www.congressionalschool.org WELCOME PARENTS!!

Rising Middle School Coffee - 1/16/2020

www.congressionalschool.org This Morning’s Agenda

Welcome! • Introductions • Agenda - Middle School Initiatives - Hear from 5th-6th Grade Teachers - Themes of 5th Grade & Middle School - Questions - Tour Middle School classrooms Transition to 5th Grade

Structural Differences in 5th Grade (and Middle School)

● Mostly new teachers (parent-teacher conferences shift) ● Two year loop ● Three Trimesters, and three Mid-Terms that include letter grades 6 times per year ● Frequency and timing of Arts shifts to trimesters ● Frequency of World Language and Science increase to 5 out of 6 days ● Interscholastic athletic program begins. ● Due to the participation in after-school Sports, PE shifts from 4 times to 3 times on the rotation in 5th & 6th grades; increases again to 4 out of 6 days in 7th & 8th grades New & Innovative

The past few years has brought some exciting initiatives to Congressional:

• Comprehensive, daily Advisory program • Electives in Middle School- new courses in Art, Music, and STEM (Robotics, Design, Coding) • Coding & Innovation • Financial Literacy • Reading Zone • One-to-One Chromebook with take-home privileges • STEM-Science Specialist • 8th Grade Capstone Project • Dedicated class and time for High School process Student Experience

The academic program continues its excellence, and continues in rigor and challenge.

21st Century Skills: • Critical thinking & problem-solving • Collaboration across networks & leading by influence • Effective oral and written communication skills • Agility & adaptability • Accessing & analyzing information • Initiative & entrepreneurship • Curiosity & Imagination Tony Wagner (2015) School Counselor

Mrs. Rebecca Ginnetti

Role of the School Counselor: • Social and emotional support - individual and small group counseling • Classroom lessons on problem-solving, coping strategies, and relationship skills; • Collaborate with parents/guardians and community resources.

Health & Sexuality Teacher: • Developmentally appropriate health and sexuality education - grades 5 - 8 in 4 single gender and 1 coed classes; • Partner with parents/guardians - parent education.

Middle School Advisory, General Support & Communication

• Engaging topics explored each week • S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting • Relationships & Working Together • Digital Safety • Stress Management • Diversity and Inclusion • Growth Mindset • Organization (Responsibility) • Binder/Planner/Locker Organization • Communication (School to Home) • Friday Newsletter 8:00 - 8:20 Every Morning All School News 1/13 - 1/17 2020

This Week: • Wednesday, 1/15 - E ● Preschool-Grade 8 Open House (9:00am-10:30am) ● Student Council meeting in Mrs. Yassine’s room during lunch. • Thursday, 1/16 - F ● Rising Middle School Coffee on Thursday, January 16 at 8:15am ● All Geo Bee finalists are invited to Mrs. Yassine’s room at lunch for a practice session. ● FLEX Period -- Service Learning • Friday, 1/17 - A ● LEAD meeting during lunch in Mr. McGlone’s room ● Student Council representative candidate speeches due to Advisor at the start of Advisory A Look Ahead: • Monday, 1/20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School • Tuesday, 1/21: Camp & School Spirit Day (to celebrate the opening of camp registration) • Tuesday, 1/21 or Wednesday, 1/22: Student Council 2nd Term Rep Elections (in advisory) • 6th - 8th Grade Freedom From Chemical Dependency (FCD) Program Visits week of January 20 (See Special Schedule Slide Below) • Innovation Night is Thursday,1/23 at 6:00pm • Friday, 1/24 - E: Trimester Two Mid-Term & Free Dress Day Middle School Advisory, General Support & Communication Social Studies - 5th Grade - Mrs. Yassine

