MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER         
Mr. McGrath - Language Arts
Mrs. Holahan - Science & Religion
Mrs. Keenan  - Math & Social Studies                                                 FALL 2011

Language Arts

     The middle school literature this semester is focused on the short story. The sixth, seventh, and eighth grades are reading selected short stories that are mostly fiction. They are learning and reviewing literary terms such as plot, characterization, setting, conflict, climax, resolution, and theme. They are also working on comparisons, contrasts, and predictions.

     English classes are studying sentence structure and selected parts of speech. They are also practicing proofreading and editing to enhance their writing skills. Some of the 7th and 8th grade students will be submitting writing and artwork for the Boston Globe Art and Writing Alliance Contest this December. The 8th grade will also be writing a drama presentation based on Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” during October.

     The middle school students will also be doing some research and writing as part of their inter-curriculum project on the Blackstone River.

Religion 

     Sixth grade has begun their study of the Old Testament after a quick review of basic Bible skills.  Seventh grade is studying New Testament and Church liturgy.  Grade eight is well into their study of Church history.  In fact, grade eight is currently engaged in a debate dealing with the same topic as the Council of Jerusalem in 49 A.D.  All three grades are finishing up Peace posters for the annual Lions Club Peace Poster contest.  We discussed this year’s theme in Religion class “Children Know Peace” and they began drawing in Art Class with Mrs. Richard.  We are looking forward to some beautiful winning posters this year!

Science

     Science classes in all three grades are centered on studies of the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and living organisms.  Interest was piqued in part due to Hurricane Irene but we are also preparing in grades seven and eight to begin our Blackstone River research work.  Donna Williams from Mass Audubon will be in for a presentation on watersheds, the official start of the Blackstone Unit in Science.  Stay tuned for more on our river studies in grades seven and eight.  As a combined religion/science community service project I have invited all three grades to the 5th Annual Blackstone River Cleanup on Sunday, October 23rd from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at various locations throughout the Blackstone Valley.  I will put the flyer on our school website for your information but I will also discuss details in class again.

     Study group will be held on Thursdays from 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in grade 7 with Mrs. Holahan.  Snacks and drinks are always very welcome if you wish to sign up!

Social Studies

     In sixth grade we continue to study ancient history.  Soon we will be learning to write our names in ancient writing. Seventh grade is learning about the first Americans (from 27,000 years ago), and we will be reading about the first explorers and settlements in North America. In eighth grade we will be doing a quick (review) study of the Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary War before learning about the Constitution and the founding fathers of our country.

Math

    In grade 6 math we are adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with decimals. Soon we will be solving algebraic expressions with all four of these expressions.  In

Grade 7 we have worked with integers - adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing (the students must study all these rules), coordinate planes, and solving equations.  We will also begin solving inequalities and working with rational numbers.  The eighth graders have worked with rational numbers and all the operations with these numbers (again, students must study all of these rules). We are now working with real numbers and doing scientific notation (with multiplying and dividing), squares and square roots, and the Pythagorean Theorem. We will also be solving one, two, and multi-step equations with variables. Remember, you can get additional help online by going to www.progressinmathematics.com (this is also a great way for parents to help the students with anything they might have trouble understanding).

     I am always available for extra-help either before or after school.  I am in my classroom by 7:30 a.m. (this is the best time for me); and when cross-country season is over, I will be available on Tuesdays from 3:15 – 4:00 p.m.