Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
September 26, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events:
Monday September 26 Girls Basketball Game 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuesday September 27 Girls Basketball Practice 3:40 pm - 5:30 pm
Wednesday September 28 Girls Basketball Game @ Brighton Bus Leaves @ 4:00
Thursday September 29
Friday September 30 8th Grade Bake Sale 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Saturday October 1 172nd Anniversary Celebration 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who came to the eighth grade car wash, and thank you to the seventh grade students who helped out. It was a very good start in the eighth grade’s journey to install a GaGa Ball structure.
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students edited and began to lay out their articles for The Bulldog Bark, continued vocabulary study, and reviewed sentence structure with subjects and predicates. This week students will complete the layouts and group edit the complete newspaper. Students will also continue vocabulary study and the review of sentence structure.
Reading - Jacobson
This week, we began reading Restart. We discussed how the main character has changed from his accident using evidence from the text.
Today’s First Chapter Friday read was Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger.
Next week we will continue reading Restart by Gordon Korman.
Science – Mazurek
Students learned about the scientific method and the difference between a scientific theory and a law. They also spent time learning about lab safety and lab equipment.
Social Studies – Maass
Sixth graders worked in partners to complete a 5 Themes of Geography Web Quest. The students researched a place around the world and learned about its geography. They then completed a poster to display what they learned.
Math – Maass
Sixth graders worked to complete their unit on Decimal Operations this week. They reviewed and practiced to prepare them for their upcoming test on Monday and Tuesday.
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students edited and began to lay out their articles for The Bulldog Bark, continued vocabulary study, took a vocabulary quiz, and reviewed sentence structure with subjects and predicates. This week students will complete the layouts and group edit the complete newspaper. Students will also continue vocabulary study, take another vocabulary quiz, and continue the review of sentence structure.
Reading – Jacobson
This week, we finally finished the short story The Wall of the War.
We had to change our first novel to The Outsiders. We read chapter one and discussed the characters and point of view.
Today’s First Chapter Friday read was Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger.
Next week, we will continue reading The Outsiders.
Science – Mazurek
Students learned about the scientific method and the difference between a scientific theory and a law. They also spent time learning about lab safety and lab equipment. They also completed a study guide, reviewed and took their first test. We will be talking about test retakes on Monday.
Social Studies – Mazurek
Students completed a study guide, played review games and took their first test about history, geography, civics and economics.
Math – Maass
Seventh graders are working on understanding operations with rational numbers. This week we spent time practicing how to multiply and divide integers and rational numbers.
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students edited and began to lay out their articles for The Bulldog Bark, continued vocabulary study, took a vocabulary quiz, and reviewed sentence structure with subjects and predicates. This week students will complete the layouts and group edit the complete newspaper. Students will also continue vocabulary study, take another vocabulary quiz, and continue the review of sentence structure.
Reading – Thompson
Last week students read and discussed “The Tell-tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe, and also read independently. This week students will write detailed answers about “The Tell-tale Heart,” and they will begin reading and discussing “The Raven,” Poe’s classic poem. Students are reading pieces by Poe in preparation to write a formal essay about Poe’s writing.
Science – Mazurek
Students learned about the scientific method and the difference between a scientific theory and a law. They also spent time learning about lab safety and lab equipment. They also completed a study guide, reviewed and took their first test.
Social Studies – Mazurek
Students completed a study guide, played review games and took their first test about the first civilizations in the Americas.
Math – Maass
Eighth graders completed their unit on the Real Number System by taking their test this week. Next week we will begin our second unit which is all about exponent properties and scientific notation.
Algebra – Maass
Algebra students are halfway through their first chapter! They took their Mid-Chapter Test this week. Next week we will continue working our way through the last section of the chapter.
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
September 6, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events:
Monday September 5 Happy Labor Day No School
Tuesday September 6 Girls Basketball Practice 3:40 pm - 5:30 pm
Wednesday September 7
Thursday September 8 Girls Basketball Practice 3:40 pm - 5:30 pm
Friday September 9 NJHS Meeting 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
NJHS Meeting
Current seventh and eighth grade National Junior Honor Society members will meet on Friday, September 9 after school until 4:30 pm.
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students played some beginning of the year games and icebreaker activities. This week students begin reviewing simple, compound, and complex sentences, begin working on the first issue of The Bulldog Bark, and begin working in Membean, a personalized vocabulary website.
Reading - Jacobson
We are getting to know each other through activities that promote sharing about our families and favorite things. We played a game with M & M’s and created Getting to Know Me pennants.
Science – Mazurek
Students created name tents that were used to help me learn their names and get to know them. We also played lots of team building games together.
Social Studies – Maass
This week, sixth graders participated in "Get to Know You" Bingo. They also explored their online textbook by utilizing the textbook glossary to complete a vocabulary packet!
