Some students were working with litmus tests.
Some students were working on combining like terms, utilizing the.distributive property, and factoring.
Some students were working on their first writing assignment in humanities.
Some students were creating a project that reinforced the principles and elements of art.
Some students were working on patterns while drumming.
Some students were learning the appropriate grip as they were swinging golf clubs on our upper field.
Each class was relaxed… the students were engaged… the relationships continue to be built, the students are increasing in academic technology familiarity, and curriculum is being ramped up.
Humanities Update
This year, instead of having separate Language Arts and Social Studies classes like we’ve had in the past, students will be taking a class called Humanities. Humanities will combine the best parts of LA and SS into one class. Students will still be doing all of the things they would be doing in an LA class: learning new vocabulary and improving their reading and writing skills. The difference is, the vocabulary we learn and what we read and write about will all be related to Social Studies through a social justice lens.
Our new superintendent Tom Flanagan shared, “The equity plan is framed around three priorities: equity, engagement and deep learning. This priority around equity is to…make sure that all students are valued and challenged and build on their strengths.” Our Humanities Department has aligned its curriculum with these priorities. As social justice will be the unifying theme throughout the year, seventh and eighth grade students will build on the existing sixth grade Humanities social justice curriculum and go into greater depth.
Students will explore social justice through the lens of historically marginalized groups. Students will learn about the experiences of these groups, analyze the historical roots of oppressive systems and attitudes, consider their role in shaping a more just society, and take specific action around an issue they feel strongly about. Through the Humanities curriculum, all students will strengthen their writing and communication skills as they learn about our past and envision our future.
If you have any questions about this district-wide initiative, please feel free to reach out to me.
This has been a wonderful start to the school year. We are so grateful for your children…
Thank you,
James Kiefer
