Middle School: Fun Friday!

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

With the changing elements of Middle School this year, one that we haven’t highlighted yet is Fun Friday. With cohorts, it became a challenge to figure out how to run elective period that used to take place during one of the afternoon periods about once a week. Fun Friday is a time that the MS teachers designed to incorporate community among middle school students, while still remaining in cohorts, and having a fun activity unrelated to academics.

The activities planned for Fun Fridays have varied. The first week, students played Pictionary and Charades with topics that were designed uniquely for the Middle School. The second Friday, students relaxed and completed beautiful leaf rubs. The 3rd through 6th Fridays, students participated in an egg drop. The object was to design and build a vessel that could keep a raw egg intact once dropped from the roof of the school using only the materials provided in their materials bag: paper bag, plastic bag, rubber bands, pipe cleaners, empty paper towel tube, balloon, ribbon, bubble wrap, cardboard, popsicle sticks, and tape. Students designed during the first week, built during weeks two and three, and then dropped on the fourth Friday of the project.

All have looked forward to being outside together, but separately, during our Fun Friday activities. We look forward to our future Friday afternoons together!

Middle School: Week in Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Happy Friday! Thank you to parents who joined us for Curriculum Night this week! It is an exciting night for us to give you a glimpse into our upcoming year teaching your children.

Science

6th year Earth Science students have finished creating their representations of fossils in both plaster and amber. The next unit they will begin is titled, Earth’s Structures. By the end of this unit, students will be able to describe what plate tectonics are and that they have shaped and continue to shape our planet.

7th year Physical Science students are currently studying the unit Characteristic Properties of Matter. To start the unit, students are conducting experiments which highlight the characteristic physical properties of such items as wooden spheres and metal cubes. They test the density, malleability, hardness, and electrical conductivity. 

8th year Life Science students have continued to research their topic and fact check the opposing side’s warrants in preparation for their debate about stem cells. Students have done an excellent job collaborating with one another while taking ownership of their personal responsibility. 
Math
This week, all math classes started working through Chapter 2 of The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project Textbooks. In each class, students discussed the importance of staying organized as they move onto the next series of lessons. Students are encouraged to keep their graded worksheets in an appropriate section of their binder or store them in a safe place at home. The following is a summary of what each class accomplished this week.
In Pre-Transition class, students were able to identify place values in a decimal number and compare decimals using inequality symbols. Students can draw and measure lengths in the metric system, as well as round any decimal to the indicated degree of accuracy.
In Transition class, students were able to give an instance of a pattern described with variables. Students are learning how to evaluate an algebraic expression when given a value to substitute in. This class has also become comfortable with representing a relationship between two variables using a table.
In Algebra class, students were able to practice using the distributive property to simplify algebraic expressions. This class can now prove equations are equivalent by using graphing technology and solving by hand. These students have started to learn about the multiplication property of zeros and the importance of opposite values.
In Geometry class, students were able to distinguish between convex and non-convex shapes. This class can interpret a Venn diagram, write true conditional statements, and can apply properties of conditionals to real world situations.
Mathy Joke for Mathy Folks: Why is the obtuse triangle always so frustrated?……Because it’s never right.
Humanities
This week in Humanities classes, all completed vocabulary units. 6th year students also worked on their paraphrasing skills and  spent time learning how form in writing can dictate meaning using poetry by E.E. Cummings to demonstrate. The 7th year Humanities classes now understand the differences between capitalism, socialism, and communism, and what they look/have looked  like in the world. They looked at how the People’s Republic of China was established by Mao Tse-Tung’s takeover of Chiang Kai-shek’s regime. Finally, the 8th years used the book, An Indigenous Peoples’ History this week to read about the time in Europe during the Crusades that brought about the establishment of European cultural ideals which were later brought to the Americas during colonization.
Have a great weekend,
The MS Team

Middle School: Feeling Like Fall

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Happy Friday, everyone! Another busy and beautiful week has gone by. Here is what the Middle School is up to!

