Sunday, November 2, 2014

MSM 10.31.14



Middle School Matters

October 31, 2014

General Announcements


    6th Grade News

    Art: 6ki and 6ko have gone over the rubric for the current project and will be finishing this project very soon.  6d, because of meeting on Friday's, is behind the other class and continues to work on how to show how the artist sees God's hand in their lives visually.  Please check the homework calendar for sketchbook and project due dates.  

    Band:  October Practice Records are due. 240 minutes per month is an A. Please encourage regular practice at home.  GREAT job on the It is Well quiz on Thursday- - SO MANY As!  Go see how your 6th grader did on Power School.

    Bible:  Part 2 of the Bible test - the brochure is due this week.  The rough draft is due on Monday, and we will peer edit it in class.  The final draft needs to be completed and printed on Tuesday.  

    History:  Global Studies Weekly # 7 on Western Africa this week, quiz on Friday.  Students should be working on their latitude and longitude project over the weekend.  During the week we will look at the 5 Themes of Geography.

    Language arts:  Students did very well on both the "MY WORDS" SPELLING TEST as well as on the QUIZ on similes, metaphors, and personification.  In our novel, Tuck Everlasting, we are nearing the climax of the plot.   Next week we will have some thought-provoking discussions about decisions the characters in the story make.  Along with this, we will read and discuss Robert Frost's poem, "The Road not Taken."  Students may begin memorizing this poem for EXTRA CREDIT.  For independent reading, Book #2 needs to be finished by Wednesday, November 19!  

    Math (Kiser): We are measuring lengths, working with metric units, and are perfecting our calculation skills of numbers that include decimals.

    PE: Students have been familiarizing themselves with the game of floor hockey. Students have practiced their floor hockey skills and put them to the test in floor hockey games. Next week we will continue our floor hockey unit. There will be a test at the conclusion of the unit. A floor hockey review sheet is posted on Moodle.

    Orchestra:  Students are  getting  better at playing together at one tempo and were  having a great time taking turns at conducting  during class on Thursday.  we are working on 3 new pieces of sheet music and are learning both the melody and the C or E harmony parts.  Ask for a concert!

    Science: Students are doing deep thinking about density.  Lab to come this week.

    Spanish:   6th graders will be saying their memory verse and prayer next week.  This is something we have done since the beginning of the school year, but in case they want to practice at home, they have been given a sheet for their binder and a copy uploaded to their Moodle Spanish Class as well.  6B and 6A will begin theirs on Tuesday; 6C on Wednesday.


    7th Grade News

    Algebra (7th):  We have started chapter 4! That means we will be graphing linear equations, graphing lines using intercepts, and finding the slope of the line.

    Art: Both classes continue sculpting their endangered species in the style of Alex Calder.  In class next week we will review the rubric for this project and continue to work towards completion.  Please check the homework calendar for sketchbook assignments due dates.

    Band:   October Practice Records are due. 240 minutes per month is an A. Please encourage regular practice at home.  Solo and Ensemble is Nov. 18 - we are working hard.  Some are ready NOW - please ask to hear your student's solo at home this week!!

    Bible:  Hosea 14 Scripture focus project due Nov. 13.

    History:  This coming Tuesday students will be taking a test on South Asia.  It covers four note sheets that they have on their computer.  This past week we highlighted our notes to help us study and there is a set of flashcards to use on moodle.  After the test on Tuesday, we will start studying the Geography of East Asia and Southeast Asia.  We will begin learning the names of many rivers, mountain ranges, and bodies of water found throughout Asia.  

    Language arts: Students are working on a review project for The Witch of Blackbird Pond - a series of review posters that will include live-action scenes from the book. I will be hanging these posters up in the room, and students will be able to look at their class's work to help them study for the test that we will have next Friday (November 7). I will be posting a review guide for the test on Moodle today.


    PE: Students have been refining their floor hockey skills with individual practice and team game play. Next week we will continue our floor hockey unit. There will be a test at the conclusion of the unit. A floor hockey review sheet is posted on Moodle.

    Pre-Algebra (Kiser): Our focus in on Exponents and Powers. We are also taking time to check that students are retaining prior learned skills.


    Pre-Algebra (Sanderson): Re-quiz for students who did not achieve a C or above on their Common Fraction/Decimal/Percent quiz is Monday (11/3).  We'll have a class quiz on content from 3.1-3.7 on Wednesday.  Remind students to take problems one step at a time and to use their book or note sheet to help if they get stuck.

    Orchestra:  Most of the small ensembles are sounding just great.  One or two students still have to nail their parts down.. Students will perform in front of class  on Tuesday and Thursday.  ( Many have already done this part also)   Some students need to remember to bring MUSIC - home to practice and back to school for rehearsals!!!!!!!  Thanks for all of your encouragement and help. Call me with any questions or concerns.
    Spanish:  We learned about some ancient delicacies in Latin American countries which often show up during Día de los muertos.  Ask your students what they are and if they would try them.  All 7th graders will be turning in their Slideshows next week.

    8th Grade News

    8th GRADE PARENTS!  You are invited to the Grand Rapids Christian High School SHOWCASE!  

    Dessert Theatre:  We still need a Costume Coordinator!  Also, please check out other volunteer opportunities on the website:  http://acsdesserttheatre.weebly.com/      AUDITIONS are just around the corner, November 12th and 14th!!!  These will take place after school, from 3 - 5 p.m.  More details available on the website.  

