It has been a pleasure to get to know your students over the past quarter. Now that we have had the experience of the 1st quarter, we anticipate students are now acclimated to in person school.

We would really like to continue to encourage the use of the parent app for Canvas this year. This is a way for you to stay up to date with assignments and due dates, as well as help you and your student stay on the same page with regard to school.

If you run into problems doing this, let one of us know, This is no way required, we just thought that we would pass along the information on how to stay caught up with student work through canvas. Below are the instructions for the parent app. Please email us if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year.

From Cascade Team Teachers,

Chantal Davis, Christine Duprow, Courtney Moonan (Rentschler) and Lindsay Weingartner

Davis: Language Arts- We are moving into Unit 2 where we are looking at the challenge of utopias. We will be reading The Giver By: Lois Lowery and writing a compare and contrast essay.

Moonan: Math- We are finishing Unit 2 this week! Next week, we will begin learning Linear Equations. This will be important for students to master, since this will be skills they will use frequently in Algebra next year. The more they can learn now the more prepared they will be for the future.

Weingartner: Science- We have ended our Chemistry unit and begun Astronomy. We’ll be studying all that the dark skies of winter can teach us - constellations, planets, auroras, eclipses, and more!

Duprow: Social Studies- Students continued to march through history moving toward the establishment of the 13 Colonies in North America. Students’ are becoming experts at analyzing primary sources and determining their credibility. Eventually we will be moving toward the establishment of the United States.

Language Arts (Franklin):

Quarter two has started off strong by diving into myths and folklore. Students are analyzing how a character’s motivation and behavior influence the events of a story. We will compare and contrast character traits across multiple myths. After myths and folklore, we will move into informational texts. We will synthesize various informational texts with a variety of points of view in order to write an argumentative piece of writing.

Math (Wainwright):

This month in math we are finishing up unit 1 and are taking a unit 1 test. This test will be scored in quarter 2. Next, we will begin unit 2 in our iReady workbooks, which discusses adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers. I am excited to see students conceptually understand negative numbers!

Science (Dykstra):

We have just finished our study of the six kingdoms and taxonomy. We are now studying cells; the students have been working on a booklet of bacteria, plant and animal cell diagrams. Over the next couple weeks we will complete a cell analogy poster and be using microscopes to observe plant and animal cells. In addition, we are continuing coding on Code.org.

Social Studies (Whitesell):

Students have been practicing their map skills by defining the types of maps, answering questions about each map type, and playing online games for the highest score/time of recognizing all 50 states. We will be using the five themes of geography as we investigate, explore, and learn about countries of the world. Quarter two kicks off with North and South America. Students will be creating an Alaskan map and displaying family cultures in the classroom. I encourage you to ask your child what they plan to share about their culture in class!

ELL Newcomers Academy (Chico)

NC SS - We are finishing up the 5 Themes of Geography lessons and will work on Alaska as practice for the final big project of 5 Themes of Geography of our home country on Google website, as the conclusion of our Geography unit this semester.

NC ELA - We had been working on 5 language domain strategies and routines using the first unit of INSIDE C to enhance our skills and English language acquisition. We will be focusing on the SIPPS curriculum from now until the end of this semester.

NC Math - We are finishing Solve Problems Involving Scale on iReady Mathematics. We will then work on Unit Rates Involving Ratios and Fractions next. Please encourage your student to work on his/her iReady Math in Clever for everyday Math practice at home.

NC Science - We are finishing our Ecosystems unit this semester and getting ready for the final project that correlates with our Geography project in Social Studies. Students will add a page to include the Biomes in their home country’s Geography project.

SOCIAL STUDIES

In my class, November brings NORTH AMERICA front and center! We will cover the geography of North America for the remainder of the quarter. Special emphasis will be placed on LEARNING ALL 50 STATES! US Geography will include learning all of the major land and water features of our great country! We will dig into the US economy and find out what is happening today concerning our country’s money situation. We will talk about our country’s PEOPLE and discuss what makes us a SPECIAL NATION on earth.

PARENTS! Please join us on CANVAS as a Canvas Parent. You can then follow my class more closely and know what assignments are due - as well as tests! - MISTER PETRASH

LANGUAGE ARTS

It's getting colder, and the year sure is moving along! In November, we will continue practicing proper grammar, as well as work on the Writing Process for the genre of personal narrative by prewriting an incident, a response, and a reflection, then drafting that narrative, then revising and editing that draft, and finally publishing our final drafts. We will also look at some short stories and poetry. Happy Fall! - Mrs. Noel Lake

MATH

Hello Math Students and Families!

If you did not get a chance to make it to parent teacher conferences, feel free to email myself with questions or concerns! Grades were submitted at the end of the quarter, and you might notice that this starts with fresh grades! We have a new quarter, and that brings lots of new material. Finally, if you did not hear- I am expecting to be out of the classroom for paternity leave starting in mid-November! - Cody Priest

The Wolverine Peak team invites families to join us in Canvas through as a Parent Observer where you can see and monitor your student's coursework, progress, and receive announcements. Please note, there is a delay in the sync between Canvas and Q. We recommend keeping track of both as much as possible. The school bases student grades on the information in Q.

Mr. Gumlickpuk, Math

In Mr. Gumlickpuk’s Math 8 class, students had started Unit 3. In Unit 3, we will learn about linear relationships including slope, linear equations, and systems of equations. In addition, in Unit 4 we will explore more about functions with linear and nonlinear relationships. Most of these will cover the rest of Quarter 2.

In Algebra class, we will work on statistics, solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponential functions, and sequences for the majority of Quarter 2. In addition, we will also have a semester final that will cover what we learned in Quarter 1 and Quarter 2.

Everyday we cover new ideas that build upon previous lessons. Because math builds upon itself it is crucial to check Canvas daily and to actively participate.

All assignments, including tests, can be redone for full credit. Feel free to contact me by email with any questions and I’ll get back to you as soon possible

Ms. Black, Language Arts

Students finished their Hero’s Journey presentations and are beginning to write individual definitions of heroism. Next, we will move onto our study of the Challenge of Utopia around mid-quarter. Students are encouraged to continue to check Canvas for missing assignments and opportunities to revise.

Mr Mittelstadt, Science

We are wrapping up our 2nd chapter on Chemical Bonding with several more labs to explore the world of chemistry bonding. We should be moving into Astronomy after the first week in November ends.

Ms. Gregovich, Social Studies

Students have learned about the Columbian Exchange and the early American colonies (Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth). We are now analyzing art depicting the “Pilgrims and Indians”, and will soon begin learning about the original thirteen colonies of the United States, and creating charts and graphs about statistics of family migration at Hanshew. If your student hasn’t asked you about your family migration to Anchorage and/or America yet, please ask them about this assignment!

We’ve been covering a lot of material in our classes and students have been working really hard! We’re so proud of you! We also understand there have been a variety of obstacles for students to get connected and learn how to use a lot of the online features on Canvas and other platforms.

Mr. Dyer

In Social Studies classes, 7th grade students are learning about Alaska’s 5 regions. In 8th grade Social Studies, we are learning about the first English colonies.

Ms. Knight

In Strategies for Success class, we’re currently working on learning how to set goals and creating action plans to achieve them. We will be moving into our unit on organization next week. In Drama classes, we’re currently working on our second monologue. Students will be performing them in class next week, and then we will be moving onto scenes with two or three people after that. In Language Arts 8 class, students are finishing up with Embedded Assessment 1, which is where students create their own Hero’s Journey narrative and present it to the class. We will shift our focus towards real-life heroes next week.

Mr. McKenzie

In Geometry class we are starting a unit on proof and congruent triangles. In 8th grade math, we are beginning a unit on linear equations and graphing. In 7th grade math, we are working on a unit about positive and negative numbers.

Mr. Denney

Language Arts classes are continuing the first units in the Springboard Curriculum. In Adv. Language Arts 8 class, students are finishing up Embedded Assessment 1 by sharing in class the Hero’s story that they created . We will shift our focus towards real-life heroes and the writing of a definition essay next week. Language Arts 7 students are finishing embedded assessment 1 by writing personal narratives about a time that they made an impactful choice. For the second half of Unit 1, Pairs of students will collaborate to create an illustrated myth that explains a belief, custom, or natural phenomenon.

Drama class is starting to learn about the stage, stage directions, and scripts as we begin drafting short plays. This first round will have small groups of students work together to write and perform a one act play, while learning about the steps of the process. Next each student will create, direct, and produce their own original one act play.

Mr. Oliver

In 7th grade Science classes, we are finishing up our studies on the kingdoms of life. Soon, we will begin exploring cell structure and function under the microscope. In 8th grade Science classes, we are finishing up our studies of chemistry with labs and activities about chemical reactions and bonds. Soon, we will begin studying geological changes and earth science.

8th grade Advanced Science class is are finishing up our studies of chemistry with labs and activities about chemical reactions and bonds. After we learn how to balance chemical equations, we will begin studying geological changes and earth science.

Ms. Lurtsema

In 7th and 8th grade Math Resources classes, the students did the iReady diagnostic test and after test completion, worked on iReady Math lessons. In 7th Grade Math Resource, we’re using TransMath to learn about place value. In 8th Grade Math Resource, we’re using TransMath to learn about fractions using number lines.