Math – Maass
This week, students participated in a team building activity called, Broken Squares! They also created a poster titled, "...and I'm a Mathematician," where they included images, words, and phrases that represented them as a person
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students played some beginning of the year games and icebreaker activities. This week students begin reviewing simple, compound, and complex sentences, begin working on the first issue of The Bulldog Bark, and begin working in Membean, a personalized vocabulary website.
Reading – Jacobson
We are getting to know each other through activities that promote sharing about our families and favorite things. We played a game with M & M’s and listened to the short story Seventh Grade.
Science – Mazurek
Students created name tents that were used to help me learn their names and get to know them. We also played lots of team building games together.
Social Studies – Mazurek
Seventh Grade World History:
Students created slides that were all about them! We also played lots of team building games.
Math – Maass
This week, students participated in a team building activity called, Broken Squares! They also created a poster titled, "...and I'm a Mathematician," where they included images, words, and phrases that represented them as a person.
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students played some beginning of the year games and icebreaker activities. This week students begin reviewing simple, compound, and complex sentences, begin working on the first issue of The Bulldog Bark, and begin working in Membean, a personalized vocabulary website.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will begin reading October Sky, a memoir by Homer Hickam, Junior. October Sky is set in 1950s West Virginia beginning in october 1957 and the launch of n
Sputnik. Students will also begin to read independently and write and discuss the books they have chosen
Science – Mazurek
Students created name tents that were used to help me learn their names and get to know them. We also played lots of team building games together.
Social Studies – Mazurek
Eighth Grade US History:
Students created slides that were all about them! We also played lots of team building games.
Math – Maass
This week, students participated in a team building activity called, Broken Squares! They also created a poster titled, "...and I'm a Mathematician," where they included images, words, and phrases that represented them as a person.
Algebra – Maass
This week, students participated in a team building activity called, Broken Squares! They also created a poster titled, "...and I'm a Mathematician," where they included images, words, and phrases that represented them as a person.
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
May 16, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday May 16
Tuesday May 17 Talent Show 1:30 and 6:30 pm
Wednesday May 18
Thursday May 19 Drama Club 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday May 20 Drama club 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday May 21 NJHS Car Wash 9:45 am - 12:00 pm
MAP Testing
This week students will begin the spring MAP testing in reading and math. Most students will complete the testing this week.
SkyZone Waiver
Parents of eighth grade students, please make sure you fill out a waiver at SkyZone Waukesha for our trip on June 1.
NJHS Talent Show
On Tuesday, students will perform in the spring NJHS Talent Show at 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm. NJHSstudents will be running a concession stand during the evening performance.
NJHS Car Wash
NJHS students will also be running a car wash at the Tichigan Fire Station on highway164 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please bring your car for a wash.
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students completed drafting articles for the final issues on The Bulldog Bark. This week students will group edit the issue and prepare for publication. Students will also continue working on vocabulary and grammar.
Reading - Thompson
This week students will read a script from the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox, read independently, have their reading levels checked, and complete an assignment in ReadWorks.
Science – Zierath
Sixth grade worked this week on an essay deciding whether we should use more renewable or nonrenewable energy. We will be looking at how population affects resource consumption.
Social Studies – Maass
Students are working to expand their knowledge of the United States Geography.
Math – Maass
This week students continued to learn about the surface area of right prisms. We spent time constructing nets of rectangular prisms and triangular prisms and also finding their surface area.
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students completed drafting articles for the final issues on The Bulldog Bark. This week students will group edit the issue and prepare for publication. Students will also continue working on vocabulary and grammar
Reading – Thompson
This week students will finish reading a script from the movie Jurassic Park, read independently, have their reading levels checked, and complete an assignment in ReadWorks.
Science – Zierath
Seventh grade took a quiz on Food Chains/Webs. We jumped back to PLTW where we will be starting our final project. .
Social Studies – Zierath
Seventh Grade World History: The seventh ldid a Renaissance and Medieval Art Museum tour. Students looked at and compared works from each era. We also did a small study on Martin Luther and the Reformation
Math – Maass
This week students completed their unit on plane geometry. Next week we will begin a project to learn about scale factors!
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students completed drafting articles for the final issues on The Bulldog Bark. This week students will group edit the issue and prepare for publication. Students will also continue working on vocabulary and grammar
Reading – Thompson
This week students will finish reading a script from the movie Jurassic Park, read independently, have their reading levels checked, and complete an assignment in ReadWorks.
Science – Zierath
Eighth grade jumped back into PLTW where they started their final project..
Social Studies – Zierath
Eighth Grade US History: The eighth looked at the final factors that led to Southern Secession; Bleeding Kansas, Harper's Ferry, the election of Abraham Lincoln.
