I think it is safe to say that all 8th graders are glad we have completed Chapter 2, Equations and Inequalties. It was a tough chapter but in the end they all did well on the chapter test. We have now started working on Chapter 3, Graphing in a Cooordinate Plane, something completely different from the last chapter. They have had fun graphing an apple by connecting the points they were given and even challenged themselves to graph an alligtor or tiger. Now that they know how to graph we will learn three ways to graph a line. We should be able to complete this chapter before the end of the first trimester.
Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and have a great weekend!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Social Studies: Mrs. Wallace
The 8th graders finished up their chapter on the American Revolution this week. I received some amazing projects on the American Revolution;descriptive journals, funny and educational videos, great models of battles, and informative presentations. I think that they not only produced some great projects, but learned so much of the content at the same time.
Our next chapter is on the Constitution (my favorite chapter!). This week, the students took an actual US Citizenship test to test their knowledge over US history and government. I think that some were worried they might be deported:) however, they will learn all of it during our Constitution unit. We will be holding a mock constitutional convention and will have a Supreme Court trial over the 1st Amendment.
Students can still register for the DC Trip:
The tentative dates are June 10th-13th. You can register three ways:
~Send in the registration packet.
~By phone (1-800-468-5899)
~Online at http://www.christiandiscoveries.com/ (Trip ID# is 54077)
Our next chapter is on the Constitution (my favorite chapter!). This week, the students took an actual US Citizenship test to test their knowledge over US history and government. I think that some were worried they might be deported:) however, they will learn all of it during our Constitution unit. We will be holding a mock constitutional convention and will have a Supreme Court trial over the 1st Amendment.
Students can still register for the DC Trip:
The tentative dates are June 10th-13th. You can register three ways:
~Send in the registration packet.
~By phone (1-800-468-5899)
~Online at http://www.christiandiscoveries.com/ (Trip ID# is 54077)
Student Council Schedule
Student Council is off to a great start! This week we met to prepare posters for our next jeans day, which is Thursday, October 28 for the Columban Fathers. Max Palmer spoke at Mass today and told the students about the jeans day and the work of the Columban Fathers. Meeting schedule for the first part of the year is below. All meetings (unless otherwise specified) are on Fridays from 7:45-8:20.
October 15: ALL
October 22: 8th Grade, Group 1
October 29: 8th Grade, Group 2
November 5: 6th and 7th Grade
Wednesday, November 10: ALL
November 19: 8th Grade, Group 1
No meeting, week of November 22
December 3: 8th Grade, Group 2
December 10: 6th and 7th Grade
December 17: ALL
October 15: ALL
October 22: 8th Grade, Group 1
October 29: 8th Grade, Group 2
November 5: 6th and 7th Grade
Wednesday, November 10: ALL
November 19: 8th Grade, Group 1
No meeting, week of November 22
December 3: 8th Grade, Group 2
December 10: 6th and 7th Grade
December 17: ALL
Middle School Dance Schedule
All dances are on Fridays, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Please bring $7.00 for admission and school ID.
August 27 Holy Trinity
October 29 Holy Family
November 19 Christ the King
December 17 St. Pius X
January 14 St. Theresa
February 11 Sacred Heart
March 4 St. Anthony
April 15 St. Francis
May 13 St. Joseph (6th Graders invited)
Please bring $7.00 for admission and school ID.
August 27 Holy Trinity
October 29 Holy Family
November 19 Christ the King
December 17 St. Pius X
January 14 St. Theresa
February 11 Sacred Heart
March 4 St. Anthony
April 15 St. Francis
May 13 St. Joseph (6th Graders invited)
Mrs. Louise Mistry, 8th Grade Science
The 8th graders are finishing up their study of animals with a test on birds and mammals on Monday. This week they learned about structure and function of birds and mammals. They dissected owl pellets and classified the bones they found, with each group creating a display poster of the identified bones. Next week we will be focusing on animal behavior, using materials from the Great Ape Trust here in Des Moines. We will be learning about what characteristics are used to determine intelligence in animals and comparing and contrasting behavior in a diverse group of mammals.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Religion/Faith Formation
Hello Parents!
