April 11th - April 15th
BE IN THE KNOW
FAMILY MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13TH
ALL 6TH AND 7TH GRADE FAMILIES
In a little over 3 weeks the 6th and 7th grades will travel to North Carolina. Previously, we sent home an informational packet via email. This packet contained important information as well as required releases. These were to be returned with your child. The releases must be in hand for your child to participate on the trips. This Wednesday, we will hold an informational meeting for all families, parents and students, to discuss the details of the trips. All families should plan to participate. The meeting begins at 6:00 and will be held in Hancock Hall and on Zoom.
ZOOM LINK
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78482498851?pwd=mGr4qwlQKBMy8TSqbnDhDrTq4Cqagl.1
Information packets are available for each grade level. Please download and print your packet. It will be the agenda for the meeting and also contains all the releases that need to be signed.
6TH GRADE PACKET LINK
7TH GRADE PACKET LINK
SCIENCE FAIR UPDATE!
Our four GSEF participants, eighth graders, Coles Brown, Theo McGurk, Luke Ngygen and Will Routhier, have returned from the state competition held this past weekend at the UGA campus in Athens, Georgia. This two day event consisted of almost 200 different junior division projects in 22 different categories. (There was also a similar number in the senior/ high school division.) The boys participated in over five hours of judging and also informally presented their projects to the public during a two hour public viewing. They also had an opportunity to explore the UGA campus and enjoy time with their family in the evening hours. Thank you parents for all your assistance with transportation and lodging for this event and your support given to both our students and me during this entire process. All four of our participants represented Hancock well and two are returning with Honors Ribbons. Theo McGuirk received Second Honors for his project Yeast Growth in Different Solutions and Coles Brown received a fourth honors for his project Evaporation Speeds of Different Materials.
END OF YEAR DETAILS
We are in the final trimester of the year and the “countdown” has begun (especially for the 8th graders!) toward the end of the year. To help keep things straight, important dates can be found at this link.
YOM HASHOAH
Our 8th graders have entered the Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance's Annual Yom HaShoah Art & Writing Contest. They have worked incredibly hard during this eight week unit. They also read Night by Elie Wiesel to accompany this creative process. These projects will be displayed at the JEA for the month of April, which is Holocaust Remembrance month. Please stop by and view these wonderful submissions! Stay tuned for contest winners!
CELEBRATING STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS!
The first few words of our mission state, “Hancock Day School develops the whole student…” The Middle School just honored T1 and T2 honor roll students at recent morning meetings. Congratulations to those students. Our students also succeed in many areas beyond the classroom. We are looking for pictures to post on our hall monitor of these accomplishments. Please send us (mmannarino@hancockdayschool.org) pictures depicting the activities your child participates in beyond the classroom. There is much to celebrate.
ASSESSMENTS AND PROJECTS CALENDAR
Parents and students have an easy way to look at upcoming assessments and projects. 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.
HERB RIVER BEND CROSSWALK SCHEDULE
Reminder: duty hours are 7:45 - 8:10. ½ hour of community service credit each day. Students should keep a log of their hours on the community service form. If you are interested, see Mrs. Mannarino in the middle school office to sign up!
As Learning Coach, I work with students, parents, and teachers to offer support and strategies throughout the year. Please reach out to me if I can be of any assistance to you and your child/ren. I will share ideas and strategies often in this space. My email is: tguggenheim@hancockdayschool.org. I look forward to working with you!
Tricia Guggenheim
Working Memory - (Marydee Sklar: 50 Tips to Help Students Succeed))
Working memory is that part of our brain that supports “thinking” by holding on to information in order to process it. Working memory has a very small capacity and doesn’t last very long. A typical adult’s working memory is about the size of a 3x3 sticky note. Children have an even smaller sticky note.
The other thing to know is that our thoughts in working memory disappear in seconds. Once your sticky note is full, it is as if there is an automatic delete button that clears away old thoughts to make room for new thoughts.
This explains the child who can’t remember directions that have multiple steps, who was told to go upstairs to get his laundry but “forgets” to do that. This explains why you find yourself standing in the middle of a room asking, Why did I come in here?
One way to compensate for executive function deficits is to make sure that all time-management tools are kept in sight. They must be seen as effective reminders. Remember the old adage, “Out of sight, out of mind.” If your child is struggling with time management and task completion, be sure to pause and analyze the environment. Make sure that time and task reminders are readily in sight. Next week I’ll talk about some of those helpful reminders.
