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7th Grade @ Simon Middle School
3rd Nine Weeks
Welcome to 2023!
In this newsletter, you will find information from your teachers about what to expect each 9 weeks. We will let you know the units and topics we will cover, when important dates are upcoming, and when we have important assessments.
Please let us know if you ever have any questions or concerns. We are all on the same team, and we want to work together to make sure that everyone has a very successful and enjoyable 7th grade experience.
English Language Arts
We're already seeing great things happening in our ELA classes this year. We're reading and writing and mastering our grammar more and more each day.
We're wrapping up Unit 4, which is called, "The Terror and Wonder of Space." It asks the question, "Why is the idea of space exploration both inspiring and unnerving?" We have read argumentative texts, articles, and a fiction short story.
Unit 5 is called, "More Than a Game." It explores how sports bring together friends, families, and communities.
- Coach Craig, Ms. Taliaferro, and Ms. Daniels
Mathematics
Units of Study in the 3rd Nine Weeks:
Unit 5 - Similarity (began in 2nd nine weeks, finishes in 3rd nine weeks)
This unit focuses on similar figures, scale drawings and how to find missing sides of similar figures using proportions.
Unit 6 - Circle and Composite Figures
This unit focuses on area and circumference of circles, and their formulas that are new in 7th grade, as well as area of composite figures.
Unit 7 - Volume and Surface Area
This unit focuses on finding the volume of rectangular and triangular prisms and pyramids, as well as finding the lateral and total surface area of prisms and pyramids using the nets of the 3-dimensional figures.
Assessment Dates:
January 11 - Unit 5 Check
January 12-13 - MAP MOY Screener
February 10 - Unit 6 Check
February 13 - Math Interim
March 3 - Unit 7 Check
Homework for students is mainly assignments that are not completed in class.
Mrs. Neal will hold tutorials after school on Mondays and Tuesdays for any student who needs extra help.
- Mrs. Neal, Coach Gatzert, Ms. Daniels, & Ms. Muesse
Science
Unit 5 - Plant and Animal Adaptations. We will be applying our knowledge of organisms to investigate natural selection vs selective breeding. We will use Dichotomous Keys to identify living and non-living things.
Unit 6 - Flow of Energy. We will study energy pyramids and food charts to identify herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, producers, predators, and prey.
Science is working to enhance mathematic skills by utilizing an online program, IXL, in class 3 times a week.
- Coach Hanner and Mrs. Henderson
Texas History
Next week 2/13 - complete "cotton, cattle and railroad" unit with a test on 2/15.
We will touch on Black History Month by exploring the history of the "Buffalo Soldiers" and an exercise on "Multiculturalism" and the settlement patterns of different cultures.
We will then venture into the modernization of Texas and the age of oil.
Restroom Pass Policy
In an effort to protect the safety of our students and our building, we are issuing students a set of 10 restroom passes per month that they will be able to use when they are in their 7th grade core classes. These passes will be in their Reading Folders and will be signed or stamped by their teachers when they have been used.
We appreciate your understanding and we welcome any feedback and questions you may have.