Wow, where has the school year gone?! 8th graders completed the cumulative final and are ready to head off to high school. They tested over many concepts that they will use in the coming year of math, especially integers, powers & exponents, solving equations, and polynomials. Encourage your child to review over the summer and go into the new school year with the strong math skills they leave SFA with.
I have enjoyed working with your child and will miss this group of students. They are a great bunch of kids! Have a great summer.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Science: Mrs. Mistry
The 8th Graders did a wonderful job on their science projects. The Science Fair was held on May 8 and it was spectacular! The students worked very hard on their projects and it showed. We all enjoyed seeing the finished results after all the weeks of experimenting. The students should have a greater understanding of the scientific method after completing this project. Grades will be posted on Monday, but the students have already received a copy of their project evaluation which should be signed and returned no later than Monday.
Thanks for the beautiful flowers sent for the Mary Garden. The students planted them last week and they are growing well. Stop by and take a look if you get time. The Mary Garden is on the southeast entrance of the school. Special thanks to Lexi Ancona for her help in keeping the garden watered!
We will finish up the year with a study of weather and climate, focusing on weather patterns and prediction and severe weather. We hope to make tornado models next week. We are looking for empty 2 liter plastic pop bottles to use for the project. Please send them to school if you have any at your house. Thanks!
The periodic table test will be on Friday, May 18. (please note change in date).
It was a pleasure to work with your kids and many of you at the service day. Thanks to all who helped!
Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks for the beautiful flowers sent for the Mary Garden. The students planted them last week and they are growing well. Stop by and take a look if you get time. The Mary Garden is on the southeast entrance of the school. Special thanks to Lexi Ancona for her help in keeping the garden watered!
We will finish up the year with a study of weather and climate, focusing on weather patterns and prediction and severe weather. We hope to make tornado models next week. We are looking for empty 2 liter plastic pop bottles to use for the project. Please send them to school if you have any at your house. Thanks!
The periodic table test will be on Friday, May 18. (please note change in date).
It was a pleasure to work with your kids and many of you at the service day. Thanks to all who helped!
Enjoy your weekend!
Social Studies - Nennig
Dear Eighth Grade Parents,
Thank you for all the wonderful flowers you brought in for the service day yesterday. We beautified both Freedom for Youth Campus and House of Mercy Campus. It was wonderful to see the kids work so hard together and find so much joy in giving to others. Thank you for your support and for encouraging a servant heart.
In social studies, we finally dug into our World War II study. The students have vocabulary and notes they should be studying over the weekend. Their WWII test will be next Wednesday. The students turned in their WWII research papers yesterday.
Our final mini-unit will be on the geography, history, and social problems of East Africa . This will be in response to the book they are reading in Language Arts as well as Fr. Komo’s Mission Jeans Day next week. We hope to inspire continued awareness of world issues as we send these young people off to high school.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Miss Mataloni: Language Arts and Reading
The 8th graders turned in their research papers on Wednesday. Many of the students commented on how proud they were of their efforts in putting the paper together. It was a challenging three weeks for them, but the 8th graders will be ready for high school having this paper under their belts.
The students have started reading their final class book this week, Left to Tell. We will be having daily discussions over the nightly readings. This book leads to great discussion and growth of one's faith.
The 8th graders are halfway through the final grammar unit, reviewing the parts of speech. They have a quiz over the first half Friday and will be finishing up the last half next week. A final test will be given the week of May 21st.
Vocabulary and spelling have come to an end! Woo-hoo! There will be no more lists or green books to look for this year. If you helped your child review each week, thank you!
To finish up the year, the 8th graders have two big assignments coming up that relate to graduation. Each student will be writing and presenting their own graduation speech. Hopefully they'll allow you to hear what they have to say as they practice at home. These are always a fun way to end the year. If your student is interested in presenting their speech for the graduation mass, there will be auditions the week prior to graduation for this spot. In addition to the graduation speeches, the students will be writing a reflective poem of their years at St. Francis which will have the potential of being featured on the graduation mass program.
I still have language arts review session openings for the summer. The reviews will be held on Thursdays from 12:00-1:00 PM. Please email me if you are interested and I will give you more details.
Lastly, I want to thank the parent volunteers and students for the hard work they put in today at Freedom Youth Shelter and House of Mercy. It was wonderful to see everyone come together for such a great cause. Thank you!
The students have started reading their final class book this week, Left to Tell. We will be having daily discussions over the nightly readings. This book leads to great discussion and growth of one's faith.
The 8th graders are halfway through the final grammar unit, reviewing the parts of speech. They have a quiz over the first half Friday and will be finishing up the last half next week. A final test will be given the week of May 21st.
Vocabulary and spelling have come to an end! Woo-hoo! There will be no more lists or green books to look for this year. If you helped your child review each week, thank you!
To finish up the year, the 8th graders have two big assignments coming up that relate to graduation. Each student will be writing and presenting their own graduation speech. Hopefully they'll allow you to hear what they have to say as they practice at home. These are always a fun way to end the year. If your student is interested in presenting their speech for the graduation mass, there will be auditions the week prior to graduation for this spot. In addition to the graduation speeches, the students will be writing a reflective poem of their years at St. Francis which will have the potential of being featured on the graduation mass program.
I still have language arts review session openings for the summer. The reviews will be held on Thursdays from 12:00-1:00 PM. Please email me if you are interested and I will give you more details.
Lastly, I want to thank the parent volunteers and students for the hard work they put in today at Freedom Youth Shelter and House of Mercy. It was wonderful to see everyone come together for such a great cause. Thank you!
8th Grade Religion
Congratulations to our newly Confirmed 8th Graders!
Thank you for all of your support to help get them to their Confirmation days. Their new strength will help them make good choices, stay close to God and continue to seek true happiness in their lives.
