May 23-27

Dear Students:

In order to embrace the new, we must release the old. A trapeze artist cannot swing from one bar to another without letting go. An important part of preparing for the new school year is to review the past year—to release it—and to learn from it.…
The following questions should stimulate your thinking for this process. I hope that you take time out of your busy schedule to ponder where you are and where you've been.
Reflect upon what you did, how you felt, what you liked, what you didn’t and what you learned. Try to look at yourself and your experience with as much objectivity as you can—much like a biographer would.
Here are some suggestions to get you started in mulling over the past year—perhaps the last decade.
1. What did I learn? (skills, knowledge, awareness, etc.)
2. What did I accomplish? A list of my wins and achievements.
3. What would I have done differently? Why?
4. What did I complete or release? What still feels incomplete to me?
5. What were the most significant events of the year past?
6. What did I do right? What do I feel especially good about? What was my greatest contribution?
7. What were my biggest challenges/roadblocks/difficulties?
8. How am I different this year than last?
9. For what am I particularly grateful

This is the last week of school and we will continue to learn until the very last day. We will review important Scientific procedures and concepts. Please make sure your book is in good condition to be returned and that you search for your amazing scientific demonstration to share with the class.


Grades Published in Power School


Key Terms Chapter 21






Important Dates to Keep in Mind
May 26 Books will be Collected
May 26 Science Demonstrations

May 16-20

Dear Students:

This week we continue with Chapter 21. We will be focusing in the chapter content as well as the Chapter Project. Please make sure you work on your work pack in a daily basis as well as the Key Concepts, for they will better prepare you for our evaluation.

Project requirements:

• Make a Solar System Model/poster to demonstrate your topic.

• Color your components as close as possible to the images that you can find in books or the internet.

• Prepare your display with planetary statistics for each planet or subject.


• To make your project more advanced, develop a scaled model or any other type of attractive visual.

• Review the rubric before presentation date.


Important Dates to Keep in Mind

May 18 Test Chapter 21
May 18 Key Concepts Due
May 19 Project Presentation

Grades posted in Power School
]
Chapter 20 Content Test
Chapter 20 Key Terms Quiz
Key Terms Chapter 21

May 9-13

Dear Students:

This week we will be working on Chapter 21: Stars, Galaxies and the Universe. Your project for solar system has also been assigned. Make sure you become an expert on the topic chosen so you can transmit these important concepts to the class.

Getting Started:

First, get to know about your topic. Read as much information about the topic as you can find. Try both the Internet and the library; try the NASA web site, Zoom Astronomy, Nine Planets, a good search engine, an encyclopedia, and individual books on astronomy and the Solar System.
As you're reading about your topic, take notes on key information, such as your planet's size, temperature range, its position in the Solar System, moons, atmosphere, any unusual features, when it was discovered, etc. A graphic organizer can be useful for this.

Make your presentation neat and informative. Start working as early as possible.

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

May 11 Key Terms Due
May 18 Test Chapter 21
May 18 Key Concepts Due
May 19 Project Presentation

May 2-6

Dear Students

Our test to Chapter 20 will be Wednesday, May 4. Please prepare for it by reading Chapter 20 from your textbook and then using your work pack to review. Study your Key Terms and Key Concepts.


Weekly tips:
How to study Smarter, not Harder

Study the Middle
The best time to review is soon after learning has taken place. The beginning and the end of material is best remembered, so pay close attention to the middle which is likely to be forgotten. The peak of difficulty in remembering is just beyond the middle, toward the end. change your method of review.

Connect Ideas Whenever Possible
The more association you can elicit for an idea, the more meaning it will have; the more meaningful the learning, the better one is able to retain it. Always note similarities in ideas and concepts, and put them in their proper place in a larger system of ideas, concepts and theories. A bare literal understanding is often of little valuable. Never be satisfied with a hazy idea of what you are reading. If you are not able to follow the thought, go back to where you lost the trail.


Grades Posted in Power school this week

Oral Presentation: Chapter 20
Chapter 20: Project

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

May 11 Key Terms Due
May 18 Test Chapter 21
May 18 Key Concepts Due

April 26-29

Dear Students:
Project presentations were a success. You have accomplished much throughout the school year and you are now mastering Oral Presentations a lot better.
We are going to have our Easter break from April 16-25. Classes resume on April 26.
As we return, we will continue to learn about the Solar System through lectures, videos and class activities. We will solve our Key concepts and Workpacks as well.

