Welcome

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!!

September 29, 2026
Dear Parents,
It is so hard to believe we are almost in October!  The days fly by and the lab is always busy.  I want to tell you some important and unfortunate news.  I will be in school tomorrow Wednesday, but not on Thursday, Friday or Monday.  I plan on being back on Tuesday.  I have a very close friend that is nearing the end of her life.  I want to see her one last time.  I take my job very seriously, but I feel I need to go and I thought with the 8th grade being gone for some of it this is the best time.  I will not be writing again until Tuesday night.  So no need to get the news here, you will have to rely on your child.  I have a great sub and have gone over all the plans with her.  The students will be busy and engaged learners while I am gone.  Again, I am very sorry, but I hope you understand,
On a brighter note...
Last night I was able to attend three girls volleyball games and was very impressed with their talent and their sportsmanship.  It was fun to see the students in another light.  Today I went to the last soccer game of the year.  The weather was beautiful and the students played their hearts out.  I was sorry it was a loss, but loved seeing that they never gave up and fought to the end.  Great Job to the 7th and 8th grade MSW Soccer Team of 2026-2027!
7th Grade Biology
Today the students did their first "real Biology Lab".. They used a balance to measure the mass of a slice of a potato and used a blow dry to heat it up.  The question was Do potatoes have water?  They needed to use all of the parts of the Scientific Method (which we have been learning for the past weeks) to fill in their lab report.  They seemed to really enjoy the lab (which is great because we do many of them) and they seemed to have a great understanding of the steps of the Scientific Method and all the new vocabulary they have learned.  I will review with them tomorrow for the test and the TEST WILL BE ON THURSDAY.
8th Grade Physics
We cracked open the book today and the students participated in a quick lab where they discovered what is needed in giving directions from one point to another. They wrote directions for their partner to get to another point in the room, then their friend tried to get to that point.  Everyone in the class but one student did not give the information needed.  Then we talked about what happened and came up with a list that they use in Physics to give clear and accurate directions.  There second attempt was much better.  Tomorrow they will create a map with labels and information to get from one point to another, I know this sounds pretty simple but that is how physics is, and with time you will see this becomes much more complex.  I am glad it is a little light for them because you know their minds are all on DC.  I hope they have the best time ever and create many new memories.  I hope they bind together as a class and learn about the history of our country. I hope they are respectful and grateful for this wonderful opportunity  I will be praying for them and am anxious to hear the stories of the trip when they return.




Sept. 28, 2026
Dear Parents,
I hope you all had a great three day weekend!
7th Grade Biology
The most important thing is we are having a test on Thursday.  The students did a practice study guide, gave me that study guide and received a teacher copy of the study guide.  They should use that along with their notes and graded papers to study from.  The students should be studying this week!  
Today in Biology they finished their balance practice.  They have been learning how to use a balance to find the mass in grams.  They need this for their first lab which will be The Potato Lab.  We went over how to do the lab, and the lab safety necessary for tomorrow.  I hope it is a great day!  No one had written homework, they may have something for you to sign, but they do really have homework, that is to STUDY, that counts as homework too,
8th Grade Physics
The students have been working on graphing and how to create graphs.  They finished their practice graphs in class today. Graphing is a very important skill this year because every lab they have they will have to graph their results.  They should not have any homework tonight.  I know everyone is busy getting ready for the big DC trip.  All the students got their scientific methods test back and they need to get those signed.  
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z


Sept. 23, 2026
Dear Parents,
Please ask your child for the form you need to fill out and please turn that in.  The students were told it was due today and they would get 100 points for turning it in.  Now it is 90 points if it is in tomorrow.  Each day they will get less points.  I explained this very clearly in class yesterday.
Thank you to all the students who turned it in and to all the parents who filled it out!  
Also thank you to all the parents who went to the website and read it.  If you wrote Sept. 12 on the form you will get additional points, or if your students put the secret code on their work they did in class today.
The new code for students who did not turn it in today is HAWK HUSTLE!
7th Grade Biology
The students got my copy of the study guide for the next test.  It will be next Wednesday.  Some students like to study over the weekend so they have it now.  Some students plan on studying Monday night and Tuesday night that is fine too,  They really do need to study to score high on the test and to know and understand the material.  Today in class the students did a lab where they practiced using a balance.  We will be doing a lab next week that uses balances, so I want to be sure they can manage the equipment.  
8th Grade Physics
The students took a quiz to see if they understood the material presented this week.  Some students were prepared and as I walked around the room as they were taking the quiz they were doing great.  Sadly some students seemed to have a very difficult time.  When they do labs in Physics this year they create charts showing their data,  and they need to know how to turn their chart into a graph in order to complete the lab.  This is a very important skill need this year and in high school. I will get to correcting them as soon as possible. If your child is struggling with this they should see me at during lunch, recess or before or after school next week.
Thanks for your support in the Hawk Hustle and I hope the students have a wonderful day tomorrow!
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

Sept 22, 2026
Dear Parents,
This is where you look for daily info.  I will be writing every night to 7th and 8th grade parents.  I do not write on Friday, I call it my day off!  I hope you find this helpful throughout the year.
I have to be brief I do not have my charger and I have about 2 cells left.  
Today the big news for 7th and 8th grade Science is I need the signed paper back tomorrow that your child should be giving you and that will give your child 100 quiz points... Not a bad bribe.  I only do it once a year, so be sure to sign it and give it back to your child
If you read this you can earn them 5 bonus points by writing Sept. 12 on the bottom of the paper you need to sign.
Let's see how many parents take the time to check this out!
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z



June 3, 2026
Dear Parents,
Last class, last day, and last letter!
This morning I started class by collecting books.  I got most of them.  The last few should come in tomorrow.  Then the students brought in their chickens we talked about the project and they gave me many tips to add to help parents next year.  We looked at all of them and discussed what they did well.  Each one had some part that was amazing.  Maybe they had both pieces of the beak, maybe they had the skill, maybe they had the pygostyle, maybe they had the longest neck, maybe the best claws, maybe the most ribs, maybe the placement of the bones was amazing, maybe they had the most bones, and maybe they had the largest claws.  They all were well done and I have done this project myself many times I know the time and effort it takes.  Thank you for your support of this project. 
Then we moved on the the big finish to 7th Grade Biology.  Every year at the end of the year I write a parody about the year.  Then I go through my pictures from the year and put them to the words of the parody.  I show that on the last day.  Creating this for the this years class was my biggest challenge.  The pictures have to be timed exactly, they need to fit to the words of the song, and everyone needs to be in A LOT that is the part the students love.  This is a very large class and I had three sections of science to fit in instead of the normal two.  I worked on it for hours trying to get it perfect and when I saw the smiles on the students faces as they watched it, that made my time and effort all worth it.  It has been a joy teaching this class and I hope they all have a great summer!  Thank you for your support throughout the year!
Take care and have a great night,
for the last time,
Mrs. Z

June 2, 2026
Dear Parents,
Today the students used the process of chromatography to tie dye their t-shirts.  Please put them in the dryer to heat set the ink.  Then wash them in cold water and dry them.  It was a great day, a great last lab and I think the students had fun experimenting with the process and watching the colors spread.  Tomorrow is our last day together.  I have a special class planned, they need to return their books.  I reminded them today. Also we will discuss the chicken project and those will go home tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

June 1, 2026
Dear Parents,
It is June and I am still writing you!  I hope you enjoy reading what goes on in the lab each day!  This is only to the 7th Grade parents, because the 8th graders are gone. I miss them terribly, but I am swamped with BIG events for 7th grade and that takes my mind off of the graduates.
Today was an amazing day in the lab.  The 7th graders have come a long way since Aug. They stepped right up to the plate and did the pig dissection.  I helped them all with different parts, but each group did the majority of the dissection on their own.  I was so very proud of them.  The lesson plan I use is from Whitman College and it is a complete dissection.  By complete I mean all that is left in the end is skin and the legs.  They begin by looking down the throat of the pig to see the esophagus.  Then they remove the stomach, large intestines, small intestines, gall bladder, spleen liver and the kidneys.  Next the move up on the body of the pig and notice the diaphragm, then remove the heart and the lungs. They then cut down the back to remove a piece of the spine.  After they remove that they cut into it and take out the spinal chord.   After that they cut through the skull to remove the brain.  Then they are able to take out the eyes.  They cut open the eye and remove the hard eye ball in the center.  Some students took their small intestines and did some fancy clipping to be able to see how long the small intestines are when they are unwoven.  They go about six feet.... ABSOlUTELY amazing.  The entire class stayed in the lab, no one got sick.  Two students were only able to watch and one student watched for a few minutes and then jumped onboard.  That is remarkable at their age.  I took great efforts to reduce the smell and I think that helped a lot.  Thank you for sending your child in appropriate clothing for the day.  It is for sure a great lab to end the year with and something they will never forget.  Great job 7th graders. I do not wear gloves during the dissection.  That is how I learned years ago and I have never changed.  So needless to say I left school at 2 today and was in the shower from 2:15 until 3!  I feel great now.
I look forward to a great night sleep and  a very chill lab tomorrow!
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

May 28, 2026
Dear Parents,
I did not teach any of my morning classes.  I spent the morning with the 8th graders.  They had a breakfast at 9, graduation practice at 10 and a blessing at 11 and a parade through the school at 11:15 and then they went on their merry way.  Very, very bitter sweet.  I loved this class, each student will be remembered, but they are READY to fly that is for sure!  I am looking forward to spending the night with the 8th graders and their parents.
7th Grade Biology
The students in the morning had a sub for me and I was able to teach my one afternoon class.  The students all wrote their final paper of the year.  The topic was How did Mrs. Z do???  The students wrote what they liked, what they did not like, what I could do better.  I told them to be honest.  I read them all and that helps me make next year even better than this...  Just a heads up.  Tomorrow is our final review of the pig dissection.  Monday the 7th graders come OUT of uniform in NOT cute clothes.  They all will do the complete dissection on Monday.  I will have them all for a double period.  On Tuesday they will make their tie dye t-shirt.  On Thursday they wear the tie dye t-shirt.  On Wednesday we will have a very special last class (sorry I keep it a secret).  Next week I will be collecting their science books, I will remind them to bring them to class on Tuesday.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

May 27, 2026
Dear Parents,
Today we started with a Mass and then had the 8th grade awards ceremony.  So I did not teach my 8th grade classes, since we were in Church.  I took my two 7th grade classes that I have in the morning and merged them together...  I think the students loved that! We all headed outside and the ducks got to play in a kiddy pool and a small swimming pond.  It was so nice out and I wanted the students to experience the ducks in water.  All the 7th graders have worked very hard this year, they took on the chicken project and those chickens look amazing, they are gearing up for pig dissection and sometimes you just need a break!  So that was today.  I was so happy that the weather was sunny and warm.  I had my third 7th grade in the afternoon so they just went out as a small class.  In someways that is just as fun because you get more attention in a small group.  I love to watch the students with the ducks.  The ducks LOVE the MSW 7th graders. 
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

​May 26, 2026
I cannot believe another year is wrapping up!  It seems too soon.
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the students had a BIG lesson on dissection.  I think they are getting the idea of it.  I know for some this is a challenge, but it also might be the only time they ever get to dissect something.  I have done this for years and most students find it an amazing lab.  If a student is unable to handle it, that is ok.  They just go to the health office (that is rare).  The students DO NOT WEAR their MSW uniform on Monday of next week.  That will be the dissection.  After the lesson today I let them play with the ducks who are now almost full grown.  They are very large and are moving to a swimming pool tomorrow!  Again, thank you to all the "host" parents who took them in.  Those visits seem to be going well.
THE 8TH GRADERS COME OUT OF UNIFORM IN NICE CLOTHES TOMORROW!
8th Grade 
Physical Science
Today the students had fun playing with the ducks or playing with rockets.  Both groups seemed very HAPPY!.  It is amazing how far the rockets would launch!  Then to wrap up the year I played the video I made for them.  It is now and forever posted on youtube.  To see it go to youtube and in the search write      judie zoromski 8th grade msw 2026.     and it should pop right up.  I think the students enjoyed the review of their 8th grade year.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

May 20. 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade 
Biology
Today the students had a short class due to the beautiful Ribbon Ceremony, but it was packed with information and a million questions.  The students learned about the cardiovascular system.  Hearts, lungs, circulation are all so vital to our lives.  They were attentive listeners and are getting a lot of information on the body systems as we head towards the end of the year. It is great to see all the different chickens making their way to school. I will be displaying them in the hallway if you want to stop over and see them.  Great job 7th grade, they are all so different and unique.  Thank you so much for your support and help in that project. I have made the chicken several times and I know how much work it is, yet it is an unforgettable project for sure. The ducks continue to entertain the class and are getting very large.  Thank you to all the families who have offered to take them home.  They are doing great!
8th Grace
Physics
Today the students were busy signing each others ribbons and working on the play.  For the few minutes I saw them they wrote a short paper on their thoughts about 8th grade science.  This is very important for me because it helps me evaluate the different things we did throughout the year.  I do ask them to be honest and I value their thoughts and reflections.  They did a beautiful job at the Ribbon Ceremony today, they always step up!  It is a very bitter sweet time of year for me.   When I taught the younger grades I always looked forward to coming back to school the following year to see how everyone was doing.  Now that I am at the end of the line, it is hard to let them go, but they are so READY! I look forward to seeing their play tomorrow night.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

May 19, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade
Biology
Today the ducks came back after their first home visit.  The host families had fun and the ducks are doing great.  They went home today to two new families.  I hope all goes well. The weather was so warm inside and out... that I let the students play with the ducks outside for awhile and then we had class.  We reviewed the skeletal system, the digestive system, the nervous system, and tomorrow we will add the cardio vascular system.  The students showed great understanding during the review.
8th Grade 
Physics
Today only some students came to class.  Some went to play practice.  The students made and played with oobleck outside. It does get messy, but they did a great job of cleaning up.  A little fun is a good way to end the year. They learned last week that oobleck is a non newtonian solution like quicksand.  Then I did some experiments with it and they guessed if it was acting like a solid or a liquid during each experiment.  That is the interesting thing about oobleck it pours like milk but then if you hit it, it does not splash like water.  It is both a solid and a liquid at the same time without temperature change.  Amazing! I am looking forward to seeing you at the Ribbon Ceremony, as sad as it is for me that this just means one step closer to graduation!
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. z


