Middle School Minute
February 2 - 6, 2026
Please Join PTA!
If you haven't already, please join the AAA PTA!
📕 ELA 📕
Mz. Estelle
We are switching gears. We have changed the novel we will be studying this nine weeks. Students have chosen to read and write about Refugee by Alan Gratz. As usual, we will be utilizing literary analysis throughout the duration of the study. Some current events and online articles will be paired with our study. Students have been issued their own copy of the novel. The novel should be taken home each night and return with the student each day. Thanks for being prompt and prepared!
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. IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR STUDENTS TO COMPLETE SOME OF THEIR IREADY WORK AS HOMEWORK! THIS IS A CHANGE. PLEASE BE AWARE. In addition, students should be reading something of their choosing.
Ms. Stricklin
Grammar: Test on Monday, February 2, 2026
Subject and Object Pronouns
A pronoun takes the place of a noun. A subject pronoun is used as the subject of a sentence. An object pronoun is used as the direct object of a verb or as the object of a preposition. It is important to use them correctly when speaking and writing.
Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns are pronouns that show ownership (HINT: Do not use apostrophes).
Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns
Reflexive and intensive pronouns are pronouns that end in -self or -selves. They refer back to a noun or another pronoun in the same sentence.
A reflexive pronoun is an object pronoun that refers back to the subject and is important to the meaning of the sentence. If you leave out the reflexive pronoun, the sentence will not be clear.
An intensive pronoun can be used to emphasize, or intensify, a noun or pronoun. If you leave out the intensive pronoun, the sentence will still make sense.
iReady: Students in Regular ELA are required to complete and pass 2 lessons with at least a 67%. Students in Honors ELA are expected to complete and pass 3 lessons with a 67% or better.
Regular iReady Grading - There are three components to the iReady requirements. Here is how I grade iReady Pathway requirements. (No minute requirement)
2/2 - 100
1/2 - 50
0/3 - 0
Honors iReady Grading - There are five components to the iReady requirements. Here is how I grade iReady Pathway requirements. No minute requirement)
3/3 - 100
2/3 - 75
1/3 - 50
0/3 - 0
Membean: Welcome to Membean! Your child is using Membean, an online vocabulary learning system that helps students develop an excitement to know what words mean and how to use them with nuance and precision. Membean is completely personalized with regards to your child’s current level of vocabulary expertise and learning pace. Students must practice three days a week for 10 or 15 minutes in each session.
Regular Membean Grading - 30 Minutes
Minutes Trained is 70% of their grade
Accuracy is 30% of their grade (Students achieving 60% or higher accuracy will get full credit)
Honors Membean Grading - 45 Minutes
Minutes Trained is 60%
Accuracy is 40% (Students achieving 70% or higher accuracy will get full credit)
Ms. Hunter
Please be sure your student is keeping up with membean and iReady. This is a weekly grade. This unit is leading up to an argumentative essay. Please check PowerSchool for any missing assignments.
Ms. Fletcher
Updates coming soon . . .
➕➖ Math ➖➕
Mr. Moore
What We’re Learning in Math Next Week
Next week in math, students will begin working with two-step equations and inequalities, building on the algebra skills we have been practicing throughout January.
Students will learn how to:
Solve two-step equations using inverse operations
Write and solve inequalities to represent real-world situations
Understand how equations and inequalities are similar and different
Check their solutions and explain their reasoning step by step
Students will practice these skills using IXL, i-Ready, and Math Reveal, with guided instruction and small-group support as needed. These concepts are an important foundation for future algebra topics later this year.
📘 Lo que estamos aprendiendo en matemáticas la próxima semana
La próxima semana en matemáticas, los estudiantes comenzarán a trabajar con ecuaciones de dos pasos y desigualdades, basándose en las habilidades de álgebra que hemos practicado durante enero.
