Weekly Update #20

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations  to Claire 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!

Congratulations to the Badger students who were involved in crafting this beautiful sign for our school!  Ava C., Brian C., Matt C., Kira H., and Grace M.  They collaborated with our Art teachers as well as other seventh graders from the Grizzly Team.  Fine work, ladies and gentlemen!  

More good news!  Congratulations to our two super spellers in the annual PMS Spelling Bee: Maddie M. and Julie S.  

Class Updates

Social Studies: It was a busy week in Social Studies as the students learned what everyday life was like for the ancient Romans. On Friday the students started their in-class research project and will continue working on it this upcoming week. Keep up the good work!

Science:  We finished our Homeostasis Unit with a test today.  Very few students completed the study guide for bonus points on the test.  Students have handouts from Lights for Learning to share with their families this weekend.  A presenter from Lights for Learning spoke to all 7th grade science classes on Monday about energy conservation.  Next week we will start a new unit on how organisms grow, develop and reproduce.

Literacy: Successful Peaceful Protests in history were the topic of discussion and writing this week in Literacy.  Kids were astounded with the power that kids wielded in the 1960's!  The Atlas Obscura project is due on Monday at the close of class which will take place in the library, allowing kids who lack technology at home to record their narrations, and submit to the assignment in their Google Class.  Back to Latin roots next week - Unit 8 here we come!

English: We wrapped up another exciting grammar unit this week in English, focusing on run-on sentences and differentiating types of sentences!  Next week students will have the opportunity to complete their performance tasks they began earlier this month.  We will have access to the Chromebooks here in school, but students can also access them from home using Google Drive if they choose to.  Students, make sure you review the rubric before submitting them!  The final performance task will be due Friday, February 3rd.

Math: 

School Updates

Grades Close: Grades have closed for Progress Reports.  They will be sent home on February 7th.  Be sure to check the portal regularly and make sure to always do your best!

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 #19

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Courtney 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!

Class Updates

Social Studies: One of the biggest topics of discussion this week in Social Studies was the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii. This week we will continue learning about Roman culture and ultimately how their culture has many influences on our current world.

Science:  This week we will be wrapping up our unit on homeostasis.  Students have a 4 page study guide to help them with the studying process this week.  If they complete it and turn it in before the test, they will earn 5 bonus points on the test.  The test is on Friday.  They should be studying a little bit each night this week.  Good Luck!

Literacy: Wow!  What a week in Literacy! We spent lots of time in the Library with Mrs. Sand learning about fake news, and how to spot it!  Students also learned how to become better researchers!  SweetSearch is now their go-to search engine, and they learned how to use CiteThisForMe to create Bibliographies.  They'll practice these skills to produce their Atlas Obscura slide shows!  Latin unit 7 is complete, too!  The week ahead will feature how kids can make a difference.  Friday, we watched a documentary film about Selma, and the march for voting rights. Monday, we'll watch a docmentary about the Children's March in Birmingham, and write about what they learned.  Busy, busy busy!  Kids, remember that grades close - so if you missed a test, plan to stay after school Monday!

English: This past week we turned our classroom into a writer's workshop for performance tasks!  Students spent the week editing and revising their performance tasks using a round robin style, which allowed for immediate feedback.  Due to I-Ready schedules, we will not be typing our final drafts until the week of January 30th.

Math: We have wrapped up our first week of inequalities. Be sure to study our test will be on Friday. Just a reminder the Go Figure is due Tuesday, January 31st.

School Updates

Grades Close: Grades are closing soon.  Be sure to check the portal regularly and make sure to always do your best!

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 #18

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Dantia 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!

Class Updates

Social Studies: This past week in Social Studies, students learned how the Roman Republic transitioned into an Empire under the rule of Augustus. We investigated Augustus even further to determine what kind of leader he truly was. We will continue our journey next week as we discuss Roman ideas and inventions along with discovering what happened to the city of Pompeii. Have a great long weekend!

Science:  We finished looking at diffusion examples this week.  We recreated the "skittles experiment" as pictured above.  Diffusion really does happen!  Next week we will get to our osmosis observations and labs.  We'll have a test the following week so students should expect a study guide soon.  The should look over their science notes every night to prepare!  It's not too early to start studying.

Literacy: We'll finish Latin Unit 7 this week with the test on Wednesday, and dive into a new project called Atlas Obscura!  

English: This past week students prepared for their upcoming performance task.  Through the use of tools of character development, students will prove that the main character has changed significantly by comparing and contrasting the character from the beginning to the end.  Students wrote each paragraph throughout the week and focused on providing solid evidence and examples.  Next week, students will begin typing their final drafts on the Chrome Books, which will then be printed, scored, and placed in district writing folders.  Don't forget to work on your last body paragraph and counter-arguments over the weekend!

Math: We are done with equations! Check your grades, everything has been updated as of Friday. Be ready to start inequalities this week.  Just a reminder the Go Figure is due Tuesday, January 31st.

School Updates

Martin Luther King Day: There will be no school on Monday, January 16, 2017 in observance of Martin Luther King 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!

Weekly Update #17

Happy New Year from The Badgers!

Team Updates

Exemplary Badger: Congratulations to Tyler A. 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!

Winter i-Ready: i-Ready testing will be January 12 and 13th.  Make sure to come to school rested!

Class Updates

Social Studies: As we came back from vacation, we did a lot of review in social studies. We reviewed all the material that we covered in regards to the Roman Republic. There will be an assessment on the Roman Republic this Monday. Following the assessment, we will continue to discover why the Roman Republic failed and ultimately turned into the Roman Empire.

Science:  In science this week we had a lot of fun.  Ask your student why they played with bubbles in class!  (It's a great model of a cell membrane!)  We discovered the definition of diffusion by observing four different examples of diffusion.  Next week we will discover the process of osmosis through several lab activities.

Literacy: We will spend time in the library next week learning how to distinguish "Fake News" from authentic news. Additionally students will be introduced to search engines that will lead them to much more reliable research! 

English: This week we began a new unit on persuasive writing!  Together we discussed where we see persuasion and how we use persuasive writing.  Students also learned the proper writing format we'll be following for persuasive writing.  Next week students will be assigned their next performance task which includes a six-paragraph essay.

Math: We survived our first week back! This week we will be wrapping up our Equations chapter. Be studying all your materials for chapter 3, test this week.  Our next Go Figure went out last week. Be sure to be working throughout the month.

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 #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!