Middle School Minute

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Honors English: We continue with our novel study and its comparison to the Hero’s Journey. Our novel is Miles Morales: Spider Man by Jason Reynolds. Our study moves to chapter 9 with chapter 10, 11, & 12 upcoming. A calendar of readings is posted to Google Classroom. Students are using literary analysis to complete discussion questions, write short essays based on a novel prompt and taking short quizzes. Students continue to be responsible for work on iReady and ReadWorks. ReadWorks assignments are accessible via Google Classroom. iReady is accessible via Clever. Students should be completing 45 minutes of iReady per week in addition to two passed lessons (70 or better).

***Please know that classwork must be completed ON TIME. Per our class syllabus, no late work is accepted with the exception of excused absences. If your child is absent and misses work, all work should be completed within five days of return.

Regular ELA - This week students will have assignments on Schoology, AcceleratedReader (AR), and i-Ready.

• i-Ready - Students are required to complete 50 minutes of i-Ready Reading and two passed lessons. The more lessons they do and pass with an 80 or better; the more tickets they get to spend at the i-Ready store.

• Accelerated Reader (AR) - Students need to be reading and taking AR tests. The only way to grow in reading comprehension is to practice.They need to look at their individual goal through Clever on Renaissance Learning.

• Schoology -

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief: We have just completed reading Ch. 8-10. We have not only learned about Percy Jackson but Greek Mythology as well. Students will participate in vocabulary, figurative language, text-dependent questions, and arts integration activities as we follow Percy Jackson through a heroic journey.

• Next up:

• Reading ch. 11-14

• Quiz

• Vocabulary

• Figurative language

• Comprehension Questions

Honors ELA - This week students will have assignments on Schoology, AcceleratedReader (AR), and i-Ready.

• i-Ready - Students are required to complete 50 minutes of i-Ready Reading and two passed lessons. The more lessons they do and pass with an 80 or better; the more tickets they get to spend at the i-Ready store.

• Accelerated Reader (AR) - Students need to be reading and taking AR tests. The only way to grow in reading comprehension is to practice.They need to look at their individual goal through Clever on Renaissance Learning.

• Schoology -

• Schoology -

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief: We have just completed reading Ch. 8-10. We have not only learned about Percy Jackson but Greek Mythology as well. Students will participate in vocabulary, figurative language, text-dependent questions, and arts integration activities as we follow Percy Jackson through a heroic journey.

• Next up:

• Reading ch. 11-14

• Quiz

• Vocabulary

• Figurative language

• Comprehension Questions

All periods will have a vocabulary quiz on Friday, April 4th. Vocabulary words will be given Monday, March 31st, and their review will be due on Wednesday, April 2nd.

All classes are writing a research paper on "A Woman in History". The rough drafts are due on Friday, April 4th.

First and fifth block are reading the Hunger Games.

Third and fourth block are completing assignments in Studysync which can be accessed on Clever.

In preparation for the i-Ready end of the year test, students will continue to review root words as well as complete 3 i-Ready lessons in their pathway (scoring 80% or higher). If they have completed their pathway, they must complete 1 lesson in Coursewave (scoring 80% or higher). The standard 8th Grade students will also continue to read and respond to the novel "The Lions of Little Rock." Advanced students will finish reading "The Outsiders."

Next week our regular classes will learn how to find slope, while honors will be studying proportional relationships. Both classes will have two Alek's assignments that will be due the next class day. Test on Friday and one iReady lesson will need to be passed by Wednesday.

Important Announcements

• Math ACAP Testing: Next Wednesday and Thursday, our students will participate in the Math ACAP Testing.

• Action Items:

• Please discuss test-taking strategies with your child.

• Encourage them to reflect on what they have learned this year in math.

• Ensure they receive ample rest on both testing days to help them perform their best.

Celebrations of the Week

We are excited to share some of the wonderful learning experiences our students have had recently:

• 7th Grade Math: Students have been delving into linear equations and problem-solving strategies. Their growth in understanding equations, expressions, and inequalities is commendable.

• 7th Grade Accelerated Math: Our accelerated learners have been tackling percentages and complex problem-solving, demonstrating enthusiasm and skill.

We celebrate each student's progress and the efforts they put into their learning!

T Whitney 7th Grade Math

8th Grade Math

Students are required to complete 2 iReady math lessons ,2 iReady reading lessons (60 minutes each for both) per week during homeroom Monday-Thursday. Students in 8th grade math will continue reviewing various standards in preparation for the upcoming iReady assessment. The practice and review will be incorporated during class time while we continue our learning process. The standards/topics for review and learning will include but not limited to polynomials, quadratic equations, factoring, scatter plots, line of best fit, transformations, the real number system, parallel lines cut by a transversal, properties of exponents, radical expressions, equations, systems etc...We completed hands-on practice with experimental probability this week. Next week we will focus on factoring and graphing a quadratic equation along with cooperative learning gallery walks/stations reviewing several topics. Have a great week. :-)

Science: We continue investigations in AMSTI’s Weather and Climate Systems. We will be tying our knowledge of weather and climate with our project from the beginning of the year, DETECTS weather balloon. Investigations will include making clouds, modeling heat transfer and convection, and human impact on climate trends.

Our science text is available online at carolina science online. The link is posted to the Google Classroom. Username: Estelle Student; password: password123.

***Please know that classwork must be completed ON TIME. Per our class syllabus, no late work is accepted with the exception of excused absences. If your child is absent and misses work, all work should be completed within five days of return.

6th Grade
We will be completing investigations through AMSTI about Climate this
week. On Thursday and Friday we will be conducting research on
Climate and we will be presenting the research on Monday April 28th.

7th Grade
We are continuing to work on our Ecology projects. A day is due
Wednesday April 23rd and B day is due Thursday April 24th. This
project will count as a test grade. Students were assigned an
organism and are conducting research on that organism and the
ecosystem the organisms live in. There are 2 parts to the project,
part one is the research (worth 60% of the grade) and part two is the
visual presentation (worth 40% of the grade).

Physical Science will be continuing to finalize their Natural Disasters projects this upcoming week. Project presentations begin on Thursday, April 17th.

6th Grade Social Studies:

- Cold War Flocabulary - Past Due

- eLearning Day Assignment - April 18 - Civil Rights Flocabulary - Due April 20

Dear Parents,

I am excited to announce that students will be embarking on an engaging project to create a cultural map of Africa over the next couple of weeks. This project aims to deepen their understanding of the diverse cultures, languages, and histories across the continent.

To support their work, I will provide detailed instructions and a grading rubric, which will be available on Schoology for students to reference when not in class. Additionally, I have examples from previous years displayed in class to inspire and guide them.

I appreciate your support in encouraging your child to explore this rich cultural project. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you!

For 8th World History: World History students will take a look at two of Greece's key city- states: Sparta and Athens. Students will compare and contrast the two city- states and what they expected of their citizens. We'll take a look at the Peloponnesian War and it's affect on the Greek city- states. Depending on time, we'll begin looking at Greek Mythology, including the stories of Zeus, Hera, Hades, and Poseidon!

HUGE SHOUT OUT FOR THE GALA!!!! Stars and Clowns were magical. This week we talked about why the gala was so important. Former faculty and staff, alumni, current students, current faculty and staff came together to celebrate the 40 Years of Magic that is AAA. Stars and Clowns are part of this magic, and they were incredible. They performed for a crowd of almost 300 with professionalism beyond their years. I couldn’t be more proud of them. Thank you to everyone who sacrificed their time to make this happen. I appreciate you more than you know.

Clowns - JOIN THE REMIND This is how I get a lot of information out. Information is shared in a variety of ways, but I need your help. You have to check Remind, your email, the website, and/or read the middle school newsletter.

• Performance Dates:

• May 1-4 Music in the Parks: St. Louis

• May 15 ACT Night: AAA Theater

• May 20 Last Day Performance: AAA Theater

Competition Clowns - After some recent cancellations, I only have 15 out of 36 Clowns going to competition. I have found a way to alter the partnerships, choreography, and the restructuring of the voice parts to make it work, but the kids are going to need extra help. I am willing to put in the work if you are. I want them to feel good about their competition pieces, and this is the only way that I have come up with.

Extra Rehearsals:

April 18 12:00pm-3:00pm (E-Learning Day)

April 25 3:30pm-5:00pm (After School)

HUGE SHOUT OUT FOR THE GALA!!!! Stars and Clowns were magical. This week we talked about why the gala was so important. Former faculty and staff, alumni, current students, current faculty and staff came together to celebrate the 40 Years of Magic that is AAA. Stars and Clowns are part of this magic, and they were incredible. They performed for a crowd of almost 300 with professionalism beyond their years. I couldn’t be more proud of them. Thank you to everyone who sacrificed their time to make this happen. I appreciate you more than you know.

