Steger's Heart and Sole (Girls on the Run, Grades 6-8) season will begin in February.  We are currently looking for parent volunteers to help coach our team.  If you are interested, please contact Head Coach and Site Liaison, Bridget Finocchiaro at finocchiaro.bridget@wgmail.org and visit the GOTR site for more information.

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Grades and assignments can be found in the Portal

Science: 

Students are working in lab groups with their PBL (Problem Based Learning) related to Aquaponics and Food Insecurity. They have designed aquaponics systems and are creating videos to explain how energy flows and matter cycles during photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Each class period will be voting on 1 aquaponics design and then we will be building the systems. We will build the systems after winter break. 

Energy and Matter test redos can be turned in during recess on Thursday December 13th.

After winter break science classes on Vega will be in need of materials to build the aquaponics systems and there will be a more detailed email sent next week.

For now, if anyone has any of the following items to donate please email Mrs. Mason:

• 10 or 30 gallon fish tanks (we will need 4)
• Gift cards of any amount to a local Pet Store
• Gift cards of any amount to a hardware store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc)

ELA: 

This week we will be continuing our reading unit titled A Deep Study of Character. We are working on analyzing the characters in our novel and revising our thinking about them as we read. Students are keeping track of their daily reading goal on their bookmarks in these novels. The novels should be going home daily to finish reading if needed.

HW:

• Read to finish daily goal
• Correct narrative edits based on Ms. Scott’s highlighted feedback for better grade (optional).

Math:

Computation test on Thursday, Dec. 13.  This test will mirror the Skill Practice MM from last Friday.  

Thursday, Dec. 20 students will take a unit assessment over ratios, unit rates and percentages.  There will be a study guide going home this week.

Homework: Skill Practice is due Friday.

American History:

This week the students are finishing a political cartoon analysis that focuses on the Industrial Revolution tycoons. Next up is a graphic organizer activity on 4 specific tycoons of the early to mid 1900’s. Following this the students will pick an early invention to research and then create a period news article promoting the invention.

 

Grades and assignments can be found in the Portal

ELA: 

This week we will be diving into our next reading unit titled A Deep Study of Character. We will start off the beginning of the week with a pre-assessment and then move onto exploring various books to choose from for our unit.   

HW:

1. Read your shelfie! November Book Talks will be due by FRIDAY! As soon as you finish your novel, record your book talk using the FlipGrid link on our Google Classroom.
2. Correct narrative edits based on Ms. Scott’s highlighted feedback for better grade (optional).

*Extra copies of the Book Talk expectations/rubric are in our classroom and on Google Classroom. There is also an example Book Talk video on Classroom as well!

Math:

This week students are continuing to work with ratios and unit rates.  They are working toward efficient strategies that will work no matter the given numbers.

Homework:

Skill Practice LL, due Friday.

American History:

This week the students will analyze a series of political cartoons that deal with the immigration port of Angel Island and the treatment of Asian immigrants in the early 1900’s.

Science: 

Students will really be diving into our PBL (Problem Based Learning) related to Aquaponics and Food Insecurity as they learn about photosynthesis and cell respiration. They will be drawing models of this phenomena and using those models to design possible working aquaponics systems that each period will eventually be building during class.

Soon the science classes on Vega will be in need of materials to build the aquaponics systems and there will be a more detailed email sent next week.

For now, if anyone has any of the following items to donate please email Mrs. Mason:

• 10 or 30 gallon fish tanks (we will need 4)
• Gift cards of any amount to a local Pet Store
• Gift cards of any amount to a hardware store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc)

Grades and assignments can be found in the Portal

ELA: 

This week our Personal Narrative Unit is coming to an end. Students will be editing and revising their work using our scoring checklist. Narratives are due on Thursday!

HW: 1. Narrative final draft due Thursday.

        2. Read your shelfie! November Book Talks            will be due 11/30. As soon as you finish                your novel, record your book talk using the            FlipGrid link on our Google Classroom.

*Extra copies of the Book Talk expectations/rubric are in our classroom and on Google Classroom. There is also an example Book Talk video on Classroom as well!

Math:

Students wrapped up unit 2 last week and study guides were  due Friday. The unit test will be on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Unit 3 will focus on unit rates.  This would be a great time for you to shop with your child and talk about costs per unit, miles per hour, athletic stats, and any other situation where we compare two numerical values.

