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ELA & Math update

11/1/2019

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Students in ELA and math are working on an exiting project! Students are creating their own businesses, writing a business plan, and creating a shopping plaza presentation! See the attached images for more information. ​
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November 26th, 2018

11/26/2018

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Students in ELA and math are working on an exiting project! Students are creating their own businesses, writing a business plan, and creating a shopping plaza presentation! See the attached images for more information. 
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Math Placement Test

2/5/2018

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The placement test for Grade 9 will be given to all students on Wednesday February 7. This test is similar to a midterm exam. Only topics that we have worked on in class this school year will be on the test. This test is only one of the components used to give a recommendation for next year’s math placement.
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SYSTEMS of linear equations

4/5/2017

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​We have started working on the standard, “Analyzes and solves systems of linear equations.” In this Unit, students will write and solve systems of linear equations that model real-world situations. The methods for solving these algebraic systems combine graphic and algebraic reasoning from earlier Connected Mathematics Units. Students will learn how to
·       Solve linear equations and systems of linear equations with two variables
·       Use systems of linear equations to solve problems
·       Determine the most effective strategy to use to solve a particular system
 
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Math Placement Test

1/17/2017

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The placement test will be on February 8th this year. We will not dedicate any class time to preparing for the placement test. The test will contain questions based on the work that we have done in eighth grade, not prior year topics. There will be questions from Say It with Symbols, Thinking with Mathematical Models, and our current unit involving square roots, real numbers, and Pythagorean theorem applications.
 
Students are welcome to prepare for the test by reviewing our work so far this year. The study guides from all of the previous units are in Schoology, in both the SIWS folder and TWMM folder.
 
Other resources include the following websites:
http://mymathuniverse.com/programs/cmp3/channels/8 
http://figurethis.nctm.org/fc/family_corner.htm
https://bhi61nm2cr3mkdgk1dtaov18-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Parent-Night-Handout-vF-1.pdf
https://www.khanacademy.org/
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ELA & Math Project Update - Guest Speaker

11/1/2016

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Today, students had the opportunity to hear a presentation from a local entrepreneur, Bert LaValley. LaValley started two successful businesses: Sustainable Comfort, a green building and property management company, and Deadhorse Hill, a restaurant in Worcester. 


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LaValley's presentation to students was an important part of their business plan project. He talked about what prompted him to start his own businesses, the many rewards and challenges of being in charge of a small business, and what he looks for in employees. Most importantly, he talked about the skills, qualities, and habits that he sees as crucial for success.

These are:
  • Positive attitude
  • A willingness to take risks
  • Confidence - as he put it, "don't let them see you sweat."

Students got a lot from his presentation. In the words of one student, "he told me that it is okay to take risks and that it won't always be easy." Getting to hear such a powerful message from a "real" business owner was an amazing opportunity for students. 

The students were so well behaved and respectful during his talk. Special thanks to Bert LaValley for taking time out of his day to come talk to our students!
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ELA and Math Project Update

10/20/2016

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Dear 8 Blue Families,
We are writing to let you know about an exciting new project happening on team in ELA and math.
One of the district goals in Shrewsbury is for all teachers to incorporate Project Based Learning elements into their instruction by the end of the 2016-2017 school year. You can find links to the district goals and more information about Project Based Learning at the bottom of this email. You may have to copy and paste the links into your browser. We have designed a cross-curricular project between ELA and math that focuses on the driving question “what skills and personal qualities are necessary for success in today’s world?”
During this unit, students will be working in groups to create a business and write a business plan. In addition, in ELA, students will be reading biographies and focusing on the traits that made that individual successful, as well selections from The Outliers, The World is Flat, and Mindset: The New Psychology of Success during class.
The skills this unit focuses on are:
  • Writing for different audiences and purposes
  • Analyzing the elements of literature
  • Problem solving in context
  • Communicating mathematical thinking clearly and concisely
During this unit, we are regrouping classes based on the type of business the students are interested in starting. For students currently in honors and advanced math, relevant extensions will be provided. In addition, Ms. Sharon Freedman, the advanced math coach, will be coming into the classroom to work on advanced concepts with students. Upon completion of the unit in four weeks, students will return to their original class groupings.
We will be asking for parent volunteers to come give their business plans a “seal of approval” and a “seal of improvement.” Please keep your eyes out for more information soon!
We are excited for the students to experience the curriculum by applying it to real world situations. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your support,

Ms. Jill Carlin            Ms. Kate Lewis
8 Blue Math            8 Blue ELA

http://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/district/Goals1.cfm
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-parent-resources

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A week of inspirational math

9/9/2016

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We have started off the year with a Week of Inspirational Math. Each day, students were presented with open, creative, and visual mathematics lessons. Jo Boaler, a professor of mathematics education at Stanford, developed these mindset videos and accompanying activities. Jo Boaler developed the following is a list of positive norms for math class.
  • Everyone can learn math to the highest levels
  • Mistakes are valuable
  • Questions are really important
  • Math is about creativity and making sense
  • Math is about connections and communicating
  • Math is about learning not performing
  • Depth is more important than speed
To learn more about Jo Boaler and mathematical mindsets visit the website https://www.youcubed.org/
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    The 8 Blue TEam

    Ms. Amaral - Social          Studies
    ​Ms. Carlin - Math
    Ms. Lewis - ELA
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