Archive for 'Middle School Notes'
Mrs. Feil Fifth and Sixth Social Studies
Posted on May 19, 2012, by Kristy Feil, under Middle School Notes.
PrintHard to believe that this is the last news for the school year! It has been great being back at Saint Elizabeth’s again…thank you for all your support.
We will end both classes with a final test over the 50 states of United States. Sixth grade has been working on their renaissance project which they will begin presenting in class on Wednesday the 23rd.
I hope everyone has a safe and rested summer….we will see you in a coule of months!
Enjoy your break!
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Mrs. Feil- Fifth and Sixth Social Studies
Posted on April 12, 2012, by Kristy Feil, under Middle School Notes.
Print5th Grade:
We will finish our unit on the Constitution, the branches of government, and Bill of Rights; the First Ten Amendments. We will learn the difference between federal, state, and local governments. From here we will adventure in exploring the great west; Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark, and the War of 1812! The students will learn how the Louisiana Purchase helped the US to grow, how this growth affected the Native Americans (Trail of Tears), what happened during the War of 1812. We will study briefly the Texas Independence, Lone Star Republic, and the western trails (the Mormon Trail). And finally the Manifest Destiny!. From here we will begin our unit on the Civil War Times.
6th Grade:
On Tuesday May 1st we will be going to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. We will need several parents to help chaperone, so please if you can help send me an email! More information to come after Easter!
We are finishing our unit over Ancient Rome and will be studying the Byzantine and Muslim Civilizations. The students will read how Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire became powerful and learn about the achievements of the Justinian Age. We will learn about the beginnings of Islam, the life and mission of the Muslin prophet Muhammad, and their beliefs. From here we will skip ahead to the Renaissance Period. We will learn how the arts and literature of this time impacted this period of time. We will learn what led to the Reformation, Luther’s criticsm of the Church, and how this affected the ideas in Europe. We will also learn how the Catholic Church responded to the Reformation.
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Mrs. Belcher, MTS – Fifth – Eighth Grade Religion
Posted on April 12, 2012, by Beth Belcher, under Middle School Notes.
Print5th Grade: We will finish our unit on Redemption with a matching quiz on the movie, Pinocchio, which is a great redemption story that children can understand and relate to. We will continue with both text work, focusing on Moses, the Israelites and the Promised Land, and also Mrs Kuterbach and I will work with 5th grade on Arkeology, a musical play about Noah and the Ark. We will be performing this play for Young Author’s Day, on May 10.
6th Grade: We are finishing our themes of the Ten Commandments and the Seven Sacraments. After this we will go back into our text to discover more about The Crucifix, The Holy Family, and our Rights and Duties as Citizens.
7th Grade: Seventh grade students will finish their large maps of Palestine, and will turn in their saltclay maps of the the Holy Land in the time of Jesus on Tuesday, April 17. We will move on from there in our text to learn more about The Priesthood of Jesus and Christ, as the Source of all Grace.
8th Grade: Eighth graders will continue to work on their Church History Timeline and will cover the time frame of 1800BC to 1965 and the closing of Vatican II. We will also do three presentations; Catholics in Action where students find out what kind of Social Justice the Church is involved in, Charitable Giving where 8th graders give presentations about possible places to put class money in order to be of service, and lastly a presentation on the Priesthood and Religious Life.
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Mrs. Powell – Middle School Social Studies
Posted on April 12, 2012, by Tai Powell, under Middle School Notes.
PrintHello, I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter Break! Welcome back!
7th grade Social Studies
This month the seventh graders will be on Unit 5 in Social Studies. This unit deals with the state of Texas experiencing great economic, social, and political changes from Reconstruction to the beginning of the twentieth century. We are currently presenting our Glogs in class. Tuesday when the students return from Easter break, I will have them present their Glogs to the class. If you are interested in seeing your child’s glog you may go to http://mekuter.edu.glogster.com/portfolio/glog-flow/. We have had a lot of fun with this project. I am interested to see the presentations. The glogs themselves look amazing.
8th grade Social Studies
This month and till the beginning of May we will be on Unit 4. Unit 4 consists of chapters 12-15. The time periods are 1820-1860. This includes the Civil War as well as the westward expansion period. We are currently on Chapter 12 the Jacksonian Era. This chapter only has 3 lessons. We will have a test over these 3 lessons Friday April 20th. We will review the chapter on April 19th. I will have the reviews up on the MS website before the students return from Easter break.
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Ms. Houston – Middle School Science
Posted on April 12, 2012, by Rhonda Houston, under Middle School Notes.
Print8th Grade Science: This class has completed the chapter on Ecosystems and Biomes. We reviewed the three major Cycles of Matter (the Water Cycle, the Nitrogen Cycle and The Carbon & Oxygen Cycle) then moved on to the Earth’s biomes. The major and minor biomes were covered, looking into the similarities and differences between the groups. Students have researched a biome and are presenting a poster with their findings. The project is to research a biome as if they are a travel agent promoting a world trip for a client. They are to select four destinations within their biome and then include what to wear, exotic foods to expect, points of interests, and climate information with other information on their posters. In the presentation, the student can tell about the itinerary they created, showing what exciting adventures wait ahead for the client. Classmates then ask questions about the biome and the trip. This has been an exciting assessment as students learn about biomes in a creative and hands-on way.
The class will move on to Living Resources and dive into environmental issues, how we can maintain our forest and fisheries, and factors that affect biodiversity.
7th Grade Science: After learning about protists and fungi, we move into Introduction to Plants. This includes learning the characteristics that all plants share and how plants are divided into vascular and non-vascular. The world of plants continues as we focus on seed plants, the characteristic that make them up, and what makes them gymnosperms and angiosperms. Thinking maps are being utilized to trace the sequence for the life cycle of seed plants; along with, a classification map to break down the structure of a flowering plants. We will continue to learn about plants as students will be able to identify what makes a plant a mono-cot or di-cot. The section on plants will conclude with plant responses and growth. Here, the class will identify what produces plant responses and functions that plant hormones control.
6th Grade Science: In 6th grade we are having an great time learning about weather and climate. We began with learning about the atmosphere. We recorded the daily air pressure and saw how it correlates with the type of weather occurring. The instruments used to measure air pressure was explained; including, how altitude affects air pressure and density. The most fun was when students designed a board game based on the Layers of the Atmosphere. The goal was to make it from the troposphere up to the Exosphere. Reaching this objective involved overcoming various obstacles in the different layers of the atmosphere such as clouds and storms or even meteoroids. It was required that students incorporate information about the layers to make it educational, along with fun. Once the games were created, fellow class mates tried the games to see how far they could go.
We will continue learning about weather factors then move on to weather patterns so that students will understand what causes changes in the weather and how the information recorded on weather maps can be used to make weather predictions.
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Ms. Johnson-Middle School ELA
Posted on April 12, 2012, by Susan Johnson, under Middle School Notes.
