.
Our go home early drill has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 25th.
The following will be dismissal times for the district:
Our CTE students will not attend PM
BOCES.
JCB High School will dismiss at 1:20
P.M.
EJD Middle School will dismiss at 1:23
P.M.
MAM Elementary will dismiss at 2:30
P.M.
Career Day: This morning, November 19th, instead of regular classes for all students, EJD hosted more than 30 speakers representing a variety of different careers. Students had the opportunity to select three careers of interest to them and attended presentations on these careers. Please take a few minutes to talk with your children about Career Day and what they learned about possible future careers.
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th
Math- Mrs. Hetko and Mr. Westerlund:
In math, we have completed Module 1, Place Value and Decimal Fractions , and the first half of Module 2,
Multi-Digit Whole Number and Decimal Fraction Operations . Students should be bringing home the Problem
Set from class each day to use as a guide to completing the homework. Although many students are showing an understanding of the concept being taught, they are struggling with basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts. Please have your child practice these at home, as much of the 5 th grade curriculum relies on students being fluent with these facts.
ELA- Mrs. Matlock and Mrs. McCaffrey:
ELA classes have been working on a module that centers around a book and articles about rainforest research.
This particular module focuses on getting the gist of a text, determining the meanings of new vocabulary words by using context, writing organized paragraphs, and answering multi-step questions using text-based evidence to support the answer. Our next module will be dealing with human rights and we will be reading the novel,
Esperanza Rising . There will be a considerable amount of reading from the novel that needs to be done at home each night as required homework. Each night, a parent must provide a signature to show that their child has read the assigned chapter. Please feel free to call or email your child’s teacher any time you have any concerns or questions. jmatlock@phoenixcsd.org and lmccaffrey@phoenixcsd.org.
Science-Mrs. Bonnier :
In science, we have completed our study of the scientific method, cells, and the six kingdoms. We have also been learning about plants and how they are classified. During the next quarter we will focus on the different groups of vertebrates and invertebrates. There is not a lot of written homework in science; however, on most nights students are asked to review new vocabulary learned in class. You should see your child’s green notebook coming home on a regular basis. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at abonnier@phoenixcsd.org
Social Studies- Mr. Cassella:
In the first quarter, students worked on understanding basic geography skills and more detailed information about natural and economic resources of the western hemisphere. We will take that knowledge into our next units on Early Americans, European Exploration, and American Colonization. Students will learn that geography and natural resources play a major role in shaping our country’s history. Social Studies homework is either hard copy and/or on our Schoology website. Please ask your child to show you the website as they will continue to use this sight during their time at EJD. jcassella@phoenixcsd.org
READ 180/RTI Writing : Students have completed Workshop 1 and have started working on Workshop
2, Coming to America . In this workshop, students will read a variety of texts and do activities with sequence of events, fragment sentences, synonyms/antonyms, and narrative paragraph writing. We will also continue to review main ideas and details. In RTI writing, students will continue to work on writing a constructed response. Please check your child’s agenda daily for homework and test/quizzes dates.
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS DONATIONS
During the holiday season, EJD will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items for the Phoenix Food Pantry. Items donated will be assembled into baskets by the Food Pantry and Lions Club and distributed to families in need on December 18th at the Elm Street Fire
Station #2 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.. 2

th
th
Congratulations to the following chorus and band students who were chosen to participate in this year’s Elementary All-County Festival.
Chorus: Kaitlyn Chesbro, Charity Frantz, Brian Gibbs, Mariah Gilligan, Emer y Higgins,
Jayde Jacobson, Maggie LaPine, Larissa MacDonald, Hannah McArthur, Gabriella Payne,
Taylor Smith, Olivia Snyder.
Band: Adrianna Breckheimer , Grace Landis, Chloe Coughlin, Jacob Neuper t, Virginia
Bednarski, Cameron Huntley, Mary Crandall, James Hagg, Gracie Britton.
