Hello Families,
Here’s the weekly update from the MSBG Adolescent Classroom!
In the Classroom
Literature
Students have now read the first nine chapters of The Outsiders and are holding their third Literature Circle discussions. This part of the book deals with some heavy, adult-leaning themes, including: injury and death, pregnancy, and personal revelations. The students will finish the book next week and have our final discussion around the campfire at Tuscazoar.
Writing
This week’s writing exercises involve finding appropriate sources (and maybe placing them on hold at the library), taking notes, and turning those notes into sentences.
We also have an optional writing session starting that involves writing spooky, strange, or uneasy 100-word mini-sagas (drabbles). Students are encouraged to submit their writings for publication through youngwritersusa.com. The classroom has an account that will allow them to do this safely and securely.
Science
In Diversity of Life, we are using our information about the differences in the cell structures of organisms to develop an understanding of Taxonomy and Classification of living things. We are also visiting the BGSU Ecology Research Station to learn about algal blooms in a research setting.
In Weather and Water, we will study density using a variety of water-based solutions in a spectrum of temperatures. This will give us an understanding of convection and currents in air and water.
Microeconomy
The business proposals for the microeconomy projects are coming along. Mustang Cafe will be the first one to start operating (since we already have the systems in place). They don’t have a specific start date on the calendar, but look for that soon.
Unfortunately, we lost another quail this week. Some Upper Elementary students witnessed the Cooper’s Hawk attack the hutch. With some help from our families, we have applied some poultry fencing around the existing cages while we construct something more protective for them. The “Quail Microeconomy” group is planning the next wave of hatchlings, and we need to have this sorted out before they are old enough to be outside.
Looking Ahead
Our next Parent Education Night, The Montessori Journey, will be held on October 2, 2025. Families will walk through the school to see the full Montessori path from Early Childhood through Adolescence. Parents will also get hands-on time with classroom materials that form the backbone of a Montessori education.
That’s it for this week! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Jeremy or Kayla at middle@montessorischoolbg.org. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Stay tuned for next week’s update, titled: “Math-ahh-magical” or “Divide and Conquer.”
Mark Your Calendars
September 22: Library walking trip
September 23rd- 26th: Fall Camp
September 28th: Spirit Wear Sale Begins
October 2: The Montessori Journey (Parent Education Night)
