Middle School Minute

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Mz. Estelle

English: For the second 9 weeks we are conducting a novel study. Our novel is Miles Morales: Spider Man by Jason Reynolds. Students have been assigned their own copy of the novel. We will be practicing literary analysis (something I did in college!!) by reading and dialoging with the text, defining vocabulary in context, and analyzing character.

ELA students are responsible for completing 60 minutes AND two (2) passed lessons (70% or better) each week on iReady. This reading is for a grade. In addition, students should be reading something of their choosing. We will have a Book Talk to complete this nine weeks.

Ms. Stricklin

REGULAR ELA

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis

In Christopher Paul Curtis’s The Mighty Miss Malone, twelve-year-old Deza Malone is a bright student with a promising future. But when the Great Depression hits Gary, Indiana, her family is confronted with many new challenges. Deza’s father leaves town to find work, and when he doesn’t return, Deza, her mother, and her brother go looking for him. They journey across the state by boxcar until they wind up in a “Hooverville” outside of Flint, Michigan.

Close Read: The Mighty Miss Malone - After engaging in a close reading and discussion of “The Mighty Miss Malone,” students will be able to analyze character and how characters respond to change in a short, written response.

Objective: Analyze character responses to change in The Mighty Miss Malone.
Activities:

Vocabulary Instruction: Complete a vocabulary chart and create flashcards.
Reflection: Write in Writer’s Notebooks on the essential question: “What do we do when life gets hard?”
Skills Focus: Discuss and annotate passages for character insights.
Collaborative Conversations: Explore Deza’s reactions in groups and create a short scene based on discussions.
Writing Assignment: Write a narrative response using textual evidence.
Peer Review: Provide feedback on peers’ writing.
Optional Extensions: Connect to an Extended Writing Project or conduct research on the Great Depression.

This lesson encourages critical thinking and deepens understanding of character development and personal challenges.

Grammar Friday: Items in a Series

This week, we are diving into the topic of "Items in a Series," where students will learn how to effectively use punctuation to create clear lists in their writing.We will explore how to use commas to separate simple items in a list, such as in the example: “Please take out the sugar, butter, flour, and eggs.” Additionally, we will discuss the optional use of the Oxford comma for clarity, and when it is appropriate to use semicolons for more complex items, such as listing cities and states.By the end of the week, your child will be equipped to enhance their writing with proper punctuation, making their lists more organized and easier to read.

iREADY: Students in Regular ELA are required to complete 50 minutes and pass 2 lessons with at least a 67%.

iReady Grading - There are three components to the iReady requirements. Here is how I grade iReady Pathway requirements.

3/3 - 100
2/3 - 75
1/3 - 50
0/3 - 0

HONORS ELA

Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang

In her memoir, Red Scarf Girl, Ji-Li Jiang recounts how hard it is to grow up dedicated to the Communist Party.

Skill: Personal Response - After rereading and discussing a model of close reading, students will understand how to write a personal response to literary or informational texts drawing on evidence from the text to support analysis and reflection.

Comprehension - n. the ability to understand something
Literary nonfiction - n. a writing genre in which authors use fiction techniques, such as sensory language and dialogue, in nonfiction texts
Personal response prompt - n. a writing prompt that asks you to express your thoughts and opinions about a topic or issue raised in a text
Reflection - n. an author’s thoughts about events in the narrative
Textual evidence - details from the text that a reader can use to support his or her ideas and opinions about the text

Independent Read: Red Scarf Girl - After reading Red Scarf Girl, students will write a short response that demonstrates their understanding of and connection to the text.

Critical - adj. expressing disapproval
Expose - v. to make known or apparent, especially to the attention of someone; to reveal
Revolutionary - adj. relating to or involving a radical change, sometimes political or social
Severe - adj. strict or serious; harsh
Testify - v. to state or affirm something under oath, usually in a formal setting such as a court

Grammar Friday: Items in a Series

This week, we are diving into the topic of "Items in a Series," where students will learn how to effectively use punctuation to create clear lists in their writing.We will explore how to use commas to separate simple items in a list, such as in the example: “Please take out the sugar, butter, flour, and eggs.” Additionally, we will discuss the optional use of the Oxford comma for clarity, and when it is appropriate to use semicolons for more complex items, such as listing cities and states.By the end of the week, your child will be equipped to enhance their writing with proper punctuation, making their lists more organized and easier to read.

iREADY: Students in Honors ELA are expected to complete 60 minutes and pass 2 lessons with a 67% or better.

iReady Grading - There are three components to the iReady requirements. Here is how I grade iReady Pathway requirements.

3/3 - 100
2/3 - 75
1/3 - 50
0/3 - 0

Ms. Hunter

All students will need a charged laptop to complete peer editing for the theme essays next week. Remember to try your best on the ELA ACAP practice on Monday and Tuesday.

