Thursday, September 22

Science: Students worked on Investigation 1-B (Systems, Energy & Change) as groups in class. We will go over the Scientific Processes homework tomorrow and labs will also be returned tomorrow (I'm 2/3 of the way done grading!). No homework (exception is 3rd hour, who is a day behind due to the Peace Day Parade yesteday).

Geometry: We discussed the 1.7 homework from last night. The Chapter 1 Practice Test is homework. Chapter 1 Test is Monday, September 29.

Pre-Algebra: We talked about integers and absolute value (lesson 1.4).  Homework is out of the book, page 25, #18 - 50 evens.

Language Arts: Students turned in their vocabulary sentences. We reviewed the notes taken on Science Fiction yesterday and started Future Tense by Robert Lipsyte. We practiced writing in a Reader's Journal while reading a story and will continue tomorrow. Homework: READ - Study for Vocabulary Quiz

Humanities: Students received homework folders, discussed grades and shared current events in class. No homework.

Spanish I: Vocabulary quiz next Wednesday, Sept 28th on the words on page 47

Physical Education: SEPTEMBER FITNESS QUESTION- Describe in detail how physically active you were over the summer. Highly active = 2 or more hours a day; Moderately active = 1 or more hours a day; Low activity less than an hour most days of the week. You have been pre-tested in push ups, sit ups, sit n reach, shuttle run and mile run for the Presidential Fitness Test. What areas do you most need to focus on to show improvement? You can compare your scores to the chart posted in the gym. Essays should be of high quality, informative, neat and completed on time. Papers are due on or before Monday, September 26, 2011.

Algebra (Graham): Homework tonight is to make 4 flash cards of the 4 Addition Properties (commutative, associative, identity and inverse).  I showed them what I expected to see on the cards.  Study for the quiz (2.1 to 2.3) which is tomorrow!!

Algebra (Hill): Today we discussed absolute value as well as several properties related to manipulating algebraic expressions. Homework:  2.1 problems 2-36 even and 54, 2.2 Problems 5-55 multiples of 5

Wedensday, Sept. 21

Science: Today we completed the jigsaw notes for pages 6, 8, 9, 11 & 12. Homework is to complete the Scientific Processes Worksheet.

Geometry: Completed notes on section 1.7 (perimeter, area and circumfrence of cirlces and polygons). 1.7 worksheet is homework. Chapter 1 test is Monday, September 26.

Language Arts: Students wrote sentences for each of their Vocab #2 words and then labeled each with the part of speech. This is to be finished as homework. We then continued our class read of Rain, Rain, Go Away by Isaac Asimov. Homework: READ! Finish Vocab Sentences tonight for homework. First of three AR Quizzes for First Marking period should be taken by the end of this week, Monday, Sept 26th the latest.

Pre-Algebra: We finished notes on order of operations. Homework-worksheet 1.3, # 11 - 27 (odds).

Physical Education: SEPTEMBER FITNESS QUESTION- Describe in detail how physically active you were over the summer. Highly active = 2 or more hours a day; Moderately active = 1 or more hours a day; Low activity less than an hour most days of the week. You have been pre-tested in push ups, sit ups, sit n reach, shuttle run and mile run for the Presidential Fitness Test. What areas do you most need to focus on to show improvement? You can compare your scores to the chart posted in the gym. Essays should be of high quality, informative, neat and completed on time. Papers are due on or before Monday, September 26, 2011.

Algebra (Hill): Today we participated in the peace day parade...No homework!

Algebra (Graham): Discussed properties of addition (2.2), Homework p. 65. (5-55 multiples of 5). Quiz over sections 2.1 - 2.3 on Friday!

Humanities: Students watched a video on, and discussed, peace day. Current events and Core Democratic Values packets due tomorrow.

Spanish I: Flashcards from page 47 are due by Friday. They will not get any credit if not done by this Friday.

Tuesday, September 20

Science: Today we learned how to do "Jigsaw" note-taking by taking notes on pages 6, 8, 9, 11 & 12. Click here for a copy of the Unit 1 notes.

Geometry: Completed the 1.6 notes (polygons), 1.6 worksheet is homework. Chapter 1 test is Monday, September 26.

