In 8th grade, students have been using their knowledge of linear equations and inequalities to solve problems and reason algebraically. Students planned road trips in North America and calculated costs of travel, lodging, and meals using equations. They then looked at sponsors for a road trip and through graphing decided at which point each sponsor would be best. Those who planned an expensive road trip and those who planned inexpensively saw different sponsors as being best for them. Students then looked at Elvira, a cafeteria manager, who had to determine how to best spend her resources and order food without going over her budget (using inequalities). Eighth grade has also solved systems of equations using various methods.
Each student has adopted their favorite methods and learned that there can be more than one right way to get a correct solution.

Beginners continue to work through focus letters, colors, and shapes each week. They practice identification, letter sounds, and finding all of their focus topics in and out of school throughout the week. As Beginners near the end of the focus color list they are already looking forward to a color party! When the focus shapes are completed they will move on to focus numbers. The focus letters will take them most of the school year, and they look forward to an ABC party when they are done. While Beginners explore these specific topics intentionally they are intertwined with all of their daily activities including science/social studies topics.