Language Arts

COTW Test tomorrow
COTW Packet (vocab, quotes, journal, questions) also due tomorrow.
COTW Test Study Guide 

History

Activity 3D due tomorrow
Govt. Poster due Friday for +5 or Tues. 1/7 for full credit

Use this to study for the COTW test on Wed.

Language Arts

* Finish Ch. 6 questions
* Apostrophe #1a due Thursday on noredink
* Tic Tac Toe due Friday (+5) or Tues. for full credit.
* The Collaborize Classroom discussion must be completed by Friday.  Get on it.  It takes a couple days to get the assignment finished and it is a great opportunity for bonus points.

Root Quiz is Thursday this week

History

Act. 3B is due tomorrow
Trading Cards are due Thursday.

Here are the words and the way the Preamble should be written on your quiz.

Memorize the Preamble for the quiz on Thurs. 12/19

Language Arts
We begin ch 6 of COTW
Tic Tac Toe Due Friday (+5) of Tues 12/17 for full credit

COTW Test is Tues. 12/17

History
Fed/Anti-Fed worksheet due Tues.
Act. 3B due Wed.
Trading Cards due Thurs.

Here are the words and the way the Preamble should be written on your quiz.

Memorize the Preamble for the quiz on Thurs. 12/19

Language Arts

*  Blog 8 is due tomorrow.  Don't forget to fill out a form and comment on two other blogs.  They should be different people each week.
*  Ch. 5 should be finished and ready to discuss on Monday.
*  Tic Tac Toe is due Friday 12/13 for (+5) points.  Full credit due date is Tuesday 12/17

20% day tomorrow

History

Trading cards due Thursday 12/12

More information on the Constitutional Convention

Language Arts

Blog 8 due Friday.  Don't forget to fill out a form and comment on two other blogs.  They should be different people each week.

TicTac Toe Due Friday 12/13 with five bonus points or Tues. 12/17 for full credit

History

Trading Cards due Thurs. 12/12

More information on the Constitutional Convention

Language Arts

Root Quiz 9 tomorrow
Tic Tac Toe due Wed. 12/11 for 5 bonus points, 12/13 for full credit
noredink due Wed.

History

Act. 3A Due Wed.

Language Arts

Finish ch. 4 questions and quotes
Finish your grammar assignment due Wed.

History

Close reading of JFK speech due tomorrow

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving

Language Arts
We will discuss ch. 1 questions and ch. 2 tomorrow.  We will discuss ch. 3 on Wed.  You will have a quiz on ch. 1-3 on Thursday.

History
Prepare for the Socratic Seminar tomorrow.

Language Arts

Finish reading chapter 1, the dialectic journal, and the questions for ch. 1.  We will begin ch. 2 on Mon.

Think you can't make a difference?  Check out this list of the 25 most influential young people.

Language Arts

Tomorrow:  Root Quiz 7
Blog #6 Due
Tomorrow we begin Ch. 1 of COTW, for each chapter you will need to write a Dialectical Journal, choose 3 vocab words.  Upon completion of the chapter, you will answer the ch. questions and the quote questions.

History

Your classwork should be finished.  Complete the Declaration paraphrasing homework for tomorrow.

Language Arts

Period 1/3 - Finish finding evidence for "To Build A Fire"  as follows:

Support your answers with textual evidence:

• Identify passages in the story where the narrator either has knowledge unknown to the characters themselves or where the narrator provides his own commentary.
• How would you describe the tone of the narrator?
• Does the narration foreshadow subsequent events? How?
  
  
  Tomorrow we will discuss your findings and go over the worksheet.
  6th Period: Complete the worksheet and be ready to discuss tomorrow.
  
  

  History

  Read pg. 176-181 write the main ideas for each section and answer q. 1-4 on pg. 171. Due Friday.
  
  
  
  

Language Arts

Finish reading "To Build A Fire" and complete the "To Build A Fire"worksheet.
Here is the link to our website with all of the Call of the Wild materials.

