The school year is off to a great start and we all really appreciated the cooler weather this week.  We have a great group of kids and are looking forward to lots of great activities and learning. 

Currently,  Pre-Algebra has been reviewing positive and negative fractions and decimals. We will be getting our first CMP book next Thursday and begin a study of variables and patterns.

Algebra has been reviewing basic algebriac skills: variables, exponents, tables, expressions and equations. Our next quick area of study will be positive and negative numbers.

In science, we are working on learning how the different parts of the scientific method fit together.  We have been working on the difference between observations and inferences...ask about the candle observation.  We are also learning basic vocabulary we will need all year and measurement.

Students in Mrs. Johns' American History class will be learning about early expansion of our newly independent country into the Northwest Territory( today is known as the Midwest).  They will also understand the frailties of the government that existed prior to the writing of the Constitution.

In English, we are gearing up to write a short story, beginning our study of Greek and Latin roots, strengthening our composition and grammar skills. Watch for Scholastic Book Clubs to be offered.

On Tuesday, we had the opportunity to meet many parents at Orientation.  Thanks to all who joined us. It was great to meet you.  For those who were unable to be there, here is a short list of important things to think about this year:

1.     Team 7g believes strongly in the educational triumvirate of student, parent, and teachers.  Each must know and work to do their part in order to provide the student with the best educational experience possible. 

2.    Seventh grade is full of opportunities for the student to grow, to learn to accept more academic responsibility, and to develop those important study skills needed be successful as students' progress.  Remember, however, that students will make some mistakes while learning new skills as we all do.  Learning from our mistakes is something we all need to be able to do.

3.    Please contact the teachers when you have concerns.  We will do our best to clarify issues and to help find solutions to.  Email is the most expedient way to reach us.  We are teaching all day, but will reply to your email when we can after the school day is over.

4.    Please make use of our website. .  Homework will be posted here, although the most complete information should be found in your student's planner. Please check it frequently to be sure they are forming good habits.  There are also a myriad of resources and information available to both you and your student on the website.

5.    Washington offers many, many extracurricular activities.  There's something here for everyone.  Please help your student choose an appropriate number of activities to be involved in as they are just learning time management skills and often have trouble limiting themselves to those they truly have time for. There's always next year to try other things.  

6.    When students are ill for a day or two, they should plan on getting make-up work when they return. Generally, they need notes from another student on the teaching that went on during their absent to be able to do the work. The policy, as stated in the Washington handbook, is when they have a prolonged illness of 3 days or more, send an email to the teachers for a homework pickup, remembering to give teachers 24 hours notice to prepare it properly.  We will be happy to gather what they can do at home, but please remember they still will need notes from another student to help them.

Middle School Career Exploration Program... Day # 1 - Got Wheels?

WashingtonAcademyis excited to announce this year's Middle School Career Exploration Program.   Did you know Career Education is included in the Illinois State Standards?   Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders will each have their own day during the 2010-2011 academic year to explore different career opportunities.   

We kick off the year with the sixth graders' "Careers On Wheels" Day.   What is a Career on Wheels?  A heavy equipment operator, fireman, policeman, mobile veterinarian, postal service worker, truck driver...the list is endless! 

Are you a Washington parent who has a "Career On Wheels" ?  Please consider volunteering 2 hours of your time - plan for mid-October- to visit Washington and  provide a brief glimpse into your career.  Please e-mail Mary Makulec (muckymuck@juno.com) for more details - and thank you for helping make our Career Exploration Program a success.

We'd like to announce some changes for chess club this year at Washington.  Since Mrs. Beach is out of the building so much, Mr. Garza will be our new chess club manager.   Mr. and Mrs. Beach will still be involved, you just may not see them each and every week.

Another change: day of the week!  Chess Club will now be held on Tuesdays from 3:15 - 4:30.  Students will need to be picked up absolutely no later than 4:30.  Middle School students may take the activity bus to their zoned school.

If your child is interested in being a part of chess club, please fill out a registration form.  Additional forms are available on the chess club bulletin board outside the library.  If you signed up on a list at Registration, you will still need to complete this registration form.  These should be returned to the office for Mrs. Beach no later than September 22.

Chess Club will begin on September 28 for all players.  For players new to chess, we will provide instruction.  New First Graders will receive those lessons during the school day.  Beginners in all other grades will receive lessons at Chess Club.

Questions? Please contact Mrs. Beach.  We can't wait for our new year!

Fall Chess Challenge

Washington Academy will once again be hosting the Fall Scholastic Chess Challenge.  The tournament will be held on October 16, 2010.  Registration forms can be accessed at the Rockford Scholastic Chess website or located on the Chess Club bulletin board. 

We will need several volunteers to help make this another successful tournament.  If you can help, we will have sign-up sheets available at Chess Club meetings or you can contact Souk Shun.  We will need help on Friday, October 15 to set up the gym and on October 16 for the actual tournament.

T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Polo Shirts, Jackets, Tote Bags or Window Decals for your car! 

Washington Academy Spirit Wear is always on sale!  Go to the PTO page on the school's web site (here is the link: http://webs.rps205.com/schools/washington/pto.html ).  Scroll down to the bottom of the page and download the pdf file: PTO Spirit Wear Catalog and Order Form.  Send your order forms (with payment) to school with your student.  Show off your School Spirit!!