Sunday, February 28, 2021

8th Grade News: March 1-5, 2021


General News

Interim Exams This Week
This week, students will be taking Interim Assessments in each of their classes. These tests, which will count towards students' overall grades, are cumulative and will cover material that students have been learning throughout Quarter 2. Interims will be taken on the following days:

Monday 3/1: ELA
Tuesday 3/2: ELA
Wednesday 3/3: Math
Thursday 3/4: Science
Friday 3/5: Social Studies

Monday 3/8: Connections

To allow for plenty of time for students to take each test, we will be on a modified testing schedule for this week only. See below for our daily schedule this week:


8th Grade Parent Teacher Conferences - March 9th & 10th
8th grade spring conferences will be held on Tuesday, March 9th and Wednesday, March 10th. Because teachers will be holding conferences, all 8th grade students will be asynchronous for these two days, meaning there will be no live Zoom classes.

Please be expecting some communication from your child's teacher this week to begin scheduling your conference. Spring conferences for 8th graders are particularly exciting, as families will be receiving their students' schedules for 9th grade!

If you would like to reach out to your child's teacher, the complete 8th grade faculty contact information is listed at the bottom of this blog. Families are such an important link in helping children grow, develop, and improve in their schooling experience, and we welcome this opportunity to meet with you and discuss your child's progress. It is our goal as a school to have 100% participation!

Resources from Rising 9th Grade Parent Night
Last week, Cedar Shoals hosted an online Rising 9th Grade Parent Night, where they shared information on schedules, graduation requirements, electives, and how to make a successful transition to high school.

You can view the presentation slides they used here.

You can also watch a recording of the Zoom session here. (Password: 0Ur@f#t3)

Important Upcoming Dates
Please be aware of the following upcoming dates and events. Note that this list will continue to be added to each week as more events are planned and scheduled, and also that some of these dates are subject to change:
  • 3/1-3/5: Interim Testing
    • Mon. 3/1: ELA
    • Tues. 3/2: ELA
    • Wed. 3/3: Math
    • Thurs. 3/4: Science
    • Fri. 3/5: Social Studies
    • Mon. 3/8: Connections
  • 3/9-3/10: 8th Grade Parent Teacher Conferences
  • 3/10: Quarter 3 ends
  • 3/11-3/12: Student/Staff Holiday (No School)
  • 3/15: Quarter 4 begins
  • 3/22: Hilsman Reopens for F2F Students
  • 3/26-5/7: Q3 Credit Recovery
  • 4/2-4/9: Spring Break (No School)
  • 4/30: PSAT for 8th Graders
  • 5/20: Last Day of School

Class Schedule Update: ELT now begins at 8:35am
Please note that ELT now begins at 8:35am. (It previously began at 8:45am.) Students will receive several reminders throughout the week as we make this small adjustment!

Returning to In-Person Learning
CCSD has announced its reopening plan for in-person learning using a phased-in schedule. Under this schedule, Hilsman will reopen on March 22. Virtual learning will continue to be an an option offered for all all students. Please click here to read details about the schedule for returning students to in-person learning.


Technology Repair Request Form
If students are having technology issues, please fill out this form. Mrs. Neace and Mrs. Gonzalez are working around the clock to address each request and help make sure everyone's devices are working properly!

Online Spring Book Fair!
The Hilsman Online Spring Book Fair has launched and runs through March 8th! Contact Mrs. Gonzalez if you need help with the online site. Here's the link to check it out:



How to Check Out Hilsman eBooks
Panther families, we have a great selection of eBooks with many more on the way. Click here for super easy instructions on how to access them quickly from any device!

Student Meals
CCSD will continue to provide free student meals during virtual learning (either at curbside locations or via bus routes). Please click here to view community food resources for families.


COVID-19 Resources
The Northeast Health District has a free COVID-19 testing and vaccination drive-through at 355 Oneta Street in Athens. Appointments are required. Click here or call 706-340-0996 to make an appointment.

TRIO Info
Please the fliers below from our counselors about joining and participating in an amazing program coordinated with UGA that is all about college and career readiness! 

How Can I Stay Updated?
  1. Check your email. Hilsman will use Campus Messenger to email parents/guardians all school-wide announcements. Follow these directions to sign up: 
  2. Sign up for the Hilsman PTO page for more frequent updates. Search Facebook for "Hilsman Middle School PTO, Athens GA"
  3. Check Google Classroom for class announcements.
Subscribe to this blog!
You can subscribe to this blog so that you receive an email each time we make a new post! To do this, simply type your email address in the "Follow by Email" bar in the upper right side of this site.


