November Newsletter

Orange Team

Report Cards Post to Aspen November 8

English 7

In English class, the 7th grade students have been reading a lot of short stories, diving into theme and plot. Each story has a spooky storyline, just in time for Halloween. Each class always has good discussions about what we read, reach out to your kids, I’m sure they’d love to share. 7th grade still has a vocab quiz every one to two weeks and has a vocab test coming up that will be their first grade for term two on all of the four vocab sections. The 7th graders also had their first essay due, on first impressions, which was a narrative essay about a person they met. It was nice getting to know each student through their writings and it was nice to know how much they admire their friends, step siblings and more. As we jump into term two, we will be working on more grammar review as well and focusing on our first novel, Jack London’s, Call of The Wild. I hope to see you at parent teacher conferences in November. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me.

English 8

In English class, the 8th graders finished Long Way Down and wrote their own poems, tying into the way that Jason Reynolds wrote the novel. We held our very own poetry slam during class, with tea lights, juice boxes, with all nut free snacks. Each student recited a poem they wrote, as did I, and we all snapped in applause. Ask your son or daughter about it! We are holding another poetry slam in the Spring. It truly was amazing to see the poems they wrote, and see one of their poems read aloud. They shared a lot about themselves in their writing and they should be very proud. Recently we have been working on review such as plot, theme, and began reading Frankenstein and even created our very own monsters in class to get us ready to read. Vocabulary quizzes still happen every one to two weeks but coming up is a vocabulary test on all four sections of all the words. This will be their first grade for term two. We’ll be reviewing before then. In my H block we finished When You Reach Me and I will be sad to see my kids switch classes next term. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me. I hope to see you at parent teacher conferences in November.

History

In seventh grade history we are discussing contributions made to society by Ancient Civilizations. We are looking at how Hammurabi had the first written code of laws and how the Phoenicians were the first people to write down and spread the idea of an alphabet. In grade eight history class we have finished topic 1 and are having a test the week of October 28th. The content material focuses on the impact of Enlightenment thinkers in the formation of our American government, influences from the Iroquois tribe, Greece, and Rome. Some time was also spent beginning to look at the three branches of our American government-Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.

Reading

Robin Hood, straight out of Sherwood Forest and into our classroom. Together, we will read the more infamous stories behind the man and legend. Along with Robin and his Merry Men come many different themes including deceit, revenge, disguise, and loyalty. Students will be taking notes on each character, and quizzes will be based on information shared in class as well as from the hyperdoc. Various activities will be completed as part of this unit. It is VERY important that everyone pay attention so nothing is missed. We will put spelling quizzes on hold for now and focus on all things Robin Hood.

Parents, please encourage your students to read each day. Ask them about the reading strategies they should incorporate every time they read. These reading strategies should be applied in each subject. Also, continue to check google classroom for announcements and updates.

Have a safe Halloween!

Math

In 7th grade math we are starting to solve equations for everyone's favorite variable... x! I know the excitement can’t be contained but your children will understand how to be able to solve for not only one step but two step equations by the end of the month. As we jump into quarter 2 students will start to have math workshop more frequently and IXL’s will be assigned more regularly. Same thing goes for the 8th graders but we are still working on angles and polygons. This week we are starting to apply their 7th grade knowledge about solving equations to solve for a variable within shapes and angles. Please feel free to join our google classroom! That is where I post all important dates.

Science

In 8th grade science we will be studying physical and chemical properties of matter and learning how to calculate density. We have several fun labs planned for these topics. When we are finished with our last few topics of chemistry, 8th grade students will be taking an exam on what they have learned thus far this year about chemistry. 7th grade students are learning about glaciers and ice ages. They are currently working on a research project about glaciers around the world. We will then be moving on to study rocks, minerals and the rock cycle. Please continue to check google classroom for announcements and upcoming homework assignments, tests and quizzes. If you have not already, you can also feel free to see what we are up to in science class on my Instagram: warnock.wbscience!

Upcoming Events

There will be a food drive beginning November 4th and runs through November 12th. The powerblock on each team that brings in the most non-perishable items will receive a powerblock reward. All proceeds go to the West Bridgewater Food Bank.

November 1st - end of first term

November 4th - Beginning of second term

November 8th - First term report cards will be available on ASPEN. Included will be information on how to sign up for Conferences.

November 11th - No School

November 22nd - Half day of school and afternoon parent teacher conferences

November 25th and 26th - Half day of school and night time Parent teacher conferences.

November 28th and 29th - Thanksgiving Recess.

Guidance News

Southeastern Regional Vocational High School came in and did a presentation to students on October 2nd. One of the items that the SE counselor stressed was acceptances are based on grades, attendance, discipline, an interview, and a sending school recommendation. Your child should be in school and making good decisions, if they truly would like to attend SE. They receive over one thousand applications for three hundred and seventy five seats in the freshman class.

If you have questions about the school and their programs, there will be an open house on Saturday November 23rd. Students must register for the open house on the Southeastern Website. Also on the site is the application, students can complete it at any time. I would highly encourage your student to apply if they have any interest, if they change their minds, they can decline the acceptance.

If you have any further questions about this or other potential high schools for your student please do not hesitate to reach out to me, awilder@wbridgewater.com or 508-894-1220 ext 1310.