SOUTH AMERICA BROCHURES - Most students completed this project last week. Students were given computer lab time AND were offered additional time on Friday to work in the classroom. Students who have not yet finished will be offered time in the classroom this week as well. Students were told to use the rubric to check their work before submitting their completed brochures. This project counts as a project grade for LA and SS.
Week of 6/1/09 - Food supplies should be given to Mrs. Lusk. Craft supplies should be given to Ms. Woodcock.
In Language Arts, we will continue to read REGARDING THE FOUNTAIN. We will do an in-class culminating group activity/assessment after we have finished the novel.
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South America Day is June 9. A flyer went home regarding some needs we have for food/drink and craft supplies. I am doing the craft and am requesting yarn (preferably in bright colors). I would like to have the supplies early next week, if possible. Thank you!
Week of 5/26/09
We are in the computer lab this week working on South America brochures. The completed brochure counts as a project grade in both LA and SS. Students who are out for EOG retesting will be permitted extra time to complete the project. We will return to reading REGARDING THE FOUNTAIN next week.
As requested...here is the EOG sample test questions site.
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/eog/sampleitems/reading
PARENTS - WE STILL NEED PROCTORS FOR EOG WEEK. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, EMAIL ME AND I WILL PUT YOU IN TOUCH WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE. THANK YOU!
ALSO, IF YOU HAVE CRAYONS AND COLORING BOOKS THAT YOU CAN DONATE TO THE CLASS, PLEASE SEND IN ON MONDAY. AFTER EOGs ARE COMPLETED, WE MUST REMAIN IN THE ROOM AND QUIET UNTIL OTHER CLASSES ARE FINISHED TESTING. WE WILL PROVIDE FUN WORKSHEETS, BUT IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT COLORING IS SOMETHING THAT STUDENTS ENJOY DOING IN THE DOWN TIME AS WELL. PLEASE SEND SUPPLIES TO EITHER MS. LYNA OR ME AS MRS. LUSK WILL BE TESTING 8TH GRADERS NEXT WEEK. THANKS!
Homework week of 5/11/09
Monday - All Cores - "What Are Literary Elements?" WS
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
EOG Ex #1-3 Core 1 Core 2 Core 3
EOG Ex #4,6,7 Core 2 Core 3 Core 1
EOG Ex #9,10 Core 3 Core 1 Core 2
Week of 5/11/09
No vocabulary quizzes this week. We will spend part of the period each day prepping for EOG and part of the period reading the novel REGARDING THE FOUNTAIN. We have been working out of an EOG test prep book and taking EOG-style Blue Diamond tests throughout the year, especially since the end of 3rd quarter. Ms. Eason, our 6th grade guidance counselor, will meet with the Stingrays on Thursday to review test taking skills.
5/4/09
Students received an EOG literary vocabulary list today. All LA cores will be tested on their knowledge of the definitions and the ability to use or recognize the terms. In addition, Core 2 will be tested on the spelling of these literary terms. The quiz will occur on Friday. Homework for Monday and Tuesday is to create flashcards of the terms and their definitions. During class on Wednesday and Thursday we will create examples and play a game using the examples created by students.
CLASSROOM NEED/REQUEST
I am encouraging students to be more proactive with their health, which includes sanitizing their hands after blowing their noses and sanitizing before lunch. However, I do not have any hand sanitizer in my room at this time. If you are able, please send in hand sanitizer next week. I am certain that the other Stingray teachers would appreciate this help as well. Let's stay healthy!
Week of April 27
Normal vocabulary assignments this week with quiz on Friday.
Poetry Unit test on Thursday for Core 2 and Friday for Cores 1 & 3.
Poetry Book project due on Wednesday.
Vocabulary homework is listed first. Go to poetry homework section for a continuation of this week's assignments.
Cores 1 & 3: Lesson 3 vocabulary packet
Monday: A/B
Tuesday: C/D/E
Wednesday: F
Thursday: study for Lesson 3 quiz (possibly a bonus assignment as well)
Friday: Lesson 3 quiz (no homework)
Core 2: Lesson 22 vocabulary packet
Monday: A/B/C (only page 111)
Tuesday: C (pg. 112)/D/E
Wednesday: F (take comprehension vocabulary quiz tomorrow)
Thursday: comprehension quiz today; study for Lesson 22 vocabulary quiz
Friday: Lesson 22 quiz (no homework)
Poetry Homework (all cores)
Monday - diamonte poem
http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/diamante/
This site has a creation page that will help create a diamonte.
Examples and class time were provided as well.
Tuesday - couplet poem
Wednesday - months poem
Thursday - shape poem
Friday - double verse poem (sample to be provided in class)
POETRY BOOK IS DUE 4/29/09. THERE IS A SPECIFIC FORMAT TO FOLLOW FOR THE BOOK, WHICH WAS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS.
No regular vocabulary HW this week; however, we will have poetry terms vocabulary.
A poetry book assignment will be handed out on Tuesday. Poetry rough drafts will be written in class, but it will be necessary to do final copies at home. A new poetry style will be introduced each day, with the last one being introduced on 4/27. POETRY BOOKS ARE DUE ON 4/29. Poetry must be completed on unlined paper. Unlined (copy) paper is available upon student request.
Important Dates
4/20/09 – Poetry terms vocabulary quiz
4/29/09 – Poetry Book project due
4/30/09 – National Poem-in-Your-Pocket Day. Each student will need to have in his/her possession a written copy of a poem (not from our textbook). Each student will recite a portion of his/her poem during class on this day.