Language Arts: Students used their Vocabulary words in their Journal entry What is your most prized possession? Explain why it is so important to you. What do you think would happen if all the clocks and watches in the world started going backwards. Your own topic. We started the Science Fiction Unit in our Anthology. Students took notes on what Science Fiction is, and we began reading "Rain, Rain, Go Away" by Isaac Asimov. Homework: READ!

Pre-Algebra: We started notes today on order of operations. Homework - worksheet 1.3, # 1 - 9.

Spanish I: flash cards on 1.1 (pg 47) must be done by this Friday, or you will not get a grade for them. Today's homework sheet is due by tomorrow (and you have one week to complete it)

Art 7/8: Students are completing the marker portion of their sketchbook covers. They are putting the sketchbooks together today.

Advanced Art grade 8: Today we begin still life #2. Yesterday first still life was graded. Students are also brainstorming ideas for their "Flower Pun" drawings. Thumbnail sketches will be completed today.

Humanities: Students reviewed current events and worked on a current events packet in class today. Peace day tomorrow...please wear blue and white. Homework is to complete current events and core democratic value packets by THURSDAY.

Algebra (Graham) Finished section 2.1. Ask your son or daughter, "What is the difference between an irrational and a rational number?" Homework: worksheet 2.1B (all)

Monday, September 19, 2011

Science: Students recieved science books or CD's today and did a textbook scavenger hunt to get acclimated to their new textbooks. "Candy Coated" lab was turned in and I am hoping to get the labs all read and returned to students by Friday. No Homework!!!!

Geometry: Quizzes were returned, students may do quiz corrections for 1/2 credit. Quiz corrections must be on a separate sheet of paper (or the back of the quiz) and have work shown or explanation for each question. We also went over the 1.5 notes, 1.5 worksheet is homework. Chapter 1 test will be Monday, September 26.

Pre-Algebra-We talked about powers and exponents today. Homework-worksheet 1.2, odds.

Language Arts: Students discussed the new Vocabulary List (#2) and were given the definition. Work from last week was handed back (Friday's are too crazy for hand back day so I'm going to try out Mondays).  Students were reminded that we will be starting our first novel unit next week, therefore they should have at least one book read and tested by the end of the week. All 8th grade students should have an AR book with them daily for "free time" reading. Three books are due by the end of the marking period...which is October 28th. Homework: READ

Humanities: Students shared college essays and reviewed the Core Democratic Values in class. Homework is to write about which value is most important to you and why. Be sure to share and discuss your choice with somebody at home.

Algebra (Graham): I handed back the quizzes from Friday. Please look them over to clear up any misconceptions before the Unit test. Please contact me if you have any concerns. We started section 2.1 today. We will finish it tomorrow. No homework tonight!

Friday, September 16

Geometry: Students took the 1.1-1.4 quiz. Completing the 1.5 notes is homework (we will go over the notes on Monday). Students need to use their textbooks to help them complete the notes, the examples in the notes are very similar to the examples in the book.

Science: Today we completed Investigation 1-A by collecting data with the cars and the tracks. Students investigated how changing distance between photogates (independent variable) affects the amount of time it takes for the car to travel between the photogates (dependent variable). Homework is to complete the "Candy Coated" Lab, final draft is due on Monday, this is a TEST grade!!!!!!!

Language Arts: Students took a "MAZE" reading assessment. Our first vocabulary quiz went very well. Students need to remember to have their AR book with them every day, as when they are done with their quiz or classwork they may use that time to read. The AR computer was open and many students used this time to get up to date with their quarterly 3 book requirement. Great Job 8th Graders! Homework: READ!  New Vocab on Monday and the beginning of our Science Fiction Unit.

Pre-Algebra: We finished talking about lesson 1.1.  Homework is worksheet 1.1 2 - 28 evens.

Humanaties: Students reviewed constitutional values, discussed the pursuit of happiness as found in the Declaration of Independence and related it to a conversation about higher education. Homework is to complete a three paragraph "college entrance essay." Paragraph one is to list the college you would like to attend and why. Paragraph two is to say what you would like to do/be when you grow up and why. Paragraph three is to tell why the college should choose you above all others.

