Middle School: November 3 - 7, 2025
Hello, Middle School Families,
We continued with the discussion about the first encounters between Indigenous peoples and the Europeans with Plymouth and Pennsylvania. Again, we examined the interactions and events from both perspectives (the Europeans and Indigenous Nations), in particular, examining how the different colonies developed different relationships with the Indigenous peoples encountered.
Students saw the connections between how tensions started to rise in the Americas, ultimately leading to the French and Indian War. The outcomes of this war created repercussions that were acutely felt by the colonists. The class listened to how seeds of revolution were planted in the colonies that ultimately led to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
There is a vast amount of voices and rich histories of people to study from this time period, and so, as a block project, each student selected a notable historical figure for a biography project and is learning the skills to write a research paper. Last week, the students conducted research and compiled three reputable sources. The class learned how to create a graphic organizer and how to synthesize the information from all three sources into it. Using this valuable planning tool, they will work on writing a rough draft this week.
The history block ties in very closely with English Language Arts, as it is a major writing block. Their final Main Lesson Book will consist of several essays in which students will focus on strengthening grammar skills along with conveying historically accurate information.
Announcements & Reminders:
We are looking forward to seeing families at the Thanksgiving Luncheon! Please RSVP to Ki Lesley by Wednesday, November 19th, via email with the names of the guests attending. Please also attend the Grade Presentation at 10:30 am to hear some lovely music and see our Grade program in action. When you arrive for the luncheon, your child will be signed out to your care for the remainder of the morning.
November 21: Grades Presentation in Sanctuary at 10:30 am
November 21: Thanksgiving Luncheon at 11 am (All families and students are invited)
November 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
December 10 & 11: Winter Spiral (First - Fifth Grade)
December 19: Last Day of Fall Semester/Grades Assembly 11:00 am (Half Day)
December 22 - January 2: Winter Break (No School)
January 5: Teacher In-service (No School)
Thank you for the honor of teaching your children,
Ki Lesley
