MSM 11.21.14

Middle School Matters November 21, 2014 General Announcements 6th Grade News Art: All 6th grade class are working on portraits.  Please check the homework calendar for sketchbook assignments Band:  Solo and Ensemble was moved to Tuesday, Nov. 25.  We are also working on music for our Christmas Program which will be Dec. 11 at ACS at 7:00 p.m. Students need to wear white on top and black on the bottom for this concert. Bible:  Bible memory Philippians 2:1-4 due on Tuesday.  Working on Bible Cube that is due December 11. History:  Continuing our study of the amazing landforms in God's creation. Language arts:  Students are working on a characterization project in which they write a poem and a diary entry from the perspective of a character from Tuck Everlasting.  Poems are due on Monday, November 24.  These poems must be typed and include 5-6 pictures with URLs.  We will also review prefixes.   Math (Kiser): Next week Monday and Tuesday students will be using their faction and decimal skills to create a Thanksgiving Catering Menu. PE: We have wrapped up our Floor Hockey unit and are having a lot of fun playing Broomball! Orchestra:  6th graders missed a playing quiz on Tuesday( due to snow)   so we will attempt the same this coming Monday  November 24th and finish on Tuesday!   Science: We will be studying gas laws and also developing our scientific writing skills. Spanish:   6A and 6B have an assignment (Quia #2 SER) due Tuesday (even though 6B won't have class due to Chapel) and 6C will have the same assignment due on Wednesday after Thanksgiving. Back to Top 7th Grade News Algebra (7th): I was so pleased with how everyone did on their test! Keep up the great work! In class we will be studying how to write linear equations using two points and how to use standard form equations. Art: In class we have begun work on a project dealing with negative and positive space where student have been doing some thinking on how technology affects their life and then been given the problem to solve of if they we designing a robot what would it look like.  Please check the homework calendar for sketchbook assignments   Band:  Solo and Ensemble has been moved to Tuesday, Nov. 25.  Two student times were changed - they know who they are. Bible:  We'll be studying prophets this advent season. History:  This week we worked on creating a short keynote on some famous landmarks in China.  These keynote projects are due on Monday.  Next week we will start looking at the history of East Asia. Language arts: Now that we have completed the Westing Game simulation, we will be discovering what else was going on behind the scenes; the mystery continues as we actually read The Westing Game. PE: We have wrapped up our Floor Hockey unit and are having a lot of fun playing Broomball! Pre-Algebra (Sanderson):  Chapter 4 test on Monday. Orchestra:   The Solo/ Ensemble  festival for all STRING players will be held MONDAY- November 24th.  We will stick  to the same time spots!  We all get another weekend to PRACTICE!!!! Back to Top 8th Grade News 8th Grade Yearbook Pictures:  If you would like to submit a "professional photograph" of your 8th grader for the yearbook, please remember to email Mr. Witte with a digital copy before Christmas Break.  Thanks. *NEW*  8th Grade Baby Pictures:  In a similar request, I am also starting to collect baby pictures for each 8th grader to be used in the yearbook and during graduation.  You may either send me a digital copy or a regular picture.  Please put your name on the back of the picture so I can safely return the picture later this winter.  I would also love to have these pictures by Christmas Break, too.  Thanks, Mr. Witte. *NEW*  Babysitting Fundraiser Night:  Mark your calendars!  On Friday, Dec. 12, the 8th grade class will be hosting a night of babysitting here at school.  The babysitting will be a fundraiser for our class trip.  We would love to have many of the 8th graders plan on volunteering that evening.  This event will start at 5:30 pm and go until 9:00 pm.  More details to come. Algebra (Holtrop): We just finished chapter 4 and will be starting chapter 5 next week and we will be learning about how to write linear equations. Art:  8f and 8d have their calligraphy projects due on TUESDAY.  8E will be do the following Friday.  Next up in class a project tying together the work of minimalist Frank Stella and a family portrait.  Please check moodle for sketchbook homework.    Band:  Band Festival has been moved due to snow to Tuesday, Nov. 25. We are also working on Christmas Concert numbers. Bible:  We will be finishing up our study of the different names and characteristics of Jesus described in the Gospels. Students will begin an inclass project connecting what those names of Jesus mean to their own lives. Geometry: We have finished Chapter 5 and are working on quadrilaterals.  The Chapter 6 quiz and test will be after Thanksgiving break. History:  Next week in U.S. History we will begin looking at the presidency of Thomas Jefferson and the journey of Lewis and Clark. Language arts: We are closing our unit on The Pearl, by John Steinbeck. On Monday, a small assignment is due; we will also be playing a game to review for the "quest" on the novel (on Tuesday). PE: We have wrapped up our Floor Hockey unit and are having a lot of fun playing Broomball! Orchestra:  The STRING solo/ ensemble festival will be held this coming MONDAY- November 24th!  Same times- so remember to wear your concert attire and you may change at 1:10PM.  Another weekend to PRACTICE! Back to Top Athletics Back to Top Ada Christian School Faith.Strong In This Issue General News 6th Grade News 7th Grade News 8th Grade News Athletic News Quick Links Homework Calendars 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade *To see homework, click on the link above and then select "login as guest." Student Grades PowerSchool View Previous MSM MSM Archive School Newsletter Ada Connection

