Language and Literature- Mr. Schaefer
6th Grade- The students finished their first quiz on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. We will have another quiz coming soon. On Friday, September 26th a spelling test is scheduled for Unit 3.
7th Grade- The students finished their first quiz on To Kill a Mockingbird. We will have another quiz coming soon. On Friday, September 26th a spelling test is scheduled for Unit 3.
8th Grade- We have been learning about nouns in grammar. The students should expect a quiz on nouns sometime during the week of the 22nd and a test the following week. On Friday, September 26th a spelling test is scheduled for Unit 3.
Language and Literature- Mr. Maddock
6th grade Writing and Grammar— We’ve completed the first grammar unit, though we will never leave any of it behind! During the week of the 22nd we’ll move toward writing an Opinion Essay.
7th grade Writing and Grammar– We’ve finished up a three-day project making Grammar Posters in small groups. We hope the posters will be instructive to 6th graders less-accomplished in matters of grammar, assuming we’re able to find any of those. Ha, ha, just half-joking, 7th grade!
8th grade Literature and Writing – Classes have finished Fahrenheit 451 and the first novel test of the year. Before beginning at the beginning with the Iliad and the Odyssey, we’ll spend a few days reading a non-fiction piece concerning bananas, about which there is much to know. Trust me.
Science- Mr. Short 
6th: The students will be having a 2 day lab test on Tuesday and Wednesday. This requires them to perform many lab skills at various stations. They will have a free day in the lab on Monday to practice
7th: Will have a test on Ch. 2 cells next week.
8th: Will continue learning about igneous rocks.
Language Acquisition- Madame Rooks
French: M.S. Quebec June 2015 is in the planning. Please stay tuned for a meeting very soon!
Math- Ms. Koehler
Reminder: MATH LAB is being held every Monday and Wednesday (unless a half day) from 3:00-4:00pm in the middle school math room. It is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.
Helpful websites for reinforcement and review:
6th Grade: We are studying Statistics in Chapter 2. We are exploring this chapter in a less traditional way. The students have been collecting data and exploring all the different types of graphs. So, how much junk food was in your pantry? The student’s graphs tell all!!!
7th Grade: Chapter 2 has been all about “mastering” the positive and negative integer rules. We will finish the chapter with some work on coordinate grids. Students completed a mid-chapter quiz and a chapter test will be the middle of the week of 9/22.
8th Grade: The first couple of chapters have been a quick refresher course before we dive head on into Algebra! We have been reviewing the set of real numbers with a special emphasis on solving rational number problems. The hope is fractions won’t seem so SCAREY when they are placed in an algebraic equation. We have also been reviewing PEMDAS and integer rules. ATTENTION: Algebra requires one to be a multi-tasker! Several different concepts all become part of one problem (integers, fractions, power rules……). Each skill must be fully mastered to avoid errors in solving algebraic equations. Be on the lookout for a Chapter 2 test and vocab test the end of next week.
Math- Mrs. Schiavo
Sixth Grade Pre-Algebra: Constitution Day did not go unnoticed in our Math class. I incorporated a constitution-related theme into our regular studies by discussing and completing an activity on The Constitution and Numbers. We were very creative in forming our groups: the Inequalities, the Fibonaccis, the SOHCAHTOAs, and the Variables. Although the SOHCAHTOAs won, it was a close match. A Chapter 2 test is scheduled for early next week.
Individuals in Societies- Mrs. Tuskey 
6th Grade US History (Week of 9/22): After taking a quiz on chapter 2 on Monday, the students will begin their study of the settlement of the 13 English Colonies in America.
7th Grade US History (Week of 9/22): After taking a quiz on Monday, the students will continue their study of the Civil War. They will have a guest speaker on Thursday discussing the Civil War from a social history perspective.
8th Grade World Civilizations (Week of 9/22): After taking a quiz on Monday on Mesopotamia, the students will begin their study of ancient Egypt.
Religion- Mrs. Slifka
All grades: Prayer for September to memorize and understand: The Memorare (this is in the Jesus Journal). Students will recite before 9/30 (graded). Please encourage your child to do this in the next week (9/22-26) if possible.
Jesus Journals are not just journals. We do write reflections in the front part of the journal, but we also put information to be assessed in the back of the journal. I have asked students to write down ideas shared in class discussion as extra details. There is a rubric on the back cover of the journal, and an assignment page on the front cover. Often in class, when a classmate shares a view that stands out, I will let the class know they “might want to put that into their journals”. This is a hint on how to add details. Often at the end of a quiz or test, they will write about the lessons they have learned. Details are important here.
EXTRA CREDIT: Students can create a
• one page summary on the readings from the Sunday mass;
• a piece of Art or Music; (lots of details are a must)
• a power point or video; (lots of details are a must)
• another pre-approved creative idea that shows in detail the message from the readings/ homily for that week. This must be turned in within the week of that mass (1 per week will be accepted).
6th: Continue to work on Mary is the Mother of God:
We will outline of Chapter 4 and dig deeper on our understanding of Jesus is prefigured in the Old Testament. We will use bibles to explore the Old Testament.
7th: Analyze early church traditions and compare them to Modern day practices.
8th: We are continuing to work on the “how to” for moral decision making; Reflect on the scriptures for Mass; and I have been leading a guided meditation on the Luminous Mysteries in Religious Arts. 5 facts to come on Catherine of Sienna in Jesus Journal; to study the 10 Commandments and dig deep into their meaning. A quiz to come late next week or early the week after on Joan of Arc, Catherine of Sienna and Moral Decision making. We will review all items in class prior to the test.
Design- Mrs. Clopton
Grade 6– Students will be working on learning the Design Cycle. They will be also learning about their first IB project.
Grade 7-Students will be working on their IB project in class.
Grade 8- Students will be working in Managebac in their process journal. They will need to have a topic selected soon ( next couple of weeks) that will be the focus of their IB Community project.
PE- Coach Spicer
6th grade: The 6th grade students have finished their first fall fitness testing and have started working on the basic components and skills in football.
7th grade: The 7th grade has started their football unit, reviewing the positions, rules, and skills. This grade has started lead-up games, which have modified rules of football, but include the necessary skills used in the sport.
8th Grade: The 8th grade is currently finishing their fitness unit. The students have also started their football unit. They are reviewing how to play at different positions and are working with their teammates to create plays during a game.
Service- Mrs. Heishman
“Parents, please remember to check your emails regarding Service Opportunities. Please don’t have your child wait until the last minute to meet their Service requirement of 25 hours per school year. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Heishman at hheishman@saintmary.org”
Dates to Remember:
Wednesday: School Mass at 9AM
School pictures are September 22nd – 24th
On Monday, September 22nd, 6-1 (6K), 7-2 and 8-1 will have their individual photo taken. They should be in regular school uniform, not PE uniform.
On Tuesday, September 23rd, 6-2 (6T), 7-1 and 8-2 will have their individual photo taken. They should be in regular school uniform, not PE uniform.
On Wednesday, September 24th, ALL Middle School Group photos will be taken. ALL middle school students should be in regular school uniform. Those who have PE that day (8-2), they can change into their PE uniform after Mass.
You will be emailed a PDF proof of your child’s photo and directions to order will also be in your email.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Heishman at Hheishman@saintmary.org