April 15 – April 19, 2024

This week in reading, our class worked on using context clues and understanding how prefixes manipulate word meanings to help us understand unfamiliar words and increase our comprehension of a text. We continued to work on reading and interpreting various types of graphs and data this week as we wrapped up our graphing unit. In science, the students learned about the needs and makeup of plants. This week, we wrapped up our social studies unit on American symbols and monuments. Keep up the hard work, Intermediate Room! You are all doing awesome.

This week, we began our American Romanticism Poetry with an immersive experience with Emily Dickinson. We covered four of her well-known poems relating to birds and nature. Students observed the sounds and mannerisms of birds in their natural setting. We discussed her use of metaphors, similes, and symbolism, as she was known for her profound meaning within simplistic language. Everyone participated in writing their own Bird Poem for our poetry book, which will be available for bid at the auction next week! We are taking a turn towards the darker side of this period starting Monday as we explore the mind frame of Edgar Allen Poe in a careful selection of his poems from the 19th century.

In Science, students began learning about the Marine Biome. We discussed the different zones of the ocean and the types of life that can be found in various depths of the sea. We will cover the Freshwater Biomes next week as we wrap up Chapter Five. The final exam for groups 1 and 2 will cover all of Chapter 5, and students will receive their study guide next Friday, April 26th. Group 3 will be working on creating a model of their very own biome for their end-of-the-year project. Details will be sent home on Friday, April 26th as well.

In our history class, we’ve been delving into the Constitution, with a particular focus on the Bill of Rights. This week, students had the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the first ten amendments to various scenarios. This practical exercise helped them gain a deeper understanding of the rights that are protected by these amendments, making the subject matter more relatable and engaging.

In history, we continued learning about the American Revolution, reviewing Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence In writing this week, we continued to work on typing.com and worked in our writing folder.

In Independent living, we are still studying nutrition and its importance. We also each made a menu and shared it with the class.

In Math class this week, we worked on our individualized worksheets from our math folder. We also worked on the individualized programs in IXL.

Interview at City of Manchester

On April 17, four students participated in a group interview with the Parks Department of the City of Manchester.  Kathryn Anzilotti, Jayden Buchanan, David Gibson, and Kenny Stethem met with Mrs. Kathryn Schien, Director.  These students participate in the Pre-Employment Transition Services program sponsored by the University of Missouri. They meet monthly to discuss self-advocacy, work-based learning, workplace readiness, job exploration, and post-secondary counseling. Our group met with Mrs. Schien and learned about the seasonal jobs and upcoming volunteer events available with the City of Manchester. The City of Manchester under the leadership of Mayor Mike Clement is very excited to include our students in future interviews for volunteer and possible hiring opportunities.

Academy of St. Louis students dropped off the items that were collected for Our Lady’s Inn. What a gift to be able to assist young mothers in need.