Content News
Math News:
8th Grade
Monday: Interim Review
Tuesday: Interim Review
Wednesday: Asynchronous work day for all math classes
Thursday: Rational vs. Irrational Numbers
Friday: Rational vs. Irrational Numbers

High School Math
Monday: Interim Review
Tuesday: Interim Review
Wednesday: Asynchronous work day for all math classes
Thursday: Using Graphs to Find Average Rate of Change
Friday: Interpreting & Creating Graphs

**More specific information on assignments, upcoming dates, etc. will be specified via group email.

ELA News:
Monday: Enrichment - Reading
Tuesday: Asynchronous work day for all ELA classes
Wednesday: Enrichment - Reading
Thursday: Enrichment - Reading
Friday: Enrichment - Reading

Science News:
8th Grade
Monday: Interim Review
Tuesday: Interim Review
Wednesday: Interim Review
Thursday: Asynchronous work day for all science classes
Friday: Unit 4

High School Science
Monday: Interim Review
Tuesday: Interim Review
Wednesday: Interim Review
Thursday: Asynchronous work day for all science classes
Friday: Unit 4

Social Studies News:
Monday: Interim Review
Tuesday: Interim Review
Wednesday: Interim Review
Thursday: Interim Review
Friday: Asynchronous work day for all SS classes

Connections News
Orchestra:
Music Monday: Listening Test
Theory Tuesday: Musician Finger Numbers
Work It Wednesday: Musician
Technique Thursday: Musician
Friday: Interim Review with Musician

8th Grade Faculty
Math:
Tonya Ward, wardt@clarke.k12.ga.us
Conor Naughton, naughtonc@clarke.k12.ga.us
Te'tiana Williams, williamst2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Jason Pratt, prattj@clarke.k12.ga.us

ELA:
Kasey Solis, solisk2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Carol Bennett, bennettc3@clarke.k12.ga.us
Jordan Kayea, smallj2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Rhonda McKittrick, mckittrickr@clarke.12.ga.us
April Chester, chestera2@clarke.12.ga.us

Science:
Diarra Mosley, mosleyd@clarke.k12.ga.us
Lara Zwald, zwaldl@clarke.k12.ga.us
Brandie Holcomb, holcombb@clarke.k12.ga.us
Karen Myers, myersk@clarke.k12.ga.us

Social Studies:
Betty Chaney-Robinson, chaneyrobinsonb@clarke.k12.ga.us
Stanley Stewart, stewarts2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Daniel Tawzer, tawzerd@clarke.k12.ga.us
Angela Bright, brighta@clarke.k12.ga.us

ESOL:
Melanie Marty, maxeym@clarke.k12.ga.us


                                                      Enjoy the weekend, and go Panthers!

Saturday, February 20, 2021

8th Grade News: February 22-26, 2021

 

General News

Cedar Shoals Counselors Visiting 8th Grade Classes This Week
This Thursday and Friday in their Social Studies class, all 8th grade students will learn about the scheduling process for their 9th grade classes. On Friday, counselors from Cedar Shoals will visit Zoom classes to walk students through the process of selecting their elective courses for their 9th grade class schedule and answer any questions they have about high school.

Rising 9th Grade Parent Night - This Thursday Feb. 25
There will be an event for the families of rising 9th graders at Cedar Shoals High School on February 25th at 6:00pm. Save the date, and see the info below!

Password: jaguars



Timeline for Rising 9th Grade Course Registration
The spring semester of 8th grade means it's time for families to begin selecting their classes for 9th grade! Below is the timeline of how this process will work:
  • Feb. 15-19: 8th grade teachers make student recommendations for 9th grade core course placements
  • Feb. 25: Rising 9th Grade Parent Night (see more info above)
  • Feb. 26: Cedar Shoals counselors will Zoom with 8th grade students in ELT to help them choose their elective courses
  • Mar. 8-9: Families will review and confirm course selections during Parent Conferences

Interim Testing Next Week (Mar. 1-5)
Next week, all students will be taking Interim Assessments, given by the school district to help monitor student progress. Students will be taking these assessments for all four core subjects - math, language arts, science, and social studies. Students will start reviewing in class this week in order prepare!

