Middle School Skim
This Week's Issue
MS Sunday Skim: April 21, 2024
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Tuesday, April 23: Minimester through Thursday, April 25 (see details below)
Wednesday, April 24: MS Spring Handbells Concert, 7-9 p.m., Simms
Friday, April 26: Senior Spirit Day and Blue/White Field Day, Dismissal at 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 9: Landon Collaboration
Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11: MS One-Acts Performances, 7-9 p.m., Black Box Theater
Thursday, May 16: MS Diversity Day
Thursday, May 23: MS Spring Music Performance, 7-9 p.m., Lewis Theater
Friday, May 24: MS Science Expo, 10 a.m.-noon, Lewis Theater (see details below)
Friday, May 24: Noon Dismissal for MS Students
Monday, May 27: Memorial Day, School closed
Thursday, May 30: Final Assembly of the Year; Grade 8 families are welcome to attend
Monday, June 3: MS Beach Trip (see details below)
Tuesday, June 4: Grade 8 Graduation/Celebration (Noon Dismissal for Summer Break)
OUTSIDE SUPPORT
We encourage students to seek support from teachers and the Learning Specialist in each division to meet any individual needs in coursework. However, for some students, it may be necessary for families to use the support of outside academic coaches or tutors for more specialized work. We ask that families confer with Learning Specialists in making the decision and plans for outside tutoring. In this capacity, the Learning Specialists assist in helping tutors to make important connections with our teachers so that all are working in concert to further student growth.
In Lower and Middle Schools, work with tutors must take place outside the scheduled school day. There is no time allotted for students to meet tutors during their daily schedules.
In addition, we cannot accommodate virtual appointments of any kind during or after the school day. We do not have private locations available where students can join virtual appointments. When students are staying after school, they are expected to be in our Extended Day program where they are under the supervision of an adult. The Extended Day proctors cannot supervise or monitor students outside of the assigned room.
STUDENT COURSE REQUESTS
Student Course Requests for the 2024-2025 School Year are now posted on the Parent and Student Portals for students in Grades 6-11 (Rising Grades 7-12)
To access course requests, follow the directions below.
Student Portal:
- Sign in to your Student Portal.
- Scroll down to below the big yellow School Pass square.
- Click on the “Course Requests” link.
Parent Portal:
- Sign in to your Parent Portal
- On the main page, click “Links” under Student Information
- Click “Course Requests”
If you have any questions about ELECTIVE course requests or would like to make changes please reach out to your student’s advisors (grades 6-8) or your student’s class dean (grades 9-11)
If you have any questions about ACADEMIC course requests or would like to make changes, please reach out to your student’s teacher and/or the department chair.
MINIMESTER, Tuesday, April 23-Thursday, April 25
From Lea Hunerkoch's email
I am excited to share details about our Minimester program that will take place from Tuesday, April 23-Thursday, April 25. During these three days, students will engage in authentic learning around one of nine topics chosen last year by the class of 2028. These topics are Space, DC Architecture, Sports, Forensics, Food, DC Performing Arts, Film, the Chesapeake Bay, and Community Engagement. There are three main goals for Minimester:
- Engage in authentic learning;
- Build relationships with new students and teachers; and
- Ignite a spark of curiosity and engagement.
The teachers in each group have developed a framework to achieve these goals for their students through engaging activities, field trips, speakers, and more. At the end of the third day, we will culminate the experience by showcasing all we have learned during Minimester. Students will have the chance to share their own learning as well as hear from their peers.
Here are some important details to keep in mind as we get closer to Minimester:
- The dates are Tuesday, April 23-Thursday, April 25.
- On Tuesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 25, the day will start at 8 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.
- On Wednesday, April 24, we will have a regular late start at 9:10 a.m. and sports will start at 2:30 p.m.
