Our 6th Grade English Language Arts Scholars have been very busy reading and analyzing Informational Text & Short Stories. We have been focusing on identifying common themes and writing about these themes. While analyzing short stories, the 6th graders have been focusing on close reading skills, character development, identifying parts of the plot, and connecting the literature to real world experiences. The 6th graders have also been working hard on making sure to "cite evidence" when responding to constructed response questions. The 6th graders love bringing debate into the classroom when we have Socratic Seminars!

Our 6th Graders have been so excited to be able to infuse coding into our ELA classroom. The students collaborated in teams to build storyboards with coding on scratch when retelling the events of the plot within the short stories we have been reading in class. Excellent Work, 6th Grade Wildcats!

To commemorate Veterans Day this year, Ms. Bayeux's Grade 8 Honors English students created informational slides to share with students, faculty, and staff. On Monday, 11/11/24, the slides were live for all to enjoy during Period 1. The slides honored the contributions of veterans by providing background information about Veterans Day. Students in this class also created posters and poetry as a gift of gratitude for our local East Rutherford VFW post to thank members for their service. Thank you to all veterans who have served our country! Happy Veterans Day!

Mrs. Yang's 8th grade science class completed the Tragedy of the Commons Virtual Lab. To learn about human impact on the environment, the class researched the natural resources of several countries, analyzed how access to these resources has affected each country's economy, imports, and exports, and created a global natural resource log to calculate total revenue and income for each country.

A sustainable world is not static, as technological advances and human civilizations continue to evolve and grow. However, our current world is unsustainable because developed countries are using resources faster than they can be replaced. Through the virtual lab, the students learned to prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains.

Our class recently had an exciting community-based instruction (CBI) trip to the Candlewyck Diner, providing students with hands-on experience in life skills within a real-world setting. Each student practiced ordering from a menu, interacting with servers, and managing money. They also worked on polite communication, waiting patiently, and making thoughtful choices about what to eat.

After enjoying their meals, students collaborated with staff to organize payment. This outing boosted their confidence in navigating public spaces and reinforced practical skills they can apply in everyday life.

On November 6th, all 6th-8th grade students and faculty sat for an engaging and powerful presentation titled, "Don't Get Vaped In: Rising Over the Vapor". This assembly was led by the Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources in Bergen County. With a high level of crowd participation, students were informed about the dangers of vaping, targeted advertising and strategies to overcome the peer pressure to vape!

Social Media is a topic that comes up in school every single day and we know it is a topic in your home, as well. Social Media seems like it is here to stay, so why not educate our students about it? We have teamed up with Bergen's Promise for a 6th-8th grade assembly titled, "Straight Talk About Social Media". This program will discuss signs of Cyberbullying and how to confront/report it. Students will identify oversharing behaviors and ways to improve privacy settings online. Faust students will also identify and describe the risks of popular social media challenges. We are greatly looking forward to this informative student assembly. Knowledge is power!

We ran our annual Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Food Drive during the week of 11.18.24 with the goal of gathering 350 lbs of canned goods to be donated to the Community Food Bank of NJ. Last year, Faust School was able to donate 300 pounds and we could not have been prouder! We would like to thank all of the Faust families who were generous enough to donate canned goods and other food items because we deeply believe that all families should not have to worry about food security during Thanksgiving or any other day!

Student Council Elections took place this month! The two elected seats were for Vice President and President. Three brave students courageously ran for Vice President and the student body voted in Josephine! Another three brave students courageously ran for President and the student body voted in Zeyki! Ms. Muse and Mr. Colavito, the Student Council advisors, are so very proud of all six students and look forward to an amazing year of Student Council!

Dear Families,

This marking period, students in grades 6–8 have been diving into Spanish in innovative and engaging ways, using digital tools like Formative, Edpuzzle, and Pear Deck to make learning interactive and fun.

Our 6th graders embarked on an exciting journey through the book Brandon Brown Dice la Verdad, a relatable story about a young character navigating a tricky situation with his cell phone. This engaging narrative introduced students to new vocabulary while sparking discussions about cyber-technology. Through the CyberCafe unit, students explored Spanish texting abbreviations and reflected on how technology shapes communication. Currently, they are enriching their language skills by learning about the diverse celebrations of Spanish-speaking cultures, gaining meaningful cultural insights along the way.

