Meeting in the Middle
LMS Newsletter
Dear Parents/Guardians:
It’s May! Where did the year go? It’s hard to believe that in just over a month we will be saying good-bye to our eighth graders and preparing for a new class of sixth graders!
Hopefully all of you already know that, due to the amount of snow days we had this year, the school year has been extended. Monday, June 16th will be the last day of school, and we will hold a half day of school.
Due to the end of year change, the traditional end of year eighth grade activities will be adjusted. We will hold the eighth grade recognition ceremony on Monday, June 16th from 8:00-9:30 AM. Students may be signed out of school after the celebration. The next parent meeting to plan the traditional Yearbook Signing Party is Thursday, May 29th at 6:00 PM in the media center. This celebration does not happen without eighth grade parent volunteers. Please help us get this event ready for our eighth graders!
To attend the annual eighth grade activities, students must return permission slips. Students will be given a letter and permission slip on Monday, May 5th. The permission slip must be turned into advisory teachers by Friday, May 23rd. Students who do not return a signed permission slip will not be allowed to participate in the events.
Unfortunately, it is also that time of the year to consider student summer school requirements and retention. Toward the end of May, I will make summer school information available. On June 5th, teachers will meet and make summer school recommendation. I will be in touch with families of those students who will be required to attend summer school to be promoted to the next grade. This summer, we plan to provide limited transportation for summer school. Again, more information will come out toward the end of the month.
I continue to stress the importance of helping students stay focused and on-track as the year winds down. We have much to do before June 16th. Please continue to encourage your child to stay current with school work and continue communicating with teachers.
Thanks for a great year!
Sincerely,
Julie Brown
Talented Talons
Language Arts: In language arts, students have just finished up on a grammar unit of study that focused on pronouns and pronoun usage. Next up, students will be looking at the exciting genre of adventure! Students will be reading various stories about courage, including a story about a boy who must protect himself (and his dog) from a shark, a young girl who defies the wishes of the king in order to honor her brother’s memory, and more. Students will also be introduced to the concept of “point of view” and discuss how a story can change, depending on who is telling it. Finally, students will compare adventure in literature to adventure in cinema by watching the movie The Adventure of Tin-Tin. Mr. Smith – jsmith@lindenschools.org
Science: Throw your hands up for the Layers of the Earth! We are having a good time
jamming to the Layers of the Earth song! Ask your child to share it with you. This unit, the students are working on a 3D model of the Layers of the Earth as a Performance Task. Models will be displayed in the classroom. After the Layers of the Earth Unit,
we will be tackling Plate Tectonics! Please remember to check ParentVue for updated
grades and missing assignments and let me know if you have any questions. Ms. Cook –
Math: It is finally Spring, and we are changing gears and starting a new unit over
Geometry. Is it time to plan some home improvement projects as well, ie. new paint,
carpet? Then you’ll need the to find the area of the room. Ask your son/ daughter to
calculate the measurements needed to complete the new project. As always, check
math grades via your child’s Digit’s account and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Ms. Beckman – bbeckman@lindenschools.org
Social Studies: Mrs. Coleman – dcoleman@lindenschools.org
Winged Warriors
In Social Studies, we are beginning Chapter 13. In this Chapter the students will discover the achievements of early Greek civilizations. They will learn how Greek government changed over time. The children will learn what some features of democracy in Athens were.
In math class we are finishing topic 11 which is on rates. Students will continue to work with rates in topic 12 as they find proportions, use percents and see how a percent is a ratio itself. Students will also learn how to plot ratios on a graph and see how equivalent ratios form straight lines when graphed-and allow us to predict other equal ratios.
In Language Arts, students have been studying grammar usage and punctuation. The emphasis has been on subject-verb agreement and using commas correctly in writing. Spelling lessons will continue to be given on Monday with a quiz on Fridays.
In science class, we continue learning about our home, Planet Earth. After learning about the layers of Earth and Plate Tectonics (Pangaea), we will observe how the Earth is dynamic and ever changing, by studying volcanoes, earthquakes and mountain formation. We will finish the year learning about the Rock Cycle and soil formation.
Regal Eagles
We are in the home stretch, but there is a lot more information to cover. Here’s what is happening in our core classes.
