It is already October, and the upper grade students are working hard reading and analyzing texts.

In Grade 6, our first unit focuses on childhood. In this unit, students will investigate some of the challenges and triumphs of growing up, considering the possibilities both good and bad that lie ahead of them. Students will read a variety of texts, watch a video, and view media as they discuss the Essential Question for the unit.
As a class, in small groups, and independently, students will work to answer this question: What are some of the challenges and triumphs of growing up? Some questions we will answer are:
• What are some of the ways you could answer the question; What are some of the challenges and triumphs of growing up?
• Do you learn more from success or failure? Does anyone learn without taking some risks?
• Why do you think coming-of-age stories are so popular in media and books?

In Grade 7, Unit 1 centers on generations. In this unit, students will investigate what one generation can learn from another, considering how knowledge flows between age groups. Students will read a variety of texts, watch videos, and view media as they discuss the Essential Question for the unit.
As a class, in small groups, and independently, students will work to answer this question: What can one generation learn from another? Some questions we will answer are:
•  What are some of the ways you could answer the question What can one generation learn from another?
•  When is experience important? How can someone teach the essence of their experience?
•   Why do you think stories about a character learning from someone older or younger are so compelling?

Grade 8 is starting with a unit on rites of passage. In this unit, students will investigate milestones on the path to growing up, considering how singular experiences can change a life. Students will read a variety of texts, watch a video, and view media as they discuss the Essential Question for the unit.
As a class, in small groups, and independently, students will work to answer this question: What are some milestones on the path to growing up? Some questions we will answer are:
•  What are some of the ways you could answer the question What are some milestones on the path to growing up?
•  Do we grow more from experiences we repeat a lot, or from single particularly memorable experiences?
•  Why do you think stories about rites of passage are so popular in the media and in books and film?
 

Reporting on the first half of October are Brian, Hana, and Marissa:

Hello and welcome to 6th Grade’s weekly news! October is going amazing so far.  We have learned lots of amazing things and more to come.   In Math we have been learning how to multiply and divide fractions.  In Social Studies we have learned about the Stone Age people. In ELA we are writing our personal narratives. In Religion we are learning about human dignity. Lastly, in Science we are learning the Geosphere. Our teachers are trying to make the best of this tough time.  A lot of events are coming up too.  Next Thursday we are going to Mass. Today we had an award ceremony. It was really nice to see everyone again.  Congratulations to everyone who received the award for this month.  Also, Halloween is coming up so get your costumes ready.  Be safe if you are going to go trick or treating and most of all have fun. We all will pray for your intentions in our hearts.  I hope you enjoyed this week; until next time! Stay safe! 6th grade will always keep you updated with weekly news!

Reporting once again are Brian, Hana, and Marissa:

This week we have learned a tremendous amount of things. First in Math we have learned integers; we find them quite interesting. Next in English Language Arts we have learned about children's rights in “Declaration of the Rights of the Chil”. Of course, we find that quite important. In Social Studies we have been learning about Ancient India. Who knew there could be so many colors in one place? In Science we have been learning about amazing rocks and minerals. In Religion we are doing a fun project for All Saints Day! This week has been amazing. Teachers have made Halloween so fun for us this year, and we are very grateful. We are decorating pumpkins and watching movies, and we really enjoy it!  We hope you enjoyed this week; until next time! Stay safe! 6th grade will always keep you updated with weekly news!