Print6R ENGLISH—We continue writing the rough draft of the research paper which includes body 1, body 2, body 3, and the conclusion. We will then begin editing it in class with a “verb check” to determine tense. Everything will come home on April 10 so the students can type the rough draft and submit it to turnitin.com by April 18. A typed copy is due to me in class on April 19. We will then begin a short unit on prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections which will include phrases, coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and special cases. The test is scheduled for April 24. We will then begin diagramming sentences to include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, linking verb, complement, adjective, adverb, and appositives. Spelling for April will include lessons 31, 32, and 33.
6H ENGLISH - We continue writing the rough draft of the research paper which includes body 1, body 2, body 3, and the conclusion. We will then begin editing it in class with a “verb check” to determine tense. Everything will come home on April 10 so the students can type the rough draft and submit it to turnitin.com by April 18. A typed copy is due to me in class on April 19. We will then begin diagramming sentences which will include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, linking verb, complement, adjective, adverb, appositives, phrases and compounds. The test is scheduled for May 2. Spelling for April will include lessons 31, 32, and 33.
7R ENGLISH—We are diagramming sentences which will include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, linking verb, complement, adjective, adverb, appositives, phrases and compounds. The test is scheduled for May 2. Spelling for April includes lessons 32, 33, and 34.
7H ENGLISH—We are finishing the unit on prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections which includes phrases, special cases, subordinating conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. The test is scheduled for April 17. We will then begin diagramming sentences to include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, linking verb, complement, adjective, adverb, appositives, and phrases. Spelling for April includes lessons 32, 33, and 34.
8R ENGLISH – We are finishing the unit on prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections which includes phrases, special cases, subordinating conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. The test is scheduled for April 17. We will then begin diagramming sentences to include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, linking verb, complement, adjective, adverb, appositives, and phrases. Spelling for April includes lessons 29, 31, and 32.
8H ENGLISH– We are finishing the unit on prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections which includes phrases, special cases, subordinating conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. The test is scheduled for April 17. We will then begin diagramming sentences to include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, linking verb, complement, adjective, adverb, appositives, and phrases. Spelling for April includes lessons 29, 31, and 32.
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Mrs. Borth – Middle School Literature
Posted on April 12, 2012, by Jennifer Borth, under Middle School Notes.
Print6th Grade – We have finished One Handed Catch, so our academic class will move on to short stories and the honors class will read Chasing Vermeer. I have class sets of the short stories but not of Chasing Vermeer. We only have two more vocabulary lessons left for the school year.
7th Grade – Students have turned in their Globe Theaters – please stop by and see what talent and creativity this class has. We are currently writing our Shakespeare paper. Students have been taken to the lab for research and will be writing this paper during class time. Please keep up with vocabulary – there are only two lessons left.
8th Grade – Our academic class is currently working on the Monster paper, and honors is working on the A Raisin in the Sun paper. Both of these papers are written in class and will be counted as a major test grade. Please keep up with vocabulary – there are only two lessons left.
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Mrs. Robb, Seventh and Eighth Grade Math
Posted on April 12, 2012, by Rachel Robb, under Middle School Notes.
PrintReminders: 30 minutes of Math Score is due every week. Students who complete an hour in any given week will have their time carry over to the next week’s requirement.
Final Exams are fast approaching. The exam will cover the entire year.
Tutoring is every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 – 4:00. Please notify me via email if you need a different time.
7th Grade Math
Recently completed a test over Pythagorean Theorem and Circumference/Area of a Circle. The class did a great job. Students are currently studying probability. We only have a few chapters left. Students will study “Algebra: patterns and functions” as well as Graphing on the Coordinate plane before the end of the school year.
7th Grade Honors/8th Grade Math – Pre-Algebra
Both classes completed a performance assessment over Chapter 7 which covered percents and circle graphs. Students did an outstanding job on the assessment. Currently, students are studying Patterns in Geometry as well as measurement. We will conclude the year with Functions, Polynomials and Probability.
8th Grade Algebra
Note most high schools require students to take an Algebra test before placing an incoming student in an honors course for the freshman year. Bishop Dunne advised to contact their office to schedule testing. I do have a study packet for any student interested in preparing for such an exam. The purpose of the exam is to determine if you are ready to move on to Geometry or if it is necessary to take Algebra again your freshman year.
Algebra students are currently studying Exponents. Next, they will move on to Polynomials and Factoring. Time permitting they will study radical expressions, functions and equations.
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Mrs. Fernandez-5th Grade Math and Science/6th Math
Posted on March 8, 2012, by Meredith Fernandez, under Middle School Notes.
PrintIn Science we are going to look at renewable and non-renewable resources. We are going to apply these ideas to our real life by conducting a resource audit of the school to look for areas where we can reduce, reuse and recycle. We are also going to calculate the electric usage of the school.
In 5th grade math we are going to finish working with decimals with our electric use calculations, and then start figuring out ratios, proportions and percents.
In 6th grade (R) we are also working on ratios, unit prices and percents by going grocery “shopping”. In 6th grade(H) we continuing our exploration of geometric figures.
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Mrs. Feil – Fifth and Sixth Grade Social Studies
Posted on March 8, 2012, by Kristy Feil, under Middle School Notes.
Print5th Grade:
We have finished our unit over the Revolutionary War…The Treaty of Paris has been signed, and we are now in the year 1783 and named the United States of America! The students will continue to learn about the Constitutional Convention and the Constitution of the United States. We will read and discuss the three different branches of government; why our founding fathers wrote the separation of powers in the Constitution. We will learn what each branch of government is responsible for and how they are in place to protect us. We will read and discuss about the Bill of Rights; the First Ten Amendments. We will learn the difference between federal, state, and local governments. From here we will adventure in exploring the great west; Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark, and the War of 1812!
6th Grade:
The students Prezi Projects about their gods/goddesses were wonderful! I know they enjoyed doing the projects, as I could see their excitement during their presentations!
We are still studying ancient Rome. The students are learning who could become a Roman citizen, and how Romans of different social classes lived. They will understand the importance of family life in Roman society and learn about slavery in ancient Rome. They will read about the rise of Christianity and its spread throughout the empire and understand the Roman government’s reaction to the growth of Christianity. We will discuss how the “bad” government contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire and discuss Constantine’s role in supporting Christianity. From here we move onto the Byzantine and Muslim Civilizations.
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Mrs. Belcher, MTS – Fifth – Eighth Grade Religion
Posted on March 8, 2012, by Beth Belcher, under Middle School Notes.
PrintI hope that everyone enjoys their Spring Break! The following is the direction that Religion classes will be taking to further our study as we approach the 4th quarter.
5th Grade: Fifth grade is doing a wonderful job in Religion class! They are a great class, and I am enjoying them very much! We are finishing up our Peace and Others Booklet and are getting ready to move from the story of Adam and Eve to the story of the Chosen People and how God developed a covenant with them. We will continue this journey through the month of May.
