Monday, September 30

Science: Today we discussed how to calculate speed and learned how to make a problem solving box. We then practiced solving speed problems with the aid of problem solving boxes. Click here for the presentation.

Geometry: Went over the special right triangles activity and took notes on special right triangles (7.4). Homework is the 7.4 worksheet. 

Corrective Reading:  Reading logs are due today.  Your new reading log will be due next Monday.

Chinese: Learn and make 15 flashcards of 15 strokes of Chinese characters.

Humanities: Students reviewed chapters 1-3 and corrected our summative assessments in class. No homework. No current event Wednesday. 

Spanish (Tomlinson) For Friday--flashcards for 1.1 vocab (unidad 1 etapa 1); for Wednesday--finish math packet from Friday, if not finished. Lab tomorrow-meet in front hall.

Course 3: We divided integers today.  Homework is worksheet 2.5, #1 - 22.  Quiz on Wednesday.

ELA - Students are being given a gift this week.  I have heard many complaints and seen many wide eyes when I told them that they should be reading each night and should be almost done 2 books.  We will be starting our Science Fiction Unit next week so I would like all students to be done at least two books by the end of this week.  We will be reading and taking AR quizzes all week. Homework: READ! Journal Entry #17.

Pre-Algebra: 1.8 Coordinate Plane (plotting and locating points). Unit 1 Test - Thursday, October 3rd

Spanish II: Begin studying the Unidad 1 worksheet you got today for the first test next week on Tuesday, October 8th.

French I: Study your review worksheet for the 1.1 quiz this Wednesday

Algebra:  We went over our tests from Friday.  Great scores (A- average).  I assigned an IB assessment that is due on Thursday (assignment and rubric attached) and a review equation solving worksheet.

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we wrote from a journal prompt, practiced verb phrases in grammar, and wrote theme sentences. Homework: Read your novel

Friday, September 27

Science: Today we took notes on measurement, pages 11-15, and went over the Scientific Processes homework. 

Geometry: Students used what they reviewed yesterday regarding simplifying square roots to complete the special right triangles investigation. We discussed the relationships of side lengths in 45-45-90 and 30-60-90 triangles, homework is the 7.4 notes. 

Corrective Reading: Corrective Reading Logs due Monday. I will be out of the building Monday at a training.

Humanities: Students worked on our exploration summative assessment in class.  This assessment is due Monday. Assessment is attached.

Spanish II: Quiz corrections (writing out each verb 5 times and a complete sentence in Spanish) are due on Monday, Sept 30. Verb quiz (meaning and conjugation and putting it in a blank space) is on Monday,l Sept 30th.

ELA - Students finished up their poems, and turned in.  Next week is reading catch up and a little grammar, please be sure each student has a novel and is bringing it to class daily. Have a great weekend!

Pre-Algebra Today we finished up working on Integer Operations. Unit 1 Test - Thursday 10/3 

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we wrote from a journal prompt, continued with Grammar- simple subjects and predicates, practiced writing themes. Homework: Read your novel. 

Algeba:  We took our chapter test today.  No homework!  Enjoy your weekend.

Course 3: Today we worked on multiplication of integers.  Homework is worksheet 2.4, #1-24, 27-29.

Thursday, September 26

Science: Today we reviewed converting in the metric system by viewing a power point presentation and a video to help remember the order of the prefixes. If the metric practice was not completed in class it is homework. Lab corrections are due tomorrow. (Mrs. Petersen was out today). 

Geometry: Today we reviewed simplifying radicals. The simplifying radicals worksheet is homework. Students will need to be able to simplify radicals (this is review from algebra) in order to complete the special right triangles exploration tomorrow. (Mrs. Petersen was out today). 

Resource Room Math:  Math packets due Friday.

Corrective Reading:  Logs due Monday. (Read daily)

Algebra:  We have our test tomorrow.  Students received the answers to the review, and we discussed ways they could study.  Good luck!

Humanities: Students were introduced to, and began to work on, summative questions for the chapters one, two and three of the textbook.  Please note that students are expected to use atlas notes in answering the questions.  Students are not expected to read all of these chapters in their entirety. Rather, students should use non fiction reading techniques to locate details within the chapter.  The assessment is attached and is due Monday.  Student will have time to work on the assessment in class

Art 7/8: Hrs. 1,4,5:

Completing name design for sketchbook cover this week. Those students who finished early, worked on a designing a logo for the "Fun Run" tshirts.