America’s Past Standards: ● Determines the meaning of vocabulary specific to social studies Subjects: ● Analyzes U.S. historical development ● Geography of the United States Assessments: ● Formative Assessments: ● Slavery in the Americas ○ Interactive Notebooks ○ Vocabulary Assignments ● Summative Assessments: ● Manifest Destiny and Settling the West ○ End of Unit Tests ○ Projects ● The Causes of the Civil War Skills: ● Comparing and contrasting ● The Civil War ● Sequencing events ● Identifying main idea and details ● The American Industrial Revolution ● Collecting and synthesizing information

● Interpreting graphic information ● The Modern United States ● Locating, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating resources

● Reasoning with evidence ● Writing for a variety of Social Studies purposes ● Experiential Migration Activity with Third Grade Social Studies - 6th Grade - Mrs. Yassine

Global Perspectives Standards: Subjects: ● Communicates ideas and information in an organized way ● Uses reading strategies and can cite specific textual evidence to support ● The Tools of conclusions ● Determines the meaning of vocabulary specific to social studies Geography ● Uses the tools of geography to view, analyze, and understand key aspects of the world ● World Problem Assessments: Correlations ● Formative Assessment: ○ Interactive Notebook ○ Vocabulary Assignment ● Consumption Patterns ● Summative Assessment: in the US ○ End of Unit Test ○ Project ● Migration to the US Thinking Moves:

1. Observing closely and describing what’s there 2. Building explanations and interpretations ● Women 3. Reasoning with evidence Micro-entrepreneurs 4. Making connections 5. Considering different viewpoints and perspectives 6. Capturing the heart and forming conclusions ● The Global Sneaker: 7. Wondering and asking questions Globalization 8. Uncovering complexity and going below the surface of things The Arts - Music - Mrs. Spalletta

● We will create music via instruments and the Apple GarageBand application. ● Establish a better understanding of music notation and theory. ● Improvise both vocally and instrumentally. ● Learn a varied repertoire of music on barred instruments, guitars, and singing. ● Analyze ways in which music can evoke emotion and be persuasive. ● Analyze how time and place influence the characteristics that give meaning and value to music ● Participate in a variety of music projects (ex. Movie Trailer project). ● Explore topics and composers in music history. ● Explore music of other cultures. ● Investigate and understand the role of music in society. ● Sing and play instruments as an ensemble. ● Review and practice concert etiquette. ● Explore the relationship between music and other disciplines. The Arts - Electives - Mrs. Spalletta

● Students are able to join the Congressional Chorale beginning in 5th grade! ○ 5th-8th grade ensemble ○ variety of repertoire (student recommendations included) ○ Performance Opportunities ○ T-SHIRTS ● 6th Grade Choice Electives ○ Jam Sesh 101 ○ Guitar ○ Chorale and General Music continued Coding & Innovation - Mr. Hernandez & Ms. Thompson

5th Grade meets twice on the rotation

Projects designed to promote:

• Critical thinking • Creative problem-solving • Collaboration • Perseverance • Sense of Agency Science - 5th Grade - Dr. Pavon

Science Skills Content Life Skills

Scientific Process Scientific Inquiry Critical Thinking

Communication Structure and Properties of Scientifically Literate Matter Research Matter and Energy in the Study Skills Biosphere Lab Safety Human Impacts on Earth’s Teamwork Systems

“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” - Carl Sagan Science - 6th Grade - Mrs. Mankar

Skills Disciplines

Observation & Inquiry Physical Science Forces Research Newton’s laws Prediction & Experimentation Energy Data Representation Roller Coaster Physics Analyzing & Inferencing Earth & Space Science Scientific Writing Human Impact and Climate Change Interrelationships between Earth and Space

Life Science

Cells as the building blocks of life

Art - Mrs. Rochkind

•Students will be introduced to a variety of mediums, techniques and movements in art. •We will explore painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking and sculpture. •Students will learn about contemporary and historical artists and art movements. Some possible projects: Name sculptures, mixed media still-life, needle felting, large scale food paintings, torn metal collage, pantyhose and wire sculptures, altered books... Art - Electives - Mrs. Rochkind

An opportunity to dive more deeply into an area of visual arts:

•Yearbook - Learn the basics of photography, layout, design, and copy to publish The Congressional Record.

