Communication about student progress is always available at the student /parent website. You can find out about grades, missing work, etc.. This site is used to help students know about their progress so far in the trimester. As you undoubtedly realize, sometimes online sites can be 'tempermental". Feel free to contact me at any time if you cannot determine how your child is doing in my class. There should never be a time in the trimester when your student does not know how they are doing in my classes. All the middle school teachers encourage the students to talk with their teachers and develop self-advocacy skills.
9-8-15 Classes start! Busy first week. We passed out schedules, lockers, etc. and I think we made it through without too many major problems. In 7th grade, we reviewed classroom expectations regarding notebooks, class participation, and behavior and students did a little work on grammar and parts of speech. They also have a music essay due early next week. In 8th grade, in addition to the expectations review, students worked on essay writing and editing. There will be quite a bit of work this year on the writing process, and editing and proofreading will be a continuing theme. I will be asking students to write for at least 15 minutes a day. Sometimes students can fall into a "git 'er done" trap and their writing skills stagnate. Notebook check will be sometime early next week and you should be able to be seeing grades on PARENTVUE sometime after that. As always, feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns. Happy weekend!
9-18 Busy week. In 7th grade students had their music writing due on Tuesday. We also started on vocabulary and have a quiz scheduled for early next week. We've been working on synonyms this week, so hopefully some of our work will be evidenced in their assignments. In 8th grade, we have worked on a couple of short stories, focusing on theme and author's purpose. They have an essay that was assigned on Wednesday and is due Monday Their daily writing continues and we worked on a couples of skills that they can hopefully incorporate into their work. As always, in the beginning of the year it's important to establish habits and routines. I've worked with all the students to try to help them use their time effectively in class and limit their "home work." I review assignments daily and post Homework Due on the board . I realize everyone has busy lives outside of school, so it's important to make use of every minute of school time we have. Forecast says sunny, so I hope you all have a great weekend.
9-25 In 7th grade this week, students had a vocab test on Tuesday. We also worked on grammar, specifically subject, predicate, and parts of speech. In addition, we started our short story unit with the story "Rikki Tiki Tavi". In 8th grade we continued our on theme and reading between the lines. Students had an essay due Monday over the short story "The Flying Machine". We also worked on thesis statements and student were to write a 12 minute outline and turn that outline into a five-paragraph essay. This is a chance for them to use some of the skills we've been practicing in class (absolutes, appositives, power verbs, etc.) Other things you might find of interest are: picture day is scheduled for next Tuesday, 9-29 ; 8th grade outdoor school is set for 10/5-6-7; and lap-a-thon is scheduled for 10-6. Finally, Back-to-schoool night is set for Monday, 6:30 - 8:00. Hope to see you there. Happy Fall!!!
10-2 In 7th grade this week students read the short story "Rikki-Tiki-Tavi" and saw the video. They took notes on the video and are to use them when they write an essay comparing and contrasting the two. We also worked on action verbs this week. The hope is they begin to incorporate some of the grammar skills they have learned into their essays. In 8th grade, the students writing this week was to finish their thesis essay. It was due on Tuesday. We are now working on our personal narrative unit. Like anything else, strong skills develop through practice. Students are expected to be writing at least 15 minutes a day and practicing the skills they have learned. If they commit to this, writing will become less of a chore and more a means of expression. Otherwise, homework is going to be light this week due to outdoor school for 8th graders. They are out Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday of next week. Thursday(10-8) of next week is lap-a-thon, and Friday (10-9) is a staff development for teachers; no school for students. Picture day was Tuesday, so hopefully your child let you have a glimpse of their student ID. In addition, we also sent home a flyer and sign-up regarding conferences. I know it's early, but with outdoor school and days off, the time flies by and we know some calendars fill up quickly. Finally, thanks to all who made it to Back-to-school-night. It was great seeing everyone! Enjoy your weekend.