Advanced Art grade 8: Hr. 6:

First still life completed this week. Shattered Values drawing continued. "Pop" quiz on the elements of principles of design.

ELA - Students are to be ready to start publishing today.  We will be using the COW  to type and print their poems.  Please know that all poems need to have an illustration that goes with them.  If it needs to be printed in color I do not have the ability to do this on the COW.  Students will need to come to me at lunch in the PYP lab to print in color.  These poems will be compiled into an anthology for parents to see at PT conferences!  Students should have at least one novel finished and AR quizzed by now.  Next week will be a week of silent reading to allow those that aren't on their second book to catch up.  The following week (October 7th-11th) we will be starting our Science Fiction Unit and reading the Giver. Homework: READ!  Journal entry #15.

Spanish (Tomlinson): Study for countries quiz tomorrow; bring in binders and any practice--Friday is LAST DAY to get credit for Etapa Preliminar practice.

Course 3: Today we worked on subtraction of integers.  Homework is worksheet 2.3 odds only.

PreAlgebra: 1.7 Integer Operations. HW: 1.7 odds (on a separate sheet)

Spanish II: Quiz corrections (writing out each verb 5 times and a complete sentence in Spanish) are due on Monday, Sept 30. Verb quiz (meaning and conjugation and putting it in a blank space) is on Monday,l Sept 30th.

Tomorrow is a lab day. Meet my by the office.

French I: Numbers quiz (1-20) on Monday, Sept 30th. 1.1 quiz on Wed, Oct 2nd). Worksheet packet is due on Monday, Sept 30th and so are the numbers flash cards

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we wrote from a journal prompt, continued with grammar and found complete subjects within our writing. We watched a YouTube video regarding themes vs. subjects. Ended with writing a theme of their novel as an exit slip. Homework: Continue reading your novel. At least 60 pages a day.

Wednesday, September 25

Science: Today we did Investigation 1B, which involved systems and variables. Lab corrections are due Friday.

Geometry: Discussed yesterday's activity and notes. We then began an activity to investigate special right triangles. No homework. 

Corrective Reading:  Logs are due Monday- you need to use all five reader response choices- a different one per each day.  All the responses need to get get completed once on different days.

R.Room Math:  Test Friday and homework packet due Friday.

Spanish (Tomlinson): Finish ANY and ALL missing assignments (nothing from Etapa Preliminar accepted after Friday); Study for countries quiz on Friday.

Spanish II: Write out each verb that you got wrong five times, and write a sentence in Spanish using that verb. Due Monday, Sept 30th

French I: Write out a short conversation in French: saying hello,asking people's name, giving your own name, asking how they are, saying how you are, and saying goodbye. Due Monday, Sept 30th.

Algebra:  Tomorrow is the Classifying Numbers quiz and Friday is the Unit Test (sections 1.1-1.5, 2.1-2.7, and 9.1).  Attached is the review packet handed out today in class (ignore #52-60).  It is due tomorrow.

ELA - Students will evaluate their own poems using the rubric.  They will then write a brief self evaluation of their performance on this project.  We will begin publishing tomorrow.  Please remember, illustrations must accompany each final draft. Homework: FINISH Poem, Journal entry #15, READ!

Humanities: Students worked on summaries of Atlas work and discussed current events in class. Homework is to complete summaries if they are not finished.

Course 3: We went over our test today.  We also added integers.  Homework is worksheet 2.2, #2-21.

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we wrote from a journal prompt, completed the first topic (complete subjects and complete predicates) in our grammar packet, and finished writing stories for the newsletter. All stories must be submitted to Dax no later than Thursday. Homework: Continue reading your novel. 

Tuesday, September 24

Science: Completed the jigsaw note-taking that we started yesterday and labs were returned. We then discussed lab corrections, which are due on Friday.

Geometry: Today we investigated the Pythagorean theorem to better understand how it works. Homework is to complete questions #1-3 from the investigation on page 432 and complete notes on 7.1

Humanities: Students worked on and discussed atlas work in class. Current events due tomorrow (template is attached).

C. Reading:  Logs were due on Monday, please turn them in if you forgot.  New logs should be worked on daily and returned next Monday.

R. Room Math:  Continue X practice daily and re-work  math homework packets.

Spanish (Tomlinson): Study for TEST tomorrow (Wed) and countries quiz (FRI); work on packet from Monday, if you have not finished it.  Packet is due Wed. Bring a binder for Spanish with dividers (5).

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we responded to a journal prompt, turned in literary essays, grammar review, and continued writing individual stories for the newsletter. Some read independently when finished.  Homework: Complete story for newsletter and turn in to Dax's email. Continue reading your new novel of choice. 

ELA - Students continued their Poetry Writing with Peer Review Groups today in Writer's Workshop Day 7. We are in the home stretch now.  Poems are due with illustration on Friday. Homework: Journal #13 and READ!

Spanish 2: You need to have 2 paragraphs done for the All About Me project by this Thursday. Verb quiz on Monday, Sept 30th, in which you will have to know the meaning of the verbs and how to conjugate them.

French I: Study your numbers for a quiz on Monday, Sept 30th

Algebra:  Worksheet 9.1B  #7,10,11,12,13,15.  Quiz Thursday!  Test Friday!

Spanish (Farah): What We Did Today Students went to the lab and studied their maps. Homework Study for tomorrow's test using the vocabulary words and the classwork you've done.

Pre-Algebra: 1.5 Today we discussed the rules for adding integers. HW: 1.5 (1-29 odd)

Course 3: Today we talked about Absolute value and opposites.  Our homework is worksheet 2.1, all.

Monday, September 23

Science: Today we learned about using the jigsaw method of note-taking and began taking notes on Pages 4-9. We will continue with this process tomorrow.

Geometry: Took the Chapter 1 test.

Humanities: Students had their values paper due today. In class students worked with the American History atlas to complete some worksheets. Current events are due on Wednesday.

Spanish (Tomlinson): Study for test (Wed); countries quiz (Fri); finish classwork packet for practice (if you did not finish in class).

Corrective Reading:  Reading logs are due today.  Please turn them in tomorrow if you forgot.  I will be passing out your new reading logs today due next Monday.

R.Room Math:  Re-work last weeks homework and fill out your multiplication (X) sheet for Monday.

Algebra:  We finished up the notes on section 2.5 (distributive property).  We have 1 more section and then we are done with the first unit (ch 1/2).  We will have a short assessment on Thursday covering classifying numbers and a big unit test on Friday.  Homework:  wkst 2.5 (attached)

Course 3:We took our Chapter 1 test today.  No homework.

ELA - Students continued their Poetry writing in Writer's Workshop Day 6 lesson.  They looked in their journals (that they should be writing in nightly) for more topics they could be using for their narrative poems.  They worked on their final poem or read.  FYI students should be finished at least one novel with the AR quiz taken, they should be part of the way through their second novel.  If they are not, please be sure your child is reading nightly. Homework: Journal entry #11...READ!

Pre-Algebra: Today students took a quiz over lessons 1.1-1.4. No homework was assigned.

Friday, September 20

Science: Today we went over the expectations for writing GREAT short answers in science class. These guidelines should be followed for every assignment students complete in science this year (and every class all the time!). Homework is to complete the "Scientific Processes" worksheet, be sure to write great short answers!

Geometry: Today we went over the practice test. The chapter 1 test is Monday, students should study for the test! Some suggestions for preparing for the test include doing the review at the end of the chapter or doing some of the problems in whatever section students found most difficult. When using the book it would be helpful to do odd number problems so that students can check their answers in the back.

Spanish (Tomlinson): Review sheet due Monday (write out all number words in Spanish); Etapa preliminar test on Wednesday; map quiz on Friday.

Spanish II: Verb sheets are due on Monday. Verb quiz on Tuesday. Two paragraphs due by Thursday on the All About Me project.

French I: Vocab quiz on Monday. Flash cards due Monday

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we wrote from a journal prompt and worked in groups to construct paragraphs for the newsletter. Independent reading for 15 minutes. Homework: Finish your newsletter story and save/print a copy. You should be finishing your book-of-choice over the weekend.

C.Reading- Logs due Monday

Algebra:  We started notes for section 2.5.  Each class got to a different point.  By Monday, students need to have up to but not including the last section of the notes.  The last section is examples of simplifying fractions (a-f)  we will finish that on Monday.

Pre-Algebra: We explored integers and discussed how to compare and order them. HW: 1.4B (4-26 Even) Remember to study for Monday's quiz over 1.1-1.4 (evaluating expressions with variables, powers and exponents, order of operations, comparing and ordering integers)

Course 3: Today we reviewed for our Chapter 1 test.  It is on Monday.

Thursday, September 19

Science: Today students used the data they collected yesterday to practice graphing.

Geometry: Worked on the practice test for Monday's test. Click here for part 1 and part 2 of the practice test.

Spanish II: Verb sheets are due on Monday, verb quiz on Tuesday. Two paragraphs sue by Thursday on the All About Me project. Lab day tomorrow.

