Thursday, September 11, 2014

Thursday, September 11

Science: Today students finished sharing their expertise on the scientific method from the notes they took yesterday.We then discussed writing great short answers, which a) give a complete answer; b) repeat key words from the question; c) are specific; and d) don't leave the reader guessing. Scientific Processes worksheet is homework- students must do this on a separate sheet of paper with great short answers.

Geometry: Student explored the concept of midpoint and derived the midpoint formula. Homework is to practice using the midpoint formula by completing the Midpoint Formula Practice in their note packet. Quiz tomorrow! 

Algebra: We took our quiz today. Remember the Problem Solving Workshop is due tomorrow!

Pre-Algebra: Today we started 1.2, working with and defining parts of exponential expressions. I have the class notes, blank and completed, and homework uploaded at http://norupstein.weebly.com/pre-algebra-notes-and-homework . The homework is 1.2 Practice, 1-29 odd. Please do work on a separate sheet of paper. 


RR Math, RR English, RR LRC: I will check to make sure you have all supplies listed in the course packet this week.


RR Math: First homework packet/test will be due/on- next week Friday-9/19.


RR English: Reading logs were passed out on Monday 9/8/14. All sections (five days) will be due on Monday 9.15.14.


French 2: Vocab quiz on Monday. Flash cards also due. Passé composé quiz on Thursday

ELA- Kennedy:  Students "graded" their Grammar 1.7-1.8 and we discussed any difficulties they may have had. We then worked all hour on Grammar 1.9-1.10 discussing Direct and Indirect Objects. Many students utilized lunch time appropriately by coming in for extra help! Bravo! Homework: Finish Grammar & Read

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Wednesday, September 10

MYP Curriculum Night begins at 6:45. Use your students schedule: 

6:45 - 6:55 - 1st
7:00 - 7:10 - 2nd
7:15 - 7:25 - 3rd
7:30 - 7:40 - 4th
7:45 - 7:55 - 5th
8:00 - 8:10 - 6th
8:15 - 8:25 - 7th

Science: Students had their first experience with reading and taking notes utilizing the jigsaw method; we will continue this process tomorrow. We also discussed good reading and note-taking strategies and will continue to improve on these skills throughout the school year.

Geometry: Completed the Pythagorean Theorem activity from yesterday, and then used the Pythagorean Theorem to discover the distance formula. Homework is the Pythagorean Theorem & Distance Formula practice (in their notes). Quiz on Friday!

Humanities: Students shared KWLs and discussed current event and class grading scales in preparation for Curriculum Night this evening. No homework. 

ELA (Kennedy) - Students reviewed last night's Grammar and we discussed any questions.  We then started Grammar 1.7-1.8  EVERYONE should be at least half-way through their first novel of the year.  I have brought the class to the Media Center, sent students down to check out new books, and offer a great classroom library.  Please check with your student and talk about the book they are currently reading, you might like it as well.  Remember our goal is a book every two weeks.  If students are reading for at least 30 minutes a night, they should be there by now! Hope to see all at Curriculum Night Tonight!

RR Math, RR English, RR LRC: I will check to make sure you have all supplies listed in the course packet this week.

RR Math:  First homework packet/test will be due/on- next week Friday-9/19.

RR English:  Reading logs were passed out on Monday 9/8/14.  All sections (five days) will be due on Monday 9.15.14.

French 2: Vocab quiz on purple words on pg 291 on Monday, and flash cards due then too. Grammar quiz on passé composé on Thursday Sept 18th.

Pre-Algebra: Today we continued section 1.1. We took notes together in class. The homework is Practice 1.1 B, 2-26 even. This is the same page given in class yesterday. This is due at the beginning of the hour tomorrow. I have attached the blank notes, a completed class notes and the homework page on my website http://www.weebly.com/weebly/main.php

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Tuesday, September 9

Science: Students used the data they collected Friday, and graphed on Monday, to calculate the average speed of the car on the track. We discussed multiple methods for calculating the average as well as how to analyze our average to see if it makes sense.

Geometry: Went over the Basic Terms handout homework, and began analyzing how/why the Pythagorean theorem works. We will continue working on this tomorrow.


RR Math, RR English, RR LRC: I will check to make sure you have all supplies listed in the course packet this week.

RR Math: First homework packet/test will be due/on- next week Friday-9/19.

RR English: Reading logs were passed out on Monday 9/8/14. All sections (five days) will be due on Monday 9.15.14.

Humanities: Students received new textbooks today. We spent our time introducing the text and completing our KWL from last week. Homework is to complete the KWL if it was not finished in class. Current events are due Friday.

Chinese: Please visit the class blog (link is in the left column).  Looking forward to see you all tomorrow night at the curriculum night. 

Pre-Algebra: Today we started Chapter 1, section 1.1. We took notes together in class. The homework is Practice 1.1 B, 1-25 odd. This was given to students in class. This is due at the beginning of the hour tomorrow. For blank note page, completed class notes and homework page, please visit http://norupstein.weebly.com/pre-algebra-notes-and-homework .

ELA- We checked over Grammar 1.3-1.4 and I distributed Grammar 1.5-1.6. We discussed the importance of using our Notice and Note Signposts while reading and how it will aid us in our partner discussions during RW Launching Day 3. Homework: Grammar 1.5-1.6 and READ Remember we will be decorating our journals on Friday, be sure to bring supplies and decorations.

Algebra: We finished the notes for 1.3/1.4. Homework: wkst 1.3/1.4B evens only. I also handed out the first Problem Solving Workshop (PSW). It is due on Friday. Students are encouraged to work together!!