May 18, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the 7th graders finished up learning about the skeleton system and we added muscles, tendons, and ligaments.  Then we moved into the digestive system and we will go back over that quickly tomorrow.  They do listen attentively because they are finding the information very interesting.  The last few minutes of class the students play with the ducks.  They seem to enjoy that a lot.  Today was the first night they went home to students houses.  I hope that works well for both the ducks and the host families.  We will find out more tomorrow!
8th Grade 
Chemistry
I did not teach my first period 8th grade class due to Life Skills. They had a special life skills with a guest speaker.  It was a MSW alum who is now a lawyer and she told her story of addiction and recovery.  She does an amazing job and is so open and honest.  The student were very engaged because they can relate to her since ]she once sat through life skills and went to M. S. Also she has such a good message because luckily through her strength from God she was able to turn herself around before it was too late.   I love teaching 8th grade, but I also worry about all of them as they leave.  Hopefully this will help them make good choices.
My second period class did the egg drop today and there were 4 students whose egg did not break.  Great job 8th grade.
Take care and have a great night, 
Mrs Z


May 14, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the students took their test on genetics.  The test was 7 pages long, so I will not be grading them until the weekend.  Grades will be posted by Sunday night.
I hope they all demonstrate a high level of learning.
8th Grade Chemistry
I only saw one switch today and that group did the Egg Drop.  They make protection for an egg and drop it from the balcony into Wisdom Hall.  I think they had fun doing it and amazingly 6 students were able to drop their egg and have it be unharmed.  The hard part is unwrapping the egg without breaking it, it if made it through the drop.  Great job 8th Gade.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs; Z

May 13, 2026
I cannot believe we are in te middle of May.... This was the fastest year ever!
7th Grade Biology
I reviewed with all of my classes for the test tomorrow on genetics.  I hope they all do great!  My second period science also did their DNA lab today.  We were very busy during that class.  We did not go to Mass today so classes were a little longer, which helped a lot.  The ducks are growing quickly and getting cuter each day.  The students are being very good with them.  I was hoping they would start to go home this week, but they still are having some anxiety and need some more adjusting time. We will just take it day by day.  They will go home with students as soon as it is safe.
8th Grade Chemistry
Today the students did a great job with the Sludge Test lab.  I think they learned a lot and enjoyed trying to figure out what was in there cup.  There was a huge variety of easy things to pick out like a toothpick or a piece of chalk and then there were some things hidden in the mix like salt, sugar, jello, tea and they had to think a little harder to figure out what those were.  Some cups had iron filings in them and they were amazed when they ran their magnet through the mixture and saw what the magnet picked up.  I was happy to see the students working so hard today!  Still lots planned for 8th grade even though they think they are done, there is a lot for them to do!
Take care and have a great nigt,
​Mrs. Z

May 12, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students in two switches took cheek from their mouth and used that to create a DNA strand.  This is a very difficult experiment to do, yet  very amazing. The timing needs to be exact to make the experiment work.  The students did a great job.  Sadly I had a meeting during one of the switches, they will do the experiment tomorrow.  I tried explaining it to my sub and that was going nowhere fast.  So they played with the ducks..... Tomorrow I am reviewing genetics with the students and they will have their test on Thursday.  They have had my copy of the study guide for over a week.  I hope they have been looking at it... 
8th Grade 
Chemistry
The students were at the Dogs game.  I missed them and look forward to seeing them tomorrow.  
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

May 11, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade 
Biology
The 7th Graders spent class comparing a chicken skeleton to a human.  There are only a few bones that are different between the two.  As we went through all the bones in a chicken and a human they colored the bones that matched.  In the end there were only 3 bones on the chicken and two bones on the human that were not colored, one famous one being the knee bone or the patella.  This helps the understand the importance of the chicken project.  It also helps the understand the human bone structure, more on that next week.
8th Grade
Physics
I passed out their last test.  The scores varied between super high and a few that were a little lower then usual.  I think some students checked out a little early....  The material we cover between now and the end of the year will help them in high school.  I hope they all stay tuned in. We then went over the lab we are doing on Wednesday.  The lab is called the "Sludge Test" and has been a lab at MSW since I went there.  Each group of two students get a mixture of a variety of things.  They need to perform different tests on it - pick it out, magnetic test, sift it, filter it, and evaporate it, to figure out what their "sludge" was made of.  They will do the experiment on Wednesday. I hope they have fun at the Dogs game and that the weather holds up...
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

May 7, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
I am sure you heard the big news.... The ducks are here!  I got a phone call from the Park Ridge Post Office this morning and I left MSW and had the ducks all set for my first period 7th grade class. The ducks were too cute, the students were too excited (and they have all worked so hard in class all year) I scratched todays lesson plans and let them have time with the ducks.  I am sending home a permission slip for students to take them home next week.  Please think about that long and hard.  There are many in school opportunities to play with the ducks.  No one needs to take them home. We will go back to or usual lessons tomorrow and we will stop classes fifteen min. early so they can play with the ducks.  So far the students seem very excited, happy and they are being very careful with the ducks.
8th Grade Chemistry
Today I did not teach the 8th graders due to Life Skills and I Ready testing.  They are having a test tomorrow.  We have reviewed in class and they know what to study. I offered to meet with students to explain and answer questions on things they did not understand and no one came to see me so I think they all understand the materia, I really hope they are all studying because there are not many more tests this trimester.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs, Z 
May 6, 2026
Dear Parents,
Today started with a beautiful May Crowning for Mary.  I love that ceremony and was very proud of the 8th grade.  They did a beautiful job.
7th Grade Biology
I got a message last night from the farm that the ducks were in transport. Today I got a message from O'Hare that they arrived at the airport!  They will be heading to MSW soon. The students took their quiz on ducks.  I am almost done grading them and they are doing a great job.  They are very excited and so am I.  This helps the 7th grade look forward to coming to science! They also got their study guide for genetics and tomorrow when they turn it in they will get a correct copy to study from. 
8th Grade Chemistry
The students learned about valence electrons and some big periodic table tips to take to high school with them.  They are struggling to stay focused but I am trying to put every minute to good use.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

May 5, 2026
Today flew by, short classes due to I ready Testing!
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students had their last lesson on genetics. I think they have it!!! We move on tomorrow.  They will get a  study guide tomorrow and have time to practice and study before their  test  which will be next week on Tuesday.  The duck quiz is tomorrow.
8th Grade Chemistry
The students have moved into diagraming electrons on shells.  This is the beginning of bonding.  Today they learned about the Bohr and Lewis method of diagramming.
We will go over that again tomorrow.  They need to study for their Basics of Chemistry test on Friday.  They all know what to study for that we went over it in class on Monday.  They should look at their last quiz and their notes from Monday.  Any student who does not feel prepared knows that they should see me before Friday.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z


May 4, 2026
Dear Parents,
Wow, how did we end up in May in the blink of an eye?  There is still a lot to learn and a lot to do before the end in both 7th and 8th grade,  We will be making every moment count in the lab, 
7th Grade Biology
I finished the lecture on the ducks today which will be arriving soon,  The students will be taking a short quiz on the ducks and the care for them on Wednesday.  We will review tomorrow,  The point of the ducks is not just fun, which once the ducks come that happens naturally.  They also need to learn about the ducks and the care that is needed to help them develop and grow.  Then we went over genetics and punnet squares,  The students have shown tremendous growth in their understanding of all the vocabulary
8th Grade Chemistry
The students had a review of all the basic chemistry needed for high school today.  I told them if they had questions or did not understand something to see me because there test will be on Friday.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z
April 29. 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students did a class lab today on genetics.  They all measured their hand span and then they graphed the class information.  They need to find the class average and discussed why we all have different hand spans,  I think they liked using what they knew and learning more!  I started reading the paper they wrote yesterday and found them to be very well written with brilliant questions and answers about their bodies and strong information on many interesting illnesses.  Great job 7th Grade.
8th Grade 
Chemistry
The students had a short class and I took advantage of that to work on our talent show act.  I keep trying to get the dance down.  They are having fun working on it which I love, but when I do not lead them they have a hard time.  They have tomorrow to get it because I am not going on stage with them.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z
April 28, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students took a break from genetics and they wrote their paper for the month.  They had two topics to pick from and they needed to write a one page paper.  Those are due tomorrow if they are not finished. The topics were pick one thing about the human body that you have a question about and find the answer, my example was why do we shed tears when we are sad.  The second topic was pick any illness and find out the symptoms and the treatment.  I can't wait to read what they thought of.
8th Grade Chemistry
The students did a worksheet on the periodic table and practiced for the variety show.  They get a little better everyday.  I hope they shine on stage on Friday.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z


April 27, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today I went over the most common mistakes that the students did on their first Punnet Practice page for homework last week.  I think that helped clear up some issues.  Then we did some punnet squares together and as we did I reviewed the vocabulary.  They are getting the hang of it, but it takes time and practice.  We are working on easy ones, but they do get very complex.  This is a skill that they will find very helpful n high school. I gave them their second practice homework assignment today that is due tomorrow.
8th Grade 
Chemistry
I went over the quiz with them and passed it out from last Friday.  There was a wide range of scores.  They will be learning a little more and then taking a test on the material.  I told students who did not do well to see me for help this week.  They had a worksheet on the periodic table that is due tomorrow.  The students also practiced their v-show act.  Traditionally they have been the closing act of the show.  This gives them all a chance to be on stage and leave a final class memory to the school.
Take care ad have a great night,
Mrs. Z

April 23, 2026
Dear Parents,
This will be short I am very involved i helping the Von aulock family.  I hope many of your children will be able to be in the honor guard,  Thank you to all who have responded this will mean a lot to the family a permission slip was sent home earlier i the week,
7th Grade Biology
The students learned about genotypes and phenotypes and then they tried their first few punnet squares. These were just start up ones, they were very simple to see if they are catching on.  They do have homework tonight,
8th Grade Chemistry
The students worked on the periodic table for the hallway.  It may be the best ever!!  They have a quiz tomorrow on intro to Chemistry.  I hope they are all looking over their notes tonight!  What a thrill it would be if they all had a high score.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

April 22, 2026
Dear Parents,
Biology 7th Grade
I reviewed all of the vocabulary from yesterday and added to it.  I think the students are catching on.  When they begin to use the vocabulary to fill in punnet squares it will help them to understand the meaning behind all of the words,  This is very slow in the beginning and then they all get the hang of it.  They do have high interest and that helps a lot.
8th Grade Chemistry
I reviewed all of the material that will be on their short quiz on Friday.  They need to understand some common concepts of the periodic table to lay the ground work before we move into chemical bonds.  I want to get the heavy section of Chemistry in as soon as possible.  As the weather improves, and 8th grade activities kick in it becomes harder for them to focus.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

April 21, 2026
7th Grade Biology
Today the students had their first lecture on genetics. We began with the story of Gregor Mendel and then moved into heavy vocabulary.  There is a lot of vocabulary for the students to understand before we can get to figuring out punnet squares. They did a great job trying to learn and understand the material covered,  We will go back over it all again tomorrow and then move forward.
8th Grade Chemistry
The students learned about families,, groups and periods of the periodic table.  Then we labeled the solids, liquids and gasses.  They were surprised to see how many elements were solids and the placement of all the gasses. Finally they highlighted the metals, one color, non metals another color and the metalloids another color.  Again they were amazed at how many elements are metals and that the metalloids make a stairway to divide the metals from non metals,  They learned a lot!!
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

April 20, 2026
Wow, where is the year going?  It seems like the end is coming so fast,
7th Grade Biology
The students reviewed mitosis and meiosis,  Then we reviewed how cells, turn into organs, and organs to body systems and then the human body.  We wrapped up class with some Friday Finales because I ran out of time on Friday due to short classes because of the play.  One of the students told me they already FINISHED their chicken!  Wow, I think that is a record.
8th Grade Chemistry
The students worked on finished up some paperwork from last week and then they worked on their "tile" for the periodic table we are creating for the hall. There work on that is exceptional.  I cannot wait to hang it for the entire school to see.  This is a big eighth grade tradition and there will be amazing. We will start to hang them tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

April 16, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the students made cells out of jello.  Half the room made animal cells and the other half made plant cells.  They used jello to represent the cytoplasm and then filled their cells with the specific organelles that were in their type of cells.  After they made the cells all the plant cells came together in one pod and arranged the cells to make a some type of plant and all the animal cells were placed to look like some type of an animal.  I think the students enjoyed this and it will helped them see the differences between the two types of cells.
8th Grade Chemistry
The students listened attentively to a lecture on how to diagram a cell.  They needed to use a plus sign for protons, a minus sign for electrons and a dot for neutrons.  They needed to label their atom.  This pulled together the work they have been doing on how to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.  Then they created the diagrams for elements 1-20.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

April 15, 2026
Dear Parents,
Today began with a Wednesday morning Mass that hopefully sent many prayers of support and healing to the Van Aulock family.  All students received a pin to wear as well as all faculty, staff, administration and people who went to the Mass. I hope you continue to remember them in your prayers during this very difficult time.
7th Grade Biology
The students looked at their swollen gummy bears. I know this sounds like a simple experiment but in demonstrated much of the vocabulary we worked on and the response of the gummy bear was magic.  The cup just looked like it had a dot of food coloring in it, but when they reached in with their spoons and pulled the swollen gummy bear out they were shocked at the dramatic transformation.  
8th Grade Chemistry
Today the students practiced finding out how many protons, neutrons and electrons were in each element,  They need to know and understand this as tomorrow we begin diagramming the elements,  They are enjoying learning the new material and are excited to move forward,
Take care and have a great night
​Mrs. Z
April 14, 2026
Dear Parents,
Sorry yesterday and today are brief I have been spending a lot of time supporting the Van Aulock family.  I taught their oldest daughter Religion last year and we are very close.  I have also known the family for years because of my daughter going to MSW with the family and being in the parish. Thank you for all you are. doing to support them through these very difficult days.
Some very IMPRESSIVE 7th Grade news -- three families began the Chicken Lab!! Huge kudos to them!!!
7t Grade Biology
Today the students did the gummy bear lab.  They will see in the morning how much osmosis developed in their water and gummy bear cup.!  I think they really enjoyed class today.  We wrap up that lab tomorrow and finish the jello cells on Thursday.  I know they are very excited to do that.  Then we begin genetics!!! I can not wait!!  That is usually everyones favorite unit of the year,
8th Grade Chemistry
Oh my goodness I love to type that word.  As much as I love Physics I love Chemistry even more.  I think today I got the 8th grade onboard!  We had a GREAT class.  We are beginning with the periodic table.  There are many hidden secrets in that table that I want to have them bring to high school. Today they learned how to figure out how many protons, neutrons and electrons are in each element!
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z 

April 13, 2026
Dear Parents,
It seems like forever since I have written.  It was great to be back with the kids today.
I hope you all had a Blessed Easter and a wonderful break. 
7th Grade Biology
The students go ready for some labs we are doing this week and I began looking at their ping pong ball runs that they did over Holy Week.  The 7th graders did an impressive job!  They should be set for next years competition.  The students also brought home their chicken,,, I am sure you are aware!!  Keep them frozen until you want to start the project.  Remember the grade is only based on the attempt.  Good luck and one final tip I just thought of.  Maybe you want to put a big pot on your grill outside and fill the pot with water.  That will reduce the smell in your house. Just remember to keep adding water as it boils away.  Honestly the cooking the chicken is the worst part.  The assembly is like a puzzle,  Good luck! Remember email or call me if you have questions.
8th Grade CHEMISTRY
We have turned the page.  The students just began learning about elements and the periodic table.  I think they were happy to be back with their friends today.  I am trying to get them to jump onboard with the learning they need to be doing!  Hopefully tomorrow they will be "locked in" as they say. This is a hard time of year for the 8th graders.  There are many fun events, the weather has gotten nicer and they are ready to move on.  Please encourage your child to stay focused because anything they can learn now will help them in high school.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

March 26, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the students did a STREAM project that helped them understand the concepts of gravity, center of balance and stability.  I think they enjoyed the break from cells!
Tomorrow is their test.  I hope they are all studying tonight,  We have gone over it in class and they all have a study guide.  They need to look it over and there are some parts that need to be memorized.
8th Grade Physics
Today the students did the second part of their energy lab which was the graphing.  I am so pleased with the development and understanding of proper graphing since Aug.  The students have really picked up on the key concepts, which will really help  them in high school. The 8th graders also have a test tomorrow.  It is on energy.  We have reviewed and studied in class.  They also have a study guide!  I hope they spend some time tonight refreshing their memories.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs.  Z
March 25, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the students had a BIG review.  I went over all the material we learned in class over the past few weeks, all the material on the study guide, and all the material covered on the test.  I gave many tips and tricks to help the students learn, understand and memorize the material.  Now it is up to them.  Some things just need to be memorized and reviewed by the students over the next two nights.  
8th Grade Physics
The students began working on a two day Energy Lab.  They worked very hard today.  It was great to see them so engaged and trying so hard to get valid results for the lab.  They should be studying for their test on Energy which is on Friday.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

March 24, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The 7th graders worked on their cells today and we had a big talk about the upcoming chicken project. Please do not let that stress you, it is the attempt.  Each child got a packet today explaining the project.  It is an attempt, and some students/parents find this easier then others, more interesting then others and have ore success.  It is just an attempt.  Try your best, I do expect on the cooking of the chicken that you are there with your child for safety reasons,  The construction part it us up to you on how much you want to help them.  In the end there will be several chicken skeletons arriving at MSW.  They are all a success in their own way and we look at all of them and study each one highlighting their best feature.  Maybe your child will have the best claws in the class, or the best head or beak in the class.  In the end putting them all together as a group they will get a good idea of the skeletal system.  We will be learning about that in class and comparing the human skeleton to a chicken skeleton.  There are only a few bones different between the two.  PLEASE KEEP THE CHICKEN AND THE BONES AWAY FROM YOUR DOG OR PETS AT ALL TIMES.  This is very important and was stressed many times today at school,  These chickens are farm chickens and they smell much more then store bought chickens,  I honestly would hate if any dog got sick because they ate the chicken or chewed on the bones.  You can feel free to contact me if you ahve specific concerns or need help.
8th Grade Physics
The students had a BIG review on energy and they will have a two day lab and then there test.  They all have a study guide, the material was taught at great length and they had the review session, I am hoping for some great grades on Friday.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

March 23, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
To help the students learn about and understand the organelles in a cell they worked on a diagram of a plant or animal cell. They do have a test on Friday and they all have a study guide.  I will be working with them in class to review. They did not need to finish their diagram at home for homework,  They will have some time tomorrow to finish it,  Also while they worked on that I met with students one on one or in a small group to help them with the egg lab.  Some students were not as successful as they usually are on that lab,  It was harder, but as we move forward all of the material becomes more complex.  I will continue to help those who need it through out this trimester.  If they get a paper back that has a 70 or below I write on it see me.  They need to see me for help and then they will get a grade change.  My goal is to be sure they learn and understand the material.  Some students may need a second change and that is ok!
8th Grade Physics
The students did a very fun simulation lab on their computers that helped them understand kinetic and potential energy.  Those are due tomorrow if they did not finish in class,  This lab is a great way to learn the relationship between kinetic and potential energy.  They can see clearly when potential energy is high kinetic energy is low and the inverse,  They also can see that the total amount of energy is 100.  Energy is never lost or gained it just changes from potential to kinetic.  The 8th graders have their study guide for their test which is Friday.  They got it last week.  They should be studying.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z
March 18, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the students got their study guide for the next test which is on cells.  This is probably the most difficult test of the year so they need time to study and help studying. I will be working with them in school to help them, but I sent the study guide home early so they would have enough time to prepare for the test.  The test will be next Friday.  We still have some learning to do and some labs, but some classes will be in class study tips.  The memorizing part is up to them.  Please feel free to go over the flash cards and material with the students yourself.  If your child as a hard time scoring high on tests, they can see me next week during lunch for extra review.  
8t Grade Physics
The students took a quiz around the lab today.  I am anxious to see how they did.  I hung photos of different types of energy and they all stood in front of a photo.  They had 15 seconds to write the type of energy that product used and then I said switch and they all moved to the next one,  It is just a different way to give a quiz!  We will be wrapping up the energy unit soon and their test will be next week. I have to look at the calendar to find a day that is not overloaded with tests. I hope to announce it tomorrow, 
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z


March 17, 2026
Happy St. Patrick's - St. Joesph's Day to all!
Dear Parents, 
7th Grade Biology
The students had a LOT of fun (I think/hope) during today's class.  They made a special St, Patrick's Day drink with 7 Up, Whip Cream and food coloring (a few too much food coloring...).  The students could pick between red food coloring for St. Joseph, green for St. Patrick or blue if they wanted another choice,., Not everyone is Irish or Italian! They watched the food coloring diffuse which we are talking about diffusion in cells, and they noticed that the whip cream never mixed in and stayed on top.  It stayed on top because it is less dense then 7 Up.  Density is really an 8th grade skill, but I take advantage of all learning as we go.  They will be ahead now for next year.  Then I did some density experiments for them at the end of class.  I think they found that amazing.  We made a 7 layer liquid density tower!  VER"Y IMPRESSIVE.
8th Grade Physics
The students were very excited for St. Patricks Day Science!!!  They made a special St. Patrick's Day drink which they made last year and loved so much, they asked to do it again.  Then the made s'mores in the microwave which they found amazing.  The marshmallows grow very large in the microwave.  Each child made their own and got to see the magic.  We did not have time for the density experiments I had planned but I will do that with them soon. The 8th graders have a quiz tomorrow.  It is only on types of energy.  I announced it and they should be reviewing that tonight.  We have been going over that in class.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

March 16, 2026
Dear Parents,
Today was a great day!  This will be short, I am working on the finishing touches for tomorrows science., so I don't have much time to write!
7th Grade Biology
The students learned all the different organelles that are in plants and animals,  It does amaze how many are the same!  We also went back over osmosis and diffusion.  I am looking forward to St. Patricks Day Science tomorrow.  I told the students that they can wear whatever they want for school, but they should wear an old shirt for science.  We will be using food coloring and that is hard to get out of clothes...   I will put a reminder o google classroom.
8th Grade Physics
The students finished their energy lab from Friday.  I am looking forward to St. Patricks Day Science tomorrow.  I told the students that they can wear whatever they want for school, but they should wear an old shirt for science.  We will be using food coloring and that is hard to get out of clothes...   I will put a reminder o google classroom.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

Marc 12, 2026
Dear Parents, 
7t Grade Biology
The 7th Graders went through their binders and took out all the graded papers from T2 and put them in their conference folder.  I will be writing a note to each parent that will go home after report cards or showing your their work at conferences.  I sent letters to all the parents that I needed to see.  If you did not get an email from me, there is no need to meet at this time. Of course if you have questions or concerns feel free to sign up for a conference.  Then I went over the lab we are doing tomorrow.
8t Grade Physics
The 7th Graders went through their binders and took out all the graded papers from T2 and put them in their conference folder.  I will be writing a note to each parent that will go home after report cards or showing your their work at conferences.  I sent letters to all the parents that I needed to see.  If you did not get an email from me, there is no need to meet at this time. Of course if you have questions or concerns feel free to sign up for a conference.  Then the students learned how to find how much energy is used using the information given in a word problem.  If they did not finish their worksheet in class it is due tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z
March 11, 2026
Dear Parents,
As you know today was an all school all day retreat.  I hope your child shared their experience of the day with you.  All the students attended an assembly with a special reading of the book, The Three Trees.  Then they all went to one of four different locations.  The eighth grade went to adoration and reconciliation, then to singing practice, then to a guided meditation and ended the morning with a recap session in homeroom where they drew a picture of how they plan on using their God given gifts to serve others as they grew up.  The students all had regular recess and lunch and in the afternoon there was an all school Mass.  I am sending this brief information because I know often students don't tell you much of what goes on during the day.  This might help you get the conversation of the day started.  Back to science tomorrow and more news about what goes on in the lab then.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

March 10, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students had a lecture and short video to help them understand the process of osmosis and diffusion.  Then they did a simulation on their computer from Colorado University.  They were able to manipulate particles in and out of cells and see how the collisions pushed them into the cell.  I think this helped them to understand the concept much better.
8th Grade Physics
The 8th graders have been learning about energy through lectures for the past few days.  Today they had a packet that included short readings on grade level filled with information on different types of energy. Each page had a question page after it to check for understanding.  I do this a few times through the year on different topics to check their reading content comprehension level.  The students were working hard all through class.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

March 9, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The 7th grade had Life Skills today and there was a special speaker.  It was a Park Ridge resident that wrote and published about book about his life with Autism.  The students were very respectful during the sessions and I think it was very eye opening as it explained the struggles and triumphs of someone living with autism.
For the switches that had Biology we discussed the differences between plant cells and animals cells, and went over the results of the iodine lab.
8th Grade Physics
Today the 8th graders began to see the affects of kinetic and potential energy as they built roller coasters throughout the classroom and in the hall.  They had to have their ball bearing land at a certain spot, the end of kinetic energy and the ball bearing needed to complete two special affects in route ie a twist, a loop, a spin, a jump.  They did a great job and in completing this lab they were able to see that you needed to create enough energy to make it through the tunnel but not too much causing the ball bearing to fall off the track.  I think they liked the project, learned a lot, but also had many challenging moments. 
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

March 5, 2026
Dear Parents,
I was with the 7th grade on the field trip and I was on the bus with the 8th grade on the rides there and back.  I was very impressed with the talent of the actors in the musical and the singing, costumes and sets were amazing.  I was equally impressed with the behavior of the students.  The play was long and they behaved the entire time.  When we got back to MSW my homeroom had lunch with me then the students all went to a short sixth period class and a regular 7th period class.  I know this was not the most exciting field trip for all of the students but it was a very good experience for them.  I look forward to regular classes tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

March 4, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students took a quiz on semipermeable, permeable, and not permeable vocabulary words.  The quiz was called a "quiz around the classroom".  The other day the students each drew an example of one of those three words.  Then I taped them around the classroom and they stood in front of a picture and wrote down which it was.  Then after 15 seconds I say move and they all shift to to the next picture.  They go around the room like that until they have identified each picture. I am eager to see how they did.
8th Grade Physics
The students took a quick quiz on kinetic and potential energy.  Then they worked in their pods as a group to come up with 5 examples of mechanical, electrical, elastic, electrical, chemical and gravitational energy.  They did a great job.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

March 3, 2026
Dear Parents,
I AM SO VERY SORRY ABOUT NOT WRITING YESTERDAY.   I am on a meal train for a former student who is a senior at MS who has cancer.  I got so involved in making her dinner for tonight and writing her and her parents a note, the next thing I knew it was 11:30.  That is when I remembered that I never wrote.  AGAIN, I am so very sorry.
7th Grade Biology
The students are learning about the differences between plant and animal cells,  The vocabulary they are working on is semipermeable, permeable and not permeable.  They are having a quick quiz on those three words tomorrow
8th Grade Physics
We have moved on good bye Newton and hello energy.  The students are learning about the different forms of energy and their big vocabulary words are kinetic which is energy of motion and potential which is stored energy,
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

