As we come to the end of Quarter 1, we want to take a moment to celebrate the progress and hard work of our middle school students. December has been a month of reflection, growth, and achievement, and your support has played an essential role in their success.

Throughout this month, students have engaged in a range of meaningful projects, collaborative activities, and opportunities to build their confidence and curiosity. From hands-on learning to team-building exercises, they’ve demonstrated resilience and a strong commitment to their education.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue this journey with your students in the new semester. Please encourage them to take time to recharge over winter break and return ready for the fresh challenges and discoveries that await in January.

We wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a restful winter break. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community.

7th graders will read New Directions and complete first-read questions on StudySync. The focus will be on understanding the central message or theme of the story. Students will summarize the key points of the story and discuss their understanding through both written and oral responses. The lesson will enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and communication skills as students engage with the text.

8th graders will read Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe and focus on understanding the connotation of words used in the poem. They will analyze how these word choices affect the poem’s tone and meaning. Students will summarize the poem and discuss its emotional impact through both written and spoken responses.

7th graders are working through Reveal Math Modules 2.1, 2.5, and 2.6. In Module 2.1, students are exploring proportional relationships and understanding ratios. Module 2.5 focuses on applying these concepts to solve real-world problems involving proportional relationships. In Module 2.6, students will analyze and solve multi-step problems involving proportions, building on their understanding from earlier modules. The focus of these lessons is to strengthen students’ reasoning with ratios and proportions while applying these concepts to practical situations.

8th graders are working through Reveal Math Modules 2.3, 2.4, and 2.5. In Module 2.3, students focus on solving linear equations and understanding how to use properties of equality. Module 2.4 explores inequalities, where students learn how to solve and graph one-step inequalities on a number line. In Module 2.5, students expand their understanding by solving and graphing multi-step inequalities. These modules build students' skills in solving equations and inequalities, with an emphasis on real-world applications and problem-solving strategies.

7th Grade students will analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of Islamic civilizations during the Middle Ages. The focus will be understanding how these structures shaped daily life, trade, and global connections. 

8th Grade students will describe how the moral and political ideas of the Great Awakening contributed to the rise of revolutionary fervor in the American colonies, emphasizing how religious revival spurred demands for political change and resistance to British rule.

For 7th Grade, students focused on substances are made of different types of atoms, which combine to form molecules. These molecules have unique physical and chemical properties that help identify and distinguish different substances. 

As for 8th Grade, students are focusing on applying Newton's Third Law to design solutions for problems related to the motion of two colliding objects, integrating concepts from physical science and technology.

In the Leader in Me program, middle school students learn key strategies for time management and organization. They explore the Time Matrix to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, ensuring they focus on what matters most. They also develop the habit of Planning Every Week, creating schedules that balance schoolwork, activities, and relaxation. Finally, students learn techniques for Getting and Staying Organized, such as using folders and digital tools to keep track of assignments and stay on top of their responsibilities. These skills help students manage their time effectively, reduce stress, and stay focused on their goals.

This month, middle school students are hard at work organizing their Winter Spectacular event. As part of their preparation, students are creating business plans for the items they will sell at their booths. They will apply the skills they've learned in class to this real-world project, taking on responsibilities such as planning, managing, and promoting their booths.

Items planned for sale include goodie bags, hot chocolate, and more! This hands-on experience is a fantastic way for students to develop teamwork, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills. Stay tuned for the final showcase of their efforts!

When your child is absent from school, enroll them in Independent Study. We are here to support them with the classwork that they are missing. This will prevent them from falling behind. It's an easy straightforward process, and assignments can be completed either at home or upon their return to school. Please send your request via email to: IS@bellamentecharter.org.

• 11/7-12/6 Toy Drive
• 12/9-12/19 Book Fair
• 12/11 Minimum Day for Staff Development
• 12/12 Coffee Mingle
• 12/19 Spirit Day: PJ Day
• 12/19 Winter Spectacular (5-7PM)
• 12/20 Monthly Dine-Out (Panda Express)
• 12/20-1/7/25 Winter Break