7th Grade Newsletter

Homeroom Update:

Hi everyone, I am so glad we had such a successful Caritas trip! Here are March dates to be aware of:

• 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 (7th/ K) / St. John’s Dance TBD/ 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)

Math & Science:

7h grade has begun working on Expressions and Equations, the beginnings of Algebra. So far, students have learned how to isolate x to solve simple equations, use the distributive property, and combine like terms, all skills they will continue using next year. We have begun working on solving multi-step equations. It is crucial that the rules to solving equations are ingrained. This month we will continue working with these concepts and build on them so that they are prepared for Algebra.

For Science, 7th grade students will shift from ecology to evolution. We have begun learning about the history of the Theory of Evolution, Darwin, and Natural Selection. We will continue to learn about evolution and genetics while also learning about plants and photosynthesis this month.

ELA:

The 7th graders have begun reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare.  Students will learn about the historical context of the novel, and will have daily reading assignments to complete for homework.  In English, students will continue working through the scaffolded writing curriculum via EB Academics with mini lessons on each component of writing a persuasive essay. Once completed, they will create a persuasive essay to publish.  Lastly, students will also continue utilizing both Noredink and Lexia Powerup as resources to strengthen their reading and grammar skills. 

Social Studies & Religion:

In our Social Studies class this past month, our 7th graders have been knee-deep in historic Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia! We explored different forms of Buddhism, the impact of Chinese proximity to these nations, and even penned our own original Haiku poems. We wrapped up the month of February transitioning to all things Medieval in Europe. As we look towards March, we  will continue to learn about manor life in the Middle Ages, study the causes and the effects of the Crusades across Europe, and learn about the intertwined relationship that the Catholic Church and European nobility experienced in feudal Europe! In Religion class, our 7th graders have been focusing on the importance of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. We look forward to spending time dedicated to three pillars of Lent this month: 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!