Algebra (Graham) Quiz today - no homework. Have a great weekend!

Algebra (Hill): Today we completed our first quiz covering chapter 1. Homework: Read through each of the example problems in section 2.1 of the textbook. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 15

Science: Today we peer reviewed the "Candy Coated Lab". Final draft is due on Monday, September 19. Click here for a copy of the rubric.

Geometry: Completed the 1.4 notes (measuring angles & angle bisectors). 1.4 worksheet is homework. 1.1-1.4 quiz tomorrow!

Language Arts: Due today - Text Reading Strategies Students made "Cootie Catchers" with their vocabulary words. They then practiced their words. We then worked on long reading selection test taking skills. Students have a packet of a sample test to take tonight and we will review it tomorrow. Homework- Study vocabulary words, Reading Test Model - "Finding a Bit of History". Tomorrow - Vocabulary Quiz - Review Reading Test Model.

Art 7/8: Sketchbook covers continued. Most students are on the black marker portion.

Advanced Art grade 8: Day 3 of still life. Value bars will be completed today. Demonstration on blending stumps and into about "Flower Pun" drawings.

Spanish I: Alphabet quiz on Tuesday, Sept 20th.  Retakes on today's vocab quiz can be at any lunch time starting tomorrow. Date homework is due tomorrow.

Humanities: Students celebrated Constitution Day and discussed how this document provides use with shared values. No homework.

Pre-Algebra: We started new notes on variables and expressions.  Students were given a take home quiz on stem-and-leafs and box-and-whiskers.  They can use any notes or homework assignments to complete this.  It is a quiz grade.

Algebra (Graham): Homework Worksheet 1.5B (evens only), Quiz tomorrow over sections 1.1-1.5. I can feel the high stress level in our discussions about the upcoming quiz. They can look over problems and examples in the textbook, look over their notes, and come and see me in the tech room at lunch (they need to get a pass first).

Algebra (Hill): Today we studied problem solving strategies as they apply to story problems. Homework: Page 32 problems 14-18

Wednesday, September 14

Geometry: Today we completed section 1.3 notes with a discussion and explanation of the distance formula (pythagorean theorem in disguise!). Homework is to complete the 1.3 worksheet. 1.1-1.4 quiz on Friday.

Science: We continued with investigation 1-A with a discovery of how two photogates can work together and how they collect data from a car on a track. Rough draft of the "Candy Coated Lab" is due tomorrow for peer review. Final draft is due on Monday, September 19. THIS IS A TEST GRADE!

Spanish I: vocab quiz tomorrow. Alphabet quiz on Tuesday

Pre-Algebra: We finished our double stem-and-leaf plots. Homework- worksheet 12.2, # 1 - 5, 9 - 15, 17

Language Arts: Students used all their vocabulary words in sentences and then shared. We then continued our reading strategies with learning what to look for in a text book. If not finished this is due for homework. Second hour also had our magazine strategies on "Modern Cowboys" to complete today as we had assemblies yesterday and Monday. Homework: "Minders, Ranchers, and Cowhands" text book reading strategies worksheet, study for vocabulary quiz on Friday, and READ!

Physical Education: SEPTEMBER FITNESS QUESTION- Describe in detail how physically active you were over the summer. Highly active = 2 or more hours a day; Moderately active = 1 or more hours a day; Low activity less than an hour most days of the week. You have been pre-tested in push ups, sit ups, sit n reach, shuttle run and mile run for the Presidential Fitness Test. What areas do you most need to focus on to show improvement? You can compare your scores to the chart posted in the gym. Essays should be of high quality, informative, neat and completed on time. Papers are due on or before Monday, September 26, 2011.

Algebra 1(Hill) Today we used box and whisker plots to compare sets of scientific data. Homework review your notes from section 1.1-1.4, there is a quiz on 1.1-1.5 on Friday.

Algebra (Graham) We worked in groups solving problems on p.27 in the textbooks. There is no homework tonight! Remember, Quiz on Friday.

Humanities: Students reviewed current event expectations, worked on a "practice" current event and discussed freedom of press in preparation for Constitution Day. Homework is to have parents sign expectations sheet.