French I: Vocab quiz on Monday. Lab day tomorrow

C. Reading:  Reading Log due Monday

R. Room Math:  Math packets due Friday.

Humanities: Students were introduced to our first IB summative assessment rubric.  This rubric, and four square writing prompt, is intended to answer the IB Guiding Question "How do values affect our world?"

-Homework is to  begin to write a five paragraph essay in which you attempt to answer the IB question.  The rubric for this assessment is attached.  This paper is due on Monday, September 23.

-Current events are due Wednesday, September 25.  A current event template is attached.

-Please note that I will be out of the classroom on Friday and Monday.  If there are questions, please email me.

Art 7/8: Hrs 1,4,5- Students have filled book with drawing paper. We are continuing our art work for the cover of the sketchbook. This will include student name using rhythm, movement, positive and negative shapes.

Advanced Art grade 8: Hr 6:- Students have started their first still life drawing in their new sketchbooks. Each table chose 3 wooden, white shapes and designed a still life. Lights are turned off to enhance the value! Started "Shattered Values" yesterday.....first project!

Course 3: Today we started our test review.  Our test is on Monday.  We will review more tomorrow.

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we wrote our thoughts from a journal prompt. Continued with Reader's Workshop- Lesson 3. Independent reading/conferring. Homework: Continue reading your book of choice. Begin writing your news article or prepare interview questions with your partner(s).

Pre-Algebra: We worked on following order of operations when evaluating expressions. There will be a short quiz over 1.1-1.4 on Monday. The quiz will cover: evaluating expressions when given a variable, powers and exponents, order of operations, ordering/comparing integers. HW: 1.3B (1-21 odd) and start reviewing for quiz (come with any questions)

Spanish (Tomlinson)- Study for retake!!!  Etapa preliminar review sheet due Monday. Write out all numbers in Spanish words.

Algebra:  wkst 2.2 and 2.3, multiples of 3

Wednesday, September 18

Science: Today we continued with investigation 1-A and learned how the cars can be used on the track with photo-gates. No homework.

Geometry: Today we are wrapping up chapter 1 with 1.7 notes on area and perimeter formulas. We will spend the remainder of the week reviewing for the chapter 1 test on Monday. Next week we will be using the notes only occasionally and will be exploring geometry through student discovery.

C.Reading:  Reading Log

R. Room Math:  Math packet and X facts

Humanities: Students took the Constitution post-test and discussed Core Democratic Values in class today. No homework.

ELA - Day 4 of our Writer's Workshop Launching Unit.  We discussed figurative language and it's uses in writing.  We then practiced using these literary devices (figurative language) in our own writing and shared these poems with the class. Homework: READ! Journal entry #7

Spanish II: The verb sheets that we started today in class will be due on Monday, Sept 23rd. Check my blog franciscaroth.weebly.com for the list of verbs and book pages. Remember that you can use your new verb app if you have a smart phone, or else go to http://spanishconjugator.com/ to find the conjugation.

French I: Continue practicing your vocabulary for the quiz on Monday, and practice memorizing your skit. You will act out the skits tomorrow

Spanish (Tomlinson): Prepare for retake (study questions you answered incorrectly); continue to review flashcards and Etapa Preliminar for test on Wed. 9/25.  Flashcards and letter to a friend were collected!  

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we wrote a journal prompt and discussed several ideas for a middle school newsletter. Homework: Begin researching articles on your assigned newsletter topic. Begin organizing your facts/interview questions. Read your book.  

Algebra:  We took our quiz today.  Homework:  worksheet 2.1 (attached)

Tuesday, September 17

Science: Students turned in their "How Do Scientists Communicate" labs and we continued to work on getting to know how the CPO timers and photo-gates work. No homework!

Geometry: Quizzes were returned and we went over them. Students may do quiz corrections with explanations for partial credit, quiz corrections are due on Friday. We also completed the 1.6 notes on polygons, 1.6 worksheet is homework. Test on chapter 1 is Monday, September 23. 

Spanish (Tomlinson): re-take of Etapa Preliminar on Friday; test postponed until Wednesday (9/25).  Study flashcards, chapter in book or http://quizlet.com/26370058/etapa-preliminar-vocab-flash-cards/  on quizlet.  Chapter review distributed tomorrow (Wednesday).

C.Reading:  Reading Log due Monday.

Canvassar: Math:  Math packet homework.

Spanish II: Study all the verbs we went over today, for a verb quiz on Tuesday, Sept 24th

French I: Study vocab on pg 45 (the purple section) for a quiz on Monday, Sept 23rd

Algebra:  We have a quiz tomorrow.  It is covering sections 1.1 to 1.4.  We discussed simple interest today.  Homework:  Simple interest problems and review problems for the quiz.

ELA - We continued our study of poetry with Day 3 of our Writer's Workshop Launching Unit.  Students should still be reading every night and writing in their journals. Homework- Read, Journal entry #5

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we began with writing from a journal prompt. Continued with Reader's Workshop Lesson 2, and finished with Independent reading. (I assessed students while reading.) Homework: Bring in magazine or newspaper article for tomorrow. Continue to read from your book of choice.

Course 3: Today we talked about using variable in formulas.  Homework is worksheet 1.6, #1 - 10, and 17.

Humanities: Students observed Constitution Day by discussing some of the more interesting aspects of this important document.  Homework is to study for our Constitution post test. No current event this week.

Pre-Algebra: Today we used a problem solving four-square to work through word problems. We looked for patterns and used what we know about exponents to write a general expression for the pattern. HW: continue practicing powers and exponents by completing the back page (1.2 classwork) of the notes packet

Monday, September 16

Science:Today students were introduced to the CPO science equipment by investigating how a photo-gate is used to start and stop the timer. Final drafts of "How Do Scientists Communicate" labs are due tomorrow.

Corrective Reading:  Reading logs will be passed out today and due the following Monday.  Last weeks reading log is due today.

R.Room Math:  I am passing out a short math homework packet that needs to be returned to me by Friday.  Also, please practice your (X) facts daily.

Spanish II: Work on All About Me project. not due until October.

French I: Start practicing vocab words on the first section of pg 45 for a vocab quiz next week.

Chinese: We will continue on first speaking quiz, and take first dictation. 

Humanities: Students brainstormed Constitution facts prior to taking a Constitution pre-test in class. We will have a post-test on Wednesday. No homework.

ELA -Vocabulary Words of the week: (should be written in notebook in vocabulary section) pervaded - to spread throughout; faltered - to be unsteady in purpose or action.

Writer's Workshop Day 2 - See instruction/mentor text packet. Homework: Journal entry #4 - 20 ordinary things (see WW Day 2 packet). READ!

Geometry: Today we investigated other methods for completing constructions of segment and angle bisectors besides paper folding. We also went over the notes for section 1.5. Homework is the 1.5 worksheet. 

Spanish (Tomlinson): Write a letter (en espanol) to a friend in Chile.  Use a greeting, introduce yourself, tell where you are from, and ask that friend 3 questions.  Meet in hall for Computer Lab in Avery tomorrow.  

Algebra:  We discussed equations and inequalities.  We did several problems that will help students with their Problem Solving Workshop #1.  Homework is to finish any problems that we did not finish in class on worksheet 1-4 and to finish the PSW #1 (see Friday's blog if you lost your PSW #1)

Pre-Algebra: We finished up our discussion of writing a variable expression for word problems. We also review powers and exponents (1.2). HW. 1.2 (all) - you may use a calculator but all steps must be shown!

Course 3: Today we took a quiz on lessons 1.2 - 1.4.  We began doing one-step equations.  Homework is worksheet 1.5, #1-17.

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we practiced "Turn and Talk" with a Stargirl topic. We returned Stargirl, and began a Reader's Workshop lesson on our book of choice.  Independent reading time was given.  For Homework, read your book of choice. 

Friday, September 13

Science: Students peer-reviewed their "How Scientists Communicate" labs. Final drafts of labs are due on Tuesday and must be completed on students' own time as we will be moving on to our next unit in class on Monday.

Geometry: Took the chapter 1 quiz. Homework is to complete the 1.5 notes. Students should use their textbooks to help complete the notes!

Spanish II: map quiz on Monday. Practice the websites you learned about today at the lab.

French I (for the 8th graders in this class): Make sure your maps are finished by Monday. Practice the websites you learned about today at the lab.

Corrective Reading:  Reading Logs are due Monday.  Remember you need to pick a different readers response activity for each day.  You need to read 5 days, and do 5 different activities.

R. Room Math:  We will begin Number Worlds Monday.  Continue working on your X facts!

ELA - Students came to class prepared with their journals personalized and their novels ready to read!  We started our Writer's Workshop Launching Unit (Day 1 attached) and began our exploration of Poetry. Please remember to read every night...weekends too :)

Spanish (Tomlinson): Continue to practice vocab; look through Etapa Preliminar (test Friday 9/20). Enjoy the weekend. Lo siento!  anade por favor: Bring in  flashcards (actual cards or email electronic version).

