Our 6th graders are currently exploring the fascinating question: What can we learn by seeing the world through an animal’s eyes? After diving into informational texts about animal behavior, students have become mini-experts on creatures of their choice, practicing their "Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning" (CER) skills in short research essays. We are now transitioning into the world of fiction by reading an excerpt from Pax. By exploring the story of a fox’s journey, students are deepening their understanding of point of view and how a change in perspective can completely transform a narrative.

In 7th grade, we’ve been tackling the essential question: How do games impact our lives? It’s been a high-energy unit as we’ve analyzed everything from the history of sports to the psychology of video games through poetry, short stories, and articles. Students have been sharpening their ability to cite textual evidence to back up their claims, culminating in a visual project where they designed posters weighing the pros and cons of "game play." Whether it’s building teamwork or navigating the risks of screen time, our 7th graders are thinking critically about the games we play.

Our 8th graders are engaged in a profound study of the human spirit, centered on the question: What can we learn from tragic events? We are currently reading the dramatic adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank. As we move through the play, students are focusing on Character Analysis, using specific textual evidence to track how the residents of the Secret Annex grow and change under extraordinary pressure. This unit is helping students understand the complexity of human resilience and the importance of documenting our own histories.

6th Grade:

The 6th grade has completed lessons on Fraction Operations, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers. Now they're learning about Decimal Operations. They understand how to add and subtract decimals by lining up the decimal points and place values. Next, they'll focus on multiplying and dividing decimals.

7th Grade:

The 7th grade is starting a new module on Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities. By the end of this module, students will know how to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients, using properties of operations as strategies. They'll learn to solve multi-step, real-world, and mathematical problems with positive and negative rational numbers in various forms.

8th Grade:

The 8th grade has finished Module 4 on Linear Equations in One and Two Variables. In this module, students learned to represent and connect linear equations in two variables with their graphs. They also analyzed, interpreted, graphed proportional relationships, and compared different proportional relationships represented in various ways.

Our middle school scientists have been busy exploring big ideas across all grade levels!

8th Grade students have been diving into the fossil record to understand how scientists use layers of rock and preserved organisms as evidence for evolution over time. They’ve been analyzing patterns in fossils and discussing how life on Earth has changed across millions of years. Ask your student how whales came to exist! 

7th Grade students have been working through an engaging medical mystery to learn about the digestive system. By acting as investigators, they are figuring out how different organs work together to break down food and absorb nutrients. Next, they will begin exploring metabolic reactions and how the body converts food into usable energy.

6th Grade students are in the middle of an engineering design challenge focused on energy transfer. Their goal is to design and test solutions that slow the movement of thermal energy to keep a cold drink cold for as long as possible. They are practicing planning, building, testing, and improving their designs just like real engineers.

It’s been exciting to see students asking thoughtful questions, collaborating with peers, and applying science concepts to real-world situations!

6th graders have wrapped up their study of early humans and are now diving into the world of early civilizations! They began their journey with Ancient Mesopotamia and are currently exploring Ancient Egypt. Students have been learning about cartouches, hieroglyphics, and the fascinating ways ancient people recorded their stories. Ask your 6th grader what they’ve discovered so far!

7th grade has been deeply immersed in the history of Africa. Students have explored medieval Africa, the transatlantic slave trade, the colonization of Africa, and apartheid in South Africa. They are now working on their final project for the unit before shifting their focus to the continent of India. Ask your 7th grader what they’ve learned about apartheid laws or Nelson Mandela!

8th graders are currently studying the structure and function of the U.S. government. Through simulations, quizzes, and projects, they are building strong skills in explaining the powers and limits of the three branches of government. Earlier in the unit, students became experts on the Bill of Rights — feel free to quiz them on the first ten amendments!