Los estudiantes aprenderán a:
Resolver ecuaciones de dos pasos usando operaciones inversas
Escribir y resolver desigualdades para representar situaciones del mundo real
Comprender en qué se parecen y en qué se diferencian las ecuaciones y las desigualdades
Verificar sus respuestas y explicar su razonamiento paso a paso
Los estudiantes practicarán estas habilidades usando IXL, i-Ready y Math Reveal, con instrucción guiada y apoyo en grupos pequeños según sea necesario. Estos conceptos son una base importante para temas de álgebra más avanzados más adelante en el año.
Ms. Whitney
Updates coming soon . . .
Ms. Cuff
🧪 Science 🧪
Mz. Estelle
We continue our study of Earth’s Dynamic Systems. Our overarching question to be answered through investigation is “How do Earth’s dynamic systems change the surface of the Earth?”
In this unit we investigate how earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis, and forces of weathering shape our planet. This coming week we will model volcanic pluming and earth swell as predictors of future eruptions.
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 for January : https://scistarter.org/calendar
Mrs. Thrasher
We are having our test over heredity on Monday February 2nd for A day and Tuesday February 3rd for B day. Study guides were handed out the week of January 12th and students were to fill them out using their notes. Study guide answers and a Blooket review game were posted on Thursday January 29th for A day and Friday January 30th for B day. The information on the study guides are what students need to study to be successful, it is not the exact test.
Superhero projects for A day were due Thursday January 29th and B day are due Tuesday February 3rd (because of the weather day). This is a 100 point test grade. Students had 4 days in class to complete this project. There are 2 parts, one part submitted through Canvas and the other on paper.
After the test, we are going to learn about "Anatomy over Time". Most of the assignments in this unit will be on paper.
Ms. Plummer
📜 Social Studies 📜
Mrs. Hester
- Due to the Weather Day, due dates for the 1920s Radio Broadcast have been extended to Wednesday, February 4 for A day and Friday, February 6 for B day.
- We will be starting Chapter 10: Great Depression on Wednesday, February 4.
Mr. Garner
We will be learning about different types of landforms. We will also start studying the 50 states.
Mr. Hughes
We will take an open- notes quiz on Ancient India on Tuesday and Wednesday. Then we will jump into Ancient China, where students will learn about ancient religions, some cool philosophers, and the Silk Road!
📚Library📚
Meet 7th grader Jerry Bethea! Jerry’s favorite book is The Investigators: All Tide Up by John Patrick Green. He recommends this book to peers who enjoy comical, action-packed stories and is excited to continue reading more books in The Investigators series. Our library is full of graphic novels and engaging reads. Stop by to check out books, take your AR test, and earn reading rewards along the way!
New Titles Coming Soon!
Be on the lookout for:
-The Climbing by Jasmine Warga
-The Lion’s Run by Sara Pennypacker
Perfect picks for students ready to explore something new!
Suggested Family Reading Activity
Families can read together at home by picking a graphic novel or chapter book. Read a few pages each night and discuss favorite scenes, characters, or funny moments. This sparks meaningful conversations and strengthens a love of reading.
Library Shout-Out
A big congratulations to Ms. Hunter’s Second Block class for behaving well and working diligently during library time! Keep up the great work!
Upcoming Event: Annual Literacy Night
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Join us for a Book Fair, food trucks, and a variety of fun, reading-related activities for the whole family. Celebrate literacy, explore new books, and enjoy an evening together as a school community. We hope to see you there!
🎭 Fine Arts 🎭
🤡 Clowns - Ms. Stricklin 🤡
https://www.whyaaa.org/ms-stars--clowns.html
We have started our competition pieces, please avoid checking out of my class if at all possible. The front office calls for someone to check out at least 5-6 times during my class. It is disruptive, and we lose focus. This causes us to lose valuable rehearsal time. I know that sometimes, it cannot be helped. I do understand that.
Join the Remind: https://www.remind.com/join/aaa2526
If you missed the Music Competition Parent meeting. Check the website for more information https://www.whyaaa.org/ms-stars--clowns.html
🤩 Stars - Ms. Stricklin 🤩
https://www.whyaaa.org/ms-stars--clowns.html
We have started our competition pieces, please avoid checking out of my class if at all possible. The front office calls for someone to check out at least 5-6 times during my class. It is disruptive, and we lose focus. This causes us to lose valuable rehearsal time. I know that sometimes, it cannot be helped. I do understand that.
