Weekly Update #16

Happy Vacation!

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Maddie M. for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week! To be selected as the Exemplary Badger means that the recognized student is upholding all of the high standards to which the Badger students agreed at the beginning of the year! It means that their behavior is respectful; that they are responsible for their work and their grades; that they are kind!

Grade Book:  I.T. has switched over our grade books for Trimester 2!  Please check the portal as T2 grades are now being entered.

Field Trip Information: Letters were sent home with students this week regarding our canceled field trip.  Students, please make sure you give these letters to your parents!  Parents, if you have any questions, feel free to email Mrs. McGuire.  Just a reminder, reimbursements will be made in the form of a check from our district office.  They will be mailed after winter vacation. 

Class Updates

Social Studies: We covered a lot of information this week in regards to the Roman Republic. When we return from break, we will review what we covered along with watching several videos and participating in some activities in preparation for our mastery assessment. Enjoy your time off!

Science:  When we return from vacation we will start a new unit on Homeostasis.  Students will learn how cells and organisms maintain internal body conditions.

Literacy: We have reached the halfway point with Latin Root units!  Students took the most challenging mastery test to date, and I have my work cut out for me during vacation to get them all corrected! Students were introduced to our new Google Classroom groups, and received their first assignment:  The Omnictionary!  We'll spend a little more time when we return from vacation getting started on the slide shows, to be sure that everyone is on the right track!  

English: Our classic literature unit on A Christmas Carol has officially ended!  Students took their last test this week, and we'll begin a new unit once we return from the holiday break.  Students, please plan to stay after on Tuesday, January 3rd if you were absent for the test this week.  Other than that, I hope all of you enjoy your vacation!  Rest, relax, and spend time with your family and friends!  We'll see you in 2017!

Math: Please check the portal for grades.  Many students are missing homework/practice assignments!  Use this time over break to get caught up. When we return from break we will be continuing to work on the Equations chapter.  You all know how it goes, practice makes perfect!

School Updates

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Weekly Update #15

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Connor D. for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week! To be selected as the Exemplary Badger means that the recognized student is upholding all of the high standards to which the Badger students agreed at the beginning of the year! It means that their behavior is respectful; that they are responsible for their work and their grades; that they are kind!

Grade Book:  We have switched our classes for Trimester 2.  We ask for your patience, as it could take I.T. a couple of weeks to adjust our grade books.  As always, please check your student's agenda each night.  Core classes assign homework regularly.

Field Trip Information: Unfortunately, due to the delay on Friday, we had no choice but to cancel our field trip.  We are in the process of coordinating with The Palace Theatre and will send updates once we have them.  Thank you for your patience!

Class Updates

Social Studies: This week in Social Studies we started focusing in on Ancient Rome. Students were able to research various topics about Rome on our Chromebooks and we learned how the city of Rome actually came to be. This upcoming week we will start to discuss the Roman Republic and it's influences on our world today. Enjoy your weekend! Question to think about: Why is the United States of America a Democratic-Republic?

Science: This week in science we made analogies of the cell.  Final presentations will be due next Wednesday.  Everyone received a study guide for the test on Wednesday.  Homework has been to study for over two weeks now.  Keep studying!  We will spend next week wrapping up our Cell Unit.

Literacy: Homework for this week concentrated on the next Latin root unit!  In class, we continued to read The Omnivore's Dilemma!  Remember to log in to the new Google Classrooms!  Next week will be packed!  Students will be introduced to the Omnictionary Slide project, and on Tuesday there will be the test on Latin Unit 6!  Remember to use Quizlet to study!

English: Students finished a mastery assessment on contextual vocabulary words found in A Christmas Carol this week.  We were also able to watch the George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol on Friday in lieu of going to the Palace Theatre.  Although many students were sad we couldn't make it to the play, they were excited to see the movie.  Monday we will be comparing and contrasting the text to the motion picture, specifically focusing on evidence showing Scrooge's character change.  Next week we have a lot on the horizon: R2, Landmark Fair, and the T1 Assembly!

Math: Students will continue to work on equations next week, solving simple one step equations.  There will be a mini quiz on Wednesday and our Go Figure is due Thursday, December 22nd!  Next, week will be a busy one.

School Updates

Report Cards: Report cards went home last week.  Please make sure to sign and return. They are due back before winter break.  Just a reminder: any student with two D's or one F will have an alternative assignment for the Raider's Reward (R2) day on Monday.

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Weekly Update #14

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Alyssa D. for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week! To be selected as the Exemplary Badger means that the recognized student is upholding all of the high standards to which the Badger students agreed at the beginning of the year! It means that their behavior is respectful; that they are responsible for their work and their grades; that they are kind!

Grade Book:  We have switched our classes for Trimester 2.  We ask for your patience, as it could take I.T. a couple weeks to adjust our grade books.  As always, please check your student's agenda each night.  Core classes assign homework regularly.

Field Trip Information: Our field trip is THIS WEEK!  Badger students will be traveling to The Palace Theatre on Friday, December 16th for a live adaptation of A Christmas Carol.  Students, please remember to dress your best on Friday!  Bring lunch money or a bagged lunch from home, as we will be stopping for lunch after the show!!  If you have any questions, please email Mrs. McGuire.

Class Updates

Social Studies: Monday will conclude our mini unit on Alexander the Great. We will ultimately answer the question: Was Alexander really that great? Starting Tuesday, we will begin exploring the Roman Republic. "When in Rome..."

Science: This week we will be starting a Cell Analogy Project.  The students will have class time to work on it.  It is due on Monday, December 19th.  Students will be receiving a study guide for the Cell Test.  They should use it to review for the test scheduled for December 20th.  Studying is best when it is done a little each night.

Literacy: Badger students have done a fantastic job learning about the many different ways that our food is produced in the US!  They are quite fluent with the terms that describe ecological loops and those that describe monoculture farms!  Next week we'll tackle Latin root Unit 6, and the test is scheduled for Tuesday December 20th!  We'll also begin work on the famous Omnictionary!  Don't forget to do your snow dance, because it looks like we might have some serious accumulation!

English: Most classes have completed A Christmas Carol in English class.  What an AWESOME job everyone did with their roles!!  How exciting is it that we get to see the play LIVE! Can you tell I'm really looking forward to our field trip?!  Next week, we will discuss round and flat characters, as well as Scrooge's major character change.  In addition, please don't forget to study for your upcoming vocabulary test on Thursday, 12/15/16.  You may access Quizlet or use the study guides provided in class.

Math: We just finished up expressions and will be moving onto equations next week. Make sure you are keeping up with the practice work (homework), some of you are slipping. Just a reminder we are half way through the month so you should half way through the Go Figure, this one is all about buying a pizza place, yum.  The assignment is due Thursday, December 22!

School Updates

Report Cards: Trimester 1 report cards are going home Tuesday, December 13th. Be on the lookout! Just a reminder any student with two D's or one F will have an alternative assignment for the Raider's Reward (R2) day on December 19th.

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Weekly Update #13

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Patrick N. for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week! To be selected as the Exemplary Badger means that the recognized student is upholding all of the high standards to which the Badger students agreed at the beginning of the year! It means that their behavior is respectful; that they are responsible for their work and their grades; that they are kind!

Grade Book:  Grades have closed for Trimester 1! It's your job to keep track of your grades. Any student with two D's or one F will have an alternative assignment for the Raider's Reward day on December 19th.

Field Trip Information: Badger students will be traveling to The Palace Theatre on Friday, December 16th for a live adaptation of A Christmas Carol.  We'll be stopping for lunch after the show, so students should bring money or pack a bagged lunch from home instead.  If you have any questions, please email Mrs. McGuire.

Book Orders: December book orders went out in English class this week and are due back no later than Friday, December 9th!  Parents, if you'd like to "secretly" order books for the holidays, please email Mrs. McGuire at mcguirea@nashua.edu for more information.  Books are guaranteed to arrive before the holiday break.

Class Updates

Social Studies: After Thanksgiving break, we had quite the eventful week in Social Studies. We continued our exploration of Greek Culture and focused heavily on Greek Philosophy. We tackled many of those big, abstract questions that make our heads hurt!

Science: All week we have been looking at cells with our microscopes.  We looked at live protists, made our own onion and yogurt slides and looked at cork and frog blood cells.  Next week we are going to begin focusing on what is happening inside of the cells.  We will also have the opportunity to participate in a school wide event, the Hour of Code.

Literacy: We began the week with a comprehensive review of Latin root Unit 5, and it certainly seemed that the review helped many to perform very well on the test.  We watched Fresh, The Movie to have the opportunity to see in vivid color, the many different ways our food is produced.  You all enjoyed meeting Joel Salatin, my hero of the food revolution.  He has such respect for animals, our planet 

English: Students began reading A Christmas Carol this week in English.  Some classes are acting out the play, so be sure to ask which role your son or daughter has!  Together, we've been discussing character traits that describe the novel's main character, Ebenezer Scrooge.  Character change plays a large role in this unit, and students will be showing evidence of Scrooge's change over the next couple weeks.