Math – Maass
Students completed their project on transformations on the coordinate plane. We will be learning about finding the volume of spheres, cylinders, and cones next.
Algebra – Maass
Students spent the week preparing for their final semester exam.
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
May 9, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday May 9 PTO Meeting 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuesday May 10 Drama Club 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesday May 11
Thursday May 12 Drama Club 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday May 13 Teen Night 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday May 14 Community Clean Up 9:45 am - 12:00 pm
Teen Night
Teen Night is Friday, May 13 and is open to all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to chaperone. The National Junior Honor Society is sponsoring this event and they are hoping students from Drought, North Cape, and Fox River will be attending. Students need a permission slip to attend this event, and admission is $5.00 or $3.00 with two nonperishable food items.
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students began drafting news articles for the final issues on The Bulldog Bark. This week students will edit their articles and lay them out in Google Slides. Students will also continue working on vocabulary and grammar.
Reading - Thompson
This week students will read a script from the movie Shrek, read independently, have their reading levels checked, and complete an assignment in ReadWorks.
Science – Zierath
Sixth grade looked at the key differences and similarities of Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources last week.
Social Studies – Maass
This week we began diving into our unit on the geography of the United States! Sixth graders are practicing identifying all 50 states on a map. They are also working to recognize all 50 states' capitals and state abbreviations!
Math – Maass
This week the sixth grade students continued to learn about 3D shapes. They explored how to construct nets of rectangular prisms and the relationship between congruent faces. They also used this knowledge to practice finding the surface area of rectangular prisms.
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students began drafting news articles for the final issues on The Bulldog Bark. This week students will edit their articles and lay them out in Google Slides. Students will also continue working on vocabulary and grammar.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will read a script from the movie Jurassic Park, read independently, have their reading levels checked, and complete an assignment in ReadWorks.
Science – Zierath
Seventh grade will continue to look at food chains and food webs, but will return to PLTW this week.
Social Studies – Zierath
Seventh Grade World History: The seventh looked at some key parts of the Renaissance like the Medici Family, Gutenberg and the Printing Press, and some inventions from Da Vinci.
Math – Maass
Seventh graders completed a review of finding area of various 2D shapes. This week we worked on determining the area of composite figures with missing dimensions. Next week, we will begin working with 3D shapes.
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students began drafting news articles for the final issues on The Bulldog Bark. This week students will edit their articles and lay them out in Google Slides. Students will also continue working on vocabulary and grammar.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will read a script from the movie Jurassic Park, read independently, have their reading levels checked, and complete an assignment in ReadWorks.
Science – Zierath
Eighth grade studied the brain deeper and looked at different careers in the medical field. Students also began to get outside and work on the rain garden, a project we started before Winter Break.
Social Studies – Zierath
Eighth Grade US History: The eighth grade took part in an individual research of the Kentucky Underground Railroad which prepared them to write an essay. We will be starting to look at other factors that caused the split between North and South leading up to the Civil War.
Math – Maass
Eighth graders are working on their Transformations project! They are using translations, rotations, and reflections to design their own logos!
Algebra – Maass
Algebra students are wrapping up our final unit of the year, which is all about graphing! Next week we will take the test on this unit, and then begin preparing for the final exam!
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
May 2, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday May 2
Tuesday May 3 Track Practice 3:40 pm - 4:40 pm
Drama Club 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesday May 4 Drama Club 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday May 5 Brewers Game Trip 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday May 6
Saturday May 7 Track Meet @ Westosha 8:30 am
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students continued working on vocabulary, and continued learning about the proper use of pronouns. This week students will continue working on vocabulary, continue the review of pronouns, and begin work in the final issue of The Bulldog Bark of the 2021-2022 school year.
Reading - Thompson
This week students will continue to read independently and work on nonfiction pieces from ReadWorks.
Science – Zierath
Sixth grade flooked at Natural Resources; where they come from and how they affect energy. We will be looking this week at the differences and similarities of renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Social Studies – Maass
This week students completed a climate study of Cairo, Egypt. They created 3 different types of graphs to analyze the average precipitation in Cairo
Math – Maass
This week sixth graders took their test on 2D geometry. We are now working on our 3D geometry unit by exploring the volume and surface area of rectangular prisms.
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students continued working on vocabulary, and continued learning about the proper use of pronouns. This week students will continue working on vocabulary, continue the review of pronouns, and begin work in the final issue of The Bulldog Bark of the 2021-2022 school year.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will read independently, work on nonfiction pieces from ReadWorks, and continue reading the movie script for Issac Asimov’s classic I, Robot.
Science – Zierath
Seventh grade took a break from PLTW and moved toward Ecology. Students looked at producers and consumers. We also looked at the Food Chain and Food Webs.
Social Studies – Zierath
Seventh Grade World History: The seventh grade studied the Renaissance deeply. We looked at how it started and what great achievements came from the Renaissance.
