This year in Pre-Algebra we sought to try something new by developing a collaborative and creative environment in which to learn mathematics. With a curriculum designed to prepare us for Common Core Algebra, the students were placed into collaborative groups where they had opportunities to come up with solutions to challenging problems, as well as develop conclusions to challenging mathematics concepts. The students developed conclusion through experimentation and problem solving through group engagement. Highlights of the year included when we found the surface area of a sphere by pealing oranges; developed the concept of non-linear functions by experimenting with food coloring and water; and when we conducted our daily homework helper reviews, where the students had the opportunity to collaborate on their homework together. Learning mathematics became an exciting and fun endeavor for many of the students.
Miss Wessel
The students danced to One way (hip hop), Mighty To Save with flags, and How We Love with dancers and flags. For the Spring Program we combined MS and HS. They danced to Now Behold The Lamb, Lord Your Holy and Holy Visitation with sign language, flags, and hip hop dance.
Ms. Rosario
The students performed at the Christmas program doing 1 Crew Hip Hop dance and Te Amo with flags and streamers. They did a great job!
Ms. Rosario
That’s Very Humerus
What a change in years. We changed to Bob Jones University curriculum this school year. Adjusting all the curriculum to the New York State standards was an interesting task that middle school students were able to adjust to very quickly. We had labs that we set things on fire. We had demonstrations where we lit a light bulb with two wires, one battery, and one light bulb. Some of the classes even used HCl (hydrochloric acid). Eighth grade also learned that diet Coke will float and regular Coke will sink. Seventh grade was always finding things humerus (play on the word humorous to be funny, this humerus is a bone in the body.) One of the most interesting things sixth grade learned was that an Orca whale eats polar bears. It was a great year, and I will miss the students not returning. Have a blessed summer.
Mr. Penland
Look at Those Clouds
We have done a lot of interesting things this year. The students have learned what types of clouds are in the sky. How does the weather form? A 6th grader will be able to answer that question. We have done experiments on how gravity affects things and whether or not these things are affected by friction caused by the air. Some students have created short movies for their presentations. Each student was able to learn more about their strengths in learning and were able to work on increasing their weaknesses. We have covered many topics this year ranging from different kinds of weather,to different types of plants, and animals.
Mr. Penland
The students learned how to use Google Earth, G mail, Docs and MS Office including doing Excel graphics (data editing and manipulation)
Mr. B
Amazing Grace
The last quarter has been a whirlwind of work winding down to when summer releases students back to their countries of origin.
In 7th, 8th, and 9th grades the students finished the nonfiction unit studying Amazing Grace, the True Story along with the lyrics to Amazing Grace. It was a creative way to use reading strategies to compare texts, learn new vocabulary, and explore changes in people as well as society. Students observed what happens historically when people give their hearts and lives over to God and become new creations and they gained a better understanding of the importance of sharing the testimonies of the dynamic lives of Godly men/women who change the world for good. After such an intense study we lightened up with descriptive writing about personal events such as the 8th grade trip to Dorney Park. Many students were able to not only use more sophisticated vocabulary than before, but also used descriptive metaphors to bring the reader into the experience.
Mrs. Kemp
African Music
Middle school learned about African culture. How African music and movement of dance has impacted their daily lives. They also got to show how music affected them and why they liked music.
Mrs. Colon
New Challenges
Middle school has tried many new things even above their age level. This of course was not told to them till after they started. They have learned in 6th grade to paint with watercolors and the different techniques of how to do this. 7th grade amazed themselves on how well they did when challenged to work with oil pastels. 8th grade did great work with their sculptures. They used paper to create anything from a can of soda to a remarkable detailed drum set.
Mrs. Colon
We had a wonderful Spring Program. Elementary students danced to Shout to the Lord, with streamers. The middle school danced to Go Fast, and high school danced and ministered the songs that they did in Hawaii. The high school electives also danced to I’m Free.
Mrs. Rosario