Math: It's official we are done the worst chapter of the year.  All of you survived!  This week we will be developing an understanding of expressions to help us move onto equations next week.  There will be a quiz Friday on sections 3.1 and 3.2, be sure to study.  This month's Go Figure went out last Friday and is due December 22nd. Good luck!

School Updates

Trimester 2: Starts tomorrow!  Be ready for a new Unified Art class.

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Weekly Update #12

Check out the Badger Board!  

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: 

Grade Book:  Grades close for Trimester 1 the week we get back from break!  All missing or make up work must be turned in ASAP. It's your job to keep track of your grades. Any student with two D's or one F at the close of grades will have an alternative assignment for the Raider's Reward day. 

Field Trip Information: Badger students will be traveling to The Palace Theatre on Friday, December 16th for a live adaptation of A Christmas Carol.  Please be sure to send in permission slips and payment if you haven't already!  Thanks in advance.

Class Updates

Social Studies: What is culture? That is a question that we tackled this week in class. We are now focusing in on Ancient Greek Culture and how it influences our culture today. This upcoming week will be short due to Thanksgiving Break however we will be covering the early Olympics in Ancient Greece along with discussing the true history of Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has an enjoyable Thanksgiving Break with their families!

Science: This week in science we are learning about the cell theory.  We will focus on the work of five different scientists who contributed to the cell theory.  Students will make sketches of microscopic plants, animal cells, cork, living cells and bacteria.  Students will complete a timeline to show their microscope work and the work of these five scientists.  The cell timeline will be due on Monday, December 5th for an assessment grade.

Literacy: In addition to beginning work on Latin root unit 5, we began to discuss, in depth, what we eat!  We learned to navigate the nutrition labels on snacks,interpret the information provided, Students  then compared different versions of the same sort of snack to determine if one was better than another, and for what reasons.  We all decided that Oreo Thins and Twizzlers are good even if they're not good for us, and why it's not a really good idea to eat a whole large bucket of popcorn at the movies!  The next Latin root test is scheduled for Tuesday, November 29th.  Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family.  I'm so thankful that both of my children will be home!

English: Students went on a WebQuest this past week in English and will continue their journey next week.  Through the "stops" on their quest, students were able to gain better understanding of the Victorian Age, as well as gather more information about the life of Charles Dickens. As we begin reading A Christmas Carol, we will make connections to Dickens' life and upbringing and how it influenced his writings.  Lastly, I hope all of you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday!  Spend time with your family and friends!

Math: Students have been assigned a How-to Book on rational numbers in replacement of a test . The books will be due Tuesday, November 29th, make sure to work on your book throughout the Thanksgiving break. Go Figures are due Wednesday, November 30th, it's a busy week!

School Updates

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Weekly Update #11

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Andrew B.  for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week! To be selected as the Exemplary Badger means that the recognized student is upholding all of the high standards to which the Badger students agreed at the beginning of the year! It means that their behavior is respectful; that they are responsible for their work and their grades; that they are kind!

Grade Book:  It's your job to keep track of your grades. Be sure to check weekly!  

Field Trip Information: Badger students will be traveling to The Palace Theatre on Friday, December 16th for a live adaptation of A Christmas Carol.  Please be sure to send in permission slips and payment if you haven't already!  Thanks in advance.

Class Updates

Social Studies: Despite such a short week, we accomplished a lot in class! Not only did we learn about the Peloponnesian War but we covered quite the historic presidential election. This week we will wrap up our coverage of the Persian War and Peloponnesian War with a Mastery Assessment this Wednesday. Make sure that you're studying and reviewing your notes and materials on Google Classroom!

Science: This week in science we will have a quiz on the levels of life.  Study!  We will start learning how to use the microscope this week.  Students will need to learn the parts of the microscope and their functions.  They will practice getting prepared slides of plants and microorganisms into focus.  It should be a fun week!

Literacy:  A Numeracy note from Literacy:  we've completed 33% of the Latin root units already!  Students have learned fifty-one Latin and Greek roots!  It's amazing!  Unit 5 will be presented next week and students will build the first few slides of their Omnictionaries!   We'll also discuss some of Michael Pollan's Food Rules, and devour the first few chapters of The Omnivore's Dilemma!  

English: Students finished their first performance task this week with narrative writing.  Nice job tackling this project, Badgers!  Next week we'll begin our classic literature unit!  This unit starts with A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens -- but before we dive into the novel, we'll first gain a better understanding of the time period in which it was written.

Math: We are still working through our rational numbers chapter.  It's a rough chapter, but we're almost done! Just a reminder that November's Go Figure is due on the 30th.  We have another big project coming up so it would be nice to have it done early.

