STAR Testing Concluding and NAEP Testing Beginning

Dear Glen Hills Families,

We are pleased to share that our Winter STAR testing has concluded successfully. We appreciate your continued support in helping our students do their best. The results from these assessments provide valuable insights into your child's academic progress and help us tailor instruction to meet their needs.

Looking ahead, we want to inform you that some of our 4th-grade students have been selected to participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test. The NAEP test is an important nationwide assessment that measures student achievement across the country and helps policymakers make informed decisions about education. If your child has been selected to participate, you have received or will receive additional details soon.

We encourage all students to get plenty of rest and eat a healthy breakfast on testing days to ensure they are prepared to do their best.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the school office.

Last, we have our second Parent Advisory Council Meeting on March 18th with Officer Meyers covering Online Safety. Please join us that night starting at 6 PM.

Sincerely,

Willie Williams Jr. and Leon Williams Jr.

Infinite Campus Notifications

Reminder: Please make sure you have Infinite Campus on your phone. Turn on notifications so that you are in the know about your child's attendance throughout the day.

Winter Gear for Recess

Reminder: As our weather gets colder and wetter, please send your child(ren) with the appropriate winter gear. Hat, gloves, boots, and scarfs will be helpful when we have outdoor recess.

Thank you!

Directions For Parent Portal Set Up For Infinite Campus

Link Here For The School Calendar

8th Grade

Written by: The 8th Grade Team

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s happening in the 8th grade classrooms!

Science: Students are launching into Astronomy! They are learning how to use graphical displays to analyze both temporal (time) and spatial (space) relationships in large datasets. It's all about how they observe and understand the world, and the universe around us.

Social Studies: Students are diving deep into the Constitution and making personal connections to the rights and responsibilities they all have as students, eventually they will see how the Constitution still shapes their lives today. These lessons are a perfect opportunity for students to engage in meaningful discussions about the world they live in.

English Language Arts: Students are writing position papers on a hot topic, “Should teens be allowed to play violent video games?” They’ve already drafted their papers and are now revising, making sure their arguments are clear and convincing. This will be due Wednesday, January 29th.

Also, during Tier 2 time, students are reading You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner. This book is helping them with their comprehension and summarizing skills - plus it’s a great, engaging story to read as a class!

Math: Our students are diving into linear equations. They’re working on solving equations with variables on both sides and figuring out if an equation has one solution, all solutions, or no solutions at all. Remember, integer rules are key! The Math Test is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 6th, so students need to review those integer rules and brush up on equation-solving skills!

7th Grade

Written by: Ms. Kenwood (7th Grade Math Teacher)

In accelerated math, students are continuing their work on inequalities, expressions and equations. They are learning how to solve multiple step complex equations using a variety of strategies. They will have a test on this on Thursday, January 30th. In 7th grade math, students are learning how to add and subtract with positive and negative numbers. Students have learned some songs to help them remember the rules to each of these operations. Soon, we will be learning how to multiply and divide with another catchy song. They will be tested on this unit on Friday, February 7th.

In Social Studies, the 7th graders are learning about the difference between emigration & immigration, push and pull factors, and intervening obstacles some migrants have to face in Central & Latin America. To help better understand the immigration & emigration process, we are using Lee’s Model of Immigration as a tool to help us navigate & learn through the lenses of migrants. This week we will be introducing the new laws & policies that are put into place in the United States due to high emigration from Mexico, Central, & Latin America.

The 7th-grade Science class is almost done with their unit on Metabolic Reactions. Students have been examining a case study of a middle schooler struggling to keep food down. Students will spend the last lesson looking at how much food molecules are absorbed in the mouth, stomach, and intestine of a healthy person compared to the student in the case study.

Reminders:

Scholars should begin bringing in their science fair project materials. Please have all materials dropped off in the science classroom by Thursday, January 30th. This will ensure that all students can begin their investigations.

6th Grade

Written by: The 6th Grade Team

In ELA, we are wrapping up our Social Issues Book Club unit! The students are starting to create a “book jacket” where they will show different reading skills that they learned, such as identifying the theme of a novel and writing summaries.

In science, our 6th-graders have been busy analyzing data to figure out what weather conditions lead to hailstorms - because who doesn’t love a good science mystery? They’ll continue investigating what causes hailstorms and, eventually, explore what causes storms in general.

As they work through their discoveries, students are revising their model drawings to help explain local weather events like hailstorms and rain (no, we’re not predicting the next snow day... yet!).

A summative assessment is tentatively scheduled just before Valentine’s Day -hopefully, it’s love at first answer!