10-9 Interesting week. The 8th graders were at Outdoor school Mon/Tue/Wed and then on Thursday we had lap-a-thon, and then, of course, no school on Friday. YIKES!! In 7th grade, their compare/contrast essay was due Tuesday. We also started vocabulary #2 this week. They have sentences, definitions and POS to write down and study, and a test next week. In science, which I taught in Ms. Gadbaw's absence, we worked on a writing piece that was due Wednesday. Enjoy the 3-day weekend!
10-16 This week was a little bit less hectic (No outdoor school; no lap-a-thon) so we could kind of get back to "normal". In 7th grade, students had a vocab test. We started the short story, "Ms. Awful" as well. Students will have three discussions questions due next Tuesday. We are working on inference and "reading between the lines", and that can be difficult at first. We will be practicing this skill throughout the year with all of our readings. In 8th grade, students continue to work on their personal narrative. First drafts were due on Wednesday and final will be due next week. We are working on new skills,(effective use of absolutes and appositives, emotion in writing) and trying to refine and hone old ones( clear descriptive nouns and "power" verbs) to make make their writing even more powerful. We read a short story "The Ravine" to help students see how to add emotion into their personal narratives. In addition, conference forms were due this week, as conferences are coming up October 29th and 30th.. We tried as best we could to get everyone the time that they requested. Your conference time was sent home with your student on Thursday. If there are any questions, conflicts or confusion, don't hesitate to get in touch with me. Have a great weekend.
10-23 In 7th grade this week, students had discussion questions due for the short story "Ms. Awful". They had five days to work on this, so I was assessing many of the skills we've learned so far, namely conventions, comprehension, and the ability to limit run-on sentences. We continued with writing and grammar this week, focusing on the senses and word choice. In 8th grade, students final personal narrative essay was due. We worked on many skills the last three weeks including introductions, conclusions, and organization. Their final essay hopefully evidenced some of these traits. We will be starting our first novel, "Copper Sun" this week as well. See me if you would like a copy. Sometimes it's fun to read the same book as your child, as you can share insights and predictions. Middle school party is on Friday. Thanks in advance to all the parents who helped. I know the kids love it, even if they might not admit it. Just a reminder: Conferences are next week, Wednesday from 4:00 -8:00 and Thursday 8:00 - 8:00. No school for students Thurs./Fri.
11-6 Great seeing everyone at conferences. Thanks you again for coming. This week in 7th grade, students had a run-on sentence essay due Monday. We've been working on a number of skills these past few weeks . The goal is for them to employ these skills in the essays they write; not just in Language Arts, but in all their classes. They have also been working on revising and editing a fluency essay. That essay will be due Friday. Just as a heads-up, speeches will start soon as well. Feel free to help your child with informational speech topics. Any help you can give being an "audience" for them would be greatly appreciated as well. In 8th grade, we are continuing with our novel. Students have a response essay due next Monday over the first 100 pages. This week's reading is pp. 100-165. Again, many skills and techniques are discussed and worked on in class that will help students write and read more effectively. The expectation is that these skills will be employed in final response essays. Believe it or not, there are only 11 school days left in the trimester. I know how no one likes "surprises" come grade time, so remind your student to double check with teachers for any late, missing, or incomplete work. Just a reminder; no school on Wednesday, 11/11, due to Veteran's Day holiday.
11-13 Funny week with a day off in the middle, but everything went smoothly. In 7th grade, we've started our work on informative speeches. We'll be doing research until next week (Tuesday) and speeches will start on Wednesday. Students are given times when they are to give their speech, so they should be prepared on their assigned day. Any help/support you would like to give as far as being an audience to help them practice would be great. In 8th grade, we are finishing up our novel "Copper Sun" and students have a biography of a character of their choosing due next Tues./Wed. They should be read up to p. 250 so they have interesting/detailed facts to include in their biography. In other news, the canned food drive is in full swing this week as well, so if kids are raiding you're pantry, sorry! (It's for a good cause.) Thanks in advance!! Have a great weekend.
