The Tornado Tiger Times

November 2013
The Tornado Tiger Times, our monthly team newsletter, is dedicated to bringing you news you can use. We have adopted LSU as our team college to encourage all students to explore higher education after high school. The LSU Tigers motto is Love Purple, Live Gold and exemplifies our commitment to go for the gold and Aim for the A. We have much to be thankful for - Happy Holidays to one and all!

LANGUAGE ARTS: In our LA classes, we are in the middle of reading Lord of the Flies, and will be completing the study of this classic novel by the holiday break. In addition to literary analyses, students are writing chapter summaries and are also identifying and interpreting descriptive and figurative language in the book. We are continuing to increase vocabulary skills through the robust RevItUp! program. Every day, we start out with writing about a fascinating picture - in what we call Quick Pix exercises - while applying literary devices and descriptive vocabulary. Students have taken their 2nd district writing assessment and most showed gains in all key areas of writing. We are a third of our way toward our Million Word Pledge please continue to encourage one hour of reading a night! Visit www.mpeverist.weeby.com for updates, lesson plans, and other important information. - Ms. Everist, Language Arts and Technology SCIENCE: In physical science we are finishing up our study of the physical and chemical properties of matter. In addition we have taken a close look at changes in state of matter including some less known changes such as sublimation and deposition. Ask a student and they will tell you what they are! We are now moving into our unit on atoms, the pH scale, and the periodic table of elements. This is an exciting unit where we will explore the makeup of all things to their smallest particles. We will also study why some acids are stronger than others and we will learn about their counterparts, the bases! I believe we are all going to enjoy this next unit together, and it is my hope that each student will enthusiastically learn some really neat new science material! -Mr. Kamlade, Physical Science SOCIAL STUDIES: The American Revolution has been the central focus of instruction in Mr. Grimes United States History class. Since the start of the second grading period, students have been studying about the key roles of the Continental Congress, the Intolerable Acts, the Boston Massacre and George Washington just to name a few organizations events and individuals involved in this monumental period in American history. To enhance the learning process, students have created graphic organizers, foldables, and a Revolutionary War Book which outlines key events that took place throughout this period in time. In addition students are also analyzing primary and secondary text sources and developing writing responses to American Revolution theme DBQs (Document Based Questions). Within the coming weeks we will examine the formation of the United States, the development of its early government and the establishment of the Constitution. -Mr. Grimes, U.S. History READING: If your child is ever absent from class they can access BlackBoard through the internet and stay up-todate on assignments and lessons. There is a link to BlackBoard on my website at: www.mrleggett.weebly.com -Mr. Leggett, Intensive Reading Comments and suggestions are welcome! We would be delighted to hear from you simply email:

MaryPat.Everist@sarasotacountyschools.net Torrey.Grimes@sarasotacountyschools.net Justin.Kamlade@sarasotacountyschools.net James.Leggett@sarasotacountyschools.net