3/17/2008

 

Dear Families,

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  Today is also the first day of your 8th grader’s last trimester at St. Brendan – WOW!!

 At last we have enough drivers for the Mt. St. Helen’s/Southwest Washington field trip. Thank you to all who volunteered, especially those who I am not able to take on the trip.

Two reminders:

1. I will be strictly enforcing the late work policy.  (Late work due to illness or bereavement leave is handled differently.)  Late work will be accepted one day late for a reduced grade.  (Please note: term papers will not be accepted even one day late.)  After one day, the student will not receive credit for the assignment. 

2. March 24 – 28 - Spring Break….it’s almost here.

 

Second Trimester Report Cards will be distributed THIS Friday (1/2 Day) March 21, 2008.

 

¯ ACADEMICS

HISTORY

Students are working in groups to demonstrate eight qualities of Eastern and Western Washington natives.  This a “live action” experience with student-created props and costumes.  I look forward to their presentations.

 

There will be a Washington state map test Thursday April 3.


RELIGION

The Chapter 9 test IS reflected in the second trimester report card.

 

We continue to work on our St. Benedict class rules.

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

Spelling Test -  Lesson 22.  Workbook p. 97 B, p. 98 C and P.99 A and B – due Wednesday.  Spelling Test -  Friday.

 

Term Paper –

1. Final intro essays are due Wednesday.  Students will earn a drafting grade for this essay.  I will return the corrected essays to the kids on Friday so they can have them over the break. 

 

2. Today (Monday) I introduced the graphic piece of the term paper.  Each student will include a graphic to explain one of their two main points.  Choices for graphics include a map, chart, political cartoon, etc.  I gave the kids an explanation of the graphic requirements.  A draft of the graphic is due Thursday, 3/20.

 

2. New to the students is the transfer from a working bibliography to in-text (or parenthetical) citations and a final bibliography.  It is overwhelming.  You can help them understand that the sources (books, internet sites, etc.) are where the information in their paper comes from and the sources must be documented in the paper.  I understand that they have not done anything like this before.  My goal is to teach and lead them through the process without making them feel discouraged.  

 

LITERATURE

Students are still working on their second short story rotation. 

 

      

MATH

Math: Both math classes received progress reports last week.  These need to be signed and returned by Wednesday.

This week the algebra class will be working on scientific notation and polynomials.

The 8th grade class will continue work on measurement, concentrating on the metric system this week.

 

Have a blessed Easter and a great spring vacation!

Mary Riley

 

SCIENCE

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

 

 

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Congratulations to Natalie and Maria who both were accepted and served as legislative pages.  Later this week we will have a chance to hear about both of their experiences.

 

Another reminder:  8th graders DO NOT participate in the regular class pictures.  They will have their class graduation pictures taken Monday, May 12.

 

Happy Easter to you all – Please enjoy your time off!

 

 

 HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!

Ann Christianson

annc@saintbrendan.org