10/01/2007

 

Dear Families,

 

A new month brings a new seating chart (reverse alphabetical by first name) and a new prayer theme: strength.  I am preparing the students to lead their first cross-age Family meeting October 11, 2007.

 

A reminder: Free Dress and a Half Day of School THIS Friday, October 5, 2007.

 

¯ ACADEMICS

HISTORY

Eighth graders spent last week examining the characteristics of the colonies when grouped together: New England, Middle and Southern.  This week we investigate the Navigation Acts, slave trade and march toward revolution.

RELIGION

The Eighth grade religion curriculum focuses on Church history.  We have looked at significant events in the major eras of the Church, people important to Church history and compared Church practices of the past with those of the present.  Students will have a test on Thursday, October 4.   

 

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

Students are working on final versions of two news articles – a fairy tale as “hard” news and their Fair exhibit feature.  Both final drafts are due Friday, October 5.

 

On Friday, the students began a Language Arts/Art project using a number (1 – 9) to describe a family member.  This assignment is due on Wednesday, October 3.

 

LITERATURE

Students will finish reading The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter this week.  In addition to class discussion, they will complete two assignments from this novel. 

 

MATH

This week, I will be sending home a progress report on Wednesday.  It needs to signed and returned by Friday.  If you have any questions or concerns, please email me. (maryr@saintbrendan.org) Progress reports will be sent out every two weeks.

 

8th grade

This week we will be working on the following:

·        Common factors and equal fractions

·        Common multiples and denominators

·        Chapter Review

They will have a quiz on Thursday.

 

Pre-Algebra

This week we will be working on the following:

·        Formulas

·        Exploring verbal problems

They will have a quiz on Friday.

 

SCIENCE

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

 

 

ü CLASSROOM COMMUNITY

We began last week learning and reviewing modified parliamentary procedures.  We use a meeting format to elect our class officers.  We held the final presidential election this afternoon.  Nominators spoke about the two candidates.  After the votes were counted, Gabe was elected class president. 

 

I complimented the class for their use of parliamentary procedures to modify the elected offices. Andrea introduced a main motion to elect two historians, rather than one.  The debate about the issue was outstanding!  The motion passed and we will elect two historians.

 

 HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!

Ann Christianson

annc@saintbrendan.org