Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, for your help in guiding these young people about the love of the Church and the sacredness of their bodies. I have just finished reading their tests and I can assure you they learned from you. Although topics regarding the body can sometimes be sensitive issues with middle school students, they hunger for the truth about their bodies. Please continue to talk with your children about these issues as the truth will need to be reinforced as they enter high school.
Additional Theology of the Body Resources:
For Teens
http://www.demandyourdignity.com/
http://www.chastity.com/
http://www.tobforteens.com/
For Adults
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbzoE3bdudc
http://www.theologyofthebody.net/
http://www.tobinstitute.org/
As a reminder Ash Wednesday is next week which begins the liturgical season of Lent. During this time we reflect on the temptation and suffering of Jesus. Below is a prayer website that will help you experience the Lenten season with your family.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCmn7pDgXlc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWKRhk-yYI0
Creighton University Lenten Resources
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/
Our next mini-unit will explore Catholic Online resources. Students will be responsible to do a website review for their classmates of a specific Catholic Website. Hopefully this will promote continuous spiritual growth in and out of the classroom.
Finally, as spring break approaches, this could be a wonderful time for students to participate in service. Two additional Serviam hours will be due the first week in May, totaling ten Serviam hours all together. Thank you deeply for your support of this program.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Serviam Opportunities:
Knit or crochet newborn hats and send them to newborns in impoverished countries in effort to lower the newborn mortality rate. Instructions are on the website and also knitting and crochet patterns if you don't have your own. One hat would probably take a couple hours the first time and then maybe an hour after the kids get into a groove. There's a downloadable/printable flyer on this website too. Website: http://www.goodgoes.org/caps
Monday, February 28, 2011
Social Studies: Mrs. Wallace
This week, the 8th graders will be finishing up their unit over the Civil War. For the last couple of days, the students watched the movie Glory. They were able to view th contributions of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment which was an all African-American regiment that fought for the Union. The students will be reviewing this week and will be having their test on Friday, March 4th.
We are then going to do a quick overview of the Industrial period with figures such as John D.Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. We are working our way towards WWI and then eventually WWII to end the trimester.
Also, the 8th graders finished up their last week of Junior Achievement. The students really enjoyed the program and a big thank you to our volunteers!!
We are then going to do a quick overview of the Industrial period with figures such as John D.Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. We are working our way towards WWI and then eventually WWII to end the trimester.
Also, the 8th graders finished up their last week of Junior Achievement. The students really enjoyed the program and a big thank you to our volunteers!!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Language Arts/Reading - Miss Mataloni
This week the students completed their final book report project. They did a wonderful job of retelling their novels to the class. The 8th graders are currently reading The Giver, as well. I have been truly impressed by their questions and in-depth conversations related to the themes of the Newberry Awarded novel. We will continue to work on The Giver for the next seven days, so it is finished prior to Spring Break.
Science: Mrs. Louise Mistry
The 8th Graders are continuing their study of astronomy, this week focusing on the solar system. They have learned about the characteristics of the inner and outer planets and also about unique characteristics of each individual planet. We also studied the history of observation of our solar system, beginning with the early astronomers such as Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler and including the development of geocentric and finally heliocentric theories. We also learned about comets, asteroids and meteors and discussed the possibilites of life outside of Earth - certainly an interesting topic! Next week we will move on to stars, galaxies and the universe, learning about the stars and galaxies. The students will be learning how to locate the Big Dipper and at least 10 other constellations in the night sky. Happy stargazing!
Math: Mrs Cindy Streff
Last Friday, 8th graders took the chapter test for Chapter 6, Percents. It was the last grade for the second trimester. The class as a whole did very well on the test.
8th graders are working on Chapter 7, Exponents and Powers. It is a short chapter so we will be testing over it before Spring Break. We have already looked at Scientific Notation, writing both very large and very small numbers. This is their first experience writing with negative exponents. We have also discussed multiplication and exponents--simply adding the exponents when you multiply a number with the same base. Division and exponents has 8th graders subtracting the exponent when dividing a number with the same base. Simple concepts, but can be difficult when put all together.
Good luck with Dowling Catholic registration! If you have questions, even after Saturday, please do not hestitate to let me know.
8th graders are working on Chapter 7, Exponents and Powers. It is a short chapter so we will be testing over it before Spring Break. We have already looked at Scientific Notation, writing both very large and very small numbers. This is their first experience writing with negative exponents. We have also discussed multiplication and exponents--simply adding the exponents when you multiply a number with the same base. Division and exponents has 8th graders subtracting the exponent when dividing a number with the same base. Simple concepts, but can be difficult when put all together.
Good luck with Dowling Catholic registration! If you have questions, even after Saturday, please do not hestitate to let me know.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Spanish - Mrs. Buckmiller
The 8th graders have started saying the Hail Mary by memory. They did a great job on the first day! They are also working on using me gusta and me gustan. They will have a test over this in 2 weeks. How can you help your child? You can listen and look at the words as they practice saying the Hail Mary and point out areas they need to work on. You can help them study for the me gusta / me gustan test by helping them learn the vocabulary and practice with words that go with me gusta (singular nouns and infinitives) and which words go with me gustan (plural nouns and more than one singular noun).
Science - Mrs. Louise Mistry
The 8th Graders are contiuing their study of astronomy. This week we have learned about how rockets worked, different types of rockets and have seen video of several rocket launches. We have also focused on space exploration, including the founding of NASA, the Apollo program and the history of space exploration in the United States. We have learned about current methods of space research and exploration, including the space shuttle program and the International Space Station. The students saw video of space shuttle launches and landings and of the shuttle docking with the International Space Station, as well as the components of the station. We will also be discussing the benefits of space research and how knowledge of space science can be used on Earth. The students will have a test on Chapter 2 on Tuesday.
On a side note, we revisited "Teco" the 8 month old bonobo from the Great Ape Trust and read and discussed this week's article about Teco in the Des Moines Register. Students also watched a video clip of Teco's current progress and discussed the implications of research with the bonobos on humans.
We are working on making sure the students stay focused, as there is a lot of learning left to do. Please remind your student to make the most of their educational opportunities! Have a great weekend!
On a side note, we revisited "Teco" the 8 month old bonobo from the Great Ape Trust and read and discussed this week's article about Teco in the Des Moines Register. Students also watched a video clip of Teco's current progress and discussed the implications of research with the bonobos on humans.
We are working on making sure the students stay focused, as there is a lot of learning left to do. Please remind your student to make the most of their educational opportunities! Have a great weekend!
Religion / Faith Formation
The eighth grade students just finished their unit on Vocations this week. Their test was yesterday, and I will have the scores posted on Infinite Campus on Monday. The students learned about their universal call to holiness, no matter which vocation God calls them. On their test they were asked to predict twenty years from now, what vocation they would be living. Their answers were very interesting. Please as your child about this. In addition, please pray for all middle school students as we had several who felt called to priesthood and religious life.
Our next unit will be our Love Unit. This is an extension of our Vocations Unit for the eighth grade. The kids will explore how to love in the single vocation through concepts from John Paul II's Theology of the Body. There will also be a teaching piece we will ask you to do with your child at home. Please watch for a follow up email regarding your role as their primary Catholic faith teachers. Thank you for your continued prayers for your children, they are wonderful young people.
Additional Theology of the Body Resources:
For Teens
http://www.demandyourdignity.com/
http://www.chastity.com/
http://www.tobforteens.com/
For Adults
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbzoE3bdudc
http://www.theologyofthebody.net/
http://www.tobinstitute.org/
_________________________________________________________________________________
Serviam Opportunities:
Knit or crochet newborn hats and send them to newborns in impoverished countries in effort to lower the newborn mortality rate. Instructions are on the website and also knitting and crochet patterns if you don't have your own. One hat would probably take a couple hours the first time and then maybe an hour after the kids get into a groove. There's a downloadable/printable flyer on this website too if you simply wanted to post it. Website: http://www.goodgoes.org/caps
Contact: Heather at hiburg@eastersealsia.org
Easter Seals Crop for Camp
Still in need of volunteers!
Shifts that we need help filling:
Friday, Feb. 25 - 5-10 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 26 - 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. / Noon - 5 p.m. / 5:30 - 10 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 27 - 8 - 11 a.m. / 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. / 2 - 5 p.m.
*Event is at Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside
http://varietytelethon.com/index.php
Volunteers needed to assist Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside for the 2011
Variety Telethon!!
Saturday, March 5th - 5:30 - 7 a.m.
Orientation: 5:30 - 6 a.m.
Where: Polk County Convention Center, 501 Grand Ave. Downtown Des Moines
We're in need of 30 volunteers to help answer phones. Volunteers will
receive an Easter Seals long sleeve t-shirt to wear on air and
complimentary breakfast will be available following the shift.
Variety has supported Easter Seals for more than 25 years. Please help
us to assist them again this year!
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please contact
Heather at hiburg@eastersealsia.org
Our next unit will be our Love Unit. This is an extension of our Vocations Unit for the eighth grade. The kids will explore how to love in the single vocation through concepts from John Paul II's Theology of the Body. There will also be a teaching piece we will ask you to do with your child at home. Please watch for a follow up email regarding your role as their primary Catholic faith teachers. Thank you for your continued prayers for your children, they are wonderful young people.
Additional Theology of the Body Resources:
For Teens
http://www.demandyourdignity.com/
http://www.chastity.com/
http://www.tobforteens.com/
For Adults
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbzoE3bdudc
http://www.theologyofthebody.net/
http://www.tobinstitute.org/
_________________________________________________________________________________
Serviam Opportunities:
Knit or crochet newborn hats and send them to newborns in impoverished countries in effort to lower the newborn mortality rate. Instructions are on the website and also knitting and crochet patterns if you don't have your own. One hat would probably take a couple hours the first time and then maybe an hour after the kids get into a groove. There's a downloadable/printable flyer on this website too if you simply wanted to post it. Website: http://www.goodgoes.org/caps
Contact: Heather at hiburg@eastersealsia.org
Easter Seals Crop for Camp
Still in need of volunteers!
Shifts that we need help filling:
Friday, Feb. 25 - 5-10 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 26 - 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. / Noon - 5 p.m. / 5:30 - 10 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 27 - 8 - 11 a.m. / 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. / 2 - 5 p.m.
*Event is at Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside
http://varietytelethon.com/index.php
Volunteers needed to assist Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside for the 2011
Variety Telethon!!
Saturday, March 5th - 5:30 - 7 a.m.
Orientation: 5:30 - 6 a.m.
Where: Polk County Convention Center, 501 Grand Ave. Downtown Des Moines
We're in need of 30 volunteers to help answer phones. Volunteers will
receive an Easter Seals long sleeve t-shirt to wear on air and
complimentary breakfast will be available following the shift.
Variety has supported Easter Seals for more than 25 years. Please help
us to assist them again this year!
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please contact
Heather at hiburg@eastersealsia.org
Language Arts/Reading - Mataloni
The 8th graders just finished the illustration process on their picture books. They turned out amazing! I was really impressed with a majority of their motivation and effort put into their final piece. The 8th graders will be sharing their stories with their Kindergarten buddies on Wednesday morning. I look forward to seeing the interaction between them as their share their work.
We are still plugging away at punctuation. The students just took a quiz over quotation marks and underlining. We will finish up next week with apostrophes and hyphens. The final test over the entire punctuation unit will be the last week of February.
Starting Monday we will begin reading The Giver as a whole class novel. I look forward to this unit every year as it is one of my all-time favorite novels! Students will be expected to do daily readings and daily responses to the novel and its themes.
We are still plugging away at punctuation. The students just took a quiz over quotation marks and underlining. We will finish up next week with apostrophes and hyphens. The final test over the entire punctuation unit will be the last week of February.
Starting Monday we will begin reading The Giver as a whole class novel. I look forward to this unit every year as it is one of my all-time favorite novels! Students will be expected to do daily readings and daily responses to the novel and its themes.
Math: Mrs Cindy Streff
8th graders are finishing up Chapter 6, Application of Percent. 8th graders are working on simple and compound interest. It is one of the few times they use calculators during class. It is interesting for them to see how little or how much interst they can earn. We will test over the chapter at the end of next week.
In a couple of weeks you will be registering your child for Dowling Catholic and the classes they will take as a freshman. I will spend time one day in the coming weeks talking with all 8th grade classes about their options, but will also give them here, for you the parent. Contact me if you have questions or concerns about the math class your child should be taking.
**Algebra A--for students who struggle with math. Algebra is taught over 2 years (Algebra B as a sophomore). Small class size and a slower pace.
**Algebra I--for most students. What most of us remember about our own freshmen math.
**Advanced Algebra I--for students with strong math skills. Class moves quicker, covering most of the book.
**Advanced Geometry--for students who took Algebra as an 8th grader.
It is an exciting time for you and your 8th grader. Let me know if you have any questions.
In a couple of weeks you will be registering your child for Dowling Catholic and the classes they will take as a freshman. I will spend time one day in the coming weeks talking with all 8th grade classes about their options, but will also give them here, for you the parent. Contact me if you have questions or concerns about the math class your child should be taking.
**Algebra A--for students who struggle with math. Algebra is taught over 2 years (Algebra B as a sophomore). Small class size and a slower pace.
**Algebra I--for most students. What most of us remember about our own freshmen math.
**Advanced Algebra I--for students with strong math skills. Class moves quicker, covering most of the book.
**Advanced Geometry--for students who took Algebra as an 8th grader.
It is an exciting time for you and your 8th grader. Let me know if you have any questions.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Social Studies: Mrs. Wallace
The 8th graders now are studying the people and events of the Civil War. In the upcoming week, we will be focusing on the major battles, the music of the Civil War, and the decisions of Lincoln. In class, we will also be watching the movie Glory to study the contribution of African-Americans during the war. I love this movie as it gives them a sense of what sacrifice all soldiers have made for our country.
For the past couple of weeks, the 8th graders have also been particpating in a Junior Achievement program. The program provides the students with examples of how business and entrepreneurship affected the economic development of the United States during the 19th century. Each lesson has really tied in closely with what the students have been studying in class. They will continue with the program until February 25th. A big thank you to our volunteers!!
For the past couple of weeks, the 8th graders have also been particpating in a Junior Achievement program. The program provides the students with examples of how business and entrepreneurship affected the economic development of the United States during the 19th century. Each lesson has really tied in closely with what the students have been studying in class. They will continue with the program until February 25th. A big thank you to our volunteers!!
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