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
✍🏻 Creative Writing - Mrs. Hester ✍🏻
- Imagery and Hyperbole - Past Due
- Limericks & Haikus - Due February 6
We will be welcoming a guest Poet on Wednesday, February 18 (4B) and Thursday, February 19 (3A & 5A), our very own Mr. Jones!
🧰 Theatre Tech - Mr. Stricklin 🧰
6th grade is learning how to use a drill.
🎭 Theatre - Mr. Feemster 🎭
Our Thespian Production class is diligently preparing for the upcoming festival on February 14. Students are focusing on perfecting their one-act play and refining their Individual Events. This is an excellent opportunity for them to showcase their talents and hard work in a competitive environment. Keep up the great dedication as we approach the festival!
## Theatre 1
Theatre 1 students are wrapping up their Shakespeare Unit with _The Comedy of Errors_. They have been exploring the comedic elements and rich language of Shakespeare's work. Our unit will culminate with performances of selected scenes on February 2 and 3. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding and interpretation of Shakespearean comedy.
## Intro to Theatre
In Intro to Theatre, we have just embarked on an exciting new unit: "Page to Stage" with _The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales_. Students will read the script as a whole group and engage in discussions to deepen their understanding. At the end of the unit, they will perform a scene from the script, allowing them to bring these humorous tales to life on stage.
## Important Reminder
Don't forget to purchase your _67 Cinderellas_ and TECH CREW shirts as soon as possible at WhyAAA.org/MS-Theatre. Show your school spirit and support our theatre program by wearing these shirts with pride!
Honor Society Inductions are MONDAY, FEB 2 at 9:30am.
We are looking forward to seeing all the wonderful performances and continued dedication from our students. Keep up the fantastic work as we move closer to these exciting events!
💃Dance - Ms. Fuqua 💃
This week, students prepared for their auditions for Moana’s Adventures. They practiced proper dance audition etiquette, focusing on confidence, focus, and following directions. Students also learned about African American dancers and musical artists by researching their background, writing three interesting facts, and creating a thoughtful illustration to go along with their work.
🎻Strings - Mrs. Peck🎻
Spring Concert (bands, choirs, strings, full orchestra) Tuesday, May 5th 6:30.
Students should be PRACTICING AT HOME with parent monitoring at least 2 hours per week-it impacts their daily class grade when they are independtly contributing due to preparation.
Kind Thanks, Our Best Always-Mary Peck-AAA 4th-8th Magnet Strings
🎵 Band and Choir - Mr. Snodgrass 🎤
Arts yearbook group pictures went well on January 7th. Sometimes in the near future, we will take individual band and choir pictures for you to purchase.
Parents, please join TalkingPoints if you haven't already. If your child is in two groups, you have to join the two groups. This is the way I communicate with parents. The codes are as follows:
AAA Concert Choir: Text to the number (480) 841-0253 and in the message type 962099 and hit send and follow directions.
AAA Beginning Band: Text to the number (239) 301-5241 and in the message type 953497 and hit send and follow directions.
AAA Advanced Band: Text to the number (406) 325-0895 and in the message type 769341 and hit send and follow directions.
Beginning and Advanced Band: Practice sheets will be a part of your child's grade this semester. They will bring home a practice sheet for the week, circle the days they practiced, and you will sign it. Here are the practice sheets date for January:
January 6-9
January 12-16
January 20-23
January 26-30
🎨Art - Mrs. Jackson 🎨
Media Arts students have embarked on an exciting journey of creating armatures and clay figures for their Stop-Motion Animation projects. This provides them with hands-on experience in critical areas such as chroma key techniques, post-production editing, stop-motion animation, storyboarding, and understanding frame rates. These foundational skills are essential for producing high-quality animations and will significantly enhance their ability to convey stories through this unique medium. We look forward to witnessing the innovative animations that will result from their diligent efforts and creativity.
6th Grade Updates
Please review the 6th Grade Behavior Essentials