Our next section in physics will be to examine the nature of force, the causes of friction, and the factors affecting gravity. Along the way the students will be participating in numerous lab activities that will require them to measure force using a spring scale and investigate the types of friction and the friction created by difference surfaces.
Language Arts
The students are in the midst of research writing skills. Two weeks ago I introduced the unit to them with a syllabus of due dates, expectations, and research topics. Each class has separate topics for each student. It is then the responsibility of each student to take a position on that topic, and limit it and be able to present it in a typed two to three page paper. Last week I “walked” the students through the various stages: where to begin, outlining, note taking, drafting, annotated bibliographies, etc. They were given not only a hard copy of each step but a presentation by me on each step needed. The first step in this process is due Thursday, May 6th-the outline. The first draft is due Tuesday, May 11th, and the final copy due May 13th. It is my hope this will make them more competitive and knowledgeable with the advent of high school only a few months away.
We have one final chapter to complete in our grammar text and the students have successfully finished their study of complex sentence structures and clauses.
Literature
We are two thirds of the way in our sixth novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. I can feel the enthusiasm of the class as we discuss this book. We have read much of this book orally, but many assigned readings have been given as well. It is necessary for the students to complete these readings to have an idea of the novel’s direction. In addition to assigned reading, and written work the students have an assignment due Monday, May 17th, on this novel. It is from a 1930’s newspaper viewpoint. They have been assigned a news department in which to make their “voice” heard.
Their final essay test will, hopefully, be within two weeks. We will watch the movie before the test.
Social Studies
We have completed work on twenty-eighth units in our text, starting in grade eight with chapter fifteen and working our way chronologically through history. It is amazing how history parallels present day. Much of our discussion this last month revolved around the Cold War and Civil Rights Era. We have compared these units to the Supreme Court, then and now, Kennedy and Johnson administrations, freedom of the press, racism (tied into our novel), and much more. I urge your students to become more aware of current events and read the newspaper in print or online, and/or listen to the nightly news. They will be voting in four years.
So many activities have been focused on the eighth grade. The Ribbon ceremony was lovely. Thank you so much for such wonderful complementary e-mails/ notes to that effect. Friday is the Ice Cream Social. May 14th, the Golf Outing. May 25th, Award Day, and then, the finale, Graduation, May 27th.
Remember, you raised these children. We only had them for a too short period of time. I can’t begin to thank you for all you do. These children are a gift. Thank you for sharing them with me and all of us here at St. Cletus.
General
Is it possible that May has arrived? With Ribbon Ceremony and May Crowning behind us, we become aware of the end of the road. What a delightful year it has been to date. These students represent such growth and potential I can’t begin to describe it. They have grown so much throughout this year and I can’t wait to hear about all the successes of the future from them. I am very confident they will be well prepared for high school and work hard to meet the challenges at the next level. I will truly miss their enthusiasm, work ethic, laughter, joy, kindness and most of all just their daily presence. I love coming to school every day to share in the joys and sorrows of each day together. What a caring group they are and I know they will make a difference in the world.
Accel Algebra
We are on a roller coaster now doing bits and pieces of the few sections we have left. I will leave time for review before the second semester exam. We will probably be taking that test the last week of school after the dinner dance. I have 2 weeks left to finish the curriculum and review. This week ended with a test on rational expressions and next week we finish up with radicals. We will take one more test and then have a review packet to do before the exam. I do sense the work ethic lagging a bit right now, but what we are studying is so critical to next year’s success, that I hope the students understand that connection. Working for good grades is wonderful motivation, but sometimes it’s more about what I know than how I scored. This has been a wonderful year of mastering some difficult topics and an aggressive speed. My hats off to this group for their tenacity and success.
Regular Algebra
We have really accomplished so much this year. I am completing half of Chapter 9 with radicals and quadratic equations. I will then get to the Pythagorean Theorem and some work with polynomials. This group has worked very hard to stay on task, and they have done great things. I have not been this far along with any regular group before and they have given this subject their all for most of the year. I expect next year will be a breeze for them and that will hopefully set up some positive reinforcement for their high school math career. I am not giving this group a semester exam, but I will be testing small sections of our work to test for understanding. There is still time to learn one more concept or polish our skills for next year. I know many of these students do not like math as a subject, but I also know they gave it their all everyday anyway. I so appreciate their willingness to tackle all problems, and I am confident next year will be successful for them. I can see the confidence they have improving every day and after all the work they have mastered this year, no one can tell them they can’t do it.
