Is this science or math class?

The students in the eighth grade are participating in a series of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities in their math and science classes. First we are working through Ramp It!, which is an investigation into principles of motion. Student teams in the different science classes are independently investigating what happens to an object as it rolls down a ramp. As the unit unfolds, students learn about classical physics problems and some of the history behind so many of the discoveries of the 17th century. They are then applying those principles to everyday problems using scientific investigation.

This unit is also exploring the "gamification" of the math and science classrooms. Students will have opportunities for enrichment or review as needed. Students can earn digital badges for completing certain activities. Read more on the science website.

Science Stars for Flu Season Preparation!

Dear parents, 

It is beginning... the sniffles, coughs and germs are back!  Donations of disinfectant wipes and facial tissues will be accepted in math and science rooms! Students can bring in one item for four stars during the current unit in math/science class! All of the donations will be shared among the 8th grade team teachers to supply their rooms. 

Read more about the upcoming flu season at http://www.cdc.gov/features/flu/.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Sincerely,

Mr. Haskins & AMS 8 Team 

Black Box Project

Students have published their results from the black box project! Check out what they are saying on the blog! It is available on the following website:

http://amslab110.blogspot.com/  

8th Grade Welcomes Visitor from the North Hills American Legion

On Monday, September 12, 8th Grade Students welcomed Retired Sgt. First Class Eber Tripp.  Mr. Tripp spoke to students about his military service in both the Vietnam and Iraq Wars as well as the history of the US Flag.  He then led students through a demonstration of how to properly salute, fold an American Flag, and retired a flag that has become damaged or unfit for display.

Grading Symbols and Scale Used by AMS 8 Teachers

Teachers in the 8th grade use the grading symbols on Edline reports in different ways. Click here to see how each teacher uses the special codes for scoring assignments. Also, you can view the current  grading scale on the AMS website. 

Flight 93 Virtual Field Trip

Students in the 8th grade watch and participate in the Flight 93 virtual field trip made possible by the National Parks Service. 

How Do They Grow?

Many parents ask why we start the year out with the Patterns Unit in math class.  Many parents remember their elementary math students using very similar problems.  Using patterns provides an engaging way to strengthen algebraic reasoning skills and structural algebra.  This week, we will finish this unit with a problem solving lab titled Stacking Cups.  Read more about the benefits of using patterns in the classroom! 

Patterns using stacking cups. 

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program

Click here to read more about the program
and application process.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program

Click here to read more about the program
and application process.

Reminder: AMS 8 Curriculum Night

TONIGHT
Thursday, September 8, 2016

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Middle / High School Auditorium

The 8th grade team would like to welcome our parents and guardians to curriculum night, Thursday, September 8, 2016! The night will begin at 6:30 PM in the auditorium. The curriculum night will allow parents and guardians to hear about the important events and activities the students will be involved in this school year. 

School Picture Day 9/13

Tuesday, 9/13, is AMS school portrait day! 

Wear your outfit and a smile for your picture!

Forms were sent home today (9/8/16).

Join the newspaper club!

Join the middle school newspaper club! We will meet in room 110 after school until 4PM on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. The Herd needs cartoonists, writers, layout and graphic designers, and social media promoters! If you have questions, see Mrs Abate room 201 or Mr. Haskins room 110.

Happy Labor Day - September 5

Read more about Labor Day!

Monday, September 5
School is Closed

You're Invited! AMS 8 Curriculum Night

Thursday, September 8, 2016

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Middle / High School Auditorium

The 8th grade team would like to welcome our parents and guardians to curriculum night, Thursday, September 8, 2016! The night will begin at 6:30 PM in the auditorium. The curriculum night will allow parents and guardians to hear about the important events and activities the students will be involved in this school year. 

Parent Resource AR Renaissance Home Connect

What parents need to know about Home Connect:

• Use your student's AR login information. Your child's AR login information is included in the letter sent home today. 
• You can sign up for email alerts about AR quiz results.
• View the"Bookshelf" and see all the books your student read in middle school.
• View your student's progress towards reaching an AR point goal.

Click on the button below and check out Accelerated Reader Renaissance Home Connect, a terrific parent resource for monitoring your child's AR progress.

Flight 93 Memorial Virtual Field Trip

On Friday, September 9, 8th Grade students will participate with other schools in a virtual field trip of the Flight 93 Memorial.  The program will broadcast live from Shanksville, PA and is hosted by the National Park Service.  Students will be able to interact with the hosts via Twitter using the #actiontohonor

Collaboration and Innovation in Math Class

After multiple days of collaboration, innovative thinking, and problem solving, we will begin our Patterns unit tomorrow, which encourages mathematical thinking through expression, equations, tables, graphs, and using mathematical models.  We are off to a great school year! (A few pics from today's activity).

Welcome!

Email to parents 8/25/2016

Dear parent/guardian,

On behalf of the 8th grade team, I want to welcome you to another great year at Avonworth Middle School! For our students and your son/daughter, this is an important year. It is our goal to help prepare our students for the challenges and demands of high school. Hopefully, your son/daughter will find the eighth grade to be an exciting experience.

Sincerely,

Doug Haskins and the 8^th Grade Team

• Supplies (as found on Edline)
• Read the expectations and complete the form here 

Contact Us

• Mrs. Abate, learning support teacher, sabate@avonworth.k12.pa.us
• Miss Raitano, English teacher, jraitano@avonworth.k12.pa.us
• Mrs. Galecki, reading teacher, kgalecki@avonworth.k12.pa.us
• Ms. Costantiono-Poruben, mathematics teacher, mcostantino-Poruben@avonworth.k12.pa.us
• Mr. Haskins, science teacher, dhaskins@avonworth.k12.pa.us
• Mr. Smith, social studies teacher, jsmith@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Staying In Touch (Three helpful AMS 8 communication tools)

• Remind - AMS Grade 8 text messages (for students)

Students can receive a reminder of important information through the Remind text message service. The service is free and students can choose to receive text messages, notifications through the Remind App or an email. Click here to enroll!

• Google Calendar - AMS Grade 8 Homework & Event Calendar (for students)

The 8th grade calendar with homework reminders and other information can be seen on Edline under middle school teaching teams. Students may choose to add this calendar to their Google Account, a mobile device, or another digital calendar such as Outlook. Learn more about using the calendar from the AMS Parent Academy (Information).

• Stay Connected - AMS Grade 8 Blog & Weekly Newsletter (for parents)

To help parents and guardians stay informed, the 8th grade team provides a blog about the projects, events, and activities happening at school! You can see the blog on our site amsgrade8.blogspot.com or you can enroll in our weekly newsletter by submitting your email address. The newsletter will be sent after school each Thursday starting the first week of September.

8th Grade Expectations

Click here to review the student expectations for the 8th grade.

Daily Homework on the Google Calendar

Students:

Be sure to check the AMS 8 Google Calendar on the website. Each teacher posts the homework each night on the team's calendar. Also, you can find important dates and events.