November 2nd - November 6th
SAVE THESE DATES
There are a few upcoming dates with special events, irregular dismissal times, or no school for students. Understanding that these situations often require careful planning for many families, I want to draw special attention to the dates listed below --
November 5th & 6th Middle School exams. Middle School is dismissed at 12:00. No Middle School extended.
Friday, November 13th Parent/Teacher Conferences - no school for students.
We will share more details about conferences next week, but please note that this is not a school day for students.
Wednesday, November 18th Parent.edu “Safety and Security” 6:00 via Zoom.
Friday, November 20th - early dismissal with NO extended (11:45 Green Gate; 12:00 Gold Gate; 12:15 White Gate) Previously scheduled as our Grandparents & Special Friends Day, we will honor our loved ones virtually and dismiss early.
TRIMESTER 1 ACTIVITIES AND EXAMS
The conclusion of a trimester always brings an increased workload. In the past, students have had to prepare for 5 exams. Beginning several years ago we began the practice of having some classes have a summative activity and some classes sit for an exam. These activities take many forms: papers, speeches and projects. Here is a chart of this trimester’s schedule for exams and activities:
HDS TALENT SHOW!
Mark your calendars for November 6th!! Our Talent Show will be streamed via Zoom from 6:00-8:00 pm. Please support our HDS Dramatic Arts by purchasing our 2020 Talent Show Merch! Fill out the Google Form and pay to Venmo @HDSExcellenceFund or opt to charge your FACTS account. The deadline for shirt orders is Monday, November 9th.
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.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY!
We need escorts at morning carpool for the students coming from Herb River in grades PK - 2. The escort walks the student around the Middle School into the back door of the primary building. Duty hours are 7:45 - 8:10. ½ hour of community service credit each day. See Mr. Crawford or Mrs. Mannarino if you would like to help!
This year in the LC Corner, I will be offering tips and strategies to support your work at school and home. Please reach out to me anytime you need assistance or have any questions.
Tip #11 REREADING ISN’T THE SAME AS LEARNING.
“Reviewing alone is not enough, says Kipnis, the UPenn student, reflecting on what she has learned along the way. “Thinking of potential essay questions and outlining them or working out the challenging math problems helps me learn how to apply the material so that I do not blank when I see the questions on the test.”
“For math and sciences, a big problem that I had was that I would spend a lot of time reviewing the concepts, but I wouldn’t learn them because I was not practicing applying the concepts,” she says. “I was the most productive when I created sheets with tons of practice problems and just practiced applying the concept in many different ways.”
There are other ways your student can practice this kind of active learning – highlighting his/her notes, using Post-its to mark key textbook passages, making study cards, and mapping and diagramming concepts.
https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/study-skills-for-middle-school-and-beyond/
October is National Bullying Awareness Month. One of the top ways to combat bullying is by encouraging inclusion and respect among students. This following article has some great ideas for raising children to be inclusive.
11 Ways for Teaching Kids to be Inclusive of Others
Allison Maher
amaher@hancockdayschool.org
ALGEBRA - MRS. SMOAK
In Algebra 1 this week, we solved equations with variables on both sides (3.4) and continued solving proportions (3.5-3.6). Students received their study guide and outline for the exam, which will cover chapters 1-3, yesterday. We will be playing review games including jeopardy and trashketball next week to make sure that the students are prepared for the exam on Thursday.
GEOMETRY - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Geometry, we will review for the exam, which will cover chapters 1-4, and will be on Friday, 11/5.
ELA - MRS. BOYER
Students have been working on their exam projects for the past few days, they will have the rest of the week to work, and turn in their projects on either Thursday or Friday.
Exam Project:
Choices:
Life’s Book (individual) : Create a version of Life’s Instruction Booklet based upon To Kill A Mockingbird. Atticus and other characters in the novel offer several bits of advice that are helpful in deciding how people should live life. Your job would be to compile at least fifteen (15) quotes from the novel and five (5) quotes from outside of the novel which share meaningful advice or wisdom about life. Include illustrations for each quote. Each quote will comprise a separate page of the instruction booklet. You will also write an essay of at least two paragraphs explaining the value and importance of well-spoken advice as it applies to individuals and society. The essay should be the last page of the instructional manual.
This may be in a scrapbook, sketchbook, binder, composition notebook, etc. Whatever format you choose, but you are handing this in to me. This is a hard copy.