In social studies, the 6th grade scholars will be introduced to our next unit of focus on Ancient China. The scholars will take notes on the G.R.A.P.E.S of Ancient China and will learn how its geography has impacted the civilization. The students will have a quiz next week Monday and Tuesday.

In math students have been working on dividing decimals. The end of the unit test is on 1/24. Moving forward we will be starting a unit on dividing fractions.

5th Grade

Written by: Ms. O'Connor (5th Grade ELA Teacher), Taylor W., & Sam P. (5th Grade Students)

Writing: In writing we are learning how to write a 5-page essay with the Panyee Football Club mentor text. We have to write one idea about the Panyee football club, find parts from the text to support our idea, and then our thesis. We have been practicing how to write our first paragraph for this essay. Our first paragraph is the introduction. We have to write a hook, then we have to write a bridge to our thesis, then after that our thesis. Next we will write a body paragraph and we start with a topic sentence, then evidence, then this shows, then a closing statement.

Reading: Our unit is reading like a fan. The students choose an author they like and are reading two titles written by that author. While they are reading, they are doing stop and jot notes on characters, point of view, themes, and settings. Keeping in mind the author’s craft is a key point in this project as well, so they are looking for similarities and differences. They will eventually be comparing and contrasting the writing styles (Author’s Craft) in each book.

Science: In science we are doing zoo books in groups of 1, 2, or 3. We are researching on levels of organization, habitats, types what they eat. We are also working on physical adaptations how they help with survival or reproduction, and behavioral adaptations, offspring and parenting behaviors, 3 food chains, interactive page, websites that you used and back page.

Math: Students are working on knowledge of decimals to the thousandths place. Students are taking a quiz this week on decimal place value and will be continuing their learning by understanding how to round to the nearest tenth, hundredth, thousandth, and whole number.

Reminders:

Please check in with your students about which book they are on and note they should be reading 20 minutes a day. At this point, they should be at least halfway through their first book.

Don’t forget to study for your weekly word study test!!!!

4th Grade

Written by: Mrs. McLean (4th Grade Math Teacher)

Dear 4th Grade Families,

I hope this message finds you well! We are excited to share what has been happening in our ELA classroom as we dive into a new genre during our Historical Fiction Book Clubs. It has been wonderful to see students’ enthusiasm as they explore historical fiction, a genre that brings the past to life through engaging stories.

In our book clubs, students had the opportunity to choose their books and are working in groups with their friends. This collaborative approach not only fosters a love for reading but also encourages teamwork and discussion. The books selected for these groups feature characters and events that transport readers to different times and places, helping students better understand history through a personal lens.

As a class, we are reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, a powerful story about a young girl named Annemarie Johansen growing up in Denmark during the German occupation in World War II. This book has sparked meaningful conversations about bravery, friendship, and resilience. It has also provided a context for discussing historical events in an age-appropriate way.

We encourage you to ask your child about their book club experience and the story they are reading. Here are some questions you might ask:

What is the setting of your book? How does it affect the characters?
What challenges are the characters facing, and how are they responding?
What have you learned about history from reading this story?

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a love of reading and learning at home. If you have any questions or would like suggestions for additional historical fiction books to explore as a family, feel free to reach out!

Happy reading!

Best regards,

the 4th Grade teachers

ARC

Written by: ARC Teachers

Students in ARC are continuing to grow their executive functioning skills. Weekly goal setting helps all students grow self-efficacy and encourages student academic and personal growth. It’s empowering to set goals and to meet them! We are also continuing to work on organization, checking our grades and missing work in Infinite Campus, and having high expectations of ourselves.

Each week students continue to explore Word Gen. Learning new vocabulary through reading, writing, and discussion about relevant topics, makes ARC unique. Word Gen promotes high level thinking in the areas of reading, writing, math, and science.

Families, don’t forget to check your scholars’ WAG/Assignment Notebook or Google Classroom to stay on top of weekly assignments, tests, and other important updates. Encourage your scholar to share their WAG with you, so we can all work together towards academic success and well-being! In ARC students are given time each day to work on other classwork, but it is very important that they use their time wisely.

Physical Education

Written by: Mr. Kaufmann (PE Teacher)

Dear Glen Hills families,

Next week, we’re excited to begin new units in PE:

Miss Sanders’ Classes: Cooperative games unit in the upper gym.
Mr. Kaufmann’s Classes: Swim unit – Please remind your student to bring their swim gear : swimsuits, towels, goggles, flip flops, and swim caps.
Mr. Higgins’ Classes: Volleyball unit

We’re looking forward to a fun and active week ahead.

Student Services Team (SST)

Written by: Mrs. Weaver (School Psychologist)

Phone and Internet Safety and Healthy Habits

Dear Families,

There is never a bad time to revisit the importance of phone and internet safety, boundaries, and healthy habits!