Research continues to come out about the importance of developing “grit” in kids. It is the ability to push toward long-term goals despite challenges or failure. Luckily, it is something that can be developed and parents can take the lead on helping their child learn. One of my personal favorite tips is for parents to model a growth mindset. This allows children to understand that with hard work, you can truly develop any skill or ability. Parents can normalize mistakes by discussing obstacles or failures and sharing positive “self talk” that helps push towards success.
How (and Why) to Teach Kids to Have More Grit
Please feel free to get in touch with me at amaher@hancockdayschool.org if you have any questions or concerns.
ALGEBRA 1- MRS. TAYLOR
Students decided it would be best to have 2 quizzes for this Chapter to break up the information in smaller chunks. I like to discuss what they want to ensure the best success for difficult content. The next quiz on Polynomials will be Thursday, 4/14 on sections 9.4-9.6, Factoring polynomials.
ADVANCED ALGEBRA - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Advanced Algebra, we will continue to review important Algebra concepts. We will review how to solve systems of linear equations using different methods such as graphing, substitution, and elimination.
GEOMETRY - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Geometry, we will begin our last chapter! Chapter 12 is all about solid objects. We will begin by learning how to classify solids (12.1) and then learn how to find the surface area of prisms/cylinders (12.2) and pyramids/cones (12.3).
ELA - MRS. BOYER
The 8th graders completed their Yom HaShoah Projects!! Woop Woop! Please see the pictures linked above. I am incredibly proud of these students; this was the best year yet! Winners should be announced soon! I will update everyone as soon as I hear. :)
Yom HoShoah Due Dates
DATE CHANGE!! Night Test 4/11.
Upcoming!
Finishing out the 8th grade year…pause as I am crying….:(
We will be diving into a Creative Writing Unit! Students will be writing a ten to fifteen page short story. This unit will be heavily focused on writing strategies, grammar & mechanics, word choice, format, etc.
Our Anchor Text will be A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor.
**As students continue into their 8th grade year, it is imperative that they keep up with their reading, annotate their novels, and come in for extra help. The foundation of this class is heavily based on discussion and the sharing of ideas; students will need to participate to be able to engage with the material in a productive manner.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - MS. HOFFMAN
During class this week the eighth graders finished up learning about sound, turned in their wave/ sound review booklet, and took our sound quiz. We also began information on the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum by taking notes on the seven main categories and discussing examples and their importance. Next week we will continue with the EM spectrum, including polarizing film, prisms and a focus on light. Upcoming assessments will be a quiz on Friday 4/22 and a unit test tentatively scheduled for Tuesday 5/10/22. The last Science in Comics of the school year is for April and is due on Friday, 4/29/22. Students may complete two extra Science in Comics for additional homework grades. These optional assignments are due by 5/20/22.
A reminder that all rubrics, homework and classwork are posted on Google Classroom under the appropriate topic. This includes all videos, websites, diagrams, notes and other material we use in class. Students are encouraged to use them for review, studying and to keep up with assignments they may miss if absent from class.
US HISTORY- Mr. Gauthier
The in class projects for the 1920’s have been completed. Assessments (projects and quizzes are complete. Test on WW1-1920’s will be next week with steps forward to learning about FDR’s New Deal and the causes of WW2.
SPANISH - MRS. SALE
Hello…the beginning of the week will receive more (and new) vocabulary. We will also delve into Reflexive Verbs. On Thursday, the 8th graders will receive a vocabulary quiz. Have a nice break and Happy Easter.
ADVANCED SPANISH - MRS. SALE
The students will receive instructions on two new verbs, SABER & CONOCER. The 7th graders will review their colors also. On Wednesday, they will take a vocabulary (clothing) quiz. Have a nice break and Happy Easter.
ADVANCED SPANISH - MS. CROCKER
This week we have a quiz on our new stem changing verbs (from List #6B) on Tuesday. We are also starting a shark tank project this week! This project will be due Thursday, April 21st. Have a great break!!!
*Remember, students, that Spanish homework is due BEGINNING OF CLASS or it is a zero! Outside of emergency situations!**
ALGEBRA 1 - MRS. TAYLOR
Students decided it would be best to have 2 quizzes for this Chapter to break up the information in smaller chunks. I like to discuss what they want to ensure the best success for difficult content. The next quiz on Polynomials will be Thursday, 4/14 on sections 9.4-9.6, Factoring polynomials.