Important Dates to Keep in Mind
April 26 Classes resume
May 04 Key Concepts Due
May 04 Workpack Due
May 04 Test Chapter 20
Weekly tips:
Break up task into workable and obtainable steps
Prioritize assignment and activities.
List and/or post (and say) all steps necessary to complete each assignment

April 11-15

Dear Students:


This is our last week before Semana Santa’s break. We will begin a new Chapter full of wonderful information that will enrich our knowledge in science.
We are beginning Chapter 20: The Solar System. Our Solar System is a vast region containing the sun, planets, and many other objects. We will be studying all these interesting parts and details that influence our planet.
The Rubric for Oral Presentations will be used for this project. Make sure you practice at home before the real thing .

Some of the topics covered in this Chapter are:
Observing the Solar System
The Sun
The Inner Planets
The Outer Planets
Comets, Asteroids and Meteors
Is there Life Beyond Earth?


As we approach the end of this school year, I encourage you to practice your skills of organization and discipline:
1. Listening
2. Following Instructions
3. Questioning
4. Exhibiting Leadership
5. Communicating Effectively
6. Organizing: Time, Things

Important Dates to keep in mind

April 13 Key Terms Chapter 20
April 13 Class Project/ Oral Presentation Rubric
April 16-25 Semana Santa
May 4 Test Chapter 20

Coming Soon

April 4-8

Dear Students:

I have decided to postpone your test to Chapter 19. The new date will be this coming Wednesday, April 6. The content of this chapter as well as the fact that we have reviewed the Scientific method thoroughly, has not allowed us to complete the content. Please make good use of this opportunity as we approach our mid –term reports, April 15.
Your Chapter projects have been assigned and will be presented April 13. Don’t forget this time a creative surprise is required. Look for one that will make your presentation memorable. Review the rubric and practice with your group.
We have reviewed the Scientific Method and have learned important terminology related to it. Please keep these terms in mind for they will be applied often in the course of Science.


Some of the goals we want to achieve through our presentations are:
1.Being able to communicate scientific ideas and activities clearly.
2.Students will be familiar with the character of scientific knowledge and inquiry and how it is achieved.
3.Practice sequencing and completing steps to accomplish specific tasks
4.Pose explanations based on evidence derived from one's own work.


Important Dates to keep in mind

April 6 Chapter 19 TEST
April 6 Chapter 19 Key Terms TEST
April 13 Chapter 9 Project

Family Day 3

March 28- April 1

Dear Students:

This week we continue to work in Chapter 19: Earth, Moon and the Sun. We will continue to work in our Chapter Projects in class, as well as completing our learning process through lectures, videos and class discussions. We will also be solving concept Maps, Key concepts and the rest of the Work Pack.

This week I would like you to focus on how to use your time. Time is the most valuable resource a student has. It is also one of the most wasted of resources. The schedule you develop should guide you in how to allocate the available time in the most productive manner. Sticking to your schedule can be tough. It is only up to you to have the discipline to follow the schedule you prepared. A good deal of your success in high school depends on this simple truth. I would really like you to succeed in the future, so let’s make the best out of the time we have.
Second of all I would like you to implement these skills:
Organizing skills are skills necessary to arrange information so it can be understood or presented more effectively. Organizing skills include (1) comparing (identifying similarities and differences), (2) classifying -- or categorizing (grouping items into categories based on similar attributes),(3) ordering (sequencing in some logical manner), and representing (changing the form of information to show how critical elements are related. These changes could be visual, verbal, or symbolic).


Grades Published in Power School
Chapter 17 Content Test
Chapter 17 Key Terms Test
Chapter 17 Project



Important dates to keep in mind
March 23 Key Concepts Chapter 19
March 30 Key Terms Test Chapter 19
March 30 Content Test Chapter 19

Earth Hour

EARTH HOUR is near! On Saturday March 26th from 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM everybody around the world will be voluntarily turning off the lights and unplugging electronic devices to SAVE THE EARTH. We invite you to do the same.

March 21-25

Dear Students;
This week we will begin a whole new UNIT: Astronomy. The chapter we will begin covering is Chapter 19: Earth, Moon and the Sun.

This is your last quarter in Middle School and a good opportunity to review certain aspects of maturity and your organizational skills. Success in life many times depends on how these skills are applied to our current situation. Look into your flaws and make your strengths become your pillars for improvement. By now your work habits, time management and organizational skills should handle the middle school workload easily in preparation for your High school demands.
These skills may not make you more popular, but they can sure help you get better grades, reduce stress and improve your self-confidence. So, get going! You still have one quarter to practice these skills and hopefully Master them by the end of this school year!


Important dates to keep in mind
March 23 Key Concepts Chapter 19
March 25 Parent Teacher Conference
March 30 Key Terms Test Chapter 19
March 30 Content Test Chapter 19

Auto Confianza

Family Day Shirt

FAMILY DAY # 3 is SATURDAY, APRIL 2nd, 2011

Family Day T-Shirt Order Form
Please return this form with Lps. 150.00 per t-shirt ordered by Friday, March 18th and circle the size of shirt you want. The numbers are children’s sizes; the letters are adult sizes. Sizes are similar to those as in last year’s Family Day.
Size(s) Amount Size Amount Size Amount Size Amount
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______


Size(s) Amount Size Amount Size Amount Size Amount
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______
Size(s) Amount Size Amount Size Amount Size Amount
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______

FAMILY NAME: __________________________________
Please deliver t-shirts to: _____________________________________________
Grade and Section ________
*Pre- School and Elementary: Return to homeroom teacher. *Middle and High School: Return to grade level advisors. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN. T-Shirt will be white with colored logo
ALL FUNDS COLLECTED WILL GO TO THE AMERICAN SCHOOL. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS CONTACT: devo@amschool.org



FAMILY DAY #3 Sábado 2 de Abril, 2011

Orden de Compra Camiseta Family Day
Favor regresar esta orden impresa con Lps. 150.00 por camiseta antes de el próximo Viernes 18 de Marzo, circulando el tamaño que usted desea. Los números son tallas de niños; las letras tallas de adultos. Las tallas de las camisas son iguales a las del Family Day pasado.

Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______

Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______
Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______

FAMILIA: __________________________________
Favor entregar camiseta(s) a: _____________________________________________
Grado y Sección: ________
*Pre School and Elementary: regresar formato al maestro de aula. *Middle y High School: Regresar al maestro asesor de grado. No se aceptaran órdenes tarde. * La camiseta es blanca, con el logo a color.
TODOS LOS FONDOS RECOLECTADOS SON PARA LA ESCUELA AMERICANA. PARA MAYOR INFORMACION O CONSULTAS ESCRIBIR A: devo@amschool.org

March 14-18

Dear Students:

This week we begin the 4th quarter. We will begin this quarter with chapter 17: Weather Patterns. This Chapter is a continuation of our previous Chapter: Weather Factors. We will be covering important topics such as:
Identifying the main types of fronts
Explaining the type of weather that is associated with cyclones and anticyclones
Listing the main kinds of storms and how they form.
What measures can you take to ensure safety in a storm?
How do weather forecasters predict the weather?
What can we learn from the information on weather?
The project for this Chapter has already been assigned. Every group is working in a different project in order to learn from a variety of important topics.


Important dates to keep in mind
March 16 Key Concepts Chapter 17
March 16 Key Terms Test Chapter 17
March 16 Content Test Chapter 17

Environmental Science

March 7-10

Important Dates to keep in mind:

Chapter 17 key Terms March 9
Chapter 17 Work Pack March 16
Chapter 17 Key Concepts March 16
Chapter 17 Content Test March 16

Dear Students:

This quarter ends March 11. As the marking period is coming to an end, I would like you to reflect on everything you have accomplished in my class and what you feel you need improvement in. It is a good time to look back at your progress.
Take a few minutes to look at your first quarter mistakes and strength’s and compare that to the work you are doing today. Identify areas of improvement and areas you need to work on throughout the rest of the year. Then use the questions below to guide your thoughts and record them on the lines provided.

