Homeroom Update:

I cannot believe that we are already in March! February flew by! Here are a few important dates to keep in mind for the month of March.

• March 3rd: Stations of the Cross @ 11am (5th)/12pm dismissal
• March 10th: Stations of the Cross @ 11 (3rd)
• March 12th: St. Leander Day  Mass and Celebration! 11am-4pm
• March 14th: PTG
• March 17th: Stations of the Cross @ 11 (7/K) Movie Night @8pm

• March 22nd-24th: WCEA/ WASC visiting team
• March 24th: Stations of the Cross @ 11am (8th/1/2)/ 12pm dismissal
• March 29th: Spring Conferences (as needed)
• March 30th: Fun Run @ 10:30am/ 12pm dismissal
• March 31st: Cesar Chavez day (no school)

ELA:

The sixth graders have completed their novel study for Bud, Not Buddy and will begin reading Esperanza Rising.  Students will be expected to read daily for homework and complete worksheets on their own.  Currently, students are working on learning how to write persuasive essays as we go through the entire formatting in daily lessons.  Students will also continue utilizing both Noredink and LexiaPowerup as resources to strengthen their reading and grammar skills.

Math & Science:

For Math, 6th grade students will continue working on basic algebra skills while reviewing the fundamentals. This month, students will be introduced to the unknown variable x and use logic in order to solve. Students should be able to answer the following questions about algebra. What does solving for x mean? What does isolating x mean? What are inverse operations?

For science, 6th grade is wrapping up on our energy unit. Students should be able to answer questions like: what is energy? What are the three states of matter? If liquid phases into a gas, was heat added or removed? What is heat? What is the difference between radiation, convection, and conduction?

Social Studies & Religion:

In our Social Studies class this past month, our 6th graders have been learning about ancient India! We enjoyed learning about Hinduism and Buddhism, and the importance that both religions play in our modern times. One key figure we learned about is Mohandas Gandhi, and we discussed how the idea of ahimsa (nonviolence) impacted American history, specifically the Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. This month, we are transitioning into learning all about Ancient China!  In Religion class, our 6th graders have been focusing on the importance the Ark of the Covenant played in the early Jewish faith, as well as the difference between Sacraments and Sacramentals. As we look forward to March, we will be spending time dedicated to three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and giving. In addition to our regular lessons, Middle School students are also engaging in a daily Lenten Journaling experience where we will read the entire Gospel of Matthew and reflect on the life and legacy of Jesus. I hope that this season of preparation and reflection will be a peaceful and strengthening experience for your families!