What are we learning in Social Studies?

We are focusing on post civil war America. How did the states come together to make one country? How were former slaves treated now that they are free? What is the industrial revolution, and how did the invention of new technology change the United States? What problems did Reconstruction resolve? What problems did it fail to resolve? !Key Terms:

• Oppression • Carpetbaggers • Reconstruction • Industrial Revolution !

Where can I find more information? Resources: Discovery Education Social Studies:www.discoveryeducation.com www.engageny.org/resource/new-york-state-k-12-social-studies-framework !

WITS Community Letter Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall we!ve been having! It!s been a busy month at West Prep Academy. We had our first round of labs in October, all students learned to make a delicious and healthy applesauce. It was thumbs up all around, below is the recipe

for anyone interested in making it on their own: !Chunky Applesauce 4 large apples (your favorite) cinnamon to taste (optional) Wash and core the apples. Do not peel them. Cut apples into small chunks. Place apples and water into a pot. Stir together and cover. Cook the apples on medium flame until they become very soft, approximately 30-40 minutes. If necessary, add more water as the mixture thickens until desired consistency. Mash with a potato masher or

spoon. Cool. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. !All the best, Katie Cook West Prep WITS Chef

Academic Newsletter 2nd Quarter 8th Grade

What are we learning in English Language Arts? This Quarter students will be introduced to the American classic To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This Pulitzer prize winning novel will capture 8th graders with themes such as advocacy, discrimination, and pathos . Students will continue the 8th English Language Arts practice of reading, writing, and discussing the text over a course of 4 weeks. Where can I find more information? • Determining a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its

relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text. http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/8/#CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.2

• Analyzing how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspect of a character or provoke a decision: http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/8/3/ !

Resources: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee http://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-8-ela-module-2a-unit-1-lesson-8

What are we learning in Math? Linear Equations During this unit, students will learn that a linear equation is an equation for a straight line. There are many ways of writing linear equations, but they usually have constants (like “2” or “c”) and must have simple variables (like “x” or “y”). Students should be able to explain how changes in rate, the y-intercept, and the selected inputs for the equations effect the output in and out of context to real-world applications. !Slope-Intercept form is the most widely used form of a linear equation: y = mx + b !Where can I find more information? Common Core Standards (8.EE.B.5, 8.EE.B.6, 8.EE.B.7): http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/8/EE/ !EngageNY Module 4 Linear Equations: https://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-8-mathematics-module-4%20 !!

Resources: Linear Equations on www.khanacademy.org Linear Equations on www.ixl.com !

What are we learning in Science? Forces and Motion on Earth During this unit, students will learn the effects of different types of forces on the motion of objects, through the study of the Newton’s laws of motion. Students should be able to explain how changes in motion, perspective, and reference of objects, depend on different variables such as mass, direction of motion, and frame of reference. !Where can I find more information? Search for the NYC 6-12 Science Scope and Sequence !Resources: Discovery Education Science Techbook: Forces, Motion, and Engineering www.discoveryeducation.com

December A,B,C’s Challenge! Mr. Washington has introduced a new plan for students who follow the A,B,C’s of December. Winners will be able to attend a school wide trip to a basketball game or a Broadway show!! Just follow these simple rules for the month:

Attendance- Arrive on time EVERY day Behavior- no discipline referrals for the entire month Classwork- complete all assignments, no missing work !

Look out for more information on our website ms421.org

Parent Volunteers Needed: contact ccosta@ms421.org or call 212 280 8502

Parent Volunteers Needed: contact ccosta@ms421.org or call 212 280 8502