• What areas did you focus on this quarter?
• Did you show improvement in these areas?
• What can you do to continue to improve your science skills?
• What is your strength n science class?
• How can you use your science strength to help you in other areas?

February 28- March 4

Dear Students:

This week we continue with Chapter 16: Weather Factors. For our evaluation this week it is important that the regulars are reviewed closely:
• Key Terms
• Key Concepts
• Diagrams
• Work Pack

It is mandatory that the Chapter be read so a complete picture of the content is perceived. To read effectively in the Sciences you need to:
1. Explore Your Science Textbook
2. Check The Vocabulary
3. Analyze For Comprehension
4. Synthesize For Understanding


Important grades posted in Power School

Chapter 15 Content Test
Chapter 15 Key Terms Quiz

Important Dates to keep in mind:
Chapter 16 Test March 2
Chapter 16 Work Pack March 2
Chapter 16 Key Concepts March 2
End of the Second Quarter March 11

Self Confidence

February 21-25

Dear Students:

In many ways, the old saying that "everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it" is no longer valid. Although we cannot yet disarm a tornado or energize a particular cumulus cloud to produce rain on a specific plot of parched ground, we are, sometimes unintentionally, altering the environment. The discharge of a smokestack contributing to the formation of fog is an unmistakable example of this human imprint on the atmosphere, while the soot-stained snow around the Siberian industrial city of Troisk clearly illustrates our footprint on the earth's surface. In this chapter, we explore the reaches of this human impact on weather and climate, considering global, regional, and local effects. In the process, we will travel from the tropical rain forests of the Amazon to the brutal cold of the stratosphere high above Antarctica.

This week we will begin Chapter 16: Weather Factors. We will be covering important topics such as:
• Energy in the Earth’s Atmosphere
• Heat Transfer
• Winds
• Water in the Atmosphere
• Precipitation


Grades already published in Power School

Project Ocean Zones Chapter 15
Key Terms Chapter 15
Chapter 15 Content Test
Chapter 15 key Terms Quiz


Important Dates to keep in mind:

Key Terms Chapter 16 February 23
Chapter 16 Test March 2
Chapter 16 Work Pack March 2

February 14-18

Dear Students:
This week we continue to discuss Chapter 15: the Atmosphere. We will add to our knowledge of the atmosphere through our project: Layers of the Atmosphere. We have been working in this project during class and continue to learn important details about this envelope that surrounds us and permits life as we know it. In preparation for our test on this chapter, videos, class lectures and solving the work pack will continue.


Study Tips – Preparing for a Test

Tests are normally given to measure a student’s understanding of class material. Taking a test can be a stressful event for any student. When it comes to taking tests, there is no real substitute for preparation.

Now, you may be thinking that the only way to make sure that you are fully prepared is to study hard and know your subject. However, there are a few other things that you can do that will help you prepare for a test and ensure your success.
• Complete your regular schoolwork. Attending class every day and completing all of your class assignments on a regular basis can be very important when it comes to retaining information. Do the work and you will do better on your tests. Guaranteed.
• Study regularly. Don’t wait until the last minute to cram for a test. Use the night before a test wisely. Instead of cramming, prepare for a test by taking time to review what you have already studied.
• Understand how the test content is organized. Is the test multiple choice, true or false, and/or essay-style? Ask the teacher to find out. Just knowing how the questions are organized will help you prepare for a test.
• Find out how the test is scored. Again, ask your teacher for more information. Are certain portions of the test more important than others? Are there penalty points for skipping questions? Once you understand how the test will be scored, you will know what you need to work on most.
• Eat and sleep. Eating properly can have an amazing impact on your body and mind. A good night’s sleep will affect you similarly. Make sure you take time to sleep well the night before a test and when you wake up, eat a hearty and nutritious breakfast.
• Relax. This is the most common advice given to test-taking students. It’s also the best advice you will ever get. The more agitated you are, the worse you will do. If you are feeling nervous, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Better yet, take five deep breaths. Continue to breathe slowly and deeply until you feel calm.
Source:
Karen Schweitzer
Business School Guide


Important Dates to keep in mind:


Mid Quarter Grades Posted in Power School February 14
Chapter 15 Test February 16
Chapter 15 Work Pack February 16
President’s Day Picnic February 22