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MSM 11.14.14

Middle School Matters   November 14, 2014 General Announcements End of Term: Friday is the end of the first trimester.  Please help your student check to make sure they have all their work turned in. Christmas Parade: The Annual Ada Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 6. We are watching the weather closely to decide whether we will be playing instruments or singing.  The parade steps off at 11, and is done by 11:30. (Short - because it is cold!) :) More details soon. 6th Grade News Art: In art class 6ki and 6ko have began learning and working on self-portraits.  6D will work on completing the first project yet next week.  Please note that all 6D project must be completed by the end of the class next week, because these project are going on this trimesters grade.  6KO (Tuesday) and 6KI (Wednesday) have their first projects due and work handed in late will lose points.  Please check the homework calendar for project due dates and sketchbook homework.     Band:  Some of our 6th graders are playing a solo for a judge on Tuesday, Nov. 18.  The schedule is on the Band Moodle page and parents are welcome to come and see/hear their child perform. The quiz on the Christmas songs was festive on Thursday - students are doing well on their music, hooray!  November practice records are due soon - - time is flying by!  Please encourage your student to set aside regular time for practice.   Bible:  This week students received their graded Unit 2 Tests.  One half of the test we took on Moodle and that is open for you to look over with your child.  They can log in and show you their test.  There are comments on the essays, and you can see the suggested correct answers as well.  The brochure section of the test has been returned, and can be edited and corrected for a better grade.  They must return the old copies and their rubric by Monday (Kiser, DeWeerd) or Tuesday (Koetje) with their CORRECTED brochure for an improved grade.     We are starting a Bible memory verse that will take us through the month of January.  Each week we will add on verses until we have completed Philippians 2: 1-15.  Due date for each section are on Moodle and on their laminated copy of the verse in their binder.  Verses 1 through 4 are due November 25 before Thanksgiving break.   History:  We are beginning a unit on the different landforms and regions in God's amazing creation.  We are learning about each one and making flashcards for each one to help us study.     Language arts:  The 6th graders are working hard on a character project!  With this project, students create a poem about a character from Tuck Everlasting and write diary entry from the character's perspective (incorporating vocabulary and figurative language as well).  In addition to working on this project, students should complete independent reading book #2 by Wednesday.  I have something fun and exciting in store for book #2.  Stay tuned!   Math (Kiser): Wow, what a great job students did computing problems with decimals. We now switch our focus to fractions (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing).   Orchestra:  We will have a playing quiz in class this coming Tuesday, November 18th. Lessons 39 and 40 (pages 43 and 44  in our book)     Science: Matter Test on Tuesday.  Review materials are posted on our class moodle site.   Spanish:  We are learning all kinds of fun adjectives to use in describing people, and how to use the verb "Ser."         Back to Top 7th Grade News Algebra (7th):  Our class is showing great understanding about chapter 4 and will be taking their test on Monday. For the remainder of the week we will dive deeper into linear equations and we will be learning how to write linear equations using different forms.   Art:  Both 7D (Monday) and 7C (Tuesday) have the sculpture project due next week. Projects turned in late will be counted down.  In class we have begun our next project exploring and working with positive and negative space.  Please check the homework calendar for due dates and sketchbook assignments.     Band: All of our 7th graders are playing a solo for a judge on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The schedule is on the Band Moodle page, and was also emailed to parents - -  and parents are welcome to come and see/hear their child perform.  This is a major assignment and grade for this marking period.  Most are quite ready to perform. Some will benefit from a little more practice time. Please encourage practice over the weekend and as we get ready for our big day.  Students are to wear Black and White for this event.  :) We have had some wonderful people come to be our accompanists.  Students will make a thank you card to give their accompanists on Tuesday. Supplies for this are in the band room.   Bible: We'll be celebrating our work on our "Miracle Newspapers" this week Thursday.  