School Updates

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Weekly Update #10

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Jona V.  for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week! To be selected as the Exemplary Badger means that student is upholding all of the high standards to which the Badger students agreed at the beginning of the year! It means that their behavior is respectful; that they are responsible for their work and their grades; that they are kind!

Grade Book:  It's your job to keep track of your grades. Be sure to check weekly!  

Field Trip Information: Thank you to everyone who submitted field trip permission slips and payments this past week!  Unfortunately, we are still missing MANY.  Students, please check in with your parents and get these turned in as soon as possible!!  We need to reserve our seats at the Palace Theatre and pay our deposit.  Thank you in advance!

Class Updates

Social Studies: This past week the students did a great job creating slideshows on the Greco-Persian Wars and Athenian culture along with mapping the Persian Empire. This upcoming week we will focus heavily on the election! Make sure that you're following the news! Question to think about: What is the most important thing that you've learned throughout the 2016 Presidential Election?

Science:  This week in science we used giant microbes to learn about different bacterial diseases.  We also learned how bacteria are very important to us.  Next week we will start our next major unit:
CELLS!

Literacy:  We've used chrome books in Literacy this week, to peruse online resources to build lists of words associated with the Latin and Greek roots in Unit 4.  The students have been teaching the class the fruits of their labor!  Next week we will have a couple of practice activities, and then the Mastery Test for Unit for On Thursday, November 10th.  All students should be using their resources to study for the test!

English: Students were busy typing their narrative performance tasks on the Chrome books this week!  They also submitted their Greek god and goddess projects on Google Drive - and they look fantastic so far!  Next week we will finish our performance tasks and add them to our 7th grade district writing folder.  Students, please come prepared with your rough drafts on Monday!

Math: We are continuing to work on rational numbers, make sure to study your adding and subtracting integer rules. There is a quiz on Wednesday. November's Go Figure went home last week, it's due on the 30th. Be sure to work on it throughout the month.

School Updates

No School: November 8th for Election Day or November 11th for Veteran's Day.

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Pennichuck Sports: Tryouts are this week!

Weekly Update #9

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Ryan B. for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week!

Grade Book:  It's your job to keep track of your grades. Be sure to check weekly!  

T-Shirts:  It was great to see our Badger students sporting their new team shirts on Friday!  

Class Updates

Social Studies: This week in Social Studies we learned that there are many sides to every story. In this case: We learned about the Persian Empire. We learned how the Persians came into contact with the Greeks and we even graphed the population of both the Persian Empire and Ancient Greece. Next week we will start our journey through the Greco-Persian Wars!

Science:  In science next week we will be learning about bacterial diseases and ways to prevent them.  We will also learn about the importance of protists in our lives.  It will be a week full of microbes!

Literacy:  Latin root unit 3 is complete!  The test was Thursday, and thank you to all the kids who did not ask if they were all corrected on Friday!  You'll have the results on Monday!  Monday the Chrome books are back in The Mansion, where students will tackle Latin unit 4. Get ready to collaborate to define the new vocabulary, as well as to create the lists for your flash cards!  We'll also analyze some more cartoons, but this time in writing!  

English: This week students finished their Greek mythology unit!  This is always a fun unit, and students seemed to enjoy the myths and the real life lessons they teach.  Please don't forget to submit your mini projects on the Greek gods and goddesses by November 4th.  This can be done right on Google Classroom!  Coming up this week, students will have their first narrative writing performance task. Get ready, kids!  Also--don't forget about your field trip permission slips (see below)!

Math: The first Go Figure was due Friday!  Next week we will continue with rational numbers. If you are struggling with fractions head to Big Ideas and watch the examples for lesson 2.1 and 2.2. We are using the Common Core 2014 book with the red cover! The November Go Figure will be coming home this week.

School Updates

Field Trip Information: Our next field trip will be on December 16, 2016.  We will be traveling to the Palace Theatre to see a live adaptation of A Christmas Carol!  Information was sent home this week with students.  Please send in permission slips and payment to Mrs. McGuire by Friday, November 4, 2016.  Thank you in advance!

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Support Pennichuck Sports!: Be sure to sign up for Winter Sports  

Weekly Update #8

Team Updates

Progress Reports go home TUESDAY! 

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Monet S. for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week!

Grade Book:  It's your job to keep track of your grades. Be sure to check weekly!  

Class Updates

Social Studies: "Sparta vs. Athens: Where would you rather live?" That is just one of the many questions that we tackled this week in class. This upcoming week we will take a look at Ancient Greece's greatest rival: The Persian Empire. Question to think about: Should we only study history through one point-of-view?

