8th Grade Parent Newsletter Principal's Message ln college, my professor challenged us to brush our teeth each morning with our non-dominant hand for one week. This exercise was challenging, awkward, frustrating and time consuming, but as some of us persevered, it became easier. This fall, it feels like we all are brushing our teeth with our non dominant hand. Everything is unfamiliar, slow, and at times frustrating. However, if we persist we will develop new skills and the flow and competence will be found. The pattern of learning in a hybrid or distance format requires a deeper understanding of the learning process. When a teacher introduces a new concept or skill, our brains naturally try to connect this new concept to what we already know. In order to retain this new information, our brains must repeatedly make these connections (practice). When we are receiving live instruction, our attention must be peaked and ideas being learned must have clarity. The next step in the learning process is to practice this idea. Teachers create plans for their students to do just this on the asynchronous (remote) days. It is critical that students engage in this practice so they can join class the following day ready to engage in the next step of the learning progression. It is this process over time that results in knowledge and skills. This is a challenge in the middle of a pandemic where we are all living life with our non dominant skills. But if we are intentional about our practice and understanding and supportive of each other, we will prevail and continue to be a model of excellence among learning communities. Absence Requests If your child will be absent from school, either partial or all day, please contact the Attendance Office at 763-745-6255 or request the absence through Skyward Family Access. Do not call or email your child's teachers. Absence requests are still required for students who are distance learning, both full distance and students who are learning from home on their non-cohort day. Please contact Beth Dahl with any questions. A reminder to families that attendance for virtual music class is required. We have had a higher rate of student absences for music class. We want to provide clarity and reiterate that music class attendance is required in order to prevent an unexcused absence. Yearbook Yearbook Club will be starting Monday, November 2 at 8:15 a.m. via Zoom. If you are interested, please email Mrs. Bostrom and she will send you an application. Yearbooks are now available to order through Jostens. The cost is $33.00. Enrichment Opportunities Wayzata East now has an Enrichment Canvas page. This page houses academic enrichment opportunities that are open to all students. Check out the newest additions: - Minnesota History Day
- Scholastic Writing Awards
- Ecology Science Fair
Media Commons If you are looking for ideas to find a good book or want to conference on an Honor's Reading book or need to do some research for a project, please use the Media Center Canvas Course to get all the info you need! Distance Learners library book pick-up is every Friday (10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.): It is important that distance learners check their Destiny account before coming to retrieve books on Fridays. After the student logs in they will see the "my info" tab. Select that tab and then confirm that the book that has been put on hold is actually checked out to the student. There will be times when the book on hold is still checked out to another student and will not be ready for pick up on the designated day. If you have other questions, please email Beth Benezra. What We've Been Working On - The past two weeks 8th graders have been looking at how patterns grow. They have been working hard to seamlessly move between multiple representations of patterns via a graphs, tables, and equations.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - If a tile pattern grows by 4 tiles with each figure and has a figure #3 with 20 tiles, how many tiles are in figure 0?
What We're Working on Next - In the next two weeks, 8th grade math students will work on solving more complex equations for one variable. They will explore special situations and emphasize checking their answer with substitution.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Solve 3(5x + 2) = 8x + 20, check your answer using substitution.
What We've Been Working On - We have been diligently brushing up our linear relationship skill and learning a few new skills as well. We have learned three different forms of a linear equation and how to convert among them.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What are the 3 forms of a linear equation?
- What is slope?
- How can you graph directly from Standard Form?
What We're Working on Next - We will wrap up our unit on linear relationships and start our next unit with exponent rules.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - How can you use a generic rectangle to multiply polynomials?
- What does a negative exponent do?
What We've Been Working On - We finished up sharing our "Where I'm From" poems and have reviewed the signposts.
- Last week we started a new thematic unit called "Decisions, Decisions".
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Ask your child about the tough decisions that the character made in the story "Button, Button" or "The one Who Watches".
What We're Working on Next - We will be working on reading short stories out of our texts and annotating them for the sign-posts.
- We will also be working on literary discussion in class and preparing for that discussion outside of class.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Tell me how you are doing with the in-class discussions. How did you add to the conversation?
What We've Been Working On - Periodic Table
- Physical and Chemical change
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What are most of the elements on the periodic table?
- What are the signs of chemical change?
What We're Working on Next - The Law of Conservation of Mass.
- What is pH?
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What is the Law of Conservation of Mass?
- What are some characteristics of Acids/ Bases?
What We've Been Working On - Students took a deeper dive into the complexities of culture, analyzing the differences that divide us and exploring ways in which understanding those differences can help unite us.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What is one thing you learned about a classmate that has helped you better understand their culture?
