Friday, May 29, 2015

Middle School Matters 5/29/15


 

 

Middle School Matters

 

May 29, 2015
General Announcements

Summer Music Camp!  Mrs. Van Noord is opening up enrollment for a four-day music camp at ACS June 22-25.  Info and sign-up link here!


Summer Computer Camp:  Mr. Musch, Ms. Frens, and Mr. Kiser would love to try some new technology activities, games and projects with you.  Our ACS Technology Camp is for people of all technological skills.  We will build and program characters and models with Lego WeDo, create stopmotion videos, and design games in computer code using a program called, Scratch.  No matter your skill level, you will have a great time hanging with the tech team, learning new things and meeting new friends.  Snack and games every day!  The first 40 who sign up are in!  Please sign up online.


Calvin College Knollcrest Music Camp is a great opportunity for music enrichment for our students as well.  Click on this link for more info.

 

    5th Grade News

    5th

    Math:

    Summer Math Review: Mr. Boersma has put together a summer math review packet that covers the 11 chapters your students worked through this year. The link below will bring you to that page. Feel free to print it off and use it for extra practice over the summer to keep their skills sharp. Answer keys are in the back. 5th Grade Summer Math Review

     
     

    6th Grade News
    6th

     

    Math: To keep your student fresh on their math skills over the summer Mr. Kiser and Mrs. Holtrop would recommend you take a look at this link to a Middle School Summer Math Skills Sharpener.

     

    7th Grade News
    7th

    Pre-Algebra: Summer Math Review: Miss Sanderson and Mr. Kiser recommend that 7th Grade students looking ahead to Algebra next year complete this Summer Math Activities review.  The review has a brief recap of targeted concepts, practice pages, and activities/games that can be completed with another family member.


    Science: Students will finish dissecting the brain of the shark this coming week.  Thanks for a a great year.

     

    8th Grade News
     
    8th
     
     
     

     

    Athletics

    As spring seasons are coming to a close, please turn in your son/daughters spring sports uniforms to Angela Van Duyn or Carly Prins in the front office.

     

    For all up to date athletic announcements, game schedules, addresses to games, cancellations due to weather, sports sign-ups, etc., please go to the ACS 5th - 8th grade Athletic website.  http://bit.ly/ACS-Athletics

     

     
    Ada Christian School

    Faith.Strong
    In This Issue
    General News
    5th Grade News
    6th Grade News
    7th Grade News
    8th Grade News
    Athletic News
    Quick Links
    Homework Calendars
     
    *To see homework, click on the link above and then select "login as guest."
     
     
    Student Grades
     
    View Previous MSM
     
    School Newsletter

     
     
     
     
     
     
     


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    Saturday, May 23, 2015

    Middle School Matters 5/22/15


     

     

    Middle School Matters

     

    May 22, 2015
    General Announcements

    Music Camp!  Mrs. Van Noord is opening up enrollment for a four-day music camp at ACS June 22-25.  Info and sign-up link here!


    Technology Camp:  Mr. Musch, Ms. Frens, and Mr. Kiser would love to try some new technology activities, games and projects with you.  Our ACS Technology Camp is for people of all technological skills.  We will build and program characters and models with Lego WeDo, create stopmotion videos, and design games in computer code using a program called, Scratch.  No matter your skill level, you will have a great time hanging with the tech team, learning new things and meeting new friends.  Snack and games every day!  The first 40 who sign up are in!  Please sign up online.


    Calvin College Knollcrest Music Camp is a great opportunity for music enrichment for our students as well.  Click on this link for more info.

     

     

      5th Grade News

      5th

      Summer Math Review: Mr. Boersma has put together a summer math review packet that covers the 11 chapters your students worked through this year. The link below will bring you to that page. Feel free to print it off and use it for extra practice over the summer to keep their skills sharp. Answer keys are in the back. 5th Grade Summer Math Review


      Band:  Our concert is Tuesday, May 26 at ACS in the South Gym at 7:00 p.m.  Students do not have to dress up for this - - just be comfortable - - for the slideshow students will sit on the floor in the commons.  We will perform in the gym, clean up, and then head to the commons for fun 5th grade pics and camp memories.


      Orchestra:  5th grade orchestra  concert is Tuesday , May 26th( the day after Memorial Day)   We will tune and warm up in the orchestra room at 6:30 and our brief concert will be  the Commons at 7PM.  This will be followed by 5th grade memories! See you there!


