Welcome to 7A!  

We are excited about our second year with the Science Fusion Program, from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The students have been engaged in thoughtful discussions, investigations, and debates about what make something matter or where we can find different kinds of cells. It's been amazing to hear them come up with questions and ideas that they want to explore, and then go and actually try to find and measure real scientific evidence to back up their ideas. Our new program provides many ways to be hands-on with our learning as well as a solid resource in the consumable worktext. Students are able to write in their worktext, highlight important parts, fill in graphic organizers and summary pages, and jot down notes about questions they start to ponder. We are developing active reading skills that will help them become critical science readers, while also learning lab techniques and ways to investigate the world of Life Science and Physical Science. We're looking forward to a great year of exploring!

Life Science Topics:
Cells, Reproduction, Heredity, Organisms, Human Body Systems, Human Health, Ecology, Ecosystems, Earth’s Resources, and Human Impact on the Environment

Physical Science Topics:
Matter, Energy, Atoms and the Periodic Table, Reactions, Solutions, Acids and Bases, Motion and Forces, Work, Potential and Kinetic Energy, Machines, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves, Sound, and Light

Our Algebra and PreAlgebra classes move at a challenging pace, while building a strong foundation for the world of high school mathematics. It's amazing to see the students diligently trying to solve our bell ringer brainteasers and complicated word problems. Their eager approach to learning is inspiring. We will continue to follow Diocesan and Common Core Standards while working through our textbook. The students can check the answers to their homework online as well as watch short tutorial videos about most lessons and try practice quizzes with immediate feedback. These resources are helping us use more class time for working through difficult problems together and learning new concepts. We're looking forward to a great year of mathematics!

Pre-Algebra Topics: Variables, Expressions, Integers, Solving Equations and Inequalities, Factors, Fractions, Exponents, Rational Numbers, Ratios, Proportions, Probability, Percents, Linear Functions, Real Numbers, Right Triangles, Measurement, Area, Volume, Data Analysis, Probability, Angle Relationships, and Transformations

Algebra Topics: Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Linear Functions, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Exponents and Polynomials, Factoring Polynomials, Quadratic Functions and Equations, Exponential Functions, Data Analysis and Probability.

Please see the school calendar for major events. Here are a few important upcoming middle school dates.

*January 26-31 Catholic Schools Week

*Thursday, January 30 10 am School Mass and 6:30 pm Science Fair

*Monday, February 17 No School - Presidents' Day

*Wednesday, February 26 10 am School Mass

*Friday and Saturday, March 13-14 3 v 3 Basketball Tournament and Fundraiser for Charity - student volunteers needed

*Tuesday, March 17 10 am Mass - St. Patrick's Day

*Monday, March 23 11:45 am Dismissal and Afternoon Conferences only as needed for specific concerns

*Thursday, April 23 2 pm Baby Blessing - all family and friends are invited, especially those welcoming a new baby or adopted family member

*Friday, April 24 7th Grade Trip to D.C. all day

*May 14, 15, 16 8th Grade Play - The Music Man

*Monday, May 25 No School - Memorial Day

*May 29, June 1, 2 8th Grade Finals

*Sunday, June 7th 4pm 8th Grade Graduation and Awards

*June 5, 8, 9 7th Grade Finals

*Wednesday, June 10 Field Day and 11:45 am Dismissal

*Thursday, June 11 Talent Show and 11:45 am Dismissal

*Friday, June 12 8:30 am Mass and Awards; 10 am Dismissal

* Middle School Snow Day Procedure: (Students, please make sure you always know your login credentials for your online texts and programs)

- By 9:00 AM on the snow day, teachers will post assignments on their Google Classroom pages.
- Students will receive work in math, science, language arts, and social studies. Students should expect to complete about 2 hours of work total (20-30 minutes for each assignment).
- Students will have one week from the posted date of the assignment to turn in their work electronically on Google Classroom. The Diocese requires that students are held accountable for snow day assignments.