Learning Blog

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MAY 18, 2020

8th Grade Celebration!

The 8th grade virtual celebration will be this Friday, May 22 at 11 am! Students can join the 8th grade team via Zoom to say “see you later” and reminiscence about the year. A Zoom link will be posted on all 8th grade Google Classrooms by Friday morning.


Weekly Assignment Calendar

Here is the link to this week’s calendar. The calendar can also be found on the Remote Learning Resources page of the 8th grade website.

**REMINDER: The last day for students to submit any late/missing work will be May 22nd. Any work submitted after this date will not be counted or factored into the student’s final grade.


With Gratitude…

The end of our time with this memorable crew of 8th grade students is definitely not how we envisioned it would be. Ideally, we have the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and growth as young people while we remember special times throughout the school year. Even though this isn’t how our end of year will look, it will definitely be one none of us will ever forget!

Thank you for trusting us with your students every day. The rapid waters of middle school are tough to navigate for kids and parents, and we are thankful for your partnership this year. We wish you and your student the best as the next phase of learning nears. Here’s to the Class of 2024! We are proud to have been a part of your journey.

Yours in crew,

Alexa, Ben, Britt, Kristin, Melissa and Tess


MAY 11, 2020

8th Grade Celebration!

The 8th grade team is working on a plan to bring our awesome 8th grade students together virtually to celebrate the end of middle school and send them off to high school. We are planning to do so on Friday, May 22, our last day of school, at 11 am. More details to come!


Weekly Assignment Calendar

Here is the link to this week’s calendar. The calendar can also be found on the Remote Learning Resources page of the 8th grade website.

**REMINDER: The last day for students to submit any late/missing work will be May 22nd. Any work submitted after this date will not be counted or factored into the student’s final grade.


What’s Happening in….

Science! (Ms. Alexa)

As we round out our last of the 8th grade science standards (we just finished space), we will spend these last two weeks reviewing subjects and material students will see in high school! This week’s focus is on human anatomy! Specifically we will dive into the skeletal system and respiratory systems. Students will have a whacky task of labeling bones on a friend or family member and review respiratory information with a quiz and an EdPuzzle video.


Math! (Mr. Ben)

With just two weeks left in the year, it’s hard to believe 2019-2020 is coming to a close. While things have been chaotic the past two months, I appreciate all the students who have kept up with their work, persevered through tough circumstances, and gained valuable knowledge for things they will need next year at the HS level. We’ve gone as far as we can with Exponential Functions and will turn our focus on the absolute very beginnings of Quadratic Functions. This should be a quick and easy couple of lessons that will provide baseline information into a tough concept.


Humanities! (Ms. Melissa)

We began our poetry study this week with the timely community poem “If the Trees Can Keep Dancing, So Can I” compiled by National Public Radio poet-in-residence Kwambe Alexander. It is definitely worth a read!

Our poetry study continues this week. So far we have defined poetry, read many poems and written an inspired poem using a mentor text (a poem written by someone else). We will continue on with poetic devices, found poetry, iambic pentameter and end with a free verse poem written by each student. Select poems will be shared on the 8th grade writing webpage!

Have a great week!


MAY 4, 2020

Weekly Assignment Calendar

Here is the link to this week’s calendar. The calendar can also be found on the Remote Learning Resources page of the 8th grade website.

What’s Happening in….

Science! (Ms. Alexa)

This will be our last week studying space. Students are still working on their 2 week assignment that requires them to research a constellation and the story behind it. They will also be given EdPuzzle videos to review “Black Holes” and the “Life Cycle of a Star”.

Check out this compiled list of all the Science Assignments given during online learning to help make sure your student is on top of their Science work.


Math! (Mr. Ben)

We are winding down the exponential road and will be wrapping up entirely that unit this week. We’ve explored real-world examples, imitated a bacteria spread using M&Ms, and solved numerous exponential equations, tables, and graphs. Now, it’s time to apply some of the foundational items of what we’ve learned to those critical thinking problems. We’ll deep dive into context clues of word problems and decipher how to solve them using exponential functions.


Humanities! (Ms. Melissa)

With the state of the world, it’s a perfect time to learn about and write some poetry! We will spend the next two weeks looking at poetry in many different ways. The study will culminate with an original free verse poem written by each student, which may end up being quite a memory of this crazy time.


Have a great week!



APRIL 27, 2020

Weekly Assignment Calendar

Here is the link to this week’s calendar. The calendar can also be found on the Remote Learning Resources page of the 8th grade website.


Ms. Bonnie’s X-block Zoom

For students in the Visual Arts X-block “Elements and Principles”, Ms. Bonnie is holding Zoom lessons on Thursdays at 4 pm. Click here for the link to the Zoom or copy and paste the link below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89711395259?pwd=U2VWelloaDFWakNYZ0J1U25ZVE13dz09

Meeting ID: 897 1139 5259

Password: 3caVZN


Wish Week, Virtually!

The first Wish Week at RSS has gone online! Please click here or check last week’s RSS News and Notes for more information.


What’s Happening in….

Science! (Ms. Alexa)

SPACE! SPACE! THERE IS SO MUCH SPACE! This week we are diving into our knowledge on space with some EdPuzzle videos and a fun approach to space exploration. Your student will share a movie, TV show, music video or other video type to analyze how space is portrayed in Hollywood and start to question Hollywood’s space “reality” with a critical eye.

Students will also have a 2 week assignment that requires them to get outside on a clear night and find a constellation of their choosing to view and research the story behind it. Using free smartphone/tablet apps you may even find yourself outside with them enjoying the night sky.


Math! (Mr. Ben)

As we continue our look at exponential functions, the idea of noticing patterns is going to resurface over this next week or two. Our students looked for patterns in an earlier unit involving linear equations, so this continues to build on that critical thinking skill. Up first is noticing the patterns in tables. Generally speaking, there is an input (or independent variable) paired with an output (dependent variable). The importance here is picking up on the relationship between the two and noticing a trend for all input-output relationships. This is called the “rule.” We’ll use this “rule” for each table to devise an equation. This is key for recognition of all functional relationships and is one of the main principles in being able to solve algebraic functions. As we’ve seen with our current situation involving city and state leaders, understanding these patterns and being able to predict an unknown future is most crucial.


Humanities! (Ms. Melissa)

On Monday things will get personal in 8th grade Humanities. It’s time to talk economics and personal finance! Students will explore the basics of budgeting, expenses and income with the Marvel Avengers. This assignment will be done through Flipgrid, a video response platform. If your student has any issues with creating video responses, there will be a writing option for this assignment.


Enjoy the sunny weather this week!

APRIL 20, 2020


Highlights from 8th grade - Week 4 of remote learning

Last week we sent out a Weekly Assignment Calendar as a “one-stop shop” for students and parents. Our hope is that the calendar helps students stay on top of their work and helps parents know what students are working on. On Wednesday we asked students what their thoughts were on the calendar. The majority of students like the calendar and how it is formatted. We will continue with this format and check in again soon to see how things are going!


Here is the link to this week’s calendar. The calendar can also be found on the Remote Learning Resources page of the 8th grade website.


What’s Happening in….

Science! (Ms. Alexa)

Last week we started our new unit on waves! Students are beginning to understand the components of a wave and soon we will wrap our heads around how sounds are created, carried and heard. By dialing in on music and the human ear, students are going to be able to understand how the great composers used a little bit of science in their masterpieces! You might even start hearing some Mozart around the house soon...


Math! (Mr. Ben)

For the entirety of remote online learning, we’ve taken a baseline look at exponential equations. Through much of the 8th grade year, our students learn about patterns and linear models. So a comparison between linear and exponential is an eye-opening concept. We will continue with exponential models in the coming weeks, but our focus will shift to - and stick with - exponential equations. We’ll solve equations with a variable as the exponent, a variable as a base of a power, and enhance our understanding of powers and exponents. These applications will be instrumental in 9th grade math, so learning some fundamentals now will be extremely beneficial going into next school year.


Humanities! (Ms. Melissa)

What do the Battle of Gettysburg, the poem “O Captain, My Captain” by Walt Whitman and the Emancipation Proclamation have in common? Your 8th grader will know the answer to that soon, if they don’t already! Last week we continued our exploration of the Civil War with a focus on 19th century economics with a focus on different types of resources. How did resources help win such a substantial war? I’m very proud of the work students did to answer this guiding question through a slide presentation. Next we will take on the top three events of the war through a creative presentation of your student’s choice! I apologize in advance for any messes of paint, glue, etc. that may arise!


