In first period language arts, we are continuing to work on narrative essays. Students filled out story maps which included characters, setting and plot. We discussed and practiced how to write a "attention getting" introduction to their story. Through out the rest of the week we will be working in class on the rough and final drafts. After the holiday break, we will focus on parts of speech, specifically adjectives. Learning and reviewing adjectives will help improve our creative writing.

In reading third period, we are working from a new series called "Inside." This series incorporates and focuses on specific reading skills and genres in each story. We started the series with natural disasters. Last week we read about Hurricane Katrina, this week we reading about earthquakes. After the holiday break we will take the first week to read and discuss volcanoes. After we finish the last story, we will take a quiz on the vocabulary covered in the unit and comprehension of the stories.

In 8th period math, we are staring our second week on fractions. We have worked on equivalent fractions, ordering and finding the greatest common factors. This week we are reducing fraction to lowest terms. After the holiday break, the class will add and subtract fractions with common denominators.

week of November 29

Language Arts (1st period):

After focusing on writing well detailed paragraphs, we focused on grammar. The students learned verbs. We focused on action verbs (mental and physical), verbs of being, irregular verbs, verb tenses and verb phrases. Beginning next week, we will redirect back to writing. Students will focus on writing multiple paragraphs and learn when to begin with a new paragraph. We will also learn to complete an outline which will aide with paragraph writing.

Math (8th period):

After a few weeks and extensive practice, students have greatly improved their division skills. While learning how to do long division without a calculator, students have also improved their knowledge of multiplication facts. Next week, we will begin our Fraction Unit. Students will use manipulative to gain knowledge and understanding of fractions. We will also learn to add and subtract fractions as well as reduce to lowest terms and change mixed numbers into improper fractions.

Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

week of November 1

In language arts class (1st period) we have been working extensively on writing a well developed paragraph. We have been focusing on topic sentences and descriptive supporting sentences. Before focusing on writing multiple paragraphs, we will be spending time learning about verbs. We will be focusing on action verbs (physical and mental), verbs of being, linking verbs, verb tenses, helping verbs and verb phrases, and irregular verbs.

In reading class (3rd period), we spent time focusing on the skill of "main idea". Through supplementary activities, we practiced recognizing the main idea of paragraphs, as well as short stories. The class also practiced finding the information that supported the main idea of what they read. Accelerated reading tests need to be taken in my room by Thursday, November 4.

In math class (8th period) we learned and practiced multiplication, multiplication with decimals, and multiplying money. Next we will focus on long division with and without remainders. We will also practice using the skills we have learned to solve word problems.

week of October 11

In reading class, 1st period, we will read one more story ("Laughing Gas) before taking a test on the stories we have read. The test will cover "The Mad Puppet","Teeny, Tinny, Tinny Visitors", "Aurthur's Thanksgiving Emergency","Lee Bennett Hopkins," and "Laughing Gas." Students will be tested on vocabulary, characters, on comprehension of the stories. The test and review will be during the week of October 18.

In language arts class, we will continue to focus on writing well developed paragraphs. This week we practiced recognizing and writing topic and supporting sentences. We will now practice putting them all together.

In math, 8th period, we will learn and practice multiplying a 3 digit number by 1,2 and 3 numbers....without a calculator!

***The eighth graders will be taking the Explore Test on Wednesday, October 13 during 1st - 4th periods. Make sure you get a good night's sleep Tuesday night and eat a healthy breakfast Wednesday morning!!!

week of October 4

In first period language arts class, the students will be focusing on recognizing a topic sentence within a paragraph and writing an effective topic sentence. This is the first step to take before writing a well developed paragraph then a well developed essay or story.

In third period reading class, we will be focusing on the main idea of a pragraph and short story. Next week we will be preparing for the test over the first four stories we read in the reading book. The test will be on Thursday, October 14 and will cover vocabulary, characters and comprehension of the stories.

In eighth period math, we will be continuing to do word problems. Last week we focused on recognizing important information and key words within addition and subtraction problems. This week we will focus on multiplication and division problems. On Friday, students will be expected to recognize what operation to use to solve a problem based on the information learned in class.

week of September 27

Last week in 1st period language arts, we learned about simple subjects and complete subjects of a sentence. We also continued to practice writing well detailed sentences. Next week we will focus on simple predicate and complete predicate. Students will also do the third lesson in their spelling book. The unit and sentences will be assigned on Monday. Both, as well as the test, will be on Friday, October 1.

In 3rd period reading, we are continuing to read some short stories. We finished "Arthur's Thanksgiving Emergency" and focused on inferencing skills throughout the reading. Next week we will be reading "Lee Bennett Hopkins Interviews Daniel Manus Pinkwater" and focus on sequencing. During the week of October 4 there will be a short story test on the four stories we read as well as the vocabulary. Book report journals are due on Thursday, September 30.

