Mr. Senn's Class

Dear Jr. High Parents,

As we look forward to the month of February, we first must reflect on the month of January.

 Math
The month began with the sixth-eighth graders adjusting to life after such a long vacation. To help restart the brains we did a little review of what we left off with before break.

To date, the seventh and eighth graders are grouped according to ability and each group is working to their full potential.  The advanced group in eighth grade is doing very well and has moved quickly through the first 7 chapters of Algebra I and is focusing now on solving systems of equations by graphing, substitution and the addition method. The On-Target group in eighth grade is moving right along and is currently working on multiplying and factoring polynomials.  They are well versed in the term FOIL

 The advanced group in seventh grade is being challenged to work to their ability.  They have moved quickly through the first 5 chapters and are now studying probability, ratios and proportions. The On-Target group is doing a superb job of working to their potential. They have successfully completed the first 4 chapters of Pre-Algebra and will begin chapter 5 shortly.

 Sixth graders are moving right along with their math skills. During the month they worked diligently on fractions.  They reviewed how to order, compare, add and subtract fractions.  It has been a lot of fun.  Next, they will multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers.

 All three classes at this time are doing a great job of keeping up with the work load while retaining the concepts presented during each lesson.

 Science

 The sixth graders are learning a lot about soil and the effects of erosion.  Also, they just traveled to Astrocamp where they spent 3 days and 2 nights learning about science.  Some of the main topics discussed at camp were the Laws of Motion, which they used to build and launch rockets. They also explored the affects of microgravity in a class where they had to rebuild a communications satellite while floating in a pool.  The solar studies activity helped them understand the importance of the Sun and the use of solar power. They also overcame their fear of height by climbing a power pole and jumping off.  It was wonderful watching them successfully reach the top or just going higher than they’ve ever been. All-in-all the trip was a huge success and our sixth graders were the most well behaved kids at the camp.

 The seventh graders are becoming experts on cells.  They just completed an activity in which they had to create a 3-D animal and plant cell out of common household items.  In the activity the students were put in groups and had to decide what they would use for all of the parts of the cells.  This was a wonderful activity because it helped them really lock in the parts of the cells and their functions.  Currently, they are studying the cell processes as it pertains to creating and storing energy and the stages of mitosis during cell reproduction.

 Religion

 During the month of January the sixth graders learned a lot about their faith.  They learned about leaders and how to recognize and be good leaders. They did several activities where they had to list attributes of what they believe makes a good leader.  Also, they had to choose a person from their lives that they believe is a good leader.

In addition to discussing leaders they learned about wisdom and what makes a person wise.  They had to create a list of people they determined to be wise and then explain why the felt these people fulfilled the qualities of a wise person.

 Stay tuned for more exciting news coming up in February. As always I am available during the week if you have any questions or concerns.  Please feel free to come in and visit with me anytime.

 God Bless,

 Mr. Senn