Have a FABULOUS week!

APRIL 13, 2020


Highlights from 8th grade - Week 3 of remote learning

Thank you to everyone who completed our online learning survey. After looking at the feedback you submitted on the survey, we are trying to implement some new systems.

One thing we will be doing is sending a learning blog update on Monday morning. Included in this update will be the week's assignment calendar - a one-stop shop for all assignments that are due for 8th grade classes. *This does not include advisory or X-Block classes, though there is a spot for students to write in their assignments.

Please see this week's assignment calendar here. This calendar will also be on the Remote Learning Resources page of the 8th grade website.

Please reach out to any member of the 8th grade team with questions!


REMINDER! NO SCHOOL THURSDAY, APRIL 16 OR FRIDAY, APRIL 17


Grades and Infinite Campus

During remote learning students will continue to receive grades, as a means of feedback and communication about student progress, in Infinite Campus (IC)/Parent Portal. We encourage you to check IC with your students regularly. This is a great way to learn more about the work your student is doing!

For more on Renaissance Secondary’s Remote Learning Plan, please visit the RSS website.


What’s Happening in….

Science! (Ms. Alexa)

After learning about states of matter, physical and chemical changes, pH scale, acids, bases, mixtures, solutions and precipitation, we are wrapping up our Chemistry unit today! Students have used EdPuzzle to learn with videos and at-home experiments (optional) to have some hands-on experiences, which have yielded excellent results! While our situation is not ideal, I am very proud of our students’ progress in Science. Next we will move onto waves!

Reminders:

  • Students can redo any assignment or quiz, all they need to do is email me and I will reset their progress.
  • Students should be checking Google classroom everyday.
  • Posts go up on Google Classroom for Science by 9am every day.
  • I will always accept late work (or work turned in past the deadline)


Math! (Mr. Ben)

As we wrap up the basics in exponential growth and decay, it is my hope that your student has understood there are many different real-world examples of this concept. Most recently, the students performed an activity using M&Ms, Skittles, coins, or anything that essentially has two sides. If you’d like to see their work and how they did, ask them about it! The ones who sent me their work via email or pictures/videos of them doing it were really great! We will wrap up this “unit” this coming week and transition following the short break into quadratic equations. With this, we will also use some geometry concepts regarding reflections, apex, symmetry, etc. Thank you for your assistance at home and your patience with us!


Humanities! (Ms. Melissa)

Our American Revolution research project is complete! Students did a fantastic job researching a historical figure from the American Revolution and turning their research into a poem. Please take a minute to read a handful of the poems on the 8th grade writing corner webpage.

We are now blasting through time and are stopping in the 1860s to learn about the Civil War. Don’t be surprised if your student asks you what you know about the Civil War. It’s part of their homework to gain background knowledge! :)

Have a great week!


APRIL 3, 2020

Thank you!

A huge thank you to parents and students for your continued support and hard work as we learn more about remote learning. The 8th grade team appreciates everyone in our community and hopes you are staying safe and healthy!

As you know, we will not be returning to RSS this school year. We will miss seeing our students and hope to find a way to reconnect down the road. In the meantime we look forward to sharing in their daily lives via remote learning!

Renaissance Secondary will be in session on Monday, April 6. Renaissance teachers will have an additional plan day on Friday, May 1 instead.


Assignments, online lessons, due dates, etc.

During this unprecedented time, the 8th grade team understands that learning may not be able to take place on a particular schedule. We understand as we are in the same situation, juggling school, homelife, children, etc. It can be very tricky!

On that note the 8th grade team is very flexible with school work getting done. It still needs to get done, but if it’s turned in the next day as opposed to the night time deadline, that is fine with us.

If a student doesn’t join us for a few Zoom lessons or consecutive work isn’t being turned in, you can expect a check-in from a member of the 8th grade team or the RSS front office. These check-ins are exactly that, a check-in to see how we can support your student and to make sure everyone is doing ok!

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions to any member of the 8th grade team.


Online Learning Survey

As we wrap up the second week of online learning, the 8th grade team would love your feedback. Please use this form to let us know how things are going for you and your student!


What’s Happening in….

