February Newsletter

Math

In Ms. Vesper’s and Mrs. Varcadipane’s sixth-grade math class, we just finished Unit Six, which involved learning about integers and the coordinate plane. We have started our Introduction to Algebra unit, which involves learning about the parts of an algebraic expression and what a variable is. We learned that we are no longer using the x to mean multiplication, which has now become a variable, and we are showing how to set up multiplication differently.

In Ms. Vesper’s and Mrs. Fitzgerald’s sixth-grade math class, we are currently working on the Algebra unit. We learned the parts of an algebraic expression and what a variable is. We learned that we no longer use the x to mean multiplication, which has now become a variable, and we are showing how to set up multiplication differently.

Science

Students in Mrs. Maul’s science class are wrapping up their graphing unit. Students learned how to create line graphs with both paper and pencil and Google Sheets. Students completed Mrs. Maul’s Bootcamp, during which time they gathered data, graphed the data, and then analyzed their results. Students have also completed their Procedure sections for their science fair project and are getting ready to begin their experiments at home.

Students in Mrs. Presinzano’s classes have wrapped up their unit on Electricity and Magnetism. Students used digital simulators to learn how charged particles can be used to cause and prevent movement of other charged particles, as well as how an electromagnet can be made stronger. Sixth-grade students should have completed their Materials and Procedure documents for their Science Fair project. Next up: Data Collection & Pictures. The Science Fair is just three months away!

Reading

Mrs. Del Piano’s students have just started their historical fiction unit. They selected their own historical fiction books to read over the next month. Also, they are learning background information about Hurricane Katrina to prepare for their read-aloud, Finding Someplace.

Mrs. Spiridakis’s class has worked to finish our short story unit and has begun our fourth unit on the documentary. We continuously read our independent reading books and complete reading jots on what we’ve read independently. Finally, we are looking forward to more upcoming work in our documentary unit.

Language Arts

Students have been developing their argumentative writing skills in Ms. Allison’s Language Arts classes. They are learning how to craft strong thesis statements, support clear claims with thoughtful reasons, and organize their ideas into structured essays. To culminate the unit, students will participate in a classroom debate, where they will present and defend their arguments with confidence.

In Mrs. Fitzgerald’s classes, students recently completed their Realistic Fiction stories. Students explored what defined Realistic Fiction through a variety of media before creating their own definition, which was then used to help guide them in drafting their own story. Over the last month, students learned the different types of figurative language using their prior knowledge from Reading and practiced adding it into their own stories. Lastly, students have continued to reinforce their skills by practicing their IXL skills and practicing their vocabulary. We look forward to applying all of these new skills to our next unit: argumentative writing.

In Mrs. Spiridakis’s Language Arts class, students have been working on completing an RST essay about Natural Disasters. Students read all parts of the articles and highlighted key details that would be essential in answering the question. Additionally, students have been practicing finding and using evidence from the text. Citing sources in our essays is becoming easier every time we do it. We will be continuing this through the end of the month, then following up with some typing practice to enhance our skills when typing on the computers. We will be looking forward to creating our endangered species project in the month of March as we prepare for our upcoming field trip to the Turtle Back Zoo in April.

Enrichment

Students completed their career brochures and have begun studying the Civil Rights Movement of the nineteen-fifties and nineteen-sixties. They are making connections between the major events of the movement and the necessity of First Amendment rights guaranteed in the Constitution. Students will be completing a Research Simulated Task examining how “ordinary” citizens exercised their constitutional rights to effect change in the United States.

Global Studies

Sixth-grade students recently finished their choice projects on Early Humans, and boy, oh boy, did they do a great job! Some students chose to present their work, while others simply let their work do the talkin’ for them! Some pictures included below began the unit on West and Central Africa by studying the region’s geography. Each student, while others can be on display in the sixth-grade wing, come on down and check ’em out! Currently, we are studying the geography of Africa. Students are creating a Slides presentation that highlights major landforms, bodies of water, the biggest cities, tourist attractions, and animals. Next, we will take an in-depth look at the continent's long and cultured history, including the study of King Mansa Musa, who, according to sources, is the richest person in world history! Stay tuned…

Stage & Sound

In Stage & Sound, sixth graders have been learning the basics of notes and rhythms. They have composed duets on their own and used things around the classroom, like pencils, water bottles, and desks, as instruments to tap on, as well as clapping. We are currently working on writing stories while using words they spell with the musical alphabet. Students are getting to practice reading and writing in treble clef.

