8th Grade Parent Newsletter Principal's Message The state of Minnesota has closed school for the remainder of the school year. This is a huge sacrifice for many people. The teachers, paras, administration, secretaries, culinary, and custodians all miss the students as well as each other. When we cannot see each other for an extended period of time, we truly understand how much we mean to each other. However, the focus of this message is on what is not closed... - Relationships are open. Be sure to stay in contact with your friends. Call, FaceTime, or even write a letter to a classmate that you haven't connected with this past month.
- Family is open. Enjoy time with your family. Play a board game. Go on a walk. Talk with each other. Make plans for the future together.
- Outside is open. Keep plenty of distance, but get out and play. Work in the yard or garden. Sit by a tree and read a book or create art.
- Learning is open. Distance learning may not be the same as traditional school but learning is still happening. Maintain a growth mindset and enjoy learning new things.
- Habits are still open. Make a list of healthy habits that you want to master. Create a schedule and start step-by-step to develop a new habit. Start small and build on your success.
- Gratitude is still open. Take time every day to reflect on what you are grateful for. Maybe express gratitude toward people that make your life better. (BTW: next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. They have been working extra hard to make school work for us this past month.)
These are just a few things that remain open. I am sure you can add to this list. So when you feel overwhelmed and stressed, or unmotivated, look at this list and remember EAST Mode. Thank you for your effort, attitude, self-discipline, and Trojan Pride! Distance Learning Expectations The PBIS team (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) has developed online learning expectations for all EMS students. Our goal is to set up a virtual environment that is safe and respectful for all students and staff. This is a new experience for all of us and hopefully this will help clarify what type of behaviors are expected. EMS Media Commons - Resources Available Online There are many ways to get books and other materials online. Beth Benezra, our Media Specialist, has created a Canvas course for students that will lead them to those places. Also in the Canvas course are reminders of where to go for reliable research tools, how to apply for a Hennepin County library card, and what to do to request an Honor's Reading conference. If you have other questions, please email Beth Benezra. What We've Been Working On -
Students have learned how to find parallel and perpendicular lines. -
They have learned how to graph linear inequalities. -
Students began learning about systems of equations and the different methods of solving them. Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What does a solution to a system of equations look like?
- What are the different methods for solving a system?
- What do parallel lines have in common?
- How do you find the slope of a perpendicular line?
What We're Working on Next - We will continue our work with solving systems of equations. This includes being able to use the equal values method, substitution method and the elimination method.
- Students will also review linear inequalities and learn how to graph a system of linear inequalities.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What method do you prefer to solve a system of equations?
- What method is the most difficult?
- How do you graph a linear inequality?
What We've Been Working On - We have been studying methods to solve quadratic functions and the algebraic skills associated with them.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Can you sing me the Quadratic Formula?
- Do all quadratics have solutions? Why?
What We're Working on Next - Next week we will complete a mini unit on one variable statistical plots. It's time to charge up the graphing calculator. This unit uses it extensively.
- Following that we will be solving complex equations.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Do you know where your calculator is? If not, or if you don't have one at home, contact Ms. Takekawa or Ms. Gjevre.
What We've Been Working On - We have continued our study of poetry. We moved from recognizing the foundations of poetry (sound devices, figurative language) to analyzing how these things are used by poets to create mood and theme. Students then watched two videos showing how a learner would analyze an unfamiliar poem and tried it on their own.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What did you learn about the poem "Blessing"?
- What was the poet's message for the reader?
What We're Working on Next - Students will begin a series of three poetry assessments. The first is an analysis assessment where they will analyze a new poem from start to finish. Next, they will choose a poem to present over Flipgrid. Finally, they will take a test to cover both understanding of foundations and analysis.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Show me the two online tools from Canvas that can help you review for your assessments (Poetry Cat and Quizlet).
Notes - Thank you for all your support for both the teachers and your children. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. We'll do our best to help!
What We've Been Working On - Positions of the Earth, Moon and Sun
- Moon phases and eclipses
- Seasons, equinox and solstice
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Why does the moon have phases?
- Why do we have seasons?
What We're Working on Next - Planets in our solar system
- The inner planets
- The outer planets
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What is the order of the planets?
- Describe the inner planets. How are they all alike?
- Describe the outer planets. How are they all alike?
What We've Been Working On - Students have been learning about government systems. international organizations and types of border disputes as part of the Political Geo. Unit.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Describe one of the four types of border disputes and give a global example of this type of dispute.