- What is a stereotype?
What We're Working on Next - Students will complete a research project analyzing a social movement that has changed the culture of our country.
- Students will begin the Political Geography unit by learning more about the electoral process in the United States, and how it differs from other nations around the world.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Which social movement did you choose for your project and what was the most interesting thing you learned?
- What is the difference between the "Popular Vote" and the "Electoral College"?
Notes - We will continue to use LizardPoint.com as our main study tool for the country locations assessments. Next region: Africa! The test will be the week of Nov. 9, so make sure your child is studying on a regular basis :)
What We've Been Working On - Over the past two weeks both classes finished the PACER mile endurance run fitness tests.
- In addition, Mr. DeVoe's classes started a tennis unit and Mrs. Allen's classes started a disc golf unit.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What did you learn about pacing yourself or conserving energy for either one of your running tests?
What We're Working on Next - Over the next two weeks both classes will finish their respective PE units.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What is something you find easy with tennis or disc golf? What is something you find difficult?
Notes - Make sure students are prepared for outdoor activity (hats, gloves, jackets). PE will try to be outside as much as possible over the next two weeks.
What We've Been Working On - In the last two weeks, students were assigned an assessment on posture and the major scale using handsign solfege. This was material we had been revisiting since the first week of classes. Another concept we focused on was rhythm and note values. Students became familiar with different rhythmic patters.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - How do you clap this rhythmic pattern: two quarter notes, two eighth notes, one quarter rest, two eighth notes, two eighth notes, one quarter note?
What We're Working on Next - Note recognition in both the treble and bass clef
- What notes are on the lines and what notes are on the spaces
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Where are you needing the most assistance on in choir? Would you like to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Mr. Hagen?
What We've Been Working On - Introduced GarageBand for recording
- "Top Secret" -full band and "Social Distancing Blues" -solo
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - How is it different working on a full band song now?
What We're Working on Next - Entering on the "+" of the beat( eighth rests on the beat)
- Continue working through "Top Secret" and "Social Distancing Blues"
- Method book-page 6- key signatures
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Which song do you like more, "Top Secret" or "Social Distancing Blues"? Why?
What We've Been Working On - Bow Hold Review
- 7th Grade Review
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What skill from 7th grade do you need to spend time working on?
What We're Working on Next - Rhythm Review
- Sixteenth notes
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Why is rhythm important in music?
Notes - Students need to have a designated practice space at home with a supportive chair and music stand for class.
What We've Been Working On - Students have been learning how to read treble clef music and the layout of a piano keyboard.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What are the letter names of the musical alphabet?
What We're Working on Next - Students will be studying and practicing treble clef melodies using the the notes C-D-E-F-G.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What song are you going to choose for your playing test?
Notes - Students should have received a "colorful" piano packet. Distance Learners can pick up their packet in the front entry. They are on a table in the entry.
What We've Been Working On - Artists finished their Representational Self Portrait, which required students to think like artists! It has been fun to watch their progression of risk taking, advocacy, and divergent thinking as the unit progressed!
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Can I see your art slide show? (This has their final artwork, and shows much of their thinking that went into the process of making their art.) If the slideshow isn't completed, this means a major assessment is missing and they need to complete the work and submit it to Canvas.
What We're Working on Next - Clay and Drawing!
- Students will be creating a clay sculpture at home, which we have prepped for during class.
- Students will also be working on drawing skills, including shading and proportions.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What are your plans for your alter ego clay sculpture? Can I see your drawing in Notability?
What We've Been Working On - Working on Individual projects
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What do you feel most accomplished about in regards to your project?
What We're Working on Next - Working on Individual projects Project Assessment and Reflection
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Why is it important to reflect on your project?
Notes - Please remind your child to read ahead in the directions, watch the needed videos, take Cornell notes and quizzes, if needed. There is not time during class when they are at school.
- There is a $30 lab fee that can be paid through ePay. If you don't use ePay, you can send cash or check (WEMS) to turn into me.
What We've Been Working On - Over the last two weeks, we have been working on our Interior Design Unit. Students have been learning about the elements and principles of design and color schemes. Students have put their knowledge to the test buy figuring out what color schemes match the descriptions. They have also designed their own color room design. Students are just starting their final interior design project where they are designing two different rooms of their choice and incorporating principles, elements and color schemes into the design.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Ask your student to show you their design.
What We're Working on Next - We are going to continue with our design unit and we will be sewing. We are going to attempt to sew our own masks. Students will be learning how to thread a needle, how to sew simple stitch, running stich and how to sew on a button.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Are you looking forward to learning how to sew?
What We've Been Working On - Restaurant foods, food describing words and ordering vocabulary
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What restaurant foods do you eat? Not eat? What questions might you ask at a restaurant?