    On Tuesday, November 4, at 7:00PM – after you vote - bring your son or daughter to Showcase 2015. See how a Christ-centered, student-focused approach to learning has made us one of West Michigan's top-performing high schools and such a good fit for so many kids!

    The evening will include an introduction to Grand Rapids Christian High School, including a mini-chapel service, information 21st Century Learning, and a current student's perspective.  Additionally, choose from 18 breakout sessions designed to help you learn more about our academic programs, financial aid, Winterim, transportation, and more.  You will also have the opportunity to meet members of our Spiritual and Student Life Office and hear about how they encourage our students in their spiritual journey, talk to teachers as you explore our outstanding academic programs, meet coaches and athletes as you learn more about our broad array of athletic opportunities, discover our exceptional Fine Arts program and the many hands-on experiences it offers students, and experience the difference our distinctive Christian education can make in your child's life.

    WHEN: Tuesday, November 4 at 7:00PM
    WHERE: Grand Rapids Christian High School, 2300 Plymouth Ave SE.
    MORE INFORMATION: www.grcs.org/showcase or contact Jana Hoglund at jhoglund@grcs.org.

    NorthPointe Christian invites current 8th graders and their parents to join us for an evening of food and fellowship on Monday, November 3, 2014. Come meet our Administrators, hear from current NorthPointe students who are Ada alumni, and ask your questions.  The event will be held in the Ada Christian Commons at 7:15pm. Please contact Brittany Johnson, johnsonb@npchristian.org or 616-942-0350 x276 with questions or to RSVP.

    Algebra (Holtrop): We will be starting chapter 4 this week about graphing linear equations and functions. This week we will be specifically looking at the coordinate plane and how to graph linear equations.

    Art: All classes are working on the layout of their final calligraphy project.  These project are due in 6 class periods, if student use their time in class the projects will be easily completed in that time frame.  Please check the homework calendar for sketchbook due dates.  

    Band:  We finished book 2 this week, hooray!  We celebrate with a party on Tuesday, with food and fun.  Festival is Tuesday, Nov. 18.  4 judges are coming to hear us. We have a number of pieces going - all different genres and styles.  

    Geometry: We have finished our study of transformations and will have a test on chapter 4 on Monday, Nov. 3.  We are beginning to work on congruence and the proofs which involve congruent figures.

    History:  We have been taking a few class periods to look at the roles that each of the three branches of government perform under the Constitution.  Next week we will finish this up by looking at the Judicial Branch, examining a few key Supreme Court decisions, and studying the 27 amendments.  Our next chapter that we will start studying later next week is on the challenges of starting a new nation.  

    Language arts: Remember: on Monday, students must have their second "draft" of NHD with them. This means they should have a parent-signed evaluation sheet, as well as a hard copy of their draft with a parent's suggestions for revision written in the pages.
    Next week we are shifting gears: students will continue writing their research paper, but the work will be more independent. Students will be reintroduced to literature as we begin a story of John Steinbeck's novella The Pearl. Students should expect class reading to be more challenging this year, as they will be challenged to analyze and interpret the text as peer groups and independent readers.
    Finally, in the coming weeks, students may want to consider conferencing with me about their research writing before or after school. I will be making options available. Please stay tuned for more of these details.  

    PE: Students have been refining their floor hockey skills with individual practice and team game play. Next week we will continue our floor hockey unit. There will be a test at the conclusion of the unit. A floor hockey review sheet is posted on Moodle.

    Orchestra:  Our pieces are really sounding great- for solo and ensemble-- November 18th!---Tuesday and Thursday - November 4 and 6th- the solo and duet performers will rehearse with their piano accompanist- so be sure to send in the  piano accompaniment part - ON MONDAY!  thanks- .


    Spanish:  We continue working with chores and will begin learning the construction used for when you have to do something as opposed to when you have just finished doing something.   Watch for a sheet to come home with 8F with a list of chores your student is saying they are going to do. 


    Athletics
    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.  

    5th-6th Grade Basketball
    The winter 5th and 6th grade basketball season will begin the week of November 10.  Please look for more information to come via email from Carly Prins about your son/daughters basketball coach and practice times.  You will receive an email by Monday, November 3 from Carly with this information.  If you have any questions please contact her at cprins@adachristian.org

    7th-8th Grade Basketball
    The winter 7th and 8th grade basketball season will begin the week of December 8.  Please look for more information to come via email from Angela Van Duyn about your son/daughters basketball coach and practice times.  You will receive an email by Monday, November 3 from Angela with this information.  If you have any questions please contact her at avanduyn@adachristian.org

    Wildcat sweatshirts are available to be purchased for students in grades 6-8.  These sweatshirts will have your son/daughters last name screen printed onto the sweatshirt.  At the end of each school year you may choose to have a patch screen printed onto the sweatshirt for each sport season that your child has completed.  These sweatshirts follow the "varsity jacket" theme and have replaced ordering "team gear" for each sport season which can become extremely costly.  If you would like to order a wildcat sweatshirt the information is listed below.  

    Cost:  $35.00
    Forms:  Located in the office
    Turn completed forms into:  Sue Suwyn, Angela Van Duyn, or Carly Prins

    Ada Christian School

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