Students have signed up to bring various items.  Please check with your child to see what they've signed up to bring.   Language arts: Throughout the next week, students will continue working through the Westing Game simulation. While they are doing this, they should be updating their character journals on a daily basis. This will be the main form of assessment for the unit, so diligent, thorough writing is very important. The simulation portion of the unit focuses on writing through problems (using reflective writing to try to make sense of confusing situations and build on previous knowledge) and characterization; once this portion is done and we resume reading the book, our dialogue will be more focused on traditional literary elements.   Pre-Algebra (Kiser): Chapter 4 Tests were passed back today. We now continue to build our skills with Ratios, Proportions, and Similar Figures.   Pre-Algebra (Sanderson): We're studying graphing and data collection this week. The Chapter Test will be Monday, November 24.   Orchestra:  Solo and Ensemble this week - Tuesday, November 18th- in the orchestra room.  This schedule and all details were handed out to everyone this week.  Remember to wear CONCERT dress- black and white.  All solos, trios and ensembles are sounding wonderful!!!!   Science: Last week we finished our study of invasive species and now are focusing on the Hymenopteran order of insects.   Spanish:  Memory Verse and Prayer due this week and are posted on Moodle.  7D will recite on Tuesday.  7C on Wednesday.     Back to Top 8th Grade News Dessert Theatre:    All the kids are doing a GREAT job auditioning, and we will have some very difficult choices to make.  A callback list will be posted Monday afternoon. The link:  http://acsdesserttheatre.weebly.com/      Algebra (8th):  Chapter 4 test on Monday.   Algebra (Holtrop): We will be spending Monday and Tuesday reviewing chapter 4 and students will be taking their test on Wednesday. Encourage them to study hard and to continue to show all their work!   Art: In class we continue to work towards completing the calligraphy project. These project are due for 8E next week Friday and for 8F and 8D the following Tuesday.  Please check the homework calendar for due dates and sketchbook assignments.     Band:  Band Festival is Tuesday, Nov. 18 in the band room beginning at 12:24. We will be done by 1:13.  Parents are welcome to come see/hear and enjoy the pieces we have learned for this event.  Come on down to the band room to hear us. Students are to wear concert dress for this event. (Black and White). GO TEAM!  :)   Geometry: We have finished chapter 5 on congruence and will have the chapter test on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 17-18.  We are beginning our study of symmetry, isosceles triangles, and quadrilaterals.   Language arts: The 3rd draft of NHD is due on Monday, November 17! Students have been reminded about this date and the assignment's requirements on a daily basis, so complete work is expected at the very beginning of class on Monday. Students are required to turn in a title page, their revised essay, a complete bibliography, and their research notes. Once the third drafts are turned in, our focus will return to John Steinbeck's novella, The Pearl", and we will resume a study of fundamental grammar and writing skills to prepare for NHD's 4th draft.   Orchestra:   We are ready for Solo and Ensemble this coming Tuesday- November 18th!  Wear your concert dress and  bring your extra copy of the music for the judge  and your thank you notes!  Be sure to play your pieces for your parents alot this weekend!   Science: Next week I am planning on a test over Plate Tectonics.   Spanish:  Memory Verse and Prayer due this week and are posted on Moodle.  8E and 8F will recite on Tuesday.  8D on Wednesday.     Back to Top Athletics Thank you to many of you who have already turned in uniforms!   If you have not please turn in uniforms to the main office or your son/daughter may bring them to Carly Prins during PE class.   The 8th grade girls basketball will be having open gyms on the dates and times listed below.  If you have any questions please contact Mark Abolt.  Tuesday from 3:30-5:30 on November 18, 25, & December 2.     The 8th grade boys basketball will be having open gyms on the dates and times listed below.  If you have any questions please contact Curt Tamminga.  November 20, 25, and December 2,4 from 4:00-5:30pm   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     Back to Top   Ada Christian School Faith.Strong In This Issue General News 6th Grade News 7th Grade News 8th Grade News Athletic News Quick Links Homework Calendars 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade   *To see homework, click on the link above and then select "login as guest."     Student Grades PowerSchool   View Previous MSM MSM Archive   School Newsletter Ada Connection

