1/28/2007

Dear Families,

Happy Snow Day, Late Start and Catholic Schools Week! We take some time this week to celebrate our wonderful school. Here is a brief summary: Tuesday 1/29 – No homework!; Wednesday 1/30 – Malawi presentation; Thursday 1/31 – All-School Lunch 11:45 – 12:15, Please join us if you can; Friday 2/1 – All-School Mass 9:00AM. All days are non-uniform EXCEPT Friday 2/1. Uniforms are required Friday, including a red sweatshirt, sweater or vest.

A reminder: Friday 2/1 (uniforms required) is a half day. Thank you in advance for sending a note if your child plans to go somewhere after school other than his or her typical destination.

Graduation pictures have been scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2008. Details to follow.

� ACADEMICS

HISTORY

On Friday, students took the first of a three part test on the Constitution. Due to our weather interruptions, I will be compressing the second two parts of the test into one. I will be adjusting the testing schedule as well.

This week we finish examining Supreme Court cases. We also begin our last two sections of US History: 1. A US map study – states, capitals and significant geography; and 2. a summary look at the Civil Rights Movement

RELIGION

Students will be working in groups to create and perform plays as they learn about the influence of culture in our Church’s history. Their job is to set an assigned New Testament story in 2008. The purpose is to help them appreciate the magnitude and miraculous nature of Jesus’ teaching,

LANGUAGE ARTS

The ed comms are finished and I had hoped to give students a chance to view their own performances. Although it is difficult for many of us to watch ourselves on a video screen, the benefits of doing so are enormous. Unfortunately, our weather delays have left us short on time so I will not be able to carve out enough time. I will offer those who would like to an opportunity to watch themselves at lunchtime or recess.

No Spelling this week. We will take on 6 more “words you should know.”

LITERATURE

The students are working on a Staircase project. This project asks them to create visual art and write a character profile or description of two of the novel’s characters. The rough draft was due, Monday, 1/28. I collected it today, Tuesday. I have detailed instructions for the completing the final version of this project. When they begin work on the final version, please remind them to carefully follow directions.

The first of the two required book reviews was due Friday, January 25, 2008. (The second is due, Friday May 16, 2008). I cannot accept late book reviews. The review MUST be typed on the Book Review Form (available on the St. Brendan School website - on the 8^th grade classroom page.) Book reviews are to be written for books read outside our regular literature curriculum. There are some guidelines for writing book reviews in our Literature book on page 746. Students were given this information, including due dates, October 25, 2007. They were reminded in November, at least two times in December and then frequently when we returned from Christmas vacation.

MATH

Math update…coming soon.

SCIENCE

Updates about Science are posted in the Science section of school web page.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

This week we begin designing the class shield. It is a rewarding experience for the class – a true collaborative effort. The first step is to choose the mascot. The kids, with the class officers as leaders, will hold a series of class meetings to nominate and debate the merits of potential mascots. We will follow the tradition of previous 8^th grade classes by keeping secret the mascot, colors, etc. from the rest of the school until the shield decisions are complete. I am sure your kids will enjoy sharing information with you, however.

You should have received your child’s ITBS scores in the mail. Please let me know if you still have not received scores.

PLAY AUDITIONS – Tuesday, January 29, 2008 3:00 – 4:45 in Lower Brendan House. The fun begins!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!

Ann Christianson

annc@saintbrendan.org