6th Grade: We are getting ready to partake in a Jewish Seder Meal during Holy Week. On Tuesday, April 3, both sixth grades will come together to reenact the Passover Meal and to see the similarities of that and our Catholic Eucharistic celebration. Parents will be asked to donate items for the Seder Meal. A RenWeb will be going out shortly. We will continue to understand the plight of the Hebrew people in the desert and how we become a greater Christian community when we live by the Ten Commandments and understand the Sacraments.
7th Grade: Seventh grade did a marvelous job on their Parable Projects and will be doing a Miracle Project before we leave for Spring Break, and will have two other major projects before the 3rd quarter is over. They will be making the ‘famous’ salt clay maps, and also doing a Sacraments of Initiation Booklet. These projects are coupled with their text and help to further greater understanding of the children’s spiritual experiences.
8th Grade: When we come back from Spring Break we will begin rehearsing for the Passion Play. This is an annual event for the 8th grade class and something the students look forward to each year! It is always a great success. Please be sure to join us on either Friday, March 30 at 8am Mass, or on Palm Sunday, April 1, at the 10am Mass to witness the depiction of this great Passion by our talented 8th graders. Student Treasure Books are due on March 22. The students have been working weeks on this; they are always well done! We will then turn our attention to Church History, and your students will be filling in a timeline which will help them to stay organized. Third quarter should end on a positive and academic note!
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Mrs. Powell – Middle School Social Studies
Posted on March 8, 2012, by Tai Powell, under Middle School Notes.
PrintSocial Studies 7A & 7B
The students are currently on chapter 12 which will deal with the Civil War and Reconstruction. We will begin chapters in Unit 5 which will discuss how the state of Texas experienced great economic, social, and political changes from Reconstruction to the beginning of the twentieth century.
Social Studies 8A &8B
During the Month of February, the 8th graders worked on their African American Museum of Change. We were extremely excited about this event which took place on February 29th – it was great success! The students will begin Unit 4 which includes Chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15. Unit 4 takes place between 1820 and 1860 when the United States underwent an enormous transformation. From a fledgling republic during the administration of James Monroe, the country grew over the next 40 years in size, population economic productivity, and international structure.
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Ms.Houston – Middle School Science
Posted on March 8, 2012, by Rhonda Houston, under Middle School Notes.
PrintGreetings Parents and Students,
In 8th grade, students presented three models and a poster on Animal Adaptations. It was great to see the students inform fellow students on how an animal’s features enable them to survive in their environment.
This week we completed a lab on bird adaptation. Students saw the importance of a bird’s beak to obtain food.
As we move on from birds, we will begin Animal Behavior; learning why animals do what they do and how they communicate with each other. This will complete our book on Animals and we will begin Environmental Science.
For the 7th grade classes we completed Bacteria and Viruses and are presently finishing Protists and Fungi. While on Bacteria and Viruses, Students built a model of a virus from craft supplies to learn the four major parts of it structure. A flow chart was utilized to illustrate how a virus multiplies once it joins a host.
For Protists and Fungi we learned the characteristics of protists and explain what fungus is, how it gets food and its role in the environment. After Protist and Fungi, we will move on to the Plant Kingdom, to see what features all plants have and describing what plants need to survive.
The 6th grade classes just completed the topic of Rocks and Weathering. This section included how rocks are broken down by forces of weathering. To continue with the wearing down of earth’s surface, the class is learning about Erosion and Deposition. A Skills Lab called Sand Hill was conducted to show the ways gravity moves sediment downhill. The month will be concluded with A Trip through Geologic Time, explaining what fossils are and how they form.
Have a great Spring Break.
Ms. Houston
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Ms. Johnson -Middle School ELA
Posted on March 8, 2012, by Susan Johnson, under Middle School Notes.
Print6R ENGLISH—In 6th grade regular we are well into the research paper, having completed the thesis statement and preliminary outline. The typed copy of the outline is due March 6. Note cards will be completed in class, approximately 15 per day. I will collect these and grade every 20 cards. The students will then begin writing the rough draft, beginning with the introductory paragraph. This will take us through Easter. Spelling will include lessons 27, 28, and 29.
6H ENGLISH—In 6th grade honors we are well into the research paper, having completed the thesis statement and preliminary outline. The typed copy of the outline is due March 6. Note cards will be completed in class, approximately 15 per day. I will collect these and grade every 20 cards. The students will then begin writing the rough draft, beginning with the introductory paragraph. This will take us through Easter. Spelling will include lessons 27, 28, and 29.
7R ENGLISH—Students in regular English just started a unit on adverbs which will include modifiers, clauses, different types (time, place, manner, degree, affirmation, negation), comparison (regular and irregular), and special cases. The test is scheduled for March 20. We will then begin a short unit on prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections with the test scheduled for March 28. Following adverbs, we will then do a short study of antonyms and synonyms. The final copy packet of the research paper is due March 6. Spelling for March will include lessons 28, 29, and 31.
7H ENGLISH—We are in the unit on verbs which includes troublesome tenses, subject/verb agreement, compound agreement, gerunds, and infinitives. The test is scheduled for March 20. Adverbs will be the next unit which will include modifiers (adjective and adverb), clauses, elliptical clauses, different types (time, place, manner, degree, affirmation, negation), and comparison (regular and irregular). The test is scheduled for April 3. The final copy packet of the research paper is due March 6. Spelling for March will include lessons 28, 29, and 31.
8R ENGLISH– We are in the unit on verbs which includes troublesome tenses, subject/verb agreement, compound agreement, gerunds, and infinitives. The test is scheduled for March 7. Adverbs are the next unit of study which will include modifiers (verb, adverb, and adjective), clauses, elliptical clauses, adverb types (time, place, manner, degree, affirmation, negation), and comparison (regular and irregular). The adverb test is scheduled for April 3. Spelling for March includes lessons 26 and 27.
8H ENGLISH—We are finishing a long unit on verbs which will include time through tenses (present, past, future, shift), special cases of verbs, mood (indicative, subjunctive, conditional, emphatic, imperative), and the principal parts (present, past, perfect). The test is scheduled for March 6. Adverbs are the next unit which will include modifiers, deciding between adjective and adverb, phrases, relative clauses, elliptical clauses, adverb types (time, place, manner, degree, affirmation, negation) and comparison (regular and irregular). The test is scheduled for April 3. Spelling for March includes lessons 26 and 27.
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Mrs. Borth – Middle School Literature
Posted on March 8, 2012, by Jennifer Borth, under Middle School Notes.
Print6th grade – We are currently reading One Handed Catch. We have only just begun reading, so there is not a test scheduled for this novel yet. Please continue with vocabulary. Remember, since students have two weeks to complete their word squares and their on-line quizzes, I do not accept them late.