In 8th period math, we have finished chapter one of the text. Next week, students will focus on addition and subtraction word problems. We will discuss the process of answering word problems and focus on how to solve them, as well as recognize key words.

week of September 13

In 1st period language arts, the students finished learning about nouns as well as plural nouns, common and proper nouns and possessive nouns. Next week, we will begin working with verbs. We will do activities that involve action verbs, linking verbs and verbs of being. Students will also be expected to be working on their second lesson of their spelling books. The unit and sentences will be due on Friday. We will be taking the test on Friday also.

In 3rd period reading class we will begin reading "The Mad Puppet" aloud in class. Students also have a silent reading book that they should be reading independently or at home with their parents. As they read, students should be filling out a reading log which includes the major events and a personal response for each entry. No book report will be assigned for this first book just a review of their reading log.

week of September 6

In 8th grade language arts class the students finished thier first essay the "Choices Essay" and presented thier first presentation of the year. Each students presented a "Me Bag" speech which required them to bring in 6 objects that represented them. I always enjoy this assigment because it is a great way to get to know all of them a little better! Next week we will begin grammar and the wonderful world of nouns.

In reading class we began the short story unit and read "The Lady or the Tiger." After reading the students were asked to write an ending to the story. Next week we will read "Raymond's Run."

On Friday all the 8th graders will go on a field trip to Irons Oaks. At Irons Oaks each homebase will work together to solve physical activities. This is a great way for the students to get to know each other, work together and have an enjoyable day. Remember to dress appropriate for the weather and to bring a sack lunch and a drink.

Welcome Back 8th Graders!!

The 8th graders have had a wonderful start to the school year. Today we visited the IMC for a book talk provided by Ms. Hagensee. The students were able to choose and Fiction novel. Students will be asked to read the book at home and bring it back to school for silent work.

The Ride Janie Ride Fundraiser was a great success! Due to the big and generous hearts of the Lakeview student body, $13,000.00 was raised for three recipients battling cancer. On Monday, the Ride Janie Ride staff came to Lakeview for a special assembly, where we presented them a check and in return presented us with a plaque with expressed their gratitude. Thank you to all the students and families for their generosity.


For Wednesday, all 8th grade students need to bring a stamped envelope for Language Arts class. Please do NOT write on it!

Have a great weekend!!!

RIDE JANIE RIDE

The students have done an AMAZING job with the school wide fundraiser RIDE JANIE RIDE which is donating money to three individuals who are suffering with various forms of cancer of the blood. One of the three recipients is a student at Prairieview and another is the brother-in-law of Mrs. Nino. The students of Lakeview have well surpassed the hopes and expectations of the teachers and administration. In addition to donating their own money, many students have taken it upon themselves to collect and/or raise money for this event. Thank you to all the students and families for the generous donations and time that has been given toward this fundraiser! For more information please visit www.ridejanieride.org.

The last day to donate money to RIDE JANIE RIDE is Monday, April 26.

During the week of April 12, we will be continuing the poetry unit. The students have been doing a great job reading various poems in class and writing thier own. On Tuesday, we will be explaining the Poetry Portfolio to all the classes. The poetry portfolio will be based on one theme and include their favorite published poems as well as originals.

Some DGS students will coming the Lakeview on Tuesday morning to share some information to the 8th grades class. They will show a brief slide show as well as answer question.

During the week of April 5, the students will begining the poetry unit in reading class. We will be reading and discussing a variety of poems in class. In a few weeks the students will be writing some poetry of their own. The students will also be doing some creative writing in language arts class. Throughout the year we have given specific formats and guidelines for them to follow and now it is time for them to let their creative minds flow.

The weather is finally warming up! I hope all of you enjoy spring break!!!

week of march 22

Next week the 8th graders will give their persuasive speeches that they have been preparing for all week. The requirements for the speech are listed below. For Monday, their typed outlines are due.


LANGUAGE ARTS 8
PERSUASIVE SPEECH REQUIREMENTS

1. The speech must be 4-5 minutes long. YOUR GRADE WILL DROP A FULL GRADE IF YOU DO NOT STAY WITHIN THE DESIGNATED TIME FRAME.
2. You must use your OUTLINE, placed on NOTECARDS, to deliver your speech.
3. Eye contact is crucial for persuasion. Do not read from your note cards. Use them as a guide only. Reading your speech will result in a grade NO HIGHER than a D.
4. You must have a catchy introduction and a solid conclusion. DO NOT use the words "My speech is on..." or "I'm going to try to persuade you..." in your introduction, nor "I have just given you..." or "I have just told you..." in your conclusion.
5. Your persuasive purpose or intent must be CLEAR. It should be stated in your thesis statement, which is the last sentence in your introduction. Take a stand on an issue and convince your audience to side with you.
6. Be prepared to go on the day you are assigned. Failure to present your speech at that time will result in a ZERO.
7. You will be graded on delivery, length of speech, and persuasiveness.
8. Give me your final draft outline and bibliography on the day you deliver your speech, right before you begin speaking. You will need 2 copies of your outline. One typed to give to me, and one placed on note cards to use during your speech.
9. You must use at least five sources for your speech. You may not use two of the same source. For example, you may not use two 3Newsweek magazines.
10. You should use approximately 10 pieces of borrowed information in your speech, citing your source for each borrowed piece of information.
11. You will have approximately 5 class periods to do research. Any additional research must be done on your own time.
12. Speeches will begin on Tuesday, March 23rd.

week of March 8

ISAT testing is over! Thank you to all the 8th graders for your hard work during the week. I am sure all the extensive preparation we put you through helped!!1

On Monday in language arts we will beginning preparation for the persuasive speeches. Through out the week, you will receive an explanation of the requirements of the speech as well as the topic you will be speaking about. All speeches will be between four and five minutes long. You will be completing an outline as well as a bibliography. On Tuesday, you will be selecting a topics. Research for the speeches will begin on Monday, March 15 and speeches will begin on Monday, March 23.

week of March 1

The ISAT tests will be given to Lakeview students next week Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. (March 2nd-5th).

Students, you have done a great job in class preparing for the test so make sure you get a good night of rest and eat breakfast before the test each day. Don't forget a few sharpened #2 pencils, a calculator and silent reading book.

Have a great weekend!

week of February 16-19

ISATs are not far away and in preparation the next two weeks will be very busy!!!

We have begun practicing extended reading responses based on our reading of The Outsiders earlier in the year. The students will also practice by doing a timed extended response later in the week. We will also review the format of a persuasive essay and do a practice essay in class!

We will be continuing to read Romeo and Juliet and will do a compare/contrast book report which will be due on Monday, February 22.

In RtI, we will also be preparing for the ISAT test. We will do activities which will focus on reading comprehension and an extended reading response.

This week we began reading Romeo and Juliet. In Act I, Romeo and Juliet have fallen in love and found out their families are ememies (oh no)!!! On Monday, we will review for Tuesday's quiz on Act I and continue reading.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAKEVIEW STUDENTS!!! MONEY RAISED FOR "HATS FOR HAITI" AND "PIE IN THE FACE" AT PACK THE PLACE BROUGHT IN $780!! NICE JOB!!!

Pack the Place

This week the students participated in the beginning of spirit week. Today was PJ/Snuggie day. I completely enjoyed seeing the 8th grade students adorn their school spirit.

Monday is Ugly Shirt Day. All students should find their ugliest shirt and show it off on Monday. The Pack the Place games are on Wednesday and Thursday. Please come and show your Spartan Spirit!

The 1960's unit is almost at an end! The students have finished performing their debates and their hard work has paid off! On Monday the students will begin writing a poem which will focus on an important topic of the 1960's. The poem will be due on Wednesday, January 27 and will be shared later next week.

week of January 18

Students have been using class time and time outside of school to prepare for the 1960 debates that will begin Wednesday, January 20 and continue through Friday, January 22. As of today, each student should have 50 note cards of information they can use during their debate. Each student needs to understand both sides of the each debate topic and have questions that pertain to each side of the debate. Today, students received information about the bibliography they will hand in at the time of their debate. This weekend should be used to organize the information they have and form valuable questions/facts to share. The assignment is worth 100 points in language arts and 100 points in reading class.

week of January 11

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Upon their return, the 8th graders have watched videos and taken part in discussions regarding important events that occurred in the 1960's. They also received information regarding the debates that will take place on January 20-22. Today everyone found out what role they have in the debate and what topic their debate covers. It would be a great idea for everyone to take time this weekend to familiarize themselves with the topic they were assigned to. Below is listed an overview of the 1960's unit.

Monday, 1/4
- 1960’s Overview video and study guide providing background information.

Tuesday, 1/5
- That Memorable Year 1963 video and study guide providing background information.

Wednesday, 1/6
- That Memorable Year 1968 video and study guide providing background information.

Thursday, 1/7
-1960’s role-playing debates explained in detail. (This is an individual project. NO GROUP PREPARATION IS NEEDED) Preference of roles and topics submitted.

Friday, 1/8
- Topics and roles for role-playing debates assigned. Explanation sheets for assigned roles and rubrics are distributed. Independent research may begin.

Monday, 1/11
-To IMC for Miss Hagensee's explanation of debate research resources available at home and at school.

Tuesday, 1/12 through Friday 1/15
- Student research during one class period per day in the IMC. Resources available to students include computers, vertical file, books on reserve, search engines, and over 100 printouts on each topic supplied by each L.A. and reading teacher.

Monday, 1/18
-NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, 1/19
- Explanation of bibliography format. Class time for final role-playing debate preparation and making of bibliographies.

Wednesday, 1/20 through Friday, 1/22
– Role playing debates performed!!!!!!!!!!!

***Every student is responsible for his/her research on both sides of the topic assigned. A bibliography with a minimum of 5 sources is required of every student.
***Every student should have a minimum of 50 note cards of borrowed information. The format used for note cards will be the same format required by Mr. Safranski in social studies class earlier in the year.
***This project is worth 100 points towards your L.A. grade, and 100 points towards your reading grade.
***At the beginning of each debate, reporters are required to turn in AT LEAST 6 questions and possible answers (in final draft form) for each character in their debate.