The eighth graders have discussed life issues this week. We've discussed many threats to life including abortion, the death penalty, suicide, scandal, euthanasia, and war. Our conversations have been very interesting and many students have come up with good questions. I encourage you to talk to your children regarding these topics. The students will have a quiz on the Church's teachings on this topics at the beginning of next week. Below I have attached some resources on our Catholic teachings regarding life issues. When you go to the USCCB Website select "Issues" and you will be able to select your issue of choice to discuss with your child. http://www.usccb.org/prolife/tdocs/index.shtml
Next week we will have two guest speakers. Tom Chapman our Catholic lobbyist will be in to talk to the kids about their role as a Catholic Citizen. Below is a website to help guide you through your decision to live out your role as a Faithful Citizen. http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org/ November 2nd don't forget to vote!! Fr. Kautzky will also be up to talk to the kids about his favorite Saints to kick off our next unit. The students will begin working on their Saint Facebook page which will be due on Nov. 22nd. Much of their research will need to be done on their own.
Next week is Red-Ribbion Week as you know the eighth graders will be going to Gray's Lake to do their annual walk for being drug free. The eighth graders will also be traveling down to the Cathedral to have mass with the Bishop and a tour of the Cathedral on Nov. 1st, the Feast of All Saints. Please watch for permission slips coming home next week.
Just a reminder, students were made aware of the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award. They each have handouts of the directions on how to apply for this award. The due date for the application is November 1st and they must get Mrs. Hade to certify their application. The application can be found at: http://spirit.prudential.com/view/page/soc
Four Serviam Service hours will be due by November 11th as that is the last day of the first trimester. If you need ideas ask you student to bring home their worksheet from the Service Fair last week, as they took notes on many organizations they could work with. Also the SFA 8th grade website always has ideas on the "Pre-approval list." Thank you again for your support of the service program, the kids really benefit greatly from the activities they participate in.
Have a great weekend.
Ms. Nennig
The eighth graders have discussed life issues this week. We've discussed many threats to life including abortion, the death penalty, suicide, scandal, euthanasia, and war. Our conversations have been very interesting and many students have come up with good questions. I encourage you to talk to your children regarding these topics. The students will have a quiz on the Church's teachings on this topics at the beginning of next week. Below I have attached some resources on our Catholic teachings regarding life issues. When you go to the USCCB Website select "Issues" and you will be able to select your issue of choice to discuss with your child. http://www.usccb.org/prolife/tdocs/index.shtml
Next week we will have two guest speakers. Tom Chapman our Catholic lobbyist will be in to talk to the kids about their role as a Catholic Citizen. Below is a website to help guide you through your decision to live out your role as a Faithful Citizen. http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org/ November 2nd don't forget to vote!! Fr. Kautzky will also be up to talk to the kids about his favorite Saints to kick off our next unit. The students will begin working on their Saint Facebook page which will be due on Nov. 22nd. Much of their research will need to be done on their own.
Next week is Red-Ribbion Week as you know the eighth graders will be going to Gray's Lake to do their annual walk for being drug free. The eighth graders will also be traveling down to the Cathedral to have mass with the Bishop and a tour of the Cathedral on Nov. 1st, the Feast of All Saints. Please watch for permission slips coming home next week.
Just a reminder, students were made aware of the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award. They each have handouts of the directions on how to apply for this award. The due date for the application is November 1st and they must get Mrs. Hade to certify their application. The application can be found at: http://spirit.prudential.com/view/page/soc
Four Serviam Service hours will be due by November 11th as that is the last day of the first trimester. If you need ideas ask you student to bring home their worksheet from the Service Fair last week, as they took notes on many organizations they could work with. Also the SFA 8th grade website always has ideas on the "Pre-approval list." Thank you again for your support of the service program, the kids really benefit greatly from the activities they participate in.
Have a great weekend.
Ms. Nennig
Language Arts
The students have been reading and working on elements of fiction within our Dark Side Short Story Unit. We have done an extensive study of Edgar Allan Poe's works as well as a few dark classic pieces. We will finish up with our last story, "The Most Dangerous Game" next week. During the first week of November, we will review and take a comprehensive assessment over all the stories we've covered. They also have one more vocabulary test over the last two stories this coming Thursday, October 28th. The students have been doing an excellent job staying engaged and attentive with these difficult pieces.
Next week, 8th graders will be diving into our first grammar unit: The 8 Parts of Speech. This will be a quick review unit, so they will be tested prior to the trimester's end.
Upcoming dates for reading requirements:
October 27 - Alternative Book Report Project due
November 11 - Written Book Report due
November 11 - 2,000 reading minutes due (remind students to get their bookmarks signed by a parent)
Next week, 8th graders will be diving into our first grammar unit: The 8 Parts of Speech. This will be a quick review unit, so they will be tested prior to the trimester's end.
Upcoming dates for reading requirements:
October 27 - Alternative Book Report Project due
November 11 - Written Book Report due
November 11 - 2,000 reading minutes due (remind students to get their bookmarks signed by a parent)
Friday, October 8, 2010
Social Studies: Mrs. Wallace
The 8th graders are continuing with their study of the American Revolution. This coming Monday, October 11th, their American Revolution projects are due. The students have had about 3 weeks and 4 class periods to work on the projects. I can wait to see their battlefield models, videos, presentations, and journals.
We will more than likely be testing on the American Revolution the week of October 18th. We will then be moving on to our next chapter is the Constituion and we do a mock Constitutional Convention in class. Be on the look-out for some white "powdered" wigs that they could use as they dress-up as a delegate to the convention.
Registration deadline for the 2011 Washington DC trip is Friday, October 22nd. The dates are June 10th-13th. You can register three ways:
~Send in the registration packet.
~By phone (1-800-468-5899)
~Online at http://www.christiandiscoveries.com/ (Trip ID# is 54077)
We will more than likely be testing on the American Revolution the week of October 18th. We will then be moving on to our next chapter is the Constituion and we do a mock Constitutional Convention in class. Be on the look-out for some white "powdered" wigs that they could use as they dress-up as a delegate to the convention.
Registration deadline for the 2011 Washington DC trip is Friday, October 22nd. The dates are June 10th-13th. You can register three ways:
~Send in the registration packet.
~By phone (1-800-468-5899)
~Online at http://www.christiandiscoveries.com/ (Trip ID# is 54077)
Student Council: Mrs. Louise Mistry, Sponsor
The first student council meeting is next Friday at 7:45 a.m. If your child is participating they received a handout at school today.
Members are as follows:
Grade 6: Megan McAllister, Sarah Shadle, Alyssa Weber, Sarah Westholm, Allie McLuen, Emme Doll, Jenny Bowman
Grade 7: Jared Allison, Emily Heckle, Rosie McAninch, Maddie Overton, Megan Pollpeter, Lindsey Coon, Hannah Farley
Grade 8:
Group 1: Lauren Bockhaus, Connor Cosgrove, Abi Goeser, Zack Grasso, Johnny Harmeyer, Max Palmer, Ann Marie Westercamp, Taylor LaRosee
Group 2: Taylor Dworek, Will Finstad, Bret Markowski, Madalyn Mauro, Tommy Merfeld, Jesse Proehl, Matt Rettenmaeir, Anna Wisnieski
We will meet next Friday, October 15 at 7:45 in the Science Room (all members) to discuss goals for the year and meeting schedules. Looking forward to a great year!
Members are as follows:
Grade 6: Megan McAllister, Sarah Shadle, Alyssa Weber, Sarah Westholm, Allie McLuen, Emme Doll, Jenny Bowman
Grade 7: Jared Allison, Emily Heckle, Rosie McAninch, Maddie Overton, Megan Pollpeter, Lindsey Coon, Hannah Farley
Grade 8:
Group 1: Lauren Bockhaus, Connor Cosgrove, Abi Goeser, Zack Grasso, Johnny Harmeyer, Max Palmer, Ann Marie Westercamp, Taylor LaRosee
Group 2: Taylor Dworek, Will Finstad, Bret Markowski, Madalyn Mauro, Tommy Merfeld, Jesse Proehl, Matt Rettenmaeir, Anna Wisnieski
We will meet next Friday, October 15 at 7:45 in the Science Room (all members) to discuss goals for the year and meeting schedules. Looking forward to a great year!
Science: Mrs. Louise Mistry
The 8th graders are continuing their study of animals, currently focusing on vertebrates such as fish, amphibians and reptiles. Last week we completed our frog dissection which is the final dissection lab. The students have been learning about body systems and structures and characteristics and examples of each group of animals. Next week we will move on to learning about birds and mammals and the students will analyze owl pellets to learn about the feeding habits of owls and to work on their classification skills. We will finish up this unit with a study of animal behavior, using current research in animal behavior and including resources from the Great Ape Trust here in Des Moines. I will also be sharing some books and logs written by Dr. Jane Goodall. The students are doing a wonderful job of working together and learning. Keep up the good work!
Math Mrs Cindy Streff
8th graders are finishing up Chapter 2, Equations & Inequalities. This past week we have taken what we know about solving equations and have been solving inequalities. Almpst everything is the same except instead of an equal sign (=) inequalities have greater than (>) and less than (<) signs. They are doing a great job with inequalities. We will spend some time reviewing multi-step equations (a difficult concept, but an important one) next week before testing over this chapter.
Many 8th graders still have trouble with their math facts. It is a good idea to continue to review them, even in 8th grade. I have told students to keep a box of math flash card in their car and to practice them when they are traveling a short diatance. A couple of minutes each day can help a lot!
Many 8th graders still have trouble with their math facts. It is a good idea to continue to review them, even in 8th grade. I have told students to keep a box of math flash card in their car and to practice them when they are traveling a short diatance. A couple of minutes each day can help a lot!
Religion/Faith Formation
Good afternoon!
The students completed their Knights of Columbus Essays describing the responsibility of a Catholic citizen in America. This was a joint effort in both Religion and Language Arts class as the students worked on content in religion and the components of writing in Language Arts. Students this week have also discovered that our Catholic Church is a social group similar to any other with specific purpose, membership requirements, and an organized form of leadership. This weekend students will be investigating volunteer and missionary opportunities through the Catholic Volunteer Network. Hopefully this will open some doors for those that love to serve. The eighth graders will finish their "Being Catholic" Unit on Tuesday, October 12, when they will have a test over the elements that make us Catholic.
The students were also invited to the Christ our Life Conference coming to Des Moines in a few weeks. The link is below if you are considering attending. Tickets are buy on get one free. Please take a minute to watch the overview video on the website. http://www.christourlifeiowa.com/
Students were made aware of the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award. They each have handouts of the directions on how to apply for this award. The due date for the application is November 1st and they must get Mrs. Hade to certify their application. http://spirit.prudential.com/view/page/soc
Lastly, October is the Month of the Rosary and as a middle school we pray the rosary every week. We are praying the Joyful Mysteries in support of all those struggling with life decisions. Some students are struggling with remembering the prayers for the rosary so please review the rosary prayers with your child using the following website. http://www.newadvent.org/images/rosary.pdf Thank you.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Peace,
Ms. Nennig
The students completed their Knights of Columbus Essays describing the responsibility of a Catholic citizen in America. This was a joint effort in both Religion and Language Arts class as the students worked on content in religion and the components of writing in Language Arts. Students this week have also discovered that our Catholic Church is a social group similar to any other with specific purpose, membership requirements, and an organized form of leadership. This weekend students will be investigating volunteer and missionary opportunities through the Catholic Volunteer Network. Hopefully this will open some doors for those that love to serve. The eighth graders will finish their "Being Catholic" Unit on Tuesday, October 12, when they will have a test over the elements that make us Catholic.
The students were also invited to the Christ our Life Conference coming to Des Moines in a few weeks. The link is below if you are considering attending. Tickets are buy on get one free. Please take a minute to watch the overview video on the website. http://www.christourlifeiowa.com/
Students were made aware of the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award. They each have handouts of the directions on how to apply for this award. The due date for the application is November 1st and they must get Mrs. Hade to certify their application. http://spirit.prudential.com/view/page/soc
Lastly, October is the Month of the Rosary and as a middle school we pray the rosary every week. We are praying the Joyful Mysteries in support of all those struggling with life decisions. Some students are struggling with remembering the prayers for the rosary so please review the rosary prayers with your child using the following website. http://www.newadvent.org/images/rosary.pdf Thank you.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Peace,
Ms. Nennig
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Language Arts
8th graders have been doing an excellent job with our Edgar Allan Poe/Dark Side Short Story Unit. On Tuesday, October 12, the students will be testing over the powerpoint notes which cover the elements of a short story. We have read and quizzed over Tell-Tale Heart. The Raven and Annabel Lee have been completed as well. The Cask of Amontillado will conclude our Poe study which we will cover throughout next week. Wednesday, October 13, the students will be tested over all the Poe vocabulary. We will read 2 additional dark stories which will require application of the short story elements.
In writing, the students just completed an essay which coincided with religion class. In class, we worked on implementing introductory leads, transitions/topic sentences within paragraphs, and conclusions that tie it all together. Students also worked on creating strong thesis statements.
Bookmark minutes need to continue to be turned in prior to the end of the 1st trimester mid-November. Students should have 1,000 minutes completed at this time. Also, their alternative book report project is due at the end of the month, October 27.
In writing, the students just completed an essay which coincided with religion class. In class, we worked on implementing introductory leads, transitions/topic sentences within paragraphs, and conclusions that tie it all together. Students also worked on creating strong thesis statements.
Bookmark minutes need to continue to be turned in prior to the end of the 1st trimester mid-November. Students should have 1,000 minutes completed at this time. Also, their alternative book report project is due at the end of the month, October 27.
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