7th grade – We are about to begin our Shakespeare unit. Students have already been given a handout explaining their Globe Theatre project that is due in April. Please continue with vocabulary. Remember, since students have two weeks to complete their word squares and their on-line quizzes, I do not accept them late.
8th grade – Our honors class is currently reading A Raisin in the Sun. Our academic class is working on a short story unit. Both classes will finish the year with Night. Please continue with vocabulary. Remember, since students have two weeks to complete their power points and their on-line quizzes, I do not accept them late.
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Ms. Robb, 7th and 8th Grade Math
Posted on March 8, 2012, by Rachel Robb, under Middle School Notes.
PrintReminders:
- 30 minutes of Math Score are due each Sunday by midnight.
- Students may bring in 2 new dry erase markers for 30 minutes of Math Score. (limit 4 markers)
- ALL students in 7th and 8th grade need to have a scientific calculator. You can find them for $10 – $15.
- Tutoring is available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
7th Grade Math
Students just completed a chapter dealing with triangles, polygons and quadrilaterals. Chapter 8 deals with geometry and measurement. The students are progressing very nicely. Binders will be due on March 29. Students should have all of the their math work in the appropriate section.
7th Grade Honors
Students just completed a chapter on proportions, tangent, sine and cosine. They have done an excellent job thus far. We have started percents, fractions and decimals. Students should work on these topics when working in Math Score. Binders will be due March 29.
8th Grade
Students just completed a chapter on proportions, tangent, sine, and cosine. The next chapter deals with percents, fractions and decimals. I highly recommend students to attend tutoring if you are having any difficulties whatsoever. If you are finding difficulty with the homework please come see me so as to ensure a better understanding of the material. ASK QUESTIONS!!! Binders will be due March 29.
8th Algebra
Students are doing quite well with the Algebra material. Chapter 6 was just completed, and we have begun chapter 7 which involves solving systems using a variety of methods such as graphing, substitution, and elimination. Binders will be due March 29.
Sea World April 24 – April 27, 2012
Please submit all paperwork and any outstanding balance ASAP. Please email me if you have any questions rrobb@saintspride.com
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Mrs. Fernandez – Fifth & Sixth Grade Math, Fifth Grade Science
Posted on January 27, 2012, by Elizabeth Belew, under Fifth Grade, Sixth Grade.
PrintMath:
5th Grade - We are working on the world of fractions. We are adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions.
6th Grade – We are working on fractions, ratios, proportions and percents. We are using our new knowledge to price groceries and figure out sales tax.
Science:
In science we are working on our science fair experiments. 5th grade is the first year we present our work to the judges for ribbons, so the competition is really heating up! In February we will be moving on to Earth Science and the changes to the Earth’s crust. Excitement is building as we get closer to our trip to the Pines in May.
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Mrs. Feil – Fifth and Sixth Grade Social Studies
Posted on January 27, 2012, by Kristy Feil, under Middle School Notes.
PrintI hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed start to a new year. I would like to thank all the families for all the thoughtful gifts I received
for Christmas. I was overwhelmed with all your generosity! Again thank you.
5th Grade:
We are beginning our studies of the 13 colonies which will then lead us to the American Revolution War….we will then welcome the new country of the United States of America! The students will learn about the 13 colonies, how they were divided into 3 groups; the New England Colonies, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies. We will learn how geography affected the economics of each area. The students will also learn how the influence of religion played a major role in the development of these colonies. We will read how freedom was so important to the colonists that they were willing to suffer through hardships for many years during their fight with Britain to gain their independence. We will learn about the people, places, and major battles that mostly impacted the American Revolution. We will see how the American Revolution affected United States history.
6th Grade:
We are studying Ancient Greece, the time period of 1700 B.C. – 500 A.D. We will read and learn about the rise of Ancient Greece. We will read about the democracy, philosophy, and arts during this period. The students will learn how the Greeks honored their gods; they will have a project on Greek Gods and Goddesses which they will do at home (please look for more information to come soon). We will study Athens, Sparta, and the spread of Greek culture. We will read about the Persian Empire and the results of their invasion of Greece. From here we will then begin our unit on Ancient Rome.
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Mrs. Belcher, MTS – Fifth – Eighth Grade Religion
Posted on January 27, 2012, by Beth Belcher, under Middle School Notes.
PrintReligion classes have been working very hard throughout the entire 1st semester and have accomplished a great deal! Below is our focus for the next few weeks:
8th: Faith Sharing #4 will practically be a thing of the past by the time you read this!! I know that we are all excited about the end to these time consuming assignments. Rest assured, however, that these assignments will help your child to be able to articulate their faith in God in a way that many of their contemporaries do not have. We are moving on to the last bit of information before Confirmation, which will take place on Saturday, February 11, at the 5pm Mass. Please be sure to have your student in the cafeteria no later than 4:15 on that day. Pictures will be available to be taken. More information on that soon. The parish Confirmation retreat will be on Saturday, February 4. More information will be forthcoming as more information is sent from the rectory.
8th grade will continue to study in our books about the Church, but we will add a timeline element which helps them to place important events and happenings in the Church and the world throughout history. It is a very valuable timeline which they can take with them into high school.
7th: Our study of God and His Son, Jesus, in the New Testament will continue to take up our time. We will review God’s Plan for Salvation, Moses, and the prophets in order to lead up to Jesus and how the Old Testament is being fulfilled in the New. We will begin to focus, then, on Palestine in the time of Jesus, making our huge paper maps as a precursor to the salt clay maps that are a tradition at St Elizabeth’s.
6th: Our study of the Old Testament continues as the sixth graders learn about Abraham, Moses, and the Ten Commandments. We relate this to ourselves today and find that by following God completely, by listening for His call and asking for His help, we can grow to be the people God is calling us to be.
5th: We continue our understanding of Creation with a focus on the angels. Students will find that angels are pure spirits, a different ‘species’ than we are and, as such, are not what we become when we die. God made us separately and lovingly. We serve a purpose in life that angels don’t and vice versa. We then will move to ourselves being made in God’s image and how Adam and Eve’s choices gave us Original Sin. But God gave Baptism to wash away our sad inheritance from Adam and Eve.
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Mrs. Powell – Middle School Social Studies
Posted on January 27, 2012, by Tai Powell, under Middle School Notes.
Print7A & B Social Studies
Welcome Back! The students did awesome on their Multimedia Projects over the Texas Revolution. Thank you all for helping the students with coordinating the projects. They were really entertaining. We have begun Unit 4. We will work on Unit 4 during the latter part of January and throughout February. In Unit 4, students will be studying about how Texas, after gaining independence from Mexico, establishes its own government before becoming part of the United States in 1845. Statehood brought an increase in the population until disagreements over slavery led Texas to join the Confederacy.
