The sixth grade students continued their exploration of positive and negative integers this week. They learned how to compare positive and negative integers with inequality symbols, and how to express things like sea level, temperature, and debt as positive or negative expressions. The students also learned how to express different amounts as being higher (positive) or lower (negative) than an average amount. Work was also done with integers being arranged in descending (greatest to least) order.

The seventh graders completed their study of solving equations this week. They now know how to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division one-step equations. As a challenge, the students were also introduced to solving multi-step equations.

The eighth grade students were introduced to a new method called the "X method" for solving quadratic equations this week. They also learned how to complete multi-step equations, including those with the distributive property and equations with expressions on both sides of the equal sign.

Sixth grade is making the Earth move, or at least studying about the Earth moving. The class has transitioned from the study of plate tectonics to the study of faults and the earthquakes that are caused by them. This section has quickly become a class favorite, and the class has more questions than there is time to answer.

The life science class is fascinated with division, particularly the division of cells and the process of meiosis. Meiosis is how cells, chromosomes, and genes are passed from organism to offspring. Seventh grade has definitely developed a strong curiosity for learning.

In eighth grade, the physical science class is busy moving into their chemistry section of the year. Having just completed cell division, they have just begun studying the properties of compounds. In their first lab on these properties, the class learned about pH and what is considered acidic or alkaline. A few tests to see what is acidic in some common items were completed to finish out the week.

The sixth-grade class continued to read and analyze the gripping novel The Night Diary. The students are learning about character development as clues about the plot continue to unfold. They are also making steady progress on their capstone projects as they complete the second draft of their biographical research papers.

The seventh graders are making final edits to their capstone research papers, and some have begun working on their digital presentations. They also continued to read and analyze their novel, Children of Blood and Bone, as the plot twists and turns toward the finale.

The eighth graders took another vocabulary test, stretching their intellect even further. Once again, the class earned impressive scores, meeting and exceeding expectations. The eighth graders have also reached the last chapter of their novel Born a Crime, and they are in for an exciting conclusion.

The sixth-grade class continued to study the history and culture of India. The new unit covers India’s oldest and most widely practiced religion, Hinduism. The students are examining the many tenets and traditions associated with Hinduism. They are also making connections with more familiar religions as they seek to understand its impact.

The seventh-grade class continued its study of medieval China, focusing on the agricultural changes that led to higher productivity and urbanization. They also explored the many inventions that had a major impact on medieval China and the wider world.

The eighth graders continued the unit entitled The Worlds of North and South, where they contrasted the economies, transportation systems, and cultures of the two regions. As a companion to their novel in ELA, they watched portions of the Long Walk to Freedom biopic. The students gained a visual understanding of apartheid-era South Africa and made connections to American reform movements.

6th Grade
6th grade continued work on their People Fair video projects in WeVideo, focusing on gathering and curating images related to their chosen topics in preparation for the editing process.

7th Grade
7th grade focused on refining the written content of their websites, with an emphasis on spelling, clarity, and organization. The process of web design is becoming a more recognizable and structured workflow for students.

During this week, 6th and 7th grade students continued learning how to use the verb "gustar" ("to like") and express "Me gusta" (I like), "No me gusta" (I don't like), and “Me encanta” (I love it). They also learned fruit names, such as: la fresa (strawberry), la manzana (apple), la piña (pineapple), el melón (melon), la pera (pear), la sandía (watermelon), las uvas (grapes), el coco (coconut), el limón (lemon), el mango (mango), la guayaba (guava), el plátano (banana). Students are able to express their likes and dislikes related to fruit vocabulary and engage in simple conversations through questions and answers.

They also practiced the use of the preposition "de" (meaning "of"). It is frequently used to connect two nouns in a way that allows the second noun to function as an adjective, describing the first. This structure allows a noun to act as an attributive noun or noun modifier, indicating a specific characteristic. For example: el jugo de naranja (orange juice), el jugo de guayaba (guava juice), el helado de fresa (strawberry ice cream).

Students spent time this week working on door decorations in preparation for Teacher Appreciation Week. They collaborated to design and create thoughtful displays that celebrate our faculty, bringing creativity and care into each project. This work not only added a sense of excitement across campus, but also gave students an opportunity to express their gratitude in a meaningful and visible way.

This week in PE, the students continued their spring sports league competition with volleyball and capture matches. The "Bleach Bums" are currently in 1st place after our first 3 rounds of games, with the "LA Cucumbers" in a close 2nd and "Puffer Fishes" not far behind in 3rd place. During movement lab, students completed their mile run and were excited to hear that they will only have one remaining timed mile this school year. It was a great week of activity in middle school!