       

      6th Grade News
      6th

      Preparing for Adolescence:  Remember to have your chapters read by Tuesday.  Books should be returned on Tuesday as well.  Here is the Preparing for Adolescence Letter we sent to you a week ago for a reminder of what to do with your child.  


      Summer Math Review: To keep your student fresh on their math skills over the summer Mr. Kiser and Mrs. Holtrop would recommend you take a look at this link to a Middle School Summer Math Skills Sharpener.


      Band:  Great job this year, hooray for you!  Our last day to play together as 6th graders is Tuesday, May 26. What a great team - - super work this year - - I can't wait to work with them as 7th graders!  Instruments should go home for the summer.  Info and sign-up link here! for Mrs. VN's Summer Music Camp!  :)  There is room to join us!


      Bible:  Final Bible Memory Choice on Wednesday.  


      History:  All late and missing work should be completed and turn in.  We will do a short mini unit on the Middle Ages and Renaissance this week.


      Language arts:  Students should have brought home their World Fair display boards and portfolios today (along with a few other projects).  Also, all grades in PowerSchool should be up-to-date over the weekend.   Next week, we will have several schedule changes due to Preparing for Adolescence.  With any normal classes, we will continue to read The Wednesday Wars.  


      Math: Over our next few math classes we will focus on our problem solving skills.


      Science: It has been fun doing science with these students this year.  We finished up our study of Energy this week.


      Spanish:   6A has a TEST on Tuesday over the family unit.  Details are on the homework calendar (click there to view more).  If your student is in 6B or 6C and missed his/her test Friday, PLEASE see Sra. Weaver during lunch on Tuesday or Wednesday to make it up.  These are the only times available as Mrs. Weaver will be with the 7th graders Thursday and Friday.


      7th Grade News
      7th

      Summer Math Review: Miss Sanderson and Mr. Kiser recommend that 7th Grade students looking ahead to Algebra next year complete this Summer Math Activities review.  The review has a brief recap of targeted concepts, practice pages, and activities/games that can be completed with another family member.


      Algebra (7th):  Students will be taking a test on Tuesday and Wednesday to wrap up the course!


      Band:  What a GREAT band!  :)  I am already excited to work with them as 8th graders. SO fun.  Our last day to play is Tuesday, May 26.  Instruments should come home for the summer break and then come back for a fabulous fall season of music.


      Bible: Any missing work needs to be turned in by Wednesday, May 27.


      Language arts: We finish reading The Skin I'm In and complete an activity to help us visualize and carry out the message behind Romans 12:2: how can we transform our world?

       

      Pre-Algebra (Kiser): With our next couple classes we will review area and volume.

       

      Pre-Algebra (Sanderson): We will be reviewing some of the many skills that we learned and strengthened this year.  It has been a pleasure working with this class!

       

      Science: Students continuing to do their shark dissection.

       

      Spanish:  7th graders have shared excellent presentations about their respective Hispanic countries, and brought to light some of the struggles going on there.  7C has just a couple more presentations to do on Wednesday.

       

      8th Grade News
       
      8th
       

      Algebra (8th):  Final exam is Tuesday, May 26th.  Students have been given a study guide.


      Algebra (Holtrop): Final exam is Tuesday, May 26th.


      Band:  All music books should be turned in, and instruments should all go home.  Thank you so much for great, musical years at ACS!

      Geometry: Final exam is Tuesday, May 26th.  Thanks for a great year!

      Language arts: Students, please be prepared to turn in any textbooks and/or novels from the classroom that you may have in your possession.


      Orchestra:   Be sure to bring your instruments home!   Drop off all books and music.


      Spanish:  I have so enjoyed teaching these students over the years!  There are no more 8th grade classes, but we will be heading to "7 Mares," an authentic Mexican restaurant on Tuesday, May 26th.  Other announcements:  Study session for AP testing is Wednesday, June 3, from 1 - 3 p.m.  Placement testing for individuals planning to attend GRCH or NorthPointe are invited to take the test here in our lab on Friday, June 5, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon.  (Students should plan about 1 ½ hours to take their test.)

       

       

      Athletics

      As spring seasons are coming to a close, please turn in your son/daughters spring sports uniforms to Angela Van Duyn or Carly Prins in the front office.

