We've started second semester with our Argumentative Unit. So far, we have focused on the terminology, elements of argumentative writing, and how to trace an argument. Moving forward, we will discuss the importance of evaluating the quality and credibility of the arguments we read and practicing the technique with articles in class regarding Earth Conservation and Mars Colonization. Our Unit 4 Test will be in two weeks on Friday, January 27. Next week, ELA will have their second round of Beacon testing to assess the general progress students have made since the beginning of Fall. This data helps us understand where our students stand with the material we're learning, so we can address any gaps prior to end-of-year testing. After our Unit Test, we'll be starting our final essay of the year!

Upcoming Summatives:

January 18—20 ELA Beacon Testing

January 27 Unit 4 Argumentative Test

7^th grade Enrichment will begin the year with a BATTLE! We will be participating in a mini-BATTLE using the historical fiction book The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. After the battle, we will dive into the Informational genre. Happy Reading!!

In 7^th grade math, we are starting off semester 2 by covering a variety of topics including statistics and probability. We will also be doing Beacon testing this month. Students can expect homework most evenings. Next summatives are listed below:

Onlevel

Friday, February 3rd

Advanced

Friday, February 3rd

Accelerated

Friday, February 3rd

Welcome back to school! We hope you all had a restful break! This month our focus is on Genetics. Students will learn about DNA, genes, and chromosomes. They will learn about dominant and recessive traits and how these traits are passed on from parents to offspring. Students will learn how to complete Punnett Squares and calculate the odds of offspring inheriting different traits. This unit is very heavy with vocabulary, so please encourage your children to study a little every night! Quizzes are tentatively scheduled for 1/20 and 1/24. A Summative Assessment is tentatively scheduled for 1/26. Please check your child’s itslearning page if you would like more details.

Happy New 2023! Social studies is entering into our unit which introduces the students to the environmental issues of South and East Asia. In addition students will also learn about the religious and ethnic groups of the region and their traditions. This all makes this a new and exciting part of the world to learn about. We are aiming to complete and assess this unit the week of January 30th.

GENERAL CONNECTIONS/PE NEWS:

Just a reminder that Quarter 3 connection courses are underway. Please remind your child to check his or her grades for this nine weeks.

PE NEWS:

Just a reminder for any student that has PE: Our Dress Out Policy states that students must change out from what they wear to school. The PE uniform is a grey shirt and black bottoms as well as athletic tennis shoes. As it gets colder outside, please encourage your child to bring and keep up with warmer clothes for PE.

*If your child needs a uniform, it can be purchased on MyPaymentsPlus. Please remind your child to lock up all their valuables in the locker room. PE lockers can also be purchased on MyPaymentsPlus.

*If you have purchased your child's PE clothes and they have not received them, they will receive them IN class when they have PE.

*The GYM has also gained a lot of Lost and Found Items. If your child is missing anything, please have them check in the GYM Lost and Found for these items.