Science! (Ms. Alexa)

In science we have been trying some at-home experiments this week. These are fun and educational, but not required. Students will not lose points if they are unable to do the experiment or choose not to do them. The experiments are merely a tool for students to learn away from computers.


Math! (Mr. Ben)

Over the past two weeks in math, our students have noticed the differences between linear functions and exponential functions. We transitioned from constant rates of change like we saw with linear models earlier this year to exponential rates of change. Mostly, they’ve dealt with increases (linear) or growths (exponential), and we will slowly move toward decreasing/decaying. I want to reiterate what’s been said previously in that we are being super flexible with work getting done. It still needs to get done, but if it’s turned in the next day as opposed to the night time deadline, that is fine with me. Thank you for your presence around our kiddos during this tumultuous time for all. We really appreciate them staying on task and not looking at this as a vacation. Stay safe, stay healthy, and STAY HOME :)


Humanities! (Ms. Melissa)

It has been wonderful to connect with our 8th grade students this week through online lessons and office hours! I am so pleased with the work students have done on their American Revolution research project. Students selected a historical figure from the American Revolution and began their research around the guiding question, “Who is this person and how did he/she impact the American Revolution?” Once research was collected and sources credited, students began to create acrostic poems about their figure. These poems and the research organizer are due on Monday, April 6. The poems I have seen so far are wonderfully creative! I am thinking about creating a virtual book of the poems or adding them to my website for all to see - stay tuned!

MARCH 27, 2020

WE DID IT - FIRST WEEK OF ONLINE LEARNING DONE!

The 8th grade team would like to congratulate our students and families on completion of the first week of online learning! With such a rapidly changing world, the 8th grade team found peace in re-connecting with students and keeping learning moving forward! Our sincerest thanks to all parents and family members for their tremendous support during this challenging time. We are CREW!

We will be sending out a weekly learning blog update via email each Friday while online learning is taking place. Please reach out to any member of the 8th grade team with questions.

8TH GRADE SCHEDULE DURING ONLINE LEARNING

During online learning, students are encouraged to follow their regular class schedule each day. The regular 8th grade schedule is:

9:00-9:30 am: Advisory

9:33-10:58 am: Period 1

11:01-11:44 am: Period 2/3

11:47-12:30 pm: Lunch

12:33-1:16 pm: Period 2/3 (cont.)

1:19-2:44 pm: Period 4

2:47-3:37 pm: X-block 1

3:40-4:30 pm: X-block 2

Teachers and staff have planned Zoom lessons and office hours with our regular schedule in mind. Please click here for a schedule.

So far the majority of 8th grade students have done a great job attending class during online learning. We understand that these are challenging times and the strain on families with parents working from home and younger siblings can be tough. If a student misses class due to extenuating circumstances the work missed and instructions will be available on Google Classroom.

LEARNING GUIDE SUPPORT

For students currently on IEPs in need of extra support, please reach out to Britt by email at bjesperson1@dcsdk12.org or Tess by email at ssimpson2@dcsdk12.org

A NOTE FROM MS. ALEXA

From Science Online Learning + Ms. Alexa:

  1. I will stay on as the 8th Science Teacher until April 17th (as of now this is the last day we will have online learning - if this is extended Amy and I will re-evaluate)
  2. Students should be checking Science Google Classroom everyday. If you would like to join as a guardian to oversee any of their work/assignments, here is the code: ou57opn
  3. I will use Remind (messaging app students have on their phones/computers, please note this is not a direct texting line and only used for reminders for students for live online class sessions - students know this). **link to read up on Remind and how it works
  4. You can expect this weekly schedule from Science:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday = daily posted videos, articles, short activities and mini tasks (<10 mins). These tasks should be completed by end-of-day on that school day.
  • Wednesday = Live classes, these sessions are virtual classes that will be scheduled at the same time your student would normal have their (in person) Science class. They will last the same amount of time (most likely shorter) and attendance is still required for participation points, check ins , etc. Students will be sent a Remind message Tuesday nights as a reminder to participate in the following day's session. Students also know if they are unable to attend for any health reason, to email their teacher prior to "class"
  • Friday = Typically you can expect that assignments (graded) and quizzes will be due by 4:30 pm every Friday. These will be open book and students may utilize notes/internet and other resources to help them complete these items.
  • ***If a student is struggling with information or understanding concepts, they may request a one on one or small group session (via zoom video chat) with me. We will schedule this at a convenient time for the both of us, preferably during school hours, but I am flexible until we can figure out a system that works.
  • ***Students will be asked to try "labs" at home. These are simple, at-home "experiments" for students to get active and hands-on with our learning materials. HOWEVER, due to current conditions, students will be given needed supplies in advance and they will never be penalized for not trying these activities if supplies are not available, shopping is not feasible, or timing is not right. Your families' safety is my first priority. Please do not risk health for completion of these activities. These activities are meant to be fun and stress-free for the students (and parents)! I will also provide videos so that all students can see the experiment results and still learn from the activity even if they do not perform it themselves.