8A & B Social Studies
I hope everyone had a wonderful break. From January until the middle of February, we will be working on Unit 3. The unit overview shows how as a young republic, the United States was immediately confronted with a wide range of responsibilities, problems, and opportunities in the late 1700s and early 1800s. This unit examines the presidential administrations of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. It also discusses the major political, economic, and foreign policy issues that confronted the United States between 1789 and 1825. At the end of February we will be reading chapter 12. Chapter 12 will discuss the Jacksonian Era, a new era in politics: Jackson in the White House, and a new crisis, where Jackson supported states in their attempts to relocate Native Americans.
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Ms. Houston – Middle School Science
Posted on January 27, 2012, by Rhonda Houston, under Middle School Notes.
PrintChristmas break is behind us, and we move forward into a new year!
Students continue to prepare for the Science Fair on February 1st. We are in need of volunteers! If you are interested please contact Mrs. Robb or Ms. Houston.
In addition to the Science Fair during Catholic Schools Week, middle school students will visit the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at Cedar Hill. Student will have the opportunity for hands-on learning in the natural word, reinforcing classroom concepts in an outdoor setting. Check out the website to learn more, www.dogwoodcanyonaudubon.org.
6th Grade
The 6th grade class just concluded Earthquakes, and we began Volcanoes and plan to finish this topic this week. For the rest of the month, we will study the Earth’s Changing Surface (Weathering & Soil Formation, Erosion & Deposition and Geologic Time).
7th Grade
Classification of animals and the Six Kingdoms was recently concluded. We move into Bacteria and Viruses and will end the section with the story called Fever 1793 which is about the Yellow Fever outbreak during the summer of 1793. This book will provide students the opportunity to read about an epidemic, building on the knowledge of bacteria and viruses previously learned.
8th Grade
We finished the Human Body Quest project, allowing students to make a presentation about a provided body system to their peers. The class is presently in the second book, Animals, starting with simple animals such as sponges, cnidarians (jellyfish) and worms. We are learning how they live in their environments and how symmetry applies to their body forms . Our next topic is Mollusk, Arthropods, and Reptiles.
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Mrs. Robb – 7th & 8th Grade Math/Assistant Principal
Posted on January 27, 2012, by Rachel Robb, under Middle School Notes.
PrintReminders: Math Score should be completed every week. Students have from Monday – Sunday at midnight to complete. For the month of January students need to have 30 minutes of actively engaged time in order to receive credit.
Students should work on fractions for the month of January.
Tutoring takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you need help at any other time please contact me.
7th Grade Math
Students are currently studying using proportion and percents. Next, we will cover geometry. Students are working very hard to become proficient in the area of fractions. In order to keep improving their skills they need to work solely on fractions for math score.
7th Grade Honors
Students are learning the Pythagorean theorem and square roots. They will have a short test over these two concepts the week of January 17th. Next, they will study applications of proportions and percents.
8th Grade Pre-Algebra
Students had some difficulty with fractions so we are going back to basics for a review of fractions. We will spend the next few days reviewing the operations of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions. This is a critical skill, and all students need to have mastery over this topic before we move on. Once we have reviewed fractions, the students will review square roots and then the Pythagorean theorem. Next, they will cover proportions and percents.
8th Grade Algebra
The algebra class is progressing well. They are currently studying functions and graphs. Next, they will study linear equations and their graphs.
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Ms. Johnson–Middle School MLA
Posted on January 27, 2012, by Susan Johnson, under Middle School Notes.
Print6th Grade Regular English—Sixth grade regular has just started a unit on adverbs. This will include: how to identify, time, place, manner, degree, affirmation, negation, comparison (regular and irregular), and special cases of adverbs. The test is scheduled for February 9. We will then begin the major research paper. Look for the letter to come home on January 31 giving all the important information. A list of topics will also go home the same day. Spelling for the remainder of January through February includes lessons 21, 22, 23, and 25.
6th Grade Honors English—This class has completed a unit on adverbs, and the test was January 19. We are now beginning a unit on prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. This includes phrases, special conditions, coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and interjections. The test is scheduled for February 9. We will then begin the major research paper. Look for the letter to come home on January 31, giving all the important information. A list of topics will also go home the same day. Spelling for the remainder of January through February includes lessons 21, 22, 23, and 25.
7th Grade Regular English—We are finishing the rough draft of the research paper. The typed copy to turnitin.com is due February 8 and the typed copy to Ms. Johnson is due February 9. We will then begin a unit on verbs which will include action, linking, helping, agreement (compound and plural), participles, infinitives, regular/irregular verbs, the six tenses, conjugation, and troublesome verbs. Spelling for the remainder of January through February includes lessons 22, 23, 25, and 26.
7th Grade Honors English– We are finishing the rough draft of the research paper. The typed copy to turnitin.com is due February 8, and the typed copy to Ms. Johnson is due February 9. We will then finish the unit on adverbs, but the test will be only a daily grade. The unit on verbs will include action, transitive, intransitive, linking, helping, and the principal parts (regular and irregular). Spelling for the remainder of January through February includes lessons 22, 23, 25, and 26.
8th Grade Regular English—The class is well into the unit on adjectives which will include modifiers, pronouns as adjectives, clauses, comparison (regular and irregular), logical comparison, and troublesome adjectives. The test is scheduled for February 7. Spelling for the remainder of January through February includes lessons 20, 21, 22, and 23.
8th Grade Honors English—We are concluding the unit on adjectives which includes proper, compound, possessive, demonstrative, indefinite, comparison (clear and unclear), clauses, and illogical adjectives. The test is scheduled for February 7. The next long unit, verbs, will include action, transitive, intransitive, linking, helping, participles, participial phrases, gerunds, infinitives, infinitive phrases, the six tenses (present, past, future, present participle, past participle, future participle), conjugating, and active/passive voice. Spelling for the remainder of January through February includes lessons 20, 21, 22, and 23.
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Mrs. Borth – Middle School Literature
Posted on January 27, 2012, by Jennifer Borth, under Middle School Notes.
Print6th grade – We are currenty finishing Ten Little Indians, such a wonderful little thriller! The next novel that we will read is One Handed Catch. Students will need to purchase this novel; I do not have a class set.
7th grade – We are currently reading Feathers and will begin a short story unit within the next month.
8th grade – Honors just finished reading The Crucible and will be reading short stories in class. Academics are finishing reading Murder on the Orient Express. Please check the middle school website for test dates.
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Mrs. Feil – Fifth & Sixth Grade Social Studies
Posted on November 30, 2011, by Kristy Feil, under Middle School Notes.
Print5th Grade:
Wow..we have been busy!
The students had a great time working on their Native American Projects and did a nice job teaching their classmates about the different tribes. I hope everyone has had an opportunity to see the pictures that I posted on our 5th grade website!
I want to thank you all for all your help with your child’s heritage project! They were all so proud to tell their stories to their classmates! This was the perfect time to have them tell each other about their heritage as we are studying early exploration of the Americas. We will begin our studies of the early colonies/settlements in North America. We will continue to read and learn about the Virginia, Plymouth, Dutch and French Colonies in the Americas and continue until we reach the Thirteen Colonies!
