November 11th - November 15th

THANK YOU FOR DONATING!


CARPOOL ANNOUNCEMENT

Parents are starting to arrive too early for afternoon carpool.  Students do not exit the building until 3:15. Please wait until that time to enter campus, thus ensures that gold zone cars will move efficiently.  Also, please be sure to put your name sign down to facilitate getting your child ready to load. If you need a new sign, email Mrs. Mannarino.

8TH GRADE WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP - PARENT MEETING
We will be having a parent meeting on Tuesday, November 12th at 6:00pm in Hancock Hall to discuss the details of the 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C.  Please plan to attend.

HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
Click HERE to find the letter detailing the steps for selecting a high school.  Click HERE for the Hancock Guide to applying to high school.  

LOST AND FOUND
We continue to quickly accumulate student clothing, lunch boxes, and water bottles… With cooler weather coming, we anticipate additional miscellaneous items to find their way to our lost and found.  Please remember to label all items with first and last name so that we may return them to their owners.  Thank you in advance for your help!

TALENT SHOW - NOVEMBER 15TH

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE - SPRING PERFORMANCE

ASSESSMENTS CALENDAR

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.

History/black, Science/green, ELA/blue, Spanish/red, and Math/pink.

Dates are subject to change; teachers will keep the calendar updated.

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 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.

HDS Extended Day Care needs volunteers to help out after school.  We are currently limiting this opportunity to 8th graders, with a possibility of opening it up to 6th and 7th graders later on.  If a student is interested in earning some community service hours, please contact Mrs. Mannarino.

The Old Savannah City Mission needs volunteers for various positions.  The mission provides food, shelter, and clothing to the homeless.  For more information, contact Connell Stiles at 912-232-1979 or stiles@oscm.org.

America’s Second Harvest needs volunteers to help prepare monthly bags of food for senior citizens in our community.  Volunteers should arrive by 7:45 and must wear closed-toe shoes. Contact Bryce Seuntjens at bryce@helpendhunger.org for more information.

We are excited to launch a Kindness Club for 6th grade students!  Meetings will take place at lunch once per week and are open to any 6th grader.  The purpose will be to promote acceptance, inclusion, and positivity throughout the school.  

-Allison Maher, School Counselor

Algebra 1 - Mr. Cargile

Next week in Algebra 1 we will continue our study of Chapter 4: Graphing Linear Equations and Functions. For the week of November 11th, we will investigate slope and rate of change, and we will use the slope-intercept form to make graphs. At the end of the week, we will have our Chapter 4 preview assessment to help prepare for the Chapter 4 test on Tuesday, November 19th.

Geometry - Mr. Lanfear

Next week in Geometry, we will complete Chapter 5 by practicing indirect proofs (5.6), having a day of review on Tuesday, and having the Chapter 5 test on Wednesday.  We will then take a day off from Geometry to review some important Algebra 1 concepts like simplifying radical and rational expressions. We will then begin Chapter 6 by learning about similar polygons and scale factor (6.1-6.3).

Advanced Algebra - Mr. Lanfear

Next week in Advanced Algebra, we will complete Chapter 11 by practicing using the distance and midpoint formulas (11.5) by taking a trip across the U.S. and Central America.  We will have a day of review on Tuesday and the Chapter 11.3-11.5 test on Wednesday. We will then begin our units on Geometry by learning about different types of triangles (4.1) and using the Triangle Sum Theorem to find angle measures (4.2).

Physical Science - Ms. Hoffman

We have completed our trimester unit on 8th grade chemistry and ended it with flying colors by using the Bunsen Burners to look at the flame colors of different chemicals. (See photos below)  Students also had a full class of research to work on their science fair project. We finished up the week by starting our review of potential and kinetic energy, the various forms they can take, and energy transformations.  The students also started pre-lab information for a pendulum lab we will conduct on Monday. Our energy unit will begin the physics portion of Physical Science. A new syllabus went home outlining some of our upcoming topics and we have an upcoming field trip to Savannah Tech for GIS (Global Information Systems) Day during the morning of  Wednesday, 11/13. Thank you in advance for helping to drive if you are able to. Our next quiz will be on Tuesday, 11/ 19.

Science Fair:   The NEW DUE DATE for the final draft of the background information is 11/13/19.  This is only the background information about their topic and should NOT include an outline of the experiment or any data.  A log book check with all Data and Results for the experiment (or a prototype for those designing a product) is due 11/20/19.  This means that all experiments should be done at this time. Students should already be conducting experiments if they need several weeks of data (i.e. growing plants, building a prototype) or collecting materials to ensure they have everything they need.