Feb. 26, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the students took their test on Kingdoms and Domains.  I hope those are great scores that demonstrate strong understanding and learning.  Then we reviewed the lab highlighting semipermeable, permeable and not permeable.  I want them to understand the results they will see on Monday!
8th Grade Physics
The students worked on their projects.  As they call it they were "locked in".  that means they were engaged and working.  They truly all worked hard for the entire 50 min, but were unable to finish.  I told them they could use part of tomorrows class because they really were trying to meet the deadline and everyone was using time wisely.  Tomorrow they will finish up in the first few minutes of class and show present their project.
take care and have a great night, 
​Mrs. Z
 Feb. 25, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the students put together their lab and now we wait.... to see the results on Monday.  It was a short class and doing the lab was tricky so it took the whole class. Tomorrow is their test on Kingdoms and Domains. I hope they are all studying tonight. 
8th Grade 
Physics
The students had a quick lecture on kinetic and potential energy.  The new unit we are on is energy.  Then they worked on picking a STREAM project that they wanted to build. They had to come up with something they wanted to build that did not have a motor.  They used Safari to find ideas.  Each group of 2 or 3 needed a different plan and idea.  I can not wait for tomorrow when they have 45 minutes to build!
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

Feb. 24, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
We began talking about cells and their functions.  The students learned about permeable, semi-permeable and non-permeable things.  Then we moved into how cells can be semi-permeable.  They are all very interested in this new material. I also went over a lab, that is such a great demonstration of semi-permeable. We will start the lab tomorrow.  It takes 5 days to complete to see the full reaction.  This is one of my favorite labs. Just a reminder there test is Thursday.
8th Grade Physics
Today the students took their test on Newton.  The tests are long so I need some time to correct them.  I will get to it as soon as I can.  I hope they all did well, and that their scores show strong learning and understanding of the concepts.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z


Feb. 23, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
I announced the test for Tuesday and then over the weekend I changed it to Wednesday and this morning some students were sad because they had a PE test and a quiz in Social Studies.  I do want the students to have time to prepare and so I have changed the Test to Thursday, and hopefully that is final. I am going to move on with the lectures, but we reviewed today and they all have study guides.  Also we have gone over this for a long time.  Hopefully this helps them.  
8th Grade Physics
Today I reviewed all three of Newton's Laws, went over the study guide with the students and they will have their test tomorrow.  I will be glad to introduce something new with them.  I hope they are all studying tonight.  They don't always understand that studying counts as homework and it DOES make a difference.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

Feb. 19, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students got their review sheet correct answers from me today. I am sorry it was so late the school has had a very hard time with the new copy machine we got. Then the students worked on their banana lab. I also went over the lab we are doing tomorrow in class  I passed out several graded papers to the students today. Those papers may help them review for the test. The test will be on Tuesday.
8th Grade Physics
I passed out the correct answers for their upcoming test today.  I am sorry it was so late the school has had a very hard time with the new co;py machine we got.  Then we discussed the proper way to label forces including gravity, motion and the natural force. I went over how to do tomorrows lab.  Then I passed out many graded papers that the students should look over to help them prepare for the test.  Their test on Newton will be next Tuesday.
Take care and have a great night.
​Mrs. Z

Feb. 18, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The 7th grade test on Kingdoms will be next Tuesday.  Tomorrow I will pass out the correct answers to the study guide the students completed this week. Today the students made observations on their banana lab.  It was a short class and actually I did not see one switch at all due to Ashes.  
8th Grade Physics
The 8th grade did their review sheet for the test they will have next Tuesday on Newtons Three Laws.  I was in a meeting during my classes so the sub just had them work on their study guides. If they did not finish them in class it is homework.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

Feb. 17, 2026
Dear Parents,
It was a blessing to get Monday to finally get caught up after being sick.  Today was a great day.
7th Grade biology
Today the students started their yeast/banana lab.  They all let me know they did this in 5th grade. So the good news is they remember it, the sad news is I would not have redone a lab they already did...  I had bought 60 bananas over the weekend and did not want to waste them so sadly we are redoing the lab!  This lab they will remember forever now!  The students will be making observations all week and we will wrap it up on Friday.  They also did a few of the Valentine's Day activities they did not get to do last week because we ran out of time.  A test is coming they have a study guide.  I will figure out the date tonight.  I want to look at the test calendar and find an open day.  The test is only on The kingdoms and domains.
8th Grade Physics
The students made a poster demonstrating Newtons Third Law, often called action reaction.  These posters are on display in the hallway as a reminder to the students the different laws and their meaning.  We will also go in the hall as a class and discuss them,  This sometimes helps cement the concepts. A test is coming they have a study guide.  I will figure out the date tonight.  I want to look at the test calendar and find an open day.  The test is only on Newton's Laws.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

Feb. 12, 2026
Dear Parents,
I am so sorry there has been no news.  I was sick over the weekend and was not back in school until today.  I gave work to the sub for your students so they would not lose learning time and we would stay on track.  I am still not 100 percent but I am getting better each day. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Today will be short I have to get ready for Valentine's Day Science!
7th Grade Biology
Today I went back through the kingdoms of life with the students and they seem to be catching on.  It was our final review before the test on this material that will be at the end of next week.
8th Grade Physcial Science
The students learned that Newton's Third Law states For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  Then they completed a lab that demonstrated that law.  They sent a balloon with an open end down a string being held on a straw.  The air blew out to the east and the balloon raced across the string to the west.  This is such a great lab because it demonstrates the law so clearly.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

Feb. 3, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
I went over the review study guide with the students hitting the most difficult points.  We went over prokaryotes, eukaryotes, DNA, nucleus, internal and external response and stimuli and homeostasis. Then I showed a short video on unicellular organisms.  I hope this helps.  Their test is Thursday. The students should be reading over the study  guide tonight and tomorrow night.  Sometimes one night of studying is not enough time.  There are often a lot of concepts and vocabulary on the study guide. Two nights makes a big difference.
8th Grade Physics
I was thrilled today when I started teaching Newton's Second Law that the students remembered so much information on forces.  That was the unit before Robotics.  Remembering that information shows how strongly they learned it, rather then just memorizing for the test, and that is real learning.  We covered Newtons 2 law and they did math problems using that law in everyday life. Great job 8th graders.
Take care and have a great night.
Mrs. Z


Feb. 2, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
I looked over the amount of material that would be on the next test and I split it in 2 parts.  The students will have the first part this Thursday.  The students got the study guide today, and we went over the material.  We will go over it again tomorrow.  They will get a correct copy of the study guide tomorrow, when they turn in the completed one from today.  I hope splitting the material makes things a little easier for them.  The first part of the test is just on Characteristics of Life.
8th Grade Physical Science
We have moved into Newton and his laws.  The students learned about his First Law of Motion or the Law of Inertia.  After the explanation and lecture on Newton's First Law the students needed to diagram an everyday example and explain how it demonstrates Newton's Law.  Those are due tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

Jan. 29. 2026
Dear Parents,
Tonight will be short I am running to a science meeting.
7th Grade Biology
The students did a great lab on unicellular division.  I think they loved it.  They all have a worksheet they need to look at tonight to prepare for tomorrows quiz.  The worksheet is on the Kingdoms and Domains of Life.  They can have the worksheet out during the quiz.
8th Grade Physics
The students finished cleaning their robot bin now I will check them all so they are ready for next year.  We move into Newton tomorrow and I can not wait.
Take care and have a great night, 
Mrs. Z

Jan. 28, 20026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students took a blank worksheet and we filled it in together to create a mini copy of the Kingdoms of Life. While we filled it in as a class I explained again the vocabulary along the way: domain, kingdom, bacteria, archaea, protista, fungi, plantae, animalia, unicellular, multicellular, simple organism, complex organism, and the differences between the kingdoms, domains, prokaryotes and eukaryotes..  Tomorrow they will complete a worksheet using that information.  I think them creating the chart helped them understand this all much better.  The vocabulary in biology is so important and so tricky.  
8th Grade Physical Science
We worked on the clean up again today and are close to completion.  I am hoping tomorrow!  
Take care and have a great night, 
​Mrs. Z

Jan. 27, 2026
Dear Parents,
Today was a GREAT DAY in the lab!
7th Grade Biology
I went over the material again.... that we have been covering, but then I moved on to prokaryotes and eukaryotes!  I think the students are getting it and it is all coming together.  We went in the hall and used the huge chart the students made of the Kingdoms of Life and I showed them how it is divided into the domains one being Eukarya.  Plants, animals, fungi and protists are all in the domain eukarya which means they are all Eukaryotes.  They are eukaryotes!!  Eukaryotes all have a nucleus!!!  In the nucleus is the DNA and that is what makes me me and you you!!!  Our DNA is our personal code!! It has been lecture heavy so tomorrow is a lab that will demonstrate the division and mulitiplication of unicellular organisms and it is fun!!!
8th Grade Physics
We are still working on packing up the computer sets.  That is not an easy task..  It sounds simple but there are so many pieces and I need to be sure each kit has the original pieces so I am ready for next years robotics course.  After the students do this initial clean up I will go back through each kit to be sure they are in order and that there are no missing pieces.  I hope to finish tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

 

Jan. 26, 2026
Dear Parents,,
Due to the cold weather day on Friday it seems like forever since I have written.
7th Grade Biology
Today I went over all the material we have covered in this unit.  We discussed unicellular organisms, multicellular organisms, the kingdoms and domains of life, binomial nomenclature and I think I was able to clear up some misunderstandings.  I am going to hit it hard again tomorrow especially going over the domains and kingdoms of life.  The students do have a worksheet to complete tonight.
8th Grade Physical Science
The students did an excellent job of presenting their projects at the Open House on Sunday.  I was very pleased that so many students came and that they engaged with people who stopped in the lab.  Excellent Job goes to the students and to the parents who supported this.  Honestly, when I saw the snow on Sunday morning I wondered how many students would come.  All did except for one, and that was a GREAT response!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!
My first period class had a sub because I was called away to help out in another class this morning.  They wrote a paper for the month and the topic was their reflections on robotics.  This is the first time I used this kit and the first time the students had a full unit of robotics during the school day. In the past we just had a short course in school and then offered an after school class.  Because of a very generous donation I was able to get so many kits I could have all the students get to work on robotics during the school day. These students need to finish their paper for homework.  Many students have already emailed them to me. My second period class started to clean up and prepare the kits for next year.  Each kit has hundreds of pieces and I cannot clean them up alone.  They needed to disassemble their robot and organize the pieces in their box. My second period class did not start their paper and they do not have homework.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

Jan. 22, 2026
I wish you would have been in the building when Mrs. Due announced No School tomorrow!  All parents should read this carefully there is important information for both 7th and especially 8th grade.
7th Grade Biology
Today we went deeper into unicellular and multicellular organisms and looked at our Kingdoms and Domain chart in the hallway the students made.  We will be using that as a visual as we study the Kingdoms and Domains of Life.  
I put the information for work for the students on Google Classroom.  They were all given two worksheets on the material we covered in class this week.  They should do one tomorrow and the other on Monday, if there is not school.  If there is school on Monday they can just turn in one and we will go over the other one in class.  You or your child can contact me if you have questions or concerns. Their homeroom teacher passed it out for them and gave them the directions verbally. Please try to stay warm!
8th Grade Physical Science
Today the 8th graders who are coming on Sunday practiced presenting their project and did a few last minute touch ups.  Things look great!  I am very proud and impressed with all of their work and am grateful they are willing to come to the Open House to share their knowledge of coding and robotics with others.  If your child goes on Sunday they should wear their MSW uniform, bring their ipad charged and put their coat and things in their locker.  Then they should come to the science lab and prepare to demonstrate their robot.  I am hoping they arrive in my homeroom at 12:15 and ask that they stay until 1:15.  Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  I am NOT giving work to the 8th graders for Jan. 23, I put that in google classroom, but if we do not have school on Monday there will be an assignment so they should check for that on Monday morning. I will probably post it Sunday night.  I am hoping we do have school on Monday, that is just incase.  I did not give an assignment for them to do tomorrow to thank all the students for their work and effort these past weeks as they learned and used the Lego Spike Robotics program.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z


Jan. 21, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Wow, what a great day!  We reviewed the Characteristics of Life and I think the students really understand that material.  We will see tomorrow when they do a worksheet on it.  I also went over unicellular and multicellular organisms.  They were hard workers and great listeners.
8th Grade Physical Science
The students worked hard to finish up their projects for Sunday.  They will be presenting them to the class tomorrow.  They are getting excited and I am too!
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z
​
Jan. 20, 2026
Dear Parents,
Wow, it was cold and dark this morning, but once the students arrived things began to heat up!
8th Grade Physical Science
Today the 8th graders worked on their final project for Sunday.  Things are looking great!  Also so glad they had fun on the ski trip! 
7th Grade Biology
Historically and as a tradition I guess, the 7th graders do something to support the 8th graders Open House project.  The 8th graders will be presenting their robotics project to people who stop in at the lab.  Since the robots are built with Legos, the 7th graders all got a pile of Legos and could build anything they wanted.  They had some very creative builds.  You can see them on display outside the lab on Sunday.  I just got home it is 6:20 because I stayed after to hang some 7th grade work to help decorate the hall.  Some of the work is old but they did such a good job I wanted others to get to see it.  Hope to see you on Sunday.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

Jan. 15, 2026
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students started their good copy of their organism for the Kingdoms of Life.  They are all working hard and doing a great job! You can see them all on display next Sunday at the Open House.
8th Grade Physical Science
The students are all almost done with the first two units.  Most have started their final project for CSW Open House.  They are doing great work!  Prepare to be amazed next Sunday.  Thank you for returning the sign up sheet.  We have about half of the class coming that is a great turn out!
Take care and enjoy the extra long weekend,
Mrs. Z