With many students spending increased time online and on their phones, ensuring they are safe and developing healthy digital habits is crucial. During the school day, students are expected to have their phones in their locker and unused. Here are some tips and resources to help guide your family in managing technology use effectively at home.

1. Set Clear Boundaries for Screen Time

Establish specific times when phones and devices should be turned off, such as during family meals or bedtime.
Encourage device-free zones in the home, like the dining room or bedrooms, to promote healthier habits.

2. Teach and Model Responsible Online Behavior

Remind children to never share personal information online, such as their address, phone number, or school name.
Talk about the importance of thinking before posting and how what they share online can have long-term consequences.

3. Monitor Online Activity

Stay involved in your child’s online life. Know the apps and websites they use and encourage open communication about their online experiences.
Consider using parental controls to help manage the content your child can access.

4. Encourage Positive Digital Engagement

Promote educational apps and websites that enhance learning and creativity.
Balance screen time with offline activities, such as reading, sports, and hobbies.

Teach your child how to recognize cyberbullying and the importance of reporting it to a trusted adult.
Encourage your child to interact positively with their peers online and to exit group chats or online spaces where inappropriate or unkind behavior occurs, reporting such incidents to a trusted adult.
Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing any issues they encounter online.

5. Prioritize Digital Well-being

Model healthy digital habits by taking breaks from your devices and spending quality offline time together as a family.
Discuss the effects of excessive screen time on sleep, attention, and overall well-being.

By setting boundaries and promoting healthy habits, we can help our students navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Below are just a few resource options for supporting healthy online habits with your child:

1. Common Sense Media

Website: commonsensemedia.org
Resources: Offers reviews and guidance on apps, games, and websites, along with tips on setting screen time limits and talking to kids about online safety.

2. Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI)

Website: fosi.org
Resources: Provides tools and resources for parents to create a safer online environment, including guides on parental controls and device monitoring.

3. Google Family Link

Website: families.google
Features: Allows parents to set digital ground rules, manage apps, and monitor screen time on Android devices and Chromebooks.

4. Apple Screen Time

Website: apple.com
Features: Built-in tools on iPhones and iPads that let parents set app limits, schedule downtime, and monitor usage.

5. Bark

Website: bark.us
Features: A monitoring app that helps parents track text messages, emails, and social media for signs of potential issues like cyberbullying or inappropriate content.

Reminders:

Resources at school

Marian Guillen 4th-6th School Counselor

Carrie Gleba 7th & 8th School Counselor

Hailey Weaver School Psychologist

Denise Davis School Social Worker

School-Based Applied Therapies and Wellness

Music

Written by: Mrs. Heal (General Music Teacher)

Congratulations to the 7th and 8th Grade Band, Choir, and Orchestra on their amazing Winter Concert last night!

Shout out to the 5th and 6th Grade Band, Choir, and Orchestra, whose concert will occur later tonight after this Newsletter is released (January 23rd)! We have no doubt they will have a wonderful concert!

On Friday January 10th the GlenHills Band and Orchestra performed the Star Spangled Banner at the Admirals Game. As you can see a wonderful time was had by all and they brought their A Game!!

General Music Update:

6th, 7th, and 8th:

Scholars are learning how to apply their knowledge of bandlab.edu and recording their own podcast based on the musical topic of their choice.. If you have any musical knowledge or stories you’d like to share with our scholars, let us know!

Performance Dates:

January 30 The Prairie School Jazz Day, Jazz Ensemble 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM

February 27 Black History Month Program, Grades 7-8 Band, Choir & Orchestra 6:00 PM @ GHMS

March 15 WSMA Solo & Ensemble 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM @ Homestead HS

April 2 North Shore Vocal Arts Festival @ Nicolet HS

May 12 Spring Concert, Band 5-8 6:30 PM @ GHMS

May 13 Spring Concert, Orchestra 5-8 6:30 PM @ GHMS

May 14 Spring Concert, Choir 5-8 6:30 PM @ GHMS

World Language

Written by: Maestra Wege (Spanish Teacher)

Hello! My name is Ms. Golden, and I am thrilled to be working as a student teacher with

Glen Hills’ Spanish students for the rest of the school year. I am finishing my degree in

World Language Education at UW-Milwaukee and working with Mrs. Wege to support

and teach some of her Spanish courses for the remainder of the year. I am passionate

about fostering a love of language in the students and I’m excited to learn and grow

alongside the amazing students and staff here at Glen Hills Middle. Thank you for

welcoming me to this wonderful community!

Reminders:

All grade levels are currently working through summative assessments. Please ensure that your child is charging their Chromebook every night.

Kleenex and pencil donations would be GREATLY appreciated!

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