HSP Weekly Update
Mr. Dziedzicki- Assistant Principal, HSP Director, 8th Grade Homeroom, Mathematics
Each week we will be unveiling a new habit that we will focus on to reach our school acronym: REACH
Week 1: R- Resilient- Stick to it! Persevering in task through to completion; remaining focused. Looking for ways to reach your goal when stuck. Not giving up.
Week 2: E- Empowered- Take your time! Thinking before acting; remaining calm, thoughtful and deliberative.
Week 3: A- Accurate- Check it again! Always doing your best. Setting high standards. Checking and finding ways to improve constantly.
Week4: C- Creative-Try a different way! Generating new and novel ideas, fluency, originality.
This Week: H- Harmonious- Work together! Being able to work in and learn from others in reciprocal situations. Understand others! Devoting mental energy to another person’s thoughts and ideas. Make an effort to perceive another’s point of view and emotions.
Math classes…
Algebra I classes will conclude studying polynomials with an assessment on Friday. 6th grade advanced math will have an assessment on solving equations and will begin investigating ratio and proportion.
Here are some thoughts from the rest of the HSP faculty…
Mrs. Noga- 7th Grade Homeroom, Social Studies
I can’t believe it’s already December! This year is just flying by.
In sixth grade, we are continuing to work on our Egypt unit. The students researched pharaohs and made posters or mobiles displaying their information in a creative way. Over the next week, we will be moving on to the burial process, hieroglyphics, Egyptian society and more. They’ll also begin to make their own sarcophagus in preparation for our upcoming mummification activity.
In seventh grade, we are continuing our study of Rome. The students have learned about Rome’s roots as well as how its republic was set up, and they also compared Rome’s government to our government today. We have also talked about how the Roman Empire expanded. There will be a quiz Wednesday over this information. At the end of the week, the students will start a fun project where they work together to construct a 3-D model of Ancient Rome!
Finally, in eighth grade, the students took financial literacy classes with business owner and school board member Bob Gillingham and his friends from FinMango. Our visitors gave the students tips on how to invest money for their future, and the kids were extremely engaged in the lessons. This week, we will continue talking about the 13 Colonies, the Great Awakening, the Enlightenment and Benjamin Franklin. Eventually we’ll be learning about the Revolutionary War!
Mr. LaGuardia- 7th Grade Homeroom, English/Language Arts
6th graders worked on presenting the lives of their choice of a saint in groups. They are being assessed on their speaking and collaborating skills. We had some amazing presentations this past week, and they will continue into the next.
7th graders finished reading and completing reading comprehension questions for the short story “Rikki-tikki-tavi”. They ended the week by starting a short answer quiz on the story.
8th graders continued to prepare for their play, but they also completed comprehension questions on “All but Blind” as well as “The Choice”. We worked with Chris M. on solidifying roles and part for the play, as well as contacting those responsible for stage set-up and sound. Next week is the play, and we are all anxious to get it underway.
Ms. Kadlec- 6th Grade Homeroom, Religion
In our religion classes the 6th grade has been working on creating spiritual Advent calendars. We will also be decorating classroom trees with our Christmas wishes.
The 7th and 8th graders are coming to the end of the Theology of the Body program. They will be bringing their workbooks home next week. Those of you who have not yet received your Parent Guide for the program will be receiving that also. You may have to ask your child to see them both. I pray that his program has helped these young adults to make choices of faith so that they develop a healthy sense of self as they go out into this confusing world with mixed messages. Please let me know if you have any questions.
7th grade will be studying the historical aspect of Christ’s birth as they begin to use their text books. The textbooks have information supporting the curriculum for grades 6-8 and will be used next year also. They will be stored at school over the summer so they don’t get misplaced or lost.
8th grade will begin learning about the 6 models of the Church and creating the building blocks representing various aspects of the Catholic Church. Shoe boxes will be needed for this activity.
As we begin this beautiful season of Advent, I pray that you experience the peace of Christ. Although this time of year can get hectic, focusing on our relationship with God is the best way to feel the peace and joy that God has in store for us.
Mr. Mullen- 6th Grade Homeroom, Mathematics
6th grade math students will be wrapping up their unit on integers on Wednesday with a test. Later in the week students will be jumping off of the math they explored while building the pyramids by learning about ratios and proportional thinking.
7th graders this week will continue to learn about and practice more, and more, challenging equations. There will be a test over solving equations on Friday.
8th graders will move forward with linear functions. Be sure they are filling out their note sheets as they learn about the various aspects of linear functions.