Jan. 14, 2026
Dear Parents,
Again so sorry about last night.  I had an unexpected emergency.
7th Grade Biology
The students are working on a project to display for Catholic Schools Week. They are creating a display of the Kingdoms of Life.  This goes along with our study of unicellular and multicellular organisms.  Each student was assigned a protist, fungi, archaea, plant, animal or bacterial that they need to illustrate.  Then they place their organism in the appropriate kingdom or domain.  They are doing a great job.
8th Grade Physical Science
The students are wrapping up the second unit of lesson plans on robotics.  They all work at their own pace.  Some students have finished the first two units, and some are very close to finishing.  When they complete those they are allowed to pick between 60 lessons,.  They chose the project they want to work on to demonstrate for Catholic Schools Week Open House.  Thank you to all of the students/parents that brought back the Open House form.  We are having a great response.  Many students are able to attend the Open House and I think it will be a great experience.  Honestly, no one wants to come to school on a Sunday, but in the past students have found that to be a very fun and rewarding experience.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

Jan. 13, 2026
Dear Parents,
So sorry no time to write I will fill you in tomorrow.
BUT 8th Grade all has a paper they need signed tonight or they get a purple slip, nothing for 7th grade.
Mrs. Z

January, 12, 2026
Dear Parents, 
This weebly site that I have used for the past 10 years is now saying that starting tomorrow it is going to become a pay site.  We will see what happens.  I hope I am able to continue using this site.
7th Grade Biology
We finished up a lot of lose ends today.  We started with finishing up the Friday Finales from last week.  I think the students enjoyed the demonstrations!  You will have to check in with them to hear the stories!  Then we finished up the last few Characteristics of Life.  We will be using those to prove if things are alive or not, later in the week.  We also finished the lecture on unicellular and multicellular organisms their difference and similarities.  It was a busy, busy day!
8th Grade Physical Science
We began with the Friday Finales.  On Friday the students wanted to do Robots and hold off on the Friday Finales until today.  THAT SAYS IT ALL!!  Usually the students want more Friday Finales - that is how much they are enjoying the robotics unit.  After the Friday Finales we still had 30 minutes left of class so the students went right to work on their robots.  I love that they are learning so much and enjoying the learning!
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

January 7, 2026
Dear Parents,
I hate to break this streak, another great day in the lab.
7th Grade Biology
The students are so interested and engaged as I am helping the understand the world of unicellular organisms.  They are all listening, taking notes, and asking great questions.  The students have not had homework as we are just beginning this topic, but they do need to finish their habitat/ecosystem for Friday.  I will put a reminder on google classroom for them.  A few come in each day!
8th Grade Physical Science
The students are still enjoying the robots!  Each day they are expected to build and code one project and I think they love to see what they can make!  They need to get through the first two units of lesson plans and most of the class is on target.  There are a few groups lagging behind a little.  I am helping them during class so they can get caught up.  The goal is they finish the first two units by the end of the week or the beginning of next week.  Those students will get to pick their next project from a long list of very intericate and interesting builds.  They will perfect that for Catholic Schools Week to display at Open House.  The students who achieve that will receive an A for their work in the Robotics Unit.  The other students will pick their favorite project from Unit one and Unit two and display that.  They will receive a B for their work during this unit. There is no written work to go along with robotics, it is all classwork and hands on.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

January 6, 2026
Dear Parents,
It feels like we never had a break!  The kids are all back in the swing of things and it was a GREAT day in the lab!
7th Grade Biology
Today the students kicked off our next unit.  We have been building up to this for a while and I am glad for new material!  The students got a good intro into cells and what that really means.  They watched two short video clips the first showing how the bears wait on the waterfalls to catch the salmon as they head back to deeper waters after hibernation.  They get the idea now what a good chain is.  That was goodbye to eco systems/habitats, The next video was single celled organisms.  That is such a hard concept for students since they are all microscopic.  There are plants and animals all made of cells but they mostly are multicellular.  Yet, as you study cells, and biology you discover there are millions of unicellular organisms in the air, in the water and inside of us!  I don't know what they are thinking tonight, but I bet they are thinking....  We will go into the world of cells deeper tomorrow!
8th Grade Physical Science
I look back to my multiple fears about teaching the whole grade robotics at once and just wonder what I was worried about...  The students are doing a great job.  They are moving through the course learning more and more about the different sensors and how to code to get different responses from the robots.  When we began and they all got their 500 piece kit I just thought there would be piece everywhere and more questions then I could ever answer in 45 min.  So far I think I have found 6 pieces on the floor and the students do have questions but not nearly as many as I thought.  This has been a very positive experience and I hope you can see what they have learned during our big show at Open House during Catholic Schools Week.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

January 5, 2026
Hello 2026!  
Dear Parents,
It feels like forever since I have written to you!  If you can believe it, honestly I have missed it...  So here we go again!   I hope you all had a Blessed Christmas and a wonderful break! I hope you were able to just enjoy some family moments without the pressure of grades, tests and homework!  Just fair warning to you all the best is yet to come in both 7th and 8th grade!  The 7th grade has a great second half of the year in biology as we dig deeper into cells, the human body, genetics, a class pet, a pig dissection and a chicken reconstruction!  So fasten your seat belt if this is your first experience in 7th grade Biology with me!  The 8th grade heats up with so many great 8th grade activities starting with the ski trip and moving right into the stations and May Crowning etc.  We have a strong finish to Physical science with a deep dive into Newton and his laws and the periodic table!  So clear your calendars because there are many great moments and photo ops to come as your child prepares to move on to high school!
7th Grade Biology
Today the students worked on their eco system/habitat project and now they will finish those at home if they are not done.  The work that is finished is excellent.  I cannot wait to hang them proudly in the hall.  I can't wait to have them all. That project is due on Friday.  We are going to move forward tomorrow.  We will be studying cells, ad the characteristics of life!
8th Grade Physical Science
The students are working away on their stream assignments.  Most have finished the first 8 lessons and are now in the second unit!  I am so happy with their understanding of the lessons and their finished projects.  They have learned so much coding already.  It is amazing what they are able to do. I am very glad I went through the course myself over the summer so I am good at trouble shooting when they get lost. As they move forward with each lesson the work gets a little more challenging and they need to do a little more of the coding without support.  They are all working together well in groups, keeping track of all their little pieces and I think they are enjoying this a lot! During this period there are not written assignments, quizzes or tests, so if you see nothing in power school it does not mean they are not working.  They will be graded as we move on, the grade will be based on how far along in the units they got (which will show how well they used their time in class) and what they are able to build and program on their own in the end using all the information they have learned along the way.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z


December 17, 2025
Dear Parents,
This is my final letter of the year.  I have a meeting after school that will hopefully end before 8th grade night starts.  I really want to get to that!  It is always a fun night and special night for the 8th graders. I will be home late so I wont have time to write.  I know there are holes in powerschool and no matter how hard I try or how many hours I spend.... I still have a pile of papers that need to be graded and recorded.  I am sorry.  I promise I will get them done over break.
Tomorrow is Christmas science and this is usually a great day in the lab for both 7th and 8th grade.  I look forward to sharing the special lab with all of them.
As we celebrate this Christmas season, I want to thank you for sharing your children with me each day. It has been a true joy watching them learn, grow, and bring their unique light into our classroom. May your Christmas be filled with peace, laughter, and meaningful moments with those you love. I wish your family a season of rest, gratitude, and joy, and a New Year full of health, hope, and love.
Merry Christmas and warm wishes to you and your family.
Today's update- 
7th Grade Biology
The students worked on their group diagrams.  They are enjoying this lesson and doing a great job.
8th Grade Physics
The students worked on coding and building with the Spike Prime Robotic kids.  They are quick to pick it up and they are enjoying it.
Take care and have a great night,
More to come next year!
Mrs. Z

December 16, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students worked in groups.  They picked a biome, ecosystem or habitat and did research on what organisms lived there.  Then they needed to study the food relationships.  The students are now working in groups to create a large poster demonstrating what they learned.  They are doing an excellent job!
8th Grade Physics
Today the students wrote thank you notes to the two groups of people that donated the robotics systems they have been using.  They had a very hard time because they really just wanted to build more and code more with the robots.  I let them take the kits out after they finished the thank you notes.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

December 15. 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students did a worksheet with questions about the food chains they made last week.  They also met with me one on one to talk about missing work.  There are some holes in powerschool I would like to get filled before break so we can start the new year fresh.  I hope those students who have not turned things in get that taken care of tonight.  They are mostly missing things that they needed to get signed. My afternoon class was ahead so they did a STREAM competition that the other students will make up at some point this trimester.  The challenge was to use only masking tape and newspaper to build a high structure to hold a basketball.  The students had very creative ideas but they found it very difficult to build something that would support the weight of the basket ball.  Great effort 7th grade!
8th Grade Physics
The students had another great day working on the robots.  They are getting the hang of it and moving right along.  I am pleased with their effort and progress!  I also met with students one on one to discuss missing work.   I hope those students who have not turned things in get that taken care of tonight.  They are mostly missing things that they needed to get signed like a test (which they all did great on so I am not sure why they are not taking care of that ) and the power school notes that I wrote.
Take care, stay warm and have a great night,
Mrs. Z
December 11, 2025
Dear Parents,
Sadly I did not teach today.  I was at MSW all day, but I run Kids Who Care so I was at the Santa on the Rooftop Shop all day.  I am eager to get back to my students tomorrow.  I left the sub. work and hope they had a great day.  Each month we write a one page paper, it is part of the science curriculum.  The 7th graders wrote a paper on the history of the microscope.  I left them some key questions on the development of the microscope to help them get started.  the 8th graders wrote a paper on Newton and his laws of motion.  I can't wait to read them.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

December 10, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today classes were short due to a great visit from Santa.  Mr. Purcell aka Santa met with the students and told them the story of our new Pope's life.  He did an amazing job.  It was well worth giving up class time for.  He made it interesting and they learned a lot about his giving spirit and his life.  When I did have the students for short I passed out the information from report card grades.  I am so sorry this is getting to you late.  It was a lot to do and keeping up with daily teaching/grading made it difficult to get to.  Please sign and send back the power school print out.
8th Grade Physics
Wow, wow, wow!  The kids are having such a great time with the robots.  They are all moving at their own pace as they learn about the different sensors and motors.  It is amazing how fast they pick it up and how much they enjoy it.  Actually it is hard to get them to leave my classroom.  We will be working on them for the next few weeks and highlighting the robots in action during the Open House during Catholic Schools Week.  This is the first time I have done this with a class during school time.  It usually is an after school club.  If interest is high I may run a club after school for students that want to continue learning!
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

December 9, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students finished up their Food Chains and they did an excellent job.  After Christmas I will be hanging them up!  This 7th grade class continues to impress me.
8th Grade Physics
The students were much better today.  Honestly, I think they were just so excited to get started it was hard to slow them down.  They just began understanding the different functions of the many different sensors,, motors and attachments.  They pick this all up very quickly and will be programming soon.  I cannot wait either.  This robotic system is user friendly and teaches coding and problem solving along the way.  Hoping for another great day tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

December 8, 2025
Dear Parents,
Today in all my classes except my afternoon 7th grade the spirits were high!  It is either going to snow or they are sooooo excited for break.  Not sure which!
7th Grade Biology
The students got their quiz back.  I was very impressed with the scores.  Almost the entire class got 100.  That shows they studied or learned the information when it was taught.  Great job!  Today we began a new unit on the energy cycle.  This involves food webs and food chains.  They have been taught this in other grades so it is a quick review.  
8th Grade Physics
The students took a very difficult test that took a lot of focus and thought.  The students answers needed to be correct and written in the correct format.  They did an amazing job.  The scores were very high.  The tests need to be signed and returned.  If you child scored in the 90's or above that is an amazing score!  I was so pleased with their effort.  After school on Friday I stayed and got everything ready to begin robotics today.  The students will work in partners.  The kits are expensive and have hundreds of parts. This could be a mess or a great experience.  When I began the lesson the students could not focus. They were very busy talking in their pods rather then listening.  This is not their typical behavior and it was not just a few, it was many sad to say.  Classes were short today because of Mass.  I did not pass out the kits.  I will try again tomorrow.  Students who can not control their chatting can just sit out.  The rest of the students will begin.  I am hoping for a much better day tomorrow. 
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

December 4, 2025
Dear Parents,
Today was a GREAT day in the lab!
7th Grade Biology
The students finished their final part of the Letter e lab.  They looked at two amazing things under the microscope.  First they looked at torn newspaper and saw how much larger the jagged edge looked.  Then they looked at any colored newsprint and drew a diagram of that.  Both are amazing because colored newspaper is really made up of many different colored dots all close together.  They make amazing patterns.  The students loved looking at both!  They have a quiz tomorrow on the parts of a microscope and I hope they are all studying tonight!
8th Grade Physics
The students had so much fun with a force simulation!  This series that we use allows us to use some high school simulations for free.  It is a great experience for them and they are so much fun.  In the simulation they got to change either the force or the weight to see its affect on a moving object.  You would have thought they were all playing their favorite computer game, but they were learning at the same time.  I love when technology can be used for something "good".  While they were busy with that I took small groups of students and helped to prepare them for tomorrows test.  That help was open to everyone, and sadly not everyone who needed it took advantage.  Please talk to your child and look at their recent power school scores.  If they are not high, ask them why they didn't see me for a few minutes to ensure their success tomorrow.  I don't. know how else to help them if they wont take help. I hope everyone is studying tonight for tomorrows test.  They all have graded worksheets from class that they can look over to make sure they are prepared for tomorrow.  There is no study guide for this test because it is all problems.
Take care and have a great night,
Stay warm,
​Mrs. Z

