Posts by klonergan
Thirty Books of Explorer West Middle School
We love books here at Explorer West! Reading is a significant part of our school culture. Take a walk through our school, and you’ll find readers curled up with books in one of our many comfy reading spaces. Students love to discuss and share their favorite books with each other. Here are just some of…
Read MoreMath Update: October, 2025
Grade 6 (Scott) Grade 7 (Scott) Grade 8 (Virgil) We just finished our unit on one-variable statistics. Right now, the students are examining solving and graphing linear equations and systems of linear equations. The unit builds on learning from 7th grade, where students used variables to write equations, manipulated equations using valid moves such as…
Read MoreSocial Studies Update: October 2025
Grade 6 (Daniela) This week we will be continuing our exploration into maps and geography. Students are building in-class note taking and non-fiction reading skills, and expanding their understanding of maps and map making. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are also working on the geography of Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. This week,…
Read MoreScience Update: September 2025
Grade 6 (Kristin) Sixth graders have been exploring the question, “How does a hot air balloon take off?” Many guessed that it had something to do with heating the air inside the balloon, but what is actually happening to those air molecules that allow the balloon to slowly rise and then stay afloat? We’ve worked…
Read MoreLanguage Arts Update: September 2025
Sixth Grade (Cilla) This month, 6th graders have been sharing their reading histories. They exchanged memories of picture books and chapter books and made lists of their favorite titles. Last week, students narrowed these lists down to their top ten texts. We discussed how the term text is broader than a book. It encompasses media…
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