This year’s festival will be held on November 6 th & 7 th in the Fulton Central School
District.
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6th GRADE GREEN NINJA TURTLES
ELA: In ELA, students just finished up their “Rules to Live By” module. The main skills taught throughout this module were: writing evidence based claims, answering text-dependent questions, and analyzing figurative language. For our second module, students will be involved in a deep study of mythology, its purposes, and elements. Students will read Rick Riordan’s The Lightning
Thief , a high-interest novel about a sixth-grade boy on a hero’s journey.
It is imperative that students are doing the reading assignments at home. If you are wondering what you can do at home to help your child, here are some suggestions: read aloud or read the same book as your child and discuss what the author is thinking, discuss predictions, and demand evidence in everyday discussions and disagreements. If you would like to receive daily emails consisting of homework assignments for ELA, science, and social studies, as well as reminders of upcoming events, please email me at lsmart@phoenixcsd.org
.
Math: Students have just completed the first module study on ratios, rates, and percent. We are beginning the second module study on arithmetic operations, including the division of fractions. Mr. Wieczorek sends out nightly homework reminders using a service called Remind.
If you have not yet signed up, please email him at mwieczorek@phoenixcsd.org for directions on how to receive these daily updates. Thank you!
Science: Students with be finishing up Chapter 5 which includes concepts that deal with ear thquakes and er osion. The next unit focuses on rocks and the rock cycle. Students should be studying their vocabulary flashcards 10 minutes a night.
Social Studies: In Social Studies we ar e studying the Nile River Valley and we ar e lear ning about the economy, geogr aphy, religion, culture, and government of ancient Egypt. As a culminating project the students will create an artifact to display in the ancient Egyptian museum. Project letters will be sent home with the students in the near future.
Read 180 & RTI: Mr s. Burdick’s Read 180 students ar e finishing up Wor kshop 2, “When Disaster Str ikes.” We will be beginning Workshop 3, “Identity Crisis.” Students move through three rotations daily – small group, independent reading and computer software. They are working at their level on the software to sharpen their reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills.
In our Read 180 RTI class, we have been working with Module 2 and focused on Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford University. We are practicing forming evidence based claims and providing support from the text for those claims. We are almost finished working with this portion of the module and will move on to read the novel, Bud, Not Buddy.
In Mrs. Burdick’s RTI classes, we continue to sharpen our skills through use of the 5-A-Day Language Review, Paragraph of the
Week, and Reading Comprehension Task Cards, which include various topics such as sequence, inferencing, author’s purpose, main idea, finding a claim, fact/opinion, compare/contrast, summarizing/paraphrasing/quoting, and more. We are also exploring a new computer software program called MobyMax. It is a curriculum that covers reading, writing, vocabulary, and language. Students can even access MobyMax at home.
6th GRADE PURPLE MINIONS
ELA – We are just starting a new module, in which the students will be reading The Lightning Thief, by Rick
Riordan. The focus of this novel is Close Reading and Writing to Learn. Along with the novel, the students will be reading and analyzing myths in class. Look for your students to have reading assignments from the novel for homework during this module.
SCIENCE
Students with be finishing up Chapter 5 which include concepts that deal with earthquakes and erosion.
The next unit focuses on rocks and the rock cycle.
Students should be studying their vocabulary flashcards 10 minutes a night.
Mrs. Burdick’s Read 180 students are finishing up Workshop 2, “When Disaster Strikes.” We will be beginning Workshop 3, “Identity Crisis.” Students move through three rotations daily – small group, independent reading and computer software. They are working at their level on the software to sharpen their reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills.
In our Read 180 RTI class, we have been working with Module 2 and focused on Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford University. We are practicing forming evidence based claims and providing support from the text for those claims. We are almost finished working with this portion of the module and will move on to read the novel, Bud, Not Buddy.