No School Friday, so NO homework this week!  :)

American History:

This week we transition from the West to the East and look at the movement of people into the US through Ellis Island. The students will work through a series of readings and activities that will help them understand how the face of the US changed during the early 1900’s due to the immigrations.

Science: 

Students will really be diving into our PBL (Problem Based Learning) related to Aquaponics and Food Insecurity as they learn about the cycle of matter and flow of energy. They will be drawing models of this phenomena and using those models to design possible working aquaponics systems that each period will eventually be building during class.

Soon the science classes on Vega will be in need of materials to build the aquaponics systems and there will be a more detailed email sent next week.

For now, if anyone has any of the following items to donate please email Mrs. Mason:

• 10 or 30 gallon fish tanks (we will need 4)
• Gift cards of any amount to a local Pet Store
• Gift cards of any amount to a hardware store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc)

Grades and assignments can be found in the Portal

ELA: 

This week in our Personal Narrative Unit students will be selecting their final small moment to serve as their narrative inspiration. Throughout the week, we will be flashdrafting with a focus on description, craft, and elaboration. This narrative will later be turned in as a grade.

HW: Read your shelfie! November Book Talks will be due 11/30. As soon as you finish your novel, record your book talk using the FlipGrid link on our Google Classroom.

*Extra copies of the Book Talk expectations/rubric are in our classroom and on Google Classroom. There is also an example Book Talk video on Classroom as well!

Math:

Students are working on their study guide which is due Friday.  The test will be next week. Students have been encouraged to work nightly on the study guide and to come to class with questions.  We will spend class time reviewing the study guide on Wednesday and then the kids should continue working for the remainder of the week.

HW: Skill Practice JJ due Friday

American History:

This week we transition from the West to the East and look at the movement of people into the US through Ellis Island. The students will work through a series of readings and activities that will help them understand how the face of the US changed during the early 1900’s due to the immigrations.

Science: 

In the beginning of this week students are finishing their Interactions in Ecosystems Assessment. They will be starting the next topic in our Ecosystems Unit: Cycle of Matter and Flow of Energy. Students will really be diving into our PBL (Problem Based Learning) related to Aquaponics and Food Insecurity as they learn about the cycle of matter and flow of energy. They will be drawing models of this phenomena and using those models to design possible working aquaponics systems. 

 

Soon the science classes on Vega will be in need of materials to build the aquaponics systems and there will be a more detailed email sent next week.

For now, if anyone has any of the following items to donate please email Mrs. Mason:

• 10 or 30 gallon fish tanks (we will need 4)
• Gift cards of any amount to a local Pet Store
• Gift cards of any amount to a hardware store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc)

 

 

ELA: 

This week we are still in our Personal Narrative Unit. Students will be selecting their second small moment and writing a flash draft. Throughout the week we will focus on various techniques involving description, craft, elaboration, and sharing our writing with peers.

HW: Read your shelfie! Book Talks are due WEDNESDAY! As soon as you finish your novel, record your book talk using the FlipGrid link on our Google Classroom.

*Extra copies of the Book Talk expectations/rubric are in our classroom and on Google Classroom. There is also an example Book Talk video on Classroom as well!

Math:

This is a great time to talk with your child about ratios! We have been looking at doubling and halving recipes.  Kids also looked at unit prices for items, and data from events like getting paid for a job, running races, swimming and dodgeball.The kids are learning that they can use ratios to compare two situations and make decisions about “the best deals” or “the best time/score”

Remember the text- book is on Google Classroom and there are summaries of every lesson as well has a helpful family page which attempts to share our learning goals and vocabulary using parent friendly terms.

HW: Skill Practice JJ due Friday

American History:

This week we will have activities that center around the treatment of and conflicts with Native Americans during the period of the second wave of the Westward Expansion. We will look events that include The Battle of Little Bighorn, the Mexican-American War as well as the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Science: 

Students are finishing the interactions in ecosystems topic this week and have been doing a lot of research related to scientific work done in different ecosystems around the world. During their research students are discovering that different types of interactions in any ecosystem. 

Classwork for grades due: 

* Mind Map

* Comparing Ecosystems 

* Guiding Questions (Show What You Know Assignment) 

ELA: 

This week we are diving into our Personal Narrative Unit. Students will be selecting their first small moment and writing a flash draft. Throughout the week we will focus on various techniques involving description, craft, elaboration, and sharing our writing with peers.

