week of October 24

In 2nd period math class, we are continuing to work on data and statistics in Chapter 3. There will be a quiz on sections 3 and 4 on Wednesday and a quest on Chapter 3 on Friday.

In RtI reading we began Unit 3 of the Inside Series. We will continue to learn about people in history that made a difference during the Civil Rights Movement such as Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall.

In RtI math, students are learning about the different strategies used in the problem solving method. Such methods are "Making a Table","Working Backwards," and "Finding Hidden Information."

week of October 10

In 2nd period math, will be reviewing the the Chapter 1 test that will be on Friday, October 14. On Wednesday, while the 8th graders are taking the Explore test, we will be reviewing some basic concepts that need reviewing. On Monday, October 17, we will begin Chapter 2 which covers frequency tables, bar graphs, and histograms.

In RtI math we will be focusing on Greatest Common Factor and reducing fractions.

RtI classes

This week in RtI reading we are continuing to read from the "Inside" series. Unit 2 of the series focuses on the elements of fiction....plot, character, and setting. In class we are continuing to test fluency and reading comprehension on a weekly basis.

In RtI math this week, the focus is long division with decimals, changing fractions into decimals, and scientific notation. Students will be taking a "Mad Minute" test (factors of 4). Next week will test factors of 5.

Instructional Math information

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year. My name is Lisa Schuyler and I will teaching 2nd period math. After a wonderful summer spent with my family, I am eager to start my twelfth year at Lakeview Jr. High.
To remain updated on the events in math class, please check my blog found on the district website (www.ccsd66.org). Information will be updated weekly. The topics we will be covering this year in class are decimals, fractions, measurement, problem solving, equations, and geometry.
Student's grades in math are composed of the following items:
Homework: Homework will be assigned on a daily bases. However if I feel the class needs further instruction on a new concept or skill, I will not assign homework. On assignments that cover new concepts students will receive completion points. Three points will be given when the assignment is completely finished. Assignments that are not complete will receive a zero. Review assignments will be taken as a grade. Missing work can be completed for a late grade as long as they handed in before the unit test. If your child does not understand the homework, they are highly encouraged to visit me in the morning.
Quizzes/Tests: Quizzes are given three to four times during a unit. Point values range from 20 to 40 points. Tests are usually given every four to five weeks. Point value range from 60 to 80 points. Partial credit is given on quizzes and tests based on the work the student shows. If your child receives a D or F on any test or quiz, corrections can be made to improve their grade. All corrections are due the day after they get their tests back.
ISAT Practice: We also use class time to prepare for the ISAT test. Problems will be in the form of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response.
Please review this information with your child. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at lschuyler@ccsd66. I will respond as soon as possible.
I am very excited to be working with you are your child this year!

Mrs. Lisa Schuyler

week of April 11

In first period language arts, we are continuing to work with direct quotes. The students practiced punctuating declarative, imperative and interrogative sentences with quotations. We also learned how to write quotations within dialogue which will be our focus next week. In third period reading, we are continuing to read "Taking Sides" by Gary Soto. They will be reviewing on Wednesday and Thursday. The quiz on chapters 1-8 will be on Friday. In 8th period math, we began our money unit. This week we reviewed identifying and adding coins. On Monday, will be finishing learning about the value of money. We will then continue or unit with budgeting, sales tax, price increase and working with interest.

Week of March 21

In 1st period language arts students will be using a critique sheet to check their character sketches. This essay follows the same format as the persuasive essay. The checklist ensures that the students have all the required components of the character sketch, that detail is included and that the student used correct grammar, punctuation, and grammar. After critiquing their own, they will peer edit a classmate's, then conference. Final drafts are due on Wednesday, March 23. On Tuesday, we will begin learning about quotations and how to use it correctly within our writing.

In 3rd period reading class, we will continue reading Taking Sides by Gary Soto. We will continue to learn new vocabulary while strengthening our inferencing skills and predicting skills. Students will also complete a character map of the characters we have met so far.

In 6th period RtI reading, we will continue doing activities that focus on inferencing skills. On Friday, the students are excited to play the spelling game Boggle.

In 8th period math, we have finished the fraction unit! This week we will learning about range, mean, median, and mode. After spring break we will begin the "money" unit.

week of March 7

ISAT testing has been completed! Thank you to all the students for their hard work while preparing during the weeks prior to the tests.

In 1st period language arts we will be continuing the writing process and will begin planning and writing a "Character Sketch." The "Character Sketch" involves the students writing about someone they admire and know very well. The essay follows the same format as the persuasive essay we completed a few weeks ago. In class, students will follow the same format. We will break the essay into parts and focus on one component at a time.

In 3rd period reading we will begin reading the novel "Taking Sides." We will begin the unit with prereading activities that will focus on ethnic diversity and social classes. Through out the story we will be reading as a group, independently and conduct literature circles. We will complete activities that focus on all elements of a story, vocabulary, and complete character analyses.