In October, students will dive into Ratios, an essential tool for solving real-world problems. They’ll explore proportional relationships (7.RP.1 & 7.RP.2) and see how these ideas connect to geometry (7.G.1), including scale drawings and maps. This unit challenges students to think critically and spot patterns—skills that are key to mastering more advanced math later in the year.

In October, students will be engaged in solving simple and multistep equations (state standards 8.EE.1 through 7).  They will also learn the three types of solutions and terminology used to explain the process in solving equations.  These skills are key to mastering other concepts covered later in the year and essential to their Algebra 1 class next year.

This month the English Language Arts Department here at Hayward will be embarking on two new projects! We will be starting Do The Write Thing and the change of the quarter will see us start a new book.

• The 7th grade English department will be reading Animal Farm for the second quarter.

• The 8th grade English department will be reading A Midsummer Night Dream

At the beginning of an academic year, educators facilitate discussions in their classrooms with three impactful questions. Middle school students are encouraged to talk about the impact of violence in their lives by writing a song, poem, or story while offering solutions to reduce violence. DTWT provides a better understanding for adults about youth violence and how it affects young people. DTWT amplifies student voices and makes for safer communities.

• 8th Grade focus on “Teens as Change Agents”

• 7th Grade focus on “Storytelling/Telling My Story”

Seventh grade social studies kicks off the year with a look at ancient Greece. Students have been learning about the geography, government, culture, and mythology of ancient Greece and how it impacts us today. In October, we will conclude our unit by examining their achievements made in science, mathematics, and technology and the legendary Alexander the Great.

Eighth grade social studies kicks off the year with a look at early explorations of European explorers. Beginning with the search for a water route to Asia and culminating with the start of the Columbian Exchange. Students have collaborated with teams to create several projects thus far. In October, students will begin looking at the move for American Independence at the end of the 18th century.

7th grade science has been learning about energy and different types of energy. They invented energy capturing devices from human motion to help a rescue team power their devices on rescue missions. They should have a really good understanding of the Law of Conservation of Energy. Next, they will be learning all about chemical reactions and elements on the Periodic Table.

Eighth grade science has been doing quite a bit this quarter!!  We have worked on measurement, lab safety, Earth Structure, Waves and Plate Tectonics. We have done some really fun and exciting activities that coincided with our Topics. We have also been working on our Goals and Tracking Sheets for Leader in Me, Interactive Notebooks and Science Folders.  We used all of these for our very successful, Student-Led Conferences. 

Art - Students have been working on technical skills practice, watercolor painting, and drawing/design techniques. Students created artwork to decorate the unified arts hallway for Hispanic Heritage Month!

Music - The music department is conducting a food drive starting November 3rd until their concert day in December. Non-perishable food and hygiene items can be donated and dropped off in room 25 & room 14.

PE - To wrap up the 1st Quarter, we will be conducting Post-Assessments for fitness (PACER, Push-Ups, and Sit-Ups) as well as revisiting popular games from throughout the quarter. To begin the 2nd Quarter, we will be conducting the Pre-Assessments for fitness (PACER, Push-Ups, and Sit-Ups), and moving into various kickball type games (Matball, Longball, 4 Corners).

Health - Classes have been learning about the importance of nutrition and how it affects our total health.  Instruction has been supported by a guests speaker from  The Ohio State EFNEP program.

Students in Automation and Robotics are moving into Unit 2, where they will begin designing and building robots and automated machines that incorporate both visual and tactile sensors. This exciting unit challenges students to think critically and apply engineering principles as they create machines that can interact with their environment. We look forward to seeing the innovative projects they develop.