Week of April 22

This week is the second week of WYTOPP testing.  To accommodate testing, we will have four block days this week.  Tuesday and Thursday are 'odd' days while Wednesday and Friday are 'even' days.  There is S4S on all block days.  Instruction occurs normally in classes that are not testing and our schedule is not disrupted.  Thank you for sending your student to school ready to learn and rested everyday, especially during testing.  

Throughout the year we've examined the age old question, "why do I have to learn this?" Through the So What? series.  This month we are looking at social studies.  The information below outlines how what students are learning in social studies connects to their lives outside of school and helps them prepare to become productive citizens.  Information is also displayed in the bulletin board outside of the main office. 

Sixth grade social studies focus on the transmission of culture and development of civilizations.  One such example is students researching their cultural heritage and doing a report to show how the United States truly is a melting pot of various ethnicities and values.  Another way we make history relevant is by examining ancient civilizations, specifically their government, economy, beliefs, traditions, social hierarchy, and other various aspects that make up human culture.  We draw parallels to modern day cultures and societies during each unit so that at the end of the year when they do their final project, create a civilization, they are able to decide for themselves what elements would make the best society.  Knowing how cultures developed and spread across the world helps students understand the complex geopolitical landscape we live in.  

In 7th grade, students research elements of Roman cities and how the Romans built their cities. Based on their research, students create a Roman City map. Then students compare their maps to a map of Laramie and other modern maps. Having done that, students evaluate and explain the tremendous influence the ancient Romans have had on the way we build our cities as many of the elements are very similar, including the two main streets concept, grid plan, and the inclusion of public works. Some related job fields to this research include engineering, city planning, construction, architecture, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and public works related jobs.

Eighth grade students student American History which is not just learning about dead people and past events. History is how we interpret the actions of these people and events to make informed decisions for the present and the future. This will help you understand the perspectives of other people, which is crucial for being a good citizen.

In 8th Grade American History, students learn about the story of the United States, which begins even before the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Students go back all the way to the early cultures of North America and end the class with the Civil War and Reconstruction. In addition, they dive in to primary and secondary historical sources and learn how to analyze them.  Using both types of sources give students a more complete view of historical events. It also teaches students to make informed decisions and cite evidence which are applicable skills in all professions.

American History addresses a broad period of time beginning with a comparison of the First American group and the ways different groups interacted with each other. The course of study moves through European exploration and colonization leading to the formation of the original 13 English Colonies. Next is the American Revolution followed by the formation of our modern nation.  Students identify their rights as American citizens in the unit which looks at the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Following, eight grade students examine the expansion of the United States, compare the economic systems of the North and South, study the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the rebuilding the United States. Knowing where we've been as a country helps students lead us into the future.  Students also need to know their rights so they can be active participants in our democracy. 

Upcoming Events:

• April 16- May 10       WYTOPP testing
• May 22                       Last dance of the year
• May 27                       No school-Memorial Day
• May 29                       8th grade ice cream social
• May 31                       Last day for students (1/2 day) 
• June 3                         First day of summer school