PRE-ALGEBRA - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Pre-Algebra, we will complete the stained glass project where students use linear functions to graph lines that will become the design of their own unique stained glass window. Then, in Art, students will use those designs to create their very own stained glass window! We will have a day of review and then the test covering 8.1-8.6 on Wednesday (E Block) or Thursday (B Block).
ELA - MRS. BOYER
POSTED by John David Anderson is our next novel study! This novel has a wonderful mix of both male and female protagonists who forge ahead as their phones have been taken away and they begin to communicate through Post-It Notes…
We will be working through a few mini-creative exercises as well as a Final Essay which will be an example for their upcoming summer reading. Students will be working through comprehension questions each week alongside their reading. I usually give 25-30 questions, but students can choose 15 to complete. HOWEVER, I will be collecting these comprehension questions as a TEST grade when this unit study is complete. Details are on GC. We will be preparing for 8th grade during this unit. This is an EXCELLENT novel, and I highly suggest that parents read along with their children. :)
Strategies for Home:
-Students should be reviewing for a few minutes each night. Students should ask for parent/guardian help as a study buddy!
-Students should also annotate the rubric for projects and activities.
-Students should have a calendar of ‘chunking’ due dates for projects and studying.
-Students should be coming in from 7:35-8:15 am to review/ask questions/take more time on their homework.
**As students continue into their 7th grade year, it is imperative that they keep up with their reading, annotate their novels, and come in for extra help. The foundation of this class is heavily based on student reading and the sharing of ideas; students will need to participate to be able to engage with the material in a productive manner. All class activities are based on the reading completed prior to class time. **
ELA - MRS. SASSER
This week we will be diving into our final novel: Posted by John David Anderson. The reading schedule is listed below. Pages 1-117 are due Monday 4/11, and they will have a comprehension quiz over their reading. We will spend this week analyzing the various characters and discussing memoirs. Students will create six word memoirs for themselves and various characters in the novel. On Thursday, we will go over a character analysis assignment that will ask students to unpack one particular character's motivations and behaviors.
I am available every morning and during tutorial if students would like to review the reading or ask questions. Because I make sure to be consistently available for the students, I expect them to walk into our class discussions and quizzes prepared and ready. I am here to assist the kids with their overall comprehension of the novel and expect them to reach out if they have questions.
It is imperative that students keep up with their reading. They will be unable to complete our class discussions and activities without completing the reading. All reading assignments and homework are posted on my classroom board and on Google Classroom daily. Students should check Google Classroom every single day. All reading should be ANNOTATED.
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.
LIFE SCIENCE - MRS. DURANT
We had an exciting week in Life Science, last week preparing for and participating in our frog dissections. This is a wonderful, culminating lab for our Body Systems unit. Students prepared for the lab by making a frog template to become familiar with the location and appearance of various organs that they would be examining during their dissections. Next week, students will continue their study of bacteria and viruses, with a focus specifically on viruses. They will have a unit test on Thursday, April 14. Please remind your student to check the Google Classroom daily for assignments, announcements, and study materials.
US HISTORY - MR. GAUTHIER
Next week students will begin our next unit: Division, Civil War, and Reconstruction. The differences between state and federal governments will be examined.
US HISTORY - MR. O’HAYER
Next week in American History: Students will begin our next Unit: Division, Civil War, and Reconstruction. In this Unit students will study and examine the events that led up to the Civil War. We will dive deep into slavery, state’s rights, and how the Civil War and Reconstruction impacted our great nation. Students will also be introduced to our next project: Studying Civil War soldiers and making a life-size cutout of CW soldiers and Generals.
ACCELERATED MATH - MRS. TAYLOR
Chapter 8 test will be Tuesday, 4/12. Section 8.6 will not be from the book. Students will use project based learning for scale models and drawings. The test will cover 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 and a small scale drawing (addressing ratios and proportions) on 4/12.
Chapter 9 will begin next week which covers fractions, percents, discounts, markups, sales tax, and tips.
PRE-ALGEBRA - MR. LANFEAR
Next week in Pre-Algebra, we will complete the stained glass project where students use linear functions to graph lines that will become the design of their own unique stained glass window. Then, in Art, students will use those designs to create their very own stained glass window! We will have a day of review and then the test covering 8.1-8.6 on Thursday.
