Science 7

Link to Back to School Slides & Link to 5 question survey.

First things first! Welcome to Science 7!

As we begin our first unit, Photosynthesis, we will practice our routines and class procedures daily. I will continue to emphasize class expectations and student readiness for science class. Over the next two weeks we will explore the carbon cycle, simulate our role in the cycle and define photosynthesis. At the same time safety in the lab will be discussed, caregiver signature will be required on the contract and a lab safety quiz will be given.

Check Google Classroom daily for our weekly slideshow, interactive science notebook table of contents and homework posts.

Math 7

Welcome to Math 7 with Mr. Watenpool.  I am excited to be starting a new 7th grade mathematical journey with all of my new students this school year!  During the first week and a half of school, we are engaging in some community building activities focused on estimation, Venn Diagrams, logical reasoning, and the order of operations.  We are also completing math notebook covers, and incorporating the Depth of Knowledge Icons (one of Hall's new school-wide learning focuses this school year).

In the next two weeks, we will be taking the i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment and starting into the first unit of study, which is on Probability (Simple Probability and then Compound Probability).

I will be posting all class notes, activities, and assignments in Google Classroom.  Look under the "Classwork" tab to see everything we are working on week by week.  Ask your child to show you, and revisit this often.

Pre-Algebra

Welcome to Pre-algebra with Mr. Watenpool.  I am excited to be starting a new 7th grade mathematical journey with all of my new students this school year!  During the first week and a half of school, we are engaging in some community building activities focused on estimation, Venn Diagrams, logical reasoning, and the order of operations.  We are also completing math notebook covers, and incorporating the Depth of Knowledge Icons (one of Hall's new school-wide learning focuses this school year).

In the next two weeks, we will be taking the i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment and starting into the first unit of study, which is on Probability (Simple Probability and then Compound Probability).

Pre-algebra combines topics and standards from the Math 7 and Math 8 classes.  So, ocassionally, Math 7 and Pre-algebra may be working on the same standards concurrently.  Especially at the beginning of the year, the material may seem very easy to many pre-algebra students.  Just know that we will soon be getting into more challenging material, and most students will be challenged at appropriate levels throughout the school year.  The goal is to prepare them for success in Algebra as 8th graders.

I will be posting all class notes, activities, and assignments in Google Classroom.  Look under the "Classwork" tab to see everything we are working on week by week.  Ask your child to show you, and revisit this often.

PE 7

Corbolotti: I’m looking forward to a great year of PE with these 7th graders. We are kicking things off with team sports on the blacktop, starting with a modified game called Quidditch Football.  After we’ll be transitioning to hockey on the blacktop but leave the roller blades at home.  These activities are designed to build teamwork, communication, and an opportunity to get comfortable playing with their classmates.

Mr Rembrandt:  Rembrandt PE: We are finally getting fully up to speed with our PE lockers and uniforms, and moving forward with our Volleyball Skills unit. Students spend time with a ball each day to refine their passing skills, as well as participate in our daily warm up routine (calisthenics  and stretching). We will also play some all class lead up games and drills that will help the class advance their skills and comfort level. 

Uniforms have been distributed this afternoon, and we made sure names were written on most. Double check your child's uniform to be sure their materials are properly labeled. And finally, please help your child remember to have appropriate shoes for PE, when their schedule requires.

Intermediate Band

• So nice to see everyone at Back To School Night!  I'm really pumped to be working with your kids this year.  We've already started our first piece, a grade 1.5 tune you'll know, called "Mission Impossible."  The whole 5/4 thing, that is 5 beats per measure and trying to feel that, is quite a challenge.  We're locking in on the bass line (which is the super catchy part of the piece) in hopes of having more rhythmic success on the melody.  We'll continue working on that piece next week, as well all of the fundamental work were continuously doing each day.  Great group of kiddos!

Language Arts 

Ms. Hensley's class is getting started on Module 1 of the new Expeditionary Learning curriculum; "The Lost Chlldren of the Sudan"  Each module in our ELA curriculum is divided into three units. We will be covering Unit 1 for the next two weeks. Unit 1 is where we explore the topic and being reading the related book, A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. 

I will be posting a reading schedule for the book in Google Classroom, so you can ask your student to share that with you so you'll know when there are reading assignments in the assigned book. 

We will also be visiting the school library on 9/10, and students will be selecting their independent reading book. If they don't have any reading in A Long Walk to Water, you can encourage them to read in their independent reading book. I recommend they read for about 20 minutes each night! Please also remind them to bring their independent reading book to class each Friday. 

It was so great meeting so many families at Back to School Night! Here is the link to the slides from that night. Please be in touch if you have questions or concerns to discuss with Ms. Hensley. 

Art

Art is in full swing at Hall Middle School! Over the next two weeks, we'll be wrapping up our drawing unit with neat lessons on perspective and how to draw realistic people. Thanks so much to everyone who came to our Back-to‑School night—if you couldn’t make it, don’t worry! Just check out the slideshow below to catch up.