NOVEMBER
11/19 Vision Screening through Social Studies classes
11/19 HOME Football vs Butner Stem 5:30 pm *8th Grade Recognition Night
11/20 MATH GRADE 6 & 7 NC CHECK-IN #1 (testing schedule)
11/27 - 11/29 THANKSGIVING NO SCHOOL
DECEMBER
12/4 MATH I CHECK-IN #1
12/4 HOME Wrestling Match
12/9-13 GRADE ALERT EMAILS GO OUT THIS WEEK
12/10 MATH GRADE 8 CHECK-IN #1
12/10 WINTER CELEBRATION (BAND CONCERT, ART & DRAMA SHOW) COME AND CELEBRATE!!
12/11 HOME Basketball (boys & girls play on the same dates) vs Terrell Lane MS 4:30 pm
12/11 AWAY Wrestling Match @ Terrell Lane MS 4:30 pm
12/12 EARLY RELEASE - STUDENTS LEAVE AT 12:30 PM
12/17 AWAY Basketball @ Bunn MS 4:30 pm
12/17 AWAY Wrestling Match @ Wake Prep MS 5:00 pm
12/19 AWAY Basketball @ Cedar Creek MS 4:30 pm
12/21-1/5 HOLIDAY BREAK - ENJOY YOUR VACATION!
JANUARY
1/6 WELCOME BACK - FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
1/7 Exact Path Diagnostic Testing for READING
1/7 HOME Basketball vs Wake Prep MS 4:30 pm
1/9 Exact Path Diagnostic Testing for MATH
1/9 HOME Basketball vs Bunn MS 4:30 pm
1/9 AWAY Wrestling Match @ Bunn MS 4:30 pm
1/14 READING CHECK-IN #2 GRADES 6-8 (testing schedule)
1/14 HOME Basketball vs Hawley MS 4:30 pm
1/15 HOME Wrestling Match 4:30 pm
1/17 END OF SECOND QUARTER & END OF SEMESTER ONE (Athletic Eligibility will be checked)
1/20 NO SCHOOL
1/21 NO SCHOOL
1/22 AWAY Wrestling Match @ Hawley MS 4:30 pm
1/23 AWAY Basketball @ Vance MS 4:30 pm
1/27 REPORT CARD PICK-UP IN CAFETERIA 3:30-4:30 PM
1/28 Report cards sent home if not picked up on 1/27
1/28 AWAY Basketball @ N. Granville MS 4:30 pm
1/29 HOME Basketball vs Cedar Creek MS 4:30 pm
1/30 SCIENCE 8 CHECK-IN #2
1/30 HOME Wrestling Match 4:30 pm
FEBRUARY
2/3-2/7 School Counselor Appreciation Week
2/4 AWAY @ Butner Stem MS 4:30 pm
2/13 EARLY RELEASE - STUDENTS LEAVE AT 12:30 PM
2/14 NO SCHOOL - HAPPY VALENTINES DAY
2/17 Random Kindness Day :) Be kind to someone for no reason!
2/18 MATH GRADE 6-8 CHECK-IN #2
2/19-2/20 ALL COUNTY BAND
2/24-2/28 GRADE ALERT EMAILS GO OUT THIS WEEK
2/24 Dr. Schuhler visiting FMS students for Lunch Buddies
2/26 5TH GRADE VISIT TO FMS TODAY (FES & LOMES)
NC DPI Sports Eligibility Rules
Regardless of the school organization pattern, a student who is promoted from the fifth grade to the sixth grade automatically meets the courses passed requirement for the first semester of the sixth grade.
Regarding academics, DPI states “the student must pass at least one less course than the number of required core courses each semester and meet promotion standards.” That means that you must have a 60% or above in at least three of your core classes.
DPI also states, “if an athlete is academically eligible or academically ineligible at the beginning of any semester, that status is retained through the full semester.”
That means that fall sports and winter sports eligibility is based on the second semester final grades from the previous year (S2).
That also means that when first semester report cards come out in January, athletes in winter sports can become ineligible to play during the season.
Spring sports eligibility is based on first semester final grades (S1).
An athlete becomes eligible or ineligible on the first day of each new semester (the first day of school, and the first day of the second semester (in January).
FMS Annual Food Drive
PARENTS OF 8TH GRADE STUDENTS
Franklin County Early College High School is having an Open House on Wed., November 20th from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Early College is located on the Vance-Granville Community College campus in Louisburg. 8th grade students can apply to Early College for 9th grade next year. It is a program that blends high school with community college and students can earn their high school diploma while earning free college credits, and possibly a two year Associate’s Degree. Please plan to attend this Open House if you and your 8th grade student are interested in applying to early College for next year.