- Students will have free dress while on campus during Minimester. If they go off campus for a field trip, chaperones will provide specific guidance on attire.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SWIM TEST
All 8th Graders and any 7th grader who is traveling on a Global Ed trip will be taking the swim test that is required for graduation in the coming weeks. The swim test consists of entering the pool comfortably, and swimming 150 yards continuously (6 lengths of the pool), followed by treading water for 2 minutes. Any 8th grader who does not wish to complete the swim test at this time will be enrolled in Aquatics Fitness for next year. The swim test will be administered on the following dates:
Monday, April 29: students on the Softball A & B and Tennis Teams
Friday, May 3: students on the Lacrosse B and Track Teams
Wednesday, May 8: students on the Lacrosse A and Intramural Teams
On the day of the test, students should bring a towel, bathing suit, and flip-flops. Goggles are optional but encouraged; if you don’t have any, we have some that students may borrow. After students complete the swim test, they will return to practice.
If you have any questions, please email Associate Director of Athletics Janet McCormick.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE EXPO, Friday, May 24, 10 a.m.-noon
MS families are invited to join the learning fun as 7th and 8th grade science classes present their end-of-year projects!
- Schedule of events on Friday, May 24:
- 10 a.m.: Keynote address in Lewis Theater
- 10:30-11 a.m.: 7th grade poster presentations
- 11-11:30 a.m.: 8th grade poster presentations
- 11:30 a.m.-noon: Clean up and head home
- 7th grade: Welcome to the Holton-Arms Sustainability Summit, 2024! Students will choose an environmentally focused United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) to explore. They will craft a poster presentation describing the need for the goal, the role humans play in preventing and achieving the goal, and the consequences of not addressing the environmental concern.
- 8th grade: The 8th grade project asks students to put together their knowledge of cell structure and function, organ system structure and function, and cellular and molecular processes by exploring a plant or animal disorder where a system fails to function properly. They will craft and present an interactive presentation centered around a human (or plant) disorder that highlights their understanding of the way these systems are meant to function, and how dysfunction can happen.
SAVE THE DATE! 8TH GRADE FAMILIES WELCOME TO JOIN FINAL ASSEMBLY OF THE YEAR, Thursday, May 30, 2 p.m.
This event will give 8th grade families an opportunity to attend our final weekly assembly and to honor our beloved eighth graders. No special dress is required; students will wear their school uniforms. We look forward to celebrating a wonderful year together! More details to follow.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BEACH TRIP, Monday, June 3
It is with much excitement that we announce the annual Middle School Beach Trip, scheduled for Monday, June 3. This experience will be a fun-filled culminating activity for 7th and 8th graders, and we look forward to a sunny day to help kick off the summer season. We will be going by charter bus to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. All students are required to ride the bus to and from Rehoboth. We will depart from Holton at 6 a.m. and will return to Holton at 7 p.m. More details will be forthcoming.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER ACADEMIC CAMPS
Holton-Arms teachers Ms. Greene, Ms. Leung, Ms. Ozimek, and Ms. McKan are excited to announce the following Middle School Academic Camps for Summer 2024!
1. Literacy Camp (Rising Grades 7-8)
2. Humanities Power Up! (Rising Grades 7-8)
3. Math Power Up! (Rising Grades 7-9)
4. STEAM Camp (Rising Grades 6-8)
Students may register for multiple camps. Snacks and a break time will be provided daily. Lunch will be provided during the transition period (noon-1 p.m.) if students sign up for camps that are back to back. Camps are open to all Holton Middle School students (including newly admitted and rising 7th graders). Below are the descriptions, schedules for the camps, and registration links.
Financial Aid is available for the camps. Please contact Samantha Gilman-Reilly.
Literacy Camp with Ms. Greene (Rising Grades 7-8)
Join us for a fantastic summer reading and writing workshop! Kids will embark on a five-day adventure exploring the world of words, discovering the joy of storytelling, and improving their language skills. This workshop offers a variety of engaging activities, including writing projects, word games, and comprehension exercises. Each day brings new opportunities for students to enhance their reading and writing abilities while getting to know their classmates better and having a great time! Literacy Camp is open to all rising 7th graders and new 8th graders.
Literacy Camp for rising 7th graders: Monday, August 19-Friday, August 23, 9 a.m.-noon
Literacy Camp for rising 8th graders: Monday, August 12-Friday, August 16, 9 a.m.-noon
Contact Lea Hunerkoch or Dena Greene for more information.
