6th Grade Newsletter
Let the library scavenger hunt begin!
Students had a blast exploring the varying levels of the library by completing a bingo card. The Evanston Public Library (EPL) is a community hub with a rich history, a large collection of over a million items, and a modern focus on equity and sustainability. Did you know the library traces its origins to a 1854 book donation to a Sunday school, officially opened in 1873, and is now dedicated to providing access to resources, technology, and programs? Well, now you do!
The "Teen Loft"
A dedicated space just for teens in grades 6-12, where students can hang out without any parents or younger siblings around! Inside, they will find the Young Adult fiction collection, perfect for book lovers of all kinds. Plus, don’t miss the YA graphic novels and nonfiction located just outside the doors! Whether students are looking for a good read or a place to relax, the Teen Loft is their spot.
Innovation Station
Located on the third floor at Main, The Innovation Station is a creative DIY space where makers can bring their ideas to life. Whether students working on a personal project or collaborating with the community, the space provide the room and technology—students bring the ideas and supplies! From crafting to coding, designing to building, this is the place to imagine, create, and innovate.
Celebración de Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Celebration
Join the Evanston Public Library, Sunday, November 2nd, in honor of the Day of the Dead, where we celebrate life, memory, and art. You'll have the opportunity to paint an alebrije figure and/or a niche (while supplies last). Register here
Half Day Update – Getting Ready for National Young Readers’ Week!
During this week’s half day, 6th graders will be getting a head start on celebrating National Young Readers’ Week, which runs from Monday, November 10, to Friday, November 14.
This annual event, held during the second full week of November, is a wonderful opportunity for families and schools to come together to celebrate the joy and importance of reading. Students will participate in activities designed to inspire a love of books and storytelling as we get ready for this special week!
Looking Ahead: Next Week in ELA
🗓 End of Unit 1 Assessment
Students will complete their first unit test in ELA on Tuesday and Thursday this week.
A practice quiz is posted on Google Classroom with similar question types to those on the test. Completing it is optional, but it’s a great way to review and feel confident before the assessment!
This week, we wrapped up our grammar practice lessons and began Galería Unit 1: Identity. Students explored the essential questions for the unit and learned key vocabulary they’ll encounter in our first reading, “Cuando Era Puertorriqueña” (“When I Was Puerto Rican”). We’ll begin reading the text after next week as we continue to discuss how identity shapes our experiences and perspectives.
Looking Ahead: Next Week in SLA:
Next week, students will take the AAPPL assessment, which measures proficiency in four domains: AAPPL Demo
- Speaking
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing.
Later in November, students will have a grammar quiz on Thursday, November 21. They’ve already been informed and should be reviewing their grammar notes on nouns, adjectives, pronouns, and articles to prepare.
Students focused on developing their thesis statements and worked on completing the rough draft of their Hammurabi’s Code essay. They practiced using evidence and reasoning to support their claims about whether Hammurabi’s laws were just or unjust.
Looking Ahead: Next Week in Social Studies:
Students will spend time editing their rough drafts in class. After revising for clarity and organization, they’ll work on completing the final version of their Hammurabi’s Code essay. This process will help them strengthen their arguments and polish their writing before submission.
This Week In Mr. Sommer’s classes:
In Mr. Sommer’s class, students wrapped up their eye disease research and began working in groups to create informational posters about their chosen condition. These posters highlight causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies, allowing students to showcase what they’ve learned in a creative, collaborative way.
Looking Ahead: Next Week Mr. Sommer's Science Class
In Mr. Sommer’s class, students will present their eye disease posters to the class. Each group will take on the role of the teacher, sharing what they learned about their specific eye disease—its causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent or treat it. This is a great opportunity for students to teach their peers and demonstrate their understanding through collaboration and creativity.
In Ms. Hodges’ classes, students kicked off their soccer games this week! On Monday, they completed the Panorama survey and recorded their October one-lap time. Then on Wednesday, we celebrated the season with a fun Halloween-themed fitness workout! 🎃👟
Looking Ahead: Next Week in P.E.:
In Ms. Hodges’ classes, students will continue their soccer games and build on the skills they’ve been practicing. On Fitness Days, they’ll rotate through workout stations and participate in a fun fitness game designed to keep everyone moving and engaged!
This Week in Library:
Students explored the topic of AI deepfakes and how this technology can blur the line between real and fake media. Together, we discussed questions such as:
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What are the dangers of deepfakes?
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What techniques can we use to spot them?
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How well can we tell the difference between deepfakes and real videos?
We wrapped up by talking about what students can do to protect themselves and others from misinformation online.