Science:  We have spent some time reviewing for our BIG Classification Test on Monday!  Students have study guides, quizlet and a lot of new study strategies.  Students also passed in their Favorite Animal Slides to their Google Classroom this week.  It is a year long project and this is their first check point.

Literacy:  What a busy week! Google Slide Show presentations are all presented, and everyone did a great job!  The third unit of Latin roots was launched and don't forget, the test is on Thursday!  Use Quizlet! Check Google Classroom to be sure that you are ready to submit your Aspirations paragraph!

English: This week students read the "Narcissus" myth in class, and they also began a mini project, requiring them to research roles, personalities, appearances, and symbols of the Greek Gods and Goddesses!  Students did a nice job researching on the Chromebooks and adding information to their Google Doc.  Next week, we'll read the last myth in our unit, and students will have more technology time to continue their projects.  Don't forget to study on Quizlet for the quiz on Thursday!

Math: Don't forget, the Go Figure is due Friday, October 28th.  You should be working on the final drafts in preparation for turning it in. This upcoming week we are starting Chapter 2: Rational Numbers.  Be ready to work hard this chapter is going to take some perseverance!

School Updates

R2: The first Raiders Reward (R2) event will take place Friday.  Be sure to sign up for a WIN event.

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Support Pennichuck Sports!: The girls soccer team made it to playoffs! Be sure to wish them luck Monday! Registration for winter sports has started.  

Weekly Update #7

Team Updates

Progress Reports close Thursday! 

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Bryden M. for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week!

Grade Book:  It's your job to keep track of your grades. Be sure to check weekly!  

Class Updates

Social Studies: Despite the short week, we accomplished a lot in social studies. We completed our first in-class essay about Dark Ages and we officially started Classical Civilizations. We will go more in-depth covering the Spartans and Athenians next week. Exciting times are ahead for sure!

Science:  This week in science we were very busy.  We made scientific names for fish using Greek and Latin roots.  We read an article about how skunks were reclassified and practiced using field guides.  Our sand dollar students did an amazing job teaching the kindergarteners.  I am very proud of all of them!  Next week we will learn about the six kingdoms of living things.  The Classification Test will be on Monday, October 24th.  Students should be studying and using Quizlet.  The Favorite Animal Slides will be due next Friday.

Literacy:  Students began presenting their Google slide shows this week, and are doing very well! Because of the shortened week,  the Latin root mastery test on Unit 2 was postponed, as we hadn't completed all of the activities that provide learning opportunities.  The test will be Monday, October 17th, so I hope that everyone is studying!  In addition to doing the foundation work for Latin root Unit 3 in the week ahead, students will finish making their Google slide presentations to their classmates, and should have their Aspiration writing assignments submitted in Google classroom.  

English: This week we continued our Greek mythology unit in English.  Students read and discussed two new myths, and we learned some of the Greek gods and goddesses.  Ask your students to explain the reason we have seasons! They should be able to tell you the actual, scientific reason for seasons, but also explain the reasoning from "Demeter and Persephone." Next week we'll read the remaining two myths in this mini unit, and students will have a quiz on Thursday.  In the meantime, students can use Quizlet to study.

Math: We finished up our first chapter on integers and are moving onto rational numbers.  Before we get started, will be reviewing fractions.  If you would like me to look over your Go Figure before starting your final, please make sure they are in Monday!

School Updates

Book Orders: Mrs. McGuire wants to thank everyone for the book orders this week!  Between September and October, students on our team have ordered over $550 in books!  THIS IS AMAZING!  Every order gives us more book club points, so she went ahead and ordered 20 new titles for her classroom library! How awesome is that!?

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Support Pennichuck Sports!: Come and support the Pennichuck teams when they play home games.

Weekly Update #6

Happy Columbus Day Weekend!

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Kira H. for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week!

Grade Book:   It's your job to keep track of your grades. Be sure to check weekly!  

Class Updates

Social Studies: This week we completed our mini Government unit and started Classical Civilizations! For the next few weeks, we will explore Ancient Greece. We will learn about Athens and Sparta, Greek Mythology, and Ancient Greek culture. Question to think about: How has Ancient Greece influenced our world today?

Science:  Next week some Badger students will be traveling with me to Charlotte Ave Elementary School to teach kindergarten science classes.   We have been working very hard to prepare our lessons and we can't wait to go!  All Badger students will learn about the Latin and Greek words that make up the scientific names of fish.  We will read about a misclassified skunk and practice using field guides too.

