Christmas Activities

Our students will participate in a brief Nativity reenactment and sing Christmas songs to get everyone in the true spirit of the season and remind us of what Christmas is truly about.

This week students will also have the opportunity to purchase gifts for their friends and family members  at the "Santa Secret Workshop."  Information went home with students about this fun opportunity to buy some nice gifts at reasonable prices of .50 - $5. 

Reminder of Updated Academic Policy: Late Work Submission

At the start of the second trimester, all middle school teachers implemented a standardized late work policy designed to promote responsibility and time management skills that are essential for academic success.

Homework and Practice Assignments

Students who fail to submit homework or practice assignments will receive a zero with no opportunity for makeup credit. This policy encourages consistent daily engagement with course material.

Content Area and Critical Thinking Assignments

Late submissions will be accepted within one calendar week of the original due date for a maximum of 50% credit. Students receive an "Unprepared for Class" slip documenting the final submission deadline. Work submitted after this date will receive a grade of zero.  Students must notify teachers via email when submitting late work—Google Classroom messages do not fulfill this requirement.

Assessments and Evaluations

Missed quizzes and tests due to absence must be completed upon return or within one week for extended absences. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule makeup assessments.

Grade-Level Academic Focus Areas

Sixth Grade: Literary Foundation Building

Students read the classic O. Henry story, "The Gift of the Magi," and are writing their own story with a similar theme. After writing the story, they are transferring their ideas into a book using Canva or Google Slides. We will be sharing these stories with one another in class. 

Students will have their Unit 6 vocabulary test on Thursday, December 11th, since they will be shopping at Santa's workshop on Friday during part of our class. 

Seventh Grade: Survival Literature Study

Students are continuing to read Hatchet, and are enjoying it so far. While reading, we are analyzing internal and external conflicts while also examining character development. Students are also learning some new vocabulary words and getting some information about what it would be like to have to survive on their own in the wilderness. 

I hope to finish the book this week, and give students time to work on a small project related to the novel next week. 

Unit 6 vocabulary test will be on Friday, December 12th. 

Eighth Grade: Narrative Poetry Novel

We have been reading a new novel that is written entirely with poems. Kwame Alexander is an award-winning author who is well known for his books written for this age group, and The Crossover does not disappoint! Although it seems to be about basketball, it is really about so much more - family, friends, and growing up. The students are enjoying the plot as they review figurative language just in time for the upcoming midterm. 

Unit 6 vocabulary test will be on Friday, December 12th. 

Looking Ahead

Christmas Spirit Week

Be ready for Christmas Spirit Week! Please adhere to all handbook guidelines including the Out of Uniform policy.

• 12/15 Christmas Sweaters & Sweatshirts - Wear with regular or PE uniform bottom. Sneakers must be worn with PE uniform bottom.

• 12/16  Elf Ears, Christmas Hats & Headbands - Wear with regular Tuesday uniform

• 12/17  Christmas Socks - Wear with regular Wednesday uniform

• 12/18  Christmas Pajamas- No nightgowns or robes. Sneakers MUST be worn. No slippers, Uggs or Ugg-style shoes are allowed.

• 12/19 - Out of Uniform dressed in red & green or festive Christmas attire - Sneakers MUST be worn. No slippers, Uggs or Ugg-style shoes are allowed.

*Participation is optional, but students who do not participate must be dressed in regular, full uniform for that given day. Sneakers are required if it's a PE day.

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When we return from Christmas break, students will have MAP testing that first week we are back. The following week, middle school will have midterms. That schedule will be posted after the break, and midterm review/study guides will be posted in Google Classroom by this Friday, December 12th. 

Have a blessed week and a reflective Advent season! 

Mrs. Lastner