15 novel quotes 25
5 outside quotes 15
Illustrations for all 10
Last page of at least two paragraphs explaining the value and importance of well-spoken advice as it applies to individuals and society. 30
Grammar and Mechanics are impeccable. 10
Time management was clearly taken into account. 10
Map of Maycomb (individual): On a full size poster board, draw a map of Macomb and plot where each major event in the novel took place. You must plot at least ten events. On a separate sheet of paper, explain why those events were the most important events in the novel. (The explanation of events should be at least five-ten sentences. The explanation can be under the plotted event-if you have enough room- or on the back of the posterboard. You should be sure to label the event with the explanation. (All typed in MLA. If you are typing labels for the map, it can be in any format.)
Drawn Map on Full Size Poster board 20
Plotted Ten Events 25
Explained Ten Events with at least five to ten sentences per. 35
Grammar and Mechanics are impeccable. 10
Time management was clearly taken into account. 10
Memorial (possible group): Create a memorial and at least two exhibits for your exhibit to show the consequences, the ramifications, the honesty, the upset of lynchings or slavery or segregation, etc. in this country. You may do this as an individual or a group (no more than three people). If you have another topic that you have connected with, please come speak with me.
This may be completed in a group setting. One person may create the memorial and other people may complete the exhibits.
The memorial should be a full diorama or drawn out/created on a full posterboard or tryptik. The memorial doesn’t necessarily have to have words, but it does have to have an at least two page description of the symbolism pasted on the back or present on the memorial/throughout the memorial. (Typed in MLA.)
The exhibits should be visual or interactive. Students should have an activity (1 page description), or a blurb (seven to ten sentences) about their exhibit, the purpose behind their specific piece (1 page). Students should also write a one page description of the exhibit itself (how it looks).
If completing with a group, this should be connected to the memorial and the other exhibits as a whole. There should be a cohesive theme.
Individual:
Memorial (Drawn out/diorama) (20)
Theme connecting to TKAM/1930s/1960s/Issues with Today (Full Circle Connection) (15)
Two page description of the symbolism (typed or present in your memorial-however you creatively input the description/connection) (25)
Blurb (seven to ten sentences) about exhibit within the memorial/around the memorial/a part of the memorial) (20)
Grammar and Mechanics are impeccable. 10
Time management was clearly taken into account. 10
Group (If two people, then one exhibit, if you have three then two exhibits):
Memorial (Drawn out/diorama)
Theme connecting to TKAM/1930s/1960s/Issues with Today (Full Circle Connection)
Two page description of the symbolism of the memorial(typed or present in your memorial-however you creatively input the description/connection)
Activity (one page) OR Blurb (seven to ten sentences) about exhibit within the memorial/around the memorial/a part of the memorial)
One page describing the purpose behind the exhibit and its connection to the memorial.
One page description of the visual. How will this look to the outside world?
Students will have their Unit 4 Vocabulary quiz on Tuesday. (I offered them an extension.)
Upcoming!!
Animal Farm!! Allegories!! Russian Revolution!!!
HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH - MRS. SALE
Hola...This week, we will work on our projects! It’s a surprise!!!!! I will tell you that on Monday you will need to bring in a piece of white poster board and markers, crayons, pens and pencils….The theme/topic will be announced on Monday. Bringing in your mentioned materials is part of your grade. You will have Monday - Wednesday to work on and to complete this assignment. This project will count as two test grades. I hope you have a nice weekend….Mrs. Sale.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - MS. HOFFMAN
Below are some additional photos of the Speed Control lab the eighth graders participated in at the end of last week. They observed and determined factors affecting the activation rates of various concentrations of HCl (hydrochloric acids) on Aluminum. They also watched a lab demonstration called Elephant's Toothpaste to observe another exothermic reaction. (photos also below.) These labs led us into the last chemistry topics of the trimester we are focusing on this week; different types of chemical reactions, activation rates and writing chemical formulas. Students also received a general topic study guide to begin working on for their exam. Our First Trimester Science Exam will be next Friday 11/6 and will include everything covered in class this trimester. These topics include scientific method/ engineering process, basic measurements, matter and how it changes, chemical and physical properties and changes, mixtures, atoms, periodic table, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions and formulas.
Science Fair Update:
All the students have turned in and received feedback from me on the background information rough draft for their project. This will be included in their formal report, which they should already be starting to set up and organize on a Google Document. (The outline of what is to be included in the formal report and how it should be set up is found in their Science Fair Packet and we have reviewed it in class several times.)