       

      For all up to date athletic announcements, game schedules, addresses to games, cancellations due to weather, sports sign-ups, etc., please go to the ACS 5th - 8th grade Athletic website.  http://bit.ly/ACS-Athletics

       

       
      Ada Christian School

      Faith.Strong
      In This Issue
      General News
      5th Grade News
      6th Grade News
      7th Grade News
      8th Grade News
      Athletic News
      Quick Links
      Homework Calendars
       
      *To see homework, click on the link above and then select "login as guest."
       
       
      Student Grades
       
      View Previous MSM
       
      School Newsletter

       
       
       
       
       
       
       


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      Monday, May 18, 2015

      Middle School Matters 5/15/15


       

       

      Middle School Matters

       

      May 15, 2015
      General Announcements

      m

      Laptop Turn-In:  As we are fast approaching the end of the school year, we have some details to share with you and your student about school laptops.  Please take time to read through the appropriate links below, which were also sent home as paper copies with your child.


      Summer Music Camp!  Mrs. Van Noord is opening up enrollment for a four-day music camp at ACS June 22-25.  Info and sign-up link here!


      Summer Computer Camp:  Mr. Musch, Ms. Frens, and Mr. Kiser would love to try some new technology activities, games and projects with you.  Our ACS Technology Camp is for people of all technological skills.  We will build and program characters and models with Lego WeDo, create stopmotion videos, and design games in computer code using a program called, Scratch.  No matter your skill level, you will have a great time hanging with the tech team, learning new things and meeting new friends.  Snack and games every day!  The first 40 who sign up are in!  Please sign up online.


      Calvin College Knollcrest Music Camp is a great opportunity for music enrichment for our students as well.  Click on this link for more info.

       

        5th Grade News

        5th

        Art: In class we continued to work on completing our profile maps, while some began working on the Wayne Thiebaud projects.


        Bible:  Paul's missionary journeys and the start of the early church.  


        Language arts:  We are finishing up our Opinion Writing through completing Bridge to Terabithia book reviews. Students were challenged to create complete and thoughtful book reviews using examples from the story. Final drafts of book reviews are due Monday.


        Math:  We took the last math DEA test today.  The last couple weeks will be spent looking at the order of operations and reviewing previous concepts.  There will be a link to a summer math review packet in one of the last Middle School Matters.  I encourage the 5th graders to do all or part of the digital packet to keep their skills sharp over the summer!


        Orchestra:  We are learning 2 more new pieces to add to our 5th grade concert program.  We will play on Tuesday May 26th for you.  Be sure to try to practice 20 minutes a day!


        Spanish:   Have fun at Spring Camp!  Make up a song called, "¡Vamos al campo!"  (We're going to the country) and you can sing it for me when you get back.  : )
         
         

        6th Grade News
        6th

         

        Preparing for Adolescence - Today we emailed this letter to you and sent the book home with your child.  The book will be used for the "mini-class" we will be having at school on May 26-28.  Please send the book back to school with your child on Tuesday, May 26.  If you have any questions please let us know.


        Art: In class students began glazing their ceramic effigy bowls.  Please make sure to study for the ceramic quiz next week.  Check the homework calendar for due dates.  


        Bible:  Bible memory choice # 5 due this week.  Continuing our study of Moses and the Exodus.  


        History:  We continue our study of Ancient Egypt, and this week Thursday we head to the Grand Rapids Public Museum to view the King Tut exhibit.  More details will be sent out early next week for chaperones.   


        Language arts:  Students need to read the chapter "February" for Monday. They will also have a brief quiz on the characters and vocabulary from The Wednesday Wars this Tuesday, May 19.  They have notes and google presentations to help them study.


        Math (Kiser): Monday and Tuesday we will complete our final Discovery Education Assessment for Math this year.  We will also spend time learning about statistical displays.


        Orchestra: This Monday is our day to find and bring all orchestra music and books to class.  We will turn in  lots of sheet music and play through the next page in our technique book and then celebrate with an orchestra party- so be sure to bring in your healthy, salty and sweet snacks!  


        Science: Energy Test on Friday.  A study guide is on moodle.


        Spanish:   6th graders will have a test over the family unit.  Everything in the current (blue outlined) topic called "La Familia" is fair game:  There are vocabulary sheets as well as games to help prepare, and we will be reviewing in class, as well.  Related Quia assignments are also a great way to review!