 

 

 

 

 

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MSM 11/7/14

Middle School Matters   November 7, 2014 General Announcements   6th Grade News Art: In class we are wrapping up our first project this week (check the moodle calendar for due dates) and transitioning to learning about drawing portrait. Please check the homework calendar for sketchbook assignments. Band:  Some band students are playing a solo for Solo and Ensemble.  The schedule for the solos will be on Moodle next week.  :) Bible:  Memory Work - Psalm 105:1-7 due Wednesday History:  3 Places I want to Visit or 5 Themes of Geography Table due Monday.  5 Themes of Geography Country Brochure due on Thursday. Language arts:  We will finish reading Tuck Everlasting next week. There will be a short QUIZ on the CHARACTERS of this story on Thursday, November  13 (Students should not have to study for this).  We will also begin two projects on this book--one on characterization and one free choice.   Students may also take an extra credit fill-in-the-blank quiz on Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" next Thursday, November 13.      Math (Kiser): The students are doing an impressive job working with decimal numbers. On Wednesday we will have a test on our decimal computation skills. Please have your student(s) show you the Study Guide and Practice Test which they received on Thursday.   Orchestra: We are learning Lesson 38 and 39  so be prepared  to play duets or trios in class on these 2 pages.  Continue to practice the sheet music- slurs/ accidentals  and parts c and e!   Science: Students continue to study density.  A "Mystery Liquid Lab" is coming up this week. The test over our study of Matter (particles, states, and density) will be coming in a little over a week.  A study guide will be available on moodle next week to help students prepare. Spanish:   We completed our Memory Verse and are beginning our unit on adjectives we can use to describe ourselves and others.  Students will have homework sheets this week, with due dates posted on the Moodle calendar for each class.   Back to Top 7th Grade News Algebra (7th):  Students have been catching on to graphing linear equations and are doing a great job. Next week we will be diving deep into the different ways of graphing and solving linear equations. Art: In class this week we worked on our Calder inspired sculptures and took some time to work through a in-progress critique of our sculptures.  Please check the homework calendar for sketchbook assignments Band:  Solo and Ensemble is Nov. 18.  The schedule will be on Moodle at the beginning of next week.  People are doing GREAT!  :) Bible:  We've been discussing miracles.  We've studied a variety of miracles that take place in the Bible, specifically during the times of Elijah and Elisha.  We'll examine some of Jesus' miracles and begin to compile some writings about these in the coming week. History:  Next week we will continue our study of East and Southeast Asia.  We are learning about the geography and will be taking a geography quiz on Thursday where we identify different bodies of water, rivers, and landforms.  Students have a map that they made this week that they can study from.  Language arts: We are wrapped up with our unit on The Witch of Blackbird Pond, and next week we will begin the study of another novel: The Westing Game. However, please keep this information secretive: we will begin the unit with a simulation that should immerse students into the roles of characters, and challenge them to take vigorous notes and use deduction. It should be a lot of fun! Pre-Algebra (Kiser): I've been having a great time with the students working with Roots and Powers. This week we worked with cube roots too. This next Wednesday we will be testing on Chapter 4.  Next up - Ratios and Direct Variation.   Pre-Algebra (Sanderson): Students are working very hard to deepen their understanding of rational numbers and square roots.  We'll take a test over Chapter 3 on Tuesday. Orchestra:  Almost all solos and ensembles have performed in class- there are just a few performers who still have to really learn the notes !  Keep up the great work! Spanish:  7C will have a Slideshow due on Friday.  7D is learning all the definite and indefinite articles in Spanish (eight different words, compared to three in English.)   