All other due dates are listed below. Students have started to sign up to borrow equipment for their projects (if they need to do so) and I have given safety forms to those students using chemicals, fire or other potentially dangerous items. These MUST be completed and signed before project experiments begin. Students should be beginning (or close to beginning) conducting their experiment/ building their prototype at this time.
Students should email or meet with me with any questions or concerns about their science fair project. I am also available every morning from 7:30 - 8am, after school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays as well as during break and snack.
**Remember that along with numerous homework grades, this assignment will count as a test grade (formal report), homework grade (log book), classwork grade (class presentation) and Second Trimester project grade (triptych).
Remaining Science Fair Project Dates
(* Indicate Homework Grades)
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 II, we will be reviewing for the final exam. Students will have the opportunity to practice and prepare for different sections of the exam so they are ready for Thursday. It has been a good first trimester and I am looking forward to seeing the students finish strong with the exam and the end of next week!
ADVANCED SPANISH - MRS. SALE
Hola mis clases de español….next week, we will be working on a project. The project will count as two test grades. On Monday, you will need to bring in at least 3 magazines. The magazines do not have to be current and they can be of variety (in fact it’s best to have variety). In addition to bringing in the magazines….please bring in glue (sticks), markers, crayons and construction paper if you like. The theme/topic will be given out on Monday in class. Bringing in the materials on Monday is part of your grade. I think you will have fun creating the project. You will have Monday-Wednesday to complete the project. I hope you have a great weekend….Mrs. Sale.
ADVANCED SPANISH - MR. ALEXANDER
Hola mis clases de español….next week, we will be working on a project. The project will count as two test grades. On Monday, you will need to bring in at least 3 magazines. The magazines do not have to be current and they can be of variety (in fact it’s best to have variety). In addition to bringing in the magazines….please bring in glue (sticks), markers, crayons and construction paper if you like. The theme/topic will be given out on Monday in class. Bringing in the materials on Monday is part of your grade. I think you will have fun creating the project. You will have Monday-Wednesday to complete the project. I hope you have a great weekend
ALGEBRA 1 - MRS. SMOAK
In Algebra 1 this week, we solved equations with variables on both sides (3.4) and continued solving proportions (3.5-3.6). Students received their study guide and outline for the exam, which will cover chapters 1-3, yesterday. We will be playing review games including jeopardy and trashketball next week to make sure that the students are prepared for the exam on Friday.
PRE-ALGEBRA - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Pre-Algebra, we will review for the exam, which will cover chapters 1-4.4, and will be on Friday, 11/6.
ELA - MRS. BOYER
Students have finished their mini poetry unit! They will be working on their exam project all next week. They may turn in their final project on either Thursday or Friday.
Exam Project
Poetry Trading Cards Exam Project
For the project, you will create trading cards based on five poets from our unit or ones you find on your own. However, at least three of your cards should be classically known poets. Use TEXTUAL EVIDENCE to help you create your cards. You should be drawing on critical analysis, inference, poetic devices, the poet's purpose towards the audience, etc.
You should create five character cards. Each card (5x7) MUST include:
Front:
_____ Poet’s name
_____ Birth and Death Date (if applicable)
_____ Colored Poet image (you may trace, but DO NOT print images)
_____ Border surrounding the character image (border should be relevant to the genre, tone, mood, topic that the poet usually writes about, etc.)
_____ Your favorite poem by the poet
Back:
_____ 5-6 sentence PARAGRAPH about the character’s background (their age, author traits, schooling, their homelife, their physical description, and basic background info such as where they live, when they became famous and why, etc.)
_____ Major achievements
_____ What they’re famous for/known for
_____ Their Inspiration
_____ 1 DIRECT quote
Coming up!
**Voices of the World (Research Writing/Project Based) Book Club**
ELA - MRS. SASSER
This week, students will work on their T1 Exam Project. This project will be the main focus of our classes (they will have no other homework or classwork all week). Students should refer to their rubric regularly and check in with me during the mornings or study hall if they have questions. The focus of this project is on the written component and the final presentation. All information on this project can be found on Google Classroom.
There will be no vocab until after exams. We will resume our Sadlier Oxford vocabulary on November 9th with Unit 6.