In Mrs. Burdick’s RTI classes , we continue to sharpen our skills through use of the 5-A-Day Language
Review, Paragraph of the Week and Reading Comprehension Task Cards which include various topics such as sequence, inferencing, author’s purpose, main idea, finding a claim, fact/opinion, compare/contrast, summarizing/paraphrasing/quoting, and more. We are also exploring a new computer software program called 4
MobyMax. It is a curriculum that covers reading, writing, vocabulary, and language. Students can even access
MobyMax at home.
Continue on Page 5

Continued...
In Social Studies we are studying the Nile River valley and we are learning about the economy, geography, religion, culture, and government of ancient Egypt. As a culminating project the students will create an artifact to display in the ancient Egyptian museum. Project letters will be sent home with the students in the near future.
In math we just concluded Module 1 dealing with Ratios and Proportional Relationships. Module 2 works with Arithmetic Operations: including Division of Fractions. This module also includes dividing multi-digit whole numbers, decimal operations, finding greatest common factor (GCF) and least common multiple
(LCM) to answer word problems. In order to help your child be more successful with this module, it is highly recommended that they work on their multiplication facts daily. It is expected that 6 th graders know their facts through 12x12.
Please assist your child with his/her homework as needed, but try your best to stay within the framework of the lesson taught in class. I know that the way you and I did math is very different than the methods being used today. But, please trust me that there are reasons for this. We are not simply teaching them to just find the answer, but want them to have a deeper understanding of what math means and how numbers (and units) work together to come to a final result. I understand that the curriculum is difficult, but please encourage your child to work to the best of his/her ability and not give up when things are difficult.
Please contact me with any concerns at bmatlock@phoenixcsd.org
. Thank you.
ENGLISH – The students will continue their reading of Lyddie by Katherine Paterson. Please be sure that your student is reading the assigned chapter(s) in the novel and is completing the reader’s notes on the assigned chapter(s) as well. In addition, students will continue to work on their vocabulary development.
Please encourage your student(s) to stay after for extra help if needed.
MATH – As the first marking period comes to an end, so does our study of Module 1- Proportional Relationships. We will begin Module 2 - Rational Numbers the first week of November. In Module 2, students will continue to build an understanding of the number line from their work in sixth grade. They will learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers. Module 2 includes rational numbers as they appear in expressions and equations. To help your child at home, provide time for them to work on math skills by asking your child to do the math that comes up in daily life. Ask your child to discuss with you the concept learned in class that day and how it is used in everyday life. Please continue to use Schoology as an information tool.
Schoology explains where we are, where we are going and allows you to view any important upcoming events. Similarly, all lesson videos and materials can be found on Schoology, so you are encouraged to access them to assist in completing work that is owed or missed.
SCIENCE – In science, a major cell project was completed for the first quarter; students did a great job! Currently, we are looking at the diversity of living things. We will be dissecting both an invertebrate and a vertebrate in the upcoming months.
SOCIAL STUDIES – We have completed our units on the Native Americans and Explorers. We are currently studying the Thirteen Colonies and will be moving on to the American Revolution. Please check your child’s agenda regularly for homework and upcoming tests and quizzes.
Buy the 2015-2016 Yearbook Now!
You can purchase the yearbook for $16.20
and you can add a personalization or icons for an additional cost.
Don’t wait.
The price for the yearbook will go up on January 9 th to $21.60. After January 9 th you will not be able to add a personalization or icons to your yearbook.
Order for ms were mailed home with the 5 week reports or your child can pick one up outside of room 113 or Mrs. Pritchard’s room.
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ENGLISH 7- We are currently working on module 2 which focuses on working conditions and child labor. Students are reading the novel Lyddie and have daily assignments. Please check agendas on a regular basis.
ENGLISH 8 – We are currently working on module 2 which focuses on taking a stand for what is right. Students are reading the novel To Kill a Mockingbird and have daily reading and writing assignments.