Course 3: We reviewed for our quiz.  Quiz on lessons 1.2 - 1.4 is on Monday.  There is extra practice at the end of chapter on in the text (pages 46 and 47).  No homework.

Humanities: Students discussed sources for current events and shared current events in class. No homework.

Pre-algebra: Today we practiced translating verbal expressions to numbers and looked at writing expressions for word problems. HW: 1.1 "classwork" worksheet (front and back)

Algebra:  Assigned our first Problem Solving Workshop (PSW#1, answer sheet 1, answer sheet 2).  It is due on Tuesday.

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we discussed partner talks and read Stargirl. We checked out a book of choice in the media center. Homework- Finish Stargirl and begin reading a book of your choosing by Monday. 

Thursday, September 12

Science: Students worked on writing the rough draft of their lab report and we also went over the rubric and general lab report guidelines. Rough drafts are due tomorrow for peer review.

Geometry: Today students investigated angle classifications and took some notes on section 1.4. The 1.4 worksheet is homework. Tomorrow we will have our first quiz on sections 1.1-1.4.

Spanish II - no homework, Spanish II: map quiz on Monday, Sept 16th

French I - no homework

Chinese: Sign up for the Chinese Club can be found here!

Spanish (Tomlinson): Continue to Spanish translations of 26 vocab words/phrases for quiz tomorrow.

Pre-Algebra: Today we worked on evaluating expressions and began discussing how to translate verbal expressions to numerical expressions. Homework: 1.1 (1-25) Please remember to show all steps and label each problem.

Humanities: Students discussed current even expectations and analyzed possible we'd sources in class today. No homework, but please turn in parent signatures if you have not done so.

Course: Today we talked about variables and variable expressions.  Homework is worksheet 1.3,  9 - 16, 21 - 29.

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we finished writing the argument pre-assessment essays and read Stargirl quietly when finished. Homework: Finish reading Stargirl by Monday. (9/16/13)

Algebra:  We talked about expressions, order of operations, and translating verbal expressions in to mathematical expressions.  All should be review.  Homework: 1.2 (attached)

Wednesday, September 11

Science: Today we worked on writing the conclusion and critique reflection on the "How Scientists Communicate ( or Candy) Lab". At this point students are ready to begin working on their rough drafts, which we will do tomorrow. Rough drafts for peer review are due on Friday and final drafts will be due Tuesday next week.

Geometry: Investigated the midpoint and distance formulas, followed by notes and examples from section 1.3. The 1.3 worksheet is homework.

Spanish II: no homework

French I: no homework

Corrective Reading:  Work on reading log each night- due Monday (all 5 days should be turned in.)
R.Room Math:  Study X facts

ELA - Students completed their Standardized Writing Assessment today.  If a student missed a day this week he/she will need to come in during lunch to complete the assessment.  This cannot be done at home for homework. Homework: READ! Look for items to "decorate" or personalize their Reading/Writing Journal.  We will be doing this in class tomorrow. Please send tape and/or glue sticks in to help with this project.

Creative Writing: Today we took our Summer AR quizzes in the media center and continued to write an argument essay for the Fall Pre-Assessment writing. We should finish these papers up by tomorrow. (Thursday). Homework: Continue reading Stargirl.

Advanced Art Grade 8 hr.6: **** Sketchbooks and portfolios needed by Friday Sept.13 Students are learning different value techniques and reviewing the Elements and Principles of Design.

Art 7/8hrs. 1,4,5: Students are painting books donated from Angell Elementary's Media Center. These will become the students sketchbook.

Course 3: Today we finished talking about order of operations.  Homework is worksheet 1.4, #1-18 all, 20 - 30 evens.

Humanities: Students discussed 9-11, shared interview questions and were introduced to current events in class.  Homework is to have parents read and sign current event expectation forms.

Spanish (Tomlinson)-Continue working on flashcards; finish exercises 1,2, and 4 from page 3 (from Monday); study for quiz on Friday.

Algebra:  We finished figuring out which meal plan Cal should choose.  There is no homework tonight!

Tuesday, Sept. 10

Science: Today we worked on making graphs and writing the data analysis section for our candy melting data. Students will continue working on conclusions and critique reflections tomorrow and rough drafts on Thursday. Rough drafts will be peer reviewed on Friday, with final drafts due Tuesday. Students will receive the rubric for this assignment on Thursday. 