History

Quiz tomorrow on the cause and effects of the Rev. War.

Language Arts

Today during class we are going to try an experiment.  Please follow this link to fill out the simple form.

We will also be working on the Book Evaluations that are due Wed. (Tues. for five bonus points) and should be copied to GoodReads by Thursday.

Your root word final is on Wednesday.  We will play a review game on Tuesday, so come prepared.

Here is the link to the form for your Book Evaluation.

History

Groups A and B will present their skits today, groups C and D will go on Tuesday, groups E and F will go Wed., and Groups G and H will go Thursday.

Yearbook

Your Extra Hours are due on Wed. (60 pts)

Language Arts

Theme paragraphs are due tomorrow.  If you need to read the chapter, you can read the complete Seedfolks text here.
You will have 20% day tomorrow, so come prepared.  Blog #5 is due on Wed.  Don't forget to fill out the form.

Book Evaluations are due on Tuesday.

History

Scripts and notes are due at the end of the period tomorrow.  We will present Groups A and B on Monday.

Language Arts

Theme Paragraph draft due tomorrow.  Final will be due on Friday.

Your Goodreads book evaluation is due on Tuesday.  You should write your review and then copy and paste it on to your Goodreads account.  Please let me know in advance if this will be a problem for you.

Your Root Word Final Exam will be Wed. 10/30.  This test will be on all of the QTR 1 Words.  Be sure to study five minutes every day.

History

We will be working on your skits the remainder of this week.  Scripts and Research is due on Friday.  Props should be brought in the day of your skit.

Language Arts

You have until Tuesday at 10:00 pm to complete the collaborize classroom grammar assignment.  It will be closed after that and you will NOT be able to access it or make it up.  In the future, the assignment deadlines will not be extended.  Bookmark this address on your computer, we will use Collaborize Classroom at least 1x/week.
Tomorrow, root word quiz on weeks 1-6.  If you need any of the words they can be found here.  They will be housed on the website from now on.  This is NOT the final.  This quiz will be worth 30 pts.  Next week, the final will be on all the words and worth 75 pts.

You should be ready tomorrow to write your theme statement.  We will finish going over the instructions after the root quiz.
We will also talk briefly about your book evaluation due next Tues. 10/29.

Finally, this week's blog (#4) is due tomorrow.  You now get to choose what you write about for your blog.  Some ideas include:
  *  Topic Proposals
  *  Project Pitch
  *  Things you are excited about
  *  Things that still need work
  *  What worries you
  *  What successes have you/your group had
  *  Mentor
  *  Road blocks
Think about adding a picture.

Don't forget to fill out the form.  I have made a couple changes to it.  Please follow the directions.

History

Finish the "Road to Democracy" worksheet if you have not already.  We will go over it tomorrow in class.

Collaborize Classroom

Language Arts

Last Chance

You have until Tuesday at 3:00 pm to complete the collaborize classroom grammar assignment.  It will be closed after that, and you will NOT be able to access it or make it up.  In the future, the assignment deadlines will not be extended.  Bookmark this address on your computer, we will use Collaborize Classroom at least 1x/week.

History

Colonies quiz tomorrow.  Post card due tomorrow.

Language Arts
Sign in to Collaborize Classroom.  Find your period discussion on Who vs. That.  Follow the instructions and don't forget to vote.  Due Friday at 3:00 pm.
Your Seedfolks packet should also be up-to-date.  You should be finished through Maricela by Friday.  We will read the last two chapters and begin the writing assignment on Monday.

History
Read pgs. 119-123, answer questions 1-4 on page 123.

Language Arts

Root Quiz tomorrow on week 5.  You also need to finish your blog for tomorrow.  Don't forget to send me your form with the link to your blog.  This week, you are updating us on your project and writing about your mentor.  Who is your mentor?  What do you hope to learn from them?  If yo don't have a mentor yet, what is your plan on finding one?

