Sixth grade's final investigation on erosion took place this week as students examined how waves affect seaside cliffs. Not only have they learned a lot about the role weathering, erosion, and deposition play in shaping different landforms they have also gotten very good at cleaning up sand and water in a sink-less room!
The sixth graders presented their one-page stories describing a time they experienced surprise, discovery, or survival. They explained how their reactions using their knowledge of the Limbic System (the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex). We love learning how our brains play a role in our response and reactions!
Seventh grade examined owls' diet by dissecting owl pellets. Next week we'll get to put together the skeletons of the animal(s) found inside - a little pre-Halloween treat!
In math this week, our seventh grade students went hands-on to model the process of solving equations. They used algebra tiles to represent numbers and variables and solved for the variables by keeping both sides balanced.
The eighth grade students listen attentively while Daniel shares his creative writing story. So far this year, all of our classes have been writing quite a bit. They are also working toward improving their presentation skills!
This week, several of our eighth grade students represented the St. Matthias community by attending the Junior High Leadership Conference. Hosted by Notre Dame College Prep and Regina Dominican High School, the conference helped build leadership skills in students in Chicago and its suburbs. We look forward to seeing these leaders take charge and inspire others to make positive choices in our school.
During intervention this week, the seventh and eighth grade girls talked about how women often feel because of images we see of "perfect" bodies in magazines or on TV. They discussed what they would rather see in magazines - such as girls playing sports and girls working in their communities, as well as more well-rounded and well-balanced images of all kinds of girls. They made collages of images that send negative AND positive messages to young women. As a group, they shared how to show support for other young women in times of need. Finally, they designed jars of kindness and delivered kind notes to each other.
On Friday, the eighth grade students visited their second grade buddies. We made stained glass apples with Ms. Jensen's class, as well as confetti candy corn. Even though we are on two campuses, we always enjoy spending time with our friends at the lower school!
October 8 - Big Red Homecoming Dance (St. Margaret Mary)
October 10 - Columbus Day (no school)
October 18 - Picture Day!
October 20 - Hot Dog Day
October 21 - Parent Teacher Conferences (no school for students)
Ms. Denten & Ms. Scheiber