To finish up the year we are going to close up Theology of the Body and end on a few lessons on the Virtues. We also will be working to produce simple audio and videos of some of the unit songs they have put together throughout this year. This way by the end of the year your students will leave with not only notes, handouts, etc. but also some songs and memories from their 8th grade Religion studies.
Please keep encouraging your student to turn in missing work. You can view what work they still need to turn in by going to infinite campus. The Reflection Papers have yet to be added, but everything else will be up to date.
Also, Service Hours are now overdue. Please encourage your student to check with me after classes to see where they stand.
Thank you for all of your support to help get them to their Confirmation days. Their new strength will help them make good choices, stay close to God and continue to seek true happiness in their lives.
To finish up the year we are going to close up Theology of the Body and end on a few lessons on the Virtues. We also will be working to produce simple audio and videos of some of the unit songs they have put together throughout this year. This way by the end of the year your students will leave with not only notes, handouts, etc. but also some songs and memories from their 8th grade Religion studies.
Please keep encouraging your student to turn in missing work. You can view what work they still need to turn in by going to infinite campus. The Reflection Papers have yet to be added, but everything else will be up to date.
Also, Service Hours are now overdue. Please encourage your student to check with me after classes to see where they stand.
Math: Mrs Cindy Streff
8th graders spent four days working in the computer lab working with Excel. They learned how to input data quickly using the tab and enter keys. They learned how to format the cells, add columns and worksheets, color and bold text, etc. More importantly, 8th graders learned how to use formulas to calculate addition, average, and multiplication. This was awesome for most students and what a time saver! 8th graders should find this helpful as they move to high school and must create more things on the computer. Some 8th graders even used things they had learned for their science fair projects!
8th graders are currently working on Chapter 12, Algebraic Relationships. This chapter has students adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials, a concepts they will use often next year in Algebra. They will quiz over the chapter on Friday, May 18.
8th graders will have their cumulative final on May 23 & 24. They will spend the two days prior to that reviewing for the test and will be prepared for the test.
All parents have received information about the summer math opportunities that I offer. I still have openings in the Math Review that is held on Thursdays 1:00-2:00 PM. If you are interested or would like more information, please email me here at school. I would enjoy working with your child in the summer.
8th graders are currently working on Chapter 12, Algebraic Relationships. This chapter has students adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials, a concepts they will use often next year in Algebra. They will quiz over the chapter on Friday, May 18.
8th graders will have their cumulative final on May 23 & 24. They will spend the two days prior to that reviewing for the test and will be prepared for the test.
All parents have received information about the summer math opportunities that I offer. I still have openings in the Math Review that is held on Thursdays 1:00-2:00 PM. If you are interested or would like more information, please email me here at school. I would enjoy working with your child in the summer.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Theology of the Body: In class we have been continuing on in the Study of the Theology of the Body. The path we have taken so far has led to an understanding of what human persons were created to be, the recognition that we are wounded by both original sin and our culture, and that our desires for perfect love and respect still exist. Mrs. Osborn and I have been working hard and your students have been contributing and participating with amazing questions, discussions, opinions, and after class conversations. If you want to view the DVD or look through the parent guide they can still be checked out in the school office.
Confirmation is coming!!!
I am very excited to attend the Confirmation Masses for your students. They have worked so hard and learned so much to get to this coming weekend. Please know I continue to pray for your student every day in preparation for this Sacrament. They are definitely ready, and encourage them that if they feel any deficiencies in their faith before the big day that the Sacrament is meant to help strengthen and fulfill their faith. This Friday in preparation for Confirmation your students will have the chance to see Fr. George Komo and go to Confession. If there is anything else you or your student needs or if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Quick Reminder: Rehearsals are on Thursday. Please contact Deb Ryan about any Confirmation questions as she is in charge of the actual events and the collection of Confirmation materials. She can be reached in the parish office or by email.
Please remind your student that as the year is wrapping up they need to be checking infinite campus to see what assignments or tests they still need to make up from absences. This will be key for them to finish up strong.
Confirmation is coming!!!
I am very excited to attend the Confirmation Masses for your students. They have worked so hard and learned so much to get to this coming weekend. Please know I continue to pray for your student every day in preparation for this Sacrament. They are definitely ready, and encourage them that if they feel any deficiencies in their faith before the big day that the Sacrament is meant to help strengthen and fulfill their faith. This Friday in preparation for Confirmation your students will have the chance to see Fr. George Komo and go to Confession. If there is anything else you or your student needs or if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Quick Reminder: Rehearsals are on Thursday. Please contact Deb Ryan about any Confirmation questions as she is in charge of the actual events and the collection of Confirmation materials. She can be reached in the parish office or by email.
Please remind your student that as the year is wrapping up they need to be checking infinite campus to see what assignments or tests they still need to make up from absences. This will be key for them to finish up strong.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Flowers for May Crowning: Mrs. Louise Mistry
DATE CORRECTION - MAY CROWNING
My recent post on the Mary Garden and May Crowning listed the date as May 6. The correct date is this Wednesday, May 2. If your children are bringing bedding plants they could bring them Tuesday, May 1 or Wednesday, May 2. Sorry for the error!
My recent post on the Mary Garden and May Crowning listed the date as May 6. The correct date is this Wednesday, May 2. If your children are bringing bedding plants they could bring them Tuesday, May 1 or Wednesday, May 2. Sorry for the error!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Service Day Volunteers!
Our 8th grade service day will be May 10th. We are planning to split our time between the Homeless Youth Shelter and House of Mercy. We will need several volunteers to help our students be productive in helping these organizations. Please consider joining us for our service day May 10th. Email: enennig@saintfrancisschool.org. Thank you in advance for giving to the eighth grade class in this way.