See Student RamPages for a bigger flyer!
đź”…Student Spotlight For Octoberđź”…
Student Spotlight Recognition!
Teachers nominated these students for being kind, considerate, and helpful during the month of October. They were celebrated with recognition, certificates, and treats. Give these students an extra pat on the back for being positive role models for everyone at FMS!
SOCIAL STUDIES with MR. CALDERON:
Lesson Standards
6.G.1 - Understand the geographical factors that influence human migration and settlement.
6.B.1.1 - Explain how religion, tradition, and cultural practice influence the development of civilizations and societies in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
6.C&G.1 - Understand the purpose of government and authority.
6.H.1 - Understand the development of civilizations and societies from various perspectives
Ancient Civilizations Adventure!
Dear Parents,
Here’s what we explored and what lies ahead on our learning path in Social Studies:
🌍 Highlights from earlier This Month:
Kingdom of Kush
We explored the cultural exchange and rivalry between Ancient Egypt and the Kingdom of Kush.
Students worked on comparing art, religion, and daily life between these two great civilizations through a creative "Compare & Contrast" activity.
Phoenicia
We dived into the legacy of Phoenician sea trade and their invention of the alphabet, which shaped communication across cultures.
As part of this topic, students reviewed and learned about their symbols and their invention of purple dye.
🔍 Focus This Week: Ancient India
Our upcoming focus is on the rich history and achievements of Ancient India. Key topics include:
The Indus Valley Civilization – Cities, architecture, and early innovations.
Hinduism and Buddhism – Key beliefs, stories, and cultural impact.
Maurya and Gupta Empires – Golden Age accomplishments.
Activities to Expect:
Students participated in a debate of the merits and challenges of the caste system.
Students will participate in a Yoga activity (not required for students with religious or medical limitations)
MATH with MS. JENKINS:
The first two weeks of the second quarter have been very productive. Our students completed Unit 1 and began preparation for the first Math NC Check-Ins. Math NC Check-Ins for seventh grade are Wednesday, November 20th. Please encourage your students to be well rested and ready to test. We are now working on Unit 2, Reasoning with Rational Numbers. Students have learned the rules of operations for integers and will soon apply this understanding to rational numbers. Unit 2 will require students to recall their knowledge of decimal place value, operations with fractions and mixed numbers as well as percent calculations. After completion of Unit 2 students will be able to solve real-world and mathematical problems involving numerical expressions with rational numbers using the four operations.
Things 2 Remember:
Bring your materials (Chromebooks(charged), notebooks and pencils) to class daily.
Get a good night's rest and come to class prepared to learn.
Believe in yourself, you can do it.
Our students are working hard to master these concepts. Keep up the good work. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at litishajenkins@fcschools.net.
SOCIAL STUDIES with MR. JONES:
Hello Parents and Guardians!
These next two weeks we will explore the Scientific Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment. This will be done using Discovery Ed as well as additional resources. We will also try experimenting with a holistic classroom to show what a rediscovery in education might look like. On Mondays, we will complete “minute math” worksheets and throughout the rest of the weeks we will work on penmanship and study scientists and philosophers from this time in history.
Tomorrow, November 19th, Students will have a vision screening so if they wear contacts or glasses, please ensure that they wear/bring them to school. Thank you for your continued support in making this school year great and reinforcing expectations with your students at home.
SCIENCE with MS. BRACKETT:
Dear Parents,
I hope this message finds you well! Over the next two weeks, our 7th grade science students will be diving into important environmental topics. Specifically, we will be focusing on the following standards:
1. ESS.7.2.2– Students will analyze and interpret data to understand how changes in the structure and composition of the atmosphere affect the greenhouse effect and global temperatures. This will include examining factors that contribute to climate change.
2. ESS.7.2.3– Students will explore the impacts of various environmental hazards on humans, such as air quality, UV index, heat index, wildfires, and storms (hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and floods). They will also discuss strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Additionally, I’m excited to share that on Tuesday, November 12, we had a special visit from Spectrum News meteorologist Lee Ringer. He was very knowledgeable and engaged the students in a fantastic discussion about weather patterns, forecasting, and real-world applications of science in meteorology. The students really enjoyed the conversation and gained valuable insights into the topics we’ll be covering in class.
These lessons are designed to help students better understand the environment and its effects on daily life. They will be analyzing data, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and exploring real-world challenges.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your continued support!
Best regards,
Ms. Brackett
7th Grade Science Teacher
ELA with MS. BAECHLE:
Good evening students and families. We are roughly in the middle of Q2. It remains critical that we remind our students to stay up to date with their work in class and located on Canvas, as well as their grades updated regularly on Powerschool. As a result, we continue to hold them accountable for their work and growth academically.