In 7th grade, students enthusiastically celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. They explored the distinction between the terms Hispanic and Latino and researched inspiring individuals who have significantly contributed to American society. From athletes to musicians, and astronauts to artists, students delved into the achievements of Hispanic Americans. By utilizing technology for research and presentations, they honed their language skills while also developing critical thinking and presentation abilities.

8th graders took their Spanish skills global with a virtual journey! Using the preterite tense to talk about past actions, they completed an interactive WebQuest that allowed them to "visit" countries and resorts while learning vocabulary for summer activities like camping, beach trips, amusement parks, and travel. Discussions about family dynamics and home descriptions have also brought language learning into personal and authentic contexts, deepening their connections to the material.

Throughout these 10 weeks, students have accomplished far more than learning vocabulary and grammar. They’ve built bridges between cultures, developed global perspectives, and discovered the joy of communication. Language learning is a journey of discovery, and we’re immensely proud of how our students are embracing it with enthusiasm and curiosity.

¡Seguimos aprendiendo! (We continue learning!)

After completing their work with rational numbers, our 7th-grade Math and Pre-Algebra students have been delving into proportional relationships. They are learning to identify equivalent rates and determine whether two quantities are proportional.

Through hands-on activities, students are practicing how to find the unit rate in various forms, including tables, equations, graphs, and verbal descriptions. They are developing their proportional reasoning skills, analyzing relationships between quantities, and applying this understanding to solve real-world problems.

Keep up the great work, everyone!

During the first marking period, our ML students worked diligently to build a strong foundation in language skills. Our focus was on expanding vocabulary, improving grammar, and practicing conversational English through engaging group discussions and interactive activities. To strengthen reading skills, we explored phonics, word recognition, and comprehension strategies, empowering students to approach texts with greater confidence.

As part of our study of the science of sounds, students learned about pronunciation, syllable patterns, and the rhythm of English speech. These lessons significantly enhanced their listening and speaking abilities.

In addition to language development, we prioritized fostering a supportive classroom and school community. Students participated in collaborative projects and shared cultural experiences, which helped cultivate a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

This blend of language practice, community building, and skill development has laid a solid foundation for continued growth in the months ahead. We are excited to keep working on students’ language development and look forward to celebrating the upcoming holiday season together.

Our Physical Education students have hit the ground running this year with a variety of engaging and challenging cooperative activities designed to test their teamwork, sportsmanship, and communication skills. Through the use of scooters, ropes, poly spots, and more, students were able to enhance their problem-solving abilities in a fun and active environment.

As students transitioned from cooperative activities to the ever-popular volleyball unit, they carried forward the teamwork and problem-solving skills they had developed earlier. Using various stations, students worked on refining specific volleyball techniques, with an emphasis not only on individual skill development but also on collaborating to support one another’s progress.

Each day, sportsmanship, positive peer interactions, and supportive actions have been a key focus, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment in both the gymnasium and the health classroom. The 8th grade students are eagerly preparing for their culminating activity—the annual 8th Grade vs. Teachers volleyball game, where they’ll put their practice into action. The teachers are ready for the challenge, and it promises to be a fun and spirited event!

In Mrs. Lahullier's 1st Marking Period Financial Literacy class, students have gained invaluable skills that will serve them well as they prepare for adulthood. Throughout the marking period, they have learned the fundamentals of money management, including how to create a budget, save for emergencies, and plan for big financial goals like paying for college.

By exploring topics such as tracking income and expenses, understanding the importance of credit, and developing smart saving habits, students are gaining the confidence and knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions. They’ve also learned how to distinguish between needs and wants, which is crucial for setting priorities and avoiding unnecessary debt.

In addition to these practical skills, the class has emphasized the importance of financial goals, whether it’s building an emergency fund, saving for a future purchase, or planning for long-term financial security. Students are now one step closer to becoming financially independent adults who can enjoy the rewards of smart financial planning—whether it’s having money for fun and entertainment, making a major purchase, or preparing for future educational or career expenses.

Greetings from Room 211! I’m thrilled to share updates from our bustling halls, where students in grades 6–8 are immersing themselves in the vibrant world of dance. From exploring new movements to uncovering the rich history of dance and mastering the art of choreography, our young dancers are embracing creativity and self-expression.

In class, students are diving into various styles, from the expressive twirls of contemporary dance to the rhythmic footwork of jazz, discovering the joy and discipline that dance brings. To deepen their understanding, they are exploring the evolution of dance through history, uncovering cultural influences that have shaped this timeless and ever-evolving art form.