History

No Homework

Language Arts

Your 2nd blog is due tomorrow.  Please remember to fill in the form with the link to your blog.  Three paragraphs.  Also, don't forget your root quiz tomorrow.  Week 4

History

Read pgs. 101-103 and answer questions 104 on page 103.

Yearbook

eDesign lessons are due tomorrow.

Language Arts

Journal Entry #2 Due Wed.
Talk more about your project.  Explain why you chose to do the topic you have chosen.  What is the inspiration, need, or problem that your project stems from?  Who will your target audience be and why did you chose that audience?

Be sure to choose a book for your book project.  Projects are due Oct. 29.  You should be finished with the reading on Oct. 22.

History

Complete your Witch Trial paragraph.  Due tomorrow.

Yearbook

eDesign training is due on Wed.  Be sure to have all of your lessons turned in by then.

Language Arts

Week 3 Root Word Quiz on Wed. Your 1st blog entry is also due on Wed. by 3:00 pm.  Don't forget to fill out the form to send me your link.  6th period - Finish Gonsalvo and be ready to turn in your journal tomorrow.

History

Finish your text book questions 1-4

Yearbook

eDesign lessons should be finish by Wed. 10/9.

Language Arts

Blog Entry #1:  Tell us about your 20% Project.  Things to keep in mind... What did you have in mind?  Are you working alone or with others.  What make you really excited about this project...in other words, out of all of the things you could do for your project, why this?  If you are not sure what your project will be yet, what are you thinking about?

Min. 3 Paragraphs, written in first person.  Be sure to use voice...bring out your personality in your writing.

Language Arts

Today we will read Gonzalo's entry.  Fill out the chart and add to your vacant lot map.  By tomorrow you should have:
     1)  Sent me the links to your website and blog.
     2)  Filled in the form for your encyclopedia.
     3)  Filled out the form that corresponds with your period.
            Period 1
            Period 3
            Period 6

Also, this is your last chance to complete the following assignments.  After Friday, your will receive a 0 on the assignment:

           Student Information Sheet
           Collaborize Classroom  Choose "register now"
           Reading Survey
          Writing Survey
           Good Reads


Tomorrow, 20% day.  Bring what you need.

History

Today we are going to continue looking at the Mayflower Compact.  We are going to read and decipher the actual text.

Yearbook

We are in desperate need of a couple parents willing to help out at the Panther Fest on Friday, Oct. 4.  Please contact me if you are available.
       

Language Arts

After going over Ch. 1 of Seedfolks, you will have time to finish your Enclyclopedia, work on your website, or work on Blogger.  Here is a link to the top student websites of 2012.  Don't forget.  You have a root word quiz tomorrow.  You will be tested on both weeks one and two.  Also, please fill out the form with your website and blog site.

Language Arts:

We read Ch. 1 of Seedfolks.  You began sketching the vacant lot.  Tomorrow you will add to that.

Tomorrow your Encyclopedia will be due at the end of the period.  Plan accordingly.  Your blog and website should be working now.

History:

We talked about reasons for colonization in the New World.  Homework:  Read pgs. 85-89 and answer questions 1-4 on page 89

Yearbook:

Please turn the field trip medical form tomorrow.

Language Arts

We finished talking about the different purposes for writing and began working on our Encyclopedias of an Ordinary Life - Due Tues.
Please fill out this form when you have a website and blog site up and running.  Please note that it does not have to be completely finished, just working.  Tomorrow is 20% day.  We will start forming groups, creating norms, discussing requirements, and reviewing possible projects.

History

We worked on our maps today.  Tomorrow you have a quiz on the notes on pre-colonization.  Your map will be due at the end of the period.

Yearbook

Today we started talking about what we want to put in our yearbook.  Tomorrow we will take some pictures.  Mon. the rep from Herff Jones will be here to help us design our cover.  Just a reminder...our field trip is next Wed., Sept. 25.

