Dear Parents,
The first few weeks of class have flown by so quickly! Our teachers have been focused on building strong relationships with students, establishing clear classroom expectations, and laying the foundation for student growth and achievement. At the same time, they have assessed students’ current levels in reading, writing, and mathematics, while also introducing the exciting concepts that will guide learning throughout the year.
Below is a snapshot of what our students have been exploring so far:
Science
Mesorah is proud to offer three science classes this year—Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Physics (Ms. Jimenez): Students are learning to define motion, describe how it’s observed, and calculate speed, applying these ideas to real-world scenarios. This week, I observed a lively discussion on vectors and scalars, where students used precise scientific language and asked insightful questions. Very impressive!
- Chemistry (Mrs. Goldfeder): Students just wrapped up Unit One on the discovery of atomic structure. The honors class built 12-sided atomic models, while the regular class designed superheroes made of two elements and wrote creative stories about their properties. All students were introduced to the Periodic Table by designing personalized “Periodic Table name tags.” In Unit Two, they will dive deeper into how the Periodic Table has evolved.
- Biology (Mrs. Yurowitz): Students have been learning about the cell—the smallest unit of life. After exploring cell organelles and their functions, they created craft models, labeling each part. If you meet a 9th or 10th grader, ask them to sing you the super-catchy “Organelle Song”!
Language Arts
- 9th & 10th Grade (Ms. Pace): Students are analyzing short stories, focusing on how authors capture and sustain the reader’s attention.
- 11th & 12th Grade (Ms. Pace): Students are practicing Socratic Seminars, strengthening their skills in thoughtful discussion, evidence-based reasoning, and respectful debate.
Mathematics
This year we are offering Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, three sections of Geometry, and Pre-Calculus.
Ms. Thomas teaches all except Algebra 2 (taught by Mrs. Tessler). Both teachers blend lectures, group work, independent practice, and creative activities. For example, Pre-Calculus students recently went on a math scavenger hunt in the hallways—solving equations while staying active and engaged!
Psychology
In Mrs. Broodo’s class, students have been learning about reliability and validity in psychometric tests, exploring how different personality theorists explain behavior, and studying Freud’s model of the unconscious, pre-conscious, and conscious mind.
History
- 9th & 10th Grade (Mr. Duke): Students are working on a country research project covering demographics, history, geography, industry, and culture.
- 11th & 12th Grade (Mr. Duke): Students are studying the Founding Fathers and preparing research projects on how individual leaders shaped the foundations of democracy.
As I visit our classrooms, I see students settling into routines, showing excitement for learning, and engaging with their teachers and peers. We are truly off to a strong start, and I look forward to sharing more highlights with you as the year progresses.
Warmly,
Dr. Joleta Gallozzi
General Studies Principal
Mesorah High School for Girls