Full STEAM Ahead

In Full STEAM Ahead, students began the quarter learning about the Engineering Design Process… a process that engineers use to find solutions to problems! Students were first put to the test and had to choose a problem that they would like to solve. They worked through the eight steps of the Engineering Design Process and successfully completed their mission. Following this, they teamed up and put their skills to the test with the Potato Rescue challenge. Students were given constraints that they had to meet, such as a budget and a time limit. Teams designed their mountain rescue litter and were able to successfully rescue Mr. Potato (all while actively applying the Engineering Design Process)!

Art Appreciation

In sixth-grade Art Appreciation, the students have been learning about the Elements of Art. While creating our Starry Night grid drawings, we discussed color, line, space, and texture. Students created a foreground, middleground, and background in their Starry Night landscape, drawing the viewer’s eye into the two-dimensional space. Once the drawings were completed, the students moved on to adding color with oil pastels.

Pre-Algebra Apps

This month in Pre-Algebra, students explored the concept of percents and how they connect to real-world situations. Through hands-on activities, visual models, and traditional problem solving, students practiced converting between fractions, decimals, and percents, as well as finding the percent of a number. We also focused on building strong number sense and explaining mathematical thinking using diagrams and written reasoning. Ask your child to show you how they can use percentages to calculate discounts, tips, or sales tax. They’ve been working hard applying math to everyday life!

Mr. Kelly’s Pre-Algebra class spent the first half of February wrapping up the unit on Expressions & Equations. The students were quite successful with solving one- and two-step equations. They are now able to interpret a word problem, create an equation to go with it, and then solve it. After completing the unit, the class moved on to examining inequalities. They are now able to write an inequality from a graph and can create a graph from a simple inequality. They are working hard at solving and graphing one- and two-step inequalities.

Life Science

During the month of February, students in Life Science wrapped up their unit on Cells and Life by exploring the muscular system, nervous system, and digestive system. For the muscular system, students engaged in a blinking lab where they investigated whether blinking was voluntary or involuntary, in addition to exploring their reaction times in response to a stimulus when learning about the nervous system. Next, we will be moving into our unit on Genetics and DNA, where students will explore how traits are inherited.

Reading

During the month of February, Ms. Magner's Reading classes explored the history of Japanese-American incarceration during World War II through the graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. Students examined how fear, prejudice, and wartime hysteria led to the forced removal and incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens. As we read, students analyzed character perspectives, especially the experiences of George’s parents, and discussed themes such as identity, citizenship, resilience, and justice. We studied key historical events, including Executive Order 9066, life in the camps, the “loyalty questionnaire,” and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Students also learned about figures like Sadako Sasaki and reflected on the long-term impact of these events on families and communities. Throughout the unit, students practiced close reading skills, citing textual evidence to support their ideas, responding to multi-part questions, and engaging in thoughtful discussions about fairness, civil rights, and the responsibilities of a democracy. This unit encouraged students not only to understand an important moment in American history but also to consider how the lessons of the past connect to our world today.

In Mr. Kelly’s Reading class, the students practiced their skills of identifying appropriate text evidence and using it to respond to a question or prompt. We then began reading the novel A Long Walk to Water. The students have been very engaged in this parallel story about a Sudanese “Lost Boy” and a young girl living years apart during the tumultuous times in South Sudan. The students were excited to reach the conclusion and see how the stories of Salva and Nya intersected (no spoilers here!). We have been using this mentor text to develop the students' close reading skills. The students then completed a one-page project that demonstrated those skills by examining how the setting of the story affected the characters.

In Miss Hartmann’s Reading class, students have been working on using reading clues and inferences to make predictions about what will happen next in a text. Students have worked on making predictions via pictures, listening skills, and group and independent reading. Recently, students also read about both current and past Winter Olympians, using their knowledge to predict what medals would be won in their games.