I hope this sheds some light on Science content and what you can expect in the coming weeks. As always please reach out to me with concerns, questions, etc. I greatly appreciate your patience and support as we navigate these times.

A NOTE FROM MR. BEN

Mr. Ben's Math class is using current events to learn about Exponential functions. With the rates that Covid-19 is rapidly growing, it was the perfect segue into Exponential Growth. This mathematical concept takes our previous learning of Linear Functions and shows the difference in a constant rate of change (Linear) and a multiplicative rate of change (exponential). We will be graphing, using tables, and writing equations over the next few weeks. The two main ideas are Exponential Growth and Exponential Decay. We are currently on Growth and will likely be there for next week or so.

Students are asked to turn in assignments roughly every other day, or by the end of the week. Most often, myself or a video I post will introduce a new concept with work assigned after. In proceeding Zoom classes, we will be going over student work.

A NOTE FROM MS. MELISSA

It's American history galore in Humanities this quarter! This week we reviewed research strategies as we explored historical figures from the American Revolution. Our research focuses on how these individuals impacted this pivotal moment in U.S. history. Next week students will turn their research into a creative, informative poem.

To best keep up with school while we are online, students should check the 8th grade Humanities Google Classroom and their student email everyday. If you would like to join Google Classroom as a guardian to oversee any of their work/assignments, here is the code: z6bxokp

I will use Remind as a reminder of upcoming Zoom lessons. Reminds will go out the day before the live session, sometime in the afternoon.

Each Friday I will post a calendar to Google Classroom with the plan for next week. This calendar includes assignment information, due dates, links and Zoom lesson information.

Please reach out with any questions! mmengland1@dcsdk12.org

REFLECTION OF THE TIMES BY 8TH GRADERS

Students wrote short poems and haikus in Humanities about their Spring Break (or lack thereof). Click here to see how a handful of 8th grade students captured this period in their young lives through poetry.


JANUARY 24, 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

DC TRIP!

We are less than 100 days from our trip to Washington DC! If there is anyone who is interested in joining us, please reach out to Ms. Melissa immediately. Our flights have already been booked but we can most likely still add travelers. Please email Melissa England (mmengland1@dcsdk12.org) as soon as possible for information, pricing and next steps!

Science Turbine Building Pics!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=15i9I2pbV9BzbLFB3OAgxhFDNVjG2J-vi

Parent Volunteers Needed!

Our current expedition, “It’s All Connected”, has gotten off to a great start with connections being made between science and humanities. For the next stage of the expedition we are looking for parent volunteers who are willing to be interviewed by students for 15 minutes. Interested? Click here!

Questions? Please email Ms. Melissa at mmengland1@dcsdk12.org. Thanks in advance for providing authentic information to our students!

Upcoming Progress grades

In preparation for our mid-quarter mark, we are checking in with students to remind them of their current progress grades. These can also be checked on IC. By the end of next week, all grades will be up to date and accurate progress grades will be reflected for each core subject (Humanities/Math/Science). In addition, we are attaching the following conversion chart used by RSS High School teachers/students to represent letter grades for students to have a more accurate representation of what grades they would be receiving at a school that used the traditional method of grading. Please see the conversion chart below


Standards Based Grading Conversion to Letter Grades*

(Modified from Marzano/Hefelbower Method)

3.75 to 4.00 = A+ (Honors distinction)