Math – Maass
Seventh graders completed their 2D geometry unit this week by taking a test. Next week, we will begin our Plane Geometry unit.
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students continued working on vocabulary, and continued learning about the proper use of pronouns. This week students will continue working on vocabulary, continue the review of pronouns, and begin work in the final issue of The Bulldog Bark of the 2021-2022 school year.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will read independently, work on nonfiction pieces from ReadWorks, and continue reading the movie script for Issac Asimov’s classic I, Robot.
Science – Zierath
Eighth grade studied the brain deeper and looked at different careers in the medical field. Students also began to get outside and work on the rain garden, a project we started before Winter Break.
Social Studies – Zierath
Eighth Grade US History: The eighth grade looked at the impact of slavery. Students looked personal accounts and the history of slavery in the United States. We will be starting to look at other factors that caused the split between North and South leading up to the Civil War.
Math – Maass
Eighth graders are continuing to learn about transformations on the coordinate plane. We focused on reflections and rotations this week!
Algebra – Maass
Algebra students are working on their final unit, which is all about graphing! This week we reviewed and learned how to graph radical functions, absolute value functions, and rational functions on the coordinate plane!
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
April 25, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday April 25
Tuesday April 26 Track Practice 3:40 pm - 4:40 pm
Drama Club 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesday April 27 Chess Club 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Thursday April 28 Debate Team 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Track Practice 3:40 pm - 4:40 pm
Friday April 29 Treat Sale 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
NJHS Meeting 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Debate Team
Congratulations to our Debate team: Grace Rupert, Kegan Flood, Lilly Reyes, Maggie Frost, Marisol Kesich, Derek Lindner, and Mile Ardis. Grace, Kegan, and Lilly won the first ever Southern Lakes Advanced Learners Network Debate Tournament.
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students continued working on vocabulary, and continued learning about the proper use of pronouns. This week students will continue working on vocabulary, begin reviewing adverbs, and will continue working in a writers workshop.
Reading - Thompson
This week students will read independently and work on nonfiction pieces from ReadWorks.
Science – Zierath
Sixth grade finished their natural hazards work and will be moving onto Natural Resources; what they are and how to preserve them.
Social Studies – Maass
This week sixth graders worked in groups to summarize their knowledge of Egyptian society and culture.
Math – Maass
This week sixth graders practiced finding the area of compound and shaded shapes.
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
Last week the first two teams began debating the resolution “Citizens of the United States should be required to receive Covid-19 vaccinations.” The next two teams will debate this week. Students will also work on vocabulary lessons, review pronoun use, and work in a writers workshop.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will read independently and work on nonfiction pieces from ReadWorks.
Science – Zierath
Seventh grade was able to dissect sheep brains this week. We were comparing it to the human brain and used them to locate a tumor.
Social Studies – Zierath
Seventh Grade World History: The seventh grade looked at the Magna Carta and its impact on the government moving forward, the end of the Feudal System, and the Black Death. We will be moving onto the Renaissance.
Math – Maass
This week seventh graders learned how to construct triangles from different criteria.
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
Last week the first two teams began debating the resolution “Citizens of the United States should be required to receive Covid-19 vaccinations.” The next two teams will debate this week. Students will also work on vocabulary lessons, review pronoun use, and work in a writers workshop.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will read independently and work on nonfiction pieces from ReadWorks.
Science – Zierath
Eighth grade was able to dissect sheep brains this week. We were comparing it to the human brain and used them to locate a tumor.
Social Studies – Zierath
Eighth Grade US History: The eighth grade looked at the impact of slavery. Students looked personal accounts and the history of slavery in the United States. We will continue to look at slavery next week.
Math – Maass
This week eighth graders took their Unit 8 test on angle relationships.
Algebra – Maass
Algebra students took their Chapter 11 test on rational expressions this week.
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
April 18, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday April 18 No School
Tuesday April 12 Arts Immersion Day Bus leaves @ 7:45 am
Track Practice 3:40 pm - 4:40 pm
Debate Team 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesday April 13 Debate Team 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday April 14 Debate Team 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Track Practice 3:40 pm - 4:40 pm
Friday April 15 Debate Tournament Bus leaves @ 7:45 am
No Drama Club this Week
The Debate Team needs to practice before the Debate Tournament on Friday, so there is no Drama Club this week.
Debate Team
Three middle school students will be participating in a debate tournament on Friday, April 22, and Mr. Thompson will be selecting students to participate in this tournament this week. The Debate Team will be meeting on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, so there is no Drama Club or Chess Club this week.
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students continued working on vocabulary, and continued learning about the proper use of pronouns. This week students will continue working on vocabulary, learning about the use of pronouns, and will continue working in a writers workshop.