Literacy:  It was a really busy week!  Everyone checked their grades on the student portal, and wrote goals to help them improve grades that might not reflect their best effort!  The goal is for all Badger students to keep their grades above a 70% !  Next week is a short one, but will be jam packed!  The most important news for next week:  Mastery Test on Unit 2 of Latin roots is on Friday, October 14!
Students should be working on their Google slide shows!

English: Students did a great job this week setting SMART goals and exploring career paths using Naviance software with Mrs. Kauffman and Mrs. Lamere.  I loved watching everyone use Triple E writing in their responses and reflections.  Students also began reading some Greek mythology, which will continue for the next couple weeks.  Lastly, October book orders went out and are due back no later than Friday, October 14th! There are many Halloween-themed books this month! Enjoy your long weekend, Badgers!

Math: Our first Go Figure is out!  Please be working a little bit every week. I will take projects early and will make pre-corrections prior to the due date. Next week we will be wrapping up integers, and starting rational numbers. Let the fraction fun begin!  Hint: you should use your day off to study for the test! 

School Updates

Early Release on Wednesday, October 12!

Book Orders: Mrs. McGuire is collecting book orders for the month of October! They are due no later than Friday, October 14th!

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Support Pennichuck Sports!: Come and support the Pennichuck teams when they play home games.

Weekly Update #5

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Alex H.for being selected as our Exemplary Badger for next week!

Grade Book:   It's your job to keep track of your grades. Be sure to check weekly!  Remember D's and F's will not get you into R2 events!

Class Updates

Social Studies: This week we started our mini Government unit in which we investigated the three types of government and took an in-depth look at democracy and the American government. We will wrap up this unit on Tuesday when we take our second mastery assessment. Starting Wednesday, we will start our Classical Civilizations unit as we begin in Greece! Have a great weekend! Question to think about: There are 535 Congressmen but only four of them represent New Hampshire; what percent of Congress represents New Hampshire?

Science:  This week in science we learned how to make dichotomous keys.  Next week we will use keys to identify trees, mammals, and other organisms from our ecosystem, the deciduous forest.

Literacy:  It was Chrome Book City in the Mansion!  We spent the week working on a variety of assignments from the Literacy Google Classrooms!  Students read an article about GMOs, responded in Google Docs, and began a project associated with historic fiction book they are reading.  Great week! Next week we dive into Latin Unit 2, and continue working on projects in Classroom!

English: It was a busy week in English class! Between I-Ready testing and Cornerstone writing, our Badger students stayed very busy! Next week, students will have a quiz on Tuesday, October 4th - please review the "Oranges" graphic organizer to prepare, as well as grammar and vocabulary words on Quizlet.  Towards the end of the week, we'll be in the computer lab using Naviance software to explore career paths.

Math: We are going to be focusing on perseverance this week. You will be getting your first Go Figure of the year, due October 28th. Then for the rest of  the week we will finish up with Integers and start working with fractions!  Everyone's favorite!

School Updates

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Support Pennichuck Sports!: Come and support the Pennichuck home games.

Monday, October 3 - Boy's Soccer @ 3:30

Monday, October 3 - Volleyball @ 4:00

Thursday, October 6 - Field Hockey @ 3:30

Thursday, October 6 - Girl's Soccer @ 3:30

Weekly Update #4

Parents, it was great to meet you at open house! We look forward to a great year packed with learning, adventure, and challenges. 

Team Updates

The Great Pasta Race:  Badgers are in 2nd place!  Simeone's advisory is in 2nd place and McGuire's is in 3rd!!  Remember the second challenge: all students in the winning advisory will also win tickets to the December DANCE!  We definitely can win this!  Teamwork!  Three more days! Thin Spaghetti!

iReady: Badgers will be testing Monday (Reading) and Tuesday (Math) in all classes.

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Natalie B. our Exemplary Badger for the week!

Grade Book:  The grade book has been fixed!  Please start checking the portal weekly to see if you are missing any assignments. It's your job to keep track of your grades.

Class Updates

Social Studies: Congrats, everyone! We just completed our first Mastery Assessment in social studies. Friday we wrapped up our mini unit on Geography and starting Monday we will begin our mini unit on Government. I'm very proud of all the work that all of my students have been doing. Keep it up! Question to think about: In order to become president, you need 270 out of the 538 electoral votes. What percent does 270 out of 538 represent? 

Science:  All students passed in their Living Invention Projects on Friday!  They look beautiful! This week, although we'll be busy taking iReady on Monday and Tuesday, we will be learning about the classification of living things! Students will begin by making their own dichotomous keys!