3.26 to 3.74 = A

3.00 to 3.25 = A-

2.84 to 2.99 = B+

2.67 to 2.83 = B

2.50 to 2.66 = B-

2.34 to 2.49 = C+

2.17 to 2.33 = C

2.00 to 2.16 = C-

1.50 to 1.99 = D

0.00 to 1.49 = F


A Note About Absences and Missing Work

If you ask your students what message they hear the most from us as teachers, we bet it would be something along the lines of expectations of high school students...and they would be right. As we move into the final semester, our goal is to have your student prepared with the best habits, knowledge and work ethic to be the most successful they can in high school. With that being said, we have redesigned the missing work/absent policies. They are as follows:

  • Should a student be absent for whatever reason, they need to communicate with a teacher after they return to school to follow up on missing assignments/work.
  • Should a student email the day they are sick asking for work to do from home, please note teachers may not be able to send tangible work to do. Instead students should check IC or google classroom.
  • Students will only be allotted TWO WEEKS after the initial due date to turn in missing work. Students will no longer be allowed to make up/re-submit missing work two weeks past the original posted due date (for whatever reason).
  • Work will only be sent to students, but please note, due to the nature of our curriculum often times it is best for the student to speak with the teacher upon their return for the best support.
  • Students have been reminded that they need to identify and allott for the appropriate time to meet with a teacher and receive missing work/instruction.


Math iReady Lessons

All of our students have made great progress with their math skills and the biggest jump from the first semester was in our number sense and operations. I encourage anyone who still feels behind or is looking to gain an advantage to utilize the lessons provided by iReady. Students are given an opportunity to increase their knowledge in many areas via lessons based on their iReady scores. It would be great to see all students complete 1-2 lessons a week. Most of these lessons are 20-30 minutes in length on the computer (some shorter, some a bit longer). Each one is designed to take the student to the next knowledge level from where they currently stand. Thank you for your help with encouraging our students to seek out more ways to be a constant, modern learner! -Mr. Ben


Pi Day Pie in the Face!

Did you know Pi Day is less than two months away? That’s right! Pi Day, or March 14 (aka 3/14) is celebrated throughout the mathematical world. I have challenged the students from each class to learn as many digits of Pi as they can by Pi Day. The student from each class who can recite the most numbers correctly in the correct order will have their name written down, put in a hat, and have a 1-in-3 chance of throwing a pie in my face in the courtyard on Friday, March 13 (sorry, Pi Day this year is on a Saturday...womp womp). Additionally, I will have a Pizza Pie lunch for the three classroom winners that day. So start learning those digits! -Mr. Ben


OCTOBER 28, 2019

Quarter 2 already?!

Washington DC Update

  • At this point we are able to open up the April Washington DC trip to parents! If you are interested in joining us, please email Ms. Melissa (mmengland1@dcsdk12.org) for more information. The trip is scheduled for April 16-20, 2020!


IC Help for communication/grades

  • If you are not receiving any forms of communication to a desired email, or are having difficulties viewing your child’s assignments and grades, please contact the front office for assistance. Every parent/guardian should be receiving emails via IC and have access to view their students assignments, grades, missing work, Habits of Crew and more.
  • Contact the front office:


Annual 8th Grade Career Fair Expo - November 6th!

SEPTEMBER 13, 2019

Upcoming Due Dates!

Math

  • Wednesday 9/18 Math Test on patterns and slope
  • Final Math project will be given out on Thursday 9/19. Due dates differ according to Voyage Crew.

Science and Humanities

Voyage

  • The first voyage goes out in 1 week!! Please be sure to start collecting gear and submitting any required forms. Reach out to your voyage crew leader if you need a reminder email or have any questions!

Cereal Boxes!

  • Please send your student to school with any cereal boxes. These will become part of our final product!



SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

Halfway Point!


Checking in...

  • We are halfway through the academic quarter. We have have 4 weeks left in this first quarter, plus a voyage. Please be sure you are checking Infinite Campus and having a conversation with your student about their progress. Teachers will be in touch before the end of the quarter with any major concerns, but please feel free to reach out prior to that if you have any questions!

Voyage

  • The first voyage goes out in 2.5 weeks!! Please be sure to start collecting gear and submitting any required forms. Reach out to your voyage crew leader if you need a reminder email or have any questions!

Cereal Boxes!

  • Please send your student to school with any cereal boxes. These will become part of our final product!

Check out our 8th Grade Photo Album!!