In social studies classes, students are moving eastward to learn about South Asia, including India and its neighboring countries. We will begin by studying its physical geography and highlighting the importance of the Ganges River, Mt. Everest, and monsoon seasons. Then, we will begin a historical investigation of ancient civilizations and their achievements and then progressing into learning about India's movement for independence-lead by Gandhi and modern times. Finally, we will be exploring Indian culture, including Hinduism and the caste system, India's progression into an industrialized country changing in the face of globalization, and some of its major challenges ahead.
Mythology is the last unit to cover in language arts. We will learn a little about the Greek culture and their reasons for writing myths. Continue to look for vocabulary and a piece to read at home each Monday. We are still taking our Friday quizzes. After we finish studying the genre, students will be writing their own original myth and working on persuasive writing.
Science classes will be engaged in the unit on heredity and genetics. Animal behavior lessons will follow.
Don’t forget that we are headed to the Grand Slam School Day Event at the Cooley Stadium in Lansing, Michigan on May 21st. Dress for the weather and bring money to cover the cost of lunch and souvenirs.
Finally, set your goals for our last half of trimester three, and take steps to meet them each day.
Soaring Eagles
The end of the year is quickly approaching, spring sports are in full swing, and it’s starting to feel like summer outside. As the weather gets warmer, please encourage your student to stay focused on school.
In language arts, students are continuing to learn about Greek mythology and will be writing a persuasive paper before the end of the year.
Students are working on surface area and volume in math and will end the year with statistics and probability.
In social studies, students will be visiting the country of India and then moving on to China. We will conclude the year by learning about the land down under…Australia.
On May 21st, the 7th grade will be going on a field trip to Lansing to see the Lugnuts play baseball! Please plan on sending money with your child for food and souvenirs. We are hoping for a warm, sunny day at the ballpark!
If you have any questions or comments, please contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Updated grades are available on ParentVUE. If you do not know your child’s log-in information, please contact the main office at 591-0710.
8th Grade Newsletter
It has been a long winter and chilly spring, but hopefully the Michigan warm weather will be here soon! Please make sure your student is properly dressed according to the school dress code. For your reference, use a 4 by 6 inch card to measure length of skirts, shorts (from the knee), and necklines!
It is never too late to check your student’s progress on ParentVue! (Synergy). Also, teachers are posting homework assignments with due dates and upcoming tests/quizzes on ParentVue to keep you informed. If you still cannot access your account, please call the office. It is also important to keep checking your student’s Digits math account. This will help you check for missing assignments!
Language Arts is exploring the futuristic world of Science Fiction! We have been to Utopia, read about robots and much more. This trimester we will write a persuasive essay and read science fiction novels. May the force be with you!
8th Grade Science did water testing on Monday April 21st. Great Job everyone! On Friday May 2nd, a few 8th grade Science students participated in the Super Science Friday at the University of Michigan-Flint campus. Students took part in different sessions in a day of experimental learning and fun!
Career Day at Linden Middle School was Friday May 2nd. Students could once again learn about the many different careers of people in our community.
Eighth grade Recognition will be held the last day of school, Monday, June 16th. This means the practice for recognition will be held Friday, June 13th. This is the day after the 8th grade Cedar Point trip. Students must attend practice in order to walk on Monday the 16th.
Last but not least, CEDAR POINT! The trip will take place Thursday, June 12th. The bus leaves LMS at 6:15 A.M. and returns @ 10:30 P.M. The cost is $80 and includes ticket, transportation and an unlimited drink wristband! Checks can be made payable to Linden Community Schools. Permission slips have been sent home!
LMS Calendar
May 6 Parent Koffee Klatch; Media Center; 4:00-5:00 PM
May 9 Staff/Student Basketball Game; 2:00 PM
May 21 Seventh grade Field Trip to Lansing Lugnuts; All Day
May 26 No School
May 29 8th Grade Parent Meeting; Yearbook Planning Party
May 30 LMS Media Day
June 12 8th Grade Field Trip to Cedar Point;
June 13 REQUIRED 8th Grade Recognition Rehearsal; 8:00 AM
June 13 8th Grade Yearbook Signing Party; 3:00-5:00 PM
June 16 Last Day of School - 1/2 Day
June 16 8th Grade Recognition Celebration; 8:00-9:30 AM