ENGLISH 7 FLEX- We are working on module 2 which focuses on working conditions and child labor. While in class, students rotate through computers, independent reading and module work. Although there is not a lot of homework assigned, students should be reading and listening to the novel Lyddie regularly.
SOCIAL STUDIES 7 – We have completed our units on the Native Americans and Explorers. We are currently studying the Thirteen Colonies and our next unit will be on the American Revolution. Please check your child’s agenda regularly for homework and upcoming tests.
SOCIAL STUDIES 8 - We have completed our units on the Reconstruction, Opening the West, and the Industrial
Age. We are currently studying the Urban Society and our next unit will be on the Progressive Era. Please check your child’s agenda regularly for homework and upcoming tests.
SCIENCE 7: Students did an excellent job on their cell model projects and we are now studying human body systems. In most classes, students will have a 5 minute quiz on the 3-4 terms in their journals, so please encourage your student to look over his/her science notes for 5-10 minutes each night.
SCIENCE 8: We just completed an introductory unit on metric measurements and are now working on controlled experiments. Students will have to set up and conduct their own experiments using the scientific method.
Living Environment 8: Students did an outstanding job on their first state lab, and we are finishing up a unit about the cellular processes of respiration and photosynthesis. We will then begin a month long study about human body systems. Please encourage your student to review their notes each night to better prepare he/she for the next class.
MATH 7 - Students will be working on Module 2 dealing with Rational Numbers. During this unit, students will be introduced to Integers and will work with all operations involving Integers. As we progress through the unit, we will shift to fractions and mixed numbers, again focusing on applying the four operations with these numbers. To conclude the unit, all operations of rationals will be used to write and solve algebraic equations involving rational numbers.
MATH 7E – Students will continue working on Unit 3 which covers 8 th grade Module 1 on Integer Exponents and
Scientific Notation. From there, we will move into Unit 4 which has students working with Equations and Inequalities.
MATH 8 – Students will continue working in Module 2 on Transformations, including discussion on congruent as well as similar figures. Next, students will be introduced to Dilations in Module 3.
Algebra – Students will be working on Module 2 which deals with Statistics.To help your child be successful in math class, please have them complete the homework on the day it is assigned. This way they can come in for extra help after school if the work is not understood. You should expect to see your child working on math homework each evening at home. Remind your child to bring the math notes home to assist with the homework questions. Also, check your child’s agenda regularly for homework assignments as well as upcoming quizzes and tests.
Please check in with your child to see if they have all necessary supplies (pencils, erasers, scientific calculator).
Many students are coming unprepared to class without something to write with. Thank you for your help.
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French Club
7 th and 8 th grade French students have the opportunity to come to French club. He or she must have 90+ Dillon dollars in their account. We will be arranging for dinner at the Melting Pot in Destiny USA in December and again in the spring.
French 8 - Madame Ford: Bonjour ! I had the pleasur e of having your student in 7 th grade French as well! 8 th grade is the year in which the students have the potential of earning their high school credit. Please encourage your son or daughter to study every night. We are currently working on Er verbs. Have your student show you their ghost and pumpkin verb organizers! Students are encouraged to retake tests and quizzes for a higher grade. Please check SchoolTool regularly for student progress. Merci!
French 7 - Madame Ford : Bonjour ! We have had a ver y busy fall! We have lear ned the alphabet, geogr aphy, gr eetings and we are currently learning the French numbers. It is essential that your student is studying vocabulary covered in class on a nightly basis. We often create flashcards to enhance the language acquisition. Students are always encouraged to retake tests and quizzes for a higher grade. Please check SchoolTool regularly for student progress. Merci!
Spanish 7 – Sra. Shaffer: Students r ecently took a quar ter ly assessment in Spanish. The exam tested the four main topics studied this first quarter: the Spanish alphabet, introductory vocabulary, numbers, and time telling. Due to the fact that this evaluation was just given, the grade (on this evaluation) was not factored into the 10 week average.