Language Arts

We have our first root word quiz today.  Each week we add on to the words we had from the weeks before, so be sure to keep up with your words.
We will go over how to set up a Blogger site today.  Blogging will be vital to you success in Language Arts.  By Friday you should have your blog site along with your website ready to go.  Want some ideas?  Check out this blog with a link to the 49 best student blogs of 2012.  Look through them to get ideas of excellent blog pages.

History

Today you will work on your US Map.  The map is due on Friday. You will also have a quiz on pre-colonization that we will review tomorrow.

Yearbook

Today is the day.  We will present and vote for our theme packet.  Good luck to you all.

Language Arts

We taped up all of the Writer's Notebooks.  If you have not finished yours, please finish that tonight.  Also, this is your last chance to complete the beginning of the year surveys.  All the links are located on the right side of this blog.  Also, don't forget to have your parents complete the parent survey.

Tomorrow we have a root word quiz.  Don't forget to study.

History

We finished all of our notes.  This is your last chance to complete the beginning of the year surveys.  All the links are located on the right side of this blog.  Also, don't forget to have your parents complete the parent survey.  Once approved on Collaborize Classroom, complete the two activities for your period.

Yearbook

Today is the last day to work on theme packets.  Tomorrow we will present our packets and vote on the yearbook theme. Good luck.  Remember, enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm, so get excited.

Language Arts:

Today we will go over the rules of your writing notebook.  We will also talk about different purposes of writing.
For homework...finish your 6 word memoir.  Choose your words carefully.  This memoir will not only be displayed in the classroom, it will also be on the front page of your web site.  Speaking of websites...yours should be up and running by Friday.  Finally, finish decorating your writing notebook.  We will tape them up tomorrow.

History:

Today we are taking an assessment.  You will have no homework.

Yearbook:

We are going to talk copy today.  You will be adding opening copy to your theme packet.  Theme packets will be presented and voted on Wed.  If you haven't already, make sure you get your permission slip in.

Language Arts:

Today we work on our websites.  I have created a template that you can access through Google Drive using your PUSD gmail account or you can create your own as long as it has a page for "Home", "Digital Portfolio", and "Blog".  Some of you used WebS last year to create a website.  You may use that again if you like as it offers some features Sites does not.
Also, please fill out the mind map to help you prepare for 20% day tomorrow.  You will need to download it if you want to type right on the document.

History:

We will continue working on presentations.  Period 8, you will go to room 606 and will have an alternative assignment.

Yearbook:

Keep working on theme packets.  Bring in magazines so that you can add pictures to your mock up.

Language Arts

Today we begin root word study.  I will show you how to write and save your weekly list of root words.  Root word quizzes will be on Wed.  After the quiz, you will receive you new list of root words.  Remember that each weekly quiz will build on the words from the weeks before for six weeks.  Your final test will be on all six weeks of words.  Then we start over.  I keep a list of words in many places including here on this blog, so there is no excuse for not having your words.  You WILL NOT be excused from a quiz because you were not here to write down the words.  Be sure to check the website each Wed. for the words.

Here are the words for this week:

Week 1

History

Today we will continue working on student presentations.

Yearbook

We are working on Theme Packets.  Theme packet rough draft should be finished by the beginning of the period Thursday.  So if it is not finished, someone needs to take it home to do it.  I will give you a few minutes in class tomorrow to make changes and then you complete the mock up of your theme packet.
Also, please don't forget your signed permission slip.  Have it back tomorrow.

Language Arts

Today we will finish our presentations.  It was so wonderful to learn more about each of you.  I am so excited now that this year is underway.

We will also finish talking about the 20% project.  The more I talk about it, the more excited I get.  I hope you are too.  Finally, we will talk about the requirements for the writing notebook.  Please have your notebook decorated by Monday.  We will be taping them up on Monday, finished or not.

History

We are continuing with the group presentations.  Today is group B/C.

Yearbook

Today you will get in groups and begin working on theme packets.  Details will be given in class.  They are due on Friday.

