News from 8-I

News from 8-L

English - In English class this marking period, students will be exploring a variety of text structures. The next unit of study is Craft and Structure of Fiction Text. Students will understand how to analyze the craft and structure of fiction to construct meaning. They will be examining an author's point of view, and the influence of words and phrases in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings, to develop tone, voice and mood. Some of the selections they will be reading include; The Monkey's Paw, Flowers for Algernon, Hunger, and various poetry selections by renowned poets. The unit will end with an in-depth compare/contrast essay of two different text selections, a poem and short story. Students will analyze the influence of the words, phrases, and structure on how they shape meaning, tone, and voice.  In addition to the core content, students will also begin test preparations for the PSSA test.

Science - Since our Winter break we have been working learning about Freshwater.  We prepared a water budget comparing the precipitation and evaporation of 2 cities.  We examined 2 major river systems in the United States and the watersheds that feed them.  We also took a closer look at the Susquehanna River basin.  One part of the water cycle is the understanding of groundwater.  We examined the processes by which groundwater is formed and maintained which included water quality.   We have tested out of this unit and started a new branch of Earth Science - Meteorology.  In the short time we have studied this branch we have learned about what is causing severely cold weather this year, otherwise known as the Polar Vortex.  We have identified the layers of the atmosphere using a virtual activity and we just completed our first lab dealing with Convection.

Academic Literacy - In Academic Literacy class students have been supporting claims and listening to conflicting viewpoints through a series of debates. From these lively class debates, they have selected topics to continue their research and extend their knowledge. Currently students are drafting a five-paragraph persuasive essay.  We will be discussing technique and author's craft throughout their editing process.

Math - Algebra 1A:  The students will be starting their next unit, Writing and Graphing Linear Equations.  Various methods of graphing a line, including table of values, intercepts, and slope-intercept, will be taught.  Multiple forms of linear equations (slope intercept, point-slope, and standard form) will also be learned.  Application of the linear model will appear sporadically throughout the unit as well.

Math - Honors Alg:  Probability & Statistics and Systems of Equations / Inequalities will comprise most of the next marking period.  Students will learn the difference between probability and odds, discuss theoretical vs. experimental probability, and learn various counting & ordering techniques in Unit 5, then move onto working on solving systems of equations and inequalities in Unit 6.  This is an extension of the work in units 3 and 4, in that multiple equations or inequalities are being solved at the same time instead of just one. 

Math - PreAlg 2:  Students will be identifying and graphing linear functions in Unit 5, in which the concepts of slope and slope-intercept form are central to the learning; like the other classes before them, graphing will take up a good portion of our time!  Unit 6 involves Geomety; several topics on the horizon are right triangles, angle relationships, the Pythagorean Theorem, and volume of 3-D figures (prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones, and spheres).

Social Studies – We have concluded our unit on the U.S. Constitution and have transitioned into the presidency of George Washington.  We have learned about the issues that needed to be addressed as a new country and the precedents he set as President (say that 10x’s fast). We are now ready to begin our transition into the presidency of John Adams and the direction he took our country while serving as President.  From there we will double the size of our country with the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson. 

Health - In Health, students are currently studying about heredity and how they obtain their traits. Once we have covered this part of growth and development we will move on to 'understanding the stages of life'!

News from 7-L

Guidance News

The second marking period has ended and report cards are prepared to send home (they may have already been distributed by the time you’re reading this).  Counselors meet with students to review grades, celebrate accomplishments and reinforce good study habits.  It’s also helpful for parents and guardians to review the report card with their students.  Taking time to review the report card with your student helps give the message that you care about what’s going on at school.  Ask about grades, classes, and activities that are occurring.  Point out achievements.  Use the report card as a tool to set academic goals – goals that are challenging but reachable.  Offer support and encouragement and celebrate the achievements your student has made.  The attitude and actions of parents and guardians can make a big difference.