September 28th - October 2nd
NOTE FROM NURSES
Thank you for all you are doing to help us keep all the children at HDS safe. Just a reminder that if your child has ANY of the following symptoms they must be seen and cleared by a physician before returning to school:
Fever
Cough
Muscle Aches
Fatigue
Sore Throat
Vomiting
Headache
Difficulty breathing/Shortness of breath
New Loss of Taste or Smell
If your child is absent for any reason, please email the nurse at nurse@hancockdayschool.org so that we can be aware. Thank you again for all your help.
ATTENTION 8TH GRADE
Unfortunately, the High School Fair on September 23rd has been cancelled. To help support students and families with the admissions process to high school, we have scheduled a Zoom session with Helese Sandler, CEP of Savannah Educational Consultants for Thursday, October 1st at 6:00pm. Click HERE for the Zoom link. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend.
ASSESSMENTS CALENDAR
We have created a great way for students and parents to check for upcoming assessments. THIS LINK leads to a Google Sheet that will have the next 2 weeks of assessments. The link below will lead to the 6th grade assessments, but by using the tabs in the lower left corner (shown below), you can navigate to 7th grade and 8th grade assessments, as well.
Different subjects will appear in different colors:
History is black, Science is green, ELA is blue, Spanish is red, and Math is pink.
Please bear in mind that Middle School Assessments may be added, removed, or changed at any time. This Sheet will always be up to date, however - once a teacher assigns or adjusts an assessment, this Sheet will reflect that change.
Each middle school student is required to complete ten hours of community service over the course of the school year. Please remember to list hours worked on a daily basis, do not log the total sum of hours worked over an extended period of time. See below for a few upcoming service opportunities. Click HERE for a log form.
This year in the LC Corner, I will be offering tips and strategies to support your work at school. Please reach out to me anytime you need assistance or have any questions.
Tip #6: BE POSITIVE. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Everyone gets frustrated at times when they know they could have done a better job at a task/assessment. My advice is to reframe. Students often think their outlook is the only way to see a problem. If a friend didn't call back she must be mad. Or, if you fail a test it must mean you’re not smart. Ask questions like, "Is there another way to look at this situation?" or, "What are three other possible reasons this could have happened?" By reframing, you automatically place yourself in a situation to problem-solve instead of sinking. Try it next time you don’t do well on an assignment or assessment. And don’t forget to ask your teacher/s for strategies to use for the next time you have an assessment in that class.
I have reached out to all middle school students to make sure they are aware of Counseling Services and how to access them. Furthermore, if you have a student who is participating in zoom classes who would benefit from some social and emotional support, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Allison Maher
amaher@hancockdayschool.org
ALGEBRA - MRS. SMOAK
We are finished dusting off the students' math skills that got quite rusty during the time at home and the summer holiday. We have practiced all of the skills that the students should have before they got to Algebra 1 and will jump into new material next week.
Next week, we will review on Tuesday with the Chapter 2 test on Wednesday. There is only 1 section on the test that has not been on quizzes. We are then moving into solving equations. From here forward, this is some of the most useful and applicable math that the students will ever learn. Please help me push your student toward success and toward greater understanding by asking them what they are learning about in math and how it applies to real life.
GEOMETRY - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Geometry, we will begin Chapter 3 by learning about parallel lines and properties of angles when they are cut by a transversal (3.1-3.2). We will also practice proofs involving parallel lines (3.3).
ELA - MRS. BOYER
This week we are reviewing Chapters 8-11 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Students will be discussing the idea of code switching and the origin of lynching and Chapters 12-15 are due the following Monday, along with the comprehension questions. Students may read ahead, but please do not spoil anything for other students. It is highly suggested that students ANNOTATE as they read.
Students will have a quiz, a pop quiz and a test on this novel.
Quiz: 10/2
Test: 10/23 (subject to change)
Students are in the middle of their Unit 3 Vocabulary study. There will be a quiz on Monday, October 5th. **This is on a Monday!! However, this is a small vocabulary quiz and I will review with them before they take the quiz.**
To Kill a Mockingbird Reading Schedule
**I try very hard to make sure that the only homework is vocabulary (over two weeks) and their reading. All other activities will be done (mostly) in class, especially if students manage their time well. *
HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH - MRS. SALE
Hi…after taking the test last Friday, new material will be presented this week. Tuesday starts with receiving new vocabulary/adjectives & family. We will work on those two main areas this week. We will wrap the week up with taking a vocabulary quiz on Friday. Enjoy your week...remember I am always here for extra help.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - MS. HOFFMAN
This week students started learning about atoms as they worked in groups to briefly research one portion of the history of the atomic theory. Utilizing their notes, textbook and a brief time on the internet they followed rubric to organize and create posters of their findings. (See photos below.) Each group then presented their poster and taught this information to the rest of the class. Today (Friday), students had a science fair project research day focusing on updating their materials/ procedures (log books were checked on Wednesday 9/23) and then began investigating background information on their topic. I worked with individual student questions during class and am also available every morning 7:30 - 8am and during snack/break each day.