Important Upcoming Dates
Please be aware of the following upcoming dates and events. Note that this list will continue to be added to each week as more events are planned and scheduled, and also that some of these dates are subject to change:
  • 2/25: CSHS Rising 9th Grade Parent Night
  • 3/1-3/5: Interim Testing
    • Mon. 3/1: ELA
    • Tues. 3/2: ELA
    • Wed. 3/3: Math
    • Thurs. 3/4: Science
    • Fri. 3/5: Social Studies
  • 3/8-3/9: 8th Grade Parent Teacher Conferences
  • 3/10: Quarter 3 ends
  • 3/11-3/12: Student/Staff Holiday (No School)
  • 3/15: Quarter 4 begins
  • 3/22: Hilsman Reopens
  • 4/2-4/9: Spring Break (No School)
  • 4/30: PSAT for 8th Graders
  • 5/20: Last Day of School

Returning to In-Person Learning
CCSD has announced its reopening plan for in-person learning using a phased-in schedule. Under this schedule, Hilsman will reopen on March 22. Virtual learning will continue to be an an option offered for all all students. Please click here to read details about the schedule for returning students to in-person learning.


GoGuardian Parent App Now Available
On Monday Feb. 22, the GoGuardian Parent App will be available to all families. This app will allow parents and guardians the opportunity to monitor their child's browsing activity, as well as control over school-issued devices during out-of-school hours. More info will be shared by the district on Monday.

Technology Repair Request Form
If students are having technology issues, please fill out this form. Mrs. Neace and Mrs. Gonzalez are working around the clock to address each request and help make sure everyone's devices are working properly!

How to Check Out Hilsman eBooks
Panther families, we have a great selection of eBooks with many more on the way. Click here for super easy instructions on how to access them quickly from any device!

Student Meals
CCSD will continue to provide free student meals during virtual learning (either at curbside locations or via bus routes). Please click here to view community food resources for families.


COVID-19 Resources
The Northeast Health District has a free COVID-19 testing and vaccination drive-through at 355 Oneta Street in Athens. Appointments are required. Click here or call 706-340-0996 to make an appointment.

How Can I Stay Updated?
  1. Check your email. Hilsman will use Campus Messenger to email parents/guardians all school-wide announcements. Follow these directions to sign up: 
  2. Sign up for the Hilsman PTO page for more frequent updates. Search Facebook for "Hilsman Middle School PTO, Athens GA"
  3. Check Google Classroom for class announcements.
Subscribe to this blog!
You can subscribe to this blog so that you receive an email each time we make a new post! To do this, simply type your email address in the "Follow by Email" bar in the upper right side of this site.


Content News
Math News:
8th Grade
Monday: Learning how to use MATHia
Tuesday: MATHia practice day
Wednesday: Interim Review
Thursday: Interim Review
Friday: Interim Review

High School Math
Monday: Interpreting & using function notation
Tuesday: Using function notation to describe rules
Wednesday: Using function notation to describe rules
Thursday: Interim Review
Friday: Interim Review

**More specific information on assignments, upcoming dates, etc. will be specified via group email.

ELA News:
Monday: Informational Reading- Evaluating Arguments & Claims
Tuesday: Informational Reading- Extension Day Review
Wednesday: Informational Reading- Practice for Interim/Mastery Check
Thursday: Informational Reading- Interim Review
Friday: Informational Reading- Interim Review

Science News:
8th Grade
Monday: Unit 4- Static Electricity
Tuesday: Unit 4- Magnetism and Magnetic Fields
Wednesday: Unit 4- Magnetism and Magnetic Fields
Thursday: Unit 4- Electromagnets
Friday: Unit 4- Generators and electric motors

High School Science
Monday: Balancing Equations
Tuesday: Balancing Equations
Wednesday: Types of Equations
Thursday: Unit 4 Review
Friday: Unit 4 Exam

Social Studies News:
Monday: Formative Assessment (WWI in GA & Boll Weevil)
Tuesday: Talmadge & Roosevelt
Wednesday: New Deal Programs
Thursday: High School Informational Video (transition to 9th grade)
Friday: High School Interactive Lesson (transition to 9th grade)

**The SS Interim will be on Thursday 3/4. We will begin our review on Monday 3/1!

Connections News
Orchestra:
Music Monday: Black History Month Artist of the Week, ThatViolaKid
Theory Tuesday:I am a Fine Musician Rhythms
Work It Wednesday: I am a Fine Musician
Technique Thursday: Musician Note Names
Flipgrid Friday: Musician Practice

Art:
This week in Art, we will explore historical and influential Black Americans - and how to turn their stories into art!