French 2: Vocab quiz on purple words on pg 291 on Monday. Flash cards are also due on Monday. 20 sentences from yesterday are due tomorrow. Grammar quiz on the passé composé next week on Thursday.


Monday, September 8, 2014

Monday, September 8

Science: Analyzed & graphed the data that was collected on Friday. We talked about patterns in data and how to handle outliers (or wonky data).

Geometry: Continued discussing basic terms and constructions. Basic Terms handout is homework. Quiz on basic terms, distance & midpoint formulas on Friday.

RR Math, RR English, RR LRC: I will check to make sure you have all supplies listed in the course packet this week.

RR Math: First homework packet/test will be due/on- next week Friday-9/19.

RR English: Reading logs were passed out today. All sections (five days) will be due on Monday. A week from today.

Humanities: Students discussed current event expectations in class today. No homework. Current events are due Friday.

French 2: Verb retake quizzes: any lunchtime this week. Write 20 sentences using the passé composé. Due this Wednesday.

Pre-Algebra: What We Did Today: Today we finished going over the review. Homework: There is no homework today. http://norupstein.weebly.com/

ELA - Kennedy - Today we checked in Grammar 1.1-1.2 and then moved on to Grammar 1.3-1.4. During Day 2 of the Launching unit students discussed the Notice and Note Signposts and how to use them to better understand their independent reading. They were given bookmarks to use to help remind them of the signposts and what each means. Homework: finish Grammar 1.3-1.4, Read, gather decorations for composition books (Journals)

Algebra: Each class finished at a different point, so the homework is to finish the notes (and sample problems) for both 1.3 and 1.4. Our first quiz will be this Thursday covering sections 1.1-1.5

Friday, September 5, 2014

Friday, September 5

Science: Continued exploring how the photogates can be used to find speed data with a car on a track.

Geometry: Began our first unit with an introduction to basic terms and constructions.

LRC, RR ELA, RR Math: All signed course packets and parent contact form were due today.  If you did not turn yours in, please do so by Monday. I will also be checking to make sure everyone has their course supplies next week. 
RR ELA: Please select your first book that you will use for your reading log that you will receive on Monday.  It is OK to use the same book that you are using for your general education English class.

French 2: Map quiz on Monday

ELA- Kennedy - We spent a nice cool day in the Media Center! So lucky I booked it today for Summer Reading AR quiz taking and book check out. Homework: ALWAYS Read 30 minutes minimum a day.

Humanities: Students analyzed primary and secondary sources in class today. No homework.

Algebra: Did sections 1.1,1.2,2.7 notes. Homework: Worksheet 1-1 and 1-2 all are attached. Also attached are the worked out answers to the warm-up. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Thursday, September 4

Science: Continued exploring how the photo-gates measure time.

Geometry: Continued exploring proofs using comic strips. Homework is to read about constructions & take notes

Humanities: Students reviewed the 5 W's of History, worked on a KWL and played a history "game" in which they tried to identify primary sources in class. No Homework

LRC, RR Math, RR English: Supplies for each of the above classes are in the packets that were sent home with your child.  I will be checking supplies early next week.  Packets that were sent home with your child, need to be signed and returned by this Friday.  Please go over the packet with your child.  Please also fill out the contact form that was sent home yesterday, also due Friday.

French II: Study for the map quiz on Monday. Begin studying the new vocabulary on pg 291.

ELA- Students began their first Reader's Workshop with Day 1 o their Launching Unit.  We discussed how important it is to have evidence of how much we read and filled in our first book of the school year on our Reading Logs.  This is NOT our Summer Reading Requirement.  We will be going to the Media Center tomorrow to take any remaining quizzes for Summer Reading. Homework: Read


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Welcome back!

Science: Yesterday students took a pre-test on the main learning objectives and went over the course syllabus. Today we started using the timers and photogates which will allow us to make precise measurements of motion throughout the year.

Geometry: Yesterday students participated in an assessment of Van Hiele Levels and went over the course syllabus. Today we began discussing the logic of mathematics and proofs through comic strips. Attached is an article regarding Van Hiele Levels of Geometric Understanding. 

ELA- Kennedy:  Students were given the syllabus yesterday to be signed by the end of the week.  Today we conducted a performance assessment that will be our baseline for writing abilities.  We will be conducting Reading Assessments over the next few weeks to find the basis for reading instruction!  Welcome back!  Hope everyone's summer was fun!  Now back to work!

LRC, RR Math, RR English (Canvassar): Supplies for each of the classes are in the packets that were sent home yesterday with your child.  I will be checking supplies early next week.  Packets that were sent home yesterday with your child, need to be signed and returned by this Friday.  Please go over the packet with your child.  Please also fill out the contact form that was sent home yesterday, also due Friday.

Algebra: We took a pre-assessment today.  I assured everyone that they should not know how to do most of it.  The assessment contains the topics we are covering this year. 


Homework: Decorate their ISN (composition notebooks) with 15-20 number stories about them.  Due tomorrow!


Chinese: Hi Everyone, Welcome back to the school. Today is our first class officially as we had assembly yesterday. Today, we went through the syllabus. Now, you know what you were expected to do in the class. I hope your will enjoy learning Chinese this year. Parents and students, please spend some time to read the syllabus at home, sign and return it back tomorrow in the class. Please make sure to get materials (binder, dividers, notebook, dry erase marker) this weekend. I would love you to have everything ready on Monday. See you all tomorrow. P.S. attached is the syllabus.


French II: keep studying for the 9 verb quiz for all this week