**NOTE: The weather is turning cooler, and we still plan to spend just as much time outside! Please ensure your child is dressed for the season!

Math
This week in math class all groups concluded their study of chapter 1.
The Pre-Transition class has been focused on practicing effective study techniques in order to help them stay organized and feel prepared for their first summative assessment. This class learned all about using fractions in the real world, identifying integers, ordering fractions, and converting between mixed and improper fractions. The Transition class has been focused on solving order of operations questions, identifying the base and exponent in a power, and practicing how to write a large value in scientific notation. The Algebra class has been working on describing patterns using variables, evaluating similar expressions through Desmos, and solving absolute value problems that involve substitution. The Geometry class has been learning about graph theory, Euclidean geometry, and the betweenness postulates and theorems.
There is no Tuesday after school help this year. Please encourage students to email Ms. Sutherland in the evenings if they need assistance.
Mathy Joke for Mathy Folks:  Who is in charge of the pencil case? ….The Ruler!
Science
6th year Earth Science students have finished building and designing their fossils made from plaster and resin as part of their unit on fossils. Students made impressions in clay using a variety of objects from home and nature. These impressions resulted in a mold which they later poured plaster in to make a cast. Students were then asked to paint their fossils and create a story, depicting how their fossil was created using terminology introduced from their tech-book.
7th year Physical Science students have been gathering information through a variety of resources which support how the separation and mixture process is a part of our everyday lives. Students conducted a report and presentation on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 and how garbage companies and sewer treatment plants continue to apply methods and techniques of separation.
8th year Physical Science students are beginning to research their side to debate the usage of stem cells. Students will be required to provide a claim, warrant, and impact, supporting their cause on the topic. Upon completion of their research, each side will state their case in the form of a debate.
Humanities
It was a current events week for all! There were many exciting topics and discussions. Mrs. Lamb is proud of all of the mature discussions, especially from the 6th years as they presented their first-ever current events topics.
This week, 6th years continued their exploration into Mexican culture by learning about the value of food (corn as a crucial ingredient and the importance of preparation). They also learned about various art forms, especially from Oaxaca, including textiles, metal work, and Alebrijes (wood carvings). They also learned even more about Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes). With writing, the students worked on identifying main ideas and summarizing nonfiction text. They also wrote their own William Carlos Williams-inspired poetry after reading “The Red Wheelbarrow” and a few of his other poems. They learned that inspiration can come from what is right in front of us.
7th years continued their study of China. This week, students particularly focused on the Qing Dynasty (the last Chinese dynasty to rule). They learned about the Opium Wars, Taiping Rebellion, and the Boxer Rebellion. As they move into the Republic of China and People’s Republic of China, students are learning about the economic systems of Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism. 7th year students also read Pablo Neruda’s “Ode to the Apple” and wrote their own odes to everyday objects. This was especially fun because students wanted to share their poems anonymously and have their classmates guess which was theirs. They were surprised and impressed by each other’s writing styles!
Finally, 8th years began both A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America and An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young Readers. They studied theories of human migration, early American civilizations and nations (Aztecs, Mayans, Olmecs, Mound Builders, Puebloans), and the idea of the master narrative. We discussed what it looks like to be an American and defined appropriation.
We hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Please remind your child to wear something BLUE on Monday, September 21 to recognize and celebrate the International Day of Peace.  Blue is the universal color of peace.

Middle School: Highlight on Advisory

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Happy Friday! This week sure flew by. The Middle School teachers want to give you a snapshot of what middle school advisory looks like on each level. Also, enjoy this week’s photos!

6th Year Advisory: Forming the Middle School Group

The 6th year advisory period consists of building a strong community and trust among one another. In order to achieve this vision of community and trust for the year, students have shared questions and concerns they face throughout their transition into middle school. Discussions consisting of how to balance homework, prioritizing time efficiently, and respecting peers have been covered in Advisory. Mr. Brown makes the students’ transitions into middle school as comforting as possible while promoting their accountability as students, peers, and members of the community.