Literacy:  To learn to decode the secrets of the Industrial Food Chain we began with a serious look at the vocabulary we'll need to complete the task!  We watched some cool video clips about food, and had some great discussions! Friday was the first test of mastery of the Latin roots. I'll spend lots of time this weekend grading them!  Monday and Tuesday students will take their iReady tests, and then we'll jump into some serious reading!  

English: We kicked off the week by reviewing some grammar exercises and reading a poem called "Oranges," by Gary Soto. Students began identifying and interpreting sensory language within the text, and we discussed why authors use this language in their writing.  Next week, students will take the I-Ready assessment in reading and math and complete their district Cornerstone writing assessments.

Math: Get ready to start multiplying and dividing integers! The test for Chapter 1 is coming up soon. Be sure to prepare by studying and practicing problems all week.

School Updates

Spaghetti Supper: PTO's annual Spaghetti Supper is Thursday, September 29th at 4:30 PM. Please come support our school and enjoy a nice meal.

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Support Pennichuck Sports!: Come and support the Pennichuck home games.

Monday, September 26 - Boy's Soccer @ 3:30

Tuesday, September 27 - Volleyball @ 4:00

Friday, September 30 - Field Hockey @ 3:30

Weekly Update #3

Team Updates

Grade Book:  Some technical difficulties have prevented our Grade Book rosters from being available to teachers to input grades.  We hope to have the issue resolved, and grades input within the next day or so.  Thanks so much for your patience! 

The Great Spaghetti Race Returns!: PTO's annual Spaghetti Supper is Thursday, September 29th at 4:30 PM. The Great Spaghetti Race is a contest! Help your advisory win a special breakfast provided by the PTO, by collecting THIN SPAGHETTI for the PTO. Please shop early, shop for quantity, to earn bragging rights for The Badgers! We want our team to win the contest! The PTO has requested that we only buy THIN SPAGHETTI! Bring your boxes of thin spaghetti to your advisor, and bring as much as you can! 

T-Shirt Design: Voting on the t-shirt designs will begin next week.

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations Jose G. on being our Exemplary Badger for the week!

Class Updates

Social Studies: This week we started our mini unit reviewing Geography. We discussed the Five Themes of Geography, did a Geography Scavenger Hunt, and we even took a 25 Minute Vacation! Next week we will wrap up our Geography unit with more activities and ultimately finishing the week with our first assessment. Remember to do your practice work! Question to think about: How are timelines and number lines similar?

Science:  This week in science will will continue our studies of the characteristics of living things.  Students will work on a project called My Living Creation.  I can't wait to see them.  Everyone has some great ideas so far.

Literacy: Students dove into the first unit of Latin roots this week!  Vocabulary was explored, notes were taken, flash cards made and goals were written in their Passports.  Over the weekend, all students are encouraged to log into their respective Google Classes for Literacy class.  Spend some time reading your historical fiction free reading book, and above all, study your flash cards!
******************* Latin Unit 1 Test:  Friday, September 23 ******************

English: Last week students took their first quiz which included: elements of literature, contextual vocabulary, and "Seventh Grade" plot details. We all survived!  Good job, everyone :)  This week, we will continue our plot and story structure unit by reading another Gary Soto piece called "Oranges." Our discussions will focus on the theme of belonging, which will make a nice connection to advisory!  All classes will also work on grammar exercises as we begin our structures of language unit.  Get ready for another fun-filled week in the world of English!

Math: Next week we will continue to work on adding and subtracting integers.  All classes will be having a quiz at some point in the week! Practice makes perfect, be sure to do the practice work every night and be studying your notes. We will also start going over some problem solving strategies to get you ready for the first Go Figure in October!

School Updates

Open House: Seventh grade open house will start at 5:30 PM. Parents will start meeting the Unified Arts teachers from 5:30 - 6:00 PM, you will also have time in the computer lab during this time to sign up for parent/teacher conferences. We will see you in the Cafe at 6:00 - 6:45 PM for a team presentation. 

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

Weekly Update #2

Team Updates

T-Shirt Design: Just a quick reminder to turn in your shirt designs to Mrs. Simeone. Make sure to outline the design in Sharpie to make nice, bold lines.  Deadline for submission is Monday, September 12, 2016. This year we will be ordering grey shirts (Mrs. Tino's request).

Exemplary Badger: Our first Exemplary Badger is Natalie G.!! Congratulations!!

Class Updates

Social Studies: We did a lot of writing this week and we made sure to incorporate Triple E into all of our writings. We focused in on supporting all of our claims with evidence as this will only make us better argumentative writers. This upcoming week we will dive into the meaning of history and began our mini Geography unit. Question to think about: What is history?

