Mrs. Muldoon

READ, READ, READ

2010-06-29T18:29:00.001-07:00

Reminding you that you should read as much as possible this summer. Check out TD Bank, as they are paying you to read! Happy Summer, Be Safe! 8 weeks to go!

Reminders

2010-06-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Extra Credit for Roll of Thunder may still be turned in. I've moved the due date back to June 10th. Please look at old posts for more information.

Guiding Questions due June 8th.

Roll of Thunder Final Exam June 10th.

Writing...we will be working on the Science Fair on Monday and Tuesday, June 7th and 8th. Please bring any necessary materials to writing class. We will work on writing the procedures out. Thanks.

Roll of Thunder Guiding Questions due June 8th

2010-06-02T09:04:00.001-07:00

Guiding Questions
Chapter 1
How are the African-Americans students treated? Do you think this is fair? Explain.
What happened to the Berry family? What does this event tell you about racism in the South in the 1930s?
Would you like to be friends with the Logan children? Why or why not?

Chapter 2
Why has Mr. Morrison come to live with the Logans?
What danger did the African-American people in the community face because of their color?
What might it feel like to be the victim of hatred?

Chapter 3
Why does the driver of the white children’s school bus splash the Logan children with mud?
How do the children get their revenge on the white bus driver and his passengers? Do you think it was right?
What might it feel like to be the only person in town to have a big, fancy car?

Chapter 4
What is your first clue that T.J. is big trouble? Do you think it’s wise that Stacey is friends with him?
How do you think Stacey felt when he had to tell his parents about his fight with T.J.?
What does Cassie learn about her family from Big Ma?

Chapter 5
Why does Big Ma park the wagon far away from the entrance to the market in Strawberry?
Do you think Cassie should have demanded that Mr. Barnett wait on them at the store? Why or why not?
How do you think Cassie felt at the end of her day in Strawberry?

Chapter 6
Why does Big Ma try to stop Cassie from telling Uncle Hammer about their day in Strawberry?
Mama tells Cassie, “Baby, we have no choice of what color we’re born or who our parents are or whether we’re rich or poor. What we do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we’re here.” What do you think she means by this?
Would you rather have Papa or Uncle Hammer as your father? Why?

Chapter 7
How do you think Uncle Hammer felt when he saw T.J. wearing Stacey’s new coat?
Why does Mr. Jamison agree to put up the credit for the black families to shop in Vicksburg?
How do you know that Mr. Morrison had a hard, painful life?

Chapter 8
Papa tells Cassie, “There are things you can’t back down on, things you gotta take a stand on. But it’s up to you to decide what them things are.” What things do you think Cassie must take a stand on? Why?
Do you think it was a good decision for Cassie to take revenge on Lillian Jean? Is it okay to do mean things if you feel you have been treated unfairly?
How do you think Mama felt when Kaleb Wallace fired her from her teaching job?

Chapter 9
Would you spend time with the Simms boys? Why or why not?
How was Papa injured? Why do you think this happened?
What do you think with happen at the end of the book?

Chapter 10
Why do you think the bank suddenly wants the Logans to pay their mortgage in full?
Do you think the Logans’ troubles with the Wallaces are over? Why or why not?
What do you think will happen to T.J. in Strawberry?

Chapter 11
How did T.J. get so badly injured?
Would you have helped T.J. if you had been in Stacey’s place? Why or why not?
What do you think will happen to the Avery family, especially T.J.?

Chapter 12
What is your first clue that Papa set the fire?
Papa says, “This thing’s been coming a long time, baby…” What do you think he means by this?
How can you tell that the Logans are a close and loving family?
How would you feel if you were T.J.?

Week of May 24-28

2010-05-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Grammar:

We have a grammar quiz, tomorrow May 25th on conjunctions and interjections. Please review...as this is an easy 18 points. Our test on Chapter 6 will be this Friday, May 28th. Please study prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.

Reading:

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry is going well. We just had a quiz on Chapters 1-3 and got the vocabulary for chapters 4-5. Please review these words. We are going to have to work hard to finish this book on time and some of the reading will have to be done at home. I will keep you posted on the dates for the next couple of quizzes for Roll of Thunder. Please remember there is extra credit for the final exam. Please scroll down on my blog to find it.

Week of May 17-21

2010-05-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Reminder: We are DSTP testing this week in Science and Social Studies. Please get a good night sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.

Thursday, May 20th we will have a quiz on prepositions. Please review lessons 1 and 2 from Chapter 6. It will be short and sweet...but it is important that you study.

Friday, May 21st we will have the vocabulary quiz for chapters 1-3 of Roll of Thunder. We will begin the comprehension part...but that may continue on Monday. Please, please study your vocabulary words. They were given to you over a week ago.

Roll of Thunder Extra Credit

2010-05-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

Please complete one of these extra credit items to earn points to be added to your Roll of Thunder Final Exam. You may not earn over a 100%, but it could help your grade.

Final Exam Extra Credit Due June 4th

1. A Look Back How did the Depression look? Locate photos from the Depression
Era that would illustrate the mood or events of the story. You may
use the photos to create a photo essay or collage, or you may
simply display your chosen photos and talk about them. One source you may want to use is Brother, Can you spare a Dime: The Great Depression, 1929-1933, by Milton Meltzer.

2. Picture This Students can create an illustration of one of the important experiences that contributes to Cassie’s maturing during the course of the novel. Or you can illustrate one of the events that lead up to T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. (I don’t want to give it away.)

3. Free T.J. Draw and caption a political cartoon relating to a situation in the novel, such as the differences in schools for blacks and whites, the night men’s excursions, or T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. Don’t forget that political cartoons usually contain satire.

4. Mapping Create a map of the fictional Spokane County. Include the Logan’s farm, fields, forest, and house; Harlan Granger’s plantation and the Averys’, Simmses’, and Berrys’ house; the two schools and the Great Faith Church; the road and the bridge; the Wallace’s store; Smellings Creek; and any other locations in the novel.

5. Jim Crow Laws Write a one page paper explaining Jim Crow laws. Research these laws and write about how they affected the Logans in their day-to-day activities.

May Updates

2010-05-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Parents please be on the look out for some important papers going home in the Thursday folder. One specifically is about the new book we will be reading in class...Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. We will begin reading this book on Monday, May 10th when I return to school. The other paper coming home is about the need for volunteers for assistance with formal. Parents please contact me via email mmuldoon@pca.k12.de.us or return the paper that is coming home Thursday if you are available to help with formal.

Reminder!!! Final Drafts of the Autobiographical Incident are due on Monday, May 10th. This is to have been typed...as per Ms. Wessell. Please make sure your son/daughter stays in at recess this week if you do not have a computer at home. This is a major grade for the third trimester. Currently, students only have one writing grade and that is their Adjective/Adverb test. Please spend time on this major assignment. Good Luck.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday!!!!
Mrs. Muldoon

DSTP

2010-03-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

As we enter the month of March...all we can think about is the dreaded DSTP. While I am out on my maternity leave, I ask that each student put forth their best effort on the DSTP. Eat a healthy breakfast, get a good night's sleep, and try your best. Each one of you has the potential to do very well if you take your time and use all of the "good reader" strategies that we have learned this year.

Remember to stop while you are reading a use the strategies. If you wait until you are finished the passage, you may not remember what you have read. Pick various stopping points during the passage and ask yourself a question, clarify what you have read, make predictions, summarize the section, visualize the scene, and evaluate what you have read. Jot down notes while you are reading and use a highlighter to highlight important sections or vocabulary words that you are unfamiliar with.

Remember when you are answering questions to use the words in the question in your response. If they are asking you what motivated the main character to act the way he did, your answer should begin..."The main character was motivated by..." Remember the list of no-no words from Mrs. Bullen. These words should not be used in reading and writing responses. Use the characters' names. Do not refer to them as he or she.

When you are completing a major writing piece, remember to have an introduction that restates the question, three details that support your main idea, and a conclusion paragraph. Mrs. Jilek and the substitute will show you some sample DSTP writing pieces. As you look at these, notice that the shorter responses did not score as well. Please also use the scrap paper for your rough draft. And when you are allowed...use a dictionary and thesaurus to help.

Good Luck and above all TAKE YOUR TIME:)

Week of February 8-12

2010-02-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

Writing-

All research papers have been turned in and are in the process of being graded. The next writing assignment will be a persuasive letter. Students are also working on Chapter 3 Pronouns in their Language Network book. The most recent quiz on lessons 4-7 did not go as well as expected. Please remind your son or daughter to study daily and bring their grammar books home. There are also links to the right of my page for activities to complete on Chapter 3. Many students need extra practice with lesson 6 interrogative and demonstrative pronouns. The chapter 3 test will possibly be as early as next week. Please study at home.

Reading 8A-
Our last nonfiction story is about Roberto Clemente. Please make sure that you are studing the vocabulary words. After this story, we will have a unit test. The date is still to be determined.

Reading 8B and 8C-
Students as I said on Friday...our assessment on High Tide in Tuscan will be as soon as we return from the snow. If that is tomorrow...then we will have the assessment tomorrow. Please review the vocabulary words and examples from the text for the chart.

Research Paper Rubrics: Paper Due NO LATER THAN 1/27/10

2010-01-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

8th Grade Technology Requirements

· Create a report with either Microsoft Word or Open Office
· A bibliography in MLA format (Students will get a sheet explaining this at a later date.)
· One inch margins
· Double spaced and 12 point font
· Title/cover page with title, name, date, and section number (in the center of the page)
· If you would like to include pictures…do not put them on the title/cover page. You can include a page at the end of your report for pictures. (Do not tape/glue them...they should be cut and pasted onto a word document.)
· Utilizing at least one resource from UD LibSearch databases
· Utilizing one text based resource (i.e. book, encyclopedia, or magazine)

Science Rubric

Accuracy- All information is historically accurate and found using all reliable sources.
Early Life and Death- Report includes accurate information about the life and death of subject.
Major Accomplishments- At least one major accomplishment in science is described in detail.
Education- Education is described in detail and is accurate.

Writing Rubric

-Presents the results of a careful investigation on a topic. -Uses pertinent evidence from multiple well-chosen sources to develop and support ideas.
-Includes a strong introduction with a clear thesis.
-Logical pattern of organization and clear transitions.
-Regularly credits sources of information.
-Summarizes ideas in a conclusion.
-Provides a correctly formatted bibliography in MLA format. -Very few errors in grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling

Week of January 4-8

2010-01-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

Research Paper...The final due date for the research papers is on Wednesday, January 27th. But I will begin collecting them on Monday, January 25th. The final date for turning in an outline is this Wednesday, January 6th. We will begin drafting our research paper this week as well. Remember students can earn extra credit by visiting their local library and presenting proof to the teacher. All students received a requirements sheet for the research paper in December. This is a MAJOR grade for the trimester and an eighth grade requirement for writing, science, and technology.

In the next week we will be learning how to create our works' cited or bibliography page. If your son/daughter needs more help they can visit http://www.easybib.com/ . MLA format is free and that is the one that we are using. Easy bib will practically create the bibliography for you...and since it has to be typed anyway, why not check it out.

In grammar, we are beginning chapter 3 on Pronouns. We will have homework twice this week on pronouns, so please check your agendas. Don't forget to check out the grammar practice off of McDougal Littell's website. Use the links to the right of this page.

In reading we are starting our unit on Nonfiction. Students will be getting new vocabulary words this week and have vocabulary homework Tuesday night. In the next few weeks we will also be having our mid-year benchmark test.

Updates for December 14-18th

2009-12-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

All writing classes have just spent three days in the tech lab or library researching for their major 8th grade research paper. Students received their topic last week. This paper will be a grade for technology, science, and writing; and is a mandatory requirement for the completion of 8th grade.

Some important dates to remember...15 completed note cards are due Thursday, December 17th. The outline is due Monday, December 21st. The final copy is due Wednesday, January 27th.

Reading 8A...will have the vocabulary portion of their Unit 1/7 Fiction Test on Wednesday, Dec. 16th and the comprehension portion on Thursday, Dec. 17th. They received the study guide on Friday, Dec. 11th.

Reading 8B and 8C...will have the vocabulary portion of their Unit 1:Part 1 Fiction Test on Tuesday, Dec. 15th and the comprehension portion on Wednesday, Dec. 16th. They have received all the charts and vocabulary words that they need to study.

End of 1st Trimester

2009-12-02T09:56:00.001-08:00

All late or missing work needs to be completed by Friday, December 4th. Students who do not complete missing assignments will receive a failing grade for that assignment. 40 8th grade students owe at least one assignment for either reading or writing.

Week of November 30th-December 4th

2009-11-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

All power point and poster book report grades were written in students' agendas on the Monday before Thanksgiving. Please refer to your son/daughter's agenda to see how they did. Students who received a poor grade most likely skipped a section on the project. They may complete the missing section to earn points back on their project grade.

I am still missing some short stories. Students who did not turn in a short story received a referral and need to get this assignment completed asap. Students who are missing work will receive an incomplete on their report card and will end up in summer school if the missing work is not completed.

Writing A,B, and C
All writing classes are finishing up chapter 2 on nouns. This test will be on Friday, December 4. Please review direct and indirect objects as well as prepositional phrases. This seems to be the most difficult part of the chapter. Remember McDougall Littell has a link to the right of my page where students can access grammar practice activities.

All students will be getting their topics for the 8th grade research paper this week. This is the biggest writing assignment of the year and a mandatory assignment for graduation. Most of the work for the research paper will be done in class, but the final product will be completed at home. The students will have two months to complete this assignment.

Reading 8A
Students will be reading the Lady and the Tiger this week. The assessment for this story will not be until next week. The vocabulary words are as follows: barbarians, savage, jealousy, gladiators, willful, subject, arena, and justice.

Reading 8B
Students are finishing up with The Ransom of Red Chief. The assessment for this story will be on Thursday, December 3rd. Please remember to review the term irony and the following vocabulary words: collaborate, commend, comply, diatribe, impudent, palatable, pervade, proposition, ransom, and surreptitiously.

Week of Nov. 9-13

2009-11-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

Short story final drafts were due today, Tuesday Nov. 10. Twenty-two 8th graders did not turn in their story on time. They will loose citizenship points each day it is late and will eventually earn a referral for "failure to complete work in a timely manner". Please check with your son or daughter and make sure they have turned in their story.

If students need to retest their Chapter 1 grammar test, they must do that this week on Thursday or Friday in workroom. Please ask your son/daughter how they did on their Chapter 1 grammar test.

Grammar Chapter 2 quiz on lessons 1-3 will be on Monday, November 16th.

Reading 8A...has a quiz on "Two were Left" on Friday, November 13th. The vocabulary words from this story are difficult to spell and define. Please practice them at home. Word List: essential, fashioned, suspiciously, ominously, descended, steeled, incredulously, crudely, wedged, and awkward.

Reading 8B and 8C...has their quiz on Tuesday, November 17th on "Mother in Mannville". Please practice the vocabulary words at home. I am noticing many vocabulary words that are not spelled correctly on the test. Word List: abstracted, blunt, clarity, communion, ecstasy, impel, inadequate, instinctive, kindling, and predicated.

Advisement groups...don't forget your canned food for the food drive competition for the food bank. The winning advisement group will get an ice cream cake reward.

High School Night is this Thursday night, November 12th. Students and parents are welcomed to come to the cafeteria between 5:30 and 7:30 to gather information on various local high schools. Hope to see you there...

Week of Nov. 2-6

2009-11-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

Update...

Congratulations to all 8th grade students...I have received a book report from each one of you. I will grade them over the next two weeks and hopefully you will have your score sheet back before Thanksgiving.

Grammar Chapter one tests were taken on Tuesday. Five students missed this test and need to make it up in the next few days. We will be starting Chapter 2 this week. Chapter 2's main focus is on nouns.

We have been working on short stories in writing class. 14 students have not turned in a peer edit sheet for their short story. Final copies of short stories are due on Tuesday, November 10th.

In reading 8A, we have just receive the new vocabulary words for Two were Left. The words for this story are a little more difficult to spell and remember the definition, so practice, practice, practice.

In reading 8B and 8C, we have just received the vocabulary words for Mother in Mannville. Please make sure you are practicing their spelling and definitions.

REMINDERS: Over 20 8th graders are missing work. Please have your child check and see if they are missing work. If they are missing work, they need to come into workroom and make it up. A reminder...our school policy states that unresoved incomplete grades result in a student attending summer school or being retained.

On a lighter note...I am in need of tissues in my classroom. Please donate tissues. I only received a few boxes at the beginning of the year and they are all gone.

Updates for week of October 26-30

2009-10-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

BOOK REPORT DUE OCTOBER 29TH. NO LATE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please scroll down for directions in last post. If you would like to do a power point and do not have the program you can download it for free for 60 days at the following address: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/default.aspx

All writing classes have finished the rough drafts of their short stories. Peer-Editing will begin this week. The final copy will be due the first week of November.

All writing classes will be having their first major grammar test on Friday, October 30th. Please begin reviewing with your son/daughter asap. There are links to the left of this page for activities in the Language Network Book. Just click on 8th grade grammar and then click on Chapter One: The Sentence and its parts. We will play Grammar Jeopardy the day before the test to review.

Reading 8A will have a quiz this Wednesday on No-Guitar Blues. Please don't forget to study the vocabulary words, both definitions and spelling. List: mission, conjunto, distracted, perpetual clock, turnover, empanada, deceitful, zombie, secondhand, papas

Reading 8B and 8C will have a quiz this Wednesday on Stop the Sun. Please don't forget to study the vocabulary word, both definitions and spelling. List: chant, dry, founder, inert, persist, taunted, ailment, clamor, consequence, impartial

Directions for Power Point Book Report due 10/29

2009-10-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

Mandatory criteria for poster/slide show:
1. Title, Author, and Your NAME
3 points

2. Characters and their motives (5 characters or 1 character with 5 motives)
5 points

3. Setting with description using senses (5 sentences)
5 points

4. Plot (3 sentences each) (Can be on multiple slides)
· Exposition
· Rising Action
· Climax
· Falling Action
12 points (3 points per component)

5. Conflict (write a paragraph to explain)
5 points

6. Theme (message, moral, meaning)
5 points

Pictures/Background/Design that depict the theme, characters, or setting of the story.
5 points

Pick 2 additional slides from the back of this paper.
(2 mandatory additional criteria)
10 points

Total Possible (excluding extra credit)
50 points

Mandatory Additional Criteria (Pick 2)

*Pick at least two of the following criteria to add to your poster or power point. Any additional criteria chosen may earn extra credit.

1. Rating of the book/Book review (paragraph form)
2. Author’s biography (paragraph form)
3. Least favorite part of the book and explanation (paragraph form)
4. Connection to a character (paragraph form)
5. 5 questions you had while reading the book and their answers if you figured that out
6. Visualize a scene in your head and write it in paragraph form.
7. Write a new ending to this story (paragraph form)

Update...

2009-10-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

This past week directions were sent home for the book report. All class are completing a book report on Power Point that is due NO LATER THAN October 29Th. If students do not have access to Power Point they can work on this report during recess time, beginning as soon as possible. Please remind your son/daughter to continue reading their book so that project completion does not happen the night before it is due. Next week students will be given a story board to work on where they will draft out their project.

All students will be having a grammar quiz on Wednesday, October 14th on Chapter 1 Lessons 5-8. Please review with them kinds of sentences, subjects in unusual order, and subject complements.

Reading 8A will be having a quiz on Cinder Edna on Thursday, October 15th. Please remind students to review thier vocabulary words, both spelling and definitions.

Reading 8B students will be having a quiz on Raymond's Run on Thursday, October 15th. Please remind students to review thier vocabulary word, both spelling and definitions.

Week of September 21-25

2009-09-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

All reading classes have a quiz tomorrow, September 22nd, on reading strategies and part of fiction. Please remind your son/daughter to study the notes. All reading classes were also given a slip of paper to be filled out with the title of the Fiction book he/she will be reading for his/her first book report. The book chosen most be on his/her level. The paper and book are due on Friday, September 25th.

All writing classes will be having a quiz on Friday, September 25th, on lessons 1-4 in chapter 1. This can be found in their grammar book, a.k.a. Language Network book. There are links to activities on the right of my web page where students can practice and study for this quiz. Good luck.

Please parents don't forget to sign point cards for citizenship:)

Week of Sept.14-18

2009-09-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are definitely back into the swing of things. All classes had writing homework last night and will probably have more Tuesday or Wednesday night. Please check your son/daughter's agenda to verify that homework has been complete.

Parents, you also had homework to complete...a parent's survey. So far I am missing over 30 students surveys. Please get this in a soon as possible. Thanks.

Welcome Back

2009-09-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to send a thank you to all the parents who sent in paper towels, hand sanitizer, cleaning products, and tissues. I am also accepting donations of prizes or rewards to be used for a homework Bingo competition that will be starting next week and gently used or new board games for rainy day recess. These items are greatly appreciated and I am still accepting donations.

I also want to thank the parents that returned their emergency cards, hand book pages, and grading policy forms. I will also be sending home a parent survey today that I would like to be fill out and returned. This is vital information to help our school year be a success.

Today, Thursday, students completed a benchmark reading test. This test is not an academic grade, but a tool used by the teacher to get a preview of the students' abilities. I will score them in the next few weeks and send a letter home with that information when it is complete.

Student supplies....By now almost all 8th graders have a journal for writing, which is to be kept in class. Many students still need a binder with three sections or a 3-subject notebook. The three sections are to be labeled Reading, Writing, and Grammar. It is very helpful for all students to have the same three sections. Students also need paper, pencils, and pens on a daily basis.

Thank you for all of your help and I am looking forward to a great school year.

~Mrs. Muldoon

Summer

2009-06-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

While you are lying by the pool and taking in the sun, don't forget the best way to get ahead in school is by improving your reading. Take a book with you to the pool. Take a book with you to the beach. Take a book with you anywhere you end up on these lazy summer days.

Some suggested reading for 7-9th grade...

1. The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton
2. That Was Then, This Is Now, by S.E. Hinton
3. Tex, by S.E. Hinton
4. Rumblefish, by S. E. Hinton
5. Holes, by Louis Sachar
6. So Far from the Bamboo Grove, by Yoko Kawashima Watkins
7. My Brother, My Sister, and I, by Yoko Kawashima Watkins
8. The Giver, by Lois Lowry
9. Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen
10. Small Steps, by Louis Sachar
11. Other Books by Gary Paulsen: Brian’s Hunt, Brian’s Winter, Brian’s
Return, Woodsong, The River.
12. Far North, by Will Hobbs
13. Bearstone, by Will Hobs
14. Johnny Tremain, by Esther Forbes
15. A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L’Engle
16. Flush, by Carl Hiaasen
17. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, by Avi
18. Midnight Magic, by Avi
19. Walk Two Moons, by Sharon Creech
20. Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls

Graduation

2009-06-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here are the pertinent details for graduation…

Dress Code:
Boys- Shirt, tie, dress pants, dress shoes
Girls- Blouse, Dressy Pants, Dress, or Skirt, with Dress Shoes
*Wear shoes that you can walk in….
*if your dress has straps…you need to wear a sweater or shrug. No bear shoulders!

Graduation Practice 9 am Tuesday morning
Students need to be at school no later than 6:30 pm Tuesday night!!
Graduation begins at 7 pm.
Graduation should be about an hour.
Reception immediately following in the cafeteria.

Tickets are not required...but seating is on a first come first serve basis.

Parents and relatives are welcome to take pictures. We ask that all audience members respect the importance and dignity of this celebration and allow all of our students to be recognized equally.

Guiding Questions for Roll of Thunder

2009-05-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Final Push Towards Graduation

2009-05-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

In reading there are only two grades left for the trimester. If you want to pull your reading grade up...please study for the vocabulary quiz tomorrow on the final word list from chapters 6-12. Our final exam on the entire book Roll of Thunder will be on Tuesday, May 26th. Please make sure you have finished reading the book ON YOUR OWN. We are still reading some in class, but the students are on THEIR OWN. Most students should be on chapter 10. I have moved the extra credit due date to May 26th...the same day as their final.

To reward those students who have kept all of their notes, questions, and vocabulary from Roll of Thunder, I will be bringing in homemade biscuits and jam on Friday, using a recipe from the book itself. Hopefully, all of the students will get to enjoy this treat.

In Grammar, we will have our final chapter test on Friday. It is on chapter 4, verbs. Students should have a great deal of notes on this chapter. We will also have a journal check on Friday which can easily pull up their writing grade.

Good Luck! I know it sounds like alot...but I have faith in these kids. I want to see them in their suits or dresses walking onto the gymnasium stage Tuesday, June 2nd. I want to shake their hands as they receive their diplomas. I am thankful for all of their effort and hard work this year. I knew they had it in them to be successful and look where they're at.

Vocabulary 6-12

apprehensive- uneasy or fearful about something that might happen
interminable- having no limits, unending
languid- lacking in spirit or interest, listless
boycott- to abstain from buying from
reassurance- to regain confidence
indignant- strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, or insulting
pneumonia- inflammation of the lungs with congestion
irritably- easily irritated or annoyed; readily excited to impatience or anger
scowl- to draw down or contract the brows in a sullen, displeased, or angry manner
scheme- a plan, design, or program of action to be followed
humdrum- lacking variety; boring; dull
desolate- barren or laid waste; deserted; uninhabited
persistent- Refusing to give up or let go; persevering obstinately
despicable- Deserving of contempt or scorn; vile
acrid- Unpleasantly sharp, pungent, or bitter to the taste or smell

Final Exam Extra Credit Due May 22

2009-05-12T11:22:00.001-07:00

1. A Look Back How did the Depression look? Locate photos from the Depression
Era that would illustrate the mood or events of the story. You may
use the photos to create a photo essay or collage, or you may
simply display your chosen photos and talk about them. One source you may want to use is Brother, Can you spare a Dime: The Great Depression, 1929-1933, by Milton Meltzer.

2. Picture This Students can create an illustration of one of the important experiences that contributes to Cassie’s maturing during the course of the novel. Or you can illustrate one of the events that lead up to T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. (I don’t want to give it away.)

3. Free T.J. Draw and caption a political cartoon relating to a situation in the novel, such as the differences in schools for blacks and whites, the night men’s excursions, or T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. Don’t forget that political cartoons usually contain satire.

4. Mapping Create a map of the fictional Spokane County. Include the Logan’s farm, fields, forest, and house; Harlan Granger’s plantation and the Averys’, Simmses’, and Berrys’ house; the two schools and the Great Faith Church; the road and the bridge; the Wallace’s store; Smellings Creek; and any other locations in the novel.

5. Jim Crow Laws Write a one page paper explaining Jim Crow laws. Research these laws and write about how they affected the Logans in their day-to-day activities.

SSP

2009-05-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

The SSP or Student Success Plan is a state organized website that the 8th is using. The 8th graders are creating and setting goals for high school and beyond. It is mandatory for graduation that each student is at 100% completion. To reach the 100% parents need to find time in their busy schedules to meet and conference with an advisor. The technology lab is open every afternoon until about 6 each day for the convenience of the parents. Please schedule an appointment or just drop by after school to check up on your son/daughters SSP to help them prepare for graduation.

Roll of Thunder Update

2009-05-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Time just seems to run away this time of year. We have a lot to accomplish before the end of the year. Students need to be reading some of Roll of Thunder at home as well as in school. As of 5/6 students should be up to page 62. Students can read up to one chapter ahead of the class, but don't get to far ahead.

On Tuesday, 5/12, we will have a quiz on chapters 4 and 5 vocabulary and comprehension. Our final exam for Roll of Thunder will be on May 22nd. The students need to be finished the book by May 20th so that we can review prior to the final exam.

Our first quiz on Roll of Thunder went well with the story detail but many students failed the vocabulary portion. Please make sure your son/daughter is studying the vocabulary words at home. Many of the words are difficult and need to be memorized.

Vocabulary Chapters 1-3

Corduroy-a cotton-filling pile fabric with lengthwise cords or ridges
Exasperation- irritation; extreme annoyance
Admonished-To counsel (another) against something to be avoided; caution
Trudged -to walk laboriously or wearily along or over
Morosely- characterized by or expressing gloom
Ornate-elaborately or sumptuously adorned, often excessively or showily so
Dense-having the component parts closely compacted together; crowded or compact
Loitering-To proceed slowly or with many stops
Temerity-reckless boldness; rashness
Tantrum -violent demonstration of rage or frustration; a sudden burst of ill temper
Resiliency-ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like Flirting-To make playfully romantic overtures
Meticulously- Taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough:
Concession-the act of conceding or yielding, as a right, a privilege, or a point or fact in an argument
Raucous-harsh; strident; grating
Pensively -expressing or revealing thoughtfulness, usually marked by some sadness
Outwit-To surpass in cleverness or cunning
Tormentor-a source of much trouble, worry, or annoyance
Knell-a stroke or sound of a bell, indication of the end of something
Venison-Deer meat
Imperiously-marked by arrogant assurance, domineering
Stealth-proceeding secretly or imperceptibly
Lynched-To execute without due process of law, especially to hang, as by a mob

Vocabulary for Chapter 4-5

1. aloof- stays at a distance, reserved
2. feigned- to fake or pretend
3. nauseous- to be sick in the stomach
4. glint- a flash or sparkle
5. malevolently- wishing harm to others, evil, spiteful
6. rivered- to betray
7. faltered- hesitation in movement, unsteady
8. emphatic- expressed with force, definite, with emphasis
9. envisioned- to imagine, or for see
10. discourse- a serious conversation or speech
11. engrossed-to occupy someone’s attention
12. vaguely- not seen, unclear
13. subdued- to over power by force
14. densely- tightly compact, close together
15. interjected- interrupt with a comment
16. subtle- hardly noticeable, not obvious
17. proprietors- legal owner of a store or land
18. mercantile- a shop where people can trade

Progress Reports Update

2009-04-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

With progress reports coming out in just a week and a half...all students who have any retests or make-up work need to get these things turned in as soon as possible. A few student did not turned in index cards with their research paper. The index cards are any easy 15 points. Those students who did not turn in index cards will most likely be failing on their progress report in Writing since there are only 4 sin writing so far. Please get the index cards turned in as soon as possible.

This coming week we will be very busy. The 8th grade is going to the Rock Wall Gym on Wednesday and Washington, D.C. on Friday. For the Rock Wall trip students need a bag lunch and to wear gym clothes. We will leave by 10 am and return to school by 2pm on Wednesday for normal school dismissal. For Washington, D.C. students are to also pack a bag lunch and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Students and parents are expected to visit the many Smithsonian museums that are free to tour and enjoy the day. Students may also bring spending money for souvenirs and food, as we will not be returning to PCA until 8 pm Friday night. More information on D.C. will come this week.

We will also be having two language arts quizzes this week. We have a grammar quiz on verbs Chapter 4 lessons 1-4 on Wednesday, just before the rock wall trip. We will also have our first Roll of Thunder quiz on Thursday. The reading quiz is on Chapters 1-3 and will be open book. The students will have questions on both vocabulary and comprehension.

Research Paper

2009-04-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

All final copies of Research Papers are due April 21st. There will be no exceptions or excuses accepted for late papers. Students who do not turn in their paper on time will recieve a level one referral for failure to complete work in a timely manner. It will take Mrs. Bullen, Ms. Elliot and myself a good 4 weeks to grade the papers and we cannot accept late papers. If you want to have your final grade on time to determine if you will graduation...you need to have you paper turned in ON TIME. Students should turn in thier final copy + bibliography, 15 index cards, rough draft, and outline. Good Luck!

Research Paper

2009-04-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Because I am a wonderful teacher, I have moved the research paper due date back to Tuesday, April 21st. I have done this only because the students promised to show me their rough draft this week. The 8 eighth graders that have not showed me a rough draft will be receiving a referal tomorrow if they have not showed me their rough draft. The referrals are written out already for failure to complete work in a timely manner.

A reminder that all research papers need to be typed and have a cover page. The students should turn in their research paper, bibliography, 15 research cards, outline, and rough draft on April 21st.

How to write your Bibliography in MLA Format

2009-04-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

MLA Citation

http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citmla.htm

http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/legacylib/mlahcc.html

http://www.easybib.com/

Here are some website to help with your Bibliography. If you go on easy bib they will practically make the bibliography for you. All you need to do is plug in your information. Good Luck!

Research Paper and Poem

2009-03-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday March 25th, we will be going to the library for the last time as a class. Students should be just about finished with their 15 index cards. Students' outlines will also be due on Wednesday. The outline is a 25 point quiz grade. It's the first writing grade for Trimester 3. Please try to find time to take a trip to your local library. This could earn students up to 5 extra points on their research paper.

Poetry Presentation...students need to have selected their poem to be memorized by Wednesday March 25th. Students will randomly be assigned one day to recite their poem to the class. (3/30, 4/1, 4/2) Poems must be a minimum of 10 lines. Students will be graded on how well you can hear their voice, how varied is their pacing, how effective is their tone, voice, and gestures, how well did they memorize the poem, and how well did they interpret the poems meaning. Basically, if the students speak in a good voice and don't rush through the poem, they will do fine.

Research Paper Update

2009-03-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will begin our outline for the research paper. Please bring your index cards and any books you have to class. This will be the first grade for the third trimester. It will be 25 points.

Formal Meeting

2009-03-17T07:37:00.001-07:00

I would like to have a meeting after school on Tuesday, March 24th from 3:45-4:30 to begin planning the 8th grade formal. This is for "parents only" who are interested in helping. I like the formal to be a surprise for the students so students may not attend the meeting. Attending the meeting does not mean that you need to be available the night of the formal, it only means that you would be interested in helping to plan and prepare this wonderful experience for our eighth graders. The formal is scheduled for Saturday, May 9th from 7 pm - 10 pm.

News Week of March 9-13

2009-03-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

DSTP-To help give my homeroom a better start we will be having breakfast each morning of DSTP testing. Students have signed up to bring in an item to share with our small homeroom(18 students). Some food suggestions are dry cereal, granola bars, muffins, juice, or fruit. Please check with your son/daughter to see what day they signed up for.

END OF TRIMESTER- The end of the trimester is Friday, March 13. I will not be accepting any missing work or retest after tomorrow Tuesday, March 10 as I need time to figure out final trimester grades.

RESEARCH PAPER- Directions for the research paper were given out two weeks ago. Students should be compiling data (information) about their person. Students need to have a minimum of 15 research cards and should have at least 6 done so far. We will be going to the library tomorrow and students need to be working on this at home as well. The more information collected, the easier it will be to write the report. Please take advantage of the extra credit. If you go to a public library you can earn up to 5 point to be added to your research paper's final score. Please provide proof that you were there.

Update

2009-03-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

Change of plans...the college after school field trip has been cancelled. We will reschedule it for a later date. This will allow more students to attend who may not have gotten their permission slips in. We will reschedule it for after DSTPs. Stay tuned for more information to come.

RETESTS! Students need to complete their Grammar Ch. 3 Retests this week. The trimester is almost over and grades need to be determined. Please be responsible and see me during workroom on Wednesday or Mrs. Jilek on Thursday to retake your Grammar Ch. 3 test.

College Field Trip

2009-03-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

I hope that you are enjoying your snow days. I wanted to remind you that the college after school field trip is still scheduled for this Wednesday. Please bring or wear your professional clothes (no jeans or sweats) to school. If you did not fill out a permission slip and still want to attend the field trip, please bring a completed permission slip and your clothes on Wednesday. There are still seat available on the bus.

Retakes for the grammar chapter three test must be completed by Friday. The trimester is coming to an end and I need to get these scores into the grade book.

February Update

2009-02-17T13:16:00.000-08:00

All reading classes are just about finished their Nonfiction Unit. We will be having an open book Unit Test by the end of next week (probably Feb. 26 or 27). Our next unit of study will be poetry. Students will be asked to select a poem of their choice to memorize. It can be any poem as long as it is school appropriate, at least 10 lines, and not something they have written themselves. They will also have to tell the class the theme or message of the poem.

Book Report/Power Point score sheets went home today 2/17/09 and 2/18(for one class). Please sign and return to acknowledge receipt. If your son/daughter skipped a section and earned a zero in that slot, he/she can redo that seciton to pull up this grade.

In writing we are having our Chapter 3 test this Friday, February 20th on Pronouns. Students may have the chart from page 76 on an index card to help them with this test. A quiz was taken last Thursday on lessons 8,9, and 10 from Chapter 3. Some students will need to retest due to low scores. Please check with me or your child to see if they need to retest.

Autobiographical Incident Essays should be graded soon. I am half way there.

Our next essay will be the major 8th grade research paper. This assignment is done in conjunction with Science class. Students will be given a topic and directions some time next week. (Feb. 23-27)

8th Grade Update

2009-02-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

The homework competition is in full swing. I have seen improvement from some students, but other still are not responsible enough to turn in their homework on a daily basis. A level one referral can be issued for students for "Failure to complete work in a timely manner." I have given students over a week to complete their Autobiographical Incident Essay and their Non Fiction Book Report. I still have eight essays missing and three book reports. This is unacceptable and will not be permitted in high school. If I do not have these assignments by tomorrow February 6Th, than I will be issuing referrals.

Homework Competition

2009-01-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have made a slight modification to the homework competition discussed below. We will begin the competition on Tuesday January 20th. This week is a trial run for a smaller reward. Stay tuned for more information to come.

Homework Competition

2009-01-13T11:30:00.001-08:00

Beginning today, January 13 all six of my classes will be participating in a homework competition. The competition is simple. Students will have the opportunity to win in both writing and reading. The challenge is to have 100% completion of homework. That means every student in the class must complete their homework 10 days in a row to earn a reward. The first class to complete homework 10 days in a row at 100% will earn reward.

Some rewards that are possible to earn are brownies, donuts, cupcakes, a McDonald's run by the teacher (where the students provide the $), or 1/2 hour of extra recess during class. Hopefully this challenge will help the horrible homework situation that all of my classes seem to be in. Ask your son or daughter if they are up to date on their homework. Last week alone I gave out 42 zeros for citizenship in responsibility/homework. This is not an option. Homework must be completed when assigned. Many students will be very disappointed when they see their citizenship grade at progress reports. Citizenship grades can hold a student off the basketball team. Please help to encourage your son/daughter.

Change in Date

2009-01-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Since I am a kind and generous teacher, I did not want the students to have to worry about both their social studies project and reading project being due on the same day. Therefore I have change the due date. The bookreport due date has been changed to January 27th. Please make sure that you are finishing up the book in the next few days so that you may begin on the project as soon as possible. The criteria for the project was given out before Christmas break.

REMINDER

2008-12-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to bring your NONFICTION book in to school tomorrow. Also don't forget the parent slip that goes along with it.

Report Cards

2008-12-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

Parents: Report cards are being distributed tomorrow Thursday, December 4th. I had the date incorrect on my last post. 8th grade will be visiting the Holiday Shop tomorrow as well. 8th grade's field trip for Junior Achievement will be on Monday, December 8th. Students are asked to wear jeans and a school appropriate shirt. They also must bring a bag lunch. Rules for the field trip are they same as they are in the classroom. If your child is not attending this academic trip, they must bring a note explaining why they are not attending within a week of the field trip if they would like to still attend the "fun" trip at the end of the year.

December Update

2008-11-29T10:34:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving holiday. After spending some time putting up Christmas decorations I thought I would catch you up on December's schedule.

For all grammar classes we will be having a chapter 2 test Tuesday, December 9th. This chapter should be a bit easier than chapter 1 as it is only on nouns. Please take some time to review on McDougal Littell's website, the link is to the right of my page. Make sure you know what concert, abstract, common, proper, plural, singular, and possessive nouns are. Make sure you can also tell the difference between a direct object, indirect object and a predicate noun. Also spend some time on appositive and prepositional phrases. I think that is about it, but since I don't have my book with me right now I can't be sure. Please make sure you send time reviewing.

For all reading classes students will need to have a nonfiction book by Friday, December 5th to beginning reading for our next book project. Please take the time to pick out a book that you will enjoy, don't just grab something off my shelf the morning of Friday, December 5th. Remember for all those who are interested in sports, there are a ton of biographies and autobiographies out there for your favorite athletes. For those who don't enjoy reading a long book...you might select something like Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. This is a collection of short stories that are true.

Just a reminder that report cards are to be distributed on Friday, December 5.

Unit Test

2008-11-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

All reading classes have a unit test scheduled for next Tuesday, November 18. This is an open book test on all the stories that we have read this year. Student may not however use their book for the vocabulary section of this test. The vocabulary is a review of all the words that we have previously learned. Please make sure that you put in the required effort, since this is one of the last grades for the marking period.

October 30th

2008-10-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

All reading classes have been given the directions for their book report that is due November 13th. Students should be just about finished reading their fiction books. Please check up on this. The book report is to be completed on a manila file folder that they have been given. If the students loose the folder they need to supply their own or purchase one for 25 cents.

8th Grade Conferences have been scheduled for Wednesday November 5th, Thursday November 6th, and Friday November 7th. Students were to relay to you your assigned time. It has also been written in their agenda. Phone conferences will take place on the 5th, 6th, and 7th in between in person conferences. Parents who wanted email conferences will be receiving an email from the team in the next two weeks.

In Grammar we are beginning chapter two. Students were assessed on chapter one last week and did very well. If your son/daughter scored below a 76% they have the opportunity to retake their assessment. They need to make corrections on the original test and then they can retake the test in workroom.

Updates for Week of Oct. 6 - 10

2008-10-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Writing...Student should just be about finished with the rough draft of their short stories. We will begin peer editing on Wednesday and if they have not completed the draft, they cannot participate in peer edit and will be asked to stay in for workroom.

In grammar we will be finishing Chapter 1 this week...which means only one thing. Test time. The test for Chapter 1 has not been scheduled, but will probably be the week of October 13. We will definitely find time to review prior to the test. The students will also enjoy playing a game of Grammar Jeopardy just before the test.

All Reading Classes will be getting information on the first book report of the school year this week. Students will be asked to find a fiction book, on their level, and bring it to class by Oct. 13th. Directions for the actual project will be distributed later. The project will count as a reading comprehension grade and a vocabulary grade.

8A Reading had a quiz on Friday 10/3 and will be getting test slips early this week. Parents keep an eye out for these as they are a responsibility grade.

8B and 8C Reading...your next assessment will be on Wednesday 10/8/08 for Stop the Sun.

Reminders...please keep a copy of the school handbook nearby as I have written a few referrals this week. Parents referrals must be signed the night they are sent home and returned the following. This is for any level offense. Students who fail to return them will receive an additional referral. :(

8th Grade Writing

2008-09-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

All writing classes will have a very small quiz on lesson 7: Subjects in Unusual Order on Thursday. It seems to have caused a great deal of difficulty and I need to determine if the students have mastered this skill. The quiz will be no more than 15 points.

Fall is here!

2008-09-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

As we welcome fall this week, we are in the middle of a busy week. Students completed their second grammar quiz today and are beginning their first writing prompt: a short story. Students will be completing most of their short story in class...but for those that are/were lost in thought during the class day, may have to complete some at home.

My 8A reading group is scheduled for their second quiz on Cinder Edna tomorrow, Thursday Sept. 25th. The first reading quiz on Tell Tale Heart went very well. Test slips were sent home with the scores from the first reading quiz, although only 1/2 of the class returned their slips signed. This was a responsibility grade for their citizenship. Parents please make sure you are signing all test slips that are sent home.

My 8B and 8C reading groups are also doing well. Students had a quiz on Checkouts and test slips went home yesterday. Parents please make sure you are signing all test slips that are sent home, this is a responsibility grade. Our next story, Raymond's Run, will focus on conflict/resolution and cause/effect. Our quiz for this story will be on Monday, September 29. (Sorry, I don't like Monday quizzes either, but it just worked out that way.)

Enjoy your week and keep checking back for new posts.

Keep it up

2008-09-15T05:32:00.001-07:00

Well, it's official. We are definitely back into the swing of things. Students have take one quiz in reading and one in grammar. Students have also be receiving citizenship grades daily for following directions, respect, responsibility, and participation. There are still a few students who have not covered their textbook.

Reminders...this week all reading classes will be having a quiz. Reading 8A will be having a quiz on the story Tell Tale Heart and its vocabulary words on Wednesday 9/17. While reading 8B and 8C will have their quiz on Checkouts Thursday 9/18. They also need to study the story and its vocabulary.

I have a link for McDougal Littell's website on the right hand side of my web page. This site provides activities for grammar as well as reading. This is a great way to review before a quiz or test. Good Luck.

Welcome Back

2008-08-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? School starts in just two weeks. I hope you have been reading all summer. When you are out buying school supplies don't forget to purchase extras to keep at home. It always seems that come January students are writing with pencils that are only one inch long and they can find loose leaf for the life of them. Since students will be required to carry their belongings with them this year, all literature textbooks will stay in the classroom. I will allow them to go home the night before a test though. Please take advantage of the McDougal Littell website link on my web page. This will give you access to grammar and literature activities that can definitely be useful. Good luck and I am looking forward to a great school year.
Mrs. Muldoon

8A, 8B, and 8C

2008-05-07T12:02:00.001-07:00

As the year quickly comes to an end, please work on turning in all missing assignments. Journal checks will be next week 5/12-5/16. Please make sure this is something that will pull you grade up not bring it down. All classes will be reading the Diary of Anne Frank over the next few weeks. School is not over until June 9th and we will continue to complete assignments. Don't let your brain go to summer vacation until June 9th.

8A, 8B, 8C Update

2008-03-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that with DSTPs and Spring Break we loose a great deal of "teaching time" in the third quarter. Student need to be memorizing their poem, to be recited next week, and completing their final draft of the persuasive essay. Persuasive Essays will not be accepted late. Students must turn this essay in prior to Spring Break.

8A/8B/8C Update

2008-03-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

A few more DSTP reminders...don't forget your sharpened #2 pencils, a dictionary/thesaurus(optional for the writing days), highlighter(optional for the reading passages), and a calculator(optional for some math sections). We will have these items on hand for the students to share...but if you want your own...bring your own.

Classroom updates...we have begun poetry in reading class. Students have been selecting a poem, of their choice, to have memorized for 3/4,3/18, or 3/19. Students will be graded based on the oral speaking standard and the correct memorization of the poem.

Writing...in writing we are mid-way through a persuasive essay. Students are working on drafting their essay. They must include an apporipate introduction with a thesis or opinion stated and an engaging hook. They must also include 3 body paragraphs, that each describe one supporting detail and a conclusion. The final work must be turned in prior to Spring Break if it is to be graded for the third quarter. Students will hand in their brainstorm, rough draft, peer editing, self-editing, and final copies on March 20th.

Hold on to your hats...this quarter is going to fly by. Parents and students if you we not pleased with the 3rd quarter progress reports, please work hard on the poem and persuasive essay. These are two of the final pieces for this quarter. Hopefully, I will be able to squeeze another quiz in...but with DSTPs and Spring Break we are cutting it close.

8A/8B/8C Update

2008-03-02T14:51:00.001-08:00

As March is now upon us you can't help to be thinking about the dreaded DSTPs. Relax. Everything we do at Providence Creek is practice for the DSTPs. In Language Arts we do not cram everything necessary to succeed in February, we work on reading and writing activities that will prepare us, unknowingly, for the test. All I ask is that students follow simple guidelines before beginning the DSTPs. 1. Get a good night's sleep. 2. Eat a healthy breakfast and bring a healthy snack. 3. Relax 4. Try your best on each and every section

8A, 8B, and 8C Update

2008-01-17T05:24:00.000-08:00

As the end of the second quarter is upon us, we students and teachers hurry to turn in and correct any additional assignments. Students in 8th grade were a little apprehensive about completing a power point project for their latest book report, but the presentations this week have been going great. Students also turned in an autobiographical writing piece that should be return to them next week. These writing pieces were a great sneak peak into the interesting minds of our 8th grade.
The begin of the third quarter will find us finishing up on our nonfiction unit. No more book reports for at least a few weeks, this way we can focus on our literature text. We will also be finishing up chapter 3 in grammar and taking a test in the next two weeks on pronouns. The quizzes this past week in grammar caused a struggle for many so keep reviewing those pronouns. Make sure your child can differentiate between subject, object, possessive, reflexive, and intensive pronouns, just to name a few.
Lastly, with the dreaded DSTP just around the corner, in March. We are going to begin weekly DSTP practice. In language arts, every story we read prepares them for the DSTP, so we will not be cramming for these tests. But students will occasionally be completing a practice sheet or two to remind them of the testing format commonly used on the DSTP. All I ask that you do at home to prepare is keep reading. Reading and discussing what you've read can really boost those scores. Good Luck.

8A, 8B, & 8C Update

2007-12-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

December 19, 2007

Happy Holidays to all! I know that this is a busy time of the year for most families, as it is for me as well, but things are not slowing down in our Language Arts classes.

All three classes are currently working on a major writing piece, their autobiographical incident. Most students are just about finished with their rough, rough draft. When we return from Christmas break the students will self-edit, draft again, peer edit, and complete their final copy. This multi-step process, although difficult for those who tend to loose things, should be very beneficial for their writing skills.

In addition, we are also finishing up on reading our nonfiction books. With the help of comfy-cozy day, most students should be just about finished. Any students not finished their nonfiction book will have to do some reading over the holiday break. I will give out directions for their project on Friday, December 21st, but they will not have to work on it over break. The scheduled due date for the project is January 14. We will then present the projects over that week.

Enjoy your Christmas Vacation and don't forget books make great stocking stuffers.

December 6, 2007 8A, 8B, and 8C

2007-12-06T07:39:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that all students should have a nonfiction book that they are bringing to class daily. Our next book report will be due in the beginning of January. In addition, this month we are all going to be writing an autobiographical incident. We will complete many drafts of this essay in class, but the final draft will be completed at home.

We are still having problems in the 8th grade with missing assignments. Please remind your child to see what they are missing and get it in to me as soon as possible. I will be having students call home if they are missing work. This takes the responsibility off of me and puts it on them. They need to remember their assignments.

Please continue to remind your child of appropriate school behavior. I would like to see as many students at the December 20th gathering as possible. As you child may have told you we, the middle school team, are having this gathering to reward those with positive behavior who so often get overlooked.

8B and 8C Update

2007-11-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

This week we have been reviewing Unit 1 Part 1 on Fiction. We are having a Unit 1 Part 1 open book test (Not open notes) next Thursday, November 15. Students will have all the essay questions and charts to review by this Thursday. In addition to comparing the various stories students will also be tested on 15 out of 30 vocabulary words that we have had so far this year. I do not think students need to stress about this test, as they will be well prepared.
Next Thursday, November 15, students will also be turning in their fiction book report. They have been reading this book in school and at home. They also received the direction sheet for the project last week. Any students who have lost the file folder the project is to be completed on must pay 10 cents to receive another one. (This money will go towards the purchase of classroom rewards.) Book reports can be turned in 1 or 2 days early to earn an extra point or two.
After our fiction unit comes to a close, we will begin our nonfiction unit. Students can begin thinking about what they would like to read for the next book report. We will also be watching an interactive power point presentation to learn about what nonfiction writing is comprised of. Students will also have the option of creating their own power point later this second marking period.
If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to send me an email. Happy 4 day weekend.
~Mrs. Muldoon

8As Update

2007-11-07T05:31:00.000-08:00

Our fiction unit is wrapping up next week. Upon completion of "The Lady or the Tiger" we will begin reviewing Units 1 and 7. Our unit test for fiction will probably be the week of November 19th. Our next unit of study is nonfiction. Begin looking for an appropriate nonfiction book...I'll let your child know when that is needed.
As you know our book report is also coming due. Students selected a fiction book, last month, to read in school, but they should now be reading some at home as well. The book report is to be completed on a file folder they were give last week. If you child has lost his/her file folder they can purchase one for 10 cents. The book report is an easy way to start off the second quarter. Last year's students designed beautiful covers. The book report is due November 16th.
This second chapter in grammar is focusing on nouns. Please review any lessons for chapter two with your child as chapter one caused a bit of a struggle for many students. Chapter two is a great deal shorter that chapter one. It has only six lessons before we begin reviewing.
Please feel free to send me an email with any questions or concerns. Happy 4 day weekend.
~Mrs. Muldoon

8A/8B/8C Update

2007-10-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

All classes have finished up and turned in their final drafts of their short stories this week. These short stories are a major part of the writing grade for this quarter. It will take me at least 2 weeks to mark these papers...so don't expect the grade sheets to be coming home right away. In addition, students were asked to bring a fiction novel to school this week. This is a pleasure reading book that we will be reading in class mostly and a little at home if necessary. Students will complete a project at-home when they are finished the book. Directions will be sent home in a few weeks. Keep checking to make sure your student is completing all homework and class assignments. Thanks for your support.

8C's Update

2007-09-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Can you believe progress reports come out in 2 weeks. Parents and students alike should be keeping up on their work. Parents it's your responsibility to sign score sheets for tests and quizzes...we've already had two. Students it's your responsibility to give the score sheets to your parents and also complete your homework. Don't forget about journals and studying too. This week we have been reading Checkouts by Cynthia Rylant. 8C's quiz on this story is Thursday 9/20. We have also begun brainstorming for our own short story. Once all the drafting and editing is complete students will type or neatly write their final copy at home. Some time next week information will be sent home about our first book project. Start thinking of a fiction book you would like to read.

8B's Update

2007-09-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

Can you believe progress reports come out in 2 weeks. Parents and students alike should be keeping up on their work. Parents it's your responsibility to sign score sheets for tests and quizzes...we've already had two. Students it's your responsibility to give the score sheets to your parents and also complete your homework. Don't forget about journals and studying too. This week we have been reading Checkouts by Cynthia Rylant. 8B's quiz on this story is Friday 9/21. We have also begun brainstorming for our own short story. Once all the drafting and editing is complete students will type or neatly write their final copy at home. Some time next week information will be sent home about our first book project. Start thinking of a fiction book you would like to read.

8A's Update

2007-09-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

With the school year off and running, 8A has been working hard. They have already had a quiz in reading and one in writing. Please make sure parents/guardians are signing off on the slip with the grade printed on it. Tests and Quizzes can be viewed at conference time. This week we are reading Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell Tale Heart. The quiz on this story will be Monday 9/24. Make sure you are rereading the story at home and going over the answers to all the questions. Later this week we will also begin writing a short story. All draft work for this story will be completed in class. Once the editing process is complete, I will give the students a few days to write or type the final copy. Students...start thinking of a fiction book you can read on your own. Paper work for self selected book will come home some time next week. Parents make sure your student is keeping up on their homework and journals...progress reports are the first week of October.

Summer Vacation

2007-08-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, soon to be eighth graders. I hope your Summer vacation is going well. The most important thing I hope you accomplish this summer is rest. But if you are already feeling a bit board and your parents are yelling at you to turn the TV off and do something....why don't you pick up a book and read? I just finished the last of the Harry Potter series and it was awesome. I am definitely going to read a few of the Harry Potter books again. If you're not into the fantasy genre, you could try looking at this web site. It has links for all sorts of interesting middle school novels. http://www.taylor.lib.oh.us/teen/classicya.html Just don't read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry since some of you will be reading that this year.

2007-02-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

Today is Friday, February 16, 2007.

This week due to school closings students have been given a few extra days for some assignments.

We began working on poetry last month in literature. Students have selected a poem to memorize. Students will recite their poems in class next week.

Students were also asked to find a Non Fiction book to read as their pleasure reading book for the next few weeks. Students will read their pleasure book in class. As students near the end of their books, I will assign a project to be completed at home based on what they have read.

Grammar Chapter 4 test coming soon. Begin reviewing and watch agendas for test date.

STUDENTS REMEMBER YOUR BEHAVIOR AT ALL TIMES!!!!!