Language Arts

Today, if the internet cooperates, we will finish everyone's presentation.  I will also spend whatever time is left, talking more about the 20% project. Be sure to check out the web site, for more information.

History

You will have a little time to put the finishing touches on your group presentations.  We will then start with group A.  If you don't already have it, be sure to bring a spiral notebook to class daily.  We begin taking notes in it today.

Yearbook

We will begin theme packets that will be due at the end of the week.  

Language Arts

Today we need to take the Gates-MacGinitie reading assessment.  After that you should finish your Collaborize Classroom assignments, sign up for Remind101, sign up for Good Reads and add me as a friend.  If you have not already done so, please finish your student info sheet and the reading and writing survey.  All of these need to be completed by tomorrow.

History

Students will continue to work on their group project.  They should be finished by the end of the period tomorrow.  Anything not completed, will need to be completed at home.

Yearbook

Today we begin to delve into theme.  We will look at themes from other books and begin to work on our own.  You will have a worksheet on theme (pg.7) that you will need to complete for homework if it is not completed in class.

This post is for class tomorrow, Wed. Sept. 4.

Language Arts

Today you may work on the literary terms.  I've included the link so that you can complete the page right on your computer, or you may have a hard copy to write on...whatever works best for you.  If you finish, you can work on Collaborize Classroom or explore Goodreads.  Be sure to add me as a friend on your account.

History

You will continue to work on your cartoon strip.  I will have paper for you to create your cartoon.

Yearbook

Continue to work on your spread.  They are due at the beginning of the period on Thursday.

Language Arts

Please don't forget to sign up for Remind101.  If you would like to sign up for emails instead of text, let me know and I will give you those instructions.  Otherwise, please sign up tonight.  Also, please register for Collaborize Classroom.  Once you are approved, you can participate in the discussions.  When you get to the sign-in, you will need to erase my email address and replace it with your gmail address and your own password.   Click "register" and follow the instructions.  The first two discussions will be posted until Friday, make sure to get online before then.  Plan ahead.   Also, be sure to create you Goodreads account and add me as a friend.  We will begin using Goodreads next week.

US History

Please don't forget to sign up for Remind101.  If you would like to sign up for emails instead of text, let me know and I will give you those instructions.  Otherwise, please sign up tonight.  Also, please register for Collaborize Classroom.  Once you are approved, you can participate in the discussions.  When you get to the sign-in, you will need to erase my email address and replace it with your gmail address and your own password.   Click "register" and follow the instructions.  The first two discussions will be posted until Friday, make sure to get online before then.  Plan ahead.  

Today you will work on your Group Project.  Read your assigned pages and keep a list of Characters, Events, Setting, and impact on Americas.

Yearbook

Continue working on your spread.  These will be due first thing Thurs.  Also, be sure to look at the powerpoint on photography and answer the questions.

Language Arts

I am super excited to learn about you all today as you give your introductions.  Don't forget to save your work so you can add it to your web site when those are up and running.

Please don't forget to sign up for Remind101.  Also, please register for Collaborize Classroom.  You will need to erase my email address and replace it with your gmail address and your own password.  We will begin using it regularly next week.

Language Arts

You will have most of the period today to work on your introduction.  We will share these tomorrow. Have fun.  Let me know if you have any questions.  The QR code challenge is still on until one group in each class gets all of the answers.  I will be giving clues to some of the questions, so pay attention.  

Also, don't forget, if you haven't already done so, fill out the student information sheet, the reading survey, and the writing survey.  Also, be sure to get your parents to fill out the parent survey.  I learn a lot about each of you from these surveys, which in turn help me design my curriculum.

History

Today we will have a silent debate over the importance of studying history.  Afterward, you will write a paragraph stating your own opinion.  The paragraph will be due Friday.

Also, don't forget, if you haven't already done so, fill out the student information sheet, the reading survey, and the writing survey.  Also, be sure to get your parents to fill out the parent survey.  I learn a lot about each of you from these surveys, which in turn help me design my curriculum.