Social Studies - Nennig
Dear Parents
The eighth grade students have spent the past few weeks diving into their WWII research. I have been impressed at how well they’ve worked in class. Their maturity really showed as they worked independently and asked questions where they got confused. They will continue with the writing process with Ms. Mataloni next week.
This week and next we will be investigating the timeline, causes, and effects of WWII in social studies class. We have set the stage for the U.S. entrance into the war and will be discussing the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Monday. Fr. Hoefler plans to come in to talk to the students on Tuesday about his father’s service in WWII with the bombardiers.
I just wanted to congratulate you on your child’s performance in Godspell this week. It was amazing watching them do such a wonderful job. Thank you for your support of the music program here at St. Francis and for raising such responsible and driven kids. They are a joy to teach.
Miss Mataloni: Language Arts and Reading
The eighth graders are currently working on their WWII research papers. This has been an extensive unit for the students as they have just finished 75 fact cards, created an outline, and are now working on their introduction paragraphs. Next week, we will begin putting the outlines into a rough draft. I encourage you to read these drafts, as many students are extremely proud of their work so far.
In reading, the students are still working on their 2000 minutes. We will begin our final in-class memoir which will help the students complete their reading minutes. The memoir is titled Left to Tell. It focuses on the recent Rwandan Genocide which creates great discussion and connections to the Holocaust.
Thank you and have a great weekend!
In reading, the students are still working on their 2000 minutes. We will begin our final in-class memoir which will help the students complete their reading minutes. The memoir is titled Left to Tell. It focuses on the recent Rwandan Genocide which creates great discussion and connections to the Holocaust.
Thank you and have a great weekend!
Mary Garden: Mrs. Louise Mistry
Every year in 8th grade we plant a Mary garden in front of the school. We ask that 8th grade students bring bedding plants (a 4 pack of annuals) instead of cut flowers for the May crowning which is May 2. If possible, please send these with your child to school on May 1 or 2. Snapdragons, geraniums, marigolds, petunias and zinnias work particulary well in the garden. The students will be learning about the meaning of the various flowers and they will be labeled in the garden. Christian flower symbolism orginated in Biblical times. The flowers of Our Lady came to symbolize many aspects of Mary's life and virtues. If you are interested in helping plant the garden (probably at the end of next week) we could use some help!
Science: Mrs. Louise Mistry
The 8th graders are finishing up their study of astronomy. They have currently been learning about stars and galaxies and they will have a test on Chapter 4 on Monday, April 30. They made star finders and dipper finders, so should be able to use these to locate many constellations. They also have a star map that shows constellations that can be viewed in May and June.
The science fair projects are coming along nicely. At this point the students have completed their background information reports and written their hypothesis and procedure (materials and method). Most students have started performing their experiments and collecting data. The display boards have arrived and students may pick up their boards as soon as they pay for them. The boards are $4 each. The final project is due on Tuesday, May 8. Projects should be brought to the science room between 7:45 and 8:15 that morning. The fair is open for viewing from 8:00-5:00 on May 8. Your child will be with their project during their class time. We would love to have you stop by!
The science fair projects are coming along nicely. At this point the students have completed their background information reports and written their hypothesis and procedure (materials and method). Most students have started performing their experiments and collecting data. The display boards have arrived and students may pick up their boards as soon as they pay for them. The boards are $4 each. The final project is due on Tuesday, May 8. Projects should be brought to the science room between 7:45 and 8:15 that morning. The fair is open for viewing from 8:00-5:00 on May 8. Your child will be with their project during their class time. We would love to have you stop by!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Math: Mrs Cindy Streff
8th graders are finishing up Chapter 9, Geometry and Measurement. We will quiz over the last part of the chapter on Monday, April 30. We have spent the last several weeks calculating the surface area and volume of five different three dimensional shapes--rectangular prism, triangular prism, cylinder, pyramid, and cone. They have had practice using their multiplication skills and are doing a great job. We will spend some time in May going over Algebra concepts that they will need as they move on to high school next year.
Enjoy the spring weather!
Enjoy the spring weather!
Friday, April 13, 2012
MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE
HELP! We are in need of volunteers and donations for our SFA middle school dance, which is next Friday, April 20. This dance is the main fundraiser for the 8th grade class to cover their service trip and Adventureland Trip at the end of the year. We need donations of gatorade or flavored water type drinks (no pop or energy drinks) and we need volunteers for the dance. The volunteer schedule is attached. Please e-mail Mrs. Mistry if you can help. This is one of the main events for the students during the year. We need many volunteers to run a successful and safe dance. Thanks in advance for your help!
Math: Mrs Cindy Streff
8th graders just completed Chapter 8, Geometry with the chapter test on Thursday, April 12. Chapter 9, Geometry and Measurement, will have students exploring solid (three-dimensional) figures and computating the surface area and volume of different shapes. 8th graders will learn formulas and how to substitute to find the surface area and volume. It can be a difficult task, with lots of multiplication involved.
With the warm weather, a gentle reminder that there are many weeks of school left, that they need to stay focused and work hard. Finish strong and head to high school prepared.
With the warm weather, a gentle reminder that there are many weeks of school left, that they need to stay focused and work hard. Finish strong and head to high school prepared.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Math: Mrs Cindy Streff
8th graders continue working with geometry in Chapter 8, Geometry and Measurement. This past week we learned about congruent figures, especially triangles and ways to prove that they are congruent. If all three sides of one triangle are congruent to all three sides of another triangle the two triangles are congruent (SSS). Two other ways to prove congruency is ASA (angle side angle) and SAS (side angle side). It is sometimes challenging to find the angles and sides that we know are congruent. 8th graders also reviewed the different ways to classify a triangle; by the sides (equilateral, isosceles, scalene) and by the angles (acute, obtuse, right). We also reviewed the special names given to quadrilaterals (trapezoid, parallelogram, rhombus, rectangle, and square). After reviewing the names for different sided polygons (triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, dodecagon) we learned how to calculate the sum of the interior angles of each polygon and to find the measure of an angle in a regular polygon. We will continue to work on Chapter 8 for the next couple of weeks, using formulas to calculate the area, surface area, and volume of different shapes.
Have a blessed Holy Week and Easter with family and friends.
Have a blessed Holy Week and Easter with family and friends.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
8th Grade Religion
Hello!
Important events coming up in April:
Important events coming up in April:
- April 5th-7th/8th
- Easter Triduum!!!
- Celebrate with Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil Services at St. Francis in the evenings.
- April 11th
- Confirmation Mastery Test taken in Class
- Final Checkpoint of Saint Project due. (In class work days given before this date)
- April 16th-20th
- Theology of the Body Unit with Miss LeDuc and Mrs. Osborne. (More information to come)
The 8th graders have been preparing in class for Confirmation for a while now and should be ready to go for their mastery test on the 11th. After this test we will go back into Morality and cover the remaining Commandments including the 6th and 9th with a study of the Theology of the Body. More helpful information will come as we get closer to these dates.
We will continue through the year and end it with a study on how to live out the moral life through the virtues and the Beatitudes. A great way to end a year and send your students on to high school!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Social Studies - Nennig
Hello Eighth Grade Parents!
Students began studying the Civil War this week. Each day we’ve learned about different battles and tried to experience the Civil War through the eyes of the different characters of our American story. Next week, we will conclude our Civil War study and briefly explore the reconstruction of the South. The students seem to be very curious about what happens next. Students should expect a test late next week.
As mentioned at conferences, Miss Mataloni and I will be working on a cross-curricular World War II Unit during the month of April. We look forward to exploring this time period with the students as they will chose a specific topic to research.
Science: Mrs. Louise Mistry
The 8th graders are working hard on their science projects. They are currently researching their topics and preparing two page background information reports. They have received a packet with all kinds of information, including due dates and a review of scientific method. During the project the students will design, perform and report on a controlled experiment. Some upcoming due dates are:
Monday, April 2: Select color of tri-fold board (no need to send money until they come in)
Wednesday, April 4: Background Information Report Due
Wednesday, April 10: Typed up hypothesis due
Wednesday, April 24: Bring data and observations and be prepared to discuss your progress with Mrs. Mistry.
Tuesday, May 8: Final Project Due/Projects available for viewing all day
Students will be given about one day per week in class to work on their projects. They have done a great job so far of working well during this time.
We are also continuing our study of astronomy. This week we are focusing on the solar system, learning about the characteristics of the various planets and our sun. Next week we will be learning about stars and galaxies and the students will be creating starfinders and learning how to locate various constellations in the night sky. The students are doing well in class and continuing to work hard.
I would also like to ask for your prayers for my husband Bomi. He will be received into the Church during the Easter Vigil next Saturday.
Monday, April 2: Select color of tri-fold board (no need to send money until they come in)
Wednesday, April 4: Background Information Report Due
Wednesday, April 10: Typed up hypothesis due
Wednesday, April 24: Bring data and observations and be prepared to discuss your progress with Mrs. Mistry.
Tuesday, May 8: Final Project Due/Projects available for viewing all day
Students will be given about one day per week in class to work on their projects. They have done a great job so far of working well during this time.
We are also continuing our study of astronomy. This week we are focusing on the solar system, learning about the characteristics of the various planets and our sun. Next week we will be learning about stars and galaxies and the students will be creating starfinders and learning how to locate various constellations in the night sky. The students are doing well in class and continuing to work hard.
I would also like to ask for your prayers for my husband Bomi. He will be received into the Church during the Easter Vigil next Saturday.
Language Arts/Reading - Miss Mataloni
The 8th graders are beginning their World War II/Holocaust journey this week. After voting on their top books, each student was grouped according to their book of interest. The groups are their Book Clubs for this unit. The students have independently organized their reading assignments in order to finish by Friday, April 13th. The students have already participated in great discussions and posed interesting, in-depth questions about this time in history. The books will be a tool to guide their discussions and understanding.
In grammar we finished our last punctuation lesson. We will review next week and take the punctuation test Thursday.
Spelling and vocabulary are still being assigned weekly with assessments on Thursdays for vocabulary and Fridays for spelling.
Have a great weekend!
In grammar we finished our last punctuation lesson. We will review next week and take the punctuation test Thursday.
Spelling and vocabulary are still being assigned weekly with assessments on Thursdays for vocabulary and Fridays for spelling.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, March 9, 2012
8th Grade Religion
Hello!
In 8th Grade we have been moving along through our Confirmation Unit. This Unit started with an overview of the Sacraments and established the function of the outward signs, when they each were instituted, and what it means to give grace.
Now we are working on the specifics of what transformation will take place in their own Confirmation. They have made up class songs to continue to understand the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that will be increased within them, they have reflected on ways they can prepare to receive the Sacrament, and we have discussed why having a prepared heart is so important. The students have wonderful ideas to strengthen their faith during this time. Some hope to go to Confession more regularly, others are trying to take more time to pray and the list of commitments goes on and on.
Many of the students have decided to participate in "The 5 Senses Lent" Challenge. This challenge is a great way for them to offer sacrifices and unite themselves closer to Jesus during this season in preparation for both Easter and Confirmation. For a lot of students they chosen to be challenged in their faith and have chosen some impressive sacrifices.
On April 11th the 8th graders will take a Confirmation Mastery Test DURING school. The RE students will take it in the evening. Please note that your students will not need to take this after school. Your students are already very close to being ready to take this and we will continue to deepen their understanding of their faith every day.
In 8th Grade we have been moving along through our Confirmation Unit. This Unit started with an overview of the Sacraments and established the function of the outward signs, when they each were instituted, and what it means to give grace.