In addition to using activities in the Responsive Advisory Curriculum, Mr. Brown forms the 6th grade group in creative ways. One example is Student Scrabble. 6th years used a Scrabble board to connect the students’ names. Then, almost like a crossword puzzle, the group develops a unique clue representing each of their personalities. Each student provides something different about one another to help develop their clues. Once everyone finishes their boards, they attempt to solve them as a class. It is nice to see how some students are surprised to find some characteristics of themselves others saw in them.

It is clear that 6th Year Advisory is a crucial component to this important transition that students go through from elementary to middle school.

7th Year Advisory: Community Development

Each day, the 7th year students with Ms. Sutherland have a new topic to help them get to know each other as community members and practice sharing kindness at FWM.  Students are assigned a role each week and rotate through responsibilities. The following are the topic titles for each day of the school week and an example of what they have already explored:

Monday (Weekend Update) – Students share news stories and current events about what is happening in the world. The advisory has already talked about the ongoing progression of COVID-19, how sports games are affected by living in a bubble, and favorite local restaurants in Newtown.

Tuesday (Talk it Out Tuesday) – Students bring forward an open question that will spark conversation about how to be good community members and spread kindness towards others. They have discussed how stress affects them in middle school, their greatest accomplishments, and what their favorite movies were over the summer.

Wednesday (Work it Wednesday) – Students initiate a physical activity to start the morning advisory group. This is a chance to be creative together and play a fun game in hopes of building friendships among peers. They have practiced morning yoga, tried a 4 minute gym workout routine, and followed along in Simon Says.

Thursday (Life on the Outside) – Students have an opportunity to share a skill or talent they practice outside of school. So far, they have learned different ballet positions and how to throw a spiral football.

Friday (Fun Fridays) – Students can decompress from the busy school week and reflect on how they are feeling. They have talked about our highlights and our lowlights from the first few weeks back at school. They do this all while listening to fun music and enjoying each other’s company.

The ultimate goal for the 7th year advisory group this year is to build our kind community and be comfortable and confident working together.

8th Year Advisory

As 8th years, these are the oldest students at FWM. 8th Year Advisory is unique because it gives space for the eldest students to develop and run items like fundraisers, charitable events, Morning News, as well as discuss what is important in the school community and how they can be effective leaders.

This year, mornings are spent in many ways. First of all, they started the year discussing their goals. What do they wish to achieve as 8th years? How do they want others to view them? The following is the usual weekly schedule for Advisory. Check-ins and activities that strengthen the group will also occur during the week as needed.

Motivational Monday – Each Monday, students will listen/watch/chat with someone who inspires leadership and individuals to be their best selves. For example, on the first Monday, 8th years watched Nigerian American author Luvvie Ajayi talk about getting comfortable being uncomfortable, which motivates people to speak up or do something when they feel others are being treated unfairly. They then discuss and connect with the topic.

Make Peace Tuesday – Students have also begun reading Putting Peace First: 7 Commitments to Change the World by Eric David Dawson as a guide to being leaders and change-makers in their school community. 

Leadership Wednesday – This is the time when 8th years will work on fundraising ideas and planning for events.

8th Grade News (Thursday & Friday) – Each week, 8th years also plan, write, and film the FWM News (formerly the Friday Morning Gathering) that will be viewed by students in Lower El, Upper El, and the rest of Middle School. 8th years have a vision for how they want the news to go this year, so they are working hard to execute their plan and get the first episode out. They are determined to continue this tradition despite restrictions on the students gathering. They have great spirit!

Without a doubt, Advisory is important to the whole Middle School community. Forming cohesive groups that communicate well and work consistently on their social emotional wellness is vital to adolescent development.

Have a Peaceful Weekend,

The MS Team

Middle School: First Full Week!

