Cluster 1 Newsletter

February 17, 2023

Hello Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers!

Hope you all have a terrific break!

English Language Arts Update

WHAT UP! In ELA, students have been reading the novel “Refugee” by Alan Gratz. We have been focusing on characters, conflicts, and settings in the book so far. The novel weaves together narratives of three young people, all refugees living during different time periods and circumstances. Josef is a Jewish boy living in Nazi Germany, Isabel is a young girl living under Fidel Castro’s rule in Cuba in the 1990s, and Mahmoud is a boy living in modern day Syra fleeing from the Syrian Civil War. Students are highly engaged in this novel and have been asking great questions about the themes and situations that come up throughout the book. We have also been learning new vocabulary words, figurative language, and the ways in which an author develops a character. Please ask your child what they think of the book so far and who their favorite character is so far!
-Mr. A

Math Update

Hello folks! We have recently wrapped up our Dividing Fractions unit. This week we calculated the area of a rectangle whose lengths were fractions. Then we used division and multiplication to solve problems involving areas of rectangles with fractional side lengths. We also solved area puzzles too! Lastly, we calculated the volume of a rectangular prism with fractional edge lengths by calculating the area of the base and multiplying by the height. After our February break, we will be starting Unit 5 on Decimal Arithmetic.

To stay in tune with our work in Unit 5, please check out the Unit 5 Family Resource.

Science Update

The “Cell Museum“ had its debut this week! On display were colorful cell organelle models as well as informational flyers both created by students. Through this project, students were able to practice the Science and Engineering Practices including: “obtaining, evaluating and communicating information” as well as “developing and using models.” Students in grades 7 and 8 had the opportunity to visit the exhibit as well. Congratulations! Check out our instagram for pictures!

After break we will be be working with microscopes! We can’t wait to see what we discover!

Social Studies Update

This week we started our new unit on Ancient Egypt! We introduced our new vocabulary words, and began our study of Ancient Egyptian geography and its effects on settlement. When we get back from vacation we will begin learning about Egyptian daily life and the social pyramid.