Geometry: Today we went over the 1.1 homework and took notes on section 1.2 (Using segments and congruence). Homework is the 1.2 worksheet and we will have our first quiz on Friday.

Chinese: #2 set flashcards of Greetings, 10 in total, both in English and Chinese pinyin.
Click here for information regarding the Chinese Club, which should be starting next week Thursday! 

ELA - Students will continue their Standardized Writing Assessment.  Today we will read two articles giving different statistics on High School Sports.  None of this assessment will be posted on the blog or my webpage as it is an independent assessment.  Students will need to see me before school or at lunch to make up any portion missed. Hopefully we stay cool! Homework: READ! Look for items to "decorate" or personalize their Reading/Writing Journal.  We will be doing this in class on Thursday.

Corrective Reading with Mrs. Canvasser:  Continue to work on your reading log each day (20 minutes, fill out the reading log which includes one reading log response.)  Make sure you choose a different reading log response to do each night and not the same one.  You can use additional paper for the responses and staples the sheets to the back of your reading log.  Reading logs are passed out on Mondays and need to be returned the following Monday.  Today you should fill it out for Tuesday.

Creative Writing: Continued the Informational Reading/Argument Writing Performance Assessment. We finished up the note-taking process and have begun to write an argument essay. We should have this wrapped up by Thursday. This paper will be graded but will not go into the grade book. I'll explain details tomorrow during Curriculum Night. Homework:

AR quizzes are due tomorrow for the summer reading. Continue reading Stargirl. 

Humanities: Students explored the concept of shared values in class today.  We discussed the importance of shared values,  where these values come from and what can happen if values are not shared. Homework is to interview parents about 9-11.  Interview questions are attached.

Pre-Algebra: Today students completed their Beginning-of-the-Year Pre-Assessment. For homework, students should finish the cover of their Interactive Student Notebook. Please also take some time to discuss how we will be using Remind101 and sign up, if you choose (directions attached).  

Spanish II; no homework.

French I: finish the maps for tomorrow

Advanced Art Grade 8  hour 6: **** Sketchbooks and portfolios needed by Friday Sept 13.

Currently students are learning a variety of techniques for adding value to a drawing. Elements and principles of design are being reviewed.

Art 7/8  hours 1,4,5: Currently painting old, donated books which will become student sketchbooks.

Course 3: Today we talked about order of operations.  Our homework is the order of operations worksheet, # 2 - 12 evens and 13 - 24 all.

Algebra:  We reviewed some basic math computations from yesterday's warm up.  Students must need to know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions, along with a good grasp on equation solving. We worked in small groups on figuring out Cal's meal plan options for college. We will have some time tomorrow to finish it. Homework:  worksheet 1.1

Spanish I (Tomlinson): Make flashcards (paper or electronic) for Etapa Preliminar vocab list go to blog (sratom.blogspot.com)

Monday, Sept. 9

Science: Collected candy melting data for the "How Scientists Communicate" lab. Homework is to complete the research section for the lab. We will continue working on this for the rest of the week, with a peer review on Friday.

Geometry: Began our first section of notes with 1.1 - Identifying points, lines and planes. Homework is the 1.1 worksheet. Chapter 1 quiz is Friday.

Resource Room Correct Reading:  Reading logs will be passed out for the first time this semester.  They are always due to Mrs. Canvasser the following Monday.  Also, if you want to view the assignment, there is a link to the reading log on my homepage.

Resource Room Math:  Every student should practice X facts daily at home.  If you need creative ways to help master them, please contact Mrs. Canvasser.

Humanities: Students discussed IB values, shared values papers and were introduced to an IB rubric in class today. Homework is to answer the questions of "How do your values affect you and others?"

Spanish I (Roth): Map quiz on Spanish-speaking countries on Monday, Sept 16th

French I: World maps will be due by this Friday, Sept 13th

Spanish (Tomlinson)-Practica:  Textbook--p3 #s 1, 2, and 4 (you don't have partner at home, so complete exercises for your mother, father, a sibling, or a friend). Tomorrow-Class will meet in the front hall so we can all walk to the Avery computer lab together. Thank you.

Algebra:  Our first assignment in our ISN notebooks was due today.  We finished our beginning of the year assessment.  No homework, except to discuss Remind 101.  I have attached directions for signing up.

Course 3: Today we finished our pre-test on course 3.  We started our notes on order of operations.  No homework.