December 3, 2025
Dear Parents,
When things are good and extra special I have to mention it even if it is not science related.  Today at the First Grade Assembly the 8th Grade Boy and Girls who are in Kids Who Care did an incredible job helping with the younger students to put on an absolutely spectacular performance.  Thank you, thank you to all who helped!  You made it possible!  Great Job.
7th Grade Biology
All the students did a great job on the the next step of the letter e lab.  Today they used different magnifications to look at the same thing to study the different more power makes.  I think they got the idea!  I love to see their faces when they see and learn something new. Tomorrow is the. big finish to the lab, I cannot wait!  Students should be studying for their quiz on Friday.  That is on the parts of the microscope.  They all got a study guide on Monday.
8th Grade Physics
The students got back their graded papers on forces.  Many students rocked it totally..... Great job!  Some students made a few mistakes, so they can look those over before our test on Friday.  Some students still have some learning to do. I am going to take them in a small group tomorrow to try one more time to clear things up.  They all should look those pages over before the test.  I am hoping for great grades demonstrating strong understanding of the material taught before we move on.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

December 2, 2025
Dear Parents,
Every minute from now until break is planned and precious there is so much great learning going on!
7th Grade
The students began a 2 day lab because of the difficulty level.  My first two periods had a hard time with the first part of it, my third period class rocked it! They had to make a slide with a letter "e" from the newspaper.  If you get a chance ask your child what happened to the letter "e" when they looked at it under the microscope.  I am not going to give the secret away but sometimes science is like magic.  Wait until tomorrow when they look at the colored print of a newspaper, that is just as spectacular!
8th Grade 
The students listened to me lecture on force diagrams and then did a packet of the problems like my examples.  I am racing because I want to get those corrected so they can use that for their study guide.  I have corrected many and it seems they get the big picture and then they rush and make careless mistakes.  The test is on Friday.  Hopefully they can learn from their mistakes on the worksheets and become very successful on the test. Fingers crossed!!!! I better run there are 47 students and I have 8 pages from each of them to correct.  That is 376 papers in one night.  I am not sure it is possible, but I am going to give it my best shot!
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

December 1, 2025
Dear Parents,
I hope you all had a beautiful Thanksgiving filled with lots of family fun moments to create new memories.  Also, that you enjoyed the week with your child without the stress and work of school.  I had the best Thanksgiving break ever!  I am happy and ready to be back at MSW.
7th Grade 
The students filled out a study guide on the parts of the microscope.  They will have a quiz on the parts of the microscope only, on Friday.  The rest of class was spent in Church because of reconciliation.
8th Grade
I went back over push and pull forces which is where we left off right before break.  They had a quiz on it right before break and the grades were only so-so.... We will be doing more diagram questions with forces and push and pull as we move through the week.  On Friday the students will have a Test on forces, especially push and pull.  I told them today that their was not study guide for this test because there was no vocabulary.  It is all understanding diagrams.  They will have all their graded homework assignments to use to help them study.  If your child does not do well on the graded work during this week, they need to see me for help before the test.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

November 20, 2025
Dear Parents,
This is my last note before the break because I do not write on Fridays.  I have a very special Thanksgiving Science planned for all my students tomorrow.  I hope they enjoy it, I am very excited!  Report cards will go home tomorrow and new grades for T2 will be in powerschool over break.  I have been swamped.  Comments take me a long time to write, and Kids Who Care is very busy right now with canned goods, and Hopewell packages.  I will be sending home a detailed report after break on each child's progress through T1 for you to look at.  It helps explain the grade and gives you a more detailed picture as to how they go they grade on their report card.  If you think we need a conference after you look that over, please just email me.
I hope you all get to enjoy the week with your children and that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I am very excited my daughter has Thursday off so she will be heading home from Cincinnati and hopefully be able to join my family Thanksgiving.  The older I get the more I realize how much I have to be thankful for and teaching your children at MSW is very high on that list.  Thank you for letting me be part of your child's MSW experience.
7th Grade Biology
Today was short classes due to our Thanksgiving Day Mass.  The students made their folder for conferences.  There was no homework given tonight.
8th Grade Physics
Today was a GREAT class.  Maybe the best we have had since Halloween.  Everyone was so busy working on their parachute project the time flew by.  A few students need to finish their lab write up those are due tomorrow, but most students have no homework.
Happy Thanksgiving and have a wonderful break,
​Mrs. Z

November 19, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the 7th graders took their quiz on microscopes.  I haven't had time to fully correct them, but they look good.  I hope they all did well, and they all start T2 with a good grade!
8th Grade Physics
I demonstrated and went over many forces with the students today.  Hoping to help them understand what tension was by using a limp wire and a taut wire to cut play dough, or dropping many things and letting them see gravity, or using Neodymium magnet so they could see the very strong magnetic force.  The students also made their folder that will be sent home after report cards.  That includes all the school work they have done since conferences.  Then they ended class getting directions for the STREAM activity which will be showing air resistance another force.... They will complete that activity tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

magnets to show the magnetic force

November 18, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the 7th graders took a break from Biology and did. a STREAM lab.  I think they enjoyed it and they all worked very hard.  They built a parachute and stood on a step ladder to release it.  I timed them and they were trying to get the longest flight time.  This would create the softest landing.  There were all different supplies for the students to use to build their parachute and the design and supply pick was their own choice.  After they had their first time, they then redesigned their parachute to see if they could make it float longer.  They had many different ideas and designs.  One was amazing as it floated down it spun in circles.  Tomorrow the 7th graders have their quiz on microscopes.  I hope they are all studying tonight.  They all have a study guide with the answers to use to help them.  
8th Grade Physics
Boy oh Boy, Physics is hard.  I have been working on forces with the students and they have presented their different force posters.  The posters were well done and their presentations were good.  I added information and clarification to the class often as we went through the presentations.  We have also been working on the forces of Push and Pull which I have been teaching.  I went over the material for three days, and today they had a quick pop quiz on it.  I thought everyone would get 100, I have not corrected them, but I know the students really struggled.  This concept is not that difficult, they should be able to do it, and understanding this would help them in high school.  I am going to look at them and think about how I am going to move forward.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

November 17, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students had a review for the quiz on Wednesday.  I am not confident they are all using the study guide.  I hope they look it over the next two nights.  This is their first grade in the new trimester and I would love everyone to start off the trimester with a good grade.  Then I went over the STREAM competition for tomorrow.  They will be building nad launching parachutes. They should enjoy tomorrow.!  One class did not see me today, I will work hard to catch them up quickly tomorrow. The only homework they will have this week will be studying for the quiz. 
8th Grade Physics
The 8th graders moved forward on the new unit that is on forces.  Today the students presented their posters which describe different forces to the class. As they did I went over the material and stressed the important parts of the different forces and added more depth to their work.  Sadly I am noticing many students not taking notes.  That will hurt them in the in the long run, but they are not listening to my advice.  Also I reviewed some material on pushes and pulls which they will have a pop quiz on this week.  The students should be looking over their notes to prepare for the pop quiz,
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

November 13, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students had a great lab experience today.  They made their own slide using a very thin piece of the skin of an onion.  They needed to each make their own, which is very tricky because the onion skin wants to curl and they have to be sure their sample is a flat piece.  Then they put a slide cover over it and looked at that same piece in three different magnifications.  They worked very hard and stuck with it.  Eventually they were all successful in making their slide and many finished all three diagrams but not all of the students.  So the ones who didn't finish will get to finish tomorrow.  
8th grade Phsysics
The students had q quick review of two forces, push and pull.  They learned how to diagram the forces, to call the force Newtons, and to show the direction.  Then they were all assigned a force: gravity, magnetism, water, air pressure, natural force etc.  They needed to work as a group to make a poster explaining the definition of their force and give examples of that force in our world today.  Each group will present their force poster and I will add information and make sure they all have a good understanding of each of the forces.  The students will finish those force posters tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

November 12, 2025
Dear Parents,
Today was a very special and different day.  I only taught one 7th grade class and I only had them for 15 minutes due to the field trip.  The class that I had went through the school and picked up toys from the different homerooms for Hopewell.  I am in charge of that and them collecting the toys was a big help.  I did not think I could do anything that profitable in that time especially because the students were so focused on the field trip.
We went on the field trip and I loved it and I hope the students did too.  The students behaved very well on the bus on both the ride there and back.  Luckily we were only in a little bit of traffic both times.  Most of the bus ride was clear sailing.
When we got downtown we walked into the Opera House and were directed to our seats.  We were on the highest floor, I think the 7th.  We walked up stairs for a long time.  Then got to our seats.  The show began about 3 minutes later which was great!  The conductor did a little teaching and talking before each song and I think they played four songs.  The students sat and listened attentively and I think they were enjoying it.  Right when I thought it was getting a little long.... The conductor announced this will be our last song!  That brought all the students back into the show.  Then the last song was the Can Can which they recognized and they loved it.  It was the perfect finish!  They clapped and cheered at the end.  Then we went back down the stair and out onto our busses. On the ride home they all had popcorn and juice boxes.  The students loved the snack and were very careful not to get popcorn on the bus.  We got back to MSW and they had lunch and then afternoon classes. All in all it was a very different yet great day.  I am so glad they had the opportunity to experience the show and I appreciate their respectful conduct. I thanked FSA for all they did to make this such a special day for the students.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

November 7, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the 7th Graders worked on their review sheet on microscopes.
They will have a quiz next Wednesday.  I just checked the calendar and there are no other tests or quizzes scheduled for that day.  I typically do not give a study guide on quizzes but this time I thought it might be necessary.  The students will also have a hands on portion of the quiz, they will draw a diagram of a slide after they finish the question portion.  I did not give homework tonight, unless they didn't finish their study guide.  That will be due on Thursday.  I will put that in google classroom to remind them.
8th Grade Physics
The students had a lecture today on a new subject.... YIPEE!!! I love to move into new material.   They are learning about forces beginning with a push or a pull.  Then we talked about balanced and unbalanced forces.  This all leads into the unit on Newton and his three laws of motion.  The 8th graders did not have any homework today.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z
 
November 6, 2025
Dear Parents,
Today winter let us know it was here! Warm thoughts of summer drifted away as the low temperatures hit me this morning as I cleaned off my car.
7th Grade Biology
The students finished their first look in a microscope diagrams.  They did an excellent job and have learned so much.  I am very proud of the quality of work they are doing.
8th Grade Physics
Today I passed back their last test.  Many students scored very high which was great to see.  The test was long, hard and covered a lot of material.  Any student who scored in the high 80's or 90's is to be proud and commended.  For me high scores are great because it shows strong understanding and learning.  It demonstrates they are ready for high school and that they have the skills they need to be successful in future science classes.  For me  the learning of the concepts is more important then the grade. The grade is just an indication they need more support. Some students struggled on two sections. I could not move forward knowing those students had not mastered the intro to physics concepts.  So today I spent time with them today going back over the material and helping them learn and understand the concepts they struggled with.  Those students now have a chance to do some extra work to help their grade and to demonstrate understanding.  That work is due tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

November 5, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The students took their open note quiz on Dry Ice/Carbon Dioxide.  I had done 14 different demonstrations using Dry Ice on Halloween.  During that time I did some explaining about the wonders of dry ice, but there was a lot more that needed to be explained.  I did that and the students took notes, I also went over that material with the students so they could check their notes.  They had their quiz on that material today.  No homework was given.
8th Grade Physics
Today the 8th graders had their lecture on Dry Ice/ Carbon Dioxide explaining the demonstrations I did for them on Halloween.  They will have an open note quiz tomorrow to check that they are taking notes, and for their understanding of the material.  The students should go over their notes tonight.  
Take care and have a good night,
Mrs. Z

November 4, 2025
Dear Parents,
Biology 7th Grade
The students had a great class.  We reviewed for their open note quiz on carbon dioxide and dry ice tomorrow.  Then we finished up the lecture on microscopes and they finally got to use them.  I could not stop them, they could not wait.  They had so much fun looking at a wide variety of slides today.  It was so fun to see the excitement in the lab.  They should look over their notes on Carbon Dioxide and Dry Ice tonight.  Studying and preparing for a quiz even if it is open note is still important.  I do a occassionaly give open note quizes to check that they are taking good notes in class.
8th Grade Physics
Today the 8th graders took a long hard test.  We have been working on this material for a long time and I have given study guides and reviews.  I am hoping for some great scores.  This is their last test of the trimester. The test has a lot of short answers and questions that have multiple answers so grading will take me awhile. They do not have homework tonight.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

November 3, 2025
Where is the year going??
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today Life Skills fell during one of my 7th grade classes.  I wanted to keep the students on the same page, so I did a STEM activity with the other two classes.  The class that missed it will pick it up on a day they have class and the other two don't.
The students had a piece of paper and the challenge was to make the paper big enough to go over their entire body without ripping it.  They tried and two students figured out a way to do it.  Then I taught the rest of the class how to do it.  Then they had the chance to (if you can imagine) do the same thing with an index card! AMAZING.  I hope they enjoyed the spacial activity.
8th Grade Physics
The students had a huge review during the entire class to help prepare them for the test tomorrow.  The test is long and it covers a lot of material.  They did have a study guide to fill out and they did get a copy of the correct answers to the study guide last week.  I hope they study tonight.  I did put a reminder on google classroom for them.  This is their last test in the trimester.  Studying is just as important as doing written work.  Some students have a hard time understanding that.  In class as we go through the material they get it, but before a test they need to go back over all the material to make sure it is understood well enough to be committed to memory.  I also am always hoping it is going into long term memory because that shows the true learning and understanding.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

October 30, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
Today the students helped to clean up after the 8th grade pumpkin activity and had a lecture on Dry Ice, Carbon Dioxide in a solid form.  I think they found it interesting and learned a lot. This will help them understand tomorrow's Halloween Science where I demonstrate 14 dry ice experiments. I hope they have a fun lesson in science tomorrow, a great time trick or treating and a nice weekend. NO HOMEWORK WAS GIVEN.
8th Grade Physics
Today the students used their science class time to carve a pumpkin with their second grade faith partner.  The students have 45 minutes to get their pumpkin, get their faith partner, clean their pumpkin, carve their pumpkin, move the pumpkin up to the second floor second grade classroom and clean the gym!  They were moving fast today for sure.  I hope they enjoyed the experience. I know the second graders loved it. NO HOMEWORK WAS GIVEN.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs Z