What We're Working on Next - Speaking Assessment ordering in a restaurant
- Hispanic Heritage Month
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - How did the speaking assessment go?
- What did you learn about Hispanics?
What We've Been Working On Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Did you attend seminars the week of October 12? If not, what will you do so you don't forget next week (we meet every other week)?
What We're Working on Next - We will start our leadership unit.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What qualities do you think are important in a leader?
Thank you to all who participated in our restaurant night fundraiser and who may have used Amazon Smile during Prime Days! Please mark your calendars and join our PTO Board Meeting next Tuesday, October 27 at 9:30 a.m. The PTO Board is in need of volunteers to fill the roles of Secretary and Hospitality Chair. Please contact us to sign up or learn more. Distance Learning Meal Options Stay Home When Ill and Be Prepared to Quarantine It is important to be prepared as we begin the new school year in the midst of a pandemic. Our new reality will require students, families and staff to check daily for symptoms and stay home if you are ill. If you or someone in your family is ill, please reference the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Decision Tree document to learn what your next steps should be. Report any student absences into Skyward Family Access, specifying if the absence is COVID-19 related. Our school nurses will follow up with any COVID-19 related cases. If you are tested for COVID-19, even if you feel well, it is important that you remain home and away from others until you receive the results. Everyone must be prepared to stay home and quarantine for up to two weeks if you become ill with or are exposed to COVID-19. We know being quarantined for two weeks will be extremely challenging, but it is absolutely necessary to stop the spread of the virus. Learn how you can prepare for a possible quarantine. Our nurses will be working closely with MDH to notify students and staff as soon as possible if you have been exposed to COVID-19 at school. Always answer your phone if MDH is calling. If you have questions, please contact the licensed nurse at your school. More detail and helpful information can also be found on our Wayzata Learns webpage. Planning travel out of the state or country? Regardless of whether your students are attending Wayzata Public Schools through hybrid learning or through Distance Choice, the district is required to account for students. Please ensure that the Welcome Center has a copy of your family's Extended Vacation form on file prior to your travel. October Wayzata Legislative Action Committee Update The Wayzata Legislative Action Committee (LAC) held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 7. Jim Westrum, Executive Director of Business and Finance for Wayzata Public Schools, provided a financial update to the committee, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on district finances and additional funds received from the state and federal governments to off-set expenses related to health and safety and ensuring a high-quality education for all students. As a reminder, all seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives and Minnesota Senate will be up for election this year. The Wayzata LAC sent a six-question Q & A to all legislative candidates on the November 3 ballot. The responses that were received are available on the Legislative Action Committee’s webpage. To find out who represents you, what is on your ballot, and more election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website. The Wayzata LAC is a non-partisan group of citizens that monitors legislative activity as it affects K-12 education and advocates positions on behalf of the district. For more information, please visit the Wayzata Committees webpage or contact Brian Combs, your school’s Wayzata LAC representative. Wayzata Spirit Avenue Wayzata High School and Wayzata Community Ed are inviting you to a socially distant, drive-thru event called Wayzata Spirit Avenue! This community celebration will be held as a culminating event to Homecoming Week. Guests will drive their vehicles on a set route on the high school campus that will feature a variety of Wayzata High School student organizations performing or entertaining guests with creative, spirit-filled displays. - Date: Saturday, October 24
- Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Place: Wayzata High School
- Cost: $0
- Learn more
Parent Tool Kit: Mental Health and COVID-19 Changes in our routine, lack of control, and fear of the unknown can cause our mental health to suffer. Talking about mental health as a family can be intimidating but we’re here to help. Led by Health Educators from myHealth for Teens & Young Adults, this workshop will help you understand more about mental health and how we can support our children’s mental health and well being (as well as our own!). - Date: Thursday, October 22
- Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Place: Online
- Cost: $0
- Learn more
Parent Tool Kit: Friendships, Relationships, and Social Distancing Friendships are incredibly important to young people. How do we help our children foster healthy friendships and connection during a time of social distancing? Join Health Educators from myHealth for Teens & Young Adults in conversation and activities to learn what we can do to help our children navigate friendships and relationships. - Date: Thursday, November 5
- Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Place: Online
- Cost: $0
- Learn more
Friday, November 6, 2020 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Wednesday, November 18, 2020 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Thursday, November 19, 2020 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Monday, December 14, 2020 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday, December 15, 2020 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday, December 17, 2020 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Thursday, November 5, 2020 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Wednesday, November 18, 2020 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Monday, October 26, 2020 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 12000 Ridgemount Avenue, Plymouth, MN 55441 | 763-745-6200 |