ELA - Students turned in their Class Information Signed Sheet.  We then began our Pre-Assessment for writing.  This is a three day assessment that culminates with a written piece on Wednesday.  If your student missed today please have them see me at lunch so they can view the two videos that the other students viewed today.  Tomorrow we will read two articles and take notes on them in preparation for the final piece.

Please send in at least one composition book for your student to start with for Reader's and Writer's Workshop.  We will be setting these up on Thursday. Homework: READ!!! students should be finishing a novel every two weeks to meet the 5 book per marking period requirement.

Creative Writing: Today in Creative Writing we have begun the Informational Reading/Argument Writing Performance Assessment. We are in the note-taking process; we watched two videos and read one article. Homework: Continuing reading Stargirl. 

Wednesday, Sept. 4

Science: We began planning our first science lab today (How Do Scientists Communicate) by writing the purpose, hypothesis, materials and procedures. We will begin collecting data on Monday (eating candy, fun!) and then continue working on the lab for the remainder of the week. For homework students need to complete the research portion of their lab by Tuesday, September 10.

Geometry: We continued working on the definition puzzles that we started yesterday and also went over the van Hiele levels related to yesterday's assessment.

Course 3: Today we will be taking our final exam as a pre-test.  No homework.

ELA- Welcome Back!  This is going to be a great year, with lots of learning going on! Tuesday - Students were given Classroom Expectations sheets to be signed by Monday.  We discussed the procedures and expectations of each student in room 204.  We reviewed the IB traits. Wednesday - We discussed choosing a "Just Right Book" then went to the Media Center to take Summer Reading AR quizzes (Due Monday) and pick independent reading books. Homework: READ!  Gather all required materials for class. Happy Rosh Hashana! Have a great long weekend.

Spanish (Tomlinson): HW: remember to bring binders, paper, something to write with for Monday. Come to class FIRST and then we will go to Media Center.   Disfrutad el fin de semana!

8th grade Phys. Ed.: Students need to bring gym clothes, a combination lock and the yellow information sheet to class Monday.

Algebra: We started our ISN set up today.  The assignment due for Monday is the "Trace your Hand" activity and covering their notebooks with paper and recording 15-20 "Numbers about Me".  I'm excited to hear their stories. 

Corrective Reading: Starting in one week, every  Monday reading logs are due.

Humanities: Students discussed values in class today, and began to work on a short paper that is due Monday.  The expectations for the three paragraph paper are below.

 -Paragraph 1-Share something that is interesting about you.

-Paragraph 2-Choose one value discussed today and tell why it is important to you.  Where did this value come from (culture, family, religion, etc.)?

-Paragraph 3-Describe how the artifact (picture, drawing, award, etc.) that you are going to bring in on Monday relates to, or represents, your chosen value.

Pre-Algebra: I hope you had a wonderful first "week" of school. Today we continued discussing classroom expectations and procedures, and we began setting up our Interactive Student Notebooks. Please remember to bring a composition notebook (or $0.50) on Monday. Also, if you have a Sharpie marker please bring that as well. 2nd hour: Please finish the rough draft of your "Numbers About Me". Be creative!

Tuesday, September 3

Science: Welcome back! Every student who returns their syllabus signed by a parent/guardian tomorrow is entered into the drawing for a free Slurpee delivered at lunch next Monday, one winner every hour! We also took a pre-test on the main objectives covered in 8th grade science.

Humanities (Lyskawa): -Welcome back students!!  I hope you had a wonderful first day! No homework.

Algebra: We started taking a pre-assessment today.  I should have been very difficult because it was assessing what I will be teaching this year.  We will finish that up tomorrow. Students must have a composition book by tomorrow (or $ 0.50).  A scientific calculator will also be helpful.

Advanced Art Grade 8: Hour 6 Welcome to the biggest Advanced Art class yet! 27 students! Required supplies for the class:

* sketchbook 11x14 smallest size, 12x16 ok 14x17 ok

*portfolio can be the paper portfolio (cheapest) or the canvas or the portfolio with sleeves 20x26 or 23x31

 Each student will be supplied with one ebony pencil, one kneaded eraser and one blending stump. I suggest picking up another of each to have on hand!

Spanish (Tomlinson): No home practice today . . . just remember to bring a binder, paper, your text, and pen/pencil to class.

Geometry: Students took an assessment of their van Hiele level to determine their current level of geometric thinking. Every student who returns their syllabus signed by a parent/guardian tomorrow is entered into the drawing for a free Slurpee delivered at lunch next Monday, one winner every hour!