Language Arts

In Mrs. Edreos’ Language Arts classes, students are working on the RST/Research Unit. As a class, we are reviewing the process of analyzing sources, sorting facts, and creating an outline on the topic of Abby Sunderland, a sixteen-year-old girl attempting to sail solo around the world. Students have recently chosen their own topic and have been given sources to independently research the information and organize their ideas to write an essay. Throughout this unit, students will learn how to properly use in-text citations as well as create a Works Cited page. We are excited to see the final products!

In Mrs. Krysa’s Language Arts classes, students are working on the Literary Analysis Unit. Students learned how to compare two texts to look for similarities, especially by analyzing the themes. Lessons focused on using and identifying textual evidence to support analysis, and organizing and writing a multi-paragraph essay that contained all the necessary elements. Students worked on developing their pre-writing skills by completing graphic organizers and learned different strategies to write essays. Additionally, word work and vocabulary lessons continued to build our understanding of using context clues to define unknown words and to use more advanced vocabulary in the context of our own writing assignments.

Beginning of the US & Civics

In Civics, we have just finished the War of 1812 unit. Now the students have tackled an RST on capital punishment. These opinion papers have been worked on both in class and at home. I’m proud of the hard work being done by each student this marking period.

Spanish

In Señora Barrios’s class, we are learning how to write a letter. Currently, we are covering the school life unit. Students are writing a letter to their pen pal about what they do in their classes and what they need to do in order to get good grades. Students have been working in pairs to build language proficiency. We are also learning about expressing feelings and emotions with the verb ESTAR. I’m very excited for our next book chapter.

French

Madame Ralston’s class just completed our lesson on “avoir,” which means “to have.” However, the French use it to express hunger, thirst, fatigue, etc. Essentially, they say “I have hunger” instead of “I am hungry.” The students found it a little confusing but interesting! We are starting our first chapter book this week called The Adventures of Isabelle.

Financial Fitness

In Financial Fitness, we are almost done with the first chapter in Ramsey, and we also had our first Banking Day. The students learned how to withdraw money from a bank account and how to balance a bank account. They learned what it means to deposit money and what it means to not have enough money to cover their bills. They all thought they had so much, but once they paid their rent, they realized how fast the money went.

Art Appreciation

In seventh-grade Art Appreciation, we are learning about the nineteen-sixties art movement Op Art. Op Art, short for optical art, is a style of visual art that uses optical illusions. Op Art works are abstract, with many better-known pieces created in black and white. Typically, they give the viewer the impression of movement, hidden images, flashing and vibrating patterns, or swelling or warping.

To demonstrate what they learned, the students are creating Op Art cubes. They had to pick six different Op Art patterns to complete, carefully measuring and coloring each pattern. Once the drawing and coloring are complete, we will cut out our cubes and fold them into a three-dimensional cube.

Exploring Food & Nutrition

Chef Lafferty’s Exploring Food and Nutrition students have transitioned from Unit One to Unit Two, which is Healthy Cooking and Eating. They’re working on their nutrition knowledge, such as: What is a calorie? What are the five food groups, and how many servings of each do you need daily? They will also be calculating their daily caloric needs via the MyPlate website. The students continue to build their cooking portfolios, which are an e-cookbook of the recipes that they’ve cooked in class and reflections on what they’ve learned.

Health

Seventh-grade Health students are learning about the following: mental and emotional health; the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

Algebra

Mrs. DeLorenzo’s Apps classes have been working on Systems of Linear Equations. During this chapter, they used a cups-and-chips activity to model and manipulate equations to find solutions. This builds a deeper understanding of how you can change an equation to make it work with a second equation, as long as the same change is made throughout the equation. They continued to study linear systems by writing and solving equations from word problems. They will continue their skills of writing and graphing linear functions in our next unit on Data Analysis and Displays.

Algebra One Honors has completed their unit on Exponential Functions and Equations. During this unit, students studied power rules to simplify expressions, exponential growth and decay, and compound interest. We utilized the graphing calculator to graph exponential functions and identify values from the tables, as well as points of intersection for equations with exponents. Students will move into their next unit on Polynomial Equations and Factoring.