EARTH SCIENCE - MS. HOFFMAN
This week in science our focus has been on ocean currents and how they affect the climate. We also reviewed tides and waves and learned about the Sargasso Sea. In addition, students had their ocean animal project notecard progress check and a quiz over ocean motion and ocean animals. The entire ocean animal cereal box project will be due on THURSDAY 4/14/22 (NEW DUE DATE) and the ocean unit test will be on Wednesday, 4/13/22. Next week we will also begin a short mini-unit on pollution and how it affects both freshwater and our oceans. The last Science in Comics of the school year is for April and is due on Friday, 4/29/22. Students may complete two extra Science in Comics for additional homework grades. These optional assignments are due by 5/20/22.
A reminder that all rubrics, homework and classwork are posted on Google Classroom under the appropriate topic. This includes all videos, websites, diagrams, notes and other material we use in class. Students are encouraged to use them for review, studying and to locate any material they miss while absent from class.
EARTH SCIENCE - MRS. DURANT
Next week in Earth Science, we will continue our unit on Earth’s Waters. Our focus this week will be on the human impact on our Earth’s waters, especially our oceans. Students will participate in a variety of extension activities such as labs and mini-projects to dig deeper into the unit. They will have a quiz on Oceans on Tuesday, April 12. Please remind your student to check the Google Classroom daily for assignments and study materials that have been posted for daily review.
ELA - MRS. SASSER
This week, students will work in small groups to create a newspaper article about one major event from chapters 5-6. They will use Canva or Google Docs to formulate a layout and type their article. This will require students to analyze the scene and rely on textual evidence to write an argumentative piece.
Due to Easter break next week, please be sure to take note of the different due date for the assigned reading of Chapters 7-9!
The Outsiders Reading Assignments
*Final test over The Outsiders will be on students’ final exam at the end of May. Students will be given a full study guide of material on the exam and be allowed to use a notecard.
LOOKING AHEAD: One of my favorite things to do once we complete reading the novel is to allow the kids to watch the film. Please DO NOT let them watch the movie before we finish reading, as it can sometimes cause the kids to be confused. We will watch the movie on Wednesday 4/27 (D BLOCK) and Thursday 4/28 (B/C BLOCK). I typically bring in snacks and the kids are allowed to dress up as Greasers/Socs for the day (we will go over dress code for this as we get closer). If you are able, please feel free to donate a few snacks on this day! :-)
As a reminder: projects and essays in ELA are designed to help students think critically about the reading they have completed. I structure these assignments in a way that almost 95% should be completed in class. I carve out time and multiple periods for students to have ample time to work, ask questions, and be productive, which should limit their homework load. If students utilize this time wisely and stay on task, they should be coming home with minimal homework.
REMINDER: In order to find success with novel studies in middle school ELA, it is essential that students keep up with the assigned reading, annotate their novels, and THOROUGHLY answer their guided questions. Students will be assigned a set number of chapters and have a week to complete the reading/questions. All of our in class lessons will center around the assigned reading and failure to keep up with the reading will have a drastic effect on their ability to complete in class assignments/projects. I expect students to pace themselves and be reading each night, come to class prepared to discuss our reading, and come see me if they have questions.
All reading assignments and homework are posted on my classroom board and on Google Classroom daily. Students should check Google Classroom every single day.
Students MUST follow my writing formula for all formal writing assignments and should follow the MLA formatting guidelines I gave them. The students have a handout on how to do this and we have practiced together multiple times. Any paper not formatted correctly or color-coded will not be accepted.
INTRO SPANISH - MS. CROCKER
This week in Spanish we are starting a new unit about money! We are starting with learning numbers 100-1000. A listening quiz will be given on Wednesday (D block) and Thursday(B and C blocks) on these numbers. Have a great break!
**Remember, students, that Spanish homework is due at the BEGINNING of class! No late homework will be accepted outside of emergency situations or if you have previously communicated with me**
WORLD HISTORY - MR. O’HAYER
Next week in World History students will begin our final Unit of the year: The Making of America: Immigration, Industrialization and Reform. We will begin the Unit by studying Immigration and how this impacted America and how this topic still influences much of America’s policies today.
ART - MRS. COOKSON
“If we go for the easy way, we never change.” – Marina Abramović
Sketchbook Prompt:
8th: Make a page full of copied logos.
7th: Draw a mug with someone or something peeking out of the top.
6th: Draw an open backpack.
Classwork Challenges:
8th: Will continue to work on Sgraffito (clay)
7th: Will finish up the set design models and costumes for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
6th: Will continue to work on an ocean’s sculptural project in line with Science. Please try to remember to bring in clean, plastic recyclables.
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