Sixth grade advanced language arts students read a novel of their choice with their Literature Circle groups. As they read, they had different roles to prepare for their group discussions. As a culminating project, students created a “Life-Size Character” of the protagonist of their novel by incorporating skills that they’ve learned so far this year. On these characters, students used textual evidence from their novel to include a character analysis, a character comparison, a plot diagram, a persuasive summary, the theme of the novel, and an analysis of symbols and allusions incorporated in the novel. Students had a fun time creating and presenting their Life-Size Characters!

Today, Mrs. Corush, Miss Eiter, and Mrs. Byrne’s Language Arts classes at Middle School South participated in a Socratic Seminar. For two days, students prepared for the open discussion by finding evidence from various texts, videos, and novel excerpts in and out of class. On Thursday, 12/13, all students came ready with their discussion questions and answers and had wonderful ideas on Personal Freedoms. One student stated, “I loved hearing the different answers. They really made me think about what I prepared. I noticed that I was able to elaborate on other people’s ideas. Today was so much fun.” It was a great experience, and the teachers plan on having more Socratic Seminars this school year.

Middle School South seventh-grade students did a fine job performing with Vernon Hills High School students on Tuesday at the Orchestra Festival. The guest conductor was Deborah Peot, Visiting Assistant Professor and Director of Music Education at Elmhurst College.  Congratulations students on an excellent performance!

Twelve amazing girls at Middle South participated in our inaugural season. Over the past 10 weeks, they all trained and learned together, as they built their confidence and social/emotional skills through a great curriculum. Saturday marked the end of our season with a 5K run in Grant Park. Although it was snowing/raining, that did not dampen their spirits!  A number of parents came to support the girls, as well as a cheering section made up of Hawthorn staff!  A big thank you goes out to everyone that participated in some way. There have been new friendships forged, and some great lessons and memories throughout our journey together.  We are thankful!

Students are decorating doors throughout Middle School South. The theme is super school. Lots of creativity everywhere as students complete their doors in time for the upcoming contest.

Students in Ms. Benton’s art class at Middle School South were busy with different assignments today. Some created bowls on potter’s wheels, some drew with colored pencils, while others painted with acrylics. What a talented group.