Reading - Thompson
This week students will read independently, work on nonfiction pieces from ReadWorks, and read various pieces of poetry.
Science – Zierath
Sixth grade jumped into Natural Hazards. We looked at the difference between Hazards and Disasters, and we looked at examples of each. We also studied data to understand prevention and protection of Natural Hazards.
Social Studies – Maass
This week sixth graders began their unit on Egypt. They focused on learning about Egyptian society and Egyptian culture.
Math – Maass
This week sixth graders learned how to find the area of various polygons. We focused on squares, rectangles, parallelograms, and triangles. !
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
This week students will finalize work on the debate of the resolution “Citizens of the United States should be required to receive Covid-19 vaccinations,” work on vocabulary lessons, and work in a writers workshop.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will read independently, work on nonfiction pieces from ReadWorks, and read various pieces of poetry.
Science – Zierath
Seventh grade jumped back into PLTW where we looked at Neurons, the body's nerve messenger. We also looked into some exams like Spinal Taps and MRI's to see how medical professionals collect information on patients.
Social Studies – Zierath
Seventh Grade World History: The seventh grade will be wrapping up the Middle Ages this week by examining The Black Plague and how its impact affected society. We looked at the Crusades and relations between the King and Church last week.
Math – Maass
This week seventh graders learned how to find the measurements of missing angles. They practiced using angle relationships and knowledge of polygons to solve.
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
This week students will finalize work on the debate of the resolution “Citizens of the United States should be required to receive Covid-19 vaccinations,” work on vocabulary lessons, and work in a writers workshop.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will read independently, work on nonfiction pieces from ReadWorks, and read various pieces of poetry.
Science – Zierath
Eighth grade did not have science this week due to testing.
Social Studies – Zierath
Eighth Grade US History: The eighth grade started to look into the South and compare it with the North. Students noticed that the South's major economic gain was through agriculture and how it needed slavery to keep going. Students will looking into slavery more and its impact.
Math – Maass
This week eighth graders focused on finding the exterior angles of triangles and missing side lengths of similar triangles. Next week we will take our test on Unit 8.
Algebra – Maass
This week algebra students learned how to add and subtract rational expressions with unlike denominators. They also learned how to solve rational expressions by finding least common denominators.
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
April 11, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday April 11 NJHS Blood Drive 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
PTO Meeting 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuesday April 12 8th Grade Graduation Photos 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Forward Exam 9:15 am - 11:15 am
Drama Club 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesday April 13 Forward Exam 9:15 am - 11:15 am
Debate Team 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday April 14 Forward Exam 9:15 am - 11:15 am
Drama Club 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday April 15 No School
Monday April 18 No School
Forward Exam
All middle school students will continue taking the Forward Exam this week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Please help your son or daughter get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast, if they choose to. Also, please help them remember to charge their Chromebook.
Eighth Grade Photos
On Tuesday, April 12, the eighth grade students will have graduation photos taken at 9:00 am. These photos will consist of two poses: more formal photos, posing with a diploma cover and more casual photos, posing with props of the student’s choosing. These props could be a basketball, a volleyball, a baseball bat, books, etc. Students can also wear uniforms in the casual photos, like baseball uniforms, scouting uniforms, etc.
Blood Drive
On Monday, April 11, the National Junior Honor Society will be hosting the annual spring blood drive with the Red Cross. Please help the students of the NJHS help people by donating blood by going to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time.
Debate Team
Three middle school students will be participating in a debate tournament on Friday, April 22, and Mr. Thompson will be selecting students to participate in this tournament this week. We hope to have our first meeting of the Debate Team on Wednesday, so there will be no Chess Club.
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students continued preparing for the Forward Exam, worked on vocabulary, and continued learning about the proper use of pronouns. This week students will continue working on vocabulary, learning about the use of pronouns, and will continue working in a writers workshop.
Reading - Thompson
This week students will read various scripts and read independently.
Science – Zierath
Sixth grade did a great job testing this week! We were able to finish our Planet Travel Brochures. Sixth grade will be moving onto natural hazards and human impact on earth.
Social Studies – Maass
This week, sixth graders wrapped up their unit on Southern Europe. Next week we will begin learning about the society and culture of Egypt.
Math – Maass
Sixth graders completed their unit on inequalities this week! They learned how to write, graph, and solve inequalities. Next week we will transition into geometry and talk about finding areas of different 2D shapes!
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
This week students will continue reviewing the proper use of pronouns, working on vocabulary lessons, and working in a writers workshop.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will read various scripts and read independently.
Science – Zierath
Seventh grade worked with the Racine Zoo this week to learn about the Great Lakes; what is harming it, how to protect it, and some other important information.
Social Studies – Zierath
Seventh Grade World History: The seventh grade created their own manor systems and learned how Feudalism and manors are related.