Poetry Terms Vocabulary
stanza
end rhyme
couplet
rhyme
rhyme scheme
quatrain
imagery
figurative language
mood
tone
prose
narrative
free verse
alliteration
pun
hyperbole
simile
metaphor
onomatopoeia
personification
symbol
repetition
IF YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE HERE ON FRIDAY DUE TO VACATION PLANS, MAKE CERTAIN THAT HE/SHE TAKES THE VOCABULARY QUIZ PRIOR TO THAT TIME.
Parents of Core 1 and Core 3 students: Please remind your child to bring his/her book on Monday for Book Talks. Students who do not present on Monday will also need to bring their books on Tuesday.
Cores 1 & 3:
Homework for week (Lesson 2 vocabulary)
Mon - Sections A/B
Tue - Sections C/D
Wed - Section E
Thu - write each word 5 times (test on Friday)
Fri - no homework
Core 2:
Homework for week (Lesson 21 vocabulary)
Mon - Sections A/B/C
Tue - Sections D/E
Wed - Section F
Thu - study for test
Fri - no homework
**Dear Parents - There were 3 new books in my mailbox this morning, but the gift notice telling me who bought them was not included. If it was you, please let me know. Thank you!**
CLASSROOM BOOK COLLECTION LOW - PLEASE SEND GENTLY USED BOOKS.
Dear Parents, our classroom book collection is low. If you have books that you would like to donate, please send in with your child or leave for me in the office. I have also made some book fair requests for books ranging from $2.00 to $9.99 if you are able to purchase a new book for the classroom. Thank you!
Cores 1 & 3 Parents: Students will now have 15 words per week (10 for modified) and will complete a homework packet, one page per day. We are moving from comprehension to application, so students may need help with their homework packets. Homework will be graded daily, so no make ups are allowed unless a student is absent.
Cores 1 & 3 have been reading daily in the classroom. Each student must have a book at his/her desk for daily use. This week at home, students should prepare to give a "booktalk" about a book they have recently read or that they are currently finishing up. Students will receive an assignment sheet and rubric on Monday and will present booktalks beginning next Monday (3/30). The booktalk counts as a test grade.
Core 2 Parents: Please remember to send in either a 2-liter drink or a package of cookies on Monday for Multigenre Madness (Tuesday 6:30-7:30). All advanced LA students must attend. Thank you!
Core 2 students will test on vocabulary weeks 1-6 on Tuesday. This test will consist of matching vocabulary from previous units with the accompanying definitions.
3/12/09
Supplies update for 3/17 learning experience: so far we have
2 boxes of Lucky Charms
paper plates
cups
(Please see 3/11 note if you are able to send in supplies.)
Reminder: Cores 1 & 3 have a dialogue quiz tomorrow and the dialogue story (final copy) is due.
Core 2 needs to begin bringing in snack/drink supplies for the multigenre madness night. Supplies are being divided as follows: A - L (last name) bring one box/bag of store bought cookies. M - Z (last name) bring a two-liter bottle of soda. Thanks!
3/11/09 IMPORTANT MESSAGE followed by today's homework assignments.
We will have a Saint Patrick's Day learning experience on 3/17 during social studies. Parents, we need your assistance with a few items:
We need the following supplies:
two working compasses to help us follow the map to the treasure
white PAPER plates (60 of them)
streamers (bright "rainbowish" colors)
60 gold-foil covered chocolate coins (can be split between several parents)
Irish jig music (or traditional tunes) on CD
Lucky Charms (or similar)
Cheese Nips or Cheeze'Its (or similar)
Sprite (or similar, non-caff. and clear)
gallon of water
cups (medium-ish)
paper towels (2 rolls)
That's it. Thanks! Homework follows:
Cores 1 & 3 write rough draft of dialogue story. Final copy due Friday. Dialogue quiz on Friday.
Core 2 continue working on MG project. Purchase binder, tri-fold.
3/10/09
Cores 1 & 3 received "OWL" WS as homework. Title includes the word "OWL," but the homework consists of 10 sentences that need quotation marks added in the correct place.
Core 2 received essay grades and conferences today (except for 4 students).
Week of 3/9/09
Cores 1 & 3:
Vocabulary quiz on Tuesday. Week 19's vocab homework due. We will continue working on dialogue this week. There will be a quiz on Friday and a test next Monday or Tuesday. A dialogue writing assignment will be made on Wednesday that is due on Friday.
Core 3 reprints of progress reports went home today. Only students who have did not turn in a signed interim need to have these signed. It is simply an update for all others.
Core 1 reprints of progress reports have been run and will be distributed tomorrow.
Core 2:
Students should begin gathering supplies for MG project: 1" binder, tri-fold board, "visual" of choice
Students will continue working on poems this week in the classroom and at home. We will be in the computer lab two days this week. MG essays will be returned on Tuesday or Wednesday. However, I will need to keep the hard copy in each student's writing folder. MG essays count as a test grade. No "redos" are allowed as a significant amount of time has already gone into editing these drafts and grading the final copy.
3/5 update
Core 2 received updated progress reports today. These reports note all work turned in up to yesterday.
3/4/09 update
All classes received vocabulary lists today. Monday's homework is now Wednesday's homework. The vocabulary quiz will take place on Tuesday.
I have entered additional grades and updated missing work that has come in since the progress reports. I will be printing a copy for students and will notify you through SchoolNotes once students have received this copy. I am not requiring your signature on the updated copies.
Week of 3/2/09
Monday - school closed
Tuesday - I will be out for jury duty on Tuesday. Therefore, I am going to wait until Wednesday to distribute the vocabulary lists for the week. All assignments will be "off" by two day. In other words, Monday's assignment will be Wednesday's assignment, etc. This also means that the vocabulary test will be on Tuesday of next week.
Core 2 (advanced) will begin the second part of the multigenre project this week. (Because I am not here on Tuesday, students will need to hold their completed essays until WEDNESDAY.)
Cores 1 & 3 will focus on using dialogue in writing this week. We will change cartoon strip bubbles into paragraph dialogue for one of the days. At the end of this unit, students will produce a dialogue essay for a test grade.
Week of 2/23/09
Cores 1 and 3 - vocabulary/reading log as usual. We will begin using the SHARPEN UP EOG practice materials this week. A media center circulation visit is scheduled for Tuesday.
NUMBER THE STARS TEST ON TUESDAY
WEEK 18 VOCAB QUIZ ON FRIDAY
READING LOG DUE ON FRIDAY FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE MISSED A WEEK
VOCABULARY HW DUE ON FRIDAY FOR ALL
Core 2 - this week's list will include 15 words, but you will not need to memorize the definitions. The format is very different from past lists as it includes daily worksheets that involve synonyms, antonyms, fill-in-the-blanks, rhymes, and true/false. There will be two quizzes with this format (this week): Thursday - comprehension (fill-in-the-blank) and Friday - spelling/definitions.
MULTIGENRE DRAFT #2 DUE MONDAY
MEDIA CENTER CIRCULATION VISIT ON TUESDAY
COMPREHENSION VOCAB QUIZ ON THURSDAY
SPELLING/DEFINITIONS VOCAB QUIZ ON FRIDAY
Vocabulary homework - each core will complete the normal vocabulary assignments and will test on Friday of this week.
Reading log - each core will read nightly and complete the reading log nightly. The logs will be turned in on Friday. I have been asked if it is okay to use loose leaf paper instead of the log, and the answer is yes. Please include date, number of pages read, the title of the book, and a brief summary or reflection. Each student "should" complete at least one reflection each week, which is not only more interesting to write, but is definitely more interesting to read. Reflections range from questions for the author, personal connections, predictions, to something more lofty such as a brief literary analysis of the book or the selection read that day. If a student misses a night's reading, (s)he should read longer and complete a longer summary or reflection for the following day's entry. (If using the reading log, fill in the space for two day's logs.)
NUMBER THE STARS - cores 1 and 3 will continue reading and completing enrichment/analysis/comprehension assignments for each day's reading.
MULTIGENRE RESEARCH PAPER - essays will be returned to core 2 students on Monday. Most essays look very good! Please ask to see your child's essay, complete with my comments, to determine how to help your child be successful with this assignment. We will visit the computer lab two days this week for additional research and typing time. Unfinished typing/research will be completed from home. The second draft requires additional research as well as revisions and is due on February 23.
2/10/09 Update
Dr. Brooks will be joining the Core 2 (advanced) class each Friday until further notice for enrichment activities.
Week of 2/9/09
All Cores: Students who have not completed the problem-solution paper (past due) will have silent lunch every day until this project has been completed. If a student is in the advanced class and has not turned it in by the end of this week, the grade will be zero, and a parent-teacher conference will be called.
Cores 1 & 3 will complete Week 16 vocabulary assignments and turn them in on Friday. A reading log should be completed nightly, signed, and turned in on Friday. We will continue reading the novel NUMBER THE STARS and completing enrichment activities.
Core 2 will complete the assigned (modified) vocabulary assignments and turn them in on Friday. A reading log should be complete nightly, signed, and turned in on Friday. THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE MULTIGENRE PROJECT IS DUE ON WEDNESDAY! DO NOT MISS THIS DEADLINE!
Weekend update:
All students should be reading nightly and having a parent sign the reading log. Reading logs are due every Friday through the end of February.
Core 2: Pocket folders MUST be brought to every class. We will begin visiting the computer lab on Tuesday. A flash drive or floppy disk is necessary to save data.
Beginning Monday, we will use class time to write the research paper. Research (books/notes) should be brought to class each day.
Week of 1/27/09
All cores:
Vocabulary homework:
Tuesday - context sentences/pics OR write each word ten times. (Students with modified assignments: get parent to sign practice test taken at home.)
Wednesday - study for vocabulary quiz
Thursday - vocabulary quiz
All cores:
Problem-Solution Paper: final copy due Friday
Reading Log: read nightly/record on log; logs due Friday
Cores 1 and 3 - Students are finishing up the problem-solution paper in class Tuesday and Wednesday. Final copies are due on Friday. We will begin NUMBER THE STARS Thursday or Friday.
Core 2 - Each student should have apocket folder with closure in order to keep up with multigenre papers. Mrs. Cassidy will be in our classroom on Tuesday and Thursday of this week for notetaking instruction. "Part I" instructions and rubric were handed out on 1/27. Dr. Brooks (AG coordinator) is tentatively scheduled for this Friday for an enrichment activity.
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Core 2 Announcement: Students will benefit from having a flash drive by January 27 in order to save and transfer research work between home and school. Students should save all work in multiple locations: school hard drive, home hard drive, and flash drive. Students will also need to have a pocket folder with closure capability. I purchased one today from Target in the dollar section at the front of the store. It has a rubberband-type closure and multiple file pockets.
Week of 1/20-1/23
Core 2: turn in research topic permission slip
All cores: continue to read and complete the reading log (signed by parent on a daily basis) through the end of February.
Due to a short week this and next week, I will distribute Week 14 vocabulary on our first day back from the break, but the vocabulary quiz will be on that same day the next week.
All cores are currently working on problem-solution essays in class. The final copy will be due on or about Tuesday, 1/27.
Core 2 will begin the multigenre project the week of 1/27. Mrs. Cassidy (media specialist) will train the class in a variety of research methods and citing of works.
Cores 1 & 3 will begin NUMBER THE STARS the week of 1/27.
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1/15/09 All cores
Vocabulary Week 13 homework due tomorrow. Week 13 quiz tomorrow. Reading log due tomorrow. Continue reading over the weekend and complete "weekend" reading log entry for Friday-Sunday.
1/14/09
Update for Core 2 advanced students only:
Information went home this week for the multigenre project (MGP). Parents and students should read over the topic lists and MGP letter this weekend. After choosing a topic, parent(s) will need to list the topic on the parent letter and sign the permission line, indicating that parent is aware of what topic his/her child has chosen. I would like these turned in by Monday. (Keep the letter and simply cut off the permission part of the letter. Students will turn in permission portion along with topic lists.)
If you are curious about multigenre projects, there are a number of web sites out there that you can find through a Google search. We will only discuss one portion of the assignment at a time, as I don't want students to feel overwhelmed.
**NOTE TO STUDENTS IN OTHER LA CORE CLASSES**
We will be reading NUMBER THE STARS (WWII historical fiction novel) while the advanced class is working on the multigenre project.)
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Week of 1/12/09
Vocabulary homework this week - same as usual
Reading Log - Students should have begun using the reading log that went home last week over the weekend. Reading logs run Weekend - Thursday and are turned in on Thursday.
Stingray News 1/9/09
Instead of receiving "lunch bunch" as a 10-star incentive, students will now receive a pencil for 10 stars.
Parents, many students have not been coming to class with the necessary supplies for each day. Therefore, students who do not bring a pencil to class will be lent a pencil, but they will receive one strike for each time this occurs. Three strikes = silent lunch.
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Heads Up!
Two notes: I am still posting missing work notices in the classroom for the students, but I am not (at this time) sending out individual messages as I had been doing to notify parents.
Yearbooks are on sale now. To pre-order a yearbook (delivered at the end of the school year), see me for a form to mail in or log on to www.smart-pay.com. Go to option to "find school," "North Carolina," "Raleigh," and "Dillard Drive MS."
Pricing
Yearbook $25.00
Name Stamping $5.34
Icons $5.34
Since I was out on Tuesday, I checked for signatures on the reading log today. A number of students did not have this assignment. If you have not seen the reading log letter, please ask your child about it.
Thanks!
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Week of January 8, 2009
Monday - flash cards or T-chart AND have the home reading log LETTER signed.
Tuesday - user-friendly definitions
Wednesday - Context sentences or pictures
Thursday - Study for vocabulary quiz
Friday - Weekend Reading and log completion
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**Replacement Quiz Grade(s) Opportunity**
During the RIFKA unit, your child took 6-7 quizzes based on each night's reading. I am dropping the lowest grade, but for students who did not read each night, that still leaves quite a few zero quiz grades. Therefore, I am offering the option of completing alternate assignments over the holiday break. This is OPTIONAL and is intended for students who did not keep up with the reading or who scored poorly during the unit. (If your child is not certain whether he/she needs the alternate assignment, please email me over the break. I need to record 3 more sets of quiz grades before I have a final calculation. We went over each quiz in class, so your child "should" know how well he/she did.
For each extra credit assignment completed below, I will give a grade based upon the quality of response to the assignment. Students may complete UP TO FIVE replacement assignments, and the grade for each assignment will be applied in place of the zero or low quiz score from the RIFKA unit.
1. Pretend you are Tovah and have received the PUSHKIN book with Rifka's letters. Choose three of those letters and respond to Rifka with three of your own letters. (In other words, write one letter response for each of Rifka's letters.) YOU MAY COMPLETE THIS ASSIGNMENT UP TO THREE TIMES. WHEN RESPONDING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE DATE OF RIFKA'S LETTER TO WHICH YOU ARE RESPONDING.
2. Create a quiz for four letters from RIFKA. Write two questions per letter. For each question, list the date of the letter from which you are basing your questions. You will need to provide the answers to the questions in order to receive credit. YOU MAY COMPLETE THIS ASSIGNMENT UP TO THREE TIMES.
3. Read two "Connected Readings" (found in the back of the novel) and summarize those two readings. YOU MAY COMPLETE THIS ASSIGNMENT ONLY TWO TIMES.
Remember, the assignment is not an automatic "100." Your grade is based upon how well you completed the assignment.
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12/16 Update for the rest of the week's homework
Tuesday - All cores read RIFKA letters October 9, 11, and 14. In addition, core 2 students should read the connected reading on pages 113-115.
Wednesday - All cores read RIFKA letters October 21 and 22. Cores 1 and 3 students will write a response as to why they did/did not like this book. Core 2 students will read some of the selections in “Holding Onto My Cultural Identity,” pages 145-151 and write a response to "What part of your culture you would 'hold onto' if you went to another country, and how you would do so?"
Thursday - Read the pros/cons debate on immigration today and come prepared to discuss.
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Monday 12/15 Homework
No vocabulary homework this week.
All cores: Read RIFKA letters October 2 and October 7.
All cores: Finish RIFKA main events comic.
Core 2: If you did not turn in your essay today, turn it in tomorrow (5-point penalty per day, unless excused due to illness).
PARENTS - Vocabulary homework missing for weeks 10 and 11 was posted today in the classroom.
Core 1: no reading
Core 2: Read RIFKA letters Dec. 1, Feb. 25, and Mar 17
Core 3: Read RIFKA letters Sep. 14, Sep. 16, Sep. 21, and Oct. 1 (We are reading these sections aloud today in class, but students should finish the reading if we do not finish in class.)
Wednesday 12/10 Homework
All cores: context sentences and/or pics
Core 1: Read RIFKA letters: Sept 14, Sept 21, Oct 1
Core 2: Rough Draft #2 due (SAVE ALL DRAFTS!!!)
Core 3: Read RIFKA letters: Mar 17, July 29
PM update Core 3 is not reading Feb. 25 letter. Instead, students are finishing their drawings of characters from RIFKA and writing details about those characters or the actions of the characters.
Tuesday 12/9 -- Homework
All cores: user-friendly definitions
Cores 1 & 3: LETTERS FROM RIFKA: Read December 1 and February 25 letters. Quiz on reading.
Core 2: LETTERS FROM RIFKA: Read September 3, October 5, and November 3 letters. Quiz on reading. Also, next essay revision is due on Thursday.
Update Fri. 12/5
Cores 1 and 3 - read p. 18 to 29 (school copy) or p. 21-40 (personal copies). (Stop prior to reading the November 30 letter.) We read in class today, so some students may have read most of this assignment.
Update Thu. 12/4
All cores studying for Week 10 vocabulary quiz.
Core 2 (advanced) working on rough draft of essay, due Tuesday 12/9.
Cores 1 and 3 - read p. 15-17 in LETTERS FROM RIFKA
Our focus this week is on a review of literary elements and an introduction to non-fiction. Cores 1 and 3 will check out LETTERS FROM RIFKA this week. Core 2 (advanced) was given a writing assignment and will not check out LETTERS FROM RIFKA until December 12. Thank you parents for all of your help with providing copies of this novel for our students. This novel is historically based around events during WWI, which is our next social studies unit. We will also learn about Ellis Island and discuss elements of past immigration compared to immigration today. I am looking forward to this unit! It is important to note that most of the reading will be assigned as out-of-class reading (homework). There will be daily quizzes covering the material assigned the night before so that I can be sure students are reading the material. We will also discuss material each day in class. By reading the novel outside of class, we are freed up to do more enrichment activities during class.
Core 2 (advanced) was assigned to write an essay comparing the main characters from two different novels. Students received copies of the assignment and we went over details in class. The first draft is due 12/9. The second draft is due 12/11. The final typed copy is due on Monday, 12/15.
Homework for Week of December 1, 2008:
Monday - flashcards or t-chart (week 10 vocab.)
Tuesday - user-friendly definitions
Wednesday - context sentences or pics (Please remember to write the word when drawing pics!)
Thursday - study for quiz. (Cores 1 & 3 may have reading this night. I will update on Thursday.)
Friday - Core 2 - continue working on essay. Cores 1 & 3 will have a LETTERS FROM RIFKA reading assignment.
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Nov. 24/25 - No homework this week. We will be reading about Thanksgiving perspectives and writing journal entries over these two days.
Dear Parents,
Our next classroom-assigned novel is LETTERS FROM RIFKA by Karen Hesse. The media center is able to provide us with 50 copies. Three parents have volunteered to provide their children with copies, and I need 7 more copies in order for each student to have a copy. If you are able to provide a copy of this novel for your child's use, will you please notify me by email? You can use the SchoolNotes link from this page.
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NEW QUARTER MAKE-UP WORK POLICY
NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED ONCE IT IS MORE THAN ONE WEEK LATE. SINCE I GRADE OVER THE WEEKEND, YOU MAY EMAIL ME ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S HOMEWORK STATUS ON MONDAY OF EACH WEEK. As an extra measure, I will also post (in the classroom) the first names of students who are missing homework after each weekend. Posts will include name of assignment and the last date that the assignment may be turned in for a grade.
Week of 11/17/08
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All cores will complete homework for week 9 vocabulary (normal routine). All cores will take THE LIGHTNING THIEF test on Thursday EXCEPT for students who are exempted based on an exemplary grade on the LT journal summaries.
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SCHEDULE FOR CORES 1 & 3 week of 11/17/08
Monday - receive instruction and rubric for argumentative/evaluative letter. Study guide and LT books to be checked out to students taking the LT test on Thursday.
Tuesday - LT warm-up letters returned. ARG/EVAL letter writing process begins. Letters are due on Friday but will be accepted without penalty until Monday. Homework: finish first draft tonight!
Wednesday - Peer editing and rewriting of ARG/EVAL letter.
Thursday - LT test today! Students who are not taking the test may work on final copy of ARG/EVAL letter during this time.
Friday - Week 9 vocabulary homework due. Week 9 vocabulary quiz today. Play LT games created by Core 2 students.
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SCHEDULE FOR CORE 2 week of 11/17/08
Monday-Wednesday: work on LT games per instructions/rubric handed out last week. May require work at home. Games due beginning of class on Thursday.
Thursday - play LT games (LT Test for some students.)
Friday - Week 9 vocabulary homework due. Week 9 vocabulary quiz today. Begin writing process for ARG/EVAL letter.
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Week of 11/10/08
HOMEWORK: vocabulary week 8 (the norm)
NOTE - even though we are out on Tuesday, students are expected to complete Tuesday's homework as outlined in the requirements for each week's vocabulary.
LIGHTNING THIEF - We expect to finish LT this week. Core 2 will begin a project immediately upon completion. Students who did not receive a passing grade on their journals will take a test after completing a study guide.
Cores 1 & 3 students will complete a writing assignment upon finishing LT. Students who not receive a passing grade on their journals will take the LT test after completing a study guide. AFTER EACH CORE has completed the above, we will flip flop with Core 2 completing a writing assignment and Cores 1 & 3 completing a project. Assignment letters, samples, and rubrics will be distributed.
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Week of 11/05/08 (short week)
No vocabulary homework this week.
For warm up on Wednesday and Thursday, we will correct paragraphs using proofreading marks. Homework is to handwrite these paragraphs in the corrected form. Work should be double-spaced, which means to leave a blank line in between each handwritten line. This work is due on Friday.
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Week of 10/27/08
Core 2 projects due on Thursday.
Week 7 vocabulary words were distributed today. Vocabulary homework (the norm) due on Friday.
Week of 10/20/08
Announcements:
ALL MAKE UP WORK AND MAKE UP QUIZZES MUST BE TURNED IN (OR TAKEN) BY FRIDAY. NO LATE/MISSING WORK AFTER FRIDAY. IF YOU ARE ABSENT THAT DAY, SOMEONE WILL NEED TO BRING YOUR MAKE UP WORK IN FOR YOU.
Week 6 vocabulary quiz on Friday
Quarter 1 Grammar Test on Friday
Core 2 (advanced) projects due 10/30/08
Homework week of 10/20/08
Monday - flash cards or t-chart (collected on Friday) AND Quarter 1 Grammar Review (due Wednesday)
Tuesday - write "user-friendly" definitions (collected on Friday) AND Q1 Grammar Review due tomorrow
Wednesday - Write context sentences or draw pics for week 6 vocabulary (collected on Friday)
Thursday - Week 6 vocab homework due tomorrow AND week 6 vocab quiz tomorrow AND quarter 1 grammar test tomorrow
10/14 update
Core 1 summary checks go home tonight. Please sign and have your child return for a homework grade.
I will not be doing any more summary checks, but if your child was missing most of (or all of) the summaries for chapters 1-8, he/she will likely continue to not complete or lose those summaries. My goal was to give students an easier way to make an "A" on this unit assessment.
At the end of the LT unit, students who have the summaries ready to turn in for a grade will still be given that option. However, students who do not have summaries ready for grading will be given a standard unit test that covers all 22 chapters. If I feel that a student could not make at least a "C" on his/her summaries, that student must take the unit test.
On the day of the test, which will likely take all of the period, students who turn in their summaries for a grade will be given options based on how many students are testing at that time. (For instance, some students might be able to play board games while others are testing.) I am hoping that this extra incentive will help students be more productive with the class time alloted to complete the summaries after each chapter.
Week of 10/13/08
This weekend I went through the huge stack of make-up work that was turned in after interims went out. I also graded recent assignments. Therefore, I am going to print new progress reports, probably on Thursday, after I have entered these grades electronically.
Homework for this week is standard (M-W per vocab instruction letter) for Week 5 vocabulary. In addition, students from cores 2 & 3 will need to have "summary checks" signed by a parent tonight (Monday) and students from core 1 will need to have the "summary check" sheet signed on Tuesday.
Updated progress reports (interims) will go home around Thursday. These should be signed by parents and returned as a homework grade.
Core 2 (advanced) students should continue working on the genre project, which is due October 30.
Greek Day is Wednesday.
Note from Ms. W. 10/8/08
Just a reminder to students and parents that the RAFT project letter is due on Monday. Instructions were given. A sample letter showing the format was reviewed and given to students to serve as an example. And, we discussed ideas in class. All LA classes have been given multiple opportunities to ask questions and receive clarification. At this point, many head-nods have indicated, "Yes, Ms. Woodcock. We understand what you expect. Yes, we understand what to do."
(Psst! Parents...how about asking your child if he/she understands what he/she is supposed to do for this project. Thanks!)
Thursday, 10/9/08
By Monday, all LA classes will have had a peer "summary check" to ensure that students are keeping up with summaries and that summary quality is acceptable. Summaries Checks will come home for parent signature.
Week of 10/06/08
Vocabulary Homework: Since this is a short week, we will have only two days of vocabulary homework, and there will be no quiz this week. Vocabulary homework consists of a worksheet (front/back) focused on the prefix "dis."
R-A-F-T mini project: Students were assigned a letter project today. Although they received detailed information, the gist of it is written here for your benefit. This project is due on Monday, 10/13.
R(ole) god/goddess of choice
A(udience) another god/goddess of choice
F(ormat) letter
T(opic) How might gods/goddesses living in the United States have influenced events? What does your chosen god/goddess think about the people of the US?
Students are to write a letter using friendly letter format (given guidelines in class Monday; practiced as a warm-up on Tuesday). This letter is from a g/g of choice and is to a g/g of choice. The letter should be written from the perspective of the g/g chosen.
In class we brainstormed ideas of events that really happened or could happen that could be attributed to a g/g. For instance, one student recalled the bells used to notify the graveyard keeper that someone had been buried alive by accident. She imagined that Hades invented that idea because the underworld was getting too crowded. In another class we talked about whether the gods would be happy with how we treat the earth or how we treat our fellow man. From the conversations generated, I'm guessing this will be an interesting and creative assignment for many.
Advanced LA students should continue working on the genre project, which is due October 30.
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10/1/08 update to week's announcements
I am discovering at least one loose leaf summary per day, minus a name. So, let me stress once more, these summaries count for a unit test grade. As of today, students should have four summaries. Please check your child's LA binder (writing/literacy section) to ensure that he/she has these summaries. Core 2 (advanced) will have only a partial summary for today (chapter 4) as they are working on another journal writing ("What is a hero?") to accompany this day's writing.
In addition, core 2 students have a book report and project due the end of the month. Students will receive details tomorrow in class.
Week of 9/29/08
We are all very excited to have begun the much anticipated THE LIGHTNING THIEF! While we are reading this novel, I anticipate homework to be fairly standard for each week. We will continue to have nightly vocabulary homework (refer to vocabulary procedures letter for clarification) and vocabulary quizzes on Friday. Our daily grammar lesson will occur in the form of warm ups. We will continue to use Wake County's focus lessons and take Blue Diamond tests during this unit as well. Other than that, the daily classroom focus will be on THE LIGHTNING THIEF.
VERY IMPORTANT!
In place of an end-of-unit test, students are writing chapter summaries in their writing journals. I will collect these chapter summaries at the end of the novel and count these summaries as a test grade. Parents, if you know your child does not have a writing journal and is prone to losing loose pages, it would be a great idea to either purchase a spiral notebook or keep those loose leaf summaries at home in a safe place. Twenty-two chapters is a lot to keep up with!
The Core 2 (advanced) LA class can anticipate having an out-of-class reading project each month, beginning with October. After discussing details with this class, I have chosen "science fiction" as our first genre. We have already covered this topic in a focus lesson, and students have written a science fiction short story for the writing folder.
Parents, thank you for all of your hard work at home! It will really pay off in the end! Please remind your child that missing assignments need to be turned in as quickly as possible to avoid further penalty.
Take care!
Ms. W.
Friday 9/26/08
No homework. Have a great weekend!
Thursday 9/25/08
Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz!
Wednesday 9/24/08
Vocabulary assignment for Wednesday (per letter)
(HINT: context sentences/pics)
Students who plan to use their own copies of LIGHTNING THIEF should begin bringing those copies tomorrow.
Tuesday 9/23/08
LA homework - Tuesday's vocabulary HW (see letter for clarification)
All students must turn in their enrichment forms to their homeroom teachers by Friday or a class will be chosen for them.
Monday 9/22/08
LA homework - WS on 4-types of sentences (edHelper) AND Monday's vocab assignment (flash cards or T-chart)
Friday 9/19/08
Today we visited the computer lab and completed research on a Greek monster. On Monday we will use this information to create posters for our room.
No LA homework this weekend, but we will check Thursday's homework on Monday morning.
Thursday 9/18/08
GWB p. 69/70 (Four Kinds of Sentences)
Also, core 2 students should use the websites provided during class to do preliminary research on the monster assigned (or traded for) during class today. Formal research will occur in the computer lab tomorrow.
Homework
Week Two Vocab - complete Tuesday assignment. (Definitions in your own words)
You will turn in flash cards/T-Chart, Tues, and Wed vocab work on Thursday.
Quiz is Thursday.
GWB page 18 Linking Verbs (reverse side of yesterday's homework)
Book Fair
Scholastic Books Warehouse ran out of copies of THE LIGHTNING THIEF. Students should let me know if they would like a copy "ordered" in case it is available prior to our reading this novel. Last year's parents purchased a classroom set for me, so I have enough to use in the classroom.
Monday 9/15/08
Note from Ms. Woodcock:
* If you are interested in purchasing a classroom copy (or a copy specifically for your child) of THE LIGHTNING THIEF, please send in $4.99 to the Book Fair. We will begin reading this book in class around 9/25/08.
* As of this morning, I have 17 students who will have silent lunch tomorrow because they have not gotten a parent to sign the week one vocabulary quiz and show it to me. (Students have retained the actual quiz so as to make corrections.)
LA homework:
1. Students who plan to purchase books at the Book Fair should bring their money to school tomorrow. There will also be another opportunity to get a pass and go during lunch this week.
2. Finish GWB p. 17 (began in class) Linking Verbs
3. Create flash cards OR a T-chart (provided)TONIGHT for week 2 words. The definitions can be a shortened version, as long as it makes sense to you.
ON THURSDAY we will have a week 2 vocabulary quiz AND turn in week 2 homework (Tues/Wed assignments. See vocab. letter for further direction)
Friday AM 9/12/08
Homework: have vocabulary week one quiz signed (if not already done). Silent lunch if not signed by Tuesday. Vocab. corrections due Thursday. Quiz for week two vocab. on Thursday.
PARENTS: I have an ongoing need for news magazines in my classroom. If any of you subscribe to TIME, NEWSWEEK, etc., could you pass along your copies after you have read them? Thanks!
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Thursday PM update - scroll down for first message
All students except for L.H. received their week one vocab quizzes today.
ALL QUIZZES SHOULD BE SIGNED AND RETURNED.
Students should plan to make corrections to receive half credit for missed answers. Complete as follows:
MISSPELLED WORD: WRITE WORD CORRECTLY 7 TIMES
WRONG DEFINITION IDENTIFICATION: WRITE WORD AND CORRECT DEFINITION TWICE
Thursday 9/10/09
Homework
Complete action verb GWB pages 15/16
Practice spelling of vocabulary words and have parents sign your vocabulary sheet to show that you completed this assignment. Parents - if your child does not have his/her vocabulary words and definitions, this is a "red flag."
Notes
Speaking of "red flag," I have finished grading the week one vocabulary quizzes. I will need to record these grades prior to returning quizzes to students. Students had a four-day week plus a weekend to study these words and definitions. Cores 1 & 3 only had five vocabulary words and Core 2 had ten vocabulary words. Some students did well (80 or above), while some did very poorly. Therefore, with the week two vocabulary words, we will spend a couple of more days with these words to ensure improvements in our next quiz grades. This will also give me time to return the quizzes (hopefully on Friday) and to have parents view, sign, and return the week one quizzes.
Thanks for all you do at home to help your child! I know what it's like to be so tired from work that you can barely keep your eyes open and then have to help your child with his/her homework. Believe me...it pays off in the end. Your consistency in checking your child's agenda and checking to make sure assignments are completed during this first quarter of middle school will carry over for years to come!
:-) Ms. W.
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Wednesday 9/10/08
Homework
-Wed.'s vocab assignment (refer to letter if you have forgotten what that means)
-Grammar WB pages 13/14 (You do not need to identify whether the underlined verb is action or condition, but you must underline the verb.) Complete both sides except for "writing application" at the bottom of page 14.
ADDITIONALLY, CORE 2 HAS A SCIENCE FICTION WRITING ASSIGNMENT. THERE WERE NO ABSENCES, SO I WILL NOT EXPLAIN IN DETAIL AS EACH STUDENT KNOWS WHAT TO DO.
Tuesday 9/9/08
Note: We will skip the normal Tuesday vocabulary assignment again this week. Therefore, only Wednesday's assignment will be turned in on Friday. Refer to vocabulary letter in front of vocabulary section in binder for more information. (Simple Talk: Write definitions in class and write content sentences or draw picture associations on Tuesday/Wednesday. Take a practice quiz in class on Thursday. Take the real quiz on Friday.)
Core 1: For homework, Core 1 students will read "Full Circle" and follow directions on first page. (Parents: this is the Dr. Brooks' handout referred to in Monday's homework. Core 1 did not meet with Dr. Brooks on Monday. Core 1 students will take the nouns quiz today. Core 1 students will write vocabulary words and definitions today.
Cores 2 & 3: Because we are meeting with Dr. Brooks today, Cores 2 & 3 will not have classroom time to write the definitions from the classroom dictionaries until Wednesday during class. However, students have the option of beginning the Wednesday vocabulary assignment tonight. Cores 2 & 3 will take the common/proper nouns quiz on Wednesday.
Core 1 & 3 words:
1. adequate
2. adolescent (noun)
3. African American
4. against (2)
5. allegiance
Monday 9/8/08
LA homework (all cores)
Common/Proper Nouns Quiz (tomorrow)
Complete worksheet page 3 (NOT workbook page) as preparation for nouns quiz
Cores 2 & 3 should read the story and follow the directions that Dr. Brooks gave today in order to participate in tomorrow's seminar with him.
If you were absent today, you will need to make up the vocabulary quiz (week one) during lunch tomorrow.
** I have printed the binder quiz and plan to give the quiz as time allows this week. Be prepared! Keep your papers in order and make sure you have all five divisions properly labeled. **
Weekend Update
Students should review their vocabulary words over the weekend. We will take the week one vocabulary quiz on Monday. (Media Center orientation on Friday lasted the entire period.)
Concerns
Turning in homework on time has been a problem this week. Homework counts for 10% of your child's grade and is an important part of reinforcing concepts learned in the classroom. Additionally, it is an early indicator of how students will do overall in my class. Please reinforce homework completion at home.
Next Week
I have morning duty this coming week and will not be available to students before school each morning.
Dr. Brooks (AG coordinator) is planning to work with the Stingray LA classes this week.
We will have a noun quiz (common/proper) early in the week and week two's vocabulary quiz on Friday. Our grammar focus will be on verbs (action and linking). We will continue the genre unit and build upon our knowledge of literary elements (setting, character, conflict, point of view, theme).
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LA homework for Thursday, 9/4/08
Cores 1, 2, & 3: Using focus lesson handouts from Day 2 and Days 3/4, fill in "Literary Elements Comparison" (comparing genres assignment). HINT: if you underlined the main ideas as we were going over these handouts, you will simply need to transfer the underlined/highlighted information to the homework sheet.
Cores 1, 2, & 3: Study for the Week One Vocabulary quiz.
Cores 1, 2, & 3: You will hand in the Wed. vocab. assignment tomorrow. (Reminder: this is the one where you wrote context sentences or created picture cues.)
We will visit the media center on Friday for orientation. If time allows, we will have the vocabulary quiz. If not, we will take the quiz on Monday.
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LA homework for Wednesday, 9/3/08
#1 Cores 1 & 2: finish grammar pages 3 & 4
Core 3: finish grammar page 3
#2 Cores 1, 2, & 3: complete Wednesday's vocabulary homework - for each vocabulary word, either write a context sentence or illustrate the vocabulary word. You may do all of the words one way or alternate the method between sentences and illustrations.
#3 Cores 1, 2, & 3: if you did not finish your journal entry during warm up time, please finish it tonight
STUDENTS ABSENT ON THIS DATE SHOULD CHECK THE DAILY ACTIVITY LOG TO SEE WHAT WE COVERED TODAY. IT IS EACH STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK FOR ANY WORK THAT WAS MISSED. HOWEVER, MISSING ASSIGNMENTS ARE USUALLY POSTED ON THE DOOR WITH EACH STUDENT'S NAME ON THE ASSIGNMENT(S).
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LA homework for Tuesday, 9/2/08
Finish grammar workbook pages 1 & 2
(Note: If you want to work ahead, you may begin Wednesday's vocabulary homework: for each vocabulary word, either write a context sentence or illustrate the vocabulary word. You may do all of the words one way or alternate the method between sentences and illustrations.)
NOTE: Dr. Brooks has a full testing schedule this week, so he is going to come NEXT week instead.
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Parents - please note the date next to a homework assignment is for the assignment date, not the due date. The 8/28 "homework" (binder prep) is due on Tuesday (first day back). The Tuesday 9/2 homework is due on Wednesday and is a pre-post for my convenience. Your child does not yet have the materials for this assignment. Sorry for any confusion :-)
We will begin our first vocabulary unit this week; however, due to other activities, it will not follow what will be our normal schedule in weeks to follow. We will also review nouns in grammar and will have a noun quiz the same day as the vocabulary quiz. I anticipate that this will occur on Monday, 9/8/08.
We began a genre unit last Friday. We will cover genres and literary elements over the next three weeks. I anticipate a number of graded assignments and at least one quiz prior to testing at the end of the unit.
Dr. Brooks will visit our classroom (next) week in order to model learning in a Paideia setting.
We will visit the media center on Friday for orientation.
It’s a busy week ahead! Please let me know if your son or daughter has any trouble adjusting to middle school. We want this to be a great year for everyone!
-Ms. Woodcock
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