6th Grade:
We are having a great time with our Egypt project! Our Pharaoh Hens are still in the mummification process, they should be finished once we return form Christmas Break!. The class will then have a burial procession to send them off to their afterlife!! We will begin our studies of Ancient India when we return from Thanksgiving Break. The students will learn about Hinduism, the beginnings of Buddhism and then finish the chapter reading about the Maurya Empire. From here we will move into ancient China.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas and a safe New Years!
Thanks for all you do!
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Mrs. Belcher, MTS – Fifth – Eighth Grade Religion
Posted on November 30, 2011, by Beth Belcher, under Middle School Notes.
Print8th grade: We will continue our preparation of Confirmation, which will be held on Saturday, February 11, at the 5:00pm Mass. All students, whether or not they are being confirmed, must come to the Mass since a grade is attached to the event. The final Faith Sharing #4, will be due January 26. The students have had the information since before Christmas, so the work should be smashing!!
7th grade: The seventh graders will begin to study the parables of Jesus, and they will have two major projects due during the month of January. The most important one for parents to be aware of is the Sacraments of Initiation booklet.
6th grade: Our study of Creation has taken us to understand the Truth that is found in Scripture and we learn more about God’s covenant with the Hebrew People.
5th grade: Our study of the sacraments continues through the month of January.
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Mrs. Powell – Seventh & Eighth Grade Social Studies
Posted on November 30, 2011, by Tai Powell, under Middle School Notes.
Print7th Grade
The students just finished their Voki on Stephen F. Austin. Please ask them to show you the finished project. They came out really nice. Seventh graders are currently in chapter 6, and they are learning about how cultural differences caused friction between Texas settlers and the Mexican government in the 1820’s. Our test over this chapter is tentatively set for November 18th. Because November 21st will be my last class with them before the break we will not begin Chapter 7 until we get back from Thanksgiving break. Chapter 7 will discuss the building tensions between the Texas settlers and the Mexican government caused fighting to break out and eventually lead to Texas fighting for its independence from Mexico. I however will be giving them the rubric and the details on their video projects about the Texas Revolution. These projects will be due: December 14th. When they return from Christmas break we will be starting Unit 4. Unit 4 consists of four chapters, chapters 9-12. In Unit 4, students will be learning studying Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, Texas establishes its own government before becoming part of the United States in 1845. Statehood brought an increase in the population until disagreements over slavery led Texas to join the Confederacy.
8th Grade
We are finishing chapter 5. The students will be taking a test over chapter 5 on November 16th. We will also start our in-class project over the American Revolution. This project has already been explained to the students and they have their rubrics. The 8th graders will be making their own Revolution Newspaper. This will be due December 7th. The students will work on this project on Thursday, Friday, and Monday before we get out for Thanksgiving break. We will begin chapter 6 after we get back from Thanksgiving break. This chapter discusses the American Revolution. We will discuss how the Americans fought for liberty on many fronts and in many ways. Towards the end of the chapter we will discuss the British surrendered at Yorktown, Britain recognized the United States as an independent country. After Christmas break 8th grade will begin to study the United States Constitution. We will discuss the Bill of Rights. After that, we will be beginning Unit 3. Unit 3 consists of 3 chapters, 9-11. The unit overview is how a young republic, the United States was immediately confronted with a wide range of responsibilities, problems, and opportunities in the late 1700s and early 1800s. This unit examines the presidential administrations of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. It also discusses the major political, economic, and foreign policy issues that confronted the United States between 1789 and 1825.
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Ms. Houston – Middle School – Science
Posted on November 30, 2011, by Rhonda Houston, under Middle School Notes.
PrintWork has already begun for all grades in preparation for the 2012 Science Fair.
Students are selecting topics and team members for this year fair which is Feb 1, during Catholic School Week. We are in need of volunteers! If you are interested please contact Mrs. Robb or Ms. Houston.
6th Grade – As we have learned about the Earth’s surface, internal, and external surface, we are moving on to Earth’s Water. This will include Fresh Water, Ocean Motions, and Ocean Zones.
7th Grade – As we complete Genetics this year we will move on to the exciting world of bacteria. This will include reading the book, Fever 1763, a story about the yellow fever epidemic of 1763. Students will then move on to protists and fungi, then to plants and their seeds.
8th Grade – Has begun their project called Human Body Quest which involves students making a presentation on a body system (circulatory, respiratory and skeletal, etc…) to fellow students. The project will include a researching on the assigned system, presenting a Power Point and including a worksheet for the class to complete after the presentation.
In January, we will move on to animals, learning about sponges, mollusks, fish, birds and animal behavior.
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Ms. Johnson-Middle School ELA
Posted on November 30, 2011, by Susan Johnson, under Middle School Notes.
Print6th Regular English—We are wrapping up the study of adjectives which include proper, demonstrative, possessive, comparative, superlative, numeral, and interrogative. The test is scheduled for December 7. We will then begin a unit on verbs. A “helping verb” quiz will be on December 14. Included in the verb unit will be action, linking, helping, the four parts (present, present participle, past, past participle), irregulars, tenses (present, past, future), special cases, and agreement. Spelling for the next few weeks will include lessons 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20.
6th Grade Honors English—The very long verb unit will be covered in the next few weeks. This will include action, linking, helping, agreement, participles, infinitives, regular/irregular forms, the six tenses (present, past, future, present participle, past participle, future participle), conjugating, complex agreement, and troublesome verbs. Spelling for the next few weeks will include lessons 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20.
7th Grade Regular English–The very long verb unit will be covered in the next few weeks. This will include action, linking, helping, agreement, participles, infinitives, regular/irregular forms, the six tenses (present, past, future, present participle, past participle, future participle), conjugating, complex agreement, and troublesome verbs. Spelling for the next few weeks will include lessons 16, 17, 19, 20, and 21.
7th Grade Honors English—We just finished the unit on adjectives with the test on December 1. Included in the next unit, verbs, will be action, linking, helping, principle parts (regular and irregular), the six tenses (present, past, future, present participle, past participle, future participle), the progressive form, active, passive, troublesome, agreement (simple and complex), gerunds, and infinitives. Spelling for the next few weeks will include lessons 16, 17, 19, 20, and 21.
8th Grade Regular English—We are well into the unit on nouns. This will include the objective case (direct object, indirect object, object of preposition, appositive, noun adverbial, cognate), and separate/joint ownership. The test is scheduled for December 6. Included in the next unit, pronouns, will be antecedents, personal, demonstrative, interrogative, relative, indefinite, the three cases (nominative, objective, possessive), who/whom, intensive, reflexive, agreement, and distributive. The pronoun test is scheduled for January 12. Spelling for the next few weeks will include lessons 14, 15, 16, 17, and 19.