Yearbook

Tomorrow we will have a crash course in photography today in preparation for our first photo assignment.  If you have a camera that you would like to use, be sure to bring it in tomorrow.  I have four cameras that we will get up and working today.  We will also continue to work on theme, and you will begin your partner spread.

Take a look here at my first photography tutorial.  Watch the powerpoint and answer questions next to it.  You may go back and change your answers.

HW:  Spreads will be due Wed. 9/4

Language Arts and History:

Today we are doing a QR code scavenger hunt.  If you haven't already, be sure to download and save and/or print the Student Handbook so that you can answer the questions and win the prize.

Language Arts Homework:
Continue working on your introductions.  We will watch the presentations on Friday.

Language Arts

Today you will take a tour of my website.  I will talk more about myself and Language Arts in general.  Finally, you will begin work on your personal introduction.  You can create a 2-3 minute podcast, create a comic strip, create a personal timeline, create a short story about yourself, create a magazine spread about your life, create a powerpoint presentation using Google Presentation, create an iMovie, or give a speech.  Most importantly, take risks and have fun.

US History

Could you pass the citizenship quiz?  Today we will take it and you will see.  Additionally, you will write a personal letter to me.  For homework, be sure to fill out the  student information guide and the Doctopus survey that corresponds with you period.  Also, make sure you parents complete their Parent Survey.  Additionally, you will write a letter to me due tomorrow.

U.S. History

Language Arts:

Welcome back!!!  I am so excited to get started with you this year.

Today we will spend our time together getting to know each other.  You'll have a chance to write down your thoughts, and walk around the classroom.  Additionally, we will go over the beginning of the year letter.  If you are in Laptop, you can read this letter.  If you are in my 6th period class, read this one.  You can also read the letter about my philosophy on my reading library.

For homework, you can start working on the beg. of the year surveys.  There is a student information guide, a reading survey, and a writing survey.  Don't forget to have your parent fill out the Parent survey.

Please also fill out the short form here according to your period with me.  Please use your gmail account:

Period 1
Period 3
Period 6

U.S. History

Welcome back!!!  I am so excited to get started with you this year.

Today we will spend our time together getting to know each other.  You'll have a chance to write down your thoughts, and walk around the classroom.  Additionally, we will go over the beginning of the year letter.

For homework, you can start working on the beg. of the year surveys.  You will also start working on your digital introduction.  There is a student information guide,  a short grading rubric form I need to you fill out.  If you need a hard copy.  Please let me know.
Don't forget to have your parent fill out the parent information sheet.

Fill out the short form here according to your period with me.  Please use your gmail account:

Period 7
Period 8

Yearbook

We will go over the class syllabus.  Please bring in magazines and a small photo to put on your press pass.  Fill out the Student Information Guide if you are not doing it for another class.

Dear 8th Graders,

 My name is Kathy Nichols and I will be your teacher this year for Language Arts, US History, or Yearbook.  I haven’t met most of you yet, but every day this summer I’ve thought about you.

I haven’t thought about you individually, because I don’t know who many of you are, but I’ve thought about you collectively.  I’ve thought about the amazing group of 8th graders that will cross the threshold of my classroom soon.

 * I’ve thought about challenging you.
 * I’ve thought about embracing your differences.
 * I’ve thought about your strengths.
 * I’ve thought about your weaknesses.

 I have a secret that I can’t keep any longer.

You. Are. All. Geniuses.

 Sounds crazy, huh?  I know deep within you, your inner genius is ready to come out!  I’ve worked with geniuses for twenty years now, and let me tell you something – it’s amazing. This year won’t be different.
So, before you walk through my door on the first day of school, think about YOUR genius. What are you an expert at? What do you enjoy? What can I learn from YOU? How are YOU going to change the world? I can’t wait to share my genius with you and for you to share your genius with all the other geniuses in the room: your classmates!

 Fondly,
Ms. Nichols