Ms. Fletcher

Students will work on citing evidence from informational text.

Mr. Moore

Next week in math, we’ll be exploring the Distributive Property — how multiplication can be used to simplify expressions and make math more efficient. Students will use models, visuals, and real-world examples to see how this property works. Assignments will be in ALEKS, and there will be a test on Thursday.

Ms. Whitney

Dear Families,

This week in 7th Grade Math, we are continuing our work with **integers** and beginning the transition into operations with **rational numbers**. Students will start by comparing and adding rational numbers as we prepare for applying **all four operations** with positive and negative fractions and decimals.

Our **7th Grade Accelerated Math** students are deepening their understanding of **scale factor** and **dilations**. These concepts are critical in preparing students for more advanced work in proportional reasoning and coordinate geometry. Students are building confidence in **reproducing scale drawings** and applying geometric reasoning to solve problems.

Looking ahead, our next topic will introduce **slope** and **linear equations**, which will allow students to explore the relationships between quantities in a new way.

Thank you for your continued support!

Warmly,

Twannette Whitney

Ms. Cuff

Greetings students and AAA family, Each week in math, we will continue working on refreshing previously learned skills and standards to remediate weak areas and achieve mastery for all students. These reviews will be included in the lesson as well as bell work, before strategies, cooperative learning and partner work. Next week we will continue with review on Solving Various Equations. The students will also be working with linear and nonlinear functions. Each student must complete 2 iReady math pathway lessons each week. This will be worked on in and out of school (homework). Have an amazing week. :-)

Mz. Estelle

For my 3A, 4A, 5A, 3B, & 4B classes, our trip to UAH/DETECTS Open House was a grand success! Students did a fine job presenting their learning. Winners for each category will be announced soon. Winning teams will earn 5 House points!

We continue with studying Weather and Climate. Since we have wrapped up our weather balloon project, we will be returning to use of AMSTI investigations to further our understanding of weather and climate. Please know that our hands-on investigations can only be completed in class. It is EXTREMELY important to be IN CLASS and ON TIME.

In science, we are using our online textbook as only a limited number of printed copies were supplied with our AMSTI kits. The textbook is available at Carolina Science Online. Username is: Estelle Student; password is: password123.

Not required but fun: SciStarter’s Citizen Science October activities: https://scistarter.org/calendar

Please know that in my class, I will be starting to assign silent lunch for students who come to class without charged computers. It is the expectation that students come to class prepared. Please make a designated spot in your house to prepare school materials.

Mrs. Thrasher

Students will have a test over levels of organization, nervous and musculoskeletal systems on Wednesday October 29th (A day) and Thursday October 30th (B day). Student were given a study guide Friday October 17th (A day) and Monday October 20th (B day). Students were also given a study Blooket (you do not need to sign up to use the Blooket) on Thursday October 23rd (A day) and Friday October 24th (B day). After the test, we are going to learn about 3 more body systems- Circulatory, Respiratory and Digestive Systems.

Ms. Plummer

This week we will continue our study dealing with physical and chemical properties of matter. We will also begin looking at chemical equations, compounds, chemical bonding ( learning how to count atoms and balance chemical equations in all Physical Science classes). Please make sure that your student comes to class prepared to work individually and collaboratively.

Mrs. Hester

Chapter 6 - Progressive Era TEST: Tuesday, October 28 (B) Wednesday, October 29 (A) Study on socrative.com - Room name: HESTER *2B may need to take their test on Thursday due to ACAP practice testing.

Mr. Garner

Please make sure your students are bringing their Chromebook and their charger to class. This week, we will be continuing our lesson on the legal system.

Mr. Hughes

We will continue our study of Ancient Egypt and will discuss Egyptian achievements, Egyptian government, and we will have a mini- project on mummification. Homework will be assigned and will be due next week (see Canvas)

🤡 Clowns - Ms. Stricklin 🤡

Join the Remind: https://www.remind.com/join/aaa2526

The second costume parade is November 13 and 14. There will be a Signup Genius sent in the Remind.

If you missed the Music Competition Parent meeting. Check the website for more information https://www.whyaaa.org/ms-stars--clowns.html

Please continue to bring in caboodle checklist items.

Rental/Fabrication Forms were sent home two weeks ago with students. I need to know whether you plan to rent or make your costume. If you plan to rent, you can pay the $20 rental fee in cash, checks made payable to AAA, or on myschoolfees.com.

Makeup Design Class: Has been postponed until the makeup comes in.

🤩 Stars - Ms. Stricklin 🤩

Join the Remind: https://www.remind.com/join/aaastar84

If you missed the Music Competition Parent meeting. Check the website for more information https://www.whyaaa.org/ms-stars--clowns.html

Please continue to bring in checklist items.