8th Grade Honors English—We are finishing the unit on nouns which include the nominative case (subject, complement, direct address, appositive), the objective case (direct object, object of preposition, indirect object, adverbial, cognate, appositive), possessive case (singular and plural), and separate/joint ownership. The test is scheduled for December 7. Included in the pronoun unit will be antecedents, personal pronouns, intensive, reflexive, demonstrative, relative, interrogative, indefinite, special cases, who/whom, elliptical, and agreement (simple and complex). The test is scheduled for January 11. Spelling for the next few weeks will include lessons 14, 15, 16, 17, and 19.
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Mrs. Borth – Middle School Literature
Posted on November 30, 2011, by Jennifer Borth, under Middle School Notes.
Print6th grade - We have just started reading an Agatha Christie mystery, And Then There Were None. For this past vocabulary unit, we created word squares instead of note cards. The students have commented that they feel these are more helpful to them. Therefore, students will now be creating Word Squares for future vocabulary units.
7th grade – We are currently finishing reading The Westing Game. Please check your student’s planner or the website for the test date on this novel. For this past vocabulary unit, we created word squares instead of note cards. The students have commented that they feel these are more helpful to them. Therefore, students will now be creating Word Squares for future vocabulary units.
8th grade Academic – Students are continuing with their vocabulary power points. These are due every two weeks – please do not procrastinate! We have just started reading Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie.
8th grade Honors – Students are continuing with their vocabulary power points. These are due every two weeks – please do not procrastinate! Currently we are reading The Crucible. Students have all been assigned roles in this play and are also currently working on a research project to accompany this play.
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Mrs. Feil- 5th and 6th Grade Social Studies
Posted on October 21, 2011, by Kristy Feil, under Middle School Notes.
Print5th Grade:
We are completing our unit over Native Americans. The students will finish the unit by working
in small groups on a project; and, completing various information about a specific Native American group which we have studied in class. Upon completion, the students in the group will present their project to class. The students are excited about this: some groups would like to bring in a dish that may have been prepared by their group, and some have asked to make a model of the type of housing they lived in. We are going to have a lot of fun with this! They will become the expert on their group! From there we will read and learn about Christopher Columbus, the discovery of “Americas”, the Spanish exploration and how Europe changed the Americas. The week of Thanksgiving break the students will have a “Culture Fest”, exploring and teaching the class about their heritage. (More information to come on this).
6th Grade:
We will begin our unit on Ancient Egypt. The students are looking forward to learning about Egypt’s rulers, religion, and their cultures. We will be doing a few projects during this unit. We will learn about the process of mummification (mummify a few chickens), study the Egyptian gods and goddesses, their beliefs of afterlife; study Pharaoh’s tombs, etc. This subject is always a lot of fun for the students.
I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving Break!
Thank you for all you do!
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Ms. Houston – Middle School Science
Posted on October 14, 2011, by Rhonda Houston, under Middle School Notes.
PrintFor the month of October, the highlights were first, an assignment called Mighty Minerals. The 6th grade class drew a cartoon of a selected mineral as they learning the different types of mineral locally and around the world. The second highlight was the designing and eating of our Edible Cell project assigned to 7th Grade. Along with, listening to songs created by our creative 8th graders on the human body skeletal system.
For the month of November we will cover the following topics:
6th Grade
Last month, we learned what makes a rock a mineral. Next month, we will study Rocks by learning The Classifying of Rocks and The Three Major Groups of Rocks.
7th Grade
We began the chapter on Cell Processes and Energy with learning what is a compound (organic and inorganic). The teaching on cells continues as we see how Respiration, Photosynthesis and Cell Division are important parts of a cell.
8th Grade
As we have learned how the body functions with its bones, muscles and skin, we move on to how to keep our body healthy. A Food Log will be conducted to see where change in our diet is necessary. Once we see how we can be healthier, the process of Digestion is next for class discussion.
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Ms. Robb, 7th and 8th Grade Math
Posted on October 21, 2011, by Rachel Robb, under Middle School Notes.
PrintThe 1st quarter is quickly coming to an end. The students are settling in nicely.
A few reminders for Math:
1. Math Score is due by midnight on Sunday night each week. Starting with the 2nd quarter, October 24th students will be required to complete 1 hour of engaged time on MathScore each week. If students will do 15 minutes a night they will finish well before the weekend.
2. Students who turn in their homework on time have the opportunity to make corrections if they wish. Corrections must be completed on a piece of notebook paper and turned in the next day after receiving the homework back.
3. Please come see me to schedule tutoring if you are having any difficulties.
4. Remember to access the phschool.com website and review the homework video tutors for additional assistance.
5. Students should have math homework every night.
7th Grade Math
We didn’t get as far as we had anticipated during the week of testing so we are still studying chapter 3. Students will have a test over Chapter 3 next week. The goal is to complete chapters 4 and 5 by the first week of December.
7th Grade Honors
The goal is to finish up chapter 3 the middle of next week and have a test at the end of the week. I have shown the students how to check their answers for the work they are currently studying. Checking is a requirement for the homework. The goal is to complete chapters 4 and 5 before the Christmas break.
8th Grade Pre-Algebra
I only saw the 8th grade class twice during the week of testing so we are a little off track. I anticipate completing chapter 3 by the end of next week, and students will have a test the week of October 31st. The goal is to complete chapters 4 and 5 before the Christmas break. **Reminder: please turn in your English and Math recommendation forms to Mrs. Johnson.
8th Grade Algebra
The Algebra class is currently studying chapter 2. They will have a test on Thursday, October 20. We are a little behind schedule due to high school visits and ITBS testing. Some sections have taken longer than anticipated. I strongly suggest students correct their homework for a better understanding of the material. Each section will build upon the next, so it is critical to understand each concept as it is taught. According to the syllabus, chapters 3 – 6 would be completed by Christmas break. I think this is a bit optimistic. This being said, the goal is to complete chapter 3 – 5 by Christmas break. **Reminder: please turn in your English and Math recommendation forms to Mrs. Johnson.
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Ms. Johnson–Middle School MLA
Posted on October 21, 2011, by Susan Johnson, under Middle School Notes.
Print6th Grade Regular English—We continue with our study of nouns which will include the nominative case (subject, complement, direct address, appositive), and the possessive case. The test is scheduled for October 18. We will then begin a study of pronouns which will include how to recognize, personal pronouns, demonstrative, the subjective case, the objective case, the possessive case, person, number, gender, interrogatives, contractions, distributive, indefinite, and agreement with the subject. The test is scheduled for November 15. Adjectives will be the next unit we start but it will conclude into December. Spelling for October and November will include lessons 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14.
