Ms. DiSilvio

The 7^th grade teachers welcome back all returning and new students to the MESMS.  A few weeks have passed and students are becoming familiar with their schedules, classroom routines, and homework expectations.  Students need to be prepared with their materials for each class.  We will help remind students of what they need, as well as appropriate locker times, and gradually will decrease the number of times students can run back to their lockers for a particular item.  Please help us make the most of our learning time together by reminding your sons and daughters to be prepared and stay organized for each class.  A weekly backpack clean-out would definitely assist many students in this endeavor!

The Math teachers are finishing up Variables and Patterns, the first unit in the Connected Math Program (CMP).  This pre-Algebra strand develops students’ abilities to explore a variety of situations in which change occurs.  The next CMP unit is Stretching and Shrinking.  In Ancient Civilizations, the teachers and students have completed an initial Geography Review Unit and will be moving on to a study of “Ötzi” the Ice Man and other archeological finds as they learn the methods archaeologists and historians use for interpreting evidence left by societies with no written records.  In LA, students have been working on Bio-poems and are beginning the year with pre-assessments in writing.  The science teachers are introducing scientific tools and the Scientific Method (lap report) in order for students to become familiar with the systemic procedures in a working laboratory.

We enjoyed meeting many parents and guardians at Open House this year and look forward to a productive and successful year with your children!  Please continue to check your students’ agendas as there should be something written daily for each and every class.  If needed, teacher web pages are a great resource for parents to double check for homework and upcoming events: http://smithmiddle.shschools.net/16025