Now we are working on the specifics of what transformation will take place in their own Confirmation. They have made up class songs to continue to understand the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that will be increased within them, they have reflected on ways they can prepare to receive the Sacrament, and we have discussed why having a prepared heart is so important. The students have wonderful ideas to strengthen their faith during this time. Some hope to go to Confession more regularly, others are trying to take more time to pray and the list of commitments goes on and on.
Many of the students have decided to participate in "The 5 Senses Lent" Challenge. This challenge is a great way for them to offer sacrifices and unite themselves closer to Jesus during this season in preparation for both Easter and Confirmation. For a lot of students they chosen to be challenged in their faith and have chosen some impressive sacrifices.
On April 11th the 8th graders will take a Confirmation Mastery Test DURING school. The RE students will take it in the evening. Please note that your students will not need to take this after school. Your students are already very close to being ready to take this and we will continue to deepen their understanding of their faith every day.
Math: Mrs CIndy Streff
8th graders completed Chapter 7, Powers & Exponents yesterday (March 8) with the chapter test. Overall they did a great job.
Chapter 8, Geometry, was started today. 8th graders already know about the different types of angles--acute, obtuse, right, straight, complementary, supplementary, adjacent, and vertical (this is a review from last year). More importantly, they are able to take what they know and find missing angle measurements from a diagram of intersecting lines. They will learn about two new types of angles that are formed when parallel lines are cut by a transversal--alternate interior and corresponding. 8th graders will quiz over all of the angles next Wednesday, March 14 before heading off for Spring Break.
On Wednesday, March 14, 8th graders will also celebrate National Pi Day. March 14 (3.14) are the digits used to solve math problems involving pi, which is the relationship between a circle's diameter and it's circumference.
Have a restful and relaxing Spring Break and come back ready for the last weeks of school!
Chapter 8, Geometry, was started today. 8th graders already know about the different types of angles--acute, obtuse, right, straight, complementary, supplementary, adjacent, and vertical (this is a review from last year). More importantly, they are able to take what they know and find missing angle measurements from a diagram of intersecting lines. They will learn about two new types of angles that are formed when parallel lines are cut by a transversal--alternate interior and corresponding. 8th graders will quiz over all of the angles next Wednesday, March 14 before heading off for Spring Break.
On Wednesday, March 14, 8th graders will also celebrate National Pi Day. March 14 (3.14) are the digits used to solve math problems involving pi, which is the relationship between a circle's diameter and it's circumference.
Have a restful and relaxing Spring Break and come back ready for the last weeks of school!
Social Studies
For the past few weeks students have been traveling West in America History. We looked at the effects of the Louisiana Purchase, the Mexican American War and the Gold Rush which opened the West for exploration and settlement. This week we dove into setting the stage for the Civil War. Students are learning how we tried to prevent a war with many different compromises as well as the events leading to the Civil War. Students should expect a test next Thursday over chapter 16. We will be investigating the Civil War in more detail when we return from spring break.
Also if you have any suggestions or if you are willing to help organize the eighth grade Service Day we are looking for ideas and helpers. Please contact me. Thank you so much.
Also if you have any suggestions or if you are willing to help organize the eighth grade Service Day we are looking for ideas and helpers. Please contact me. Thank you so much.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Science: Mrs. Louise Mistry
The 8th graders are continuing their study of astronomy, focusing the last couple of weeks on space exploration, including the history of the space race, the Apollo missions, the space shuttle program, space probes and the International Space Station.They will take a test on space exploration on Friday, March 9 and then will move on to a study of the planets and our sun. We will be learning about the strong solar storm that is currently in progress and how this might affect us here on Earth.
Additionally, the students have started work on their science projects. They have received a packet of information and have started the process of selecting their topics. They will design, perform and report on a controlled experiment. Project proposals, which require a parent signature, are due next Thursday, March 15. Students will have project work days in the computer lab on Monday, March 12 and Wednesday, March 14. They will be expected to work on their proposals and if they have completed their proposals to begin working on their hypothesis and background information reports. Please see the packet for a timeline of due dates. The final project is due on Tuesday, May 8 and the fair will be open for viewing from 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. that day. Looking forward to some great projects!
Additionally, the students have started work on their science projects. They have received a packet of information and have started the process of selecting their topics. They will design, perform and report on a controlled experiment. Project proposals, which require a parent signature, are due next Thursday, March 15. Students will have project work days in the computer lab on Monday, March 12 and Wednesday, March 14. They will be expected to work on their proposals and if they have completed their proposals to begin working on their hypothesis and background information reports. Please see the packet for a timeline of due dates. The final project is due on Tuesday, May 8 and the fair will be open for viewing from 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. that day. Looking forward to some great projects!
Student Council: Mrs. Louise Mistry, Sponsor
The SFA Student Council will be organizing a middle school food drive to benefit the DMARCC Food Pantry. Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 may bring food items to their homerooms. Please click on the link below for further information and preferred items. Our goal is to donate 3000 items of food by the end of the school year. We are looking for parent volunteers to transport the food to the food pantry. We will have students available to load your vehicle if you are able to help. If you would like to help please contact Mrs. Mistry. According to the DMARCC website, one in five children in Polk County is "food insecure". We hope you will join us in this voluntary donation of food items. Items may brought to homerooms any day. We will have a giant thermometer in the area between the Science and Art rooms to track our progress. Thanks so much!
DMARCC Website
DMARCC Website
Language Arts/Reading - Miss Mataloni
First of all, it was great to see so many parents at conferences last week. It was nice to see returning faces as well as meeting new ones. Thanks for taking the time to attend!
In language arts, the 8th graders have recently turned in their short stories which they converted into picture books. I must say, the work ethic shown by the students was extraordinary. The final products turned out so well. The students are looking forward to sharing their work with a reading session with their Kindergarten buddies next Thursday. After they read aloud with their buddies, the 8th graders will take their books home. Be sure to ask about them so you can hear their stories and see their illustrations, too!
Currently, the 8th graders are in the middle of a punctuation unit. They just took a quiz over commas and quotations. We will finish the unit with semicolons, colons, hyphens, dashes, parentheses, and apostrophes.
They are also working on a technology piece in which they are taking their SSR book and creating a "Book Trailer" to advertise their book to the class. They've been spending many days in the lab in order to get their trailer ready for next week.
Safe travels to all on your spring break adventures!
In language arts, the 8th graders have recently turned in their short stories which they converted into picture books. I must say, the work ethic shown by the students was extraordinary. The final products turned out so well. The students are looking forward to sharing their work with a reading session with their Kindergarten buddies next Thursday. After they read aloud with their buddies, the 8th graders will take their books home. Be sure to ask about them so you can hear their stories and see their illustrations, too!
Currently, the 8th graders are in the middle of a punctuation unit. They just took a quiz over commas and quotations. We will finish the unit with semicolons, colons, hyphens, dashes, parentheses, and apostrophes.
They are also working on a technology piece in which they are taking their SSR book and creating a "Book Trailer" to advertise their book to the class. They've been spending many days in the lab in order to get their trailer ready for next week.
Safe travels to all on your spring break adventures!
Friday, February 24, 2012
8TH GRADE VIDEO
Please remember to send a picture of your child as a baby or toddler, along with a current picture, to homeroom teachers as soon as possible. We are compiling these pictures and the students will begin working on the video right after conferences. We will later be asking for additonal pictures. We are especially interested in large group pictures (such as a1st Eucharist picture, a 2nd grade class, etc.). If you can send pictures electronically that is a huge help. If not, just send a picture and we will scan them and return them. Make sure your child's name is on the picture.
Student Council
Remaining Student Council Meetings for 8th Grade:
Wednesday, March 7
Wednesday, March 14
Wednesday, April 4
Wednesday, April 11
Wednesday, April 25
Wednesday, May 2
Wedmesday. May 16 - Final Meeting
Wednesday, March 7
Wednesday, March 14
Wednesday, April 4
Wednesday, April 11
Wednesday, April 25
Wednesday, May 2
Wedmesday. May 16 - Final Meeting
Science - Mrs. Louise Mistry
The 8th Graders have moved on from chemistry to a study of astronomy. This week we worked on understanding the earth-moon-sun system. The students should have an understanding of revolution and rotation of the earth and moon, phases of the moon and tides. They can also explain what causes a lunar and solar eclipse and what causes the Earth's seasons. Today we started a study of space exploration. We will first focus on the history of space exploration, such as the Apollo missions and then move on to more current exploration and discoveries. Later, we will focus on stars, galaxies and constellations.
I am really enjoying working with the 8th graders and seeing them coming together as a very close and faith-filled class. Keep up the good work!
I am really enjoying working with the 8th graders and seeing them coming together as a very close and faith-filled class. Keep up the good work!
8th Grade Religion
Hello Parents,
Your 8th graders have started their studies into Confirmation. We have started out with a study of the Sacraments and it's definition as "an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace". Your students have learned what is so special about these signs, when each Sacrament was instituted and what this grace actually does in their lives. They took a test today over these concepts today (Friday Feb. 24th). From here we will move onto the study of the specific graces and history of Confirmation.
Right now they are in the middle of their large Saint Project. Each student has a sheet with the various check points for this project. The next check point is due this coming Tuesday February 28th. For this checkpoint they need a binder, a story that they can tell in an interesting way about a Saint that they are considering for Confirmation, and a summary of their story. Each student has received a list of patron saints, a link to a saint quiz, and we have talked in class about different ideas. They are doing a great job trying to find special Saints that they can relate to.
Quick Reminder: The parish office is in charge of Confirmation Service Hours and any Sunday night gatherings, Deb Ryan asks that questions about these things be directed to her for the most updated and accurate answers.
Serviam hours: Thank you for your support of the Serviam Program! The 8th graders need a total of 10 hours by the end of this year. 8 were due for the last two trimesters, so that is just 2 more hours for this year. By May your 8th grade students will have done over 750 hours of service in our community! Congratulations!
Your 8th graders have started their studies into Confirmation. We have started out with a study of the Sacraments and it's definition as "an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace". Your students have learned what is so special about these signs, when each Sacrament was instituted and what this grace actually does in their lives. They took a test today over these concepts today (Friday Feb. 24th). From here we will move onto the study of the specific graces and history of Confirmation.
Right now they are in the middle of their large Saint Project. Each student has a sheet with the various check points for this project. The next check point is due this coming Tuesday February 28th. For this checkpoint they need a binder, a story that they can tell in an interesting way about a Saint that they are considering for Confirmation, and a summary of their story. Each student has received a list of patron saints, a link to a saint quiz, and we have talked in class about different ideas. They are doing a great job trying to find special Saints that they can relate to.
Quick Reminder: The parish office is in charge of Confirmation Service Hours and any Sunday night gatherings, Deb Ryan asks that questions about these things be directed to her for the most updated and accurate answers.
Serviam hours: Thank you for your support of the Serviam Program! The 8th graders need a total of 10 hours by the end of this year. 8 were due for the last two trimesters, so that is just 2 more hours for this year. By May your 8th grade students will have done over 750 hours of service in our community! Congratulations!
Social Studies - Nennig
Dear Eighth Grade Parents,
Report cards were sent home today. Enclosed will be your student’s report card as well as their Iowa Assessments Test Score. Please be sure to read the letter sent home yesterday before trying to interpret the Iowa Assessments Scores.
In American History students finished their study of the Constitution and moved directly into the early struggles of the government and the movement west. The students used a combination of text and internet videos to learn about this time period of expansion. Students had the opportunity to play a Westward Trail game online to help improve their decision-making skills as a pioneer. Next week, students can expect a larger quiz on Wednesday to demonstrate their knowledge of the 1800-1850s.
As we look to the spring our eighth grade team will begin setting up the Service Day for the eighth graders. Please contact me if you have a suggestion on a non-profit organization that could use the hands of seventy eighth graders for the day.
For those of you who are traveling to Washington D.C.
In addition, thank you to the following Nennig Homeroom Families for submitting their video photos at the time requested: Benson, Clausen, Drey, Hoey, S. Lewarne, Maude, Palmer, Prey, Schaffer, Vandermillen, Willey. If you have not yet sent in BOTH a baby picture and a current picture of your child please send it to your child’s homeroom teacher as soon as possible!
Finally, I have a friend who teaches religion at a Middle School in Minneapolis
Math: Mrs Cindy Streff
8th graders are working on Chapter 7, Exponents and Powers. It is a very short chapter, but packed with concepts that they will use next year in Algebra. Students have worked with scientific notation, both with positive powers of ten (large numbers) and negative powers of ten (small numbers). They have learned how to multiply numbers in scientific notation also. 8th graders have worked with exponents before, but now are learnig to multiply and divide with exponents. We will quiz on Tuesday, February 28 and test sometime the next week. Chapter 8, Geometry, is up next. More to come as we work in this chapter.
I look forward to seeing many of you at conferences next week. We can discuss Dowling Catholic registration at that time if you would like.
I look forward to seeing many of you at conferences next week. We can discuss Dowling Catholic registration at that time if you would like.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Language Arts/Reading - Miss Mataloni
Where has the time gone? With the 2nd trimester now complete, it's fun to look ahead at all the upcoming events that the 3rd trimester holds.
In the 3rd trimester, the 8th grade students will be accomplishing the following:
In the 3rd trimester, the 8th grade students will be accomplishing the following:
- Short Story, Big Idea Picture Book
- Punctuation unit
- Parts of Speech unit
- World War II Literature Circles
- World War II Research Paper
- Left to Tell novel study
- Book Trailers, independent reading and technology project with MovieMaker
- Graduation Speech
- Graduation Poem
Friday, February 10, 2012
Social Studies - Nennig
Hello Parents,
Over the past few weeks our students have had the opportunity to participate in several really amazing field trips. Yesterday, they worked out with the First Lady an experience many will never forget. Her message of healthy living and decision-making was one we all need to be reminded.
Previous to Catholic Schools Week, social studies students finished learning about the articles of the Constitution and the importance of the Bill of Rights. Then, students dug into history on their own. They researched and listened to speeches from their classmates over the past week. They learned about times the Constitution was changed or added to because citizens spoke out against injustice and inequality. Today, they had an open-note quiz to show what they've learned.
Students have also had guest teachers for Junior Achievement one each week. They learned about entrepreneurship, decision-making, and using resources. Thank you to our three eighth grade volunteers: Mr. Hagenbucher, Mr. Hughes, and Mr. Doud.
Next week, we will begin looking at the Movement West. Students will become familiar with the challenges and conflicts pioneers faced as they traveled west.
Over the past few weeks our students have had the opportunity to participate in several really amazing field trips. Yesterday, they worked out with the First Lady an experience many will never forget. Her message of healthy living and decision-making was one we all need to be reminded.
Previous to Catholic Schools Week, social studies students finished learning about the articles of the Constitution and the importance of the Bill of Rights. Then, students dug into history on their own. They researched and listened to speeches from their classmates over the past week. They learned about times the Constitution was changed or added to because citizens spoke out against injustice and inequality. Today, they had an open-note quiz to show what they've learned.
Students have also had guest teachers for Junior Achievement one each week. They learned about entrepreneurship, decision-making, and using resources. Thank you to our three eighth grade volunteers: Mr. Hagenbucher, Mr. Hughes, and Mr. Doud.
Next week, we will begin looking at the Movement West. Students will become familiar with the challenges and conflicts pioneers faced as they traveled west.
Religion: Miss LeDuc
8th graders have been moving along quickly. We have just finished our unit on Moral Choices and the first three Commandments. They wrote convincing papers about why God commands us to go to Mass every Sunday, they performed clever commercials about the benefits of going to Mass, receiving the Eucharist, and the graces of the sacraments. As a final review they performed group parodies of songs with main points from their class discussions and notes.
Our next Unit will be all about Confirmation and getting the students ready for the Sacrament, the mastery test, and life as a mature Catholic. This will be an exciting unit to learn about the gifts received in Confirmation, the Saints that students may choose as their "forever guides" in their Catholic faith, and to understand even more about our mother, the Church and her teachings.
Service hour requirements for the last trimester is only 2 hours. Please encourage your students to get these in early in the trimester.
It's felt great to be back, thank you for all of your support. Your students are wonderful, thank you for sharing them with me!
Our next Unit will be all about Confirmation and getting the students ready for the Sacrament, the mastery test, and life as a mature Catholic. This will be an exciting unit to learn about the gifts received in Confirmation, the Saints that students may choose as their "forever guides" in their Catholic faith, and to understand even more about our mother, the Church and her teachings.
Service hour requirements for the last trimester is only 2 hours. Please encourage your students to get these in early in the trimester.
It's felt great to be back, thank you for all of your support. Your students are wonderful, thank you for sharing them with me!
Math: Mrs Cindy Streff
8th graders are working in Chapter 6, Application of Percent. In this chapter 8th graders are able to interchange fractions, decimals, and percents. We have also reviewed common fractions and their percent. We have taken our knowledge of fractions, decimals, and percents to solve percent problems. Students are able to solve percent problems with either and eqaution or proportion. 8th graders spent this past week learning about percent of change, percent of mark up & discount, selling & sale price, and regular price. They quizzed over those concepts today. 8th graders will be working with simple and compound interest next week (using a calculator) and then will test over Chapter 6 next Friday (Feb 17). If all goes as planned the test will be the last assesssment for the trimester.
Dolwing Catholic freshman registration is a couple weeks away, but I wanted to share some thoughts with you about the options for Math next year and things to consider when registering. There are three Math options for freshmen--Algebra A, Algebra I, and Advance Algebra I. Algebra A is for students who struggle in Math and would benefit from Math at a slower pace and in a smaller class size. Algebra I is what most students take. It is what most of you, as parents took. Advanced Algebra I is for students who do well in Math and want to maybe persue a career that requires math and science.
Some things to consider when registering for classes. You child will be recommended for their core classes (math, science, english, social studies) and will options for electives (foreign language, band, choir, art, etc).
1. What is your child going to be involved in? Most sports practice are 90-120 minutes, 6 times a week (football is even more). The Band practices before school and travel for competions in the fall. There are a lot of clubs and organizations to get involved in that require time outside of school. Make sure you child has time for everyting, including time for activities and homework.
2. There are 4-5 advanced classes available to freshman. Most require more work than a regular class. Know your child and how they handle homework, stress, etc. Just because they are recommended doesn't mean they have to take it.
3. High school is suppose to be fun. Time to be with friends, go to football games, be involved. Help you child find the balance of school and fun.
If you have any questions about registration, especially you first time parents, I would be glad to talk with you about it.
Enjoy the cold February weather and I look forward to seeing many of you at your last conferences at St Francis.
Dolwing Catholic freshman registration is a couple weeks away, but I wanted to share some thoughts with you about the options for Math next year and things to consider when registering. There are three Math options for freshmen--Algebra A, Algebra I, and Advance Algebra I. Algebra A is for students who struggle in Math and would benefit from Math at a slower pace and in a smaller class size. Algebra I is what most students take. It is what most of you, as parents took. Advanced Algebra I is for students who do well in Math and want to maybe persue a career that requires math and science.
Some things to consider when registering for classes. You child will be recommended for their core classes (math, science, english, social studies) and will options for electives (foreign language, band, choir, art, etc).
1. What is your child going to be involved in? Most sports practice are 90-120 minutes, 6 times a week (football is even more). The Band practices before school and travel for competions in the fall. There are a lot of clubs and organizations to get involved in that require time outside of school. Make sure you child has time for everyting, including time for activities and homework.
2. There are 4-5 advanced classes available to freshman. Most require more work than a regular class. Know your child and how they handle homework, stress, etc. Just because they are recommended doesn't mean they have to take it.
3. High school is suppose to be fun. Time to be with friends, go to football games, be involved. Help you child find the balance of school and fun.
If you have any questions about registration, especially you first time parents, I would be glad to talk with you about it.
Enjoy the cold February weather and I look forward to seeing many of you at your last conferences at St Francis.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Science: Mrs. Louise Mistry
The 8th graders are continuing their study of chemistry. We have mastered the basics of the periodic table and are now moving on to chemical reactions. This week we have been focusing on the role of valence electrons in the formation of chemical bonds. The students have learned about the relationship of valence electrons and location of an element on the periodic table. They learned about the formation of ionic and covalent bonds and studied various examples on each. The 8th graders are beginning to understand how properties of elements can be predicted by their location on the periodic table. Additionally, we have learned the names of elements 1-50 and many students have scored a perfect 10 each week on their element quiz.
All the best to you and your families in 2012. Hope it is a great year for you all!
All the best to you and your families in 2012. Hope it is a great year for you all!
Language Arts/Reading - Miss Mataloni
The 8th graders are halfway through the classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. For a challenging book, they have done very well on daily quizzes and class discussion. They completed a Part I test this week and have been studying different vocabulary words from the novel which they are tested on each Thursday of this month. In addition to knowing the meaning of the words, the students must also spell them correctly.
We are moving through this novel at a rapid base because at the end of the month on Tuesday, January 31st, the students will be viewing the play, To Kill a Mockingbird, at the Des Moines Playhouse. I am so excited for this experience! Field trip forms will be going home next week.
Thanks for helping get the students off to a great start this new year!
We are moving through this novel at a rapid base because at the end of the month on Tuesday, January 31st, the students will be viewing the play, To Kill a Mockingbird, at the Des Moines Playhouse. I am so excited for this experience! Field trip forms will be going home next week.
Thanks for helping get the students off to a great start this new year!
Math: Mrs CIndy Streff
Welcome back and to 2012! I hope you had a relaxing break with family and friends.
8th graders are busy working in Chapter 5, Application of Proportion. We have spent the first weeks of 2012 working with ratios--writing and simplifying them, finding the unit rate, solving proportions, working with similar figures--especially overlapping triangles, scale models & maps, and indirect measurement. Many of these concepts are a review from last year, but with a few twists to make them more difficult. 8th graders are doing a great job handling the twists!
8th graders started today to work on their scale drawing project. Each student has measured their bedroom and at least ten items in their room and now will make a "blueprint" of their room. It is a great way for students to take what they are learning and actually use it. They will spend several classes completely their work and we will then test over the chapter.
8th graders are busy working in Chapter 5, Application of Proportion. We have spent the first weeks of 2012 working with ratios--writing and simplifying them, finding the unit rate, solving proportions, working with similar figures--especially overlapping triangles, scale models & maps, and indirect measurement. Many of these concepts are a review from last year, but with a few twists to make them more difficult. 8th graders are doing a great job handling the twists!
8th graders started today to work on their scale drawing project. Each student has measured their bedroom and at least ten items in their room and now will make a "blueprint" of their room. It is a great way for students to take what they are learning and actually use it. They will spend several classes completely their work and we will then test over the chapter.
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