The sixth grade students learned how to divide fractions by whole numbers this week. They remembered several important points: nothing changes in the fraction, change the division symbol to multiplication, and write the whole number as a fraction by placing the digit "1" beneath it. This new fraction needs to be written in its reciprocal (flipped) form before multiplication and any simplifying are done. The students also learned how to divide one fraction by another with an emphasis on writing the answer in lowest terms.

The seventh graders began a review of Chapter Two this week. They re-entered the world of absolute value (the distance a number is away from zero on a number line). Exercises using the four main operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) were solved after the numbers inside the absolute value symbol were changed.

The eighth grade students completed their lessons on solving and graphing linear equations with input/output tables. They moved on to solving pairs of linear equations using the substitution and elimination methods. No input/output tables in sight - only decisions about which x and y values to solve for first, followed by traditional solving of equations.

The sixth graders have been in Egypt virtually all week. While watching portions of the National Geographic documentary Engineering an Empire, students were able to track the remarkable engineering feats of the ancient Egyptians. They began with Djoser’s Step Pyramid and explored the female pharaoh Hatshepsut’s temple, ending with the Great Pyramids of Giza. Students received a rubric and instructions for their first project - the reconstruction of their own piece of ancient Egyptian architecture. Anticipation is high, and we are excited to see their creativity shine.

The seventh graders outlined the development and structure of the Roman Catholic Church. They studied the hierarchy of popes, archbishops, bishops, and priests. They also examined several sacraments, such as communion and baptism, and compared them with traditions from their own religious backgrounds. Finally, the students began studying the Bubonic Plague and how it ravaged Europe, killing nearly two-thirds of the population.

It was an exciting week in the eighth-grade class as the American Revolution continued to unfold. Students studied the trials and triumphs of the Patriots as they faced the most formidable army in the world, the British Redcoats. They learned about the smallpox outbreak at Valley Forge that nearly wiped out the Patriot forces - until inoculation techniques brought to the colonies by enslaved Africans were implemented. They also studied the contributions of a gay Prussian general recruited by the colonists to train the inexperienced troops into a disciplined fighting force, whose methods are still used in the U.S. military today. Students discussed the irony of African medical knowledge and the expertise of a homosexual military leader shaping an institution that has not always embraced either group. To bring the history to life, the class is also watching Hamilton and making meaningful connections between the play and the events of the era.

The Earth Science class has continued the section on weather by moving past supercell storms and getting caught up in tornadoes. This topic has proven to be one of their favorites, as they have asked more questions than in any other section! Is it the unknown of where a tornado will happen? Is it the speed of the wind? Perhaps it's just the horrible beauty and raw power. Tornadoes are fascinating, and the sixth grade has some budding meteorologists.

Seventh grade has continued moving toward mastery of their knowledge of biomes. Each biome shows us how climate, competition, and community work together to keep a population healthy and thriving. The class is constantly amazed by the natural world, and as we step into the topic of symbiosis, the fascination will only grow!

Eighth grade is working, working, working all the time. Of course, work in science can be measured. So the physical science class has been using the formulas that determine the amount of force needed to do an amount of work. When work and force collide, knowledge is the outcome.

This week, the 6th grade is entering the final stage of their narrative writing unit. They are completing the final draft, and everything is coming together. Before beginning their final drafts, they read their second drafts aloud to one another to check for errors. The class also reached the heart of their novel The Giver, where they are uncovering key plot developments and piecing together the central themes.

The 7th-grade class is also nearing the end of their narrative writing unit. They are polishing their five-paragraph essays as they prepare for their final drafts. In addition, they are moving further along in their novel The Skin I'm In, where they have learned about the literary device flashback as the main character, Maleeka, travels back in time to reveal important clues about the plot.

The 8th grade is in full research mode as they gather information to answer the essential question for their capstone project. They are outlining the structure of their research papers so they can present information clearly and concisely. Using graphic organizers, they are working diligently to structure their ideas and make steady progress on this major project.

This week, the 6th- and 7th-grade students reviewed and took a five-question quiz covering the grammar and vocabulary they learned during the first four lessons. The grammar included the use of the verbs “ser” (to be), “llamarse” (to be named), and “tener” (to have, used in Spanish to ask about age), as well as the personal pronouns yo (I), tú (you), él (he), and ella (she). The vocabulary included numbers and questions and answers related to greetings, farewells, and how to introduce someone. I would like to emphasize that 100% of the students did an excellent job.

This week in Middle School Art, students began a culture-based mixed-media project inspired by traditional Hopi Kachina dolls. After learning about the significance of Katsinam within Hopi culture and examining authentic visual references, students selected a specific Kachina and created detailed drawings using the traditional colors associated with their chosen figure. They then prepared an “aged” background by crumpling and watercolor-washing paper to add texture and depth. As they work, students are exploring line, shape, color, and craftsmanship, while also reflecting on the cultural meaning behind their artwork.

This week in music, Middle Schoolers worked on preparing for the Winter Sing. They learned a new chord on the ukulele (G) that they will use for the song they are playing. They practiced the tricky chord progression using the new chord (Am–C–G–F) and worked on building up the stamina to play through a longer song while maintaining proper fingerings. They also started to learn the song they will be singing for the performance as well.

This week in PE, students continued the hockey unit. It's been great to see how quickly they are picking up new skills and growing more confident. When rainy weather brought us indoors, we shifted gears and made use of the fitness room. Students took the lead by designing their own workouts and sharing them with classmates - an engaging way to build responsibility, teamwork, and fitness knowledge. Overall, it was a fun, active week of learning and movement.