January 2023

Take a look at what we are learning this month!

MATH 7:

Students are working on their algebra unit on equations. They learned how choosing the amount of toppings for a pizza involves algebra. We will then move on to our inequalities unit. Students continue to work on Get More Math. This helps with practice on current and previous skills. Students are required to earn 30 points per week. If they earn 60 or more points then they are rewarded with a piece of candy.



WORLD GEOGRAPHY 7:

7th Grade World Geography is currently exploring India and the other fantastic countries in South Asia. Students will learn about Hinduism and Buddhism as the major religions in the area. Earlier this month, we studied the geography and layout of South Asia. We highlighted the significance of the Himalayan Mountains and Mount Everest. There is such an array of cultures and diversity in the landscape in South Asia. We will be talking about the importance of Colonialism and its effects on India in the past and the present. Including, the Partition of Pakistan and India and the tragedy that ensued shortly after. Before the test, we will discover the present day issues and achievements of the region!


SCIENCE 7

Students will start to dive into Physical Science. The quarter started off our students investigating Newton's Laws of Motion. We will transition into Energy & Thermal Energy. This will cover Chapters 4 & 5 in our Forces & Energy book. After we wrap up Energy & Thermal Energy, we will transition into Life Science. We will open up with Life Science with learning about Cells.

As a fun incentive for students to complete every assignment on Team Butler, we are providing Advisory Fun Day Fridays every two weeks. Students with zero missing tasks get to choose gym time or game time in the media center. The following pictures are from our first incentive on January 20th!

ENGLISH 7:

Students read a play version of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol in December and created interesting presentations on various topics of the Victorian era. Students have also been writing argumentative essays for the past 3 weeks, including a claim, counterclaim, rebuttal, and evidence. MLA format was also taught. They wrote an essay as a summative test grade this week, and scored an 80% average! I am very excited for them, and feel they are prepared to tackle that type of essay on ILEARN! We are continuously working on grammar and writing skills which synced from our Winter NWEA scores into the individual student Edmentum activities are being utilized to increase students' reading and grammar skills. Mrs. Clindaniel has water bottle and/or iPad stickers and other prizes that students can earn each time they earn an Edmentum trophy. PS: Tissues are needed for our team, please.


HONORS MATH 7:

Students are working on their inequalities unit. They have learned the KISS trick to help them with absolute value inequalities. We will then move on to our percent unit. Students will learn how to calculate a tip and who they should tip. They will also learn about sales tax and that 5 states do not have sales tax. For those who like to shop, they will learn how to find the best discounts at stores. We had a Get More Math challenge week recently. Congratulations to our top students:

Talan Lipka - 2508

Claire Thomas - 2303

Jane Lewis - 1965

Declan Ringler - 1000

Colton Beckwith - 841





Honors Science 7

Students will start to dive into Physical Science. The quarter started off our students investigating Newton's Laws of Motion. We will transition into our 8th grade material. We will start with Chapter 1 ~ Introducing Matter. This will lay the foundation for Chemistry. After Introducing Matter we will transition into Cells & Cell Processes. We will look at the different structures of the cells & their functions. After investigating cells, we will look at the different roles & the different processes they assist with in our body to regulate homeostasis. Quarter 3 & Quarter 4 will be dedicated to 8th grade standards to help our students prepare for taking Biology 1 next year.


HONORS ENGLISH 7:

Students read A Christmas Carol graphic novel in December and created interesting presentations on the Victorian era. Students have also been writing argumentative essays for the past 3 weeks, including claim, counterclaim, rebuttal, and evidence. MLA format was also taught. They wrote an essay as a summative test grade this week, and scored a 99% average! I am very excited for them, and feel they are prepared to tackle that type of essay on ILEARN! We are continuously working on grammar and writing skills which synced from our Winter NWEA scores into the individual student Edmentum activities are being utilized to increase students' reading and grammar skills. Mrs. Clindaniel has water bottle and/or iPad stickers and other prizes that students can earn each time they earn an Edmentum trophy.

Students of the Quarter:

These students have done a tremendous job in the second 9 weeks of school. They are hard-working and bring joy to other students and teachers. We are pleased to announce that the students nominated are:

Carson Shamon & Addison Pack

Please be sure to wish these students a great job! Way to go! 😊

Important Dates:

  • January 23--Teacher Professional Development Day--NO school for students


HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD?

  • Oftentimes, parents will ask how they can help their student become more successful in English and math classes and score highly on standardized assessments.


Read!

  • The number one thing a student can do to become a better student of English is to read in their free time every day.


  • Edmentum is a program that Duneland has purchased to assist students in closing learning gaps in Reading, Language, and Math. Students get targeted instruction on the specific standards that they have historically missed on standardized tests. Students have unlimited amounts of work to do on Edmentum – even through the summer!

  • Get More Math is a program that works on mixed review of current skills and previous skills. The current skills students are learning in class build off of previous skills so it is important that students continue to practice all skills.

Reminders:

  • Please remind your child to charge their iPad every night. Students complete many of their assignments on the iPad, so it is important that it is ready for them to use the entire day.

  • Students should continue bringing basic supplies, such as earbuds, paper, pencils, folders, etc. to classes.


Contact Information: