Week of March 2

ISAT testing will be held Tuesday, March 2 - Friday, March 6

All the 8th graders have done extensive preparation for the ISATs in reading, language and math. Over the past week we have been happy with the work they have produced.

To all 8th graders:
You have been working hard in class all week to prepare for the ISATs. There are now just a few, simple things that you can do to make sure your testing experience will be a success!

1). Get enough sleep! We are testing the first 3 periods of the day and you do not want to be tired. So put away the videos games and cell phones and go to sleep at a decent hour!!

2). Eat breakfast. Eating something in the morning will give you energy that you need to focus on the test. Grab a healthy breakfast like eggs or healthy cereal (not Fruit Loops). If you are not a morning eater, at least grab a piece of toast or a granola bar.

3). Come prepared! You need at least 2 -#2 pencils(with erasers) and a calculator. Also bring your silent reading book so you have something to do if you finish before time is up.

4). Concentrate while taking the test. Read each problem, story or question carefully and remember the "test taking tips" that we reviewed in class.

GOOD LUCK !!!

week of February 23

ISAT testing March 3 - 5.

The ISAT test will test the 8th graders in the areas of reading, writing and math. Next week, in reading and language arts classes, we will review and practice writing persuasive essays and personal narrative. We will also focus on a writing an extended response to a give piece of reading material. In math, we will also be reviewing, including how to write an extended response answer.

week of February 2

In reading and language arts will be reading the story Flowers for Algernon and begin practicing for ISATs that are in March. In math we will be taking the Geometry test in two parts. Monday will cover sections 8.1 - 8.5 and Tuesday will cover 8.6-8.8. Students are allowed to have one notecard of notes (front only) for each day.

PACK THE PLACE is Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5. Come support the girls and boys basketball teams!!

week of january 19

In reading class we will be finishing The Outsiders. Overall, as expected, the students have really enjoyed reading this novel. The final test will be on Friday, January 23. In language arts on Monday we will be reviewing the format for a play. This will help the students prepare to write their own play in class. Students will work in groups to create a play which includes a character list, scene descriptions and an overall theme. Students will be given class time to work on their plays and presentation will begin later in the week of January 26. Students will be given a rubric and list of expectations on Tuesday, January 20.

Reminder....the Ball room dance will be on Friday, January 23 in the afternoon!

Happy 2009!

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful holiday season and was able to relax and enjoy some time with your family. In reading we are continuing to read The Outsiders and should finish in the next few weeks. In math the 8th graders took the test for Chapter 6. On Monday we will be beginning Chapter 8.... Geometry!!!!

Due to the snow day on the Friday before break, the Ballroom Dance has been rescheduled for Friday, January 23 in the afternoon. Also, on your calendars, mark down that graduation pictures for January 29.

week of December 15

The 8th grade has much to do before we begin the holiday break. In language arts on Monday we will finishing our last day of the 1960 debates. There is a science test as well as a math quiz on Wednesday. In reading on Friday we will be taking a quiz on chapters 1 -5 of The Outsiders. There is also quizzes in the encore classes. See the district website for the weekly test schedule.

The 8th graders have been learning how to ballroom dance is PE. They will be showing off their fancy footwork on Friday during the afternoon dance. Please make sure your child is nicely dress and the ladies are wearing comfortable shoes.

Have a nice weekend!!!

the week of November 24

This week is a short week due to Thanksgiving break. In language arts we will be continuing the 1960s unit. Students have watched documentaries and have learned much about the economy, politics and lifestyle of the 1960s. Next week we will be covering the year of 1968. A quiz on the information is on Thursday, December 4. After the quiz they students will start to prepare for the debates, which covers topics pertinent to the decade.

The Horse Derby is next Tuesday!!! The horses should be arriving soon and I'm sure all the participating teachers will be practicing to bring their team to victory! GO GREEN !!!!