students will work on comparing multiple central ideas and their development within a text. Additionally, we will provide targeted practice on other standards identified through our PM2 data. This comprehensive plan is designed to prepare students for the FAST-Reading Assessment and enhance their reading proficiency. We are using district-provided boot camp resources to strengthen our students' test-taking skills and stamina as we prepare them for their test in May. Students are practicing annotating the text, analyzing the questions, and going back to the text for answers.
8th grade: In May, our 8th grade students will engage with the essential question: What makes you, you? Students will focus on tracking the development of arguments, analyzing the reasoning used, assessing its effectiveness, and suggesting improvements. Based on our PM2 data, we will also offer additional practice on other standards that require attention. This multifaceted approach aims to ready students for the FAST Reading Assessment and foster stronger reading skills. Students are practicing annotating the text, analyzing the questions, and going back to the text for answers. They are re-reading the text multiple times. We encourage students to focus on passage text questions and practice writing their answers on their planning sheets before committing to an answer on the computer, as this is an adaptive test.
SCIENCE
Our 6th-grade student astronomers have been busy exploring the wonders of space! They've discovered how the Sun's immense gravitational pull keeps Earth in orbit, and how its tilt on its axis gives us our amazing seasons. They've also learned how our Moon's gravity creates the tides in our oceans, and how its changing position relative to the Earth and Sun results in the beautiful phases of the Moon and even eclipses. As we wrap up our exciting astronomy unit and prepare for the end-of-year exam, we'll be transitioning to state-required health lessons. Keep an eye out for an opt-out form coming home if you'd prefer your student not to participate in the Human Growth & Development lessons.
Hi 7th-grade parents! Get ready because our science curriculum is about to explore the amazing world of living systems! Soon, our students will be diving deep into the fascinating realm of biology. They'll be constructing models of the carbon cycle to understand how matter and energy will continuously move through organisms and their environment. We'll also investigate the vital processes of photosynthesis, exploring how plants will use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to create food and release oxygen, and cellular respiration, examining how organisms will break down food for energy, releasing carbon dioxide. Students will even be citing evidence that will demonstrate how living things follow the fundamental Laws of Conservation of Mass and Energy. As we wrap up our current studies, we'll be transitioning to state-required health lessons. Please keep an eye out for an opt-out form coming home if you choose not to have your student participate in the Human Growth & Development lessons.
Hello 8th-grade parents! Our students and teachers have been working diligently to prepare for the upcoming state science assessment, which will take place on May 13th. This important test will cover the comprehensive science curriculum from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, so we appreciate your continued support in reinforcing their learning. As we approach the end of the school year, we will be transitioning to state-required health lessons. Please keep an eye out for an opt-out form coming home if you choose not to have your student participate in the Human Growth & Development lessons.