         

        7th Grade News
        7th

        CLASS TRIP:  Please make sure that your student brings his or her permission forms and $40 to his/her homeroom teacher on Monday, May 18.  Please also note that no cell phones, ipods, or other electronic devices will be allowed to accompany students on the trip.  We will give you emergency contact information for teachers and for our guides should you need to contact us while we are on the trip.


        Algebra (7th):  We are on the homestretch! This week we are finishing up chapter 12 and preparing for the end of the school year test. To prepare for the test, encourage them to do practice problems from the back of the textbook and to look over any key concepts that seem fuzzy to them. They will also be taking their DEA test this week as well.


        Art: In class 7th grade students are working painting their bisques fired ceramic birds in tempera paints.  Please check moodle for due dates.  


        Bible: We're finishing a study of Nehemiah this week.


        Language Arts:


        Pre-Algebra (Sanderson): We're beginning Chapter 12 and doing some review this week.

        Orchestra:   Turn in all sheet music on Monday and then we will sight read 2 new pieces and celebrate with an orchestra party. You played beautifully at the concert!


        Science: We have finished studying the eye and are now dissecting sharks.  The students are also taking pictures of their shark and putting together a PowerPoint.


        Spanish:  "What to know before you go" is the theme of the country projects the 7th graders will be presenting this coming week.  

        8th Grade News
         
        8th

        Algebra (Holtrop): Homestretch! We will be wrapping up key concepts from chapter 12 and reviewing for the exam. Encourage them to keep working hard!


        Art: In class students will be working on completing their Chihuly projects and space invader project.  Next week artwork from 7th and 8th grade will be coming home in a grocery please make sure to ask you student for the artwork.  Please check the homework calendar for due dates.   


        Bible:  We are wrapping up our study of Apologetics and our reading of The Case for Christ. Our hope is that students feel comfortable sharing and defending their faith as they go out into the world as disciples for Christ! There is also a study sheet for the Bible exam on Google Classroom so that students can prepare for the exam next week.


        Geometry: We are finishing our last unit on circles.  The assessment on that unit will be on Tuesday, May 19th.  The students will be working on packets of exam review questions and the exam will be on Tuesday, May 26th.

        Orchestra:  Monday we will find and turn in ALL sheet music and books . We will focus on some sight reading.   You played beautifully at the Middle school concert!

         

        Science: Our last topic of study before exams is tides.   


        Spanish:  Trip to authentic Mexican restaurant is May 26 - We need a couple parents to eat with us!  If you like REAL Mexican food, this field trip is for you.  Your student has received a permission slip which has the details and a place to indicate if you are interested in joining us.


        A "Cumulative Test" will be given to 8th graders this week:  8E and 8F on Tuesday (19th) and 8D on Wednesday (20th).  Clicking on the post in the homework calendar will give details.


        Spanish Advanced Placement News:  ''Cram" session will be Wednesday, June 3, from 1 - 3 p.m.  Anyone planning/wanting to enter Spanish II as a freshman is welcome to attend.  An opportunity to take the GRCHS placement test will be given on Friday morning (June 5th) from 9 a.m. - 12 noon (test only takes about 1 ½ hours on average.)

         

        Athletics

        As spring seasons are coming to a close, please turn in your son/daughters spring sports uniforms to Angela Van Duyn or Carly Prins in the front office.

         

        Below is the "rainout link" that you can click on to sign-up for text messages or emails that will go directly to you when there is a game cancellation thru the GRACEAC league due to weather.  Otherwise you can always call the cancellation hotline, which will run thru the end of basketball season.  Both links are also posted on the 5-8 Athletic Website.

        https://www.rainedout.net/team_page.php?a=2168760b8c4cda9d4efa.

         

        For all up to date athletic announcements, game schedules, addresses to games, cancellations due to weather, sports sign-ups, etc., please go to the ACS 5th - 8th grade Athletic website.  

        http://bit.ly/ACS-Athletics


         
        Ada Christian School

        Faith.Strong
        In This Issue
        General News
        5th Grade News
        6th Grade News
        7th Grade News
        8th Grade News
        Athletic News
        Quick Links
        Homework Calendars
         
        *To see homework, click on the link above and then select "login as guest."
         
         
        Student Grades
         
        View Previous MSM
         
        School Newsletter

         
         
         
         
         
         
         


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