In 8th grade science, we are in the middle of our Waves, Sound, and Light unit. Before spring break we looked at the ear and hearing. We even tested the range of frequencies that everyone could hear. This week we finished up our activities on sound waves and moved on to seismic waves. Taking on an engineering challenge, students started building earthquake proof structures to see how seismic waves impact buildings. We are excited to see how their designs stand up to the earthquakes! We will finish up the year with Light Waves and a short unit on Computer Science.  

Sixth grade math students are working on algebraic thinking involving writing equivalent expressions, solving one variable equations and analyzing two variable relationships. Accelerated sixth grade students are working on proportional reasoning involving percents and statistical samples.

The 8th grade ELA classes have started a novel unit on the Civil Rights Movement. Through either the book The Rock and the River or To Kill a Mockingbird, students are exploring the concepts of discrimination, social inequality, and the role of upstander/bystander. In Social Studies, students have begun studying post-WWII America and the beginning of the Cold War. In preparation for our upcoming research unit, we have also focused on note taking; students have been practicing Cornell Style notes and Outline Style notes. In addition, this past Wednesday 8th graders were invited to visit Wheeling High School to view the play The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens. It was a nice opportunity to see Wheeling, support some of our former Marauders, and try to figure out the murderer in this whodunnit-style play.

Every 8th grader in our FACS class goes through the career unit which includes developing cover letters, resumes, and an interview. This spring, our students interviewed with community leaders from the local police, fire, library, park district, and village offices. While many are very nervous for the event, it often turns to releif and excitement when they are done! Once again, our kids continue to impress our communitly leaders who often leave with one complaint, "Why can't I hire them now?!"

Volleyball action returns to MacArthur this spring with our boys season! I am also excited to announce that Holmes, Cooper, and London all joined in on our boys season so our conference is complete. While there is not a end-of-season tournament scheduled for this inaugural year, we are planning to schedule one for next year, completing its membership as one of our MSMSAC conference sports! The boys are off to a great start, be sure to check out a game later this month or May!

End of Year Dates:

8th Grade Parade: 5/22/24

8th Grade Dance: 5/23/24

Promotion: 5/24/24 @JHHS

OMG...it's EDP

The 2024-25 EDP Registration will be conducted separately from the D23 School Registration. Included is a link to express interest in EDP for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested in using the Extended Day Program next year, please click on and complete this 2024-25 Extended Day Program Interest Form link. Additional information will be shared with interested families later this Spring!

-School Improvement Days: 5/10

-Holidays: No School

-Memorial Day: 5/27

-8th Grade Promotion: 5/24

-Last Day of Student Attendance: 5/28