Seventh Grade Newsletter February 2016
English/Mrs. Mariani:
The Hybrid Unit we are undertaking will combine historical
fiction with social studies themes and informational literature. We will be reading about the
Navajo Code Talkers of World War II and discussing real world information such as the
Japanese “Fourteen Part Message” and FDR’s “Day of Infamy Speech. We will examine video
about WWII in the Pacific, as well as about the Code Talkers. We will learn new vocabulary
and write evidence based answers to questions. The unit will culminate with a literary
analysis essay on either the theme of courage or survival. This is our second literary analysis
essay this year. Seventh graders will be encouraged to write a rough draft, peer-review and
edit then write a final draft.
Science/Ms. Bastedo: We are beginning a new unit of physical and chemical changes
in science. We are approaching this unit differently this year, using an essential question:
Did dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima to end World War II, cause physical or chemical
changes to the people and environment of Hiroshima. Students will look at this scenario
from a historical and scientific perspective. Within their groups, students will have to provide
a claim that answers this questions, along with evidence and reasoning to support it.
Students will study this question through a documentary on Hiroshima, articles on the
damage, and a lab study of physical and chemical changes. All groups will chart their claim,
evidence, and reasoning and share out with the group to come up with a final class answer to
this question.
PBIS/Mrs. Mariani & Ms. Bastedo:
We are looking forward to our Valentine’s Day
dance on the afternoon of February 12th. We will have a DJ and dancing to send our students
off for a wonderful Valentine’s Day and February Break.
WEB/Ms. Bastedo:
Attention 7th graders interested in becoming WEB leaders for the
2016-2017 school year. Look out for informational meetings on how to apply to be a WEB
mentor. We need student leaders who are willing to share their energy and passion with our
incoming 6th graders!! Information to come end of February!!
Math 7/Mr. Breland: We will be finishing Module 3, which are expressions and
equations. We will be writing equations and inequalities for real world
problems and finding solutions. We will also be finding area and circumference
of circles. If time permits, we will solve angle problems using expressions and
equations to model real world problems.
Consultant Teacher/Ms. Blue: Students in consultant Teaching Model are doing
well with their modifications and accommodations for testing in all subject
areas. Ms. Blue would also like everyone to know that we will once again be
celebrating Black History Month with a celebration at the end of February that
will include visiting speakers, student and staff performances, a luncheon, plus
the unveiling of the 2016 Black History Month Stamp from the United States
Post Office.
Social Studies/Ms. Ventresca: Students will be studying the conflict between
the colonies and the British Parliament that led to the Revolutionary War.
Students will learn about the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, Stamp Act,
Intolerable Acts, and other important events in American History. We will learn
new vocabulary and write evidence based answers to questions using
documents. Students will also be studying about famous African Americans and
their contributions to American History.