December is an exciting and bustling month, filled with engaging projects in Math and Science classes, along with preparation and anticipation for our wonderful school plays. While the pace can certainly feel hectic at times, this season also offers students unique opportunities to showcase their creativity, collaborate with classmates, and shine both academically and artistically. Despite the occasional stress, the energy and enthusiasm around Pinnacle Prep School is truly inspiring as everyone comes together to support one another and celebrate each other's accomplishments.
News from Mrs. Hozie’s Science Lab:
Our Robins are embarking on an exciting exploration of camping science, delving into the wonders of the forest ecosystem and learning about the interconnected web of plant and animal life that thrives there. They are discovering how different species adapt to their habitats, investigating the importance of environmental stewardship, and understanding the delicate balance that sustains woodland communities. In addition, the Robins are developing essential outdoor skills such as fire safety and the principles of responsible campfire building. Their curiosity extends to the night sky, where they are learning to identify major constellations and explore the stories behind them, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature both day and night. Through hands-on activities and thoughtful discussions, our Robins are building a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and environmental awareness.
At the end of October, our Owl, Falcon, and Eagle students thoroughly researched their hypotheses and meticulously prepared materials for testing. As November began, they eagerly launched into hands-on experiments, applying their scientific knowledge and putting their ideas to the test. This stage marked a pivotal moment in their scientific journey, as students collected valuable data and refined their experimental methods. By the second week of November, science fair projects across the Pinnacle community were progressing impressively. Nearly every student demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm, dedication, and teamwork, supporting one another through challenges and celebrating each milestone. Their steady advances in research and experimentation have set the stage for meaningful discoveries, and we look forward to seeing the innovative outcomes their hard work will produce.
Notes from Mrs. Hill’s ELA Classroom:
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Robins:
The younger Robins have been practicing writing their name using proper letter formation and learning the letters and sounds of the alphabet. They are diligently working on CVC words and how to stretch each sound into the next one until the word matches each picture. My veteran Robins continue to fluently read passages and answer questions that boost their comprehension. We are enjoying exploring various literacy work stations, as well! Remember to practice your sight words and complete your Reading Log at home Mondays-Thursdays... I’m so proud of your excellent effort! 👍 I am SO looking forward to seeing you all shine in the play on December 17th! 🥰
Owls:
The Owls finished our 1st semester novel study, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo! Students have been hard at work completing daily grammar practice in their Abeka books, and their spelling scores are amazing! Next, we will be learning how to identify articles, nouns, and verbs in sentences using the Winston Grammar program. Please remember to complete your Reading Log at home Mondays-Thursdays…Keep up the great work! 📚 REMEMBER that your FREE READING PROJECT will be due the first day we come back on January! I can’t wait to see your awesome performance of “And the Dish Ran Away With the Spoon” on Dec. 17th! 🥰
Falcons:
Falcons completed our first class novel study, "Aliens on Vacation," by Clete Barrett Smith. They are doing a wonderful job finding text evidence to support thorough comprehension! Additionally, students have been hard at work on Spelling, Winston Grammar, and Sadlier Vocabulary. They have also been using IXL to supplement areas where they need additional practice to accomplish mastery of grammar skills. Parents, please remember to sign both planners and reading logs daily... I am loving the independence and responsibility that our Falcons are showing this year! 🤩REMEMBER that your FREE READING PROJECT will be due the first day we come back in January! I can’t wait to see your awesome performance of “Once Upon a Crime” on Dec. 17th! 🥰Eagles:
The Eagles successfully finished our first semester novel study, Gary Paulsen’s “Hatchet” where they have been analyzing character actions and motivations, as well as interpreting feelings. They are currently working on the Winston Grammar Advanced book where we are studying noun functions. Sadlier Vocabulary lessons have been going smoothly, too! Students have been doing an impressive job of turning in their work on Google Classroom. Parents, please remember to sign both planners and reading logs daily...Thank you, Eagles, for putting 100% effort into each assignment–you are a dream to teach!
😊REMEMBER that your FREE READING PROJECT will be due the first day we come back in January! I can’t wait to see your awesome performance of “Once Upon a Crime” on Dec. 17th! 🥰
Notes from Mrs. Jaya’s Math Classroom:
The Robins have been strengthening their addition and subtraction skills. They continued practicing two-digit addition and subtraction without regrouping and learned to add three one-digit numbers. They are now working on two-digit addition with regrouping. Some Robins practiced adding and subtracting using pictures and are now building their math facts using a number line. They will continue developing their math facts and fact families. Another group has begun a unit on fractions, where they are learning about halves, thirds, and fourths as equal parts of a whole using different shapes. They will continue to compare simple fractions and apply this understanding to sets of objects. The Robins are consistently practicing their math facts to build fluency and confidence in their number skills.
The Owls have been hard at work mastering their multiplication and division facts. They also practiced multiplying two-digit numbers and worked on long division. The class completed a unit on fractions, exploring them as numbers, building them from unit fractions, and representing them on a number line. They also learned to generate simple equivalent fractions and compare fractions. Students are now learning about money and real-life budgeting. One group will be designing their own lemonade stand, while the other will create their own flower shop. Through these projects, students will explore the basics of running a business, selecting items to sell, and understanding the concept of profit and loss.
The Falcons have successfully completed their unit on fractions, focusing on adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators, multiplying fractions, understanding reciprocals, and using them to divide fractions. They also applied their knowledge of the Order of Operations to solve more complex fraction problems. Students are now concentrating on the concept of money and budgeting. In this unit, they will learn how to plan a trip to their favorite destination while staying within a set budget—making thoughtful choices without compromising the most important parts of their vacation experience.
Notes from Mrs. Hughlett’s Humanities Classroom:
The month of December will be full of excitement and anticipation as we prepare for the plays. The students are doing so well!! I can’t wait for you to see how their practice is paying off!
Eagles and Falcons: The kids are embracing their roles and putting their personalities into their parts. I have been so impressed with how well they all take direction and use their creativity to bring the play to life! I know they have had conversations with you about their costumes. Please let us know if you have any questions in that department. I have been waiting to put this play on since last spring when I picked it out! So far, I have not been disappointed!
Owls and Robins: I am so pleased with how well ALL of the students are doing with this play. They have been working so hard to show off all of their talent. Please reach out if you need any help or suggestions with costumes, etc. I can’t wait for you to see how well they have embraced their parts. Their creativity is making it a great success!
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