Rental Forms and Contracts were sent home with students that have not turned in theirs. Please, sign and return. Make sure you have paid your rental fee. You can pay the $20 rental fee in cash, checks made payable to AAA, or on myschoolfees.com.

✍🏻 Creative Writing - Mrs. Hester ✍🏻

-We have started some making comics activities in class. Most genre study assignments will be on paper this quarter. - A&M Poets will be back on Tuesday, October 28 (B) and Wednesday, October 29 (A).

🧰 Theatre Tech - Mr. Stricklin 🧰

We are currently working on Scenic Design. The kids are drafting designs for the stage, elevation view and floor plans.ly.

🎭 Theatre - Mr. Feemster 🎭

Theatre 1

This week in Theatre 1, it's all about performances! Students have divided into small groups and selected scenes from Skid Marks: A Play About Driving that we explored last week. The focus is now on memorizing these scenes and bringing them to life through performance in our next class. This exercise is designed to enhance their understanding of character development and thematic expression, as well as to hone their acting skills.

Intro to Theatre

In Intro to Theatre, we're taking the stories from The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales to the stage! Students are working in small groups to memorize and perform selected scenes. This hands-on approach not only fosters creativity and teamwork but also builds confidence as they prepare to showcase their interpretations of these humorous and unique tales.

Upcoming Performances

Willy Wonka Jr. Our big musical of the year, Willy Wonka Jr., is fast approaching! Make sure to grab your tickets at WhyAAA.org for the performances from November 7-9. Join us for an enchanting experience full of whimsy and wonder!

Thespian Troupe 89345

The Thespian troupe is eagerly preparing for their one-act presentation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 24, at 7 PM in the Auditorium. This performance will be a thrilling follow-up to our Trunk or Treat event, promising an evening filled with spooky delights and theatrical magic.

Sneak Peeks

Don't miss our sneak peeks of Willy Wonka Jr.! We'll be performing at AAA's Trunk or Treat event on October 24. We hope to see you there to support our talented students as they bring these magical moments to life!

💃Dance - Ms. Fuqua 💃

This week, we're reviewing student choreography pieces and going over dances for our upcoming dance showcase "Soul Train: The New Edition". I'll be giving students new formations and also go over performance needs.

🎻Strings - Mrs. Peck🎻

Hello AAA Magnet Middle Strings! We've completed all of our casual popcorn and playing parties after school for this month! A NEW CONCERT HAS BEEN ADDED-Mrs. Whitney is heading up a 'Veterans Concert/Show' and so the 8th grade strings of Sapphires will play their 'America'-cello soloist leading will be Ethan Lee. And we will have all A & B block 7th graders play 'Marine's Hymn' The show is Wednesday, November 12th which is the SAME DAY WE HAVE OUR MANDATORY after school rehearsal November 12th and perform Novebmer 13th all three Harvest Fall Concerts. Wear WHITE SHIRTS and black pants for all events in performance. October 23 and 24 we are taking our OPEN SHEET MUSIC test quizzes for a grade on the newest piece called 'Oriental'

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2025 2026 Strings Calendar FIRST SEMESTER - Mary Peck

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🎵 Band and Choir - Mr. Snodgrass 🎤

Choir:

The Huntsville All-City Choral Festival will take place on Tuesday October 28th at Trinity United Methodist Church on Airport Road. We have 23 students who will represent AAA at this annual choral festival. The middle school concert will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the high school concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Alabama All-State auditions will be held at the Mayfair Church of Christ on Thursday October 30, 2025. We have 17 students who will be auditioning. The students that are chosen will represent AAA on March 12-13, 2026 at the Alabama All-State Festival on the campus of Samford University in Birmingham, AL.

Band:

Practice sheets will go home on Monday. Please encourage your child to practice.

🎨Art - Mrs. Jackson 🎨

Congratulations to Meredith Almaguer Garcia for being one of 12 students chosen from all over Huntsville and Madison to have artwork featured at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens Galaxy of Lights! We are so proud of her and cannot wait to see her artwork on display! Lee Visual Art's Magnet Program will be visiting AAA on Oct. 3rd! This is a fantastic opportunity for 8th grade students who are interested in the Magnet Visual Arts Pathway to engage with and ask questions to the Visual Arts Teachers at Lee. Spots are limited- please encourage your 8th grader to sign-up ASAP! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DA5A928ABFEC34-58809416-leevisit More Art Contest Opportunities: Please visit www.whyaaa.org/ms-art to see new contest opportunities for your student to submit entries to!

Art students who are interested in signing up for National Junior Art Honors Society! Please fill out an application on the www.whyaaa.org/ms-art website. Deadline to apply is October 31st!

My Amazon Wishlist:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2K9OTEY7SRJGD?ref_=wl_share