11-20 In 7th grade this week, informative speeches are underway. We worked in class doing research Monday and Tuesday and speeches began Wednesday. The speeches are to be 3-10 minutes in length. We spent plenty of time in class going over the rubric, so students know how to address eye contract, voice, language, and all the other things that go into effective public speaking. In 8th grade, students had their character biographies from "Copper Sun" due on Tues./Wed. and we also working on analyzing author's craft. Most students have really enjoyed this first novel of the year. Hopefully they have acquired some skills that will help them read and comprehend more effectively, and thereby increase their enjoyment. They will also begin persuasive speeches after the Thanksgiving break. I have encouraged them to be thinking of possible ideas for their speech and maybe doing some preliminary research. Speaking of Thanksgiving, if I don't get to see you before the break, have a restful and peaceful holiday!!
12-4 Happy Thanksgiving! Glad to have everyone "back in the house." It's the beginning of 2nd trimester. I have encouraged all students to set goals for the new trimester. We will work to help them develop strategies to help them attain these goals. We use the acronym S.M.A.R.T. (specific; measurable; attainable; relevant; time-based.) In 7th grade, speeches are finishing up this week. Students have been doing a great job as speakers and as an audience. Thanks for all your support. In 8th grade, students finished their final response for our novel and it was due on Wednesday. We will be working the rest of the week on persuasive speeches, and how to be a stronger persuasive speaker. We will research for much of this week with speeches starting late next week. FYI: Report cards for first trimester were completed to sent to central office. You should be receiving them in the mail sometime next week.
12-11 In 7th grade this week, we worked on grammar, specifically commas and their usage. We also have vocabulary words for this week. I remind students to study 7-10 minutes a day so they'll be ready for a quiz next Tuesday. We also worked a bit on myths and folk tales. In 8th grade, students had time in class to research, plan out, and write their persuasive speeches. We worked on a number of strategies in class, so hopefully, by employing those strategies, their speech will not only be effective, but less nerve-racking as well. Speeches began on Friday and will continue for the next two weeks or so. That means some students will be giving their speech after winter break. All students were given the opportunity to pick a time to give their speech and they are expected to be prepared on that day. If you could help by being an audience, that would greatly aid student's ability to give an effective speech. As always, thanks for all your support. Stay Dry!!
12-18 In 7th grade this week, we had a vocab test on Tuesday. We also worked on myths, fables, and folk tales and read a couple of different versions of the "Cinderella" folk tale. We also watched some of the Disney version of Cinderella, which hopefully students viewed with a more critical eye. In 8th grade, persuasive speeches continued. Some students will be finishing their speeches after winter break. Speaking of winter break, our last day of school is Friday, 12-21, and we return 1-4. Hope you have a happy and peaceful break. See you next year. (yuk - yuk)
1-8 Happy New year. I hope everyone had a restful holiday. We started the week with a snow day and a delayed opening, so getting the kids on track was a little more challenging than normal. In 7th grade, we started our novel "The Outsiders". Students should be reading chapter one this week with a quiz scheduled for next Tuesday. In 8th grade, we finished up our persuasive speeches and reviewed some of the skills we learned from earlier in the year. We'll be starting our second novel, "Buried Onions", next week. As the new year starts, a season full of winter activities and sports beckons. We try hard to help students stay organized in planning their activities and encourage them to check in with teachers if they feel they are getting behind or not understanding material. Any help you could provide in helping your student stay organized with school, practices, and social needs would be much appreciated. Have a wonderful weekend!!
1-15 Busy week. In 7th grade, we continued with our novel. Students had a quiz on Tuesday and are responsible for chapters 2-3 this week. If any of you would like to read along with your student, I have some extra copies. It's a good story and reading the same book along with your son/daughter can lead to some interesting dinner table discussions. In 8th grade, we started our 2nd novel on Tuesday. Students will generally be responsible for a couple of chapters a week. Students have been given a couple of organizers and worksheets to help them. We are concentrating on inference skills, as that will help them become deeper and more thoughtful readers. We will continue to work on their writing skills through weekly reflections on their reading. Reminder that this is a 3-day weekend in remembrance of the MLK holiday.
