Week ending September 27th


7-1 Science

Students have started working on developing a mind map on planet Earth. The deep thinking required to figure out how to represent an idea via a picture, helps students learn the material better and store it in their long term memory. As they learn things about Earth they will add it to their map.

In ELA this week we have continue to work on paragraph writing and spelling. We worked on topic sentences, and four types of paragraphs: narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive. Next week will see another spelling list and more paragraph practice.

For Social Studies, the students have worked hard to create their first digital research presentation. Students will be sharing these presentations starting on Monday.

In Math, we have continued to work with Integers in chapter 9. We will be having a test next week on adding and subtracting integers.

In ELA this week we have been working hard on our first oral assignment, Where I see  myself in 15 years… Students will participate in a lottery draw on Monday to decide our presentation order. We have explored practice strategies and ways to overcome some anxiety. On Friday we completed our first spelling test as well. All marks will be posted in Power School.

In Social Studies, we have spent all week watching The History of the World in 2 Minutes and creating our own timeline along the way. Next week, we will take this timeline and create a research project to share with the class.

In Math, we have begun to work on chapter 9, Integers. Our focus this week has been around understanding what an integer is and how to add them. Next week, we will be getting into subtracting integers.

In Science, we have been developing a deeper understanding of the rock cycle, soils and how rocks are identified and classified. Next week we will be going deeper into classification and comparing how students have described and classified rocks and how that compares with how geologists do it. While they are learning about this they are also building their skills in note taking and classification.

Power Up:

In Power Up, students continue to have the opportunity to work, catch up on various assignments or prepare for quizzes. Students have received a calendar for planning, goal setting and we will take more time to use this tool as we move along. We also completed a survey about work habits, relationship with teachers and level of autonomy in class. It was really interesting to see the self-awareness as well as the honesty. This is great feedback to better understand individual needs.

Thank you!!!

Andréanne Plante

Students Services, Learning Leader

David Thompson Middle School

Calgary Board of Education

t | 403-777-7470

f | 403-777-7479

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Power Up:

In Power Up students had the opportunity to work, catch up on various assignments or prepare for quizzes. Students plan what they need to work on for the period and keep track of their progress in each class (focusing on their individual needs). We will start working with a calendar to plan and organize, set monthly goals as well as tracking achievements. As we move forward, we will be looking at learning strategies, learning styles and varied activities to promote learning, growth mindset and well-being.

Andréanne Plante

Students Services, Learning Leader

David Thompson Middle School

Calgary Board of Education

t | 403-777-7470

f | 403-777-7479

Math 7-1
Students are working on fractions, decimals and percents. Emphasis is on developing a deeper understanding of fractions and converting fractions, decimals and percents back and forth. Please keep in mind that knowing your math facts is very important to your overall success in math.

Science 7-1
Students are starting the Planet Earth unit. Currently they are building their basic knowledge and understanding of the rock cycle. For those of you that have the time or resources, I would encourage you to consider taking your child to visit the Glenbow Museum that currently has a rocks and minerals exhibit.
For further questions or concerns please email Mr. Davis    cvdavis@cbe.ab.ca

In ELA this week we have completed two tasks already. On Thursday we worked on an editing skills page, and the students have completed their first writing assignment. Everyone has written a letter to me, explaining some things which I need to know in order to have a successful year together. Next week, we will begin our first oral task.

In Social, we have started a conversation about the history of the land. We sat outside a few times to acquaint ourselves to the land around our school and to think about the history of that one piece of land. We have watched a video which talks about the idea of Pangea and the super continent. Next week, we will be progressing forward in time and look at how people first came to North America.

In Math, we have set some personal goals and completed an initial test. Tests will be discussed on Monday, and we will begin our work around integers next week.

Email is the best way to communicate with me. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to fire me an email to the following address: testrickland@cbe.ab.ca