Hornet Nation News: January 2022

What a year 2021 has been! We have learned so much information in the classrooms and the world, celebrated many accomplishments, and reflected on how to continue growing into the new year. In this first newsletter of the year, you will find our school's celebrations, updates, upcoming parent trainings, and a place to contact us for more information. This is OUR year! We are going to conquer it in the classrooms, on the court, and everywhere we possibly can, representing Hornet Nation: Where the Pride is Hard to Hide!

No School:

January 1st-4th: Winter Break

January 17th: Observance of MLK Day

It’s finally here, our after school INOV8 program! Are you an INOV8’R? How about a social media influencer? You’ve been chosen to be one of Hoffman’s finest creators! Students: bring back your parent letter to reserve yourself a spot! Have questions? See Ms. Randle-Bean in room 400.

Want to check out books from home? Visit aldine.follettdestiny.com and sign in using your Google account. There are so many amazing eBooks and audio books, or place a hold on a physical book and Mr. Schaller will deliver it to your ELA classroom!

Aldine ISD Solo & Ensemble for Symphonic Band members is Saturday, January 29th at Davis High School. Performance times to be announced. Symphonic band members have required sectionals after school on Tuesdays until 5:35 PM.

Beginner band members continue to work on earning their Ninja Belts.

The band hall is open after school for individual practice for all band members on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until 5:35 PM.

The Hoffman Science Department recently held their annual Science Fair. This year, our scholars turned in 87 projects to be judged; which was the largest number of projects submitted in the 50 year history of Floyd Hoffman Middle School.

The winners of the science fair were: 1st Place: Julia Martienez & Dulce Hernandez, 2nd Place: Cur'shawn Winzer, 3rd Place: Kwonell Jackson, Jesse York, Dilan Valle, 4th Place: Jennifer Moreno, 5th Place: Autumn Hall, and 6th Place: Erika Diaz & Dunia Benitez.

These students will be representing Hoffman in the Aldine Science and Engineering Fair in January. Special thanks to Mrs. Ayala, Ms. Bell, and Mrs. Mason for assisting our students with their projects.

6th Grade:

The 6th graders at Hoffman are taking a journey back into the unknown, learning begins with Blood on the River, a lively, engaging work of historical fiction that introduces the harsh realities of colonization through the eyes of the obstinate, tougher-than-nails protagonist Samuel Collier. As one of the younger settlers in the New World, Samuel learns the power of connection and compassion despite—or perhaps because of—the cutthroat and hostile environment that defines the settlement. Told from Samuel’s perspective, the novel includes the stories of several historical figures, such as Captain John Smith and the legendary Pocahontas, and depicts the New World as a place where love, faith, and camaraderie became valuable methods for sustenance and survival, more so than combat, conquest, and rigid social classification.

7th Grade:

The 7th grade scholars in Hornet Nation are learning about the Power of Language. Module 3 cultivates students’ abilities to analyze the logic and validity of arguments; to consider the perspectives of differing sources; to hold thoughtful, respectful discussions with others holding conflicting points of view; and to recognize language’s potential for both inspiration and manipulation. The texts compel a deep examination of rhetorical and propaganda techniques and appeals to logos, pathos, and ethos. Through this study, students learn to identify these techniques when they encounter them and to employ appropriate and logical reasoning in their own compelling arguments. Ultimately, students build an understanding of the need to develop the critical reading and thinking skills that will enable them to recognize when others attempt to persuade or manipulate them with language.

8th Grade:

The 8th graders are exploring the themes of “What is Love” is it destined by “agency or fate”, this module challenges the idea that love is a strictly emotional and personal experience, removed from social attitudes, scientific definition, and forces beyond an individual’s control. This study doesn’t negate the personal importance of falling in love or being crushed from heartache; rather, it situates those experiences in larger contexts to ask about the motivations for love and whether or not we have the freedom to choose whom we love, or even understand what love is. The module’s questions compel students to combine intellectual and creative thinking, as they gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of love. They come to discover that love has never been simple or static but nonetheless remains a powerful force in our lives. The meaning of love is the perfect topic to introduce students to argument writing and claim making, which they practice in written and oral formats.

6th Grade: Russia & The Republics- Russia is a massive country expanding through Europe and Asia, we take a look at the climate, geography, culture, economy, and populations of the different regions to create awareness and mindfulness of how we influence these countries and how these countries influence us.

7th Grade: Early statehood, Texas is a great state - in order for Texas to become a state there were many adversities and challenges we had to overcome. Your students are learning about the wars, disputes, and treaties made with other countries so Texas could be the 28th state to enter the union.

8th Grade: Industrialization, how the technology of the 18th and 19th centuries impacted the way we communicate, travel, and improved agriculture to urbanize the nation and advance us forward.

General History Reminders:

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 17

Holocaust Remembrance Week: January 24-28

Virtual Storytelling for Families:

Join us for some storytelling and literacy fun! Please register here:

Virtual Storytelling Time/ La hora del cuento virtual/Thời gian kể chuyện ảo (google.com)

Join us for information and updates on important topics for your students such as Home Access Center, TELPAS, and Problem Solving!

Click here to visit the English website.

Haga click aquí para visitar el sitio web en español.

January 10:

Reading Academy: Biliteracy in Aldine/ Academia de Lectura: Leer y Escribir en Aldine

January 13:

HAC Support Session

January 14:

TELPAS: What is it? How to help at home?

January 18:

De Pelchin- Problem Solving/ Resolución de Problemas

January 19:

Well Being: The Power of Intentions/ Mi Camino al Bienestar

Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren? You are not alone. Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren provide resources and support groups in the Houston area.

Anyone wanting to join can go to www.txgrg.com.

Click here to see brochure.

Haga click aquí para ver el folleto en español.

Website: https://hoffmanms.aldineisd.org/
Location: 6101 West Little York Road, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713-613-7670
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoffmanMSAISD/
Twitter: @HoffmanMS_AISD