1-22 In 7th grade this week, students have chapters 4-7 to read in "The Outsiders". We had a quiz on Tuesday and we also have vocabulary this week as well. They well be having an oral quiz on the novel on Tuesday of next week and the vocabulary test on Wednesday. In 8th grade, students have an essay to be working on for "Buried Onions" that is due Monday. We have been working on quote analysis this week, and their essay asks them to delve more deeply into specific characters. They also have chapters 3-4 to be reading for next week. We encourage students to use their class and study time effectively and to check in with teachers after an absence. That way, when specific problems arise, they can check in with teachers about concepts they do not understand. Feel free to get in touch if you ever have questions or concerns. FYI: Staff development day on Friday, 1-29. No school for students. Hope you had a great week.
1-29 Busy week this week and only four days to get it in. In 7th grade, students had a quiz over the first seven chapters of our novel on Tuesday and a vocabulary test on Wednesday. Their assignment for the rest of the week is to make sure they have finished the novel. They will be getting a take home test next week. In addition, we will be seeing the video of the novel after we finish the final. It's always fun to compare the two, and I let students bring a drink and a snack to enjoy the "movie experience." It's rated PG (some mild swearing), but I still will be sending a permission slip home for you to sign. If it's easier to just email me, that's fine too. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to get in touch. In 8th grade, students had a response essay due on Monday. They have reading assigned for this week ( chapters 5-6-7) and another response due Monday. As we have been practicing all year, their writing skills should be improving and they should be able to finish their assignment in less time. As always, I encourage them to come see me if they are having any difficulties. Hope you have a nice weekend. (Wow, it's February already!!)
2-5 Welcome to February! In 7th grade, students were to have finished up their reading of "The Outsiders" and have a take -home test due Wednesday. This test is not only a chance for students to demonstrate their understanding of literature, but also an opportunity for them to show how they have progressed as writers and critical thinkers. You should also have seen a permission slip to see the movie. Thanks to those of you who have already returned it. If it's easier to email me your permission, by all means do so. In 8th grade, students have their reading of "Buried Onions" for the week and have a couple of options for their writing. They can chose between two response essays or a type of poem called a "Found Poem." As with 7th grade, these are opportunities students can take to demonstrate their skills as writers and critical thinkers. Have a great weekend, and whoever your team is for the Super Bowl, I hope they win!!
2-12 Busy week. In 7th grade we finished up our novel "The Outsiders" and we watched the film. It was a great exercise in compare and contrast. Early returns have most students liking the book better. In 8th grade, students had a writing project due Monday. They could either create a poem or do a response essay. We finished the book "Buried Onions" this week as well, and students had an in-class written response. Auditions for the play also take place today (Friday) for students interested in flexing their theatrical skills. As many of you know, being in the play is a commitment of time and energy. All teachers will do their best to make sure students have ample time to get their assignments completed, but students must also "step up" their organizational skills to make sure they stay current in their classes. As always, feel free to get in touch if you have questions or concerns. (It's a Presidents Day weekend, so students have no school on Monday. Enjoy the holiday!!)
2-19 Hope everyone had a nice 3-day weekend. In 7th grade this week we reviewed some of the parts of speech we've studied this year and started our poetry unit. We will be learning about a number of different kinds of poems, and students will be expected to try every kind. We will also be learning about literary devices (simile, metaphor, etc.) that student will be expected to know and use in their writing. Students have a simile/senses poem due next Wednesday. In 8th grade, we worked with short story and literary devices this week and students have a response essay due next Monday. We also sent emails out for you to select the best time for your student led conference with your child. The email will direct you to Sign-up Genius where schedule you can schedule a time that is convenient to you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Conferences are scheduled 3-2 (Wed.) from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and 3-3 (Thur) from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Students do not have school on 3-3 (Thur.) or 3-4 (Fri.) Have a lovely weekend!!
2-26 In 7th grade this week, we continued with our poetry unit. Students had a final poem due on Wednesday. We have been studying five different types of poems, as well as literary devices that students can use. In 8th grade, students had a response essay due on a short story they were to have read. In addition, we started our personal narrative unit, "This I Believe". Students will be identifying a personal belief statement, and writing a narrative that captures their belief. In addition to classroom activities, some other areas of interest this week were a band/choir concert on Wednesday, a middle school dance on Friday, and student-led conferences (make sure to visit Sign-up Genius to select your conference time).
3-11 It was great to see so many of you at conferences. Hopefully you found them informative and enjoyable. In 7th grade this week, students had a final poem due on Monday. They also have vocabulary to be working on this week, with a test on Monday. In 8th grade, students had their "This I Believe "essay due on Tuesday. They have had a few days to be working on it and hopefully they have shared some of it with you. We've practiced and refined many of their writing skills that they can hopefully evidence in their final copy. We also began our research of Civil Rights in the U.S. and students were assigned topics to be working on. They will be given time next week in class to be researching their topic. This week also marks the end of the trimester and students have Friday off due to a grading day. We have reminded them (often) that grading is coming to a close and to get any make-up work completed. (I know no one likes "surprises" when report cards arrive.) Have a wonderful weekend.
3-18 Welcome to 3rd trimester. In 7th grade this week students had a vocabulary test on Monday and we continued our work in grammar and vocabulary in preparation for our next novel, "True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle." In 8th grade, students continued their research work for their civil rights project. They will present their projects after spring break. Speaking of spring break, you will probably be receiving report cards sometime that week. Most kids already know what their grades are, so feel free to have a conversation with them if the suspense is killing you. We continually try to get students to focus on the learning and not just the grade. Thanks in advance for helping to facilitate this discussion. Stay safe and have a relaxing break!!
4-1 Wow.........didn't March just start? How did we get to April? Anyway, in 7th grade this week we had a vocabulary test and started our novel, "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" (TCCD). Students are responsible for the first three chapters by next week. They have a quiz on Monday. I have a couple of extra copies of the book, so if you'd like to read along with us, feel free to stop by and pick one up. In 8th grade, students had their civil rights research essay due and had their presentation as well. Hopefully the research will give them the background to enjoy their novel which they'll start next week. Speaking of next week, 7th/8th grade is scheduled to begin state testing. As of now, it looks like Monday -Wednesday will be the main days with extra time available Thursday and Friday. Any help you can give in making sure your student is well rested and ready to go would be greatly appreciated.
4-8 In 7th grade this week, we continued with our novel. Students had a quiz on Monday. Their reading for the week is chapters 4-8. We read quite a bit in class, but students are expected to review the reading and take notes which they can use on future quizzes. In 8th grade, we spent the beginning of the week with state testing. The later part of the week was reserved for absences and for students who needed more time to complete their testing. We will be starting our novel(s) next week. With the beautiful weather we have had of late, we are continuing to encourage students to use their class/school time wisely to avoid lots of homework. Between play practice and sports/music commitments, and the joy of being outside in the nice weather, we know it's hard to get everything done. Besides academic classes, a valuable skill learned in the middle school years is how to budget time. As always, feel free to get in touch if you have questions or concerns.
4-15 Busy week. Every class has a novel in progress. In 7th grade, students had a quiz on Tuesday and are responsible for chapters 9-14 for the upcoming week. They also have vocabulary words for the week with a test scheduled for next week. In 8th grade, we started our final novels of the year. Students are responsible for roughly the first 50 pages. They have a character essay due next Wednesday. Their skills have developed this year through previous novels, so we will be exploring this novel in greater depth. Inference, synthesis, and summarizing will be some of the skills I will try to highlight. Copies are kind of tight, but I might be able to come up with a few, so feel free to get in touch if you'd like to read along with your student. A panorama class picture will be taken on Friday. We passed out order forms last week and I have reminded students a number of times. Keep your fingers crossed for no rain.
4-22 Lots to do this week. 7th graders continued with their novel. We had an oral quiz on Wednesday and a vocab test on Tuesday. I try to give them plenty of time in class for work, questions, and discussions, so hopefully they're not too stressed with homework. We'll begin finishing up the novel in the next couple of weeks. 8th grade has been busy too. Students generally have some sort of writing/essay/reflection due every week in connection to their reading. It's important they stay up-to-date on their assigned reading as well (they should be up to p. 100 or so by now). Their reflections can only be so strong if they're behind in their reading. Again, I try to provide time in class for students to stay current and up-to-date. Sadly, not all students take advantage of this so they find themselves scrambling at the last minute to get things done. Any reminders/encouragement you could give to use class time wisely would be greatly appreciated.