*NOTE:  I am still missing some of the Risk Assessment Form to complete for the use of chemicals and/or other hazardous/ safety concerns.  These MUST be completed and turned in to me BEFORE you begin your project. 

Finally, limited lab equipment is also available for students to borrow from the school.  Parents should not be spending large amounts of money to purchase materials for this project.  Students will, however, need to be providing their own large cardboard triptych display board for their final completed project due on 12/11/19.

 Below is the list of all the due dates for our project.  I am available for specific project questions by email, during the 8th grade independant time 1 - 1:30pm each day and  each morning (especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays) from 7:30am until 8am.  

Science Fair Project Dates

(* Indicate Homework Grades)

Monday                       8/26/19                        Science Fair Packets Home

Friday                           8/30/19                        *Signed Science Fair Proposal Form AND Parent

   Approval Form (1B) Due

Wednesday                9/4/19                          *Log Book Check/ Science Fair Topic and

   Question or Problem Due

Wednesday                9/18/19                        *Log Book Check with detailed Science Fair

                                                                               Materials and Procedures Due

Wednesday                10/02/19                     *Log Book Check with Research Notes Due

Wednesday                10/16/19                     *Rough Draft of Background Information Due

                                                                               (email or share document)

Wednesday                10/23/19                     *Log Book Check with Updates/ Revisions Due

Wednesday                **NEW DATE                 *Final Draft of Background Information Due

                                         11/13/19                       (email or share document)

Wednesday                11/20/19                     *Log Book Check with Data/ Results OR

   Prototype/Solution Due

Wednesday                12/4/19                        *Log Book Check/ Updated Results or Solution AND

                                                                               Sketch of Triptych

 Completed Formal Report (printed) Due

Wednesday                12/11/19                     All Completed Projects Due

(Triptych, Log Book and completed Abstract Form)

            Complete abstract on-line or use form in the packet 

                                                                     Project presentations will also occur this week

                     

English Language Arts - Mrs. Boyer

Students have started their unit on Animal Farm by George Orwell. We will be engaging with this novel until the Winter Holiday. Our unit will focus on mob mentality, types of government systems, and the power of propaganda. Students have already been given notes, and they should begin studying the terms in order to better their comprehension of the material. I have posted an immense amount of material in GC already; most of it will be printed out by me and completed in class. The reading will be broken up into two sections: Chapters 1-5 and 6-10. We will not be discussing Chapters 6-10 until after the Thanksgiving Holiday; therefore, if students are behind, this would be a good time to catch up. 

Assessment dates will be posted by the end of next week. 

Students will begin Units 15 & 16 in Vocabulary. 

History & Gov’t II - Mrs. Robinson - Week of Nov 11th

Next week in American History and Government Part II, we will be continuing our unit on the Industrialization of America. The videos the students have been working on about the West are due Monday the 11th; we will watch them in class. We will have our first quiz of the Unit on Thursday the 14th. It will be over the content of the videos which we will watch and debrief in class. After we finish up the portion of the Unit covering the West, we will turn our attention to industrialization in the East and explore the topics of robber barons, monopolies, and government oversight.

8th grade Spanish - Ms. Hill

Culture: Discussion of Día de los Muertos and its significance in Mexican culture.
Making a shoebox ofrenda. Please have all images, decorations, and supplies ready to complete your ofrenda by Wednesday, November 13th. We will display them on the 14th.
Vocabulary quiz on November 14th - List is posted in Google Classroom

Algebra 1 - Mr. Cargile

Next week in Algebra 1 we will continue our study of Chapter 4: Graphing Linear Equations and Functions. For the week of November 11th, we will investigate slope and rate of change, and we will use the slope-intercept form to make graphs. At the end of the week, we will have our Chapter 4 preview assessment to help prepare for the Chapter 4 test on Tuesday, November 19th.

Pre-Algebra - Mr. Lanfear

Next week in Pre-Algebra, we will complete Chapter 4 by learning how to write and compare numbers in scientific notation (4.7).  We will also learn how to multiply numbers in scientific notation (4.7). There will be a day of review on Thursday and the Chapter 4.5-4.7 test on Friday.

History & Gov’t I - Mrs. Robinson

Next week, in American History & Government Part I, we will finish up our fourth unit, ‘The Road to Revolution.’ We will investigate how the laws passed by the English monarch created more tension between colonists and England and ultimately led to the Revolutionary War. We will also explore the early battles of the War. The Unit Four Test will be next Friday, November 15th.

7th grade Spanish - Ms. Hill

Culture: Discussion of Día de los Muertos and its significance in Mexican culture. Making a shoebox ofrenda. Please have all images, decorations, and supplies ready to complete your ofrenda by Wednesday, November 13th. We will display them on the 14th. Vocabulary quiz on November 14th - List is posted in Google Classroom

ELA - Mrs. Boyer

Literature: Students will begin their dive into Book Clubs! Students will have their choice of four novels which deal with the theme of choice. These units will be heavily focused on theme, types of irony, direct and indirect characterization, and a few other literary devices. 

