Welcome!
Fortunes Rocks and Hills Beach
Dear Families,
Each month, we choose a new focus to explore through activities during Tiger Time. Our October theme is “Face Your Fears!” Students have been reflecting on fears they would like to overcome or risks they would like to take. They wrote their thoughts on paper leaves, which will be displayed as a reminder that facing our fears is an important part of growing and learning. We’re looking forward to wrapping up the month with a fun “Fear Factor” activity! In the meantime, ask your student about their fear or a risk they hope to take—and share one of your own fears with them, too! You might be surprised by the conversation that follows.
Sincerely,
Fortunes Rocks and Hills Beach
Science (Mr. Minor and Mrs. Valentino)
In science, our students are wrapping up their first unit on the water cycle and Earth’s spheres. Over the next few weeks, students will complete a choice board summative project to showcase their understanding and mastery of the unit.
Project options may include writing a poem or short story, creating a comic strip, or producing a video or newscast. Students will have class time to work on their projects but may need additional time or support at home.If you have any questions about the project, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Minor (Fortunes Rocks) or Mrs. Valentino (Hills Beach).
Social Studies & Writing (Mrs. Arsenault and Mr. Desenberg)
We recently finished reviewing map skills and are now starting a unit on Early Civilizations. Students will learn about early societies and how geography influenced where people lived. They will also practice informational and opinion writing as they read, learn new information, and share their ideas.
ELA (Ms. Bowers and Ms. Silva)
In ELA, we are continuing to learn about story elements, with a focus on different types of conflict and point of view. Students are reading a variety of stories and passages to practice recognizing the problems characters face and understanding who is telling the story. We are also working on using details from the text to explain our thinking and support our answers.
Students should also always have a book they are reading independently. Book Response assessments are due according to each team's schedule. Families can help by checking in at home and asking their child about what they are reading. Talking about books is a great way to strengthen reading comprehension, help students remember what they've read, and encourage deeper thinking!
Math (Mrs. Black and Mr. Loranger)
6th grade is in the midst of Unit 1 which consists of learning about whole numbers, prime numbers, prime factorization, common factors and multiples, exponents, and finding the squares and cubes of whole numbers. Students also just completed the mathematics portion of the MTYA (Maine Through Year Assessment) a couple weeks ago and worked really hard.
During the 2nd unit of 6th grade students will explore dividing fractions, solving real-word problems with fractions, comparing quantities, equivalent ratios, and solving real-world problems with ratios.
As always we are continuing to review previously taught math concepts in class to help reinforce students’ understanding and build confidence.
Fortunes Rocks
June Mailman
Hills Beach
Malia Hendrix