8th Grade Faculty
Math:
Tonya Ward, wardt@clarke.k12.ga.us
Conor Naughton, naughtonc@clarke.k12.ga.us
Te'tiana Williams, williamst2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Jason Pratt, prattj@clarke.k12.ga.us

ELA:
Kasey Solis, solisk2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Carol Bennett, bennettc3@clarke.k12.ga.us
Jordan Kayea, smallj2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Rhonda McKittrick, mckittrickr@clarke.12.ga.us
April Chester, chestera2@clarke.12.ga.us

Science:
Diarra Mosley, mosleyd@clarke.k12.ga.us
Lara Zwald, zwaldl@clarke.k12.ga.us
Brandie Holcomb, holcombb@clarke.k12.ga.us
Karen Myers, myersk@clarke.k12.ga.us

Social Studies:
Betty Chaney-Robinson, chaneyrobinsonb@clarke.k12.ga.us
Stanley Stewart, stewarts2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Daniel Tawzer, tawzerd@clarke.k12.ga.us
Angela Bright, brighta@clarke.k12.ga.us

ESOL:
Melanie Marty, maxeym@clarke.k12.ga.us


                                                      Enjoy the weekend, and go Panthers!

Sunday, February 14, 2021

8th Grade News: February 15-19, 2021

 

General News

Returning to In-Person Learning
Last week, CCSD announced its reopening plan for in-person learning using a phased-in schedule. Under this schedule, Hilsman will reopen on March 22. Virtual learning will continue to be an an option offered for all all students. Please click here to read details about the schedule for returning students to in-person learning.


Friday 2/19 - Asynchronous Work Day
Due to conferences for 6th and 7th grade, this Friday, February 19th will be an asynchronous work day for all students, including 8th graders. No live Zoom classes!

8th Grade Parent-Teacher Conferences
8th grade spring conferences -- which are especially exciting for 8th graders, as families will also be selecting their students' schedules for 9th grade -- will be held on March 9th and March 10th. Please note that 8th grade conferences will be held on a different date than 6th and 7th grade conferences, which are being held this week.

Q3 Progress Reports
Teachers will be posting grades this week for Progress Reports for Quarter 3. These provide the 4.5 week notice of how your child is progressing in their classes for this quarter. If you have questions or concerns about your child's grades, please reach out to your child's teacher(s) - a full 8th grade faculty contact list is provided at the bottom of this blog. Please check Infinite Campus frequently so that we can address any academic concerns early!

Timeline for Rising 9th Grade Course Registration
The spring semester of 8th grade means it's time for families to begin selecting their classes for 9th grade! Below is the timeline of how this process will work:
  • Feb. 15-19: 8th grade teachers make student recommendations for 9th grade core course placements
  • Feb. 22-26: Cedar Shoals counselors will Zoom with 8th grade students in ELT to help them choose their elective courses
  • Feb. 25: Rising 9th Grade Parent Night (see more info below)
  • Mar. 8-9: Families will review and confirm course selections during Parent Conferences

Rising 9th Grade Parent Night
There will be an event for the families of rising 9th graders at Cedar Shoals High School on February 25th at 6:00pm. Save the date, and see the info below!

Password: jaguars

Basketball Tryouts
Basketball tryouts will begin this week. Please see this presentation shared at last week's interest meeting for more information.

Cheerleading Tryouts
If you are interested in trying out for cheer, please email Mrs. Jernigan at ASAP at dillardjernigant@clarke.k12.ga.us.

Important Upcoming Dates
Please be aware of the following upcoming dates and events. Note that this list will continue to be added to each week as more events are planned and scheduled, and also that some of these dates are subject to change:
  • 2/19: Conference Day for 6th/7th grade
  • 2/25: CSHS Rising 9th Grade Parent Night
  • 3/1-3/4: Interim Testing
  • 3/8-3/9: 8th Grade Parent Teacher Conferences
  • 3/10: Quarter 3 ends
  • 3/11-3/12: Student/Staff Holiday (No School)
  • 3/15: Quarter 4 begins
  • 3/22: Hilsman Reopens
  • 4/2-4/9: Spring Break (No School)
  • 4/30: PSAT for 8th Graders
  • 5/20: Last Day of School

How to Check Out Hilsman eBooks
Panther families, we have a great selection of eBooks with many more on the way. Click here for super easy instructions on how to access them quickly from any device!

