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8th Grade October Newsletter
What Are Our Scholars Learning This Month?
ELA: During October, students will develop their ability to read and understand complex texts. In the first unit, students will begin reading Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds. This young adult novel, written in free verse, is about Will Holloman, a young boy struggling to decide between his brother Shawn, who was shot dead in the street. Will plans to seek revenge, but before he can leave the elevator of his building, he is greeted by a series of ghosts who confuse and complicate his perspective on Shawn’s death and the idea of revenge killing. Long Way Down became a New York Times best-seller and received several prestigious honors in young adult literature, including a Newbery Honor, a Coretta Scott King Honor, an Edgar Award, a Walter Dean Myers Book Award, and a Printz Honor.
Math: The 8th grade mathematicians are currently working on Unit 1. In this unit, we will explore Numbers and Expressions. They will learn about subsets of real numbers and how to evaluate and interpret algebraic expressions.
General Science: Welcome back, Graduating Class of 2026! This month, students will investigate the habitability of Mars by comparing it with other rocky planets and Earth. They will examine and evaluate landforms shaped by known geological processes on Earth, while also analyzing scientific arguments through investigations of the factors that led to the formation of landforms on the surface of Mars. This inquiry will deepen their understanding of planetary geology and the potential for life beyond Earth.
Biology: Our students, acting as young biologists, will explore the question, "Why might a marathon runner become disoriented during a race and subsequently fall into a coma shortly after completing the event?" In this investigation, they will also examine how the human body maintains dynamic equilibrium and responds to both internal and external environmental changes. This analysis will deepen their understanding of physiological processes, including homeostasis, and how the body adapts to extreme physical exertion and ecological stressors.
Social Studies: This month, students are continuing to study the Civil War. The industrialization of the North and the increase of slavery in the South contributed to the growth of sectionalism.
Students will take a quiz on the causes of the Civil War. Students will examine the Constitutional conflicts in the nation; attempts to compromise ultimately failed to keep the nation together, leading to battle. Students will analyze the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation, and evaluate the aftermath of the war on the nation. Students will be asked to answer the essential question: Was the Civil War inevitable? by the end of the unit to demonstrate their understanding of this topic.
Art: Students are currently learning how to use various watercolor techniques to create a landscape painting. They will analyze the artworks of various landscape artists and create their own interpretation.
Computer Science: Our first unit curriculum focuses on improving students' typing accuracy and speed while incorporating cross-curricular activities. It progresses from foundational keyboarding skills to creative writing. The curriculum aligns with ISTE’s Empowered Learner and Digital Citizenship standards, as well as Common Core ELA standards in reading, writing, language, and history/social studies. In early September, students began their typing journey by learning about computers through click-and-drag lessons. They identified parts of a computer while developing essential mouse and trackpad skills. Currently, students build the foundation for correct typing technique by learning letter and basic punctuation keys, utilizing all ten fingers. Adaptive, personalized lessons provide extra practice with challenging keys.
Physical Education: During September, we reviewed the rules and expectations for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. Please remember that students must be prepared to participate in Physical Education class (SNEAKERS/SHORTS OR SWEATPANTS, NO JEANS, CROCS, OR BOOTS). We also began our cooperative games unit, which included games such as the Crows and Cranes, Peat/Repeat, and Hot Lava. Following the completion of this unit, we will proceed to soccer as our next activity.
ENL: This month, we will be working on our 'All About Me 'unit and 'Welcome to School' unit. The students will be building their vocabulary knowledge through various listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. We will also utilize our conversational and academic language to enhance our English proficiency.
Counselor Corner by Ms. Fabre: October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Students who are bullied generally tend to feel isolated and unheard. Play a part in preventing by:
- Encouraging open discussions about friends and friendships.
- Being aware of complaints of physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach aches, which may be signs of school avoidance.
- Boosting your child’s self-esteem with compliments and encouraging daily positive affirmations.
SAPIS Connection by Mr. Opare, aka Mr. O: As a SAPIS, I work with scholars in the classroom, in small groups, and with individuals, engaging them in conversations about substance use, mental health, and wellness. My role is to educate scholars about valuable life lessons, social-emotional skills, and coping strategies to help them healthily navigate stressful situations. This month, we will celebrate being drug-free with our yearly RED RIBBON WEEK Spirit Week.
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