Math – Maass
Seventh graders learned how to solve for the area and circumference of circles using formulas this week. We also began exploring measuring angles using protractors and the relationships between special angles.
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
This week students will continue taking the Forward Exam.
Reading – Thompson
This week students will continue taking the Forward Exam.
Science – Zierath
Eighth grade did not have science this week due to testing.
Social Studies – Zierath
Eighth Grade US History: The eighth started to look at the North and its key differences with the South. They learned about manufacturing and the first Industrial Revolution. We also looked at the Transportation Revolution and its effect on the United States.
Math – Maass
This week eighth graders worked this week to understand how to apply angle relationships to find unknown angles. They also began learning about the Triangle Angle Sum Theorem.
Algebra – Maass
This week algebra students worked on adding and subtracting rational expressions with like denominators.
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
April 4, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday April 4
Tuesday April 5 Forward Exam 9:15 am - 11:15 am
Drama Club 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Wednesday April 6 Forward Exam 9:15 am - 11:15 am
Debate Team 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Thursday April 7 Forward Exam 9:15 am - 11:15 am
Drama Club 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Friday April 8 NJHS Meeting 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Forward Exam
All middle school students will take the Forward Exam this week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Please help your son or daughter get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast, if they choose to. Also, please help them remember to charge their Chromebook and bring headphones or earbuds
Blood Drive
On Monday, April 11, the National Junior Honor Society will be hosting the annual spring blood drive with the Red Cross. Please help the students of the NJHS help people by donating blood by going to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time.
Debate Team
Three middle school students will be participating in a debate tournament on Friday, April 22, and Mr. Thompson will be selecting students to participate in this tournament this week. We hope to have our first meeting of the Debate Team on Wednesday, so there will be no Chess Club.
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students prepared for the Forward Exam, worked on vocabulary, and began learning about the proper use of pronouns. This week students will continue working on vocabulary, learning about the use of pronouns, and will continue working in a writers workshop.
Reading - Thompson
This week students will continue practicing reading pieces and writing timed essays for the Forward Exam and take the Forward Exam.
Science – Zierath
Sixth grade studied the theories on how the Solar System formed. Students also began a project where they researched a planet and started to create a travel brochure of that planet!
Social Studies – Maass
Sixth graders worked with partners throughout the week to understand the culture and physical geography of the British Isles.
Math – Maass
This week sixth graders took their test on Algebraic Equations. We began our last unit of our algebra section on Friday, which is Inequalities.
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
This week students will review the proper use of pronouns, work on vocabulary lessons, and work in a writers workshop
Reading – Thompson
This week students will continue practicing reading pieces and writing timed essays for the Forward Exam and take the Forward Exam.
Science – Zierath
Seventh grade finished their first project in the Medical Field. Students had to interview and diagnose a patient to discover their mystery disease.
Social Studies – Zierath
Seventh Grade World History: The seventh grade started to learn about the Middle Ages. We looked at Feudalism and manors. We also looked at the daily life of each member of the Feudal System.
Math – Maass
Seventh graders completed their project on probability this week. They created simulations to determine the experimental probability of passing a quiz.
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
This week students will review the proper use of pronouns, work on vocabulary lessons, and work in a writers workshop
Reading – Thompson
This week students will continue practicing reading pieces and writing timed essays for the Forward Exam and take the Forward Exam.
Science – Zierath
Eighth grade finished their first project in the Medical Field. Students had to interview and diagnose a patient to discover their mystery disease.
Social Studies – Zierath
Eighth Grade US History: The eighth looked at the expansion of the United States by studying the annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War, and the growth of territories like California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon.
Math – Maass
This week eighth graders presented their Pythagorean Theorem projects. They also began our next geometry unit, which is all about Angle Relationships.
Algebra – Maass
Algebra students are continuing to work on their unit on rational expressions.
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
March 7, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday March 7 Girls Volleyball Practice 3:40 pm - 5:30 pm
Tuesday March 8 Drama Club 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Girls Volleyball Game 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday March 9 Chess Club 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Girls Volleyball Practice 3:40 pm - 5:30 pm
Thursday March 10 Girls B-Team @ Drought Bus leaves @ 4:15 pm
Friday March 11 Academic Bowl 8:40 am - 12:00 pm
Volleyball Tournament @ Wheatland Center
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students finished writing the next issue of The Bulldog Bark and continued working on individualized vocabulary studies. This week students will lay out their news articles in Google Slides, write in a writers workshop, and continue to study vocabulary.
Reading - Thompson
Last week students finished reading independently and reading “The Overprotected Kid.” This week students will continue reading independently, complete an assignment in nonfiction in ReadWorks, and begin a formal essay based on the article “The Overprotected Kid” from The Atlantic.