Science:  This week in science we studied science safety.  All students took their first online quiz.  Next week will look at the characteristics of living things.

Literacy:  We discussed the reading process this week, took a tour of this blog, and everyone should have a historical fiction free reading book!  Next week we will begin Latin Root Unit 1, and begin the practice of regular homework assignments and using Quizlet to study!

English: We started reviewing Triple E writing this week, and we'll be kicking off our plot and story structure unit the remainder of the month.  Get ready to read and discuss short stories, poems, and Greek myths!  Our first short story is entitled "Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto.  How fitting!

Math: This month we will be working on Integers (positive and negative numbers). Be sure you are ready to quiz on Thursday, September 15th. I will be assessing order of operations, absolute value, and adding integers!

School Updates

Open House: 7th Grade will be meeting on Thursday, September 22.  Please mark your calendar now. There will be more details to follow.

Dance: Our first school dance will be Friday, September 16th from 6-8 PM.  Please join us for a night under the lights outside on the tennis courts. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday through Friday for $4 at lunch. 

Food Pantry: The school is collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins are located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

First Week Back!

You have survived your first few days! We are excited to get this school year off and running. Just a recap of last week ...

PASSPORT: 

Remember Badgers, focus on your goals.  The goals that you set in your Passport should address the areas that you want to improve.  We all want you exceed your potential, and the best way to do that is to set good, measurable goals!  Keep your Passport with you all the time, in case a teacher asks to check in on your goals!

EXEMPLARY BADGER:

exemplary: extremely good and deserving to be admired and copied

You did a fantastic job collaborating with your peers to define the characteristics of an Exemplary Badger!  Each one of you has the potential to be an Exemplary Badger, and now, you should have the incentive to work hard!  Each week we will select one Exemplary Badger to enjoy the privilege of sitting at the VIP High Top Table with a friend at lunch!  Go Badgers!

Characteristics of an Exemplary Badger:

Respect the school's rules
Respect one another
Be honest
Have good study habits
Be responsible
Treat substitutes with respect
Respect the technology
Be consistent
Participate
Be a role model
Try to go above and beyond
Stay organized
Use the appropriate noise level
Have good manners
Clean up after yourself
Be prepared
Be helpful
Consistent effort

NEXT WEEK: We will be diving into schoolwork next week! Be ready, be prepared, and be awesome! 

FOOD PANTRY: 

The Pennichuck Food Pantry is back! Starting Tuesday, the school will be collecting the following items: pasta, canned sauces, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables (or any other non-perishable items). Donation bins will be located in the main office and guidance. Please consider making a regular donation to support our community!

See you all Tuesday :)

Welcome Badgers

Welcome to The Badger Team! 

You have just a few weeks to prepare to be a seventh grade student! The Badger Team teachers are all very excited to meet you, and hope that you’re excited to be a seventh grader! 7th grade is very different from 6th grade - are you ready for the adventure? 

SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST: Don't forget to stock up on pencils, erasers, and pens

Math - Composition notebook, two pocket folder, pencils

Literacy - 1" three-ring binder, 5 dividers, 3" x 5" index cards, and compact storage case

Science - 1" three-ring binder, loose leaf paper, ear buds

English - 1" three-ring binder, 5 dividers, loose leaf paper

Social Studies - two spiral bound notebooks

Team - composition notebook

Optional: scientific calculator, markers (or Sharpies), colored pencils, crayons, colored pens,  Post-it Tabs, and highlighters

**Reminder - you need three 1" binders, one large binder will not work! 

BACK TO SCHOOL MOVIE NIGHT:

Pennichuck Student Council and PTO are hosting a back to school movie night Friday, August 26th  on the field. Admission is free, drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. 

The movie will start at 7:30 but you are welcome to come early and reserve a spot. There will be yard games to play. Feel free to pack a picnic dinner with the family.

FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH:

For the first time this year, your parents can apply for free and reduced lunch online! Once completed applications are submitted, you will receive confirmation in ten days to three weeks. 

Online Application 

Questions about the Federal Lunch Program can be directed to Doreen Burgess, Food Services Administrative Coordinator, at (603) - 589 - 8599.

MIND REBOOT: 

Get your brains back in action! Here are some ideas to get you thinking again.

• Read a book (or ten)
• Practice your math facts, print free worksheets and try them out
• Review your notes from last year
• Work on your handwriting or color
• Type a letter to a teacher you'll miss this year
• Start waking up earlier 
• Think of three habits to improve as a student this year 
• Complete 5 random acts of kindness for your family or the community