Our next section in physics will be to examine the nature of force, the causes of friction, and the factors affecting gravity. Along the way the students will be participating in numerous lab activities that will require them to measure force using a spring scale and investigate the types of friction and the friction created by difference surfaces.
Language Arts/Literature
We have completed almost nine chapters in our grammar text and will be finalizing the second section of chapter nine this week. The second section deals with complex sentence structure: independent and subordinated clause, as well as noun, adverb, and adjective clausal structure. My aim is to have the chapter test early next week. As is usual, there will be a review session the day of the test. This is new material for the students, but important material.
We have finalized our vocabulary series for the year. Effort will now be put into the learning of vocabulary for our sixth novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Before the holiday break I introduced the students to the book with the reading of chapter one. We will continue to orally read in class. The language is southern in flavor and adaptable to the Great Depression Era in Alabama and, initially, can be difficult to grasp. The students will also have many assigned readings and written work with this novel. I would highly suggest using post-it notes as they read each chapter to write down vocabulary or reading sections if there is confusion. It is one of my favorite books, and I hope they share in my enthusiasm.
Social Studies
We are completing chapter twenty-seven in our text which deals with post-war America. The students will finalize the unit this week, and then we will continue with the next chapter that deals with the late 1950s-1960s. Many of the issues of this time frame factor, in comparison, to present day. The Civil Rights Movement is the main area of concentration, in relation to social, legal, and political issues. Leadership is also addressed with President Kennedy and Johnson’s administration. Again, these issues certainly arise as we read To Kill a Mockingbird.
As we head into our final eighth grade quarter I hope the students finish their academic studies successfully as well as partake in the myriad activities of a graduating class. April 28th is the Ribbon Ceremony and Mass in which the students are awarded their class ribbons. It is a nine o’clock mass. Please attend, if you are able. Again, thank you for all you do.
8th Grade Science
We begin our physics portion of the curriculum with a look at describing and measuring motion. This will include determining when an object is in motion, calculating an object’s speed and velocity, as well as, demonstrating how to graph motion. One of the lab activities in this section involves calculating average speed of chewing bubble gum. This will be followed by describing and calculating acceleration.
Accel Algebra
The final quarter has begun for us with the onset of Chapter 10 on quadratic functions. This will be challenging work for the end of the year, but I hope it will keep the students interested and motivated. In addition to completing Chapter 10 I will be covering parts of Chapters 11 and 12 and reviewing for the final exam. The topics included in these sections involve rational expressions and radicals. These advance topics will be very helpful for them at the next level regardless of the school they will attend.
I am confident this group will be successful next year. Many of you have contacted me about placement for your children in high school. Since we have a sound Algebra curriculum here for both levels, I would encourage you to challenge your students no matter the level. For these students I would hope many will try to test out of Algebra I and head for Algebra II or Geometry depending on the school’s curriculum. At the very least they should be in an Algebra I Accelerated or Honors course if they don’t qualify for the higher level. I know Lyons Township allows students to retake the semester exams in June to try and improve their chances. Catholic high schools will have a qualifying test in May usually. Please help me remind them to stay focused so their futures can remain bright!
Regular Algebra
We completed the test on systems of linear equations and had a little time to discuss exponents before the play hit. I am going to complete Chapter 8 on exponents and exponential functions in this last quarter.
Then I will be jumping around to selected topics that I feel will most benefit them next year. I will be working on polynomials, the Pythagorean Theorem, radicals, and some quadratic functions if possible. Everything after section 8-4 is over and above whatever I have accomplished in the past.
I applaud this group for their hard work, as I would not be able to cover so much if they had not put forth such effort. My hope is that they are committed to finishing strong so we can lay the ground work for deeper understanding next year. Please help me encourage them to stay focused and work hard.
Religion
You will notice some paperwork coming home from second step in the next couple weeks as we tackle the topic of handling stress. We will be working on setting goals to help alleviate stress also.