Growth and Accountability Agreement:
I will complete daily work (assigned in class)
I will finish any work that was not completed in class for homework
I will come to class prepared (work completed and a charged chromebook)
I will not disrupt the learning environment, or others
I will check Canvas daily for updated assignments and due dates
I will check Powerschool regularly for grades and missing assignments
I will always try my best
I will ask for further support from my teacher is I don't understand an assignment
I will maintain a growth mind-set for my academic and personal growth and goals!!
Expectations:
Students are to come to class on time, prepared and ready to work. If they are not following the non-negotiables, they will receive a warning to correct their chosen behavior before they are sent to ALC with a write-up and a parent contact.
Remember that each quarter every student begins with a 100% in their classes. What they decide to do with their grades and achievements are up to them.
Sports and Grades: Please ensure your student is keeping up with their work and on their best behavior. Good grades and exemplifying positive behavior is key to being able to play sports throughout the school year.
New Curriculum: We have begun a new ELA Curriculum this year called: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Literature. The material is scaffolded in a way that is easy to understand while including detailed lessons/units including: anticipatory sets, clear standards, relatable topics, a variety of genres and activities, as well as various reading and writing activities with vocabulary throughout and plenty of application (practice) of content in order to master numerous skill-sets.
Note: A digital copy of the text can be located on students' Classlink (ED with a yellow smiley face app) and include each passage we read in class, as well as several comprehension checks (assignments), and several resources.
Please encourage your students to use this resource at home to compete and classwork that was not finished, or any homework that may be assigned. It is very beneficial for students to not only take accountability for their work, but to practice skills regularly in order to master academic goals.
🎯Target Standards
RI.7.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text …
analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
RI.7.3 Analyze the interaction between individuals, events, and ideas in a text, or
how individuals influence ideas and events.
RL.7.4 Analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds on a specific
verse or stanza of a poem or section or section of a story or drama.
RL.7.1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL7 Compare and Contrast a poem analyzing the effects of techniques used.
🧱 Supporting Standards
L.7.4 Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials.
L.7.5 Demonstrate an understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and word nuances in word meanings.
-figures of speech
-synonym/antonym
-connotation/denotation
✏️Writing Standards
W.7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content
Last Week:
Last week we worked on challenging questions from the first Check-in in the area of Reading for Information by annotating the questions and utilizing the process of elimination strategy (POE) with multiple choice questions. In addition, we analyzed high-level poetry and created an Acrostic poem.
This Week:
This week we are reviewing more questions for the category of Reading for Information (the area of most growth needed from Check-in one), on annotation strategies and responding to text -based questions. Students will be closing out Unit two by creating a Multi-Modal presentation through the creation of several text-based illusions and various examples through multiple tech resources. In the form of a Google slides presentation.
Check-in One Updates:
Growth!! Let’s keep the momentum going :)
Green 55% or higher (meets grade level expectations and expectations for growth) 48 - 54% Yellow (close, though still requires growth) 48% and below Red (needs growth)
Data Talks Took Place Last Week… (Data Talks occur following each Check-in - 3x annually).
I have met with each student individualy to complete the first round of data talks and we are making goals for the mid-year NC Check-In Reading Assessment. Below are the state guidelines for growth and proficiency.
Homework:
Students should expect homework two to three times weekly in order to continue to develop their skill-sets and to see growth. Please ask your child what work they have for homework, or have not completed on a regular basis to help keep them on track. Work is updated regularly for access on Canvas. Grades are also updated weekly and viewable on Powerschool. Students should expect classwork (homework if not completed) in order to maintain an understanding of reading both inside and outside of class on a weekly basis. The application process is so critical to close gaps in comprehension and to apply to later content**
Grades:
Student grades are present (updated regularly) on Canvas, and are now viewable to students and guardians on Powerschool. Students are expected to check their grades on a regular basis and reach out to their teacher for make-up work, or additional time to complete an assignment if they have been absent, as well as, emailing them a reminder once completed. I allow a one week timeframe to make up work before an assignment becomes a zero.
Thank you parents and guardians for your continued support throughout the school year with what promises to be a successful year full of growth and achievements.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further questions or concerns at:
MATH with MS. CUNNINGHAM:
Happy Thanksgiving to our 8th grade families! We are grateful for your support and for the amazing students we get to work with every day. May your holiday be filled with joy, love, and gratitude. Wishing you a holiday filled with warmth, happiness, and cherished moments with loved ones.
All assignments from 2nd quarter (Nov.1st and on) are still open and available to complete. I extended the dates of these assignments already posted on canvas until Tuesday, November 26th. After this date, the current posted assignments will close and will no longer be accepted for a grade, but instead a zero will be entered. Please remind your student that it is best to stay caught up on all assigned work and get all assignments submitted in a timely manner.