A reminder about any and all projects in ELA: projects in my class are designed to help students think critically and not just memorize information. Rather, I want them learning how to apply what they’ve learned. They are given detailed rubrics with checklists and a breakdown of my expectations. They should consult their rubric regularly while working on their project. The bulk of ELA projects are completed in class; they are given ample time and multiple class periods where they are strictly working on their project. Therefore, if students use their time wisely, they should have only minimal parts to complete at home.
Please check out the AMAZING hero’s journey children’s books the students completed last week. They did a fantastic job!
LIFE SCIENCE - MRS. DURANT
This week in Life Science, students have been working on their first trimester activity project. They are using their knowledge of material learned during the first trimester and their creativity to develop board games. Their games have been very impressive and it is exciting to see their creativity. Some have modeled their game after well known games, while others have developed their own game. Next week, we will play these games to review first trimester content and evaluate them. The evaluation will be part of the overall grade for the project. There will be no homework in Life Science next week to allow students time to study for exams.
US HISTORY - MRS. ROBINSON
Next week in American History & Government, we will be reviewing for the final exam. Students will have the opportunity to practice and prepare for different sections of the exam so they are ready for Thursday. It has been a good first trimester and I am looking forward to seeing the students finish strong with the exam and the end of next week!
US HISTORY - MR. O’HAYER
Exams Next Week!!!! Our American History Exam is scheduled for next Thursday, November 5th. We will review for our exam Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Students will be given a Study Guide. This SG will help guide them in their studies. The exam will cover everything we studied from the beginning of the Trimester.
ACCELERATED MATH - MR. CARGILE
Next week in Accelerated Math 7 we will review for our Trimester 1 Exam. The exam will cover Chapters 1-3. The exam is on Friday, November 6th.
PRE-ALGEBRA - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Pre-Algebra, we will review for the exam, which will cover chapters 1-4.4, and will be on Friday, 11/6.
EARTH SCIENCE - MS. HOFFMAN
This week the sixth graders began their First Trimester individual Exam Project. This project is on Storms and Severe Weather. Each student is researching and creating a Google Slide presentation about their specific type of storm, including hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, floods, droughts and thunderstorms. Next week they will each teach the class about their storm. Everyone will then take notes on each other's presentations and create quiz questions and answers from the information. (They will not actually take a quiz, but will create the quiz.) Each of these student-made quizzes will count as a quiz grade for the student who created it.
EARTH SCIENCE - MRS. DURANT
This week in Earth Science, students have been working on their first trimester activity project. They have spent the week researching a specific type of storm and creating a google slides presentation which they will use to teach the class about their selected storm next week. They will take notes on the presentations and create quiz questions and answers. Therefore this project will result in an exam grade and a quiz grade. They will not have homework in Earth Science this week to allow them time to study for their exams.
ELA - MRS. SASSER
Students did a great job on their monster projects. Stay tuned for pictures soon!
This week, students will be prepping for their exams. They should refer to their exam study guide on Google Classroom and be studying nightly. I am available each morning if students have questions or want to review one on one.
There will be no vocab until after exams. We will resume our Sadlier Oxford vocabulary on November 9th with Unit 6.
A reminder about any and all projects in ELA: projects in my class are designed to help students think critically and not just memorize information. Rather, I want them learning how to apply what they’ve learned. They are given detailed rubrics with checklists and a breakdown of my expectations. They should consult their rubric regularly while working on their project. The bulk of ELA projects are completed in class; they are given ample time and multiple class periods where they are strictly working on their project. Therefore, if students use their time wisely, they should have only minimal parts to complete at home.
INTRO SPANISH - MR. ALEXANDER
¡Saludos a todos! Next week we will work on a summative project. It’s a surprise! Please bring a poster board and art supplies (markers etc., glue stick, old magazines). Happy halloween!!
WORLD HISTORY - MR. O’HAYER
Exams Next Week!!!! Our World History Exam is scheduled for next Friday, November 6th. We will review for our exam Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Students will be given a Study Guide. This SG will help guide them in their preparations for the exam. The exam will cover everything we studied from the beginning of the Trimester.
ART - MRS. COOKSON
“What really matters is what you do with what you have.” - Shirley Lord
No Thursday or Friday classes due to Exams.
Sketchbook Prompt: Take 2 unrelated objects and create a mixed image of this new object. (Like scissors and a bird)
8th: Will finish up any unfinished work
7th: Will begin clay construction for Fantasy Design structures
6th: Will finish up 1-point perspective drawing
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