Science – Zierath
Sixth grade started the week by studying eclipse and comparing differences. We ended the week by preparing for a test on Monday.
Social Studies – Maass
Sixth graders are learning about Western Europe. This week we focused on the culture and geography of France.
Math – Maass
This week sixth graders completed their unit on algebraic expressions. Next week, we will begin learning about solving algebraic equations.
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students finished writing their news articles for the next issue of The Bulldog Bark and continued working on individualized vocabulary studies. This week students will lay out their news articles in Google Slides, write in a writers workshop, and continue to study vocabulary.
Reading – Thompson
Last week students continued listening to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor and continued reading independently. This week students will continue to read independently, complete an assignment in nonfiction in ReadWorks, and complete an essay based on “The Overprotected Kid” from The Atlantic.
Science – Zierath
Seventh grade started their World Religion projects this week. Groups will be tasked with studying a Religion with more depth and presenting their findings.
Social Studies – Zierath
Seventh Grade World History: The seventh grade will be starting their world religion projects this week. Groups will be tasked with studying a religion with more depth and presenting their findings.
Math – Maass
This week seventh graders completed their statistics unit. Next week, we will begin learning about probability!
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students finished writing, editing, and laying out their news articles for the next issue of The Bulldog Bark and continued working on individualized vocabulary studies. This week students will finish work on their literary essays, write in a writers workshop, and continue to study vocabulary.
Reading – Thompson
Last week students continued reading independently, worked on an assignment in ReadWorks, and finished an essay based on an article from The Atlantic entitled “The Overprotected Kid.” This week students will continue to read independently, complete an assignment in nonfiction in ReadWorks, and edit the essays.
Science – Zierath
Eighth grade studied the ever shifting tectonic plates and how it shaped the continents and oceans we have today. We will be moving onto PLTW next week.
Social Studies – Zierath
Eighth Grade US History: The eighth grade researched some conflicts that the early United States faced after the adoption of the new constitution. It helped them prepare for a short writing assignment.
Math – Maass
Eighth graders spend the week learning how to use the Pythagorean Theorem and apply it to word problems. Next week, they will continue to explore other applications of the Pythagorean Theorem.
Algebra – Maass
Algebra students are learning about the properties of radicals. We have been focusing on how to simplify square roots using different strategies.
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter
March 1, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday February 28 No School
Tuesday March 1 Forensics 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Girls Volleyball Game 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday March 2 Forensics 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Thursday March 3 Girls Volleyball @ Brighton Bus leaves @ 4:00 pm
Friday March 4 Girls Volleyball Game 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students continued work on the next issue of The Bulldog Bark and continued working on individualized vocabulary studies. This week students will edit their news articles, write in a writers workshop, and continue to study vocabulary.
Reading - Thompson
Last week students continued reading independently and reading “The Overprotected Kid.” This week students will continue reading independently, complete an assignment in nonfiction in ReadWorks, and finish reading “The Overprotected Kid” from The Atlantic. This article will be the basis of another literary essay.
Science – Zierath
Sixth grade has been looking at the relation of the sun, Earth, and moon by taking a look at several models and demonstrations. We also studied the phases of the moon..
Social Studies – Maass
We started our unit on Western Europe this week. Students have been reading about the physical geography of Western Europe. They are using political and physical maps to understand the physical features of the region!
Math – Maass
This week students learned how to evaluate algebraic expressions this week. They practiced the strategy of substituting numbers into expressions for variables and using order of operations to evaluate..
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students continued work on the next issue of The Bulldog Bark and continued working on individualized vocabulary studies. This week students will edit their news articles, write in a writers workshop, and continue to study vocabulary.
Reading – Thompson
Last week students continued listening to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor and continued reading independently. This week students will continue to read independently, complete an assignment in nonfiction in ReadWorks, and begin an an essay based on “The Overprotected Kid”
Science – Zierath
Seventh grade took a look at the reproduction process of plants. We looked at how different plants have different seed dispersal methods that they adapted to have over time.
Social Studies – Zierath
Seventh Grade World History: The seventh grade will be starting their world religion projects this week. Groups will be tasked with studying a religion with more depth and presenting their findings.
Math – Maass
Students are finishing up their Statistics Projects. These will be on display to show the school what they have learned. The project includes survey information, a histogram graph, a box plot graph, and analysis of data.
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students continued work on the next issue of The Bulldog Bark and continued working on individualized vocabulary studies. This week students will edit their news articles, write in a writers workshop, and continue to study vocabulary.
Reading – Thompson
Last week students continued reading independently, worked on several assignments in ReadWorks, and began an essay based on an article from The Atlantic entitled “The Overprotected Kid.” This week students will continue to read independently, complete an assignment in nonfiction in ReadWorks, and complete their essay.
Science – Zierath
Eighth grade moved onto rocks and looked at the different types of rocks and their formation.