In Ms. Vesper’s and Ms. Hartmann’s Algebra Concepts class, we finished up angle relationships and what that looks like in the real world. Think of New York City and how its streets are lined up. We are now working on slope and how to use a formula to find the steepness of a line by using two points. We reviewed the four different types of slopes and why it is so important to understand what direction the line is pointing.

In Mrs. Del Vecchio’s Algebra Concepts class, we wrapped up angle relationships, getting out of our seats a bit for a review! We are currently working on slope and how to use a formula to find the slope of a line using two points. We reviewed the four different types of slope and why it is so important to understand the direction of a line on a graph. We discussed how slope can be used in the real world and why it should be used. We are also going to be learning about the point-slope equation and how to graph lines using it.

Physical Science

In Ms. Vacchiano’s eighth-grade science class, the recent unit on waves has been a resounding success. Students delved into the fascinating world of various types of waves, from mechanical waves like sound and seismic waves to the expansive family of electromagnetic waves. A major component of this study focused on understanding the electromagnetic spectrum, where students analyzed the properties, wavelengths, and frequencies of everything from radio waves to gamma rays.

Currently, the curriculum has transitioned to a vital topic: exploring the profound relationship between light waves and the biological process of photosynthesis. This segment connects physics and biology, showing students how the energy from light is captured and converted by plants. To make this complex concept tangible, students engaged in an insightful and interactive online simulation. This digital tool allowed them to become virtual researchers, manipulating variables to observe precisely how different colors (or wavelengths) of visible light affect plant growth and, most critically, the rate of photosynthesis.

The students collected virtual data, enabling them to conclude which parts of the spectrum—specifically the red and blue regions—are most effective for a plant's energy production. This hands-on, inquiry-based approach has greatly enhanced their understanding of energy transfer and life science.

Reading

In Ms. McCann’s Reading class, students are finishing the Informational Unit, where students practiced the reading skills to identify central idea, evaluate evidence, and determine purpose and structure in informational texts. All of the informational texts dealt with the topic of success and ways to achieve success. For the final project, students created a presentation giving their personal definition of success and synthesized information from their reading resources to explain how to achieve success in their lives. Students have been demonstrating a high level of reading comprehension and critical thinking throughout the unit and should be very proud of their progress.

Mrs. Del Vecchio’s Reading class has been studying characteristics of informational text and nonfiction reading. We have been looking at organizational text structures, informational text features, print text features, and graphic text features. We have been exploring how these different features help us read and understand informational and nonfiction texts. Students have also each been assigned a biography from the “Who Is/Was” series to read on their own and use additional research to create a slideshow presentation on the person from their biography.

Language Arts

Mr. Smith’s classes have been exploring nonfiction and informational writing. Students examined how we organize information and our writing based on what we want to convey to the audience. Students wrote their own “how-to” articles, incorporating detailed writing with external text features. Students then turned their attention to evaluating sources and research. Each student researched what makes someone a successful _______ (choice of topic) and synthesized their research to create a Google Site on their topic.

Mrs. Del Vecchio’s Language Arts students are busy with their Investigative Journalism/Nonfiction Unit. Students are honing their observational skills and evaluating internet sources for reliability while working on their research and writing. Additionally, students wrote an essay using their research on what they think are the most important tips to help someone be a successful student.

Early World History

In Social Studies, students have just wrapped up their research on a Greek god or goddess of their choosing, and we are now venturing into our lesson on democracy. Our classes have been filled with wonderful discussions, and I’m looking forward to the second half of our school year together!

Spanish

In Mrs. Wohlberg’s class, students are currently working with the past tense of regular verbs as well as several common irregular verbs. In addition to grammar, students explored cultural topics, including molas—handmade textiles that are part of the traditional clothing worn by Indigenous women in Panama. After learning about their cultural significance and design, students created their own paper versions inspired by this art form. Students also learned about open-air markets and practiced bargaining for better prices in Spanish. To conclude the unit, they will begin working on shopping skits in which they will set up and participate in their own “open-air market,” applying both their language skills and cultural knowledge in a creative, interactive way.