What We're Working on Next - Students will learn about global imperialism, nationalism and independence movements as the Political Geo. unit wraps up in the next two weeks. The next unit is Population Geo.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Describe the connection between European imperialism and Africa.
Notes - Starting on April 29, students needed to begin turning in, digitally, their Global Festival Project exhibits for final assessments. Gold Team students need to follow Mr. Hannon's instructions for the turn-in process and Blue Team students need to follow Ms. Kinzler's instructions for the turn-in process.
What We've Been Working On - We have been studying our persuasion and advertising unit. Students learned about persuasive appeals and techniques. Then, they learned to deconstruct ads using the knowledge about persuasion that they learned.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What is the problem and product you came up with to solve that problem? How do you know it will work?
What We're Working on Next - We will be moving into a hybrid "Human Centered Design" and personal problem/solution focused unit. Students will identify a problem they are facing and design a solution and convince an audience the solution is the best one.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material What We've Been Working On - In the past two weeks we covered Decision Making as it relates to the use of chemical substances as well as the analysis of internal and external influences on our choices.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - May I see your D.E.C.I.D.E. Comic/Video Project that you created?
What We're Working on Next - We are starting a new unit on Nutrition. Balance, variety, and moderation are the key messages. Students will learn about nutrients, their role in how our body functions, and how to use food as fuel. We will also learn about added sugars and balancing our plate with carbohydrates that contain fiber.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What role do nutrients play in the way our body functions?
- Which foods help us get the amounts of nutrients that we need?
Notes - Please check Skyward a couple of times a week. Assignments are graded in Canvas and then moved to Skyward once everything is graded. It it important that students read the teacher feedback in comments for both practice and assessments.
What We've Been Working On - Students have created 3 fitness goals and designed a workout program to match each goal. They have also been documenting their physical activities on an activity log and submitting it to Canvas.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What are your new fitness goals? How are you working to achieve them?
What We're Working on Next - Students will soon complete a Zoomed in fitness plan and learn about the game of Ultimate Frisbee.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Is Ultimate Frisbee a game we can play while social distancing?
Notes - Please remind your students to check Canvas each Monday at 10:00 a.m. for the new week's distance learning directions!
What We've Been Working On - Using Sight Reading Factory alone
- Learning solo rehearsal skills
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - How do you record in Sight Reading Factory?
What We're Working on Next - Continuing the process of sight reading alone
- Finishing singing assessments with concert music
- Final project with concert music
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Are you more nervous about sight reading challenges or singing assessments?
Notes - Please check Encore pages daily.
What We've Been Working On - 8th grade band students have been reviewing, studying and turning in playing samples of the following melodies:
- Tafti Hindi
- Italian Street Song
- The famous rock song "All Star"
- A new concert song titled "Bluesville"
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - I hear "Italian Street Song" is a catchy melody. Play that song for me before we sit down for supper.
What We're Working on Next - Students are studying the famous Bill Wither's song "Lean On Me'.
- Students are learning their parts for the concert song "Bluesville".
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Play "Lean On Me" before we leave on our family walk.
Notes - Students are reminded to check our "Band Canvas Page" each Monday to learn about our weekly lesson.
What We've Been Working On - SmartMusic account creation
- Dotted eighth sixteenth notes
- Third position
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What is SmartMusic and how can you use it to practice?
What We're Working on Next - Third Position
- Concert Music
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - How can you incorporate practicing your instrument into your e-Learning routine?
Notes - Students should still be practicing 20 minutes 5 days a week. All e-learning is posted on Canvas and can be found on the homepage.
What We've Been Working On - We have explored the lives and music of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Tell me one new fact you learned about Elvis Presley or Michael Jackson.
What We're Working on Next - Students will be creating a "school appropriate" music playlist for a special event. For example, "Create a playlist of music to play when your grandparents come visit" or "Create a playlist of music to play when you go out for a walk/run". Tell me why you selected each song. What emotion were you trying to create?
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - So...what was one of the songs that was on your playlist for Music Exploration?
Notes - Students are reminded to check my "Music Exploration Canvas Page" each Monday to learn about our weekly lesson.
What We've Been Working On - Students have completed their Surrealist digital artworks and a critique of a peer's artwork.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Ask to see their final artwork and what story they are telling about their future. If they didn't complete it and are behind in class, have them email me!