 

HW: Read your shelfie! Book Talks are due October 31st! As soon as you finish your novel, record your book talk using the FlipGrid link on our Google Classroom.

*Extra copies of the Book Talk expectations/rubric are in our classroom and on Google Classroom. There is also an example Book Talk video on Classroom as well!

 

Math: 

It is all about ratios this week.  Students will learn about unit prices and rates of speed.  Also, the kids will take a Computation Test on Friday. The test will cover only the first side of the test.  A copy can be found on Google Classroom.

The weekly agenda and the weekly checklist can also be found on Google Classroom. They are located on the Classwork tab.

 

HW:Skill practice II is due Friday.  

 

American History:

This week the students are completing and turning in their Migration and Industrialization Menu assignments. There will a quiz on Friday, Oct 26th over the vocabulary words from this unit. We begin a look at historical events such as The Battle of Little Bighorn, the Mexican-American War as well as the Wounded Knee Massacre.  

ELA: 

This week we are finishing  Boy: Tales of Childhood. Our novel test is tomorrow. Students have their notebooks, ELA Handbooks, and any graded work to study.  Today in class I passed back a graded summary check for “Ellis and the Boil.” All students have an option to redo this assignment by writing a new summary on the back of the original sheet. Need to turn in by Friday.

Homework:

1. Read shelfie
2. Boy Test on 10/2

Parents, please note that your child should be reading their shelfie (independent reading novel) outside of school. Their homework expectation is simply to read and be able to come to class to discuss their reading with myself and/or their peers.

Thank you for all that you do!

Math:

Computation tests were handed back on Friday and students were given a revision sheet, if needed.  This revision sheet will serve as additional practice as well as an extra credit opportunity. Papers should be submitted Monday.  Students will take the end of unit assessment on Friday. Answers to the Unit 1 Study Guide are posted on Google Classroom.

Homework: Skill Practice GG

American History:

This week in AH the students will finish the unit with a test (Oct 2nd) that will allow them to demonstrate their understanding of the content learned as it relates to Reconstruction. We will also begin Unit 2 with a look at the second wave of Westward Expansion and how Migration and Industrialization change the direction of our country after during and after the reconstruction Era.

Science: We have finished our first topic in science and will be moving on to exploring different interactions among populations in ecosystems. This week students will be applying what they learned in the limiting factors topic as they begin problem solving with the aquaponics build in our classroom. The problem they are working to solve in our Ecoloy Unit is "How can we solve food insecurity for others?"

Each day this week there will also be several blocks of time during Science and Homeroom devoted to preparing students for Camp Wyman. 

Camp Wyman Packing List for Parents

ELA: 

This week we continue reading Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl to practice summarizing, analyzing character traits, and figurative language.  We’ll be having our novel test on these skills on 10/2. Students have their writer’s notebook and in class checks to use to review.

Homework:

1. Read shelfie
2. Boy Test on 10/2

Parents, please note that your child should be reading their shelfie (independent reading novel) outside of school. Their homework expectation is simply to read and be able to come to class to discuss their reading with myself and/or their peers.

Thank you for all that you do!

Math:

The end of unit 1 is near. Students have  a study guide and have been strongly encouraged to do a couple problems per night and come to class with questions. The kids have access to the digital textbook which includes really great summaries at the end of each lesson and some great information for parents in the family section. There is a link in Google Classroom and on the Vega Math website.

American History:

This week is our Sharecropping simulation. The students will work through an activity that helps them understand how newly freed slaves and poor whites made a living during the period of Reconstruction and immediately following the 13 Amendment. The students will begin working on a study guide to as we prepare to wrap up this current unit. The unit test will be on Tuesday, October 2.

Science: Monday students are finishing their 2nd simulation for the Limiting Factors topic. Students are using data they collect during the computer simulation to explain how resource availability affects populations or organisms in ecosystems. They are making predictions about future populations using the collected data as evidence. The Limiting Factors assessment will be on Tuesday September 25th. The study guide was shared with students last Monday and can be found in Google Classroom, but it is not for a grade, only to help students prepare for the test. Grades for guiding questions and the Got Tuna? Simulation will be posted this week. 

Math Computation Check Up is being moved to Monday as a result of NWEA Assessments.