Welcome to 7 North & Solon Middle School

7 North Team Teachers Mrs. Paula Hardy – Math Mrs. Alexis Volk – Math Interventionist Mr. Charles Wawrin – Science Mrs. Leslie Benko – Language Arts Mrs. Christie Rabe and Mrs. Emily Winograd – Language Arts Interventionists Mrs. Dana Green – Social Studies Mrs. Mary Ann Linek – Art Mrs. Susan Bubonics – Physical Education Mrs. Cheryl Holsapfel – Digital Art

7 North Team Policies

Team-Building on 7 North Team Slogans “The 7 North Stars” “We are 7 North! We couldn’t be prouder! If you can’t hear us, we’ll shout a little louder!” Team-Building Days We had our first team time activity on August 26 th. Students spent part of the school day making our team banner and playing whole team games. One of our team goals is to beat the other 7 th grade teams in magazine and cookie dough sales. Please help us earn bragging rights and a reward for Spring! Scheduled Team Times We will continue to build team unity throughout the year.

Team Awards and Recognition The 7 North Team recognizes the importance of positive role models and leaders. Students may be awarded in any of the following ways: positive to parents positive phone call positive referrals through the office “Student of the Month” Award Achievement Awards (at the end of the school year) Team Award (at the end of the school year)

Homework an integral part of the learning process introduces/reinforces skills learned in class provides additional time to practice skills allows students to build on their knowledge and prepare for upcoming topics Builds self-discipline and organizational skills

Make-Up Work If absent, it is the student’s responsibility to do the following: Check the Teacher Websites, Google Classroom, or ask a classmate for information on assignments and concepts missed during the absence Upon return to school, check with teachers regarding arrangements for make-up assignments, tests, or quizzes A student has the equivalent number of days that they were absent to make up their work.

Opportunities for Extra Help DAILY HELP SESSIONS The 7 North teachers are available most mornings before school for extra help. If there is a question about homework, or if your child needs something explained in more detail, have them stop by our classrooms at 8:05. We are here to help.

MATH SUPPORT Purpose: to move students forward through intervention of grade-level state standards for math Small group and individualized instruction with math teacher and math interventionist time for clarification and/or re-teaching of class concepts additional practice of standards presented in the regular education classroom addittional time to check individual students’ understanding. Immediate intervention on a daily basis

Purpose: to improve reading and writing skills and provide intervention of grade-level standards for language arts small group and individualized instruction with language arts teacher and language arts interventionist time for clarification and/or re-teaching of class concepts additional practice of standards presented in the regular education classroom additional time to build reading stamina and comprehension additional time for writing practice and feedback immediate intervention on a daily basis LANGUAGE ARTS SUPPORT

Math 7 Accelerated Math Mrs. Paula Hardy Mrs. Alexis Volk, Interventionist

Mrs. Paula Hardy B.S. Mathematics from the University of Massachusetts M.Ed. In Math Education from California State University 24 th year of teaching; last 17years at Solon Middle School I have taught at the middle school level in Massachusetts, California and Ohio. I look forward to coaching “Math Counts” with Alexis Volk at SMS this year.

Numbers About Alexis Volk 2013 = the year I graduated from Notre Dame College to finish my Masters Degree in special education 2006 = the year I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree to be a secondary math teacher 10 = years teaching 5 = the number of years I taught 7 th, 8 th or high school math 4 = the number of years previous to this one that I have been an interventionist 3 = the number of teams in 7 th grade I work on 2 = the days a week I am available to help (Tuesday and Thursday at 8:05) 2 = the questions I have for you? –Are you interested in purchasing a set of Algebra Tiles to have at home for your seventh grade student to work with? If so, me at and if there are enough people interested I will get some for individual purchase. (I think they are no more than $10 a –Do you struggle helping your son or daughter with the “new math” they are working on? Check out the website I made to help you at home. The address is on the front cover of your student’s math workbook.

What I Want to Be

What are the Critical Areas in Math 7? The Math 7 curriculum is aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Grade 7 Mathematics. There are 8 Units of study. Developing understanding and application of proportional relationships. Developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations. Solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two and three dimensional shapes. Drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

Math 7 Curriculum Each student is given a workbook that is their primary resource. It includes notes, examples of solution strategies and practice problems. Students will receive a new workbook each quarter. Directions should be followed since it provides structure for conceptual thinking and problem solving. All work should be shown without the use of a calculator. Corrections should be made (in pen). We also use the CPM Course 2 book. Students have been given access to an e-book that they can use at any time. Textbooks are also available for students to use at home. Please let me know if you would like to check one out for the year.

Accelerated Math7/8 Critical Areas for 8 th Grade Math Formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations. Grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships. Analyzing two and three dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity and congruence Understanding and using the Pythagorean Theorem.

Accelerated Math 7/8 Curriculum The Accelerated Math curriculum is aligned with Common Core Standards for Grade 8 Mathematics and supplemented with Grade 7 content. Students receive a workbook each quarter. All work should be well written with full complete answers in order to develop deep understanding. CPM Core Connections Course 3 is the primary source. Students will also have access to an e-book. If you would like a textbook to use at home, please let me know. Homework is to be done in pencil on graph paper which is in a binder or a graph ruled composition book or notebook.

Homework and Extra Help Homework is given on a daily basis. Please consider providing a daily planner for your child. Students are expected to show all work and be responsible to correct their work in class the following day. Homework is a check for understanding and is not graded for accuracy, but for completion and effort. An “Open Door” policy for extra help is reserved for Tuesdays for Math7 students and Wednesdays for Accelerated students beginning at 8:05AM. Other times may also be arranged either before or after school.

Assessments Formative Assessment – usually consists of 3 or 4 questions that gives the student immediate feedback of their understanding. This is an ungraded assessment. Practical Assessment = Homework (20%) Summative Assessments = (80%) –Group Assessment – usually given a week before the Common Assessment. Students discuss and work together for team score. –Common Assessment – given at the end of a Unit and will be electronic. –Corrective Instruction Assessment – given after a Common Assessment

Language Arts Mrs. Leslie Benko Mrs. Christie Rabe, Interventionist Mrs. Emily Winograd, Interventionist

Mrs. Leslie Benko BA in Communication Arts from Malone University (2002) MAT in English Education from the University of Pittsburgh (2004) Certified English 7-12 California Middle School, PA – Solon Middle School – 2006-present Experience teaching 7 th, 8 th, 9 th and 10 th grades in Solon City Advisor for The Comet’s Tale, the SMS literary magazine

Mrs. Christie Rabe B.S. in Marketing from Kent State University (2006) M.S. in Special Education from University of South Florida (2008) Reading Endorsement, University of South Florida (2008) Hillsborough County Schools, Tampa, Florida ( ) Mayfield Middle School (2013) Solon Middle School (2014- Present) Mrs. Emily Winograd B.S. in Special Education from Miami University 2005 M.A. in Drama, Language Arts, Children’s Literature and Reading, Ohio State University 2007 Reading Endorsement, Ohio State University 2007 Solon Middle School – Present

7 th Grade Language Arts Reading-Writing Workshop: real-world reading and writing skills Standards-based curriculum Research-based best practices Independent reading is a key component = CHOICE Homework is independent reading for at least 30 minutes, 4 times a week, to meet individual weekly reading goals. Reading homework is 5 points per week. Please monitor your child’s reading choices.

Typical Day in Language Arts Class Status of the Class Mini lesson on a reading or writing standard (10-15 minutes) or an interactive close reading demonstration (20-30 minutes) Guided or independent practice with the learning standard Time for independent reading or writing time Individual conferences about independent reading, writing process, or intervention based on classwork or assessments

7 th Grade Language Arts GRADING Practical applications = 20% Class work, weekly homework (independent reading), formative assessments Summative assessments = 80% Common Interim Assessments (CIAs = quizzes) Reading and Writing Common Assessments (CAs = tests) at the end of a unit of study Assessments will be electronic.

Reading Research Says… Kids need to read a lot. Kids need books they can read. Kids need to learn to read fluently. Kids need to develop thoughtful literacy. -Richard Allington

This year, your child will be reading… A LOT. The only way to become a better reader is by reading. Daily practice is essential, in the classroom and at home. Time management is key—when and where will it happen? Fake reading is no longer an option…they choose their books! Help your child find a quiet place with no distractions to build their reading stamina daily. Start small, and work up to 30 minutes at a time.

#SMSREADS #WeReadHere#WeReadHere

“We lose ourselves in books, we find ourselves there too.” “A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.”