Vocabulary: Students will begin Unit 3; the quiz is TBA. Students have their vocabulary workbooks; this workbook will be collected in May and used during their 8th grade year as well.

Grammar: Students will soon begin a unit on Phrases! Please send your child in for morning help if needed. Also, I always post extra resources in GC such as practice sheets, IXL links, Youtube videos, etc. Grammar is a difficult concept to grasp which means your child needs to identify their learning style and use that to succeed in regards to these concepts. 

Usually Tuesdays and Thursdays are Grammar and Vocabulary Days. 

Assessments can be any day Tuesday-Friday! :)

Life Science - Mrs. DuRant

Next week in Life Science we will begin our unit on genetics and inherited traits.  After introducing genetics, students will work with Punnett Squares to identify the probability of an offspring having a specific trait. Students will also develop their own Punnett Squares. In lab, students will extract DNA from a strawberry and view the findings under a microscope. 

Accelerated Math 7 - Mr. Cargile

Next week in Accelerated Math 7 we will continue our study of Chapter 4: Number Patterns and Fractions. We will work on finding least common multiples, comparing and ordering fractions, and then we will convert fractions to decimals. At the end of the week we will have our Chapter 4 preview assessment in preparation for our Chapter 4 test on Tuesday, November 19th.

Pre-Algebra - Mr. Lanfear

Next week in Pre-Algebra, we will complete Chapter 4 by learning how to write and compare numbers in scientific notation (4.7).  We will also learn how to multiply numbers in scientific notation (4.7). There will be a day of review on Thursday and the Chapter 4.5-4.7 test on Friday.

ELA - Mrs. Sasser

Students will have a quiz over their vocabulary unit 6 on Wednesday. They will finish revising their argumentative essay and submit the final draft on Wednesday November 13th. Students will then begin their next unit on text features and nonfiction. We will go over major text features and their purposes and uses. On Friday, we will begin reading the nonfiction text Phineas Gage. Please be on the lookout for an email regarding the reading schedule and novel study expectations. 

Earth Science - Mrs. Hoffman

Recently in science, the 6th graders worked in small groups to create a newscast story on one particular severe weather event, such as Hurricane Andrew, the Midwest Flood or a specific day/ photo of the Dust Bowl. They were given a still photo of the event and asked to write a headline and conduct background research.  They created a short script explaining what happened and then filmed in various locations around the school. A few of these student productions will be entered into our Spring Film Festival. (See photos below.)  

We also have begun learning about the different forms of energy (chemical, wave/light, mechanical, nuclear, electrical and thermal)  and the various renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. The students participated in a two day lab demonstrating some of these forms including observing photovoltaic cells for solar energy, creating a fruit battery, comparing the thermal energy of two objects and describing electric motors and the interaction between electricity and magnets. (See photos below.) All this information will be leading into our project on renewable and nonrenewable energy sources we will begin on Monday, 11/11.  During this project students will spend two days in class researching one particular energy resource. Then, at home, they will organize this information and create a written report or a poster or a 3-D model. Projects will be due on Friday, 12/6/19. A detailed rubric will be sent home Monday and also will be posted on Google Classroom. We will have a quiz on Thursday, 11/14 and then our unit test will be on Wednesday, 11/20.

  

Earth Science - Mrs. DuRant

Next week in Earth Science students will begin our new unit on Energy including renewable and non-renewable resources.  Students will participate in a lab exploring different types of energy. At the end of the week, they will begin a project on researching different types of energy.  All research will be done in class and the actual project will be completed at home. Instructions for project will be posted in the Google Classroom.

Ancient Civ -  Mr. O’Hayer

Next week we begin our Unit on Comparative Religions. This lesson offers a starting point for exploring religions and faith traditions. Students will compare and contrast religious belief systems, origins, and faith traditions. This Unit plan is meant to students a basic understanding of five world religions: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism. This unit focuses on the following aspects in regards to the religions mentioned above: key ideas, key people, origins and current areas where the religion is practiced, and culture of the religion. Unit Assessments will be announced later.

Spanish - Mr. Alexander

This week, we will begin by having students perform the dialogues they have been working on.  Next we will begin discussing body parts, adjectives and more verbs.  

SPECIALS

Art - Mrs. Cookson

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” - Aristotle

8th: Will wrap up our surprise project and have a screening

7th: Will work on building Hobbit Houses

6th: Will continue to make flowers and 1-point perspective