Back to Top 8th Grade News Dessert Theatre:  This week are AUDITIONS!  Wednesday and Friday, 3 - 5 p.m. Please click here for more information http://acsdesserttheatre.weebly.com/      Also, students should have come home today (Friday) with a yellow information/conflict/permission slip.  These must be turned in prior to auditions.   Algebra (Holtrop): Students have been catching on to graphing linear equations and are doing a great job. Next week we will be diving deep into the different ways of graphing and solving linear equations. Art: In class students are working on the calligraphy and illumination of their favorite Bible passage.  These projects will be due before Thanksgiving so student will have to use their time in class wisley.  Please check the homework calendar for sketchbook assignments.   Band:  Band Festival is Nov. 18 - Hooray!! We are getting really great at our numbers.  SO FUN to hear them. Bible:  The 8th graders did an excellent job of leading chapel this week! We worked hard brainstorming and coming up with a plan that we were excited to share with the rest of the Middle School. After finishing our study of the Gospels (students received their tests back this week), we are now studying who Jesus is. We have discussed different views of Jesus and are diving into what the Bible says about his different characteristics. Geometry: We have finished our unit on transformations and are beginning chapter 5 on congruence and proofs. History:  Next week we will continue to look at some of the challenges that faced our new nation in the late 1700s and early 1800s.  Next week Thursday or Friday will also be "Ode to George Day" where we will celebrate the accomplishments of George Washington.  (Part of this special celebration may include asking for a few snacks.  Thanks!) Language arts: This week we read the first two chapters of John Steinbeck's novella The Pearl. We will continue reading next week, and as we do, we will be exploring themes of injustice, material wealth/greed, and how characters change throughout a novel.     The 3rd draft of the NHD essay is due on November 17. More details to come! Orchestra: We added the piano part to 2 of our 5 pieces this week .  Next Tuesday and Thursday we will listen to the cello solos and any duets as well as put the finishing touches on  our festival songs.     Spanish:  We got a little behind this past week due to teacher illness, so plans changed a bit (mostly in that there was not paper brought home regarding chores.)  This coming week we will learn how to say chores we have to do.   Back to Top Athletics Volleyball & Soccer Uniforms Please turn in the fall boys soccer and girls volleyball uniforms.  You may turn in uniforms to the main office or your son/daughter may bring them to Carly Prins during PE class.  Please remember that winter basketball uniforms can not be handed out until all fall uniforms are back as we use many of the same ones for both seasons.  Thank you to many of you who have already turned in uniforms!    5th-6th Grade Basketball The winter 5th and 6th grade basketball season will begin the week of November 10.  If you have any questions please contact Carly Prins at cprins@adachristian.org.   7th-8th Grade Basketball The winter 7th and 8th grade basketball season will begin the week of December 8.  If you have any questions please contact her at avanduyn@adachristian.org Open Gym Times The 8th grade girls will have the following dates and times available as open gyms before the basketball season begins.  If you have any questions please contact Mark Abolt.   Tuesday from 3:30-5:30 on November 11, 18, 25, & December 2.   The 8th grade boys will be having open gyms before the basketball season begins in December.  Please contact Curt Tamminga for specific days and times.    Back to Top Ada Christian School Faith.Strong In This Issue General News 6th Grade News 7th Grade News 8th Grade News Athletic News Quick Links Homework Calendars 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade   *To see homework, click on the link above and then select "login as guest."     Student Grades PowerSchool   View Previous MSM MSM Archive   School Newsletter Ada Connection

 

 

 

 

 

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