September 21st - September 25th
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 of Savannah Educational Consultants for Thursday, October 1st at 6:00pm - parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend.
CARPOOL - NO PARKING ZONE!
An increasing number of Middle School cars are arriving significantly before the requested 3:15 arrival time and parking around the turning zone by Hancock Hall. This is blocking Gold Zone cars from moving efficiently through carpool. Please do not arrive before 3:15! Adhering to this schedule will make afternoon carpool faster for everyone.
OCTOBER LUNCH
October lunch sign up is OPEN! The deadline for October lunches to be ordered and submitted is Wednesday, September 23rd! To sign up, you need to go onto your FACTS account and click LUNCH from the menu bar. Click on the monthly option on the right top bar, click on your STUDENT’S name, click on CREATE WEB ORDER, click on your STUDENT’S name again and the offerings should appear. Click on your choices and make sure you do for EVERY week of the month for the days you are participating. Scroll down and hit SUBMIT AND PAY. Follow the same steps for your other child. The order will not come through unless that SUBMIT AND PAY part is done.
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 #5: REMOTE LEARNING. Fingers crossed we won’t have to move to remote learning, but if we do, there are a few strategies you can use to make the transition easier.
Get to class ON TIME with the materials you need.
Find a spot that has few distractions so you can focus on what is happening in the classroom.
Stay organized!
Using a daily planner to record assessments and assignments can be a big help.
Find and label a plastic tub for each subject which will help you keep your materials for that subject together and organized. When it is time for that class, everything you need is right there.
Be a productive group member. When you are in breakout rooms during a Zoom class working on a group project, please support your group members and use your time wisely.
Communicate with your teachers! If you have any questions or concerns or just want to run something by your teacher, please reach out via email. Your teachers are there to support your success!
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
In algebra 1 this week, we have practiced lots of skills that are essential to know inside and out before we add variables next week. Next week, we will continue working on distribution, combining like terms, and simplifying expressions. We will also cover multiplication and division of real and rational numbers. I have been very impressed with every students’ work ethic and the improvement in skills over the past 2 weeks. Keep it up!
GEOMETRY - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Geometry, we will complete Chapter 2 by proving statements about line segments and angles (2.6-2.7). There will be a day of review on Thursday and the Chapter 2 test on Friday.
ELA - MRS. BOYER
This week we are beginning to review Ch. 1-7 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Students will be discussing the setting of the Deep South in the 1930s, the Universe of Obligation, the cultural definitions of the Southern Gentleman, the Southern Belle and the Black Nurse. We will also be deconstructing the idea of bias. Chapters 8-11 are due the following Tuesday. 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 will begin Unit 3 of Vocabulary. 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…...the beginning of the week, the students will review the numbers 101-1000+....a worksheet will be given for this lesson. Tuesday, the kiddos will work on the verb gustar/Indirect Object Pronouns. Wednesday, a study guide will be given in preparation for Friday’s TEST. Thursday, the students will play a review game, SALE FEUD. And the week will be wrapped up with a Test which will cover the material of the ABC’s, ser, estar, -ar verbs, gustar/IOP, telling time, numbers 0-1000+, vocabulary, and basic conversation.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - MS. HOFFMAN
Eighth grade has finished up some basic information on chemistry including the differences between elements/ compounds/ mixtures and physical/ chemical changes and properties. We also had two chemistry labs this week to help observe indications of a chemical reaction and used various physical/ chemical properties and changes to determine the identity of a “mystery powder.” The students have done a great job with lab safety and directions and even look “super cool” in their safety goggles. (See photos below.) We also had a quiz and our first unit test. (A reminder that science tutorial is available every morning and at break. Students may also stay on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. These tutorials are for questions, review or help with science fair projects. Please email or speak with me to arrange a time.)
Next week we will begin looking at the structure of atoms, ions and isotopes. Students will also break into groups to briefly research the history of the atomic theory and present their findings to the class. It is important to discuss the contributions and discoveries various scientists have made and to realize we are always learning about new and exciting things about science and the world around us. After that we will delve into the wonderful world of the Periodic Table of Elements.