•Mixed Media - Students will discover ways to mix different techniques and media to express and communicate ideas.

•Printmaking - Creating art by using the various processes of printmaking including relief, monotype, and drypoint. 5th Grade French - Mme. Rovinsky

● This year the fifth-graders will ● Greet people formally and continue to expand their knowledge and understanding of informally French language and culture ● Talk about themselves, their through reading, writing, listening family. and speaking. ● Talk about their pets, favorite ● The course covers French level games, sports and hobbies 1 the first part of the book. ● Talk about nationalities ● D’accord 1 supersite ● Talk about where they live. ● TPRS Novels ● Tell time ● project based learning; Family tree, skit at school, PechaKucha ● Talk about the seasons and the weather ● Conjugating regular basic regular verbs in the present tense. ● l also learn about the French Speaking World, the culture, and more…. 6th Grade French - Mme. Rovinsky

● In 6th grade French will continue Topics: to expand their knowledge and ● Talk about their house, understanding of French neighborhood. language and culture through ● Talk about their pets, favorite reading, writing, listening and games, sports and hobbies speaking. ● Talk about where they live. ● The course covers French level 1 the second part of the book. ● Talk about their favorite subjects ● D’accord 1 supersite in school ● TPRS Novels ● Learn how to shop for food and ● project based learning : House clothes using euros for sale, create a village, create a ● Order from a menu Kahoot, PechaKucha etc. ● Conjugating regular verbs and

irregular verbs in the present tense, near future and passé composé. Teachers5th/ 6th Grade Spanish - Sra. Ramírez

★ In 5th and 6th Grade Spanish, the students will continue to improve ★ Senderos 1 and 2Textbook their listening, speaking, reading, ★ Senderos 1 and 2 Supersite Web and writing skills in Spanish. ★ “Destinos” Soap opera ★ By the end of the 6th year, the ★ TPRS Novels ( at least 2) ★ Project-based learning pedagogy students will be able to introduce themselves, greet people, describe people’s physical characteristics and personalities, talk about things they do generally, tell time and numbers, and talk about events in the past. ★ 5th and 6th Grade Spanish is equivalent to Level 1 Spanish. ★ 7th and 8th Grade Spanish is equivalent to Level 2 Spanish. ★ In 7th Grade, the students take the Level 1 National Spanish Exam. ★ In 8th Grade, the students take the Level 2 National Spanish Exam. English- 5th Grade - Mr. Yassine

English - Mr. Yassine Writer’s Workshop: Reader’s Workshop: (Mini-lessons on meaning, organization, (Mini-lessons on management, comprehension, development, clarity, and editing) strategies and skills, and literary analysis) ● Grammar/Editing (Mini-lessons and ● Independent Reading and Conference NoRedInk.com) (Develop a daily habit of reading and ● Vocabulary (Meaningful words drawn discussing self-selected novels) from across the curriculum, ● Read Aloud (Model a reader’s thinking) WordMasters) Shared Novel: Fever 1793 ● Writing takes place across the ● Reading Units: curriculum ○ Building a Reading Life ● Writing Units: ○ Envisionment, Prediction, and ○ Poetry: Free-verse, Irregular Inference Ode ○ Fluency: Reading for Sound and ○ Narrative: Free-verse Meaning Personal Narrative ○ Reading More Deeply ○ Expository: Essays and ○ Nonfiction Reading Literary Reflections ○ Collaboration across the curriculum English- 6th Grade - Mr. Yassine