Feb 7-11

Dear Students:

This week we will begin Chapter 15: The Atmosphere. We will be covering important details about the air around you, air pressure, layers of the atmosphere and air quality. This important topic will allow us to learn about the composition of the Earth’s Atmosphere and how important it is for living things. We will discuss what are the major sources of pollution and what can be done to improve air quality

This week I would like to focus on thinking skills. Everybody has thinking skills, but few use them effectively. Effective thinking skills cannot be studied; but must be built-up over a period of time. Good thinkers see possibilities where others see only dead-ends. If you are not a good thinker, start now by developing habits that make you ask yourself questions as you read. Good thinkers (or skillful thinkers) are good problem solvers, they can withhold making decisions before they have all (or most of) the relevant information, they are not afraid of the unknown. Also, good thinkers have strong metacognitive skills. They are able to "think about their thinking”. This week I want you to remember these three words: knowledge, comprehension, and application.



Some of the Grades you can find posted in Power school this week are:
Chapter Content Test
Key Terms Test
Work Pack Chapter 14
Project Ocean Zones Chapter 14

Important Dates to keep in mind:
Key Terms Chapter 15 February 9
Chapter 15 Test February 16
Chapter 15 Work Pack February 16

Family Day

Coming Up Soon

January 31- February 4

Dear Students:

This week we continue to work in Chapter 14: Ocean Zones. We will continue to work in our Chapter Projects in class, as well as completing our learning process through lectures, videos and class discussions We will also be solving concept Maps and the rest of the Work Pack.

This week I would like you to focus on how to use your time. Time is the most valuable resource a student has. It is also one of the most wasted of resources. The schedule you develop should guide you in how to allocate the available time in the most productive manner. Sticking to your schedule can be tough. It is only up to you to have the discipline to follow the schedule you prepared. A good deal of your success in high school depends on this simple truth. I would really like you to succeed in the future, so let’s make the best out of the time we have.



Some of the grades you already find posted in Power School are:

Chapter 13 Content Test
Chapter 13 Key Terms Test







Important Dates to keep in mind:

Chapter 14 Test February 2
Chapter 14 Work Pack February 2
Our Chapter Project is due this week the day we meet for our Block Period.

January 24-28

Dear Students:

This week we will begin Chapter 14, right after the evaluation for Chapter 13. This chapter is a continuation of the same topic: Oceans.

We will be covering important details about Ocean Zones, like:
• Exploring the Ocean
• Ocean habitats
• Resources from the Ocean

We will also be choosing our next project. For this chapter, you have several projects to choose from. All projects will then be shared with the class so we learn from other peoples work.
I would like you to focus on critical reading through our science content. Critical reading is the ability to draw useful information from a book or other source of material useful for the course. You should be applying two very important steps:
The first part —what to look for— involves recognizing those aspects that control the meaning.
The second part —how to think about what you find— involves the processes of inference, the interpretation of data from within the text.



Important Dates to keep in mind:

Key Terms Chapter 14 January 26
Chapter 14 Test February 2
Chapter 14 Work Pack February 2

January 17-21

Dear Students:

This week we continue to cover Chapter 13: Ocean Motions. We have been seeing videos, listening to lectures, working on experiments, doing Key Terms and working on our Work Packs. The test for this Chapter will be Wednesday, January 19. You need to focus on important facts and terms as well as reading the Chapter completely to get a clear view of the content for the test.
Thursday, we will begin Chapter 14: Ocean Zones. This chapter continues to give us information about our Oceans. Some topics to be covered are:

Exploring the Ocean
Ocean Habitats
Resources from the Ocean



Important Dates to keep in mind:

Chapter 13 Test January 19
Chapter 13 Work Pack January 19
Introduction to Chapter 14 January 20

Presentation for Middle School Parents

Welcome Back!!! 2011

Dear Students:
Welcome Back! I hope you enjoyed your Christmas break and that you are ready to begin the Third Quarter.
We will begin this Third Quarter with Chapter 13. Some important topics we will be covering are:
Wave Action
Tides
Ocean Water Chemistry
Currents and Climate

Important Dates to keep in mind:
Chapter 13 Key Terms January 12
Chapter 13 Test January 19
Chapter 13 Work Pack January 19