Our next science fair progress check will be on 9/23/20 when all the detailed materials and procedures for each student’s project and our second log book check are due. Please 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 be also be signed before project experiments begin. (I will provide appropriate paperwork for those few students that fall in this category.) Each science fair progress check is due on a Wednesday and all the due dates are listed in their science fair packet that went home on 8/31/20 and posted on Google Classroom under the heading Science Fair. (The remaining dates are also listed below.)
Remaining Science Fair Project Dates
(* Indicate Homework Grades)
Wednesday 9/23/20 *Log Book Check with detailed Science Fair
Materials and Procedures
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 continue to explore the issues that divided the United States between North and South, ultimately leading to the Civil War. We will specifically focus on the entrance of new states from the Mexican-American War territory, the development of new political parties, uprisings and landmark Supreme Court cases which created a divide so deep that the country could not reunite. The Unit Two test will be on Thursday, October 1st.
ADVANCED SPANISH - MRS. SALE
Hola estudiantes…..we will begin the week with a review of Telling Time and reviewing our numbers. A couple of worksheets will be provided for completion and understanding of the numbers/telling time. The kiddos will enjoy a review game of SALE FEUD to help them on their way to taking Thursday’s test. That’s right, a test on THURSDAY! It will cover the ABC’s, basic conversation, vocabulary, the verb SER, definite articles, subject pronouns, numbers 0-59 and telling time. Friday, the classes will read and translate a story from Spanish to English. I look forward to the week with the kids.
ADVANCED SPANISH - MR. ALEXANDER
This week we will review our vocabulary from last year and do some exercises and in classwork mini quizzes to help retention. We will continue to review ‘ser’, numbers, alphabet, telling time, and articles.
ALGEBRA 1 - MRS. SMOAK
In algebra 1 this week, we have practiced lots of skills that are essential to know inside and out before we add variables next week. Next week, we will continue working on distribution, combining like terms, and simplifying expressions. We will also cover multiplication and division of real and rational numbers. I have been very impressed with every students’ work ethic and the improvement in skills over the past 2 weeks. Keep it up!
PRE-ALGEBRA - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Pre-Algebra, we will complete Chapter 2 by learning to solve one-step equations using multiplication and division (2.6) and solving one-step equations involving decimals (2.7). There will be a day of review on Thursday and the Chapter 2 test on Friday.
ELA - MRS. BOYER
We have entered a new world!! We have begun our Introduction into the Hero’s Journey. We are learning about Joseph Campbell’s idea of the Monomyth, and students will be engaging in a multitude of class activities which allow them to engage with the material. These activities will act as study materials for assessments. The Hero’s Journey will be a major focus for projects, activities, and assessments. We will be focusing our World Building unit on the following literary devices: Exposition, Setting, Imagery, Point of View, Characterization and Dialogue. Students will then build on this understanding as they learn other literary devices throughout their 7th grade year. They will be expected to comprehend and utilize their understanding of these devices in 8th grade without review. All resources are on GC in the World Building Topic.
We will begin Unit 3 of Vocabulary and there is a quiz on 10/2. We are working through DGP as well.
Students are engaging in an Intro Activity for the Hero’s Journey! They made a bumper sticker with a Hero Slogan and then wrote a paragraph explaining the connection to the Hero’s Journey!
Students are working on their Hero Journey Brochures; we are focusing on the Exposition in regards to setting and imagery. Introducing them to Canva.com! :)
ELA - MRS. SASSER
Students will be wrapping up their reading of Harry Potter next week. We will analyze the end of the hero’s journey and chart Harry’s progress throughout the entire novel. They will have an essay writing assignment once we complete the book on Wednesday. This writing assignment will be done mostly in class, but will need to be worked on occasionally at home as well. The final written piece will be due Tuesday 9/29. Students will have a final test over the entire novel on Thursday 10/1.
A note about assigned reading---students should check Google Classroom regularly and keep up with the reading. Normally, they will have 2-3 days to read the chapters. They should come prepared to discuss the reading and complete assignments based on it. If they fall behind, it will be very difficult for them to be successful with their in class assignments. Students are always welcome to come to my room in the mornings starting at 7:25 if they’d like to sit in a quiet space to read.
