Welcome to our second quarter issue of "Inside the Classroom!"
In each issue, we hope to highlight our middle school academics. Based on decades of experience, our program is designed to support the multifaceted developmental needs of middle school girls so they are well prepared for the transition to high school.
We prioritize igniting intrinsic motivation, building self-confidence across disciplines, and creating a welcoming learning environment that encourages learning from mistakes. We hope this newsletter serves as a mid-quarter update and an extra avenue of communication by bringing you inside the classroom.
|
|
|
Our new Middle School Math Team came in 8th place out of 38 schools competing at Fenwick on November 4th. Mrs. Welnack and Mrs. Hortness supervise this academic team.
The next competition is at Regina on November 23rd. Willows plans to host a competition here in the Spring. Congratulations to the team on a superb performance in its inaugural year!
| |
|
Middle School Book Club finished our first novel: Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. As we explored themes of identity, friendship, and self-acceptance, our members put it into practice by designing their own unique cupcakes. It was a fun and wonder-ful celebration! Most clubs meet during the second half of lunch on a rotating schedule.
| |  |
Artsy Club had their first meeting where they introduced the club and made their first project: slime! Led by 7th graders Ramona, Helen, and Dakota, the girls had a great time getting into the spooky season with a fun craft! | | |
Geography 6:
Globe Volleyball
Geography class takes a break between classes to play volleyball with the globe! Another way they take breaks is through song: memorizing songs of countries, states and capitals is not just fun, but also age-appropriate since middle school is the time when students especially develop the memory cortex of their brains.
| |
|
English 6:
The Extra Hour
| | |
In 6th grade Literature class with Ms. Stangel, students discuss how they used their “extra hour” as daylight savings time ended. | |
|
Music 7:
Sounds of Christmas
| |
7th graders have been busy playing Hand Bells during music! Mark your calendars: this year's Christmas Concert will be on on Friday, December 6th. Come listen to our talented musicians as they showcase their beautiful sounds! | |
|
Theology 7:
Creative Presentations
| |
In Theology, 7th grade students creatively taught their classmates about Creation, the effects of Original Sin, and Redemption by means of skits, raps, songs, and posters. | |
Faculty Feature: Angela Fortunato | |
Bridging Science and Theology
Ms. Angela Fortunato's diverse interests and areas of expertise are as deep rooted as they are multifaceted! With a Master's in Bioethics and Public Health in addition to her undergraduate studies in Biology and History and Philosophy of Science, Ms. Fortunato is expertly suited to thoughtfully introduce 7th graders to the topics of human sexuality and matrimony in an educational setting.
| |
|
|
Ms. Fortunato's continued commitment to growth and professional development also reflect her passion for helping students build a personal identity that is rooted in Christian anthropology. Ms. Fortunato served as the original demonstration teacher for Contend Projects to build a curriculum to teach the science of human embryology and the stages of human embryonic development.
This past summer, Ms. Fortunato also attended a summer conference on inquiry-based STEAM learning hosted by the Van Andel Institute, an independent biomedical research facility, representing Willows as the head of our science department.
Finally, she is preparing to release her book, "Wholeheartedly: God's Mystery of Love in the Call to Celibacy," (preorder HERE) in Spring 2025. Willows is truly fortunate to have Ms. Fortunato -- an example of both professional and personal dedication to promoting human dignity!
Ms. Fortunato is looking forward to partnering with parents in navigating conversations on human sexuality, in particular through our 7th grade parent meeting scheduled for January 14th, 2025. At this 7th grade level parent meeting, Ms. Fortunato and Ms. Cusack will share how Willows' science and theology curriculum, as well as other resources, can support you as parents continue your conversations with your daughters regarding these topics.
| | |
|
Algebra I:
Ready to Test
Algebra I students have been studying exponents, polynomials, and scientific notation during 2nd quarter. They also enjoyed a friendly competition of Math Jeopardy to help prepare for the test. The students will end the quarter learning about factoring polynomials and problem solving using the quadratic equation. Pictured left: Ready for a test with a ruler, a calculator and a pencil and eraser.
| |
History 8: Learning Comes to Life | |
|
|
Springfield Trip for History
The entire 8th grade class visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library, The Illinois State Capitol building, and Abraham Lincoln’s home. Left: The class in front of the State Capitol building in front of the statue of President Lincoln.
| | | |
Guest Speaker:
Lena Milissis
As part of their exploration of Ellis Island, Angel Island and Immigration around 1900, 8th graders welcomed Lena Milissis, parent of Gabriella Milissis, to the class. Lena, who works at the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS, Chicago Asylum Office), came to speak on present day immigration.
| |
| | | |