Next week we will finish discussing atoms, isotopes and ions and students will participate in a radioactive decay simulation. We will also begin one of my favorite topics to teach: The Periodic Table of the Elements. We will begin with the way it is organized and which elements are found in our body and why they are all so important to our life. Our September Science in Comics is due Wednesday, 9/30 and we will have a quiz on the atomic theory, atoms and the periodic table on Friday 10/9/20.
Our next science fair progress check will be in about two weeks on Wednesday 10/7/20. (Please see the list of remaining dates below.) Students should have their project materials and procedures completed and in the process of being approved by me. I will also begin to have students sign up to borrow equipment for their projects if they need to do so. Remember to wait to begin experiments until this portion of the project is completed. Safety forms for students using chemicals, fire or other potentially dangerous items MUST also be signed before project experiments begin. (I will provide appropriate paperwork for those few students that fall in this category.) Students should email or meet with me with any questions or concerns about their science fair project.
Remaining Science Fair Project Dates
(* Indicate Homework Grades)
Wednesday 10/7/20 *Log Book Check with Research Notes Due
Wednesday 10/21/20 Rough Draft of Background/ Research Info (email or share document)
Wednesday 10/21/20 *Log Book Check with Updates/ Revisions
Wednesday 11/11/20 *Final Draft of Background/ Research Info
(email or share document)
Wednesday 12/2/20 *Log Book Check with Data/ Results OR
Prototype/Solution
Wednesday 12/9/20 *Log Book Check/ Updated Results OR
Solution AND Sketch of Triptych
Completed Formal Report (printed)
Wednesday 12/16/20 All Completed Project Triptych & Log Book
Project presentations also this week
US HISTORY - MRS. ROBINSON
Next week, in American History & Government, we will be finishing up our unit exploring the issues that divided the United States between North and South, ultimately leading to the Civil War. The Unit Two test will be on Thursday, October 1st. After the Unit Two test we will be starting our unit on the Civil War. We will explore key battles, technology, leaders throughout the war and ultimately the end to the war and reuniting of the Union.
ADVANCED SPANISH - MRS. SALE
Hola estudiantes….It’s a new week! And since there was a test last week, we will begin this week with new ‘’classroom’’ vocabulary. Days of the week, months of the year and the four seasons will be presented as well. On Friday, the kiddos will have a quiz over this week’s material. Have a nice week and as always, I am here to help you all in anyway that I am able.
ADVANCED SPANISH - MR. ALEXANDER
This week we will review some vocabulary, play some memory games and do some translations of interesting articles. We will do some pronunciation and spelling exercises.
ALGEBRA 1 - MRS. SMOAK
We are finished dusting off the students' math skills that got quite rusty during the time at home and the summer holiday. We have practiced all of the skills that the students should have before they got to Algebra 1 and will jump into new material next week.
Next week, we will review on Tuesday with the Chapter 2 test on Wednesday. There is only 1 section on the test that has not been on quizzes. We are then moving into solving equations. From here forward, we will be learning some of the most useful and applicable math that the students will ever learn. Please help me push your student toward success and toward greater understanding by asking them what they are learning about in math and how it applies to real life.
PRE-ALGEBRA - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Pre-Algebra, we will begin Chapter 3 by learning how to solve two-step equations (3.1) and begin learning how to solve multi-step equations (3.2). There will be a Math Facts Quiz on Thursday and students have received the outline this week.
ELA - MRS. BOYER
Students should be finished with their novels this week, either Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone or The Hobbit. This week students will be beginning their Compare and Contrast Essay where they will compare the Hero’s Journey to a modern day film . Students will be asked to watch a film over the weekend, and then spend all of this week brainstorming, organizing, and writing. This will be a project grade, and students should take all of their essay comments/learning from their summer reading analytical essay and grow from each writing piece. With every writing assignment, my expectations are higher. All resources are on GC in the World Building Topic.
We are in the middle of Unit 3 Vocabulary, and there is a quiz on 10/2. We are working through DGP as well.
Look at these neat Hero’s Journey Brochures!
ELA - MRS. SASSER
This week, students finish up their final essay on Harry Potter. They will be writing about how Harry displays the elements and traits of the archetypal hero. The due date for the final essay has been moved to Wednesday, 9/30. They will also have a final test over our class novel Harry Potter on Thursday 10/1. This test will ask students to analyze the key elements of the plot and relate them to the hero’s journey. At the end of the week, students will go over their hero’s journey wheel project. The students will be asked to watch a movie and take notes on the main character’s hero’s journey. Then, in class from 10/5-10/9, they will construct a visual representation of their chosen character’s journey. The only homework students will have for this assignment is to watch their film and take notes over the weekend (9/26-9/27)---this could be a great family, fun night! The bulk of ELA projects are completed in class, and if students use their time wisely, they should have only minimal parts to complete at home.