Technology Repair Request Form
If students are having technology issues, please fill out this form. Mrs. Neace and Mrs. Gonzalez are working around the clock to address each request and help make sure everyone's devices are working properly!

Student Meals
CCSD will continue to provide free student meals during virtual learning (either at curbside locations or via bus routes). Note that because Friday 2/19 is a day off for students, there will be no meals that day this week.


COVID-19 Resources
The Northeast Health District has a free COVID-19 testing and vaccination drive-through at 355 Oneta Street in Athens. Appointments are required. Click here or call 706-340-0996 to make an appointment.

How Can I Stay Updated?
  1. Check your email. Hilsman will use Campus Messenger to email parents/guardians all school-wide announcements. Follow these directions to sign up: 
  2. Sign up for the Hilsman PTO page for more frequent updates. Search Facebook for "Hilsman Middle School PTO, Athens GA"
  3. Check Google Classroom for class announcements.
Subscribe to this blog!
You can subscribe to this blog so that you receive an email each time we make a new post! To do this, simply type your email address in the "Follow by Email" bar in the upper right side of this site.


Content News
Math News:
8th Grade
Monday: Solving equations
Tuesday: Solving equations
Wednesday: Solving equations
Thursday: Solving equations quiz
Friday: Review + ZAP day

High School Math
Monday: Unit 3 Review
Tuesday: Unit 3 Test
Wednesday: Describing & graphing situations
Thursday: Function Notation
Friday: Review + ZAP day

**More specific information on assignments, upcoming dates, etc. will be specified via group email.

ELA News:
Monday: Informational Text: Central Idea & Objective Summary
Tuesday: Informational Text: Determining Author's POV/Purpose
Wednesday: Informational Text: Determining Author's POV/Purpose
Thursday: Informational Text: Evaluating Arguments & Claims
Friday: Review + ZAP day

Science News:
8th Grade
Monday: Unit 4- Static Electricity
Tuesday: Unit 4- Static Electricity
Wednesday: Unit 4- Magnetism
Thursday: Unit 4- Magnetism
Friday: Review + ZAP day

High School Science
Monday: Ionic Bonds - Formulas
Tuesday: Ionic Bonds - Naming & Formulas
Wednesday: Covalent Bonds
Thursday: Covalent Bonds
Friday: Review + ZAP day

Social Studies News:
Monday: Reteaching -- The New South
Tuesday: Test Retake -- The New South
Wednesday: GA and WWI Vocabulary & Study Guide
Thursday: GA and WWI
Friday: Review + ZAP day

Connections News
Orchestra:
Music Monday: Black History Month Composter of the Week and Listening Journal
Theory Tuesday: Finger Numbers and Note Names with our NEW Orchestra Karate Song
Work It Wednesday: Working Rehearsal with I am a Fine Musician
Technique Thursday: Working Rehearsal with I am a Fine Musician
Fun Friday: Orchestra Games and Karate Challenges


8th Grade Faculty
Math:
Tonya Ward, wardt@clarke.k12.ga.us
Conor Naughton, naughtonc@clarke.k12.ga.us
Te'tiana Williams, williamst2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Jason Pratt, prattj@clarke.k12.ga.us

ELA:
Kasey Solis, solisk2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Carol Bennett, bennettc3@clarke.k12.ga.us
Jordan Kayea, smallj2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Rhonda McKittrick, mckittrickr@clarke.12.ga.us
April Chester, chestera2@clarke.12.ga.us

Science:
Diarra Mosley, mosleyd@clarke.k12.ga.us
Lara Zwald, zwaldl@clarke.k12.ga.us
Brandie Holcomb, holcombb@clarke.k12.ga.us
Karen Myers, myersk@clarke.k12.ga.us

Social Studies:
Betty Chaney-Robinson, chaneyrobinsonb@clarke.k12.ga.us
Stanley Stewart, stewarts2@clarke.k12.ga.us
Daniel Tawzer, tawzerd@clarke.k12.ga.us
Angela Bright, brighta@clarke.k12.ga.us

ESOL:
Melanie Marty, maxeym@clarke.k12.ga.us


                                                      Enjoy the weekend, and go Panthers!