Students will also be working through their second unit in the new Sadlier vocabulary books. There will be a vocabulary quiz on Friday, September 25th.
LIFE SCIENCE - MRS. DURANT
Next week in Life Science, we will continue to discuss Cell Theory and have a quiz on Wednesday. We will then begin our unit on animal and plant cells. Students are looking forward to an engaging lab in which they will use the microscopes to study plant and animal cells. They will also receive instructions and a rubric to begin their cell project. This is a fun and informative project that students always enjoy as they create a model of a plant or animal cell. We will also be studying macromolecules and students will be making a foldable to use as a study guide on macromolecules.
US HISTORY - MRS. ROBINSON
Next week in American History & Government, students will continue to dig into our unit on community and civilization. We will be exploring how micro communities develop based on ethnicity and background and what role those communities play in supporting those communities. We will end the week with a discussion on the importance of community and the role it plays in the development of civilizations. The Unit Two Test will be on Wednesday, September 30th.
US HISTORY - MR. O’HAYER
Next week in American History we will dive into the Age of Exploration and how this important period shaped American community, faith, and connections to the “outside” world. We will also discuss and analyze how Trade Networks impacted these new communities along with Native Tribes. Finally, students will be introduced to how European Heritage furthered the growth of religion in the New World. We will have a Test on Thursday the 24th.
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 complete Chapter 2 by learning to solve one-step equations using multiplication and division (2.6) and solving one-step equations involving decimals (2.7). There will be a day of review on Thursday and the Chapter 2 test on Friday.
EARTH SCIENCE - MS. HOFFMAN
Sixth grade has done a great job this week learning about heat and temperature, including the basic processes of conduction, convection and radiation. They also used non-internet resources (notes, textbooks, handouts) to create a Heat Transfer booklet with these concepts, along with information on global warming, the Greenhouse Effect and land/sea breezes. (See photos below.) We will have a short quiz over this material on Tuesday, 9/22.
Next week we will begin our Weather unit with information about the atmosphere and its layers, composition and global/ local winds. We will also create simple air particle collectors which we will place in various places around the middle school building. After a few days we will retrieve them all and use microscopes to observe what macromolecules are found at Hancock. Additional upcoming weather topics will include clouds, the water cycle, air masses/ fronts, weather maps and severe weather, including a student group project on storms.
EARTH SCIENCE - MRS. DURANT
We had a great week in Earth Science as we wrapped up our unit on States of Matter and Phase Changes. Next week, students will complete their heat transfer booklets on Monday. We will then begin our study of the Earth’s Atmosphere. During this unit, students will create a foldable on the atmosphere which will be a very useful study tool. They will also conduct an air particle lab. This is always a favorite as they collect air particles from around the school and then use the microscopes to observe their findings.
ELA - MRS. SASSER
Students will be starting their short story unit on plot, character, conflict, and theme this week! They will have a quiz over this information on Wednesday. They will use Pixar short films to help them comprehend the elements of plot and then we will read the short story “All Summer in a Day” by Ray Bradbury. They will have a mini flipbook project to complete at the end of the week on the story.
Students will also be working through their second unit in the new Sadlier vocabulary books. There will be a vocabulary quiz on Friday, September 25.
INTRO SPANISH - MR. ALEXANDER
This week we are introducing new vocabulary to help with pronunciation and spelling. Students will present their country reports in class.
WORLD HISTORY - MR. O’HAYER
Next week we will begin our chapter on Ancient Athens. Students will study how Athens developed their legal system and how Democracy became such an important method of governing in the ancient world. We will also explore daily life in Athens and people existed, interacted, and survived the challenges that faced Athens. We will have our Unit test on Tuesday the 22nd. The test will cover Chapters 1 and 2. We will review for the test on Monday the 21st.
ART - MRS. COOKSON
“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.” - Jimi Hendrix
Sketchbook Prompt: Draw the imaginary thing that lives under your bed.
8th: Will study elements of our school’s architecture to find an interesting perspective to highlight in a detailed drawing
7th: Will continue to explore gesture drawings and may move into an introduction to graphic design
6th: Will complete the collaborative, imaginative piece and present to the class
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