Students will also be working through their third unit in the new Sadlier vocabulary books. There will be a vocabulary quiz on Friday, October 9th.
Below are a few pictures of their outstanding brochures created for Hogwarts analyzing setting and world building. They did a great job!
LIFE SCIENCE - MRS. DURANT
Next week in Life Science, we will continue to discuss Cells. We will have a cell diagram quiz on Friday. Students will also research the functions of organelles of both plant and animal cells while comparing the similarities and differences through a Venn diagram. They have also been assigned a Cell Model Project that is due October 5. Students have received instructions and a rubric for the project. Project guidelines/rubric are also posted in the google classroom.
US HISTORY - MRS. ROBINSON
Next week in American History & Government, students will be wrapping up our unit on community and civilization with our Unit Two test.The Unit Two Test will be on Wednesday, September 30th. At the end of next week we will begin our Unit Three: Faith and Religion. This unit will be structured around learning how to write an argumentative history paper. More details on this unit will be emailed to you shortly!
US HISTORY - MR. O’HAYER
Next week in American History we continue our discussion and examinations of the Age of Exploration. We will dive in detail on topics such as: Explain what happened to the Vikings who explored Newfoundland, Describe the voyages of Christopher Columbus, Describe the explorations of the Spanish explorers, and Explain the importance of the Columbian exchange. Students will continue to work on their research projects on Influential Explorers. We will have a test on Thursday, 10/1
ACCELERATED MATH - MR. CARGILE
Next week in Accelerated Math 7 we will conclude our unit on Number Sense, Patterns, and Algebraic Thinking. On Monday and Tuesday we will prepare for the Chapter 1 test, which is on Wednesday!
PRE-ALGEBRA - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Pre-Algebra, we will begin Chapter 3 by learning how to solve two-step equations (3.1) and begin learning how to solve multi-step equations (3.2). There will be a Math Facts Quiz on Thursday and students have received the outline this week.
EARTH SCIENCE - MS. HOFFMAN
Our sixth graders are becoming mini-meteorologists as will begin our Weather unit. We are starting off with information about the atmosphere and its layers, composition, air pressure and winds. Each student created a simple air particle collector and these were placed in various locations around the middle school building. (See photos below.) On Tuesday (after Monday’s Holiday) we will retrieve them all and use microscopes to observe what macromolecules are found at Hancock. We also started a weather scavenger hunt and will begin our daily weather logs soon. Other upcoming weather topics include clouds, the water cycle, air masses/ fronts, and weather maps including a student group project filming a weather newscast.
EARTH SCIENCE - MRS. DURANT
Next week in Earth Science, students will continue our study of the Earth’s Atmosphere. Last week we conducted an air particle lab. This is always a favorite as they collect air particles from around the school. This week, they will use the microscopes to observe their findings. We will conclude our week with a study of air pressure.
ELA - MRS. SASSER
Students will be finishing the short story “All Summer in a Day” and have a comprehension quiz on Tuesday 9/29. They will then take notes and discuss mood, tone, and suspense. We will also read The Monkey’s Paw this week, still analyzing plot and how author’s craft a tone within their works to affect the reader’s mood. They will have guided questions that go along with this story, so they should be working on those each night.
Students will also be working through their third unit in the new Sadlier vocabulary books. There will be a vocabulary quiz on Friday, October 9th.
INTRO SPANISH - MR. ALEXANDER
We will continue working in the book, we will introduce classroom vocabulary, calendar and date vocabulary. We will continue with the vocabulary from pages 22,23.
WORLD HISTORY - MR. O’HAYER
Next week we will continue our discussion and examination of Ancient Greece and Rome, focusing on Sparta. Students will also analyze how Athens and Sparta were different in multiple segments of society and how these differences impacted the region.
Finally, students will examine how the Olympic Games were established and how these games remain an important part of our world today. This is a short week. Enjoy your long weekend. Important: It has been explained to the students in World History that we will be picking up the pace/class demands as we move forward. It is vital that students keep up with their reading assignments and note-taking strategies.
ART - MRS. COOKSON
“Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg
No Monday classes due to Yom Kippur.
Sketchbook Prompt: What might a flower look like on an alien planet?
8th: Will continue to bring out interesting elements from around campus through detailed drawings
7th: Will have an introduction to Surrealism and will begin to design a surrealist creature
6th: Will get back to basics with 1-point perspective drawing
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