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8th Grade November 2025 Newsletter
What Are Our Scholars Learning This Month?
ELA: During November, eighth-grade students will develop their ability to read and understand complex texts as they consider historical texts from the Civil War and apply annotation strategies to these texts to better their understanding. Students are also practicing their short responses daily, ensuring they include relevant details to support their responses.
Math: The eighth-grade mathematicians are currently working on Unit 3. We will be exploring Linear Equations and Inequalities. Students will be able to solve equations with one variable, inequalities, formulas, and literal equations.
Science: This month, our young Scientists will continue to examine the relationship between forces and motion. They will investigate how changing the amount, direction, and or speed of the force affects an object's motion, and the motion of the object with which it collides. They will also analyze force and motion events and determine which of Newton’s Laws of Motion apply and justify with scientific reasoning.
Social Studies: This month, students are learning about the period after the Civil War called Reconstruction. We will analyze and debate the challenges facing the nation, such as the different Reconstruction Plans, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, and Jim Crow Laws. Students will be able to answer the Essential Question by the end of the unit: What are a nation’s responsibilities to its citizens after a major conflict?
Art: Students in Art have been exploring watercolor materials and learning new techniques. They will now use this knowledge to create a landscape painting. Students will make decisions like an artist/designer and develop a background that demonstrates features from a landscape.
Computer Science: In November, eighth-grade students will be introduced to the Digital Literacy & Well-Being unit. This part of the curriculum prepares students for the possibilities—and pitfalls—of today's always-on world, from AI literacy to cyberbullying, screen time, and more. Students will examine what would happen if we slowed down to consider our tech habits, including what we do that serves us well and what we might want to change. In the first part of this two-part lesson, students interview each other about their current tech habits, engaging in personal reflection while learning about the role that media and tech play in their peers' lives. This lesson prepares students for Part 2, where they know how to make healthy habits stick and develop personalized plans to support their digital well-being.
Physical Education: During November, we will continue with our soccer unit, culminating with our Goalline Soccer World Cup. Please remember that students must be prepared to participate in Physical Education class (SNEAKERS/SHORTS OR SWEATPANTS, NO JEANS, CROCS, OR BOOTS). Thank you for your continued support.
ENL: This month, we will continue to focus on building our academic and social vocabulary. We will also be working on our welcome-to-school unit and enhancing our writing skills as part of it. By the end of this unit, students will be able to create a presentation to explain to new students how to do something academic or social at school.
Counselor Corner by Ms. Fabre: A word about Gratitude for November: Youth who practice gratitude are happier and more satisfied with their lives, friends, family, and selves. They also report more hope, more enjoyment with their hobbies, and less envy and depression. As students learn and practice gratitude, they also learn about intention and benefit: how others deliberately take actions that improve their lives, inspiring them to feel grateful. Acts of kindness are usually done intentionally. It means someone has noticed us, thought about what we need, and chosen to do something to meet that need. Reflecting on these acts deepens our sense of gratitude. Each day, reflect with your children on all the things they are grateful for. In the long term, this improves their overall well-being.
SAPIS Connection by Mr. Opare, aka Mr. O: The Great American Smokeout on November 20th. The event aims to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. It encourages individuals to take the first step towards a smoke-free life, highlighting that quitting smoking can significantly improve health and reduce the risk of various diseases, including cancer. Your scholars will engage in activities that educate them about these dangers and empower them to remain tobacco-free.
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke cause more than 480,000 deaths in the US every year. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of at least 12 different cancers. In the US, cigarette smoking causes about 3 of every 10 cancer deaths.
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