Social Studies – Zierath
Eighth Grade US History: The Eighth grade studied the lead up to the War of 1812 and how the United States had to stay firm to the new Constitution and stand up to Britain who has been giving them problems. We also took a small pause and looked at the current situation in Ukraine.
Math – Maass
Eighth graders are starting their Pythagorean Theorem unit! This week they completed a review of basic math concepts they will need for this unit. They are also working on a math experiment to understand why and how the pythagorean theorem works!
Algebra – Maass
This week students finished their unit on quadratics. Next week, they will begin working on solving expressions and equations with radicals!
Washington-Caldwell Middle School Newsletter February 14, 2022
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Monday February 14 Girls Volleyball Practice 3:40 pm - 5:30 pm
PTO Meeting 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuesday February 15 Drama Club/Forensics 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Girls Volleyball Away Game Bus Leaves @ 4:15 pm
Wednesday February 16 Chess Club 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Lego Club 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Girls Volleyball Practice 3:40 pm - 5:30 pm
Thursday February 17 Drama Club/Forensics 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Girls Volleyball Away Game Bus Leaves @ 4:15 pm
New Student Information Night 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday February 18 Treat Sale 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Teen Night 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Teen Night
Teen Night is Friday, February 18 and is open to all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to chaperone. The National Junior Honor Society is sponsoring this event and they are hoping students from Drought, North Cape, and Fox River will be attending. Students need a permission slip to attend this event, and admission is $5.00 or $3.00 with two nonperishable food items.
Sixth Grade
English - Thompson
Last week students continued reviewing the correct usage of commas, listed topics for the next issue of The Bulldog Bark, and continued working on individualized vocabulary studies. This week students will work on writing their news articles and they will also receive help with their five-paragraph essay on Southern Europe for social studies. Students will also continue to study vocabulary.
Reading - Thompson
Last week students continued listening to A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck and continued reading independently. This week students will continue to read independently, complete an assignment in nonfiction in ReadWorks, and read “The Overprotected Kid” from The Atlantic about how some children may not enjoy the same freedoms as their parents and grandparents.
Science – Zierath
Sixth grade wrapped up the week by finishing building their Mars Lander. We will test those next week and we continue to work with space after their prototypes are tested.
Social Studies – Maass
Students are preparing to write a five paragraph essay for their Southern Europe project. This week they finished collecting their research and began outlining their essay.
Math – Maass
Sixth graders completed their first unit of algebra this week! We will continue to work on algebra content with our next unit.
Seventh Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students continued reviewing the correct usage of commas and worked on individualized vocabulary studies. This week students will identify topics for the next issue of The Bulldog Bark and work on writing their news articles. Students will also continue to study vocabulary.
Reading – Thompson
Last week students continued listening to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor and continued reading independently. This week students will continue to read independently, complete an assignment in nonfiction in ReadWorks, and read “The Overprotected Kid” from The Atlantic about how some children may not enjoy the same freedoms as their parents and grandparents.
Science – Zierath
Seventh grade studied Mendel, the father of genetics. We looked at hereditary traits, both dominant and recessive. .
Social Studies – Zierath
Seventh grade continued to practice genetics by working with Punnett Squares to identify the percent that a trait would get passed. They learned about purebreds and hybrids, and dominant and recessive traits. They ended the week with a quiz
Math – Maass
Seventh graders are continuing to grow their knowledge of statistics. This week they learned about dot plots, frequency tables, and measures of variability.
Eighth Grade
English – Thompson
Last week students continued reviewing the correct usage of commas, listed topics for the next issue of The Bulldog Bark, and continued working on individualized vocabulary studies. This week students will work on writing their news articles and will also continue to study vocabulary.
Reading – Thompson
Last week students continued reading independently, worked on several assignments in ReadWorks, and began reading an article from The Atlantic entitled “The Overprotected Kid.” This week students will continue to read independently, complete an assignment in nonfiction in ReadWorks, and continue to read “The Overprotected Kid” about how some children may not enjoy the same freedoms as their parents and grandparents.
Science – Zierath
Eighth grade moved onto "Dynamic Earth,” Geology. We started by learning about physical and chemical weathering. We also looked at erosion and deposition. We ended the week with a quiz.
Social Studies – Zierath
Eighth grade students started the week by taking a condensed version of the US Citizens test that immigrants take to be granted citizenship. We ended the week by looking into life after the new US Constitution with US President George Washington and some of the precedents he and the new nation set.
Math – Maass
Eighth grade students are working through our unit on systems of equations. This week, we learned how to solve systems of equations using the strategies of inspection, substitution, and elimination.
Algebra – Maass
Algebra students took their Chapter 8 test this week. We began our unit on Quadratics by learning how to solve quadratics by factoring and graphing quadratics.