French

Madame Ralston’s class just completed our first chapter book, entitled La Vraie Patricia. It deals with a typical high school girl in France who wants to fit in and learns a lesson in staying loyal to her friends and family. The students are currently creating a comic strip to retell the important parts of the story. We have also been working hard on learning many irregular French verbs and their usage.

Creative Coding

After spending the first part of the course learning about computers and technology careers, the students were eager to move into the main coding unit. We’ve learned about programming shapes and lines and moved up to manipulating props and characters (called sprites). We’ve learned how to fine-tune the scale and positioning of sprites. We are just about to create joke scenes like the picture here. Next month, we have a greeting card project, followed by our game unit and project.

Technology/Manufacturing

In Mr. Blatt’s Design and Modeling classes, students have been introduced to the engineering design process and the impact of technology. They are always looking at how technology and tools impact everyday lives. They are currently designing and building skimmers to zoom across the floor. They will perform data analysis on the success of their designs.

Next week, they will be learning engineering drawing concepts with computer software to help generate three-dimensional drawings of objects.

Next month, they will be introduced to the woodshop and learn about safety issues before creating their final project. Students will work on engineering drawings and eventually design and build, applying the design process hands-on in a woodworking project. In groups, they will be creating a wooden pull toy for children using power tools like the drill press and bladerunner. They will be finishing the toy with chosen stains and paints.

Art Appreciation

In eighth-grade Art Appreciation, the students are working on their three-dimensional printed Funko Pop portraits. With patience and attention to detail, these once-blank figures are coming to life as mini versions of their creators.

Mrs. Gutierrez’s class has been learning about ancient history in Social Studies. When discussing Ancient Greece, we looked back to the original Olympics. Students compared and contrasted the original Olympics with modern-day Olympics. They were excited to see how the games differed from today’s Olympics. This was a great connection for students to current events, as the Olympics were wrapping up during our discussions.

We have been continuing to work on creative podcasts. We were able to research and start recording, and in March we will be editing. Also in March, we will be participating in a STEM design competition. A fair amount of time has also been dedicated to Brain Busters practice. While sixth and seventh don’t go monthly, it is important for them to be used to the challenge for when they are in eighth grade.

ESP eighth grade went to the February Bergen Brain Busters meet. Each month, eight students (two teams of four) get to compete in academic trivia. We practice during some ESP periods.

Moving into the new year, the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade chorus classes have been learning about musical theater by watching various musicals. Sixth grade is learning about The Music Man and will hear and discuss solos, duets, partner songs, and barbershop quartets. The seventh and eighth grade chorus classes were able to choose which musical interested them most. Choices varied from Matilda and Anything Goes to Shrek and SpongeBob the Musical! Students learned about various musical terminology and ideas and had lessons focusing on plot and character through group and solo numbers heard in the musicals.

The WMS Warrior Jazz Band is back in action! Jazz band auditions took place in late January, and the Warrior Jazz Band has begun rehearsals in preparation for upcoming performances at the Spring Concert, elementary schools, and local senior living communities!

Jazz Band students are…

Flute:  Victoria Rodriguez, Annabeth Cantu
Clarinet:  Isabella Vergara-Estrada, Giuliana Russo
Saxophone:  Hayden Luchian, Luke Krysa, Zach DiGiacomo, Zachary Statton
Trumpet:  Mirabella Oelkers, Isabelle Villarosa
Mallet Percussion:  Catherine Admana
Voice:  Ryan Sabo
Piano:  Alexa Luchian, Ilena Singh
Guitar:  Vincent Stramiello
Drumset:  Holly Cernak, Aiden Reimels, Sebastian Simpson

Art Club

In the Art Club, the students are continuing to work on their neurographic art. Most have completed the Sharpie part of the artwork and are now adding watercolor paint.

Cooking Up a Storm Cooking Club

The students, or “Foodies,” have very quickly increased their cooking skills with club activities that have included fried rice, cheese quesadillas, and waffles.

Drama Club

Members of the MS Drama Club are currently in rehearsals with the HS Drama production of Bye Bye Birdie! Students who were on stage last fall in Alice in Wonderland Jr. were invited to join the HS production as the teens and kids in the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio. Performances run March 5, 6, and 7 — come support the arts and see a wonderful show!