We will be researching a truthful vision of life through the virtues we need to have with us as life throws us some curves. We will talk about how virtues help us lead powerful lives and make us equipped for this life journey. This is great food for thought as they start their high school careers.
Monday is Lenten Reconciliation and Sunday is Palm Sunday as well as the Pancake Breakfast here in Morrissey Hall. Many of the students are working the breakfast for service hours. Please be sure to check with your child on the status of their service hours. All 24 hours must be completed by May 17th.
Language Arts/ Literature
In Language Arts we have completed our vocabulary series. The last Mastery test was given on March 19th. With the completion of this series I hope to have more time available to do other projects; debating, census study, and a research paper.
In grammar we have completed study on verbals and are about to tackle the intricacies of clauses and complex sentence structure.
We have also completed our fifth novel, The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas. At the moment we are working in our literature anthology and discussing the techniques in short stories that are utilized by authors. We are reading Flowers for Algernon which was the basis for the movie Charly. I also hope to read more plays. The students need experience in oral presentation from a literature perspective. Certainly our school play has given them recognition for all their dramatic hard work and voice expression. The students have book reports to create in a visual fashion the week of the play. All work will be done in class to avoid conflicts with performances.
Our final novel will be To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I am always amazed each year when I teach this, that each class brings its own voice to the story. There will be much assigned reading and writing with this novel as culminating activities for the year.
Social Studies
Our WWII unit is completed, and we are studying politics of the Cold War Era. It was such an interesting in our country’s history with people and terms such as the Truman Doctrine, Red Scare, Communist China, McCarthyism, blacklists, etc.
The census study will also be initiated in the next few weeks. We will read about its importance on a national and local level, as well as a parish level (school).
I would like to again thank our chaperones who accompanied us to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and also those that helped serve our eighth grade retreat luncheon or baked. We couldn’t do these events without you.
Science
From observing chemical change and reactions we now turn our focus to describing chemical reactions. We will examine the structure of a chemical equation and the principle of conservation of mass along with how to classify chemical reactions into the processes of synthesis, decomposition, and replacement prior to the Spring break. Upon our return in mid-April we will look at controlling chemical reactions before we enter into the physics portion of our curriculum.
LANGUAGE ARTS
The eighth grade has completed their study of all eighth parts of speech and are now about to delve into verbals: participles, gerunds, and infinitives. These will be followed by complex sentence structure which includes the study of clauses. Both of these concepts are new and difficult and I will need the complete attention and focus of the class as we tackle them. Again, they are necessary as a basis for high school writing.
I have decided to delay my debating unit until fourth quarter. The students have a very busy March calendar. In the up and coming weeks some will be going to Washington D.C., and all will be finalizing the production of Mulan, our school play. The eighth grade has the lead roles and much practice time is involved. Easter follows after the play. Topics will be assigned previous to Easter break, so the students can research them over the holiday.
LITERATURE
In Literature we are also finalizing our fifth novel, The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas. The students will watch the film then have an essay test. The discussions have been meaningful and insightful on this novel. Other materials have also been presented to supplement this book in relation to our WWII unit in Social Studies.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The students participated in a fieldtrip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum on March 4th.
It was an amazing insight to the horrors perpetrated by the Germans during this era. We had three groups of students who were escorted by three docents to lead the tours. We were also lucky enough to hear a camp survivor speak emotionally about his memories. The students were complimented highly by the museum staff. It was a proud moment that we represented the school so well in behavior and respect.
We are now about to study the post wars years of Harry Truman, the Korean conflict, readjustment of soldiers, the baby boom, housing growth, etc.
REGULAR ALGEBRA
These students have really been “burning the midnight oil” as the expression goes. Play practice has cut into our after school math masters time, so many industrious students have been dropping by to see me after practice. I applaud them for their diligence, since visiting me at that hour means leaving school about 5 pm. What dedication and stamina they are showing! The by-product to that is stocking up on the math tools to take with them to high school and some quite respectable scores on very difficult material. We had a quiz on solving systems of equations last week and now we are finishing up Chapter 7 by solving special systems and systems of linear inequalities. I am planning on the test for Chapter 7 to happen the week of March 16th so we can avoid the week of the play which happens to be the last week of the quarter. Can you believe that? Time is flying and soon those late night hours at St. Cletus will be nothing but a memory. I am proud of the accomplishments in Algebra this year and know that our confidence and work ethic will continue to bring us success.
ACCEL ALGEBRA
The crunch time has begun and unfortunately the effort is waning. The material is becoming somewhat complicated as the students are choosing to put in less time. This combination is not working too well. Overall scores are declining in this group lately and I hope it doesn’t continue. As usual when work gets tough it takes more time and attention. At the moment I am not getting much work from this group. I am getting homework turned in, but the quality and effort is not what I expect in an accelerated class. Third quarter will end on March 26th and I think it will serve as a wake up call to some of my math students. The play is definitely demanding more time, but learning to juggle all the balls without dropping one is a vital skill for high school. Last week we took a quiz on factoring polynomials, and this week we will wrap up the chapter and take a test on Chapter 9 before the week of the play. I will have to continue to move forward during the play week as much as I can, but things will naturally slow down at that time. The next Chapter is about quadratic functions including the use of the quadratic formula. To succeed in this arena we must have great attention to detail and not cut corners. My hope for these students is that they finish strong catapulting them into the next level.
RELIGION
Last week we completed Chapter 10 (Called to Justice) and now we are studying truth as essential to our Catholic lives. We will explore ways to keep the eighth commandment and know that our actions cannot be truthful without a truthful vision of life. For the rest of the year we are weaving in second step curriculum into Religion which works well as we discuss coping with stress and goal setting as it relates to a successful life. I will hopefully be able to continue with parts of this morality curriculum next year, as we change over the Confirmation preparation to 8th grade. I think it has been a great path of study for the 8th grade to explore morality right before high school. We pray for intentions daily in our classrooms and your students are very kind and compassionate in their prayers. They continue to work on service hours and show that they are hearing the call of Jesus to help those in need.
SCIENCE
We have completed our examination of ionic and covalent bonding and now turn our attention to observing chemical change. We will review the physical and chemical properties of matter, as well as, the physical and chemical changes of matter. The relationship between bonding and the chemical changes of matter will also be explored. Upon completion of the material, students will participate in a lab activity allowing them to determine the signs that a chemical reaction has taken place.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Third quarter is in full swing and our progress is continuing in all areas. The students have completed their speech unit. I was very impressed generally with their preparation. The criteria for the student presentations depended on eye contact, facial expressions, posture, coherency, enthusiasm, knowledge of material/topic, and time frame. I used a rubric as a base to grade the presentations but, almost without exception, the class itself generated much of the discussion and question/ answer period. Debating will start upon completion of the remaining three parts of speech: prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
We are also finalizing our vocabulary series and have three remaining chapters. I hope to be done with the series by mid-March which will then allow us time to focus more on the writing process.
LITERATURE
We are involved in reading our fifth novel The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas. The students are enjoying this book and gaining insight to the Holocaust which coincides with our WWII study in Social Studies and our trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum on March 4th.
SOCIAL STUDIES
We are in the midst of studying WWII. I am bringing into class supplemental materials to
expand discussion and learning. The speech unit we just completed also gave more in-depth information to the student through presentations on notable people of this era: Omar Bradley, Benito Mussolini, and Erwin Rommel to name but a few. Many students have a personal connection to the war which has been fascinating in their retelling of their grandparent’s experiences. The students are also writing reports from a first person perspective on a year in history. They have each been assigned an occupation/ country/ and year to research. For example: German sub commander/ North Sea/ 1942-Japanese alien/ Manzanar Internment Camp/1943-British Diplomat/ England 1939. These reports are due February 26th.
Science
The 8th grade has worked diligently towards the goal of understanding the essentials of ionic, covalent and metallic bonding. We are continuing our investigation with a thorough examination of double and triple bonds, the properties of molecular compounds and polar and non-polar bonds in molecules. Students should expect a comprehensive test during the second week of March.