6th Grade Honors English—We are concluding our unit on nouns with the test scheduled for October 18. Pronouns are our next unit which will include antecedents, demonstrative, interrogative, the personal cases (nominative, possessive, objective), appositives, compounds, intensive, reflexive, relative, distributive, indefinite, person, number, gender, and contractions. The pronoun test is scheduled for November 2. We will then begin a study of adjectives which will cover how to identify, articles, proper, common, compound, possessive, demonstrative, interrogative, clauses, comparisons (regular and irregular), comparative, superlative, and troublesome adjectives. The test is scheduled for November 17. Spelling for October and November will include lessons 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14.
7th Grade Regular English– We are concluding our unit on nouns with the test scheduled for October 18. Pronouns are our next unit which will include antecedents, demonstrative, interrogative, the personal cases (nominative, possessive, objective), appositives, compounds, intensive, reflexive, relative, distributive, indefinite, person, number, gender, and contractions. The pronoun test is scheduled for November 2. We will then begin a study of adjectives which will cover how to identify, articles, proper, common, compound, possessive, demonstrative, interrogative, clauses, comparisons (regular and irregular), comparative, superlative, and troublesome adjectives. The test is scheduled for November 17. Spelling for October and November will include lessons 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14.
7th Grade Honors English—We have finished the unit on nouns with the test on October 18. Pronouns are the next unit which will include antecedents, personal pronouns, demonstrative, relative, interrogative, indefinite, the three cases (nominative, objective, possessive), “who/whom,” compounds, intensive, reflexive, agreement with the verb, interrogative, relative, “nothing/anything,” indefinite, and distributive. The pronoun test is scheduled for November 9. Adjectives will be the next unit which will conclude in December. In November, the adjective unit will include modifiers, pronouns used as adjectives, clauses, comparison (regular and irregular), logical comparisons, and troublesome adjectives. Spelling for the months of October and November will include lessons 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15.
8th Grade Regular English—We are very involved in the research paper. The note cards will be graded 20 cards at a time with all due by October 24. The five paragraphs will be written in class, one paragraph due per day. If any students fall behind in writing, I suggest they make arrangements to stay with Ms. Johnson after school to catch up. In mid-November, we will begin a unit on nouns which will include collective, compound, common, proper, concrete, abstract, plurals, person, gender, nominative case (subject, complement, direct address, appositive), and possessive case. Spelling for the months of October and November will include lessons 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13.
8th Grade Honors English– We are very involved in the research paper. The note cards will be graded 20 cards at a time with all due by October 24. The five paragraphs will be written in class, one paragraph due per day. If any students fall behind in writing, I suggest they make arrangements to stay with Ms. Johnson after school to catch up. In mid-November, we will begin a unit on nouns which will include compound, common, proper, appositives, appositive phrases, clauses, collective, concrete, abstract, plurals, person, and gender. Spelling for the months of October and November will include lessons 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13.
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Mrs. Borth – Middle School Literature
Posted on October 21, 2011, by Jennifer Borth, under Middle School Notes.
Print6th Grade – We are currently still enjoying The Graveyard Book. We should finish this by the end of October, and this novel’s test date will be on the Middle School Website’s calendar. The next novel that we will be reading is And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. I have a class set of this novel for students to use. We will then read One-Handed Catch by MJ Auch. Unfortunately, I do do not have a class set of this novel, so students will need to bring their own.
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Mrs. Powell – 7th & 8th Grade Social Studies
Posted on October 21, 2011, by Tai Powell, under Middle School Notes.
Print7th grade Social Studies
We are currently studying Unit 2 in Social Studies. This unit covers European nations exploring North America and Central America. By the late 1600′s, Spain had explored and established settlements in what later becomes Texas. Chapter 3 discusses the exploration of Texas by Europeans. Chapter 4 examines the period when Spain ruled Texas. Towards the end of the month 7th grade will be discussing and learning about the Mexican government’s attempt to persuade Americans to settle in Texas and live as Mexican citizens. These settlers soon rebelled against Mexico’s authority. This will lead us to discuss the settlement of Texas under the empresario system. In Chapter 6, we will examine the breakdown of relations between the Texas settlers and the Mexican government.
8th grade Social Studies
We are currently studying Unit 1 Chapter 3 in Social Studies. This unit discusses the historical forces explorations, wars, and ideologies that culminated in the creation of this country. Chapter 3 discusses the era of exploration and colonization in the United States. This five section chapter provides an overview of the Spanish empire in North and South America and the colonies established by English, French, and Dutch, and the Jamestown and Plymouth settlements. Chapter 4 focuses on the 13 English colonies, highlighting the characteristics of the New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies. The chapter also discusses the roots of self-government and examines day-to-day life in the colonies. Toward the end of the month and the beginning of November, 8th grade will be starting Unit 2 Chapter 5. The Unit will be about the American Revolutionary Era beginning with the French and Indian War in 1754. It culminated in the first presidential election under the new Constitution of the United States in 1789. This unit discusses the crises that led to conflict in the Colonies, the Revolutionary War, and the republic and government that followed. Chapter 5 discusses the French and Indian War, the conflicts over taxation, and the protests that led to revolution. Chapter 6 presents an overview of the American Revolution, including the regional battles, the Declaration of Independence, and the final campaigns and alliances that ultimately defeated the British and created a new nation.
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Mrs. Feil – Social Studies 5th/6th Grade
Posted on September 19, 2011, by Kristy Feil, under Middle School Notes.
PrintIt is very nice to be back at St. Elizabeth’s. I am very excited about this year and am looking forward to getting to know my students. Please remember to look often at the teacher web pages to see what is going on in Social Studies! I have given the students the due dates for their Current Event News for the year; they may turn these into me early if they wish! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. And thank you for all you do!
Current Event due dates for this quarter: Sept. 20, Oct. 4, Oct. 18 (bonus: Oct 18)
5th Grade:
We have been reviewing the regions of the United States, working and labeling maps. We are discussing the 5 themes of geography (location, place, movement, regions, and human-environment interactions) and the impact these have on our Nation. From here we will continue to read and learn about the early people of our country. We will learn about the Native Americans and how they developed in the United States.
The students start each section of the chapter with vocabulary words, they will write these in their composition book. I encourage them to look over these words
often as we will add additional words with each section we cover in the chapter.
6th Grade:
Well we are off to a great start! We have reviewed our map skills, did a walk-through of our book and have already completed our first chapter. The students are learning about early civilizations of our world. We have discussed the connections between geography and history; why civilizations began where they did and how geography played an important role. We have discussed and read about the difference between prehistory and history, how farming began and ended the Old Stone Age and began the New Stone Age. We have read about the first civilizations and how social classes have developed. We will continue our studies of ancient civilizations reading about the Fertile Crescent (Mesopotamia); their two empires, Babylonian and Assyrians. We will learn about the Mediterranean Civilizations; Phoenician and the Israelites; then learn about the basic beliefs of Judaism.
The students start each section of the chapter with vocabulary words, they will write these in their composition book. I encourage them to look over these words
often as we will add additional words with each section we cover in the
chapter.
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