Click here to register.
Humanities Power Up! with Ms. Greene and Ms. Ozimek (Rising Grades 7-8)
This five-day course aims to reinforce and strengthen academic and personal development skills related to the English and history curricula. By incorporating various activities, discussions, mini-projects, and hands-on experiences, this week-long summer session offers additional opportunities for middle schoolers to shore up their skills’ foundation while helping them become more confident and competent learners. These activities will occur in a dynamic and nurturing atmosphere where students will work with peers who share their passion for literature, historical narratives, language, and culture. Humanities Power Up! is open to all rising 7th graders and 8th graders who would like additional reinforcement of skills. Classes will be separated by grade level contingent upon number of students.
Humanities Power Up! for rising 7th graders: Monday, August 12-Friday, August 16, 1-4 p.m.
Humanities Power Up! for rising 8th graders: Monday, August 19-Friday, August 23, 1-4 p.m.
Contact Lea Hunerkoch or Dena Greene for more information.
Click here to register.
Math Power Up! with Ms. Leung (Rising Grades 7-9)
We aim for students to have fun reviewing 6th, 7th, and 8th grade content, previewing future content, and building confidence and joy for math. We will reinforce grade-appropriate math skills and concepts such as number sense, place value, math fact strategies, and problem-solving. We will also weave in growth mindset messages and encourage students to take risks as we seek to build courage and curiosity. There will be board games, online games, logic puzzles, and more! Power up your math brain for this upcoming school year! Math Power Up! is open to all rising 7th graders, 8th graders, and 9th graders who would like additional reinforcement of skills.
Math Power Up! for rising 7th graders:
- Monday, June 24-Friday, June 28, 9 a.m.-noon
- Monday, August 12-Friday, August 16, 9 a.m.-noon
- Monday, August 19-Friday, August 23, 1-4 p.m.
Math Power Up! for rising 8th graders:
- Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 9 a.m.-noon
- Monday, August 19-Friday, August 23, 9 a.m.-noon
Math Power Up! for rising 9th graders:
- Monday, July 15-Friday, July 19, 9 a.m.-noon
- Monday, August 12-Friday, August 16, 1-4 p.m.
Contact Sarah Coste or Amber Leung for more info.
Click here to register.
STEAM Camp with Ms. McKan and Ms. Leung (Rising Grades 6-8)
Holton’s eight-day STEAM Camp focuses on creativity, design, collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, risk-taking, and perseverance. Using project-based learning, we integrate Art and Design throughout our curriculum. STEAM campers can look forward to fun-filled hands-on activities that bring science to life. Within this eight-day program, not only will students study the concepts here at Holton, but they will also participate in field trips to local businesses and explore how STEAM directly impacts the world in which they live! Sample projects include paper roller coasters, 3D printing and TinkerCAD, bottle rockets, music composition, and robotics competitions! Full STEAM ahead!
STEAM Camp is a two-week, full-day (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) program offered Monday, July 1-Friday, July 12 (no camp on Thursday, July 4 or Friday, July 5).
For more information, please contact Lindsey McKan.
Register for STEAM Camp through Creative Summer’s Registration Site.
UPPER SCHOOL SUMMER MATH CAMP: EnrichMATH
Are you a rising 9th or 10th grader who's passionate about mathematics? Are you seeking to delve deeper into the fascinating world of numbers, equations, patterns, and problem-solving?
Our camp is designed for students who have already mastered grade-level skills and are hungry for more. We'll explore advanced mathematical concepts, challenging problems, and exciting real-world applications through engaging and interactive sessions. Led by Ms. King, and supported by a collaborative learning environment, students will have the opportunity to expand their mathematical horizons and cultivate their problem-solving abilities.
If you're looking to push the boundaries of your mathematical knowledge, join us for some fun mathematics!
Date: Monday, August 19- Friday, August 23
Time: Noon-2 p.m.
Please click here to register. Financial Aid is available for the camps. Please contact Samantha Gilman-Reilly.
For more information, please contact Sarah Coste or Amber Leung.
INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS