Math:

5^th Grade - We are working on the world of fractions.  We are adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions.

6^th 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.  5^th 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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I 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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Religion 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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7A & 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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Christmas 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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Reminders: 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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6^th 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.

6^th 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.

7^th 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.

7^th 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.

8^th 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.

8^th 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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6th 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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5th 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:

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas and a safe New Years!

Thanks for all you do!

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8th 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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7th 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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Work 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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6^th 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.

6^th 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.

7^th 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.

7^th 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.

8^th 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.

8^th 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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6th 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.

8^th 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.

8^th 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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5^th 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).

6^th 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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For 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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The 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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6^th 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.

6^th 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.

7^th 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.

7^th 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.

8^th 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.

8^th 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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6th 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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7th 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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It 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)

5^th 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.

6^th 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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Welcome to Religion!

Fifth grade:  I am very happy to be teaching 5th grade Religion this year!  Your children are very sweet and well behaved.  They are also interested in sharing their stories and experiences which relate to Christ in their lives.  We have done a great amount of work on prayer so far this year.  We are also learning how to use a Bible; how to find chapters in specific books.  We also have learned a few songs which your children have enjoyed singing.  It really is a blessing to be with them.  As we progress in September and into October, we will be leading the Mass.  Due to the large numbers of students when combined for Religion, I have chosen to separate them just for the Masses that they lead.  5A  will lead the school Mass on Friday, September 23; 5B will lead the school Mass on Friday, October 7.  I hope you will be able to attend!

Sixth grade:  We have begun 6th grade this year with a great start!  It was wonderful to see all of you at the 6th grade parent night, and I have been most appreciative of parents who have emailed me and asked questions.  I have the same desire that you do, and that is to see your child succeed!  So far this year, we have been learning about Scripture; Bible books, chapter and verse; Myth as a literary genre found in Scripture; Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur.  Your children are learning more than they are ever aware of!  We will continue our study of Salvation History throughout September with a timeline of the characters in the Bible and end this timeline with ourselves, as we, too, are part of the Salvation History story.  October will bring a greater understanding of Creation.

Seventh grade:  We have been enjoying 7th grade and our Mass on Friday, September 16.  Your children did a wonderful job as they led the all-school Mass!  We have been focusing on Jesus, who He is, and what we know about Him.  We are now going to take this knowledge and bring it home to our own lives to discover who Jesus is for ME?  And how to make Jesus a more integral part of MY life!  As you know, we begin Confirmation preparation in 7th grade, and even if your child will not be confirmed at St Elizabeth’s, all students benefit from discovering how Jesus is a part of their daily living and how to bring ourselves closer to God.

Eighth grade:  We hit the ground running in 8th grade this year!  We have been responsible for 2 Masses, the 9-11 Prayer Service, are preparing for the Pines trip, and have Faith Sharing #1 due this week.  Whew!  It is exciting to see your children grow and become the Christians that God is calling them to be, as well as the polite and mature young people that parents and teachers are hoping they will become.  September 28-30 is our Confirmation/Team Building retreat at the Pines.  When we come back we will be leading the all-school Hike for Life on October 7.  We have finished our study of the Images of the Church and the Creed and will segue into the Models of the Church as we progress into October.

Please remember that I am as close as an email, and don’t hesitate to ask questions, make constructive comments, or ask for clarifications.  I thank you.

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In middle school science, we began the year reviewing safety rules and becoming familiar with lab equipment.   The scientific method which will be utilized for the Science Fair was introduced along with examples of how it is applied.

For the following grades these are the topic we began and plan to complete in the month of September.

Sixth Grade – Mapping Earth’s Surface, Minerals and Rocks

Seventh Grade – Scientific Careers, Cells and Cell Processes  & Energy

Eighth Grade – Healthy Body Systems, Bones, Muscles, &  Skin and Food & Digestion

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6^TH Grade Regular English—We are just beginning a unit on “Effective Sentences” which will include types of sentences, combining sentences, fragments, run-ons, misplaced modifiers, double negatives, simple sentences, compound sentences, and complex sentences.  The test is scheduled for September 22.  We will then start a study of nouns which will continue into October.  Spelling for September includes lessons 3, 4, 5, and 7.

6^th Grade Honors English—We started the study of “Effective Sentences” on September 2.  This will include the four types of sentences, combining, clauses, fragments, run-ons, misplaced modifiers, double negatives, usage problems, simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.  The test is scheduled for September 21.  We will then begin a unit on nouns which, in September, will included identifying, collective, compound, common, proper, concrete, abstract, gender, person, plurals, and the nominative case.  Spelling for September includes lessons 3, 4, 5, and 7.

7^th Grade Regular English– We started the study of “Effective Sentences” on September 2.  This will include the four types of sentences, combining, clauses, fragments, run-ons, misplaced modifiers, double negatives, usage problems, simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.  The test is scheduled for September 21.  We will then begin a unit on nouns which, in September, will included identifying, collective, compound, common, proper, concrete, abstract, gender, person, plurals, and the nominative case.  Spelling for September includes lessons 3, 4, 5, and 7.

7^th Grade Honors English—We started learning about “Effective Sentences” on September 2.  This unit will include four functions, how to simplify, how to vary, fragments, fragment clauses, run-ons, misplaced modifiers, double negatives, usage problems, simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.  The test is scheduled for September 20.  We will then start a unit on nouns which will conclude in October.  This will include identifying, collective, compound, common, proper, concrete, abstract, plurals, person, gender, the nominative case, and the possessive case.  Spelling for September includes lessons 3, 4, 5, and 7.

8^TH Grade Regular English– We started learning about “Effective Sentences” on September 2.  This unit will include four functions, how to simplify, how to vary, fragments, fragment clauses, run-ons, misplaced modifiers, double negatives, usage problems, simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.  The test is scheduled for September 20.  We will then begin working on the major English project for 8^th grade, the ever popular research paper.  The letter and list of topics will go home on September 14.  We will take notes through October 3^rd.  Spelling for September will include lessons 3, 4, and 5.

8^th Grade Honors English—We continue the unit on “Sentences” which includes simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, compound-complex sentences, how to classify, combining, varying, fragments, run-ons, misplaced and dangling modifiers, agreement, negatives, and usage problems.  The test is scheduled for September 20.  We will then begin working on the major English project for 8^th grade, the ever popular research paper.  The letter and list of topics will go home on September 14.  We will take notes through October 3^rd.  Spelling for September will include lessons 3, 4, and 5.

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6th grade - Students have just turned in their summer reading projects – we have some very creative students! Currently we are reading The Graveyard Book. We are reading this together in class; however, students do have chapter questions that are to be turned in as we finish each chapter. Students should also be reviewing their vocabulary words a few minutes each night to help prepare for the test every two weeks. Please continue to check the middle school website for important project and test due dates.

7th grade – Our classes have just started reading Twelve Angry Men. Students have been assigned roles, and we act out this play during class. Students do have assignments that need to be turned in as we finish each act.  Students should also be reviewing their vocabulary words a few minutes each night to help prepare for the test every two weeks. Please continue to check the middle school website for important project and test due dates.

8th grade – We have just started reading The Giver – such an excellent book. Please check the website for assignments. Students should also be reviewing their vocabulary words a few minutes each night to help prepare for the test every two weeks. Please continue to check the middle school website for important project and test due dates.

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Hello all, I am so excited to be back teaching Middle School this year.  It has started off great!  The kids have been very kind and so eager to learn.  I look forward to a fabulous year with all of the students.

7A and 7B
We have already completed Chapter 1.  We are currently starting Chapter 2, Native Texans.  This will encompass descendants of early Native Americans who still live in Texas.  The influence of these ancient peoples exists today in the names of places, such as Historical sites and the artwork they left behind in the form of rock carvings and cave paints. We will be discussing, as a class, examples of the Native American influences that exist in our local area. The students will be tested over chapter 2 on September 13th.  We will begin Chapter 3 which deals with Exploring Texas in 1519-1700.  We will focus heavily on the Moors occupying Spain which eventually led to Columbus’ voyage to the Americas.

8A and 8B
We have already finished learning about Five Themes of Geography.  The students have been working on their geography terms project which is due September 13th.  They will have a test over ch2 September 14th.  Chapter 2 is titled “Before the First Global Age.”  We live in a global age.  People can fly from the United States to Asia in less than a day.  News from Africa is broadcast worldwide within hours.  However, in 1492, time and distance were greater barriers.  However movement and interaction already were forging the global links that are in place today.  We will be discussing this in much more detail in the upcoming lessons.  We will begin chapter 3 dealing with Exploration and Colonization.  We will be studying Columbus and finally completing the chapter with the Pilgrims founding the Plymouth Colony in 1620.

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Welcome back to school.  The new year has gotten off to a great start.  This year I am teaching the 7th grade regular and honors Math classes as well as 8th grade pre-algebra and 8th grade algebra classes.  The students are doing fantastic thus far.  Students are reminded to bring their textbook, workbook, comp and binder with them to class everyday.

Tutoring

I do not have a set tutoring time.  I have advised the students to come to me if they need additional help with their math.  This way we can schedule a time to work one on one.  Students can come in before school, during recess, or immediately after school but they need to come to me so we can set up a time to work together.  I have also advised the students if they have trouble with their homework once they get home to email me with their questions so they can get immediate assistance.

7th Grade Regular

We are using the Prentice Hall Middle Grades Math book, course 2.  Students just completed a unit on Interpreting Data and Statistics.  Next, they will study Application of Decimals. Students did receive a syllabus for the year which gives the approximate dates things will be covered as well as dates for tests.  This information is also available on the website.

7th Grade Honors/8th Grade Pre-Algebra

We are using the Prentice Hall Middle Grades Math book, course 3.  Students just completed a unit on Drawing Conclusions from Statistica Data.  Next, we will study Integers and Variable Expressions.  Students did receive a syllabus for the year which gives the approximate dates things will be covered as well as dates for tests.  This information is also available on the website.

8th Grade Algebra

We are currently finishing up chapter 1, Tools of Algebra.  Students have learned a variety of things which will be the foundation for the rest of the course.  This first chapter has taken a little longer than expected to complete so the dates on the syllabus will change.  Next, we will study Solving Equations.

Please feel free to email me any time if you have any questions or concerns.

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I enjoyed being back at St. Elizabeth while filling in for Mrs. Powell during her maternity leave.  It is such a coincidence that I returned to see the 8^th grade graduate as they were my last class as 4^th graders that I taught at St. Elizabeth’s.  It has been wonderful teaching them as middle school students; my best to them and their new adventures!

I hope everyone has a wonderful summer break, enjoy your time off!

Kristy Feil

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Well, the year is drawing to a close.  The students have done an excellent job in middle school this year.  They have progressed a long way since the beginning of the school year.

REMINDER: All honors applications are due by June 1st.  They can be found on the school website.  I encourage all students who are up to the challenge to complete the honors applications.

Final Exams begin on Friday, May 27 – June 2.

6th Grade – Students will be reviewing for their final exams this week.

Friday – Math Exam

Tuesday, May 31st – Literature and Social Studies Exams

Wednesday, June 1st – Science and English Exam

Thursday, June 2nd – Religion Exam

7th Grade – Students will be reviewing for their final exams this week.

Friday – Math exam

Tuesday, May 31st – English and Science Exam

Wednesday, June 1st – Literature and Religion Exam

Thursday, June 2nd – Social Studies Exam

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Dear Parents,

This year has been a delight for me and I have enjoyed your children tremendously.  I have learned a lot this year, and I hope that your children can say the same!  I look forward to being with your children next year and building upon the religious foundation that we have laid this year.

8th grade:

Congratulations to each and every one of you.  I hope that the knowledge you have gained this year will help you in high school and that you will take away from St Elizabeth’s fond memories of all of the Masses, devotions and prayers that you have participated in and have learned.  I will continue to pray for you as you move forward in your spirituality.  God bless you, stay safe and enjoy your summer!

7th grade:

Students may begin to log 8th grade service hours starting on the day after 7th grade is out for summer.  Students are required to log at the very least 30 hours of service and are encouraged to log as many as they are able.  Each year students log more than 100 hours of service and are forever memorialized on the “100 Club” bulletin board in my room, to be an example and inspiration to future classes.  I will go over all of the particulars with 7th grade regarding service hours.

Binders are due next week, May 31st.  The 7th grade Religion final will take place on Wednesday, June 1st, it will be counted as two test grades.  Reviews are due before the final and are counted as one test grade.  Reviews should be done in the students own handwriting, should be done individually, and must be complete to be considered for full credit.

Reminder:  All 8th grade students go on the Pines team building and Confirmation retreat which will be held on September 28-30, 2011.  The total cost of the trip is $195.  If you have not made a deposit towards the Pines trip you may do so during the summer months, M-Th 9:00-12Noon.  The school office will be closed during the last full week in July.  All monies for the Pines trip will be due on September 1, 2011.

6th grade:

It is very exciting to see how far the 6th graders have come in their understanding of the Old Testament!  They will certainly be ready for the our study of the New Testament in 7th grade!

Binders are due next week, May 31st.  The 6th grade Religion final will take place on Wednesday, June 2nd, it will be counted as two test grades.  Reviews are due before the final and are counted as one test grade.  Reviews should be done in the students own handwriting, should be done individually, and must be complete to be considered for full credit.

*I pray that all students may have a safe and restful summer vacation and come back to school in August ready for a great year in Religion!!

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6th Grade English—During May, we will diagram sentences which will include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, adjective, adverb, appositive, prepositional phrase, and compound sentences. The diagramming test was scheduled for May 13. We will then begin a short unit on capitalization/punctuation which will include end marks, commas, colons, semi-colons, and capitals. The final copy of the research paper will be due May 25. We will review for the final exam beginning May 23 and the exams will be May 27-June 2.

6th Grade Math—In May, we will start a unit on measurement. This unit will include metrics, customary units, time zone, perimeter, circumference, and area (rectangles, squares, triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, circles). The test is scheduled for May 20. The checkbook register will be due on May 20 as well. All the account activities will be posted on the web site on May 17. We will begin reviewing for the final exam on May 20 and the exams will be May 27-June2.

7th Grade English— In May, we will diagram sentences which will include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, adjective, adverb, appositive, prepositional phrase, and compound sentences. The diagramming test was scheduled for May 13. We will then begin a short unit on capitalization/punctuation which will include end marks, commas, colons, semi-colons, and capitals. We will review for the final exam beginning May 23 and the exams will be May 27-June 2.

8th Grade English—In May, we will diagram sentences which will include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, adjective, adverb, appositive, prepositional phrase, and compound sentences. The diagramming test was scheduled for May 13. We will then begin a short unit on capitalization/punctuation which will include end marks, commas, colons, semi-colons, and capitals. Review for the final exam  started on May 13 and the exams were May 18-23.

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Friendly reminder:

6^th and 7^th grade field trip to Scarborough Fair is May 3, monies and permission slips are due Tuesday April 26^th.

7^th grade filed trip to the San Antonio Missions is May 6, monies and permission slips are due Friday April 29^th.

6^th grade: We have completed our studies about the early civilizations of Africa.  We are currently reading about the early civilization of the Americas.  We are learning about the Incas, the Mayas, the Mound Builders and Woodlands; how and what they have contributed to our society.  From there we will begin our studies of the Middle Ages which will then lead us into the Renaissance Period.

7^th grade: The students will begin our studies into the Twentieth Century period of Texas.  The students will read about oil, the Great Depression, civil rights movement and how they contributed to the political, social, and economic changes in Texas.

8^th grade: The students will learn how political and religious ideas inspired people for reform.  How these reforms affected prisoners to the improvement of the education system, and the beginning of the Women’s Rights Movement.  We will read about a nation divided, slavery, and the Civil War.  We will end with the reconstruction after the Civil War during the years of 1863-1896.

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6th grade:

We have been learning about Moses and have illustrated the ten plagues, helped to part the Red Sea and played the tambourine and rejoiced that the Egyptian Army who were pursuing the Israelites were drowned in the Red Sea.  We are  now beginning to see how the Law – The Ten Commandments – became the glue that made the Israelites the Jewish Nation; the Chosen People.  We will be having out Seder Meal on Wednesday, April 20 and will see the similarities and differences between this sacred meal and the Holy Eucharist.  We will continue to follow the Israelites into the Promised Land and as the year ends we will connect this journey to the Catholic Sacraments, and see how the Promised Land mirrors heaven.

7th grade:

We are learning about Life Issues and what the Catholic Church says about Life.  The Church says that ALL LIFE IS GOOD, even if the circumstances of that life are questionable; the Church teaches that all life is sacred and should be honored from conception to natural death.  Student’s compassion is being stirred as they couple this information with the question of poverty, the poor and marginalized.  ‘What can we do about this??’ is a common question.  We will continue to focus on the Beatitudes and the Pillars of Catholic Social Teaching.  We will also have a mini-Faith Sharing assignment so that students will see that they do not need to be scared of the Faith Sharing assignments for next year.  We will do this mini assignment in class – don’t worry!!  It will be based on the Precepts of the Church which are found in your child’s workbook on page 240.  Please take time to familiarize yourself with these very important minimal expectations of the Church.  We will end the year focused on the Sacraments and our connection to Christ and each other.

8th grade:

As the year draws to an end I would like to take a moment to thank you for sharing your children with me for the last few years.  I have enjoyed each one of them and I think we have all learned a lot from each other!

The Passion Play is almost here and your students have worked very hard preparing.  We will continue our study of Church History and will touch on the highlights of the last 2000+ years from the Council of Jerusalem to Vatican II.  We will also choose our Charitable Giving organization, do a presentation on Religious Orders and will prepare for our end of the year ‘good-bye’ pep rally.  So much to do!!!

***All Middle School students will receive their final review no less than 10 days prior to their Religion final.  The review must be done in the student’s own handwriting. They must turn it in before they receive the final test or they will receive a zero grade for the review.  The review is counted as one test grade.  The final is counted as two test grades.***

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or constructive comments.  Thanks so much!

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Science articles are due April 21, May 5, and May 19.  The bonus article is due May 19.

8th Grade Science Binder is due May 17.  6th/7th grade binders are due May 24.

8th grade will have final exams on May 18, 20, and 23, 2011.  6th/7th grade final exams will be May 27, May 31, June 1, June 2.

6th Grade

The goal is to complete Chapter 15 – 18 for the remainder of the school year.  Students will do various activities with each chapter.  The chapter on the atmosphere students will create a review game.  Weather patterns students will keep a weather journal.

7th Grade

Students are currently working on completing a booklet about protists and fungi.  Students will create a birthday month fungi poster.  Next, students will study plants.  Time permitting we will finish the year with the endocrine system and reproduction.

8th Grade

Students just completed their study of animals and have moved on to the study of the environment.  The goal is for students to dissect 9 different specimens in a comparative anatomy study.  This should take place once we return from Easter break.  We will finish the year by studying various ecosystems and biomes.

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April/May

6th Grade English—Sixth grade continues with the research paper. The note cards will be completed by April 6th when the rough draft will be started. A specific amount of writing will be required every day to complete the draft on time. The completed rough draft will need to be submitted to turnitin.com (from home) by midnight on May 5. During the last week of April, the students will start diagramming sentences. Spelling for April includes lessons 31, 32, 33, and 34. During May, we will diagram sentences which will include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, adjective, adverb, appositive, prepositional phrase, and compound sentences. The diagramming test is scheduled for May 13. We will then begin a short unit on capitalization/punctuation which will include end marks, commas, colons, semi-colons, and capitals. The last spelling test will be lesson 35 on May 6.

6th Grade Math—In math, the students have completed the unit on integers and are beginning a short study on order of operations. They will then begin a unit on geometry terms. The students will take notes and draw examples of each term. I will provide a compass, ruler, and protractor during class but the students may want to use their own for homework. The geometry test is scheduled for May 3. In May, we will wrap up the unit on geometry terms and start measurement. This unit will include metrics, customary units, time zone, perimeter, circumference, and area (rectangles, squares, triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, circles). The test is scheduled for May 20. The checkbook register will be due on May 20 as well. All the account activities will be posted on the web site on May 17.

7th Grade English—We are continuing with the study of adverbs which includes modifiers, clauses, time, place, manner, degree, affirmation, negation, regular comparison, irregular comparison, and special cases. The test is scheduled for April 14. We will then have a short unit on prepositions, conjunctions, interjections with the test scheduled for April 27. At the end of April we will start diagramming sentences. Spelling for the month of April includes lessons 32, 33, 34, and 35. In May, we will diagram sentences which will include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, adjective, adverb, appositive, prepositional phrase, and compound sentences. The diagramming test is scheduled for May 13. We will then begin a short unit on capitalization/punctuation which will include end marks, commas, colons, semi-colons, and capitals. The last spelling test will be taken April 29.

8th Grade English—Eighth grade completes the study of adverbs which includes modifiers, clauses, elliptical, time, place, manner, degree, affirmation, negation, regular comparison, and irregular comparison. The test is scheduled for April 13. A short unit on prepositions, conjunctions, interjections (the test scheduled for April 27) will lead us into diagramming sentences. Spelling for the month of April will include lessons 29, 31, and 32. In May, we will diagram sentences which will include subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, adjective, adverb, appositive, prepositional phrase, and compound sentences. The diagramming test is scheduled for May 13. We will then begin a short unit on capitalization/punctuation which will include end marks, commas, colons, semi-colons, and capitals. The last spelling test will be taken May 6. The week of May 16 will be for review for final exams.

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6th grade – We are currently enjoying One Handed Catch. Students have been writing abstracts to accompany each chapter. They turn these in every five chapters for a grade. We will read Ten Little Indians next; we will finish the year with this. I will provide each student with this novel. We also have only one more vocabulary unit left for this year.

7th grade - We just tested over our Shakespeare Unit and are currently reading “Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allen Poe. Students will be writing an essay comparing this short story to the novel Fever which they recently read in science class. We will finish the year with Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt. Students will need their own copy of this novel.

8th grade – Wow, how the time has flown. Can you believe high school is just around the corner? To finish the year, we will finish reading  Murder on the Orient Express, complete a Holocaust project, one more vocabulary unit, and read Night. Now take a deep breath – it’s a lot but we will finish all of it in class, promise.

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Seventh grade will be working on area and volume of geometric shapes.  Algebra will be working with polynomials.  Eighth will be working with volume of geometric solids.

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