Accel Algebra
We have begun Chapter 9 on polynomials, and this week there will be no quizzes as we need to do so many introductions on this topic. Although we have worked with these expressions before, we have not worked at this level of intensity. Next week Monday, we will be taking a quiz on sections 9-1 to 9-3. We will continue then with factoring polynomials and using that to solve equations. A short quiz on sections 9-4 and 9-5 for Thursday will be planned. I will use Friday to set up some weekend research on new material. They are really getting into some difficult work now, so there’s no rest in sight as we complete this challenging curriculum. I am available regularly for help so don’t hesitate to ask or come after play practice. Please be sure you see math homework at times. I am finding a higher incidence of things not getting done lately. Thanks for your help in keeping them on task a few more months.
Regular Algebra
I am so proud of this group! They continue to excel and work very hard. This week we will
tackle solving systems of equations. This involves graphing, using substitution and creating eliminations to solve. This is the first group in the last 3 years to reach this topic this early. I will complete more of the high school level text with this group than any other group previously. What a testimony to their work ethic and determination! I couldn’t be happier for them, and I know, as a result of this work, they will enjoy much success next year. As always keep your eyes open for math homework. This month of shortened weeks has taken a toll on our ability to have work completed on time. They are currently experts at graphing linear functions so now we’ll see how we do at systems of equations.
Religion
We have completed our chapter on sexuality and now we are exploring our call to justice. We have had great discussions on what is justice and what do we mean by social justice. I think we agree that putting the needs of others ahead of our own is not always so easy. We do understand that call and now we are exploring what that means to me. St. Cletus parish shows us the way with our food pantry program and service hour requirements. This year’s class has done so much in the way of other’s needs with student council projects and the Potts Invitational. Even things like holding a door open are simple ways of putting the needs of others first. It may not be convenient for me to serve a wedding or funeral on the weekend but by volunteering I am putting the needs of others first. Along with this topic of social justice we are weaving in the second step curriculum on handling stress. We will analyze steps for staying in control and discuss why stress management is so important. Our teens today are certainly experiencing more stress as a generation. Coping skills will be valuable tools for them at the next level. Perhaps they’ll share them with the adults in their lives as well.
LANGUAGE ARTS
The beginning of third quarter is off to a very good start for the Class of 2010. We have finalized five parts of speech and will focus on completing the remaining grammar concepts of prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. Before 
we tackle those concepts, however, the students are learning the basics of speech presentation: topic choice, gathering of sources, collection of details, and the making of connections. Their target audience is each other who will critique their presentations-similar to the Social Studies presentations of last quarter, but different in the criteria. We are working more on the “reference to audience, direct approach, illustration, and citing of statistics or quotations to enhance a speech.” This unit will be followed by a debating unit. I will choose controversial topics in which the student will have to defend their position regardless of their personal beliefs. (To give you an example on a simplistic topic: who was the better president, Washington or Lincoln?)
In vocabulary we have three chapters remaining until we complete the text. The students have done very well in usage of these words.
LITERATURE/ SOCIAL STUDIES
In Literature, the students have finished their fourth novel, Swallowing Stones, and will next be reading The Boy in
the Stripped Pajamas. This will directly tie into our WWII study in Social Studies and our class field trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum on March 4th. Much supplemental material will also be presented in regard to WWII and The Holocaust. Further, we will discuss the war on the European and Pacific fronts, military leaderships on all sides, the internment of Japanese aliens, and many other issues, to name but a few. Class discussions on the Great Depression Era were insightful. Ironically, there are many comparisons to the economy of today which is amazing considering it has been seventy-five years.
I also hope to reference and perhaps do a school wide census to tie in with our national census in March. The students will generate a survey and distribute it throughout the school collating the results, which will be forthcoming.
As class bonding activities in the next few weeks we have our school play, our trip again to the Holocaust Museum, and the 8th grade retreat. Thank you as always for your support. It is so appreciated.
Science 
We are continuing our examination of covalent and metallic bonding and will then venture out and begin observing the process of bonding and chemical changes followed by describing chemical reactions.
Regular Algebra
I am seeing some wonderful progress in this group and some tough math topics mastered by most. It’s a wonderful thing! We are completing Chapter 6 after this long break with a test on Thursday. The next step is solving systems of equations by three methods and then on to negative and zero exponents. So many of them are showing some really advanced skills now and I suspect their math life will be joyful in the future. We will have many distractions coming up for the 8th grade so it will be challenging to stay focused. I hope to see third quarter show great improvements for all.
Accel Algebra
We are closing Chapter 8 after the break and heading for right triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem in Chapter 9. I will continue to move quickly before the 8th grade activities begin so I can stay at the right pace for semester two exam. They are all doing well and when they are focused, really excel in this difficult material. We will do no resting from here to graduation so make sure you see that Algebra book coming home occasionally.
The dates for summer re-takes of the LT semester exams are set for Wednesday, June 9th for both semesters, Tuesday, June 15 for semester one and Thursday, June 17th for semester two. I have the times and details on a flyer that I will distribute to the students later. The purpose of a re-take is to get a higher score so you can test out of Algebra 1 at LT. There will also be qualifying tests at the private high schools. It is a good experience to take them, even if you don’t test out of the class. The experience will enhance your knowledge.
Religion
I have seen a wonderful level of maturity in this group throughout our last chapter. The topic was sexuality and our discussions were very straight-forward and frank. We discussed promiscuity, prostitution, homosexuality, chastity, abstinence, lust, modesty and purity. We had plenty of material from the media to discuss and just the prevailing attitude of instant gratification. I hope our faith and my teaching have prompted your children to consider abstinence and know the perils of using sex as a game or recreation.
If we follow God’s plan of using our sexuality as a gift and a personal expression of real love, our lives can be so enriched. We had some serious discussions of the consequences of the sexual revolution and how it can impact our lives.
The students will be bringing home their chapter tests for signatures so take a moment to read them and see what topics we have covered. Also please read the highlights for home I send with every test to generate some discussion questions you might use at your family dinner table.
Our next section is a Call to Justice where we will explore the topics of racism, ageism and sexism in our society and examine how the just person lives. What value these morals have in your student’s life! Hopefully they will take them along to high school.
Language Arts
Work is continuing as we start the third quarter of the year. The students have been presenting their Great Language Arts Project in small groups to the class. The stories they have created from these pictures are well-developed and well-written. It is wonderful to see another side of their personality as they share these personal reflections.
Grammar
In grammar, I have introduced Chapter seven on adverb usage. Despite the brevity of the chapter, I consider adverbs to be one of the most difficult parts of speech to use properly. I often hear mistakes, especially on the radio, where incorrect usage is used. I want the students to be very aware of correct wording, and incorporate it into their writing.
Vocabulary
In Vocabulary we are completing Chapter twelve. Our Mastery test will be next week on Chapters 10, 11, and 12.
Literature
In Literature the students and I are very much enjoying a new novel, Swallowing Stones. It is a great discussion based book which focuses on consequences of actions. Much of this book relates to the concept of inference, which, as you know, surfaces in literature and literature analysis often. I hope to be done with this novel within a two week period of time. Our fifth novel will be The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas, which will tie into our Social Studies era of World War II.
Social Studies
In Social Studies we are nearing completion of our unit on the Great Depression. The students have also been giving oral presentations on people/events from that time. The students are critiquing each project. They are being “judged” on organization, topic knowledge, audience, language, and delivery. The final two sections of the chapter will be presented this week with a Chapter Test following.
Please remind the students, as I have, that it is only the start of third quarter. I, too, am excited about their choice of high schools and the excitement graduation brings, but successful completion of this school year is vital as they make this transition. Again, thank you for all your support and I will see you at conferences on February 11th.
Accel Algebra
We survived the test! What great scores were achieved by this group! Congrats to the class for your mastery. I am so proud of you and your work. Now, we are on to the next level with a test this Friday on solving systems and then the nitty gritty work of negative exponents and exponential functions. Thanks for working hard and not quitting as graduation looms.
Regular Algebra
The “little engine that could” is zooming down the track as we finish a test this week on writing the equation of a line. Everyone has some level of comprehension going and that’s a beautiful thing. I am covering more ground than last year and before. Our next topic is solving and graphing inequalities, and I think they have good problem solving techniques in place so this should be easy for them to accomplish. I am getting homework done, although not always in a timely fashion. With inequalities, graphing is done only on one number line instead of the coordinate plane, so that should simplify things. Look for a quiz next week on sections 6-1 to 6-3. This group is having fewer struggles than my previous classes so that is a very good sign for the future. I also want to thank this group for their continued good work. It is so delightful to see 8th graders who still want to work hard to learn all they can in the next couple months.
Religion
We have had some really interesting class discussions lately. Our chapter is sexuality, and we are learning about our male and female psyche, as well as the changes in our bodies, as a positive thing. We have come to know the deep commitment necessary for a loving and sexual relationship. We have discussed society’s views and the sexual revolution. We have talked about the deep hurt sexuality used in the wrong way can cause. Our thoughts are centered on sexuality as a gift from God and not as a commodity to be bought and sold, or something to bargain with, or an exercise in curiosity. We are embracing our church’s views on sexuality and the need for abstinence and restraint.
Next we will relate good friendships as a precursor to a good relationship with a member of the opposite sex. We will also discuss how loving ourselves make us better able to open ourselves to the love of another. Be sure to talk with your teen about sexuality and encourage them to keep their Christian values when it comes to love and relationships.
The Science Fair was a huge success. The students worked extremely hard throughout the whole process, and they should all be very proud of their accomplishments. Meghan Caplice, Sean Keane, and Meghan Murphy took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place respectively. They will now prepare for the Chicago and Metropolitan Area Non-Public Schools competition taking place on March 13th and 14th at the Museum of Science and Industry.
This week and next we will be taking a closer look at how to draw the Bohr model and Electron Dot diagram to describe the electron cloud and valence electrons. We will then tackle when and how atoms bond (ionic, covalent bonding and metallic bonding) and observing chemical reactions.
8th Grade-Mrs. Rotunno: May 21, 2010
GENERAL
I can’t believe this is the last newsletter of the school year! Where has the time gone? Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with your students this year. I will miss them greatly, but I know they have grown in wisdom, age and grace. I will keep a part of them with me always as I fondly remember how far they have come since we first met in 7th grade. I am confident they are leaving with a full Math toolbox and a strong moral foundation, along with their science expertise, government experience, and writing skills. They have many successes to celebrate, and I look forward to hearing wonderful things about them in the future. God bless your families with strength and courage for the next level. I will keep you all in my prayers, as always, and look forward to sharing graduation day together.
Accel Algebra
What a fantastic year we have had! Our last quiz will be May 18th and I will review for the semester exam the rest of the week with a 10 page review. The exam will be taken in double periods on Monday and Tuesday, May 24th & 25th. I will grade it promptly and show them scores on Thursday before the clap out or on Wednesday if I get them done. I expect great things on the exam as they have a good foundation and basically are a great math group. After the exam we will be practicing for graduation and cleaning the classroom so we will be officially done with math at the close of the exam. It has been a great and challenging year. These students have a very bright math future ahead, of that I am confident. I expect many to test out of Algebra and for your information the retest dates at LT are as follows:
Wed. June 9th 9-11 1st semester, 11-1 2nd semester
Tues. June 15th 1-3 1st semester and Thurs. June 17th 1-3 2nd semester
Location is North Campus, Room 306, bring a calculator & pencil and call 579-6409 to reserve your spot.
Regular Algebra
This group has their last quiz on Wednesday this week, and next week we’ll be just doing some informational topics. No semester exam for this group, but I am going to give them a copy of an end of the year test so they can have the experience of seeing what you need to know to take such a test. They have completed almost 9 whole chapters and this is as much as I’ve ever been able to handle with any group. They have worked so hard and I applaud them for all they have accomplished. I look forward to hearing great things about their abilities next year. They will be able to tutor and help others I’m sure. Not one of them ever said I can’t and that’s why they have been so successful. Keep encouraging them to stretch beyond their own limits to continuously challenge how good they can be. They are truly a great success story in math.
RELIGION
I am so glad we had this morality path to share this year. It has been fun and enlightening to hear thier viewpoints which I rarely get to experience in math class. We ended on a high note as we discussed some really good ideas for making moral decisions in our lives. You can be so proud of these young people because I see them all as leaders and not followers when it comes to moral decision making. They have one last test this week, and then I will finish out with some Second Step ideas for staying away from drugs and alcohol. Can’t think of a better way to end the year than discussing the pitfalls they could encounter at the next level. I am honored to have been a part of their faith lives, and I know they are kind and moral young men and women. What a blessing it has been to pray and learn with them. God bless all your families with a safe and happpy summer. I will miss you.