Posted on by Michelle Lamb
It felt great to have a full, five-day week! The Middle School had a lot of fresh air and covered substantial content in their classes. Please note that students are encouraged to bring rain gear. We would love to take them out, even if it is raining.
8th year Life Science students are working on the Cell Theory unit. Students have been constructing three dimensional representations of a eukaryotic animal cell. 7th year Physical Science students completed a lab experiment as part of their unit, Combining and Separating Mixtures. The lab required students to determine what methods work best at separating a mixture consisting of iron fillings, sugar, sand, marbles, and water. 6th year Earth Science students are beginning to work on creating their own fossils for the unit, Fossils and Studying Earth’s Past. Students will use clay to make an impression of objects and plaster of paris to make molds.
Math class is off to a great start for all 5 courses. All students received their new textbooks and started working through chapter 1. Pre-Transition (grade 6) has been working on conversion rates and identifying measurement units. Transition (grade 7) has been working on using negative and positive numbers in real world situations and understanding the real number system. Algebra (grade 7 and grade 8) has been evaluating expressions and solving for unknown values while using a substitution method. Geometry (grade 8) has learned about and can compare Euclidean Synthetic Geometry, Graph Theory, and Discrete Geometry.
It felt really nice to get into a rhythm in Humanities classes this week. 6th years had their first vocabulary unit and continued to discuss and write about their summer read, Becoming Naomi Leon. Next week, they look forward to presenting about the independent novels they chose over the summer and learning about Mexican culture. The 7th years have been learning about Chinese history and culture. Their summer novel, Ties That Bind, Ties That Break, gave them a glimpse of changing ruling systems and culture. They researched and learned about the ruling dynasties beginning in 2100 BCE and learned further about the old practice of foot binding, which was mentioned in the novel. 7th years also presented round 1 of current events! The 8th years presented about their independent novels from the summer and also completed their first round of current events. Additionally, they discussed and wrote about their summer read, The Outsiders. Particularly, they discussed character development, the effects of socioeconomics and stereotypes in the novel (and in society at large), and began an essay that will dig deep into a single character.
Until next week,
The MS Team

Welcome, Middle School!

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

It’s hard to believe we have already completed the first week of school. Woohoo! With so much change and excitement, the Middle School team is incredibly proud with this year’s students. Their flexibility and willingness to do what is needed for us to be together is appreciated.

With that, we welcome our 6th years to Middle School, including four new students to the Fraser Woods community! It feels like they have been with us all along and complete the MS family.

This week included a lot of outdoor time, getting back into the learning groove, and smiles all around (even under the masks). Thank you to the MS families for all of your support. It has made coming back together feel safe and fun.

Reminders: Please send your child in with a clean water bottle each day. Also, we are in the woods and outdoors daily, so send in whatever you feel is appropriate for your child and the weather with regards to clothing, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Middle School: Sugar Hills Heist

Posted on by msutherland

The Middle School play, Sugar Hills Heist, was a great success this year. With only five days of production time, the middle school students pulled off an entertaining show filled with laughter and excitement. We are very proud of the final product and sad to see it all come to an end. Thank you to all the cast, crew, teachers, and parents for your efforts in making this show such a hit. We appreciate everyone’s encouragement, kindness, and dedication towards having this play be as memorable as it was.

Middle School: Our Field Trip to the Museum of Natural History

Posted on by msutherland

On Tuesday March 3rd, the Middle School students along with Mr. Brown, Ms. Sutherland, Mrs. Reid, and Mr. Robertson visited the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. We traveled by bus to the museum and enjoyed a full day exploring the exhibits. Students were able to experience a planetarium show titled Worlds Beyond Earth. This demonstration talked about our solar system and explained the complexities of all the other planets surrounding Earth. We visited the giant sequoia tree, the life sized African elephants, dinosaur skeletons, and ancient Aztec stones. The students really enjoyed seeing the first human skeleton ever discovered, the artistic backgrounds to all the enclosures, as well as learning about the traditional Chinese wedding chair traditions. We concluded our day trip with a slice of authentic NYC pizza from Famous Ray’s restaurant.  We were proud of the Middle School students as they represented our school well and were grateful for this opportunity.