October 29, 2025
Thank you to all of you who take the time to read this. I check my hits everyday and the number is amazing!  I hope you enjoy the updates and find it helpful.
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
The 7th graders took their quiz on photosynthesis and cellular respiration I will try to get those grades in soon, but I have two BIG days coming up.  Tomorrow the 8th graders carve pumpkins with their Faith Partners and I run that and Friday is Halloween with a very special science demonstration I am trying to get ready for.
After they finished their quiz they worked on the project they started yesterday that demonstrates changes of magnification in a microscope.  No homework for 7th grade!
8th Grade Physics
Tomorrow the 8th graders come out of uniform due to their Pumpkin Carving project with the second grade.  This is a tradition I started long ago when I taught second grade.  I am glad it continues and I hope the students have a great time tomorrow. Today in class they worked on math word problems using speed, distance and time.  Many 8th graders were able to finish that in class today.  If your child did not finish it that is homework tonight.  Even though we are carving pumpkins tomorrow I am collecting those first thing in the morning.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

October 28, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
We had a quick review for the quiz tomorrow.  I hope everyone is studying tonight.  The students then began working on a project showing the difference of a diagram that was in all different magnifications.  This helps them to understand what they are looking at when they look under the microscope and how changing the magnification changes what they are looking at.  They are doing an amazing job!
8th Grade Physics
The students went outside for a few minutes and cleaned their pumpkin that they will be carving with their second grade Faith Partner.  This is a 20 year old tradition.  It is an experience the students will have on Thursday morning.  They do this to help bind as they are the two grades that share a special bond as it is their sacramental year.  The students worked hard to clean their pumpkin and I look forward to watching them carve their pumpkins on Thursday.  Due to this project they can come out of uniform on Thursday. They will be carving the pumpkins during science class.  They also had a quick lesson on how to find the speed, distance and direction using the formula they were taught to solve word problems.  We will be practicing that tomorrow.  That is the last portion of the unit before their test.  The test will be next Tuesday. No homework was given tonight.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

October 27, 2025
Dear Parents,
So sorry this is getting out so late I try for a little earlier today was just too crazy busy.
7th Grade Biology
Two bits of big news!  First the quiz is moved to Wednesday I just did not feel the students were ready.  Also we began microscopes this is usually something everyone loves and is very excited about.  
8th Grade Physics
The students finished their big lab from Friday.  That was too much work for some of them to complete during class on Friday and everyone was working so I gave them some time today to finish.  I also talked to students who had missing assignments and they worked on those.  The 8th graders had a study guide to fill out that they have to finish for homework if they did not.  Their test is going to be next Tuesday.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z
October 23, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade Biology
I missed seeing the 7th graders today. I hope they had a great time in Springfield and it helps them understand how our government works.  Tomorrow I will pass out the correct answers for the upcoming test which will be next Tuesday.  I am ready to move on.  I build the last of the new microscopes so we will be using them soon!  With the students gone today I had time to work on building those.  This class is very lucky to get to use them. This should be a fun unit, typically the students love using the microscopes. The students who I did not see at conferences should be giving you a powerschool printout to read and sign.  Those are due tomorrow.
8th Grade Physics
Today we reviewed all of the material we have covered so far.  When we finished I went over the big lab they are doing tomorrow.  It is a lab that is on speed and distance of different toys.  What a great way to end the week.  The 8th graders did not get homework, but they should turn in their signed power school report if they did not have a conference.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

​
October 22, 2025
Dear Parents,
7th Grade
The 7th Graders got their conference review back if you did not attend conferences.  The power school print out should be signed and returned on Friday. I hope you find it helpful.
The 7th Grade Biology
The students used the diagrams in the hall to fill out their review for the unit on photosynthesis and cellular respiration.  I think they like finding the answers in the hallway off the class diagram.  I like to change things up sometimes.  They do not have homework and I hope they have a great day tomorrow.  On Friday we will review as a class and I will give them my study guide.  The test will be on Tuesday.
8th Grade Physics
The students did a lab today pulling together all the concepts they have been working on in class.  I am anxious to see how they did.  The great part about this motion lab was they got to choose all the variables.  How long their track would be, what they would send down their track, how they would create a track.  It was great to see so many very creative ideas as they did the lab.  A test is coming soon.  Some students need to finish their graph of their lab, many don't.  The graph is for homework if it is not finished.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

October 21, 2025
I love going on to my site and seeing how many parents are checking this.  I do not know who you are, but the number is very impressive!  I hope you find it interesting and helpful.
7th Grade Biology
Today the students were asked review questions on photosynthesis and cellular respiration and they went out in the hall to the display they made and stood in a line, one at a time they would whisper me the answer in the hall. If they got it right they sat down... if the got it wrong they went back to look harder!  I think they enjoyed this way of reviewing.  We also made Feel Better Cards for Elizabeth she is a special needs helper of mine she has Downs Syndrome.  She helps me with my afternoon science class.  She was in a bad car accident and is now in a neck brace and home recovering.  I will send Crumbl cookies and the beautiful notes the students wrote to her. I know she will love the treat. No homework was given to the 7th graders. 
8th Grade Physics
Today the students took a quick quiz on distance and displacement.  I hope they all did well.  I will get those grades in power school ASAP.  Then we reviewed reading graphs and dimensions.  We ended class with me explaining the lab they are going to do tomorrow.  They seemed excited about that! No homework was given to the 8th graders.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z


October 20, 2025
Thank you all who were able to see me for conferences.  I hope you found the time valuable and useful. For the parents that I did not see you will be getting a conference report from me that you should look over and after that if you want to see me with questions or concerns please email me and we can come up with a time to meet.
Dear Parents,
Needless to say the weather has taken a dip.  I am glad the sun is shining!
7th Grade Biology
The students went on a leaf walk today.  They collected leaves and worked in groups to observe the leaves and put them into groups.  This is to help prepare them for the upcoming topic of how scientists in biology group things.  The students did not get homework tonight.
8th Grade Physics
The students learned about the difference between distance and displacement.  They had a lecture explaining this topic.  Then the students created examples of problems with distance and displacement.  Tomorrow they will be having a quis only on distance and displacement.  I am hoping for all great GRADES!!!  The 8th graders should spend some time tonight looking over the notes they took today in class. Studying also counts as homework!
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

October 15, 2025
Dear Parents,
Today was a great day in the lab!
7th Grade
Two seventh grade classes finished their STREAM rocket contest.  I will look those over and discover the winning rocket.  They all did a great job and learned along the way.  One 7th grade switch I will not see tomorrow and they were already done with their rockets so we went over photosynthesis and it's relationship to cellular respiration.  We also reviewed why leaves change colors and why scientists say all energy comes from the sun!  I will cover that material with the other two classes when I DO see them tomorrow.  Get ready a test is coming soon.  Don't worry a study guide and review will happen first. The date will be announce on Monday, I have to look over the test schedule and the school calendar. No homework given tonight or tomorrow night!  Enjoy the little break,  See you at conferences!
8th Grade
The students were back into physics.  They learned about changing speed, constant speed, average speed, vectors, and velocity!  It was a day full of lectures and learning.  The 8th grade will be having a test on the material covered soon.  A study guide and review will happen next week. The date of the test will be announced on Monday.  I have to look over the test schedule and the school calendar.  No homework given tonight, or tomorrow night! Enjoy the little break. See you at conferences!
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

October 14, 2025
Dear Parents,
I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend.  I did, but I also spent a LOT of time preparing for conferences.  I look forward to meeting with you all on Thursday and Friday.  Due to Conferences I will write today and tomorrow and that's it for the week....
7th Grade
The students worked on a STREAM Competition where they made a straw rocket and shot it 5 times, and then needed to redesign it to see if they could make it go farther.  I think they enjoyed the lab.  I know they are in biology but this gives them some experience to help with physics next year...
8th Grade 
The students finished their STREAM competition early.  They did the same one as the 7th grade.  The 8th graders finished quicker so they watched as I demonstrated some great Friday Finales.  I enjoy doing them and teaching them the science behind it.  They are not all safe for the students do to.  I tell them that, but some they can repeat at home. They should show you the bottle with the ping pong ball, easy to do and AMAZING!!
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

October 9, 2025
Dear Parents,
Everyone did the same thing today so I am just writing on note!  AND the weather changed..... Soon I will be putting my flip flops away, sad to see them go.
7th and 8th grade science
Today the students went through their binders and collected all their papers from the beginning of the year until now. They put them in a special "science folder" and gave them all back to me.  This weekend I will go through them and highlight key points to discuss at with you at conferences.  I know not everyone fits in the conference  slots.  I teach more students then I have time for. I am almost booked for both days.  That is ok, I write up a review for each parent and prepare your child's folder as if we were meeting.  I will be passing those out to the students after conferences if I do not see you.  If I do see you I will be going through the material with you and your child.  I hope you find this helpful as we work together to ensure that each student is giving their best effort and learning all they can.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

October 8, 2025
Dear Parents,
What a beautiful day!  I love Grandparents and Special Friends and I thought the rosary was done beautifully by all of the grades.  I hope you, your child and all visitors had a great experience.  A special shout out and thank you goes to the group of 8th graders that were the Hawk Helpers!! They had about 5 minutes to get ready and they all did a great job.
I pulled up my pick-a-time and noticed it was almost full.  If you want to see me, sign up before it is too late!
All of my students have their monthly paper due tomorrow.  Many have turned it in, if it is not in tomorrow by class time they will get a purple slip.  I put a reminder for all of the students in google classroom!
7th Grade Science
I only saw one group today due to Grandparents Day, and I only had 6 students.  I let them do a special STEM activity and the girls took off on the project.  They had fun and completed it!  The boys had a harder time so I had them go to the gym.
8th Grade Science
I only saw one switch and they worked hard learning that if you change the reference point something could be in motion and not in motion at the same time!  That is a very difficult concept and they ACED it!!  Tomorrow I will hit that hard with the group I missed.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z


October 7, 2025
Just a reminder - ALL students should be in MSW uniform for GrandParent's Day even if they have gym!!!  If  they have gym they should wear gym shoes and shorts under their uniform if they are girls and gym will be adjusted.  I have been working hard preparing for the day and am very excited to be part of this fun day!  Grandparent or Special Friends are the best and I cannot wait to meet them.  If you are there tomorrow stop by the science lab to see the fish and turtles and all of your students work hanging in the hallway!
Dear Parents,
7th Grade
We have missed a few Friday Finales due to tests on Friday or Friday being off so I have been promising them a special Friday Finale day and it was today.  It was so fun to demonstrate so many different experiments with them and see the wonder in their eyes.  I said at one point you think this is magic, but it is really science and that is so true.  I hope your child enjoyed the day and tells you about some of the very cool demonstrations.  
8th Grade
It was GREAT to have all the 8th graders back in school, many took Monday off.  It is good to see they are still talking about the fun they had.  What great memories!
The students finished work that they started last week on graphing and mapping so I could hang that for the grandparents to see.  They did a great job. This all relates to motion and direction which is the key focus of this chapter of Physics.
I have to run, still lots to do for tomorrow,
Take care and have a great night,
I hope to see you tomorrow,
Mrs. Z

October 6, 2025
Dear Parents,
Just an important heads up tomorrow pick-a-time opens and you can sign up for conferences.  I teach more students then there are time slots for if you want to see me please sign up early.  If you cannot get a time you can email me and we can meet on another day.
7th Grade Biology
Today was a great day in the lab.  The students loved working on their Oct. paper.  It is probably their favorite topic of the year.  They were told to pick their favorite animal and then they were given a list of questions to research to gain the information for their paper.  The finished papers are due on Thursday.  Some student finished and some needed to finish their photosynthesis/cellular respiration project from last week first, so they have a few nights to get it done for homework.  Speaking of their photosynthesis/cellular respiration diagrams, I graded them over the weekend and the students did an excellent job.  I have them hanging in the hall, so if you are here for Grandparents Day you can see them.  :Later in the week we go out in the hall and use that display as a teaching tool.  
8th Grade Physics
Well -- I did see a few of the 8th graders today.  It sounds like the students had a great time in DC and I am thrilled they are back.  I teach 8th grade first thing in the morning and they came in at 10, so by then my teaching time with them was up.  I look forward to seeing them all tomorrow.  Kudos to the parents who got their child to school today.  I am sure it was not easy but it was a true display of grit!  I hope everyone gets a good night sleep tonight.
Take care,
​Mrs. Z

October 2, 2025
Dear Parents,
Kudos to 8th Grade.  I was so proud of the students today at the beautiful Guardian Angel Ceremony.  The students took on their new roles seriously with respect.  I know they will be a good friend to their little partner! This is such an exciting year I am so glad to be part of the activities and memories. 
7th Grade Biology
The students are working on a diagram of photosynthesis and cellular respiration to create a hall display that will help cement those processes in their minds.  Sometimes drawing it, labeling it and seeing it helps them to understand and remember it.  They will finish them tomorrow.  The students are off to a great start!
8th Grade Physics
The students have been working on learning graph skills by studying and creating graphs that I have made the chart for.  Today they each created a chart and graphed their own information.  This was a good review and will demonstrate their understanding of the graphing process as we use that on all physics labs it is very important.  It also was hands on and while they were so excited about DC it kept their minds busy!  I closed the day with a prayer for safety with my homeroom and wished them all well.  I can not wait to hear about their adventures when they return.  