4-29 Short week this week as teachers had staff development on Friday. 7th graders are finishing up their novel. Their final take home test is a opportunity for them to not only display their comprehension and inference skills, but to show their writing skill as well. They have over a week to be working on this, so they can be working on their time-budgeting skills as well. In 8th grade, students had a reflection due this week over their assigned reading. Both books are available for listening on line for free, and many students are taking advantage of this. Hopefully it allows them to access the novel more readily and delve more deeply into the book's themes. As I'm sure you have probably heard, I announced my retirement to the kids on Thursday. I was able to have a nice chat with all middle schoolers, 6th, 7th and 8th graders. I've had a wonderful run in my years at RH. Thank you for all your support. Have a great weekend.
5-6 Kind of a hectic week. It's "Play" week at Raleigh Hills, and many middle schoolers have responsibilities with the play "Cinderella". There will be some long nights with practices and performances. That said, I will have limited homework this week. I will expect students to use their in-class time effectively. In 7th grade, students have vocabulary to do as well as their final take-home test on "True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle." In 8th grade, students have to keep up with their reading in their novel. We had an on-demand analytical essay due this week in which student were to state an opinion, defend it with examples from their reading, and write a thoughtful conclusion. They have a chance to show off many of the skills they have learned this year. Have a great weekend and hope to see you all at one of the weeks' performances.
5-13 Busy week. We started with an assembly with the play performed for all students. Mr. Libonati and all the cast did an amazing job. In 7th grade, we finished up our novel and students turned in their final take home test. We reviewed some of the grammar skills we've studied this year in preparation for a quiz next week. In 8th grade, novels continued and students had their response essays due. As is customary for this time of year, end of year activities have begun ( yearbook, class pictures, final tests, etc.). We always remind kids to run "through the finish line" and not pack it in too early. I know it's hard with the 80 degree weather. As usual, do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you have questions or concerns. I know things can get kind of hectic at school, and no one likes "surprises" at the end of the year. Finally, thanks for all the treats and well wishes this week. They have been VERY appreciated!!
5-20 The end of the year is coming and loose ends are being tied. In 7th grade we're reviewing much of the grammar and vocabulary we've had this year. Students had a quiz this week with a vocab final scheduled for next. In 8th grade, we're finishing up our novels. Students had a Lit Circle presentation this week and we'll finish up the novel and see the videos next. As usual, there's always some end-of-the-year activity I forget about. (We have talent show practice this week.) I'll do my best to keep you updated as I obtain more info. Just a little reminder, next Friday is no school for students as teachers have staff development, and the following Monday is Memorial Day holiday. And then it's June! Where did the school year go??
5-27 Busy week and only four days to get it in. In 7th grade we had a final vocabulary test and students began work/research on their health/current event speech. In 8th grade, we finished up our novel unit and tied together all the civil rights topics we've explored this year. As a treat, we began watching "Remember the Titans". A wonderful film that explores football and school segregation in the 1970's. Kids seem to be enjoying it. We'll finish up next week. Enjoy the Memorial Day holiday!
6-3 WOW.......it's June. We've begun the process of winding down. Students are being reminded about library books, I-pads, lockers, and all the sort of things that they need to take care of as the school year draws to a close. Any help or reminders you could give your student would be much appreciated. In both 7th grade and 8th grade, students are working on, and presenting, their final speech. It is to be about a current event/health topic and should be 2-5 minutes in length. We've been reviewing many of the attributes of a strong speech, so students can demonstrate some of the skills they've learned this year. Also, I would like to thank all the volunteers for all their help throughout the year. In all the craziness of the school year, we probably don't say THANKS often enough. YOU are truly an integral part of the Raleigh Hills team!