What We're Working on Next - We are starting a drawing unit that will focus on observational drawings of everyday objects. This unit will include blind contour drawings (drawing blindly while your hand is in a paper bag) and observational contour drawings (drawing what we see not what we think).
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What everyday objects might you choose to draw?
- What is the most challenging part about observational drawing?
What We've Been Working On - Simple Machines
- Multi View Drawings
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - List the 6 simple machines.
- What is the difference between a visible line and a hidden line?
What We're Working on Next - Final Machine work Final Project Plan work
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What are you planning on doing for your final Machine/project plan?
What We've Been Working On - Over the last two weeks we have been working on our Family and Child Development Unit. Students identified the different family structures. Students also identified which family structure(s) they fell into.
- We also learned about the ages and stages of child development. We used the PIES (Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Social)acronym to help identify the stages. Students also worked to describe the proper techniques for holding, feeding, and bathing infants, toddlers, and preschoolers by answering the questions about how to care for children.
- Students also learned about shaken baby syndrome. The realness of the situation is very tough to watch and learn about. It is good for students to see how real this situation can be and to be able to identify the risk factors, the negative effects and reflect on what you can possibly do if put in this situation.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What family structure does your family identify as?
What We're Working on Next - Over the next two weeks students will be working on creating a Children's Culturally Relevant Book. First, students will be doing a Children's book Evaluation. They will pick a book that they will identify different components of the book. This will help to give them ideas on what to focus their Children's Book on. They will spend the next week creating their own. I can't wait to see the end results!!
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What kind of Culturally Relevant Children's Book are you planning on creating? Hint: Take a look at the components.
What We've Been Working On - Places we go, activities we do, when, why and with whom
- Turned in the rough draft of the Writing Assessment about these topics (all of this is open-notes, so students have lots of resources to help them)
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Tell me in Spanish about a favorite place you go, what you do there, when you go and with whom.
What We're Working on Next - Look at feedback, improve our rough draft, practice writing about a different place, then write the Final Draft of the Writing Assessment (all of this is open-notes, so students have lots of resources to help them)
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What did you write about for the Final Draft of the Writing Assessment?
Notes - Writing Assessment due May 8
What We've Been Working On - Daily riddles
- Weekly review of stress reducing techniques from Fighting Invisible Tigers chapters 3 and 4
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What stress relieving techniques did you learn this week?
What We're Working on Next - Daily riddles
- Weekly review of stress reducing techniques from Fighting Invisible Tigers chapters 5 and 6
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What stress relieving techniques did you learn this week?
Notes - What stress relieving techniques have you tried this week?
Wayzata Education Fund’s Thank a Teacher Program We have the best teachers and staff around, and never has it been clearer than during these unprecedented times. Whether they’ve helped make a difference in person or virtually this year, show your appreciation by participating in our Thank a Teacher program. From May 4 to June 3, any donation you make to the Wayzata Education Fund honoring a teacher or staff will come with a certificate of appreciation from your student. Additionally, if you donate $25 or more, they will also receive a bundlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes Minnetonka. Say thank you and support a good cause at the same time! Certificates will be sent via email. Bundlets will be delivered at a later date when it is deemed safe to do so, and when teachers and staff are back on school property. What can I do to protect myself and others? - Avoid being around others who are sick – when to keep your child home. When reporting attendance in Skyward Family Access, note that we have added Influenza-like Illness (oral temperature of 100° F or higher with a cough or sore throat) as an option. If your child has an oral temperature of 100° F or higher, please keep him/her home until they have been fever-free without medication for 24 hours.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Do not share drinking cups and straws.
- Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (doorknobs, refrigerator handles, phones, water faucets).
- Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus – Child Mind Institute.
We've had so many great Ask Ali questions in our inbox – thanks to all who have submitted! Ali, along with her network of local experts, has been working hard to answer these questions. Responses are posted every Monday on her blog at partnersinpreventionmn.org/askali. Parents, you've got to check out the responses to these questions! There are some interesting ones that have been asked; chances are you might be wondering some of these things. New Online Classes We welcome you to our online classrooms! Our online classes ensure that you are able to gain valuable information, stay on track with your fitness routine, learn new skills, and connect with others during the next month. Our buildings may be closed, but lifelong learning never stops. We are offering a variety of online classes for adult and youth. You can find all the online options on our registration site. Monday, May 11, 2020 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Monday, May 18, 2020 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 12000 Ridgemount Avenue, Plymouth, MN 55441 | 763-745-6200 |