We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are.
Anais Nin

Language Arts: Today we finished reviewing the four different types of context clues. Students will be using context clues as a strategy on the OAKS assessment next week.

HW: None; Students who receive an "I" for their trimester 1 grade have 13 days to turn in any key assignment(s) that is the cause of their incomplete grade. If their work is not submitted by 12/13, their "I" will turn into an "F".

Math 8: Today we introduced how to find slope using;
tables/graphs---> (Y2 - Y1) / (X2 - X1)
graphs ---> Rise (movement on Y axis) / Run (movement on Y axis)
equations---> identify slope (m) and Y intercept (b)

HW: Additional Practice worksheet, #'s 1-2

Algebra: Today we discussed positive, negative, zero and undefined slopes and continued working on identifying key features of linear functions.

HW: Worksheets "Borrow Money" and "Slope-Intercept"

Social Studies: Today we learned four new vocabulary words for our word window. We then had time to reread two sections about the New United States. An introduction discussion of the new Constitution being developed.

HW: Reread pg 77 sections and complete the handout on the Convention and Compromise.

Science: Today we learned how to measure motion through time and distance by doing the lab ,"A Walk In The Park."

HW: Finish questions if not in class. This should take no more than 15 minutes.

Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and just celebrate living.
Amanda Bradley

Language Arts: Today we reviewed the four different types of context clues. Students will be using context clues as a strategy on the OAKS assessment next week.

HW: None; Students who receive an "I" for their trimester 1 grade have 2 WEEKS to turn in any key assignment(s) that is the cause of their incomplete grade. If their work is not submitted by 12/13, their "I" will turn into an "F".

Math 8: Today we completed our Justification Posters and reviewed identifying in coordinate points on a graph.

HW: Tuba Factory & Plotting Points worksheet (one sheet, double sided)

Algebra: Today we self corrected quiz from last class and reviewed HW from Wednesday. Began tonight's assignment in class with 10 minutes of silent work time.

HW: MSA pg. 84-85, A.C.E. problems #31-36

Social Studies: Today Ms. Linahan spoke with each student about their First Trimester grade. Students took a history pretest (US citizenship test) and practice sheets for the US capitals test on Dec. 9 were handed out.

HW: Practice US capitals test.

Science: Today we worked on our questions of the Friction Lab.

HW: Finish the questions from the lab. This should take no more than 20 minutes.

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.
Abraham Lincoln

Language Arts: Today we finished writing our commentary and concluding sentences for Reading Response 4. This was students' last opportunity to write a literary device analysis for the trimester.

HW: Enjoy some delicious food. and bring me your best left overs ;)

Math 8: Today we had our first opportunity to show proficiency on "Justifying each step when solving equations"

HW: None

Algebra: Today we had a 2nd opportunity to reach proficiency on "Translating between table, graph, equation, and story"

HW: None

Social Studies: Today in class I challenged the kids to know 30 of the 50 state capitals.

HW: None:)

Science: Today we continued to work on our friction lab.

HW: Not on a Thanksgiving weekend! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance but to do what lies clearly at hand.
Thomas Carlyle

Language Arts: Today we brainstormed commentary for Reading Response 4. Some students began outlining/drafting their entire response.

HW: None!

Math 8: Today we created "Justification Posters" for solving equations.

HW: study for justification assessment

Algebra: Today we reviewed translating between table, graph, equation and story for assessment tomorrow

HW: worksheet - Additional Practice (pg106-109), # 9 - 14

Social Studies: Today we discussed and went over the end of the American Revolution and Articles of Confederation assignment. We discussed what the students read and their answers.

HW: Learn and study the state capitals. Test is December 8th.

Science: Today we did a lab that compares static friction to sliding friction.

HW: None

The most valuable things in life are not measured in monetary terms. The really important things are not houses and lands, stocks and bonds automobiles and real estate, but friendships, trust, confidence, empathy, mercy, love and faith.
Bertrand Russell

Language Arts: Today we formulated a topic sentence (TS) and found a concrete detail (CD) to support our analysis of "Flowers for Algernon".

HW: If you were not able to find an example of irony to analyze, you will need to find one. Once you have it, form a topic sentence that states what aspect of Charlie's character this example of irony helps to highlight. (Note: if you find an example of irony that doesn't help you understand some part of Charlie's character, then find another example of irony!)

Math 8: Today we Reviewed the concepts of associative and commutative properties of addition/multiplication. Practiced vocabulary through playing M-A-T-H-O, Watched video, and began worksheets for HW

HW: Properties of Addition (green), both sides
Properties of Multiplication (blue), both sides

Algebra: Today we peer reviewed practice quiz on "Translating between Table, Graph Equation and Story". We will assess for proficiency on Wednesday. Completed Skill review (writing equations) in class.

HW: Graphing Vocabulary Crossword

Social Studies: Today we read about the end of the American Revolution and the creation of the United States. Questions at the end of each reading section were answered and the organizing your thoughts diagrams.

HW: complete handouts for class discussion Tuesday.

Science: Today we learned about three types of friction, and how they are related to motion.

HW: Finish the two worksheets, "The Nature of Forces," and "Friction."

Many's many desires are like the small metal coins he carries about in his pocket. The more he has the more they weigh him down.
Bhagawan Sri-Sathya Sai Baba

Language Arts: Today we began brainstorming examples of irony from "Flowers for Algernon". Students will choose one of their examples of irony to analyze for next week's Reading Response 4.

HW: None for students who are caught up! Please note students received a progress report from me today indicating whether they have missing assignments. The last day I am accepting late work is this coming Monday- no exceptions.

Math 8: Today we went over HW, giving time in class to finish. Catch up day on any HW not completed/turned in throughout the past trimester.

HW: none if HW was completed from Thursday. Study for any retakes you plan to take next week

Algebra: Today we took a quiz on "Translating between table, graph, equation and story" and had students check on grades.

HW: Attempt worksheet on "Writing Equations Skill"
Study for any retakes you plan to take next week

Social Studies: Today we did some state capitals practice and talked about ways to study for the test. Monday starts new grades for the 2nd trimester. All first trimester work must be turned in or made up by Wednesday @ 3:40.

HW: none

Science: Today we learned about the relationship between force and motion.

HW: Finish the first side of the worksheet. This should take no more than 15 minutes.

All of our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them.
Walt Disney

Language Arts: Today we discussed and practiced identifying irony in preparation for Reading Response 4, where students will be asked to analyze the effect of its use in "Flowers for Algernon".

HW: None for students who are caught up. Students who wish to have the opportunity to re-do Reading Response 3 must talk to me by tomorrow about this opportunity. Many students have attended the study sessions or have come scheduled a separate time to meet with me to do this. If any other students want this opportunity, they must approach me individually by tomorrow, as I held the last official study session presenting this re-do assignment this morning.

Math 8: Today we Concluded "Climbing the Ladder" activity on solving equations.

HW: finish worksheets
pg 23 - "What do you call two railroad trains after a head-on crash?" (simplify and evaluate)
pg 24 - "What happened to Ray Floob after he fell off the Empire State Building?" (simplify)

Algebra: Today we collected HW, completed notes on "Using Slope", previewed quiz for tomorrow.

HW: Additional practice worksheet (pg 104-05) # 5-7,
also prepare for "Translate between Table, graph, equation" quiz

Social Studies: Today we watched a video concerning the American Revolution. We looked at the many differences between the British and American armies that fought for independence. Notes were taken and turned in at the end of the period.

HW: study and learn state capitals.

Science: Today we finished our Astronomy Assessment, and then we learned about the relationship between force and motion.

HW: Finish the first side of the worksheet. This should take no more than 15 minutes.

Great minds have purposes, others have wishes.
Washington Irving

Language Arts: Today we continued to watch the film adaptation of "Flowers for Algernon".

HW: None for students who are caught up!

Math 8: Today we finished "Climb the Ladder" activity and prepared for integer quiz.

HW: Practice #1 (Solving Equations)

Algebra: Today we reviewed concepts of how to find slope given a table, graph or coordinate points as a class using "Finding Slope" guided practice worksheet

HW: worksheet #1 (pg 153) "What do you call a duck that steals?"
worksheet #2 (pg 154) "What did the ape think of Grape's house?"

Social Studies: Today we completed the last parts of the Declaration of Independence and what it means and stands for. Students then took a quiz on the document. They were allowed to use their notes from class discussions.

HW: Study state capitals using the flash cards created in class.

Science: Today we took our Astronomy Assessment. If we finished early, we worked on our graphs.

Today is the last day that I will accept any late Astronomy assignments.

HW: Due to a misunderstanding by the sub, kids were not allowed to take their graphs home to work on. Finish graphing assignment.

A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. ~Colin Powell

Algebra
Today we reviewed HW in groups and discussed how to find slope using;
tables/graphs---> (Y2 - Y1)
(X2 - X1)
graphs ---> Rise (movement on Y axis)
Run (movement on Y axis)
equations---> identify slope (m) and Y intercept (b)

HW: Additional Practice worksheet, #'s 1-4 (all)

Math 8
Today we reviewed HW and reviewed 1 & 2 step equations using "Climb the Ladder" activity

HW: None
Language Arts
Today we had some classes get caught up with their reading packets based on our current short story, "Flowers for Algernon", while other classes (who had a majority of students caught up) had the opportunity to watch the movie adaptation of the story. Students need to walk into class with all their reading questions completed tomorrow, or they will not be allowed to watch the movie tomorrow.

HW: Students who are all caught up with their work should not have any homework. Students who do not have "Part One" and "Part Two" of the "Flowers for Algernon" reading packets completed and checked off need to make sure to walk in with these done tomorrow. (Note to Parents: If your student did complete Part One and/or Two, they should be able to show them to you as I have already checked them off and returned them to students. Also, please note that students have been given copies of the text.)

Science
Today we had multiple opportunities to raise our Science Inquiry grade by working on a choice of three of the four graphing scenarios.

HW: Finish graphing. Wednesday is the last day late work from the Astronomy unit will be accepted.

Social Studies
Today we discussed the last two parts of the Declaration of Independence. We made connections to past acts and grievances and defined the meaning behind the last paragraph.

HW: answer the two questions on Part V.

Praise is like sunlight to the human spirit: we cannot flower and grow without it.
Jess Lair

Language Arts: Today we reviewed the Reading Response format. Students reflected on what areas they have shown strengths and room for improvement in the previous three reading responses they have completed thus far.

HW: Finish Reading Response Reflection (KWL) if you didn't complete it in class.

Math 8: Today we corrected assessments taken last class (Wednesday). Students were given a mock quiz on evaluating fractions. Began worksheet on solving equations with variables on both sides of the equation.

HW: Worksheet - "solving equations with variables on both sides"

Algebra: Today we corrected assessments taken last class (Wednesday), watched short video on slope-intercept form, began (Check Up #2) as review before moving on to Investigation 4 in MSA

HW: Complete worksheet "Check Up #2"

Social Studies: Today we watched and listened to Arlington: Field of Honor video about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Veteran's Day. As student's listened, they were encouraged to make flash card (teacher provided note cards) of the US State Capitals. Assessment of capitals will be Thursday, Dec. 8.

HW: complete note cards for studying the US capitals.

Science: Today we learned how we know when something is moving (we use a Frame of Reference).

HW: Finish the Frame of Reference worksheet if not done in class. This should take no more than 15 minutes.

Do it now. It is not safe to leave a generous feeling to the cooling influences of the world.
Thomas Guthrie

Language Arts: Today we continued working on "Flowers for Algernon". We are focusing on using context clues (a.k.a. textual evidence) to support any and all conclusions we make about the text.

HW: Finish reading "Flowers for Algernon" and complete the PART TWO Packet with questions about the second half of the reading.

LA Announcement: The first study session on reading responses went well! Following are some additional opportunities to get extra help if they are having a hard time (after instruction and after looking at the feedback on their work) understanding what they need to do to complete proficient-level work on reading response assignment...
Today, 3:45-4:45 after school
Tuesday 11/15, 3:45-4:45 after school
Thursday 11/17 8:15-9am before school
Students are welcome to come for part or all of the study session.

Math 8: Today we had our second attempt to reach proficiency on "Solving Linear Equations"

HW: None, enjoy your 4 day weekend! Only 8 school days left until the end of Trimester 1

Algebra: Today we had our first official opportunity to meet proficiency on " Translating Linear Functions" (LT8.1.1) and "Interpreting and Analyzing Data" (LT 8.1.4).

HW: None, enjoy your 4 day weekend! Only 8 school days left until the end of Trimester 1

Social Studies: Today we discussed part 2 of the Declaration of Independence and defined what it meant to the writer's and us today. We then answered 5 questions for an exit slip.

HW: None!

Science: Today we looked at some evidence as to why Pluto is no longer a planet, and finished the worksheet as a class. We then learned about eclipses and saw a demonstration of a solar and lunar eclipse.

HW: Eclipse worksheet is due Monday. So it the summary of Tides that was assigned yesterday. Have a super four-day weekend!

****NOTE****
The Astronomy Assessment is on Tuesday. This will also be the last day I accept any late work for the Astronomy Unit.

Thoughts are but dreams 'til their effects be tried.
William Shakespeare

Language Arts: Today we continued reading "Flowers for Algernon". Students completed the "Part 1" reading packet on this short story. This packet will be used to check their understanding of the story thus far and will serve as evidence of their ability to infer using context clues.

HW: Finish the "Part 1" reading packet for "Flowers for Algernon". Copies of the text have been made available to students.

***L.A. ANNOUNCEMENT: A study session will be held today, after school, for students who have not met grade-level proficiency in their reading responses and need help figuring out how they can do it. We are reviewing students' latest Reading Response opportunity and discussing specifics about a "re-do" opportunity for those who need it. If your student can't make it today, I will also be available after school tomorrow (Wednesday), and I am open to arranging one-on-one help before school.

