AHERA Annual Notice

School Counseling Department

The Middle School counseling department has been off to a busy start this school year. Counselors have been helping with the transition to the next grade level with 7th and 8th grade and the transition to the middle school, as a whole, for the new 6th grade students. The counselors have begun seeing students for individual counseling, conducting introductions and student interviews as well as engage in classroom lessons. In addition, the JTMS counselors have partnered with PBSIS in the planning and execution of this year’s behavioral supports program. In addition, counselors continued to work on their RAMP application and are hoping to submit a complete and stellar application by October 15th!

The Core Skills Program

The Core Skills Program is in full swing! Qualifying students for the Core Skills Program receive additional skills instruction in language arts and mathematics within their scheduled class and twice a week during their flex period. In language arts, students have been involved in close reading strategies to foster analysis of grade level novels which include: Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko; The Christopher Killer by Lois Duncan; and And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. Instructional practices such as Notice and Note Fiction Signposts and Socratic seminars were introduced to promote analysis across texts. In mathematics, the grade levels have been addressing essential skills such as ratios and rates (6th grade), ratios and proportional relationships (7th grade), and real numbers (8th grade).

Ms. Stewart’s seventh-grade science class

In Ms. Stewart’s seventh-grade science class, students learned about the entire life cycle of the Monarch butterfly, from egg to traveling to Mexico. The hands-on learning project allowed students to see many caterpillars change into butterflies. Students then released the butterflies in order for them to continue on their journey.

Computer Science Discoveries

In Computer Science Discoveries, students learned how to apply the problem-solving process to real-world problems, such as planning a trip with seating arrangements. While learning about problem-solving, students also explored the components that make up computers. Using the information about computers and problem-solving, students then worked on proposing an app that would solve a real-world problem of their choosing. As they move into the new unit about Web Development, students will continue to use the problem-solving process to begin the process of creating their own personal website.

Speak Up and Write All About It

Students in the Speak Up and Write All About It class prepared informative presentations. In doing so, students studied the impact of nonverbal communication. Students have had collegial discussions about their topics and the process of communication. In addition, students practiced techniques for easing nerves prior to a public speaking experience.

21st Century Research

Our 21st Century Researchers learned how to validate their sources. Students worked diligently to come up with clear, focused, and meaningful research questions. As they near the end of their cycle, they will work on synthesizing the information gathered and begin the process of knowledge sharing.

Robotics

In Robotics, students were introduced to the history and three laws of modern day robotics. Students had the opportunity to participate in the Hour of Code as well as got a quick glimpse into computer programming by solving puzzles through the Lightbot Application program. Students have also had the opportunity to work with the web-based software, TinkerCad, to create 3D designs. Sixth graders in the Robotics Exploratory class have begun building their LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3s, and in the next unit of study, they will learn how to program their EV3s to do a variety of different tasks on command.

7th Grade Language Arts

In 7th grade Language Arts, students jumped into the year with the mystery and suspense unit. Students have been working in book clubs while reading closely to discover various elements of fiction. Students continue to work with fiction texts in Socratic Circles and are practicing the skill of annotating for various literary devices.

7th Grade Math

In 7th grade math, the students learned how to use the many online resources provided by the online textbook while building the necessary foundations for success. Students are encouraged to self-advocate and develop into independent learners, especially when struggling with challenging new topics and homework assignments. Seventh-grade math is a turning point in the students’ educational experience, one we hope they will embrace with an open mind, persistence, and determination.

8th Grade ELA

In the 8th grade ELA department, students completed reading the novel, And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie. Students are now beginning Part 2 of Unit 1, where they will be reading selections by Edgar Allan Poe and then they will write a narrative story in the style of Poe or Agatha Christie. Students are looking forward to ending the marking period with a trip to Pax Amicus Theater where students will see the live stage production of "The Life and Tales of Edgar Allan Poe".

8th Grade Science

The 8th grade science classes have been working on developing models of different phenomenon in class while observing different demonstrations. Students have also been using the data and evidence collected to draw conclusions on different lab activities in class.

Forensics

In Forensics 7th and 8th grade, students finished Chapter 1 by discussing how to secure and record a crime scene as well as how to properly collect evidence. Students are now studying ways to identify shoeprints and trace evidence such as hairs and fibers. Students are also learning about the case of JonBenet Ramsey, in which they will have to eventually make an argument for who they think murdered her.

STEM Grade 6

In STEM 6th grade, students learned about the Engineering Process. The first project they completed involved the design of a tower at a certain height. The towers were made of drinking straws that were capable of holding a tennis ball at the very top. There were many impressive towers that were constructed, with one being able to hold a grand total of twelve tennis balls! Currently, the students have moved onto another project in which they have been given a “budget” to spend on designing a boat that can not only float but also carry weight.

STEM 7th & 8th Grade

In STEM 7th and 8th grade, students spent the first two weeks learning the lab safety rules of the STEM room and then used this knowledge to teach and assess the class for understanding. Next, students learned the seven steps of the Engineering Process, the backbone of every project that they will complete over the length of their time in STEM. Currently, students are working on a project in which they must create an insulating structure that can prevent an ice cube from melting inside of an oven. Students have recently completed research on insulating structures and the movement of thermal energy.

JTMS Band

The JTMS Bands have already started performances with 7th and 8th grade ensembles performing at Back to School Night. Our 6th grade band has officially begun rehearsals, along with the JTMS Select Band. The halls are alive, already, with music for the Winter Concert which is currently being rehearsed.

Family and Consumer Science

The 7th and 8th grade Family and Consumers Science classes were awarded PRIDE Grants and PTA mini-grants in order to showcase their baking skills by preparing homemade goodies for our annual Back to School Night event. Most of the treats were devoured by the end of the night!