English - Mr. Yassine Writer’s Workshop Reader’s Workshop: (Mini-lessons on meaning, organization, (Mini-lessons on management, comprehension, development, clarity, and editing) strategies and skills, and literary analysis) ● Grammar/Editing (Mini-lessons and ● Read Aloud (Model a reader’s thinking) NoRedInk.com) ● Independent Reading and Conference ● Vocabulary (Meaningful words drawn from (Maintain a daily habit of reading and across the curriculum & WordMasters discussing self-selected novels) Challenge) ● Shared Novel: The Cay ● Writing takes place across the curriculum ● Reading Units: ● Writing Units: ○ Maintaining a Reading Life ○ Poetry: Free-verse, Gift of Writing, etc. ○ Fluency/Comprehension ○ Memoir ○ Building Explanations and ○ Descriptive/Persuasive Essay Interpretations ○ Expository: Research Essay and ○ Reading Deeply and Asking Questions Literary Reflections ○ Nonfiction Reading ○ Short Story/Micro Fiction ○ Collaboration across the curriculum Financial Literacy - 5th & 6th Grades Mr. Yassine

Financial Literacy Fifth Grade Topics: ● Saving & Budgeting ● Credit and Debt ● Education, Careers & Entrepreneurship

Sixth Grade Topics: ● Investing, Insurance & Identity Theft ● Global Economics ● Marketing & Consumerism Math - 5th Grade - Ms. Smythe

Using Singapore Math: • Build a strong understanding of number sense Assessments • Sharpen skills to answer ‘not just how’, but why it works *Tests and quizzes occur • Offer multiple strategies for finding the solution every 2-3 weeks* *Challenge Problems are every other month* Concepts: - whole numbers - fractions - decimals Class Structure: - percent - Do Now (warm up) - ratios - Mini-Lesson - data analysis - Practice (1-on-1 help) - geometry - Activity - Wrap up - Homework Math - 6th Grade - Ms. Smythe & Mr. McGlone

Blending Singapore Math and Connected Math: • Focus on writing explanations/close reading comprehension Assessments • Observe and make connections between topics on their own *Tests and quizzes occur • Connected Math roots problems in context - real world app. every 2-3 weeks* *Challenge Problems are every other month* Concepts: - integers - fractions (division) Class Structure: - decimals - percent - Do Now (warm up) - ratios/proportions - Activity - data analysis - Mini-Lesson - geometry - Practice (1-on-1 help) - circles - Wrap up - Homework Math Progression in Middle School

Grade 5 Math 5 Green Math 5 Yellow

Grade 6 Math 6 Green Math 6 Math 6 Yellow Purple

Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 Grade 7 Pre-Algebra Honors Honors

Algebra 1 Geometry Grade 8 Algebra 1 Honors or Honors Part 1 PE & Athletics - Coach Laws, Coach Belicev, Coach Kim

• PE in 5th Grade is 3 out of 6 days

• 5th & 6th grades attend PE together

• Students have the opportunity to play on the JV teams in interscholastic sports

• Sports offered are: – soccer, cross-country, basketball, lacrosse, softball (girls only), track and field Speech & Drama - Mr. Bowley

5th Grade Highlights

● Public Speaking ○ Communication Process ○ Listening ○ Vocal Production ○ Verbal & Nonverbal Techniques Spring Musical ○ Informative Speaking ● Main Cast ● Crew ● Media Broadcasting ○ Speaking to the Camera ○ Audiobook Recording

● Drama ○ Acting games ○ Improvisation ○ Introduction to Technical Theater and Production Speech & Drama - Mr. Bowley

6th-8th Grade Progression

● Public Speaking ○ 6th: Adding Visual Aids ○ 7th: Persuasive Speaking & Debate ○ 8th: Debate (deeper dive) & Impromptu

● Media Broadcasting ○ 6th: Scripting news reports ○ 7th: Special News Report (in-depth, single topic) ○ 8th: Public Service Announcement, Interview ○ Audiobook Recording each year (different parameters)

● Drama ○ 6th: Scripted scenes & technical theater ○ 7th: 2-person scripted scenes & elements of drama ○ 8th: Monologues Electives - Mr. Bowley

6th Grade offerings have included:

● Acting ● Technical Theater ● Congressional News ● Life Skills

Special 7th & 8th Grade offering: • Cooking & Baking Study Skills - Dr. Moore Transition to 5th Grade & Middle School

In Summary, In 5th Grade & Middle School:

• We continue to prioritize academics- it ramps up as it should • Our curriculum is innovative and research-based • Your student will be challenged and supported • Activities and options increase • We keep an eye on the social-emotional

Your student will go through many changes in the next four years; you must trust that it’s going to be okay- partner with us.