Oct. 1, 2025
Dear Parents,
With the weather we have been having it seems impossible that is it already Oct. 1!
7th Grade Biololgy
The students did a great job staying safe and were amazed at the reaction of the lab we did.  They had blue water in a cup and by blowing in it, adding Carbon Dioxide it turned green!  I was glad they took all the safety precautions needed in this lab. They need to finish their lab write up tonight, that is due tomorrow.  Also I am still waiting for signed tests and hoping I get the last few tomorrow!
8th Grade Physics
I hope you can join us tomorrow at Mass for the very special Guardian Angel Ceremony.  It is always very beautiful and meaningful.  I love to see the 8th graders leading our younger students in faith.  Also THE 8TH GRADERS NEED TO WEAR THEIR UNIFORM TOMORROW, NOT PIZZA ATTIRE.  That is just a reminder they were told that in religion class.  This morning I looked over the maps they have been working on and they are very well done. Today the students worked on writing the directions for their map and that assignment is due tomorrow.  Many finished it in school.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

Sept. 30, 2025
Dear Parents,
A new day! A new me and so much great news in both 7th and 8th grade.  I was thrilled today to get many more signed papers back -- thank you to all.  It is just a waste of time in the beginning of each class to spend time on that, but I have seen a huge improvement and hope it is a new trend for the year.  Thank you for your support.
7th grade Biology
The students are learning about photosynthesis and I think they are catching on!  At the end of class I explained a very exciting lab that we will do tomorrow.  There is so much learning and magic I cannot wait.  They need to be careful as the do the lab so we went over all the safety procedures today.  I have done this lab successfully for many years, I am confident the students will step up and follow the procedure and safety precautions we put in place.  They will blow into a cup that has water and methonol blue (which is a stain or dye) it turns the water blue, and of course in the cup is oxygen that is just present in our air.  They will BLOW into the cup with a straw which will add carbon dioxide and then there will be a color change.  This helps them understand the exchange between the air they breathe in oxygen and the air they breathe out carbon dioxide.  It is hard to teach gas exchanges because gas is invisible.  This one demonstrates it so clearly!  Big day for grade 7 tomorrow and I can't wait!  No homework was given to the 7th grade.
8th Grade Physics
We are beginning the unit on motion and direction which is key in physics becausee physics is all about motion!  The timing is perfect because the unit starts our simply and slowly (get ready it builds)!  There lectures and work right now are perfect because we all know their minds are swimming with the excited of DC.  Hard to compete with that!!  They are working on a project where they draw a place, a block, a school, a basketball court a mall on a grid.  Then they need to write the directions from one point to another using the concepts that were taught in the lecture. They need to have a reference point, and have exact direction and distance.  I will be reading their words and tracing over their diagram to see if I can get to their end point while they are flying to our countries capital. The 8th grade needs to complete the first half of the assignment tonight at home, unless they finished in class.  If they did they do not have homework.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs.. Z

Sept. 29, 2025
Dear Parents,
Ever since I sent the blog below I have felt bad.  The blog is usually so positive and full of interesting information about what is going on.  I was just very frustrated at how hard it is to get students to returned things signed.  BUT I MADE A HUGE ERROR, I should have stated just as clearly a huge thank you to all of the parents who have kept up, who have signed tests, who have returned their blog paper signed. Thank you, thank you thank you...... For those who haven't maybe you didn't get the information from your child or you did not understand.  Now is the chance please try to return the information I send home in the next day or two.  Thank you, again I am sorry the beginning of my blog was so negative.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

Sept. 29, 2025
Dear Parents,
Welcome to blog 2025-2026--
Just so you know I will always try to put the information for the 7th grade in the first paragraph and the 8th in the second.  That way if you only have a child in one grade or the other you do not have to read both.  But the next few sentences refer to all 7th and 8th graders. They will be in capital letters because they are a serious problem.
I LIKE TO KEEP THE LINE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN US STRONG, THAT IS WHY I SENT THE LETTER HOME ABOUT MY BLOG.  I KNOW YOU DO NOT ALL USE IT, THAT IS OK, BUT I WANT TO BE SURE YOU ALL AT LEAST KNOW HOW TO GET TO IT.  SO I SENT A LETTER HOME LAST WEEK PROMISING AN A TO ALL STUDENTS WHO TURNED IT IN.... I STILL HAVE NOT GOTTEN THEM ALL BACK. ON THE SAME NOTE  IT IS A SCHOOL RULE THAT ALL GRADED TESTS BE SIGNED.  I HAVE GIVEN TWO TESTS TO 8TH GRADE AND 2 TO SEVENTH GRADE AND I STILL DO NOT HAVE THOSE ALL BACK SIGNED. (one 7th grade test went back today) but I still do not have all the first tests back signed.  It is important that you have the opportunity to see the information.  I have put reminders in google classroom for your child to help them remember and, that still is not helping.  I hope you can talk to your child and there can be an improvement on this.  It is important for you to see their progress so we can work together with students that need help, and so you can praise your child for their success and encourage them to continue working hard.  Collecting these signed papers everyday takes up class time and is a waste.  I hope we can work together for improvement in this area.  I am very sorry that I am starting out my first blog with such negative information.
7th Grade Biology
Today was a great day.  The students go their test on scientific method back and the scores were great. They have worked hard and learned a lot.  They are ready to move on to Biology!  Today they began to learn about the process of photosynthesis and took a walk outside to collect a leaf.  They wrote 10 observations on the top of the leaf and 10 on the bottom of the leaf. The students also needed to draw a picture of their leaf.  Some did not finish if your child is not done that is homework due tomorrow. We will be using that information as we move forward on photosynthesis. 
8th Grade Science
Today the 8th graders moved on in their opening Physics unit on motion and forces.  It begins with directions.  They finished the kick off lab they started on Monday that helped them see that when they give directions they need a refrence point, the distance and the direction.  That lab is due tomorrow.  Also the 8th graders did a worksheet that used a line graph to help them show the distance, direction and reference point with the given information.  They started it in class some students were able to complete the assignment the rest need to finish that for homework.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

Sept. 23, 2025

Dear Parents,
IF YOU SEE THIS YOU ARE READING MRS. Z'S BLOG AND YOU ARE AT THE RIGHT PLACE.
Thank you to all the parents who were able to attend the Back to School Night!  I enjoyed meeting you and sharing all of the exciting science news for the year!  In your handout you were directed to the blog.  If you are here YIPEE!  There was a very low turn out for back to school night,  so tomorrow I am going to pass out my packet and explain to all the students how to get to my blog.  I am also going to pass out a blog info sheet to all parents.  I want to be sure everyone has the directions to get here.  If you want  you can scroll down to see some info from last year or recheck for new info starting Monday!  I will officially open my site again on MONDAY.  But for all those who cared enough to check this out, if your child writes Allison on the last page of their test 7th grade or quiz 8th grade they will get three bonus points.  That will show me has visited..... I hope over the year you find the blog helpful. 

Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

June, 4, 2025
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe the year is over.  Today I had my last 5th grade religion class and my last 7th grade biology class.  This year has been a great one and the students are all more then ready to move on to summer and then another level of academics.  I am happy and proud of the growth and progress each child made. I appreciated your support and trust throughout the year.  I hope you have time this summer to be together as a family without the pressure and rigor of school and schedules.  Today in my classes I showed the students a DVD of their year with me.  I think they liked it, and I enjoy putting it together to capture the many moments of the school day and year.  
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z
June 3, 2025
I am so sorry yesterdays blog did not print.  I must be running out of space. So this will be short.
5th Grade Religion
The students beaded bracelets for their faith partner, and one for themselves as a memory of the "BIG" year.
7th Grade Science
The students had a great time creating their own shirt design using chromotography.  They could sit where they wanted, and they just had a great time.  Many wished the class went longer.  I love that.  An email is going on with directions on how to care for the shirt.
Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z

June 1, 2025
Dear Parents,
The ending of the final fun days with the 8th graders and then a beautiful graduation was given meaning this morning when I waited at the door to see how they were and no one was there!!  Each student lives on in my heart, but is always missed.  The Graduating Class of 2025 was the "GOAT",  I wish then the very best. Thank you for trusting me with you child.  It  has been a joy and pleasure getting to know them all and teaching them.
5th Grade Religion
The 5th graders did not see me today because I was with the 7th graders only today due to the pig dissection.  That is a BIG job and it takes more classes time.  The fifth graders had a sub that I gave plans to.  The students made farewell cards for their faith partners.  I hope to deliver them tomorrow.
7th Grade Science
Kudos to this 7th grade class!!!  The chickens are flying in and they are amazing... BUT the big news today was the pig dissection.  It was a great and very challenging class for the students.  At first they were a littly timid, but as a few stepped up to give it a try it gave courage to others.  I was there to help them all with any parts they could not do alone, but for the most part they were very successful on their own.  I was happy no one got hurt, and that so few students were unable to participate due to the smell.  Formaldehyde which you all remember is no longer used.  We pay more and the pigs live in what they now call the "perfect solution".  It does have an odor, but nothing like we experienced.  I think that helps a lot.  The students were able to find and dissect the liver, the gall bladder, the stomach, the spleen, the large intestine, the small interesting, the spinal column, the spinal chord, the skull the brain, the eye and finally the eye ball. Some students took the time to unravel the small interesting to see if it would fit across the room. It came close! Absolutely amazing in an hour and a half.  Great Job.  This class has come a loooooong way since Sept. It was interesting at how many comments they made referring to the chicken skeleton and they did the pig dissection.  Someone said, "Glad I did the chicken since it was gross to prepare me for the pig".  So true.... that is part of why we do that first.  Someone said, "Those ribs look like the ribs on my chicken!"  Someone said, "Oh now I see how the vertebae going up the back are all connected."  I was happy to see how into both projects they were.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

May 29, 2025
Dear Parents,
I am very sorry and I do not usually do this, but I am swamped with 8th grade events.  I will not be writing today.  I will get back to this next wee.
​Mrs. Z
May 28, 2025
Dear Parents,
5th Grade Religion
Today I only saw one class, the other class had Mrs. Wolff.  She filled in for me because of the awards ceremony.  She said the students were great!  I love to hear that.  The class I saw FINISHED their religion book.  i hope the class I missed can complete theirs tomorrow.  These last pages are very much a review and we move through them quickly because they already learned the concepts.  It is fun for me to see what they remember from earlier in the year.  Kudos to this great fifth grade class.
7th Grade Science
I did not see my 7th graders today due to the awards ceremony.  OUCH..... and worse I do not see them tomorrow!!! Tomorrow they will have Mr. Wolff because I will be at graduation practice with the 8th graders.  We will have a big day together on Friday.  Just a reminder the pig dissection will be on Monday the students come out of uniform.  Tuesday is tye dye day they need a white t-shirt!  
8th Grade Science
Now, this is sad......... yesterday was our last class!!!  Luckily I got to be with my students during homeroom and they CLEANED their lockers. That was sad for me to watch, but I am glad they got it done.  I also got to be with them during the award ceremony. Congrats to the Class of 2025!  They are all very special and unique and it has been my joy, honor and privilege to be part of their MSW experience! Hard to imagine where the year went.  I look forward to see you all at the Graduation Dinner/Dance and at Graduation.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z  

nd their time with them.  We do have class they only play with the ducks after a lesson!
8th Grade Science
The 8th graders are working on their bridges.  They are still building the parts, the excitement comes when they start putting those pieces together to construct the bridge.  Some students are off to an impressive start.  
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

May 14, 2025
Dear Parents,
5th Grade Religion
The students learned about the roles of priests, deacons, bishops, and the pope. I think their interest was peaked today because we just got a new Pope!  We also reviewed the story of St. Bernadette and the parts of the Mass.
7th Grade Science
The students worked on comparing a chicken skeleton to a human skeleton in small groups.  Then they were given time to play with the ducks.  I hope we can take them outside tomorrow.  The ducks love the interaction with the students and the students enjoy their time with the ducks.  I am glad it is working out so well.  Tonight my house is quiet because the ducks are on their first home visit.  I hope all is going well.  
8th Grade Science
The students began their last STREAM project and that is to compete in the National Coke Can Challenge.  They need to build a bridge out of toothpicks that is strong enough to hold a can full of Coke, which is quite heavy because of its high sugar content.  It also must be 8 inches long and high enough to slide a can of Coke through the bottom of it.  They were eager to start.  I like to end with this because they get to work with their friends, be active and conquer the challenge! Take care and have a great night,
​Mrs. Z  

May 13, 2025
Dear Parents,
5th Grade Religion
Today the students learned about St. Bernadette and the story of Lourdes.  They really enjoy learning about the saints of our Faith.  Then we moved into the parts of the Mass.  We also discussed the Passover and the differences between the Jewish faith and the Catholic Faith.
7th Grade Science
Today the students worked on understanding the similarities between an avian skeleton and a human.  This helps them see the value of the chicken skeleton project.  Almost all of the bones in a chicken skeleton are present in the human skeleton.  One easy bone difference is we have a patella, the knee bone that chickens don't have.  We will finish working on this tomorrow when we also compare a bats wing and bones to a human.  It is amazing how close they are... Who knew!  There was also some time for the students to play with the ducks.  They are enjoying that now, and are much more comfortable handling the ducks.  The ducks love the attention!
8th Grade Science
The 8th graders went to the Dogs Game today.  What beautiful weather they had.  I hope they all had a great time.  I look forward to seeing them tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

May 12, 2025
Dear Parents,
5th Grade Religion
Today we were back in the book.  It was great that the test is behind us and that all the students passed and well over half the class got 100!  Great job fifth grade.  They really worked hard on studying and learning the information.
7th Grade Science
Today the students got a little time to play with the ducks after we learned all about another body system- the skin.  During that lecture we covered the layers of skin, the function of skin and changes in skin over time.  We ended with a quick discussion on skin cancer.  That is becoming and increasingly big problem.  I told the students that I will soon be letting the ducks go on at home visits.  If you have a dog or a cat, this might not be the experience for you.  But many students want more playtime with the ducks and have asked if they could take them home.  It is a responsibility and yet it is very fun.  They are adorable!  If you think this would work out for your family.  I need a note saying you are willing to take the ducks for a night and it needs to be signed.
8th Grade Science
Today we had our last lab of the year.  They went outside and made oobleck.  That is a nonnewtonian substance.  So at room temperature it sometimes acts like a solid and sometimes acts like a liquid.  It was great that the weather was so nice and they could go outside to do this experiment.  It is VERY messy, but a great lab to end the year with.
Take care and have a great night,
Mrs. Z

 
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