MRS. DANA GREEN

Dana Green EDUCATION B.A. Sociology-The Ohio State University Integrated Social Studies-Ashland University 2004 EXPERIENCE- 12 years overall teaching experience 4 years at LaFayette Middle School, GA. 7 th grade teacher 2 years at Solon High School-Sociology and World History 6 years at Solon Middle School-7 th and 8 th grade World History 7 th grade Social Studies Department Chair

Social Studies-World History My teaching philosophies I believe that all students have the right to learn in a comfortable and safe environment. I also believe that given the right tools, support, and curriculum, all students can and will learn. I believe the teacher is a facilitator in learning and should assist students in exploring the curriculum individually to gain the knowledge necessary to become a well rounded-adult. Course Content The curriculum for 7 th grade focuses on the political, social, and economic characteristics of early civilizations. When studying these civilizations, we focus on how their legacies contribute to our society today Our units are: Greece, Rome, Middle Ages, Renaissance/Reformation/Age of Exploration, Islam/Africa, and the Mongols/Mughals

What do your students do in class daily? Riddle of the Day-a great way to get students in the room and interested in starting class. Review the previous class Check and go over homework/new learning about a topic Time to begin activity/classwork Anything not finished in class becomes homework due the next class period.

Expectations Students are expected to give their BEST effort always! Complete homework-reading, written work, review nightly Check my website with the class calendar and useful information daily Check On-line Gradebook periodically **Please contact me with any questions or concerns!

How will material be presented to students Students will use their chrome books daily to research, read from the online textbook, and work within google classroom to complete assignments. We will also read primary source documents and articles my.hrw.com-Holt McDougal website

How will students be graded Practical Application (80% of grade) Common interim assessments and Common assessments Summative Assessment (20% of grade) homework/classwork, projects, formative assessments.

Digital Art, Studio Art, and Physical Education– Six week rotation Standards Based Curriculum Digital Art w/ Mrs. Holsapfel Studio Art w/ Mrs. Linek Phys Ed w/ Mrs. Bubonics Exploratory Classes O/S/U Courses O Outstanding % S Satisfactory % U Unsatisfactory 0-59%

Digital Art Digital Art class will focus on the basic skills in digital art production, multimedia, and 21st century technology skills. Students will generate multimedia products in print and electronic form to communicate information for specific purposes and real-world audiences. Projects Logo Design, Web Site, 3-D Drawing, Visual Literacy (Presentation), Collaborations, Online Safety, Google Applications

Studio Art Emphasis is on studio art production related to artists, art movements and cultures. Students apply the Art Elements and Principles of Design as the following units are covered: Design, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and Glass. Projects Silk Painting, Beads of Courage Donation, Fused Glass Pendant, Stop Frame Animation and Drawing from Observation

Physical Education Students will gain an understanding of basic fitness concepts, assess and improve their level of fitness, actively participate in a variety of exercises and team activities and to HAVE FUN ! Students must change daily (does not have to be a uniform). Students will be expected to complete assignments and assessments. Students are encouraged to BE ACTIVE FOR 60 MINUTES A DAY (even when they are not in PE).

Science Mr. Chuck Wawrin

Chuck Wawrin B.S. in Science Education, Kent State University M.S., Curriculum and Instruction, Kent State University Teaching at SMS from 1995 – present Detention and Saturday School Supervisor

7 th Grade Science Unit 1: Cycles and Patterns of the Earth, Moon and Sun –Water Cycle, Carbon Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle –Atmosphere composition and layers –Moon phases –Tides and eclipses Unit 2: Open and Closed systems –How heat transfers –Conduction, Convection, Radiation

Unit 3: Conservation of Mass and Energy –Waves – sound and light –Electricity Unit 4: Cycles of Matter and Energy Flow (Ecology) –Ecosystems –Food webs and food chains –Symbiotic relationships –Biomes

Grading 1. Practical Application (homework): 20% -1 or 2 a week 2. Summative Assessments (quizzes and tests): 80% -3 per quarter

The Top Ten Reasons…

“Why I Should Study Science”

10. … if you are in a dire situation, like you have to go to court for a crime, science could help you.

9. … it could help us if we want to be a scientist or just a science teacher.

8. … I’m required by law to go to school, and one of the subjects in school is science.

7. … to explain why the sky is blue and the grass is green.

6. … to learn about human life, what the body has or doesn’t have, and to learn how we are made.

5. … to learn about the wonders of the world, what’s in the core of the Earth, and how many lives a cat has.

4. … also, you will let us throw stuff in a lock down situation if you go down.

3. … so I can learn science if I get a job someday.

2. … to learn how to use a light bulb.

1.… is to learn, that’s why I go to school, to be educated, to get good grades, to do well at the high school, graduate high in my class, get into a good collage, do well, and get a good paying job and if I don’t work hard and study that won’t happen and I will be a failure and my parents…

… because I love to learn. … because I can’t wait to learn. … because it can help me and society, so I can grow up and make a difference!!!

It’s going to be a GREAT year on 7 North with our 7 North Stars! We can’t wait to see their accomplishments! Thank you for your support.