Notebooks were also recently collected (and will be collected at the end of every quarter). Students will be taking a cumulative assessment at the end of every quarter; therefore, it is important for them to maintain an organized notebook. If your child does not have an organized notebook at this time, please encourage him/her to see me for assistance.
Students will be learning a lot of vocabulary throughout the course of this school year. I recommend that students study their vocabulary on a regular basis (around 10-15 minutes daily). If your child is having difficulty, encourage him/her to make flashcards (with
Spanish on one side and the English translation on the other).
Spanish 8 – Sr. McLeod:
¡Hola! We have been reviewing basic topics like the alphabet, numbers, colors and weather. Some of the different vocabulary topics we will be learning about this year in 8 th Grade Spanish include food, family, parties, bedroom, house and clothes.
ELA- In ELA class, students are currently working on Module 2A, which focuses on working with evidence to explore the theme of taking a stand. Students need to complete reading assignments in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird nightly at home. I encourage you to discuss the reading at home with your child on a regular basis, and even read (or re-read) the novel along with him or her! It is an American classic that offers so many lessons about integrity. Any student who is struggling with the reading assignments should be taking advantage of time after school for assistance. It is crucial that students are prepared and are keeping up with the reading assignments so that they may participate and complete class work. Each student has a reading calendar with all reading assignments and questions so that he/she can plan ahead and keep up with work even if it is necessary to miss school.
Math – The eighth grade will soon be starting Module 3, which covers dilations and similar figures. To help your student, please ensure homework is completed on a regular basis. If they are having difficulty with homework, encourage them to stay after school for extra help. Please discuss the many ways in which you use math in your daily life. Students should have a scientific calculator as they will be used throughout the year.
8 th Grade Physical Science: Students in science class are working on problem solving using the steps of the scientific method. We will start investigating the seven forms of energy during this marking period.
In social studies we have just finished with chapters 17-19 and had a unit exam. We will continue with our study of immigration, progressive reform, and finish with overseas expansion. I continue to encourage you to check your child’s Schoology account to see if he/she is keeping up with the online assignments. Snow will be here before we know it so it will take a lot of encouragement to keep the “study fires” burning.
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Dillon Way has had a busy start to the new school year! We had a Team Kick-Off Day in September, and picked very creative names for each of our teams. We also had a Welcome Back Dance and Open Gym. We have weekly AND month prize drawings for students who follow the monthly expectation, or just going above and beyond the “Dillon Way” ( Respect + Responsibility = Success). So far, we have had three “team color” days where grade levels are rewarded points for participation. Our November Expectation is focused on Cafeteria. Throughout the month of November we will be selecting random students during lunch who follow the Cafeteria Expectation. They will be participating in special activities! On November 10 th we organized a Team Banner Presentation, complete with Team Challenges. It was a lot of fun for all!
We have many upcoming events planned, but make sure to mark your calendars for the following:
**Dillon Way Family Fun Night March 23
** Talent Show May 26
Please discuss with your children what Respect and Responsibility means and how this can make them successful not only in school, but in their daily lives. fOR MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES—VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:
November
19—EJD Career Day (half day) — Afternoon / Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences
20—HALF DAY for students
26—27 - Thanksgiving Recess
December
3—Afternoon / Evening Parent-Teacher (Half day for students)
4—HALF DAY for students
8—7th & 8th Grade Band/Chorus /Jazz Band concert at JCB—7:00 p.m.
9—5th & 6th Grade Band/Chorus concert at JCB—7:00 p.m.
10—Snow date for the concerts on the December 10th and 11th
11—End of the 15 week marking period
17—15 Week Progress Reports distributed
24—31—Christmas Recess
January
1 - Holiday Recess —No School
18—Martin Luther King Day—No School
29—End of the 20 week marking period
Feb. 4—Report cards distributed
Foreign Language
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