This week, students will continue to work on their Parts of Speech poster as a way to practice and learn more about each part of speech. The 40 point poster is due on Friday; students will also have a Parts of Speech Quiz on Friday to wrap up this unit.
-After wrapping up our MAP test last week we will move back into the Big Ideas math curriculum. We are reaching the end of Chapter 1, learning about finding the Least Common Multiple. Students will then be provided with links with practice sites and videos that cover all the topics in Chapter 1 to help prepare for our test. On Friday students will take a Skills Check on the computer that will run them through all the skills they will be tested on (exponents, order of operations, greatest common factor, least common multiple). We will test on Monday, September 28th.
-We wrapped up MAP testing last week, so we will be jumping back into Chapter 2 with dividing fractions. By week's end we will have practiced dividing both fractions and mixed numbers.
We have been working on reading different types of maps, using latitude and longitude, and identifying places around the United States in a map scavenger hunt. Next week, we will be learn about timelines and do a short personal timeline project.
These next two weeks we will be exploring what makes an experiment valid. We will use the scientific method to solve problems during our labs and identify the different parts of an experiment.
We will be completing a 2-week exploration of life in Ancient Sumer. Students have worked through stations that help them understand the daily lives of those in the Sumer city-states. We will then take a look at The Code of Hammurabi, compare it to today's laws, and discuss if we think his laws were just. The unit will end with students getting to play the oldest board game in the world, The Royal Game of Ur. which dates back to 2600 B.C.E.
We have finished our unit on understanding the difference between the subject and the predicate of a sentence and have moved on to understanding the difference between an independent and a dependent clause. Then, students will be using these two clauses to build three different types of sentences: simple, compound, and complex. Students can be playing Blookets on Parts of Speech, Clauses, and Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences (all posted in Google Classroom).
We will be starting our first math unit on numerical expressions and factors. Students will be identifying the greatest common factor and least common multiple as well as expressions and order of operations. They will be engaging in focused notes, practice problems and khan academy (online practice).
We are starting off with Unit 1 on the Scientific Method. Students will be learning the steps to the scientific method, how to make a hypothesis and collect data. There will be several hands on lab experiences and many opportunities to review the scientific method. Students will have skeleton notes they will fill in and they will want to hold onto these notes for the whole unit!
Next week, we will be finishing our unit on safe passwords and taking the "Strong Password" Assessment followed with an online activity keeping Breaker the Robot from cracking passwords. We will start our unit on Chatting Safely Online and discuss what information is ok to share and what is not. P.E. is Tuesday and Thursday.
Weekly PE Update
This week, students began our Softball unit. We worked on throwing, catching, pitching, and batting. Students will be assessed on their ability to throw/catch using the criteria we practiced. Throwing cues: throwing elbow up, point and aim with non-throwing arm, step with foot opposite of throwing arm (glove side), follow through. Catching cues: face the target, give a target of where you want the ball, squeeze the ball with the glove upon catching, use off hand if needed to secure the catch.
The weather is changing; we go outside until it is 40 degrees. Please encourage your child to pack warm clothing; our fall units are much more fun when played outdoors.
With a new grading system, I am looking at different ways to communicate how your child is doing, so you may see this shift as the semester goes on. Currently, I am going to try to put in a daily grade of up to 20 points max. Most students will score a 19.
First PE Performance Grade
This grade focuses on class etiquette, safety, hygiene, working with peers, and participation:
20/20 (A+): Shows exemplary leadership, high engagement, and safe gameplay.
19/20 (A): Meets standard class expectations.
Lower Scores: Reflects talking during instruction, low engagement, or peer conflicts (e.g., pushing, tripping).
We assess based on these areas:
Hygiene: Dressing out daily (PE shirt, shorts/sweats/leggings, tennis shoes).
Integrity: Following game rules and expectations.
Communication: Using kind words, advocating for needs, and a positive tone.
Safety: Using equipment properly, following directions, and no horseplay.
Participation: Engaging in moderate to vigorous activity. Our goal is for every student to run a 400m lap without stopping by the end of Q1.
Students can use a 10-step rule: walk 10 steps, run as far as possible, repeat as we work on building up cardiovascular endurance. We understand there are different ability levels and healthy progressive training is encouraged.
Forgetting PE attire
Horseplay or unsafe behavior
Poor communication (yelling/rudeness)
Unsafe use of equipment
Low participation, lack of movement
Google Classroom code for students: 23sdxeu5
If you haven’t paid yet, no problem—send it when you can. We’ll check off payments as they come in.
Thank you for your support at home—your encouragement helps students build confidence, safe habits, and a love for movement!