Science

Welcome back to Middle School Science!

The first few days of school have passed and the eighth grade students have almost completed their first unit of study on lab safety rules, measurement and lab tools. The remainder of the nine weeks their focus will be on the following units of study:
*Scientific Method/Science Fair
*Atomic Structure
*The Periodic Table

As in the past, the students are writing their assignments daily in their agenda. Look for my "green" initials in their agenda by their homework. This year they are staying organized by keeping their work in the science section of their general studies binder.Their science section includes tabs for vocabulary/notes, labs/assignmments and science fair.

This will be a great year in Science!

Notes from the Music Room

Welcome to the new year. New to the middle school music curriculum is the addition of a middle school musical revue on April 7, 2011. The revue is a collection of songs woven together with dialogue. All middle school students will learn the songs and choreography. Students will be able to audition for spoken parts and possibly solos. We will probably need a small technical crew as well. The set will be designed and created by Miss Bella and students in art classes. The students will wear costumes instead of uniforms. I will try to keep our rehearsals limited to class/school time. Special parts will probably need after school rehearsals, and possibly a couple of dress rehearsals in the evening. In preparation for the choreography, we will be learning dance steps throughout the year. I am extremely excited about our new performance!

Eighth Grade Art

Eighth grade paid homage to twentieth century artists Paul Klee and Henri Matisse by copying their line drawings. These two artists used distinctly different styles of line to create interesting works of art. We are currently exploring the imagery of PreColumbian America for our next art project.

Technology Homework 8th Gr.

It was great to see our 8th Graders in class today. In our first class we reviewed what makes a good password, and made sure everyone could login to our network and school email.

Homework
All 8th Graders should bring their flash drives to class next Friday (8/27). The flash drive (or usb) will be a tool in many of the classes this year. It's a great way to carry a project to and from school.  I've assigned this as homework because I will be checking to make sure everyone has a flashdrive, it's labled and all know how to use their flash drive.

I look forward to a great year!

Gail Markson

Judaic Studies and Tefillot

Dear Families:

With all of the changes underfoot at the EKA and family responses not always being timely, we really have worked up to the minute on settling schedules and making decisions.

As we work through the schedule for the first week of school, we are seeing things that looked good on paper, not work out in the day-to-day. All of these items are being addressed, but it takes time. The students are still in their classes with the teachers that are going to teach them, but it may be that the times that they take each class may change.

After hearing from the majority of families, I have decided that for Judaic Studies, the students will take a Mishna / Navi class with Rabbi Marrus, a Chumash / Holiday class with Mr. Olitzki, and students requiring an Orthodox teacher for their studies, will take a the Chumash / Holiday class with Rabbi Levi Teldon. Tefillot classes will be tracked into Orthodox and Egalitarian with the choices made during the summer holding.

Please understand with the dual tracks and three grade levels having two classes, the schedule is complicated. We are working diligently to make right anything that appears to be off.

Thanks for your understanding and support.

Judaic Studies-Rabbi Marrus' Class

Dear Parents,

Welcome to another and exciting school year. I am looking forward to another great year of learning and growth for your child.

As in past years, i am posting some links for those students that can benefit from books with English translation. If your child is comfortable with the Hebrew text, do NOT purchase them as they will hinder the Hebrew language development skills.

Please click on links below to purchase.
Navi: Prophets - Melachim
Mishnah: Avot