7th and 8th grade update!

Hello parents and students,

7th Grade:  The students are in the middle of their Civil War Unit.  We have been working diligently to cover the material missed due to Drug Awareness Week and Galileo testing.  All good things just a busy time for all.  Today the students will be taking a test on the standards addressed from the years 1860 - 1863.  This test covers the Election of Abraham Lincoln, secession of the southern states, the advantages and disadvantages of the Union and Confederacy, as well as the strategies for both sides.  In addition, they will demonstrate their understanding of life for the soldiers, the battles of Antietam Creek and Shiloh, and the famous Emancipation Proclamation.  This was a very difficult time in America's history, where the country lost over 600,000 lives in a desperate fight to save our country, and most importantly end the institution of slavery.  We will continue this Unit over the next two weeks.

8th Grade:  As a class we have been unraveling the events that led to the birth of the United States.  Our studies this far have included a discussion of the Enlightenment Period, John Locke, Montesquieu, and the roles these all played in influencing the creation of the Declaration of Independence.  Furthermore, the students have read about and discussed the importance of Thomas Paine, and Richard Henry Lee in encouraging the Patriots to move forward with Independence.  In addition, we have been doing an in depth study of The Declaration of Independence and the impact of this brilliant piece of writing both in 1776 and still today. The students will be tested on this material today, and we will continue with the Revolutionary War over the next two weeks.  Finally, the students will be creating a current version of the Declaration of Independence, in groups, in words that demonstrate their understanding of the material covered.

Ms Van

Home work 7th and 8th grade!

8th Grade:  The students are required to have Section 2 chapter 6 complete in their notebooks.  The Section includes reading pages 179 - 184 and then answering questions 1 -7 in complete sentences.  In addition they need to have the following key terms from section 2 defined in their notebooks:

1. Nathan Hale
2. Mercenary
3. Alliance
4. Marquis de Lafayette
5. Calvary
6. Friedrich Von Steuben

Furthermore, the students need to have section 1 chapter 6 complete in their notebooks, this was required at the beginning of second quarter.

7th Grade: The students were given a copy of Section 3 Chapter 15 to complete for Wednesday.  However, due to testing today, they will have an extra day, and need to have the work complete by Thursday (Halloween :) ).  The students are required to read pages 524 - 527 and answer questions 1 - 4 in complete sentences in their note books.  In addition, they need to have the following terms from section 3 defined in their note books:

1. Restore
2. Sustain
3. Emancipate
4. Horace Greely

Furthermore, the students need section 1 and 2 completed in their notebooks, which we have worked on together as a class, terms and questions answered.  Finally, on Tuesday October 29th they had a handout on the Emancipation Proclamation.

*Students keep up on your work, follow requirements, and ask for help if you need before the assignments are due!

Thanks,

Ms. Van

Galileo Testing!

Hello parents and students,

Due to Galileo testing this week we have a few changes in the schedule and assignment requirements.  Testing is all day today, Wednesday the 30th, so the students will not be given any additional work to complete tonight. However, they will have to turn in the assignment from Tuesday on Thursday.  I will post more about these assignments following this update.

Students will use Thursday and Friday to finish their Galileo exams if not complete. The students will be able to finish their exams during their Thursday and Friday Specials!

We are excited to see the progress the students are making in their education and hope all took thei time and did their best on each of their three exams.

Thanks,

Ms. Van

Update on the past weeks events!

Hello students and parents,
I apologize for my absence over the past few weeks.  This was not my intention, however, due to fall break, drug awareness week, harvest fest, and teacher - conference, there were many changes to the class schedule and I wanted to make sure the information I posted was accurate and relevant.  Not an excuse, :) just a reality. 

As for this past events, Harvest fest was a huge success, parent -teacher conferences continue into this week, which is absolutely inspiring, and we have enjoyed, and cherished each conference. Drud awareness week left me speechless. On Monday, I collected each classes homework from the weekend, we finished with class discussion and I told the students to keep studying their notes as the rest of the week would be devoted to Drug Awareness.  To begin last week I gave the eighth graders two assignments:

1.  Complete a 31 question quiz on their knowledge and understanding of drugs and the harmful side effects.
2. Complete a drawing to support the, "Just Say No," campaign.
3.  Prepare for Career Day Field Trip on Friday.

We had the pleasure of meeting two Border Patrol Agents on Wednesday.  These gentlemen stayed for each of my classes (8:30 - 11:30)

With each passing day I realize the importance of our school based on Character, Education, and the betterment of our school society.  I am so blessed to be a part of the positive atmosphere, priceless leadership, and wonderfully individual student body.

More to come,
Ms. Van Borkulo