At the start of 2nd quarter, I had a conversation with each of my core classes that included the following:
How many of you believe you could have done better in the 1st quarter?
I believe every one of you could have done better than you did. You can make improvements with your behavior, your attitude, your work ethic. I encourage each one of you to set a goal to do better this 2nd quarter with completing assignments ON TIME, turning in work, and studying for every and ALL quizzes and assessments, not only in math, but ALL subjects.
We ended last week by taking the final assessment on Unit 1 (Reasoning about Similarity and Transformations) and the prerequisite for Unit 2a. We began Unit 2a (Reasonings about Equations and Angles) today. In this unit, students will build on their work from grades 6 and 7 with equivalent expressions and equations with one occurrence of one variable, learning algebraic methods to solve linear equations with multiple occurrences of one variable. This review will last for about 8-9 school days (Tuesday after Thanksgiving Break) and then we will be moving right into the 8th grade portion of the unit, which will take us through December and into January.
Standards in this unit:
NC.7.EE.4 Use variables to represent quantities to solve real-world or mathematical problems.
NC.8.EE.7: Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations and inequalities in one variable.
• Recognize linear equations in one variable as having one solution, infinitely many solutions, or no solutions.
• Solve linear equations and inequalities including multi-step equations and inequalities with the same variable on both sides.
NC.W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
The following concepts from previous grades may support students in meeting grade-level standards in this unit:
Applying the distributive property to generate equivalent expressions. (NC.6.EE.3)
Combining like terms to generate equivalent expressions. (NC.6.EE.3, NC.7.EE.1)
Solving problems by writing and solving equations with variables on one side of the equation. (NC.6.EE.7, NC.7.EE.4)
Understanding what it means for a value to be a solution to an equation. (NC.6.EE..5)
Key Vocabulary (for explicit instruction):
Constant term, term, variable, solution, equation, inequalities, one solution, no solution, infinitely solutions, expression, substitute
8th Grade Math Check-ins are scheduled for Tuesday, December 10th.
Many students are coming to school with a dead chromebook. Please have your student charge their device each and every night so it is fully charged and ready to go the next day. It is also best if they bring their charger with them in case their device does need to be recharged throughout the school day.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at michellecunningham@fcschools.net
Michelle Cunningham
8th Grade Math
Data Talks Continue This Week…
I have met with each student individualy to complete the first round of data talks and we are making goals for the mid-year NC Check-In Reading Assessment. Below are the state guidelines for growth and proficiency.
Growth! Growth! Growth!
55% or higher Green (meets grade level expectations and expectations for growth) 48 - 54% Yellow (close and needs growth) 48% and below Red (needs growth)
Growth, Growth, Growth is the ultimate goal!
Next Unit - Unit 3
Learning Objectives:
Cite evidence to support analysis of the plot and summarize.
Analyze how an author uses dialogue to develop characters.
Discuss character relationships and characteristics.
Use context clues to clarify the meaning of unknown words.
Identify subject-verb agreement in complex sentences.
Write a summary of a short story.
Homework!
Independent Vocabulary Study… Ms. Frost’s Word Wall
Academic Vocabulary: Encourage your child to practice independently at home two times + per week.
Go to Quizlet at http://tinyurl.com/FrostEOGWordWall
Click on “Flashcards” and learn new terms
Click on “Learn” and identify correct terms and definitions
Click on “Match” to play the game
Click on “Test” to demonstrate mastery of vocabulary terms
Reminder:
Students are expected to read 30 minutes per night outside the school day in order to meet our Ultimate Reading Goal; Reading Standard 10. Students can access online novels via SORA under the Classlink Icon. The goal is to build background knowledge, vocabulary bank, and stamina to improve comprehension of complex / difficult texts. And, most importantly, building towards picking up a book based on self selected texts of student interest.
NOTE: Unfinished classwork may be assigned for homework.
Please contact me at annafrost@fcschools.net
ART with MS. CLIFTON
Capture 5 photographs that reflect your family heritage.
What is family heritage?
Can refer to practices or characteristics that are passed down through generations.
Generational can be from your parents to you or as far back as great-great-grandparents and beyond.
If your family heritage is unknown, how do you define yourself? What characteristics or features do you think are genetic? What mementos would you pass down if you had children?
How can you reflect your family heritage?
Consider what your family heritage is. Do you know where your family originated? Do you have family heirlooms? Do you have family traditions?
Remember, you will submit 5 photographs which means you need to take many more than 5 to be able to select your best examples.
I am looking forward to seeing the family heritage photos my students will take.
