7th and 8th Grade Update!

7th Grade: The 7th grade students successfully completed the Civil War Unit. Currently we are exploring the twelve year period following the Civil War, Reconstruction (1865 - 1877). This Unit will include an in depth study of the social, economic, and political impact Reconstruction had on United States citizens and on the country as a whole. In addition, the students will incorporate the study of geography as they prepare to take both a United States and Europe map test. Once we return from fall break 3rd quarter will begin by taking a Bench Mark History test. This will allow the students to demonstrate their comprehension of material covered thus far, and provide important data for the direction of future instruction. Following the completion of Reconstruction, the students will move on to a study of the Industrial Revolution and Imperialism.

8th Grade: The 8th grade students have started their Government Unit. This unit follows their completion of the American Revolution. As a class we are reviewing the documents, people, and theories that influenced our founding fathers in their creation of the United States Constitution. Some such influences are found in The Magna Carta, The English Bill of Rights, John Locke, and Montesquieu. Furthermore, the students will develop an understanding of how Federalism works and what the difference is between a Unitary, Confederate, and Federal Government. This Unit will enlighten students on the importance of Democracy and connect their previous studies of the American Revolution to Current world events, such as the Rebellions in the Middle East. Once we return from fall break the students will take a Bench Mark Test to demonstrate their comprehension of material up to this point and guide the course of instruction as we begin the second semester.

Enjoy your Holiday and I will see you in 2012!

Best wishes and Happy New Year,

Ms. Van

7th and 8th Grade Update!

7th Grade: The 7th Grade students are near the finish line of the Civil War Unit. They will demonstrate their mastery of the topic Friday November 18, 2011 on a cumulative Civil War Test. I feel confident all the students will do excellent on their exams. As a class we have done an in depth study of the people, places, things, and battles relevant to the Civil War and I have watched the students grow in their understanding of the material on a weekly basis. Next, we begin our Unit on Reconstruction.

8th Grade: The 8th Grade Students have worked diligently on their American Revolution/Declaration of Independence Unit. Our studies of this time period included an exploration of the current events in the Middle East. As a class the students compared the revolts in Egypt, Lybia, Tunisia, and Syria to the American Colonists and their revolt against King George III. The class discussion that followed was impressive. The Students will have a test on the American Revolution this week. Next, the students begin their Unit on Government!

Tax Credit

Dear Parents, Grandparents, Neighbors, Guardians, and any other person interested in helping La Paloma Academy Central. The Tax Credit option is available to make improvements in the classroom, in the athletic department, or any other area of your choosing.

In order to take advantage of this great opportunity all you need to do is go to the La Paloma Academy Website, fill out the tax credit document, and specify which department, teacher, or program you would like your money to benefit.

The $400.00's you donate is completely refundable. So, when you file your taxes the $400.00's donated is reimbursed in it's entirety. This is a terrific opportunity to help out the school and your student's academic environment.

To Re-Cap, The Tax Credit of $400.00's can be donated to any sports program, a specific Teacher's Classroom, or department of your choosing. Simply fill out the form, and when it comes time to do your taxes, the total amount of $400.00's will be returned.

We appreciate the support, and if any questions still exist regarding the Tax Credit, please contact the school and someone would be happy to answer your questions. The Tax Credit is available to take advantage of until December 31, 2011.

Sincerely,

Ms. Van Borkulo

7th & 8th Grade Update! 2nd Quarter

7th Grade: Civil War Unit! The students began this quarter with the creation of a graphic organizer focused around the key concepts, people, places, and things to develop the students understanding of the Civil War (1861 -1865). As a class we have just finished the concept of sectionalism and the role sectionalism played in the Civil War. The next concept is technology which the students will study through a combination of group work, text book reading, and actual footage of the Civil War. Once the class finishes the study of one concept, each student will be able to answer the question attached to that concept from the graphic organizer. As a class we will discuss the answers students have reached based on our classroom activities. There will be quizzes given throughout this unit to check for student understanding.

8th Grade: Declaration of Independence & American Revolution! Currently the students are working on a group project. The second quarter begins with each group presenting their finished project to the class. The group project is focused on an in depth study of The Declaration of Independence. As a class, we studied the four main sections of The Declaration of Independence; The Preamble, Natural Rights, List of Grievances, and Dissolving of Bonds. Each Group is responsible for creating a current version of The Declaration of Independence. The goal is for the students to demonstrate their understanding of the significance of this document and the impact it has had world wide. Their finished projects should be creative, and use words that impact the reader the way Thomas Jefferson influenced his readers. Once we finish our study of The Declaration of Independence, the students will begin to unravel the Revolutionary War and the fight that ended with the creation of The United States of America.

7th and 8th Grade Update!

7th Grade: 7th Grade students are still hard at work on their Civil War Unit. Currently, we are finishing the issues that led to the separation of the country into the Union and the Confederacy. The students now will embark on the course of events which took place from 1861 - 1865. I know there have been some challenges along the way which have set us back. So the Test has been postponed until next week. I will update later with a more specific date. Also, parents, progress reports were sent home. If there are any questions please feel free to contact Ms. Van Borkulo and we can address your concerns.

8th Grade: 8th grade students are now at the start of the American Revolution. We have finished all the events leading up to the War, and now the fun begins. This Unit is filled with so much history about how our country was formed and the men responsible for the outcome. The homework assignments will increase as we move through this Unit. However, I have complete confidence in the eighth graders. Additionally, there is a Test on Chapter 5 this Thursday September 22, 2011. I will post study questions Wednesday. Finally, progress notes did go home, if any parent or guardian has questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Van Borkulo .

Open House 2011!

Thank you everyone who came to open house. What a wonderful evening it was for me and truly a treat to see familiar faces and to meet new families. Please feel free to contact me anytime for any reason. Again, thank you for making my night so special,
Ms. Van Borkulo

7th & 8th grade Update!

7th Grade: Students are working hard on their Pre-Civil War unit. There is much information for them to learn and I am very proud of the effort and attention each student is putting forth. The Next Test will be on Friday September 9th. I will post study questions Thursday September 8th so students can prepare their note cards!

Parents, Tomorrow your students will have their graded notebooks and previous test returned. This will allow any who are interested to take a look at what we are doing in class.

8th Grade: Students are continuing the Road to Revolution. We are about to reach, "The Shot Heard Around The World." So far this year is progressing fantastic!

Parents, Your students have several graded homework assignments in their notebooks as well as one test under their belts. The next exam is Friday September 9th. I will post study questions on Thursday the 8th.

Welcome 2011 - 2012 School year

Welcome parents, students, LPA staff, and all others who are visiting my blog this year. I apologize about the delay in getting my welcome letter to you all, however, I was experiencing some technical difficulties which are now all better.

As expected the school year has started and we are going full speed ahead. First I would like to mention how excited I am about our middle school students and staff. From teachers to students, all seem energized and open to all this year has to offer.

7th Grade: 7th grade students are in the midst of uncovering the events which led to the countries divide in the mid 1800's and eventually to the Civil War. We are currently studying events and issues which caused the country to split. The topics include Slavery, States Rights, and all the problems that arose because of these two very important issues.

8th Grade: 8th grade students are beginning The Road to the American Revolution. As a class we just finished an in depth study of the French and Indian War which took territory from the French and gave the British full control over the 13 Colonies in North America. Now with the British in control we will begin to unravel the tensions which arose between the Colonists and the British to lead to the eventual break down of their relationship and consequently push them to war.

Final Blurb!

7th Grade: 7th grade students have finished this year successfully. The presentations were a pleasure to watch and the students as a whole completed this year on a positive note. I am amazed the year has come to an end. It seems like it was only yesterday that I was struggling to learn all the names of my new 7th graders who I have come to love. Enjoy your summers, and come back refreshed in August for your final year as middle school students!

8th Grade: 8th grade students have finished their time here at LPA. I know as the year was coming to an end it was hard to stay focused on school work. However, I was impressed with the final outcome of their WWII presentations and papers. I will miss the students and their individuality. I have grown to love these students and every morning as I drove to school I looked forward to seeing the faces of our future. I wish all of you the best as you move forward in life. Never lose site of your dreams and if you need anything or advice you know where to find me. Congratulations on completing this phase of your life. The world is yours, GO GET IT!
Love Ms. Van

7th and 8th Grade Update!

7th Grade: 7th grade students are in the process of presenting their World War I history projects. Over the past 4 weeks the students have researched their chosen topics and with that information put together a multi-modal assignment. May 2nd, 2011 all students were required to turn in their final papers (typed, double spaced, with citations and bibliography), have a completed poster board, and a power point presentation ready to deliver to their classmates and myself. Starting the week of May 9th, 2011 students will finish their unit on the 1920's followed by a short quiz to demonstrate mastery of material studied. The year will finish with a study of current events!

8th Grade: 8th grade students are in the process of presenting their World War II history projects. Over the past few weeks, students, either in groups or solo, have prepared a detailed account of a narrow topic chosen by the students. Students need to have a strong thesis statement which they will deliver to the class and then develop through use of reliable research. A power point slide show as well as a poster board are required of each group and these each need to represent visually what is stated in their research papers. Once presentations are complete, we will continue with our study of the post-war period.

The year's end is fast approaching. I know students are tired and excited for summer. So it is crucial to find their second wind and push through to the end. I look forward to the continued presentations and the unique creativity that each individual project brings to the classroom environment. This has been a great year with more to come!

PROJECT GUIDLINES!

7TH AND 8TH GRADE PROJECT DEADLINES:

1. 
   
   Thursday April 7th 2011: Research due! 2 book sources and at least 2 web sources


2. 
   
   Monday April 11th 2011: Outline Due with Thesis Statement! outline needs to be written or typed. The introduction needs to be written out and include a thesis statement.


3. 
   
   Friday April 15th 2011: Poster Board Due! Bring in ready to work on it, I will supply materials such as scissors and glue.


4. 
   
   Monday April 18th 2011: Rough draft due!


5. 
   
   Additional requirements to come!

Homework!

7th grade: 7th grade students have several items due tomorrow, March 25, 2011. First, they need to have their maps of Europe filled out with countries and capitals, as well as colored. Also, they have had bell work every day this week which I have sent home as homework to finish. I will be checking their notebooks for completion of the questions asked.

8th grade: 8th grade students have a packet due tomorrow, March 25, 2011 on Hitler. Also, they have two questions on the rise of totalitarianism in Europe after World War I. I will be checking their notebooks tomorrow for completion of these assignments.

Extra Credit!

Both 7th and 8th graders received an extra credit question that is due tomorrow march 25th.

The question is: Do Canada and Mexico have states? If yes then answer yes. If no for one or both then tell me what they have instead.

7th and 8th Grade Update!

4th quarter is here and we have hit the ground running. This week students in both grades have been busy taking notes, working on assignments, and collaborating with their peers. As mentioned in a previous blog, this quarter is the project quarter. Tomorrow, Friday march 25th, 2011 I will be giving both grades possible topics for their projects. The process I will take to reach the students will be visual images of the World Wars using my computer and projector to show them every aspect of the World Wars (People, Places, Battles, Warfare, Life at home, and any other related material).

7th Grade will focus on World War I. They may work in groups of 1-3 people as long as they get their groups approved. The topic chosen must be narrow enough so they are able to get into the meat of the issue and share with myself and their classmates their mastery of the topic selected. The project will need to be centered around a well developed thesis, which they will present in a multi-modal fashion. This means the students will need to create a power point, make a poster board, write a 2-3 page paper (with a bibliography), and present their findings to the class. I will take time in class to model each portion required for the project so the students understand and know what is expected of them.

8th Grade will focus on World War II. The requirements are the same as the 7th grade requirements however their paper must be 3 - 5 pages long, and their power point will require more slides then those of the 7th grade groups.

I look forward to working with the students and watching their projects unfold. I believe in each of my students and know what ever they put their minds to they will succeed.

CBM Testing!

CBM's will take place Monday March 14th, 2011 and Tuesday March 15th, 2011. Wednesday March 16th, 2011 is report card day.

This quarter flew by, looking forward to an exciting 4th quarter and all the events that take place towards the end of the year.

March Update!

Hello parents, teachers, students, and all others who visit my blog,
I can't believe that this quarter is almost over. This Friday March 11th, 2011 is the last day for students to turn in their work. The quarter officially ends Wednesday March 16th, 2011. All students will receive their reports cards before leaving school and the following Thursday and Friday there will be NO SCHOOL for students and teachers.

7th Grade: The 7th graders are taking a quiz today on the material we have covered so far regarding World War I. They also will be turning in their notebooks today so I can check for completion of their in class work, notes, recent homework, and any bell work form this quarter. In addition, they will be receiving a participation grade for the quarter. This grade includes, many aspects of their overall behavior in class, as well as their participation points for this quarter. Finally, students will receive project guidelines for their World War I Project when we return from break.

8th Grade: The 8th Graders are taking a quiz today on the 1920's. The students will need to demonstrate their understanding of the topics we have discussed over the past 3 weeks, and the material they have covered in Chapter 22, "The Roaring 20's." Furthermore, I will be collecting their notebooks today to give the students a grade on their in class work, bell work, notes, and any homework not yet graded. Also, each student will receive a participation grade for the quarter. This grade will include points for their participation, behavior, and overall character in class. Lastly, When the students return Monday March 21st, 2011 they will receive instructions for their World War II projects.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

7th and 8th Grade Update!

7th Grade: The 7th graders are currently studying Imperialism and the emergence of America as a world power. Within this topic they have gained an understanding of the Spanish-American War, the rise of the Progressive party, and the impact of President Theodore Roosevelt. We are now transitioning into our next unit, which is the study of World War I. The students will develop a clear picture of the causes of World War I, what happened during World War I, and the results. This Unit will also include a project. The project guidelines will be given out when students return from Rodeo Break.

8th Grade: The 8th graders are in the process of exploring the Roaring 1920's and the events which took place during these years. This will take us on a journey around the world. They will gain knowledge of the reasons for social unrest, what led to the Great Depression, a review of the rise of totalitarianism in Europe, and the eventual out break of World War II. The World War II Unit will include a multi-modal project. The details of the project and requirements will be handed out after Rodeo Break.

Update and Progress Reports!

Hello parents, students, and staff
This is just a quick update to let everyone know I appreciate your patience with getting out mid-quarter grades. All students will have their updated grades tomorrow, Thursday 10, 2011. I apologize for the delay, there are a few grades I need to enter so their grades will be up to date and accurate. Thank you again for you patience,
Ms. Van Borkulo

Also, I will be posting information about what is up and coming in each grade in the next couple of days, so keep checking my blog!

Quick Message!

I know some of my students are waiting to receive their map tests back. I will get their maps back this week. I apologize for any delay!
Thank you for your patience,

Ms. Van Borkulo

7th and 8th Grade Books!

This is a general message to all students and parents. Several of my students have checked out books, and where this is something I allow and encourage, I am now in a place where I have up to 15 books out that have not been returned or are missing. Please, check your homes, bags, and other classrooms, and get the Social Studies books back to their home.

Thank you,

Ms. Van Borkulo

7th and 8th Grade Homework!

7th Grade: The 7th grade students have a few things due tomorrow that they have been working on for the past two weeks:

1. Answer the following Question: How did Imperialism give countries access to power, money resources, and land? (Just an aside, I went over this question in class last week so the students would be able to answer the question with some conviction!
2. Answer the following Question: How did the following four key concepts lead to the outbreak of a World War: Imperialism, Nationalism, Militarism, and Alliances? (The students need to define each word and then do their best to answer the question using critical thinking skills.)
3. Chapter 5 needs to be completed in full! Lessons and the chapter 5 review!
4. Finally, in class the students are starting chapter 6.

8th Grade: The 8th Grade students are finishing their Government Unit. I had hoped to have this done by last week however, things took a little longer in class then expected. The students will have a government test this week on Thursday! I will post the material necessary to study later this week.

7th and 8th Grade Update!

7th Grade: 7th Grade students are starting their unit on Imperialism. This Unit will cover what Imperialism is and how it affected the world. The students will develop an understanding of what countries were heavily impacted by imperialism and why the developed countries of the world practiced taking over land in third world countries. Included in their studies will be several map tests of the continents involved in this process. The students have already begun their study of Africa. Furthermore, by the end of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate their mastery of the reasons for Imperialism, such as access to resources, land, money, and of course an increase in power. We will follow this unit with a transition into World War I. I look forward to the discussions and work produced by my students.

8th Grade: 8th Grade students are continuing their Government Unit, which will end with a final Government test on January 21st. The next step will be a short review on the rise of totalitarianism in Europe following World War I. From here we will begin our Unit on World War II. The students will analyze the major causes of World War II, trace the series of invasions and conquests in the European and Pacific Theaters in WWII, describe the events leading to the Allied victory, as well as take an in depth look at how racism and intolerance contributed to the Holocaust. In addition to their studies they will also be required to take map tests of the major areas of the world impacted by this horrific War. Finally, the students will be required to do a project on WWII, however this will take place towards the end of third quarter and finish at the beginning of fourth quarter. I am excited to introduce them to this period of our history and review the work they produce covering this topic.

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!

Hello parents, students, and co-workers
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday and Happy New Year to all!