Dear MS Families, 

We are one week away from winter break, and teachers and students are wrapping up the end of the semester in meaningful ways in the middle school. We appreciate your support in helping your child prepare for end-of-unit assessments and meet project deadlines. Please note that the Powerschool grade book portal will be closed in preparation for posting semester 1 report cards. 

What is Conceptual Learning?

Conceptual learning is an approach to learning that focuses on understanding overarching ideas or concepts, such as "systems," "change," or "perspectives," rather than simply memorizing facts or completing tasks. According to Julie Stern's research, this type of learning helps students make sense of the world by identifying patterns and connections across subjects and real-life situations.

How It Impacts Learning:

Julie Stern emphasizes that conceptual learning transforms how students process and retain information. Instead of learning isolated facts, students develop a deeper understanding by organizing their knowledge around big ideas. This allows them to:

• Transfer knowledge: Apply what they've learned in one subject or situation to new and unfamiliar contexts.

• Develop critical thinking skills: Analyze, evaluate, and solve problems in complex or real-world scenarios.

• Increase engagement: Students find learning more meaningful when they see its relevance to their lives and future.

Why It's Important for Middle School Students:

Middle school is a critical time for developing abstract thinking and problem-solving skills. Conceptual learning:

• Encourages curiosity and deeper inquiry by connecting lessons to students' experiences and global issues.

• Prepares students to think beyond surface-level details, enabling them to tackle more advanced ideas in high school and beyond.

• Helps them see connections between subjects, fostering interdisciplinary thinking (e.g., linking math to science or history to social studies).

Example in Action:

Instead of memorizing facts about climate change, students might explore the concept of "interdependence" to understand how human actions, ecosystems, and the economy are connected. This approach empowers them to ask questions, identify solutions, and think critically about their role in creating a sustainable future.

Join us for the final assembly of 2024!

We will gather as a middle school next Thursday, December 19, to celebrate the end of the semester. Families are welcome to join us in the theater at 10:30 am. At the assembly, our MS musical theater class will be performing; we will say goodbye to our students who are departing ACS, Scorpion Council will share a few announcements, and we will wish everyone a happy and safe winter break. 

Reminder Early Dismissal -Thursday, December 19

Students will be dismissed from school at 11:30 am. 

New Unit Cover Sheets Posted 

This week, you can now access new unit cover sheets for: Grade 6 Forensics 

Please scroll down to access the MS unit cover sheets. The cover sheet is a student-friendly document that gives students and families an idea of the current unit's significant concepts, content, assessments, and pacing. 

Warmly,

Molly