Stars - JOIN THE REMIND This is how I get a lot of information out. Information is shared in a variety of ways, but I need your help. You have to check Remind, your email, the website, and/or read the middle school newsletter.

• Performance Dates:

• May 1-4 Music in the Parks: St. Louis

• May 15 ACT Night: AAA Theater

• May 20 Last Day Performance: AAA Theater

Creative Writing:

- Playwriting Lesson 2 - Past Due

- eLearning Day Assignment - April 18 - Complete Playwriting Lessons 3 & 4 and begin drafting your 10-minute play script.

Tickets are now on sale for Outdoor Movie Night Friday, April 25 at 7:00. Click the link below to purchase tickets today!

Click here to purchase tickets!

I am delighted to share an incredible opportunity for our talented students! The TROY University's Department of Theatre and Dance, in collaboration with AAA Theatre, is offering a Summer Spotlight Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship covers the full cost of attending the Summer Spotlight Intensive at TROY University, valued at over $500.

Scholarship Details:

• Eligibility:
  • Must be a current AAA 8th grader
  • Must be involved in Theatre, Tech Theatre, or Stars and Clowns
  • Must be attending Lee High School in any magnet program
  • Must be 14 years old by the end of July

This scholarship will provide the selected student with the opportunity to spend a week on TROY's campus in Troy, AL. You will stay in a dormitory with peers in your age group, participate in engaging workshop classes, and rehearse for a variety of performance pieces. The week will culminate in a family performance, showcasing your hard work and talent.

TROY University is committed to offering a rich learning experience, bringing in guest artists from around the country and the world to work with students during the intensive. This is a fantastic chance to learn from the best, enhance your skills, and make lasting memories.

Please, please, please apply! This is an amazing opportunity to advance your theatre education and gain invaluable experience.

To apply, visit WhyAAA.org/MS-Theatre and complete the application form. Don’t miss out on this chance to shine in the spotlight!

We look forward to seeing your applications and helping you embark on this exciting journey.

We are excited to announce that the application window for Thespian Troupe 89345 is now open for current 6th and 7th graders! Students interested in joining can apply and submit their resumes online at WhyAAA.org/MS-Theatre. The deadline for applications is May 2nd.

To qualify, students need to accumulate 10 points, with a minimum of 5 points earned through participation in AAA activities. Points are awarded for various contributions, including performances and other related activities.

We encourage all eligible students to apply, even if they feel uncertain about their accumulated points. It's always worth applying, as every experience counts toward their growth and involvement.

Thank you for supporting our students' theatrical endeavors!

Tickets for The Tale of the Princess and the Frog are on sale now! Visit the link below to purchase your tickets today!

Click here for dance show tickets!

Hello AAA MS Strings! We are going into the 33rd week of school this year! That means we have less than 2 weeks for CONCERT DAY/NIGHT:) Please do the following: Prepare all of your music to the 'T', get your uniform prepared ASAP (no pieces scattered or wrinkled or not in their uniform bag either at home or at school right now), and get yourselves organized even further.

St. Louis participants will be called for some code purples TBA. Thank you to all students so far, working on their e-learn recordings:)

We could've been doing this fun type of practice projects all year, since it really gives us great feedback for details and improvements to ensemble playing, and personal techniques in playing. I look forward to working with you finishing out our year April/May 2025.

Sincerely, Mary Peck-AAA 3rd-8th Magnet String Orchestras Artististic Director/Educator/Maestra

Information soon to come!

Art shirts will be delivered soon!

6th Grade Updates

• Make sure you have signed up for the 6th grade Remind CLICK HERE

• Have students read at home for 30 minutes every day.

• Students need to be more mindful of the expectations here at school. Students are starting to bend and break the rules and procedures.

iReady in ELA and math will be graded based on work completed Monday - Friday going forward. Time and lessons completed on Saturday and/or Sunday will not count toward their iReady classwork grades.

Please encourage your students to complete their classwork at school. The goal is for students to not have much homework and to use their classroom instructional time efficiently. This should also help decrease the number of missing assignments students have in PowerSchool.

8th Grade Parents/Guardians: The 8th Grade Bridging ceremony is quickly approaching. It is a special ceremony with a unified look. The girls are to wear white dresses or a white pants suit and dress shoes. The boys are to wear blue, black, or khaki dress pants, a button down shirt, and a tie or bow tie and dress shoes. If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Fletcher or Mr. Jones.