Math 8: Today we corrected and reviewed practice quiz. Due to extended ACT testing in period 6 yesterday, we will have one more day to review concepts before taking the assessment Wednesday. We also worked on another practice quiz that is closer in format to the actual assessment.

HW: study for assessment on solving 1 & 2 step equations (with distribution)

Algebra: Today we reviewed/corrected the practice quiz and postponed the assessment until Wednesday. Students were asked to make any corrections on their practice quiz to study for the assessment tonight. We also did a group activity practicing transferring data from a table, graph, equation or real world situation. Students were given one piece of data and were asked to use that one item to find a solution to the other three. For example, students were given a completed table from which they could use to make a corresponding graph and equation while also developing a real world situation (word problem) that describes the data.

HW: review practice quizzes

Social Studies: Today we took the US Physical Map assessment. Students also completed an exit slip about the Declaration of Independence.

HW: If you did not complete the 13 definitions for Part II do so, also try answering the 2 questions on Part II.

Science: Today will learned about what causes tides and wrote a short summary on our reading.

HW: Finish worksheet and summary. This should take no more than 1/2 hour.

Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.
Buddha

Language Arts: Today we continued reading "Flowers for Algernon" and made inferences about characters' understanding and motivation using context clues.

HW: LIST 3 Vocabulary, Cornell Notes, and Summary Writing (a paragraph summarizing the section on "Eclipses") are due tomorrow.

***L.A. ANNOUNCEMENT: Any student desiring extra help on their reading responses are welcome to stay after school tomorrow, 9/8 to work on a "re-do" of their latest reading assignment. This study session will last from 3:45-4:45pm. Any student who has not demonstrated proficiency in their literary analysis is encouraged to attend. I will also be available on Wednesday after school, although that is the day of the 8th grade celebration...)

Math 8: Today we corrected Distribution # 2, finished Solving Equations wksht (w/checked solutions) and began practice quiz for our second opportunity on "solving 1 and 2 step equations"

HW: Complete Practice Quiz

Algebra: Today we corrected HW and reviewed our "mistake test" with an answer key (taken earlier in the trimester with a substitute) as a study guide for tomorrow's quiz. Students were given the opportunity to retake real numbers quiz any day this week on their own time (if necessary). Study for quiz on tables, graphs, and equations.

HW: Practice Quiz on 8.1.1 and 8.1.4 (yellow sheet)

Social Studies: Today we defined the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence. Took definition notes and answered the three questions.

HW: review for the US Physical map test tomorrow AND define the 13 underlined words and phrases in part 2 of the Declaration of Independence.

Science: Today we learned what causes moon phases by simulating the moon orbiting the earth.

HW: Finish the worksheet. This should take no more than 15 minutes.

You don't just stumble into the future. You create your own future.
Roger Smith

Language Arts: Today we took the ACT Explorer Test to measure students' college and career readiness!

HW: LIST 3 Vocabulary, Cornell Notes, and Summary Writing are due on Tuesday, 11/8.

Math 8: Today we did ACT testing for all 8th graders

HW: continue HW from Tuesday - "Distributive Property #2" (worksheet)

Algebra: Today we corrected HW (MSA 1.3 A&B), organized file drawer, and completed 8th grade C Hall "Fall Conferences Self Evaluation and Goal sheet"

HW: worksheet "Investigation 1 Check Up"

Social Studies: Today we took the ACT test.

HW: None - enjoy your long weekend!

Science: Today we took the ACT test.

HW: None - enjoy your long weekend!

Our doubts are traitors,
And make us lose the good
we oft might win
By fearing to attempt.
William Shakespeare

Language Arts: Today we continued our reading of "Flowers for Algernon". Using context clues, we discussed what characteristics or traits have become apparent about Charlie at the beginning of the story.

HW: LIST 3 Vocabulary, Cornell Notes, and Summary Writing are due on Tuesday, 11/8.

Math 8: Today we simplified problems using the distributive property.

HW: Distributive Property #2

Algebra: Today we identified patterns of change in a table.

HW: Moving Straight Ahead, pg. 8-9 1.3 AB

Social Studies: Today we completed the non-cognitive of the ACT test.

HW: please make sure students have 2 pencils (with erasers), a book, and a calculator for the ACT test tomorrow.

Science: Today we continued our study on what causes seasons. We watched a short video about Harvard graduates who don't know what causes seasons. We learned that we are smarter than Harvard graduates!

HW: Finish worksheet. Tomorrow is the ACT test. Make sure you all show up with two #2 pencils with erasers, a book, and a calculator. Get plenty of sleep. Eat a breakfast and lunch with little sugar so you don't bonk during the test.