• Our Faculty will take excellent care of your student • We will continue to partner with you Strong Academics & Student Experience = Strong Outcomes

Our graduates are well-prepared and sought after. In the past five years, graduates are or have attended the following private (independent & Catholic) high schools:

- Bishop O’Connell High School (VA) - Lawrence Academy (MA) - Bishop Ireton High School (VA) - Linden Hall School (PA) - Bullis School (MD) - Madeira School (VA) - Edmund Burke School (DC) - Maret School (DC) - Field School (DC) - Mercersburg Academy (PA) - Flint Hill School - Miss Hall’s School (MA) - Foxcroft School (VA) - Miss Porter’s School (CT) - Georgetown Day School (DC) - Perkiomen School (PA) - Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - Potomac School (VA) - Georgetown Preparatory School (MD) - St. Margaret’s School (VA) - Georgetown Visitation High School (DC) - St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School (VA) - Gonzaga College High School (DC) - Washington International School (DC) - Holton Arms School (MD) - Woodberry Forest School (MD) - Landon School (MD) Strong Academics & Student Experience = Strong Outcomes

Our graduates are well-prepared and sought after. In the past five years, graduates are or have attended the following private (independent & Catholic) high schools:

- Bishop O’Connell High School (VA) - Madeira School (VA) - Bishop Ireton High School (VA) - Maret School (DC) - Bullis School (MD) - Mercersburg Academy (PA) - Edmund Burke School (DC) - Miss Hall’s School (MA) - Field School (DC) - Miss Porter’s School (CT) - Flint Hill School (VA) - National Cathedral School - Foxcroft School (VA) - Perkiomen School (PA) - Georgetown Day School (DC) - Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - Georgetown Preparatory School (MD) - Potomac School (VA) - Georgetown Visitation High School (DC) - St. Margaret’s School (VA) - Gonzaga College High School (DC) - St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School (VA) - Holton Arms School (MD) - Santa Catalina School (CA) - Landon School (MD) - Sidwell Friends School - Lawrence Academy (MA) - Washington International School (DC) - Linden Hall School (PA) - Woodberry Forest School (MD) - Landon School (MD) Strong Academics & Student Experience = Strong Outcomes

In addition to the private schools above, our graduates are also attending the following public high schools:

• Fairfax High School • Falls Church High School • George Mason High School • James Madison High School • Justice High School • Langley High School • Madison High School • Marshall High School • McLean High School • Pre-Governor’s School at Osbourn Park • Robinson Secondary School • Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology • Washington & Liberty High School • Yorktown High School Transition to Middle School

We offer a safe environment to learn. • Working hard and taking risks is fostered, encouraged and expected. Being smart is respected in Congressional’s Middle School where your student can be him/herself.

We Focus on the Individual • Small classes continue so that teachers can offer differentiation and focus on individuals. When we talk about adolescents, we talk about them as a work in progress, subject to mistakes as well as accomplishments. Transition to Middle School

Parents are still our partners.

We continue to work with families for the well-being of students. Faculty is in regular communication with parents, as they are in Lower School. We are partners in this endeavor and we share the same goals.

Rigorous Academics Balanced Experience Successful & Happy Students Transition to Middle School

What’s on Your Mind? Tour of Middle School

Classes in Session - 2nd Period F day

5th Grade: English; Social Studies

6th Grade: Math; Science

7th Grade: Music; Art

8th Grade: French; Spanish; Latin Transition to Middle School

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THIS

MORNING’S COFFEE…

Tours of 7th & 8th Grade Classrooms will now begin