Creativity takes center stage as students embark on the exciting journey of choreography. They are learning to craft their own routines, thoughtfully selecting movements and arranging them into cohesive and visually stunning performances. The classroom buzzes with energy as budding choreographers collaborate, express themselves, and bring their visions to life.

I am incredibly proud of the progress our Cycle 1 students have made and look forward to witnessing their continued growth and success in the years to come!

In Theatre class during this marking period, our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders learned about the origins of theater. 7th graders created masks inspired by Greek theater, while 6th and 8th graders developed mini-scenes based on the Greek Chorus and themes of Greek drama. 6th and 8th grades also explored different types of performance stages, learned about stage directions, and studied various theater roles. They even designed costumes for a film of their choice!

Meanwhile, 7th graders focused on the winter cycle performance, presenting an amazing show for the Lincoln students. The Drama Club has been hard at work writing the Winter Concert script, which is now in its final stages. Roles have been cast, and we are fully immersed in rehearsals and design as the performance day approaches.

It’s hard to believe this cycle has already come to an end—how time flies!

In the upcoming weeks, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will be informed of their acceptance into "The National Junior Honor Society of Faust Middle School". Earning acceptance into this organization is extremely prestigious and honorable. In order to earn acceptance into this organization, the 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Students will be scored using the following criteria: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character, and Citizenship. Stay tuned for more updates!

Furthermore, NJHS will be hosting Spirit Weeks throughout the year and our Holiday Boxes of Kindness Food Drive during the month of December!

We are also extremely proud of our current 8th grade members who have been delivering the monthly report on the wonderful things happening in our school district to our Board of Education members.

Our 7th-grade Creative Writing class, students embarked on an exciting journey of self-reflection and imagination. They wrote letters to their future selves, imagining what their lives might look like years from now. These letters were filled with hopes, dreams, and advice, offering a glimpse into each student’s vision of their future. It was an inspiring exercise, helping students think about where they want to go in life and the person they hope to become.

We also explored different perspectives on success. Some students saw success as achieving big goals, like becoming a famous scientist or athlete. Others viewed success as being happy and healthy, or making a difference in their communities. It was amazing to hear how each student defines success in their own way.

By writing to their future selves and reflecting on success, students are learning that there are many paths to happiness and fulfillment.

Band members from Faust School recently wrapped up a busy and successful fall season performing alongside the Becton Wildcat Marching Band at Varsity Football games. Their dedication and hard work were on display as they participated in six Marching Band Competitions and performed at various community events. Congratulations to all on a fantastic season!

Now, the Faust School Concert Band is gearing up for its annual Winter Concert, scheduled for the evening of Monday, December 9th, at the Becton High School Performing Arts Center.

The students are excited to share their talents and bring the holiday spirit to everyone who attends. We hope to see you there!

It is hard to believe we are already in the third month of the school year!

Students have been doing an outstanding job this marking period. The 6th graders have excelled in learning to read and write notes on the grand staff. The 7th graders have been busy preparing for their cycle show performance. The 8th graders impressed everyone by using a current event as inspiration to create a soundtrack on SoundTrap.

A special shout-out to the Faust Band and Choir, who are working hard in preparation for our Winter Concert on December 9th!

Sixth-grade Social Studies students recently completed a creative and educational project that brought two major events of the American Revolution to life. Focusing on the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, students created Cause and Effect Posters to better understand how these pivotal moments shaped colonial resistance to British rule.

The project required students to explore the key events leading up to either the Boston Massacre or the Boston Tea Party, as well as the consequences each event had on the colonies. Working in partners or independently, students researched their topics and then designed colorful posters that highlighted the causes, the event itself, and its lasting effects on the colonies.

The project helped students develop important skills in research, collaboration, and critical thinking while deepening their understanding of the historical roots of the American Revolution. As students move forward in their study of American history, the Cause and Effect Poster Project has provided a solid foundation for understanding the events that sparked the nation’s fight for independence.

This marking period, 7th-grade Social Studies students explored the concept of Manifest Destiny and its impact on American history. They examined how this belief in westward expansion shaped the nation's growth, influenced policies, and affected various groups, including Native Americans. Through engaging discussions, maps, and primary source analysis, students gained a deeper understanding of how Manifest Destiny played a pivotal role in shaping the United States.