AUGUST 23, 2019

Humanities Grades + Fieldwork to Botanical Garden - Parent Drivers Needed


Humanities Grades & How to track progress

Starting August 22, 8th grade students will receive a Weekly Progress Grade in Humanities. The process of growing as a writer and reader is exactly that, a process, which makes weekly progress a great way to see how your student is growing!

Here is information on Weekly Progress Grades that has been shared with students. Please feel free to reach out to Ms. Melissa (mmengland1@dcsdk12.org) with questions!

  • A Weekly Progress Grade includes:
    • Graded for completion work done that week
    • Observations
    • Different kinds of assessments: self, peer, pre-assessments, etc.
  • Specific assignments will be graded separately.
  • How does a student receive a "3" for a Weekly Progress Grade? As we work on writing and reading students have a number of check-ins that are graded for completion. If work is complete as outlined in the instructions, it receives credit. Also, staying focused and working through the Choice Board during Workshop and completing independent or collaborative work during Social Studies is a factor in a Weekly Progress Grade.
  • What does a "3" on a Weekly Progress Grade mean? A “3” on a Weekly Progress Grade means a student is demonstrating consistent growth in Humanities through the many lenses that make up the discipline. We are working towards mastery of many skills this year. At the end of the quarter, students will receive a grade for Humanities that will factor in Weekly Progress Grade and specific assignments.


Upcoming Fieldwork - September 3rd OR 4th! (Denver Botanical Gardens)

      • PARENT DRIVERS ARE NEEDED, TICKETS ARE FREE!
      • This trip will occur from 9:00am - 2:30pm on both days.
      • (Each student will only attend the trip once on 9/3 or on 9/4)
      • Please check your email to sign the permission form!


AUGUST 16, 2019

In the Groove

The 8th grade is excited to have had our first launch at Rock Park! As we ventured up to survey the Castle Rock area from above, students were given an informational, yet random packet, and were left to ponder the connections. Check out pictures from our learning adventure on the Photo Album (bottom of Home Page)

Sign this:

      • Walking Permission Form - every students needs to have this signed to leave RSS campus (via walking) for any school related function, off-campus X-block, and more.

DC Trip Interest Meeting - August 19th (Monday) - RSVP NEEDED HERE

      • 5:30pm in the Commons at RSS
      • In April of 2020, RSS 8th grade students are invited to tour Washington D.C. with the Education First Company (And RSS 8th grade staff). This is the second year we have been able to offer this trip to students and believe us, it is worth it!
      • Join us 8/19 to hear all about the upcoming D.C. Adventure & what to expect, how to apply, cost and more.

Upcoming Fieldwork - September 3rd OR 4th! (Denver Botanical Gardens)

      • PARENT DRIVERS ARE NEEDED, TICKETS ARE FREE!
      • This trip will occur from 9:00am - 2:30pm on both days.
      • (Each student will only attend the trip once on 9/3 or on 9/4)


AUGUST 6, 2019

Welcome to 8th Grade!

Welcome parents and students! The 8th grade team is excited to welcome our students to their final year of middle school. We want to fill you in on some fast-approaching to-do's, need to knows, and volunteer opportunities for parents.

Sign this:

      • Walking Permission Form - every students needs to have this signed to leave RSS campus (via walking) for any school related function, off-campus X-block, and more.

Sign this: Fieldwork - August 15th! (Rock Park)

      • Fieldwork Permission Form: signed and submitted by 8/14
        • The launch for our first quarter expedition takes us out of RSS and on top of Rock Park for some grander perspective.
      • We also need volunteers to accompany us from 9:00am - 2:00pm and a quick hike

DC Trip Interest Meeting - August 19th

      • 5:30pm in the Commons at RSS
      • In April of 2020, RSS 8th grade students are invited to tour Washington D.C. with the Education First Company (And RSS 8th grade staff). This is the second year we have been able to offer this trip to students and believe us, it is worth it!
      • Join us 8/19 to hear all about the upcoming D.C. Adventure & what to expect, how to apply, cost and more.

Upcoming Fieldwork - September 3rd OR 4th! (Denver Botanical Gardens)

      • PARENT DRIVERS ARE NEEDED, TICKETS ARE FREE!
      • Please refer to the email (coming soon) to sign the correct permission form for your child's scheduled fieldwork date.
      • This trip will occur from 9:00am - 2:30pm on both days.
      • (Each student will only attend the trip once on 9/3 or on 9/4)