Team 83 Newsletter
November
As November closed, our school wrapped up Trimester One and reflected on all the hard work students have put in. This is a great time for everyone to check their progress, celebrate accomplishments, and set new goals for the months ahead. Teachers are proud of the effort and growth they’ve seen in the classroom, whether through projects, discussions, or everyday learning. Students have also been busy building friendships, supporting one another, and contributing to a positive school community. We’re excited to head into the next trimester with fresh energy and even more opportunities to learn and succeed together.
Upcoming Events:
- December 23: Early Release
- December 24-January 2: Holiday Break
Abigaela Timircan
Team 83
Ms. Chismer
Civics
Mrs. Kostecki
ELA
Ms. Kocal
Inclusion
Mrs. Hurley
Math
Mr. Dearborn
Science
What have students been learning in Civics class?
What is coming up next in class?
In Unit 3, students will explore the creation of the U.S. Constitution, the separation and balance of powers across our three branches of government and federalism. We consider what powers the presidency has as written in the Constitution, and if and how this power has changed over time. Students will examine historical and contemporary moments when different presidential powers have been applied, and moments when they have been checked by the other branches of government.
Reminders or helpful hints for families and students?
Conversation ideas for parents and guardians:
What kinds of powers does the president have?
Do you think it is too much, or just the right amount?
Can you think of a situation in which there are power structures that don’t work?
What have students been learning in ELA class?
Students have been hard at work crafting their own suspense stories in class, using vivid details and creative twists to keep readers on edge. From the first draft of brainstorming to the revision and final editing stages, students experimented with pacing, clues, and cliff-hangers to build tension. Many also collaborated with classmates to share feedback and strengthen their plot ideas. The excitement in the classroom has been clear as students brought their imaginative, suspense-filled tales to life.
Below and to the right are examples of the book covers that students created in Canva for their suspense stories!
What is coming up next in class?
This unit focuses on the following questions:
1. Why do we take chances when the risk of failure is so high?
2. How does a discriminated person get power and survive without violence?
"The Vanishing Island" by Anya Groner
"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave"
"Let There Be Lights to Save Lions"
Reminders or helpful hints for families and students?
Check PowerSchool regularly for updates
Reading at home is always encouraged! Check out Sora for free online books and audiobooks: Click here for Sora
What have students been learning in Inclusion class?
Inclusion classes include English Language Arts (ELA) and Math:
ELA: We are continuing our unit from StudySync, “Everyone Loves a Mystery. “ Students are actively reading, making annotations, answering questions and digging deeper into each text that is read.
Math: Students are strengthening math skills as well as working on grade level math concepts.
What is coming up next in class?
ELA: In January, we will begin a new unit in StudySync, “No Risk, No Reward.”
Math: In January, we will begin “Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides.”
Reminders or helpful hints for families and students?
MATH: Students can work on “First in Math” at home daily to build their math skills.
What have students been learning in Math class?
Students began our unit with reviewing one and two-step equations from last year and have recently been working on solving more complex multi-step equations. This is just a reminder that students must show all of their work when they are solving equations. We have gone over the process of showing work for equations during each class.
What is coming up next in class?
Reminders or helpful hints for families and students?
What have students been learning in Science class?
Students have been investigating how and why hail storms occur. We have investigated and measured how temperature, humidity, and solar energy are related to creating storm clouds. We modeled how the particles of water and air interact to create clouds. We have also been tracking the daily weather patterns since the start of the year and got our first snow measurements! While I was out for surgery, students completed a mini-unit on Climate which gave students their first grades for Term 2. We played Dangerous Dan to review for the Climate Test!
What is coming up next in class?
December will see us finish our unit on weather by investigating how clouds form precipitation in general and hail in particular. In January, we will begin our unit on body systems with a case study of a student, M’Kenna, who is having digestive problems.
Reminders or helpful hints for families and students?
- If you miss a day, be sure to get the worksheets from the bin or make a copy of any notes from a peer’s notebook.
- Participate in class each day. Even if you are wrong, you still get credit for engagement.