10/01/26 – Hello, families!
I am really enjoying the fall weather and my time with the middle school students.
We are starting to learn about Latin root words in OG class. In Language Arts, we have been reading the book One for the Murphys, by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. We are also using the book to discuss elements of fiction such as characterization, conflict, point of view, plot, setting and theme. So far, we are finding our main character Carly to be quite dynamic and also prone to many types of conflict.
In Math, we are beginning work in our new textbooks. This week we are learning about fractions on a number line. We continue to practice our multiplication and division to strengthen our skills.
Learning about World War I continues in social studies class. Last Friday, we learned about trench warfare and created a model using a mini sandbox, army guys, and a watering can.
Tomorrow afternoon, the middle school students will have their end of month reward. We will have ice cream and watch a movie to celebrate the great efforts in both academics and behavior for the month of September!
Have a great weekend everyone,
Erin Cumming
9/17/26 – Hello Families!
We have made it to Week 4 of the new school year and are really settling into some good learning experiences and routines! I want to thank you parents for all of the energy that you have spent working to get your kids settled back into the school year routines!!
Last week, the Middle School students finished reading our novel, Ground Zero, and went on a field trip to the Fight 93 Memorial in Shanksville. While this was a heavy subject and a solemn field trip, I believe that our students learned a lot. Many of us felt strong emotions throughout our reading and our visit. While I don’t enjoy making everyone feel sad, it seemed to help us all get in touch with our empathy for fellow humans. I was impressed by the students throughout this experience, and I know that they will continue to make us all proud as the year goes on.
Pictures from the field trip to the Flight 93 Memorial
Moving forward, my OG class is still reviewing concepts from previous years as we get comfortable with procedures. In Language Arts we are going to spend some time learning about Executive Function Skills. Today we began by taking a survey to find out about what areas are strengths and weaknesses for each of us. Math review has moved into multiplication tables, and the students will be asked to do some daily practice with any tables giving them trouble. Our goal is to be as fluent as possible so that we can move into more difficult concepts.
It was good seeing so many of you at our welcome back ice cream social the other night! Enjoy the photos from our field trip.
Have a great weekend,
Erin Cumming
9/10/26 – Pictures from the field trip to Ed Mines
9/3/26 – Hello, families!
Welcome to the 2nd week of the new school year! We have been getting acclimated to our new schedules and routines, while trying to stay as cool as possible.
Earlier this week, I sent home a parent letter and a pledge for the students to sign and return. Thank you for your support and teamwork with helping the children adjust to their new teacher and expectations. I am enjoying getting reacquainted with the middle school students as they have grown and changed so much in just a few short months! One common ground that I have found so far is that all of my students seem to enjoy sour gummy candy.
We are starting out with a good deal of review and trying to activate our thinking brains before moving into new topics. We did begin talking about war and how wars get started in social studies the other day. We will cover World Wars I and II as well as The Great Depression in social studies this semester.
Mrs. Glenn and I have been taking turns reading aloud to the students during reading and language arts classes. Ou current novel is Ground Zero, by Alan Gratz. We hope to get through most of the book before our field trip to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County next Thursday. Stay tuned for more details that may come home with the students about this trip.
Looking forward to seeing you in person at our Welcome Back Family Meet and Greet that is coming up on Monday, September 14th!
Have a great Labor Day Weekend,
Erin Cumming
8/20/26 – I hope that you all had an enjoyable summer break! I am looking forward to welcoming the 6th-8th graders back next week. My classroom has moved from the Multi-purpose room to the Purple classroom (Mrs. Julie Uber’s former classroom). Hopefully it won’t take long for us to settle in and feel at home in our new space! See you soon, Ms. Cumming