Below we’ll be sharing a few basics about the Hanshew gym and gym class routine that we thought families will want to know in order to help their students excel in their PE classes this semester.

Gym Lockers- Hanshew PE students will each be assigned a gym locker where they will store the gym clothing and gear they will need for class. It will be that student’s responsibility to lock their gear up each day and to keep track of their lock.

Gym Clothing and “Dressing Out”- All students are required to dress out in their approved gym clothing each day for class. Students will be given time in the gym locker rooms before and after class to change.

Approved gym clothing for students will consist of their official Hanshew T-shirt (for purchase for $8), some form of athletic pants or shorts (not jeans), and a pair of clean non-marking athletic shoes.

If students forget their gym clothing at home, they will have the option of borrowing gear for the day and will still receive full points for that class period. However, it is that student’s responsibility to ask a teacher before class attendance is taken.

Hanshew T-Shirts- The required Hanshew T-shirts must be worn every day for gym class and are available for purchase for $8. They may be purchased at school by students from the main office (cash or check) or online via credit card.

Note: We do have some extra Hanshew shirts that will be available free of charge to those families suffering from financial hardships. Other necessary gym gear may be available via request.

Mask Mandates in the Gym- The ASD mask mandate requires every student, staff member, and visitor to wear a mask while indoors. This will apply to the gym and gym locker rooms as well. However, when students are outdoors for class, mask use will be optional and will be a personal choice for each student individually.

Students Absences and makeup- If a student is absent from class for any reason, it is that student’s responsible to complete a PE make up form and turn it in to their P.E. teacher in order to receive full points for that day. PE makeup forms can be found in the gym or online. The forms will consist of 20 minutes of physical activity outside of P.E. class which may include practice for an outside team or club.

Medical No-Participation Days: If an injury or illness will keep a student form being able to participate in gym class, a parent/guardian note will be required in order for that student to be excused. If a student cannot participate in class due to an illness or injury lasting more than 3 days in a row, a doctor’s note will be required.

Note: If a doctor’s medical diagnoses will keep a student from participating for over 4 weeks, we will look at getting that student moved into another elective for that semester.

"In fine arts, both in those who cultivate and those only who admire them, open and expand the mind to great ideas. They inspire liberal feelings, create a harmony of temper, favorable to a sense of justice and a habit of moderation in our social intercourse."

The fine arts provide learners with the benefits of motivation, self-esteem, problem solving, awareness, creativity, an emotional outlet, cultural and social exposure and appreciation, and diversity in our surroundings.

Please join us for the Hanshew & Service Jazz Band concert at Service High School on Thursday, November 4th at 7pm.

November 1st is Day of the Dead, a special day in the Hispanic culture to honor people who are dead. In Mexico, Día de los Muertos is celebrated with festivals and lively celebrations, and is a typically Latin American custom that combines indigenous Aztec ritual with Catholicism, imposed on the region by Spanish conquerors (Día de los Muertos is celebrated on All Saints Day and All Souls Day, minor holidays in the Catholic calendar).

Día de los Muertos recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience, a continuum with birth, childhood, and growing up to become a contributing member of the community. On Día de los Muertos, the dead are also a part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones.

In Mr. Bushey's Computer Technology course we are wrapping up

our Cyber Security module and will soon be moving onto various multimedia projects along with looking at various careers that correspond with what we are currently learning.

In Mr. Bushey's PLTW: Innovators & Makers, we have finished

looking at various Input devices, such as pressure sensors, flex sensors, temperature sensors, and accelerometers. We are beginning our exploration into output devices which includes simple motors and gears.

Students in Mr. Korniczky’s 8th grade Applied Technology (AT) classes have been working on their first STEM project called the Tower Challenge. The objective is to build a Tower out of coffee stir sticks following criteria and constraints. The final outcome of the tower is to support the most weight and it also must be the most efficiently built. After building the tower, students will calculate the efficiency (which means using the least amount of material while supporting the maximum weight possible). Then, the results will be charted utilizing data of the entire class.

In 7th grade AT class, the students' STEM project is creating Air Skimmers. The objective is to build a rubber band powered vehicle that is shot along the ground with the goal of the farthest distance. Mr. Korniczky said his students' all-time record is 103 feet 9 inches. Presently, students are accomplishing a distance of 57 feet on a tiled floor and that is very good! Students will experiment after understanding some science concepts related to Newton’s Laws of Motion and understanding of how inertia affects the skimmers. Students were also given the opportunity to show their artistic skills by designing their skimmers and later, classes voted on the best designs.

Link to photos: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x-bR_BwjyTOsjUcOpZm17cpzwbe7jEgffDm4gJ-e1wY/view