IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:
The holidays are almost here!! This week, school will be in session Monday through Thursday with Thursday being an Early Release Day at 1 pm. Please arrange for appropriate transportations for your child at 1pm. There is no school on Friday. Enjoy the break!
Our team wishes you and yours the happiest of holidays and a relaxing break from work and school. School resumes on Monday, January 7. See you in 2008!
English:
This week, we are wrapping up our Holocaust unit by watching Freedom Writers in class. Only students who have produced a signed permission slip from a parent are permitted to watch the film. The film features Miep Gies, The Frank family’s helper, and has an overall powerful message about learning despite individual circumstances.
ALL WORK IS DUE BY WED. DEC. 19 FOR MY CLASS, No exceptions. ALL EXTRA CREDIT is due by DEC. 17.
History:
Last Thursday, many of the students had a unique opportunity. For the first time in the history of school, the students participated in a distance learning activity from Antarctica. Ann Linsley and Dr. Andrew Klein reported on the research on the human impact on the environment in and around McMurdo in Antarctica. This is one of the main scientific bases on the continent and has been in operation for many years. In years past, people were not as concerned about environmental impact as they are now so this research is helping the scientists determine what types of contaminants are there and how these are affecting the environment. This was a live broadcast and the students were able to ask questions of the two researchers. There were a number of pictures showing the environment and the research. This broadcast was picked up by a number of schools and individuals around the country. It also was unique in that it focused on the Bellaire feeder pattern with Horn Academy, Pin Oak, and Bellaire High School all participating in the same project. There should be an article in the education section of the newspaper this week or next.
I am going to be participating in some of the debriefing of this project in Auckland and Christ Church and will be gone next week.
The assignments for next week and after the holiday are as follows:
Read and study, pp. 217-230, answer questions 5-14, p. 231. These should be answered in complete sentences. Define the terms a-f. Read and study the Constitution, pp. 233-253. Study the sidebars and answer all questions in the sidebars. Also, keep a separate list of the vocabulary terms and their definitions as instructed. Work on the three sheets relating to the Constitution given to you on Tuesday and Wednesday. All of these will go into the back of the Constitution booklet due January 18. We will be discussing the questions in class.
Websites for the Constitution booklet:
http://www.house.gov/htbin/wrep_findrep
http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/federal.shtml
These websites will help on the Constitution project.
All of the students have received the assignment on the Constitution project.
Most of the students did a wonderful job on the storyboard. I am counting this as a test grade because the requirements for this assignment and the learning resulting were more challenging than reviewing for a test.
Students always have the opportunity for extra-credit over holidays. If they leave town, they may keep a journal, mark the route on a map, visit something educational, take pictures, and generally have a good record of their trip. This should be presented as a booklet with pictures and neatly written.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, and Great New Year! I will see the students again on January 7.
Science:
Please email Mr. Scott for Science Info
Math:
Algebra: Testing 123…Students in Algebra 1 will take the semester final on Tuesday, December 18th from 9:00-11:00. Students from across the school will take the exam together in the multipurpose room. Reviews were sent home, along with specific questions sections students should review for the exam. Please ask your algebra student to show you how he/she did on the review and require that they review in their texts to get ready for the exam. I will be available after school and during advisory on Monday for any last minute student questions. Vocabulary for Chapter 4 is due on Wednesday.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period:
We will cover textbook sections 4-6 and 4-7 during class on Monday. Students will complete sections 4-8 in class on Wednesday. Sections 4-9 and 4-10 will be covered the first day we meet after the holidays. All assignments for this week have been assigned and students have been instructed to fill out their agendas with the relevant information.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period:
Monday, December 17th, Students will take a test covering chapter 4. Sections 4-9 and 4-10 are due on Monday, along with the vocabulary for chapter 4.
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com/
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Weekly Update 12/10-14
IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:
-Progress reports go home Friday, Dec. 7.
-If your child is applying to magnet high schools and the application requires teacher recommendation letters or forms to be completed, please allow ample time for the teacher. Please speak with your child about how to ask someone for a recommendation--not to just hand it in and assume we will handle it. This is an important life lesson. Be sure to include all necessary documents, including an addressed, stamped envelope where appropriate. Thank you!
English:
Our schedule didn’t work out quite as planned, so this week we will finish up with our in-class novel, Daniel’s Story. A short quiz over Part 3-4 will be Friday, Dec. 14. Monday/Tuesday, Literature Circle Discussions will be happening in class and questions are due. One grade will be based on participation, the other is a grade for the questions. Wednesday/Thursday is IRP Presentations in class. Per my email sent out on Tuesday, I have decided to split up the grade for this assignment between this six weeks and next. This is only because the students have already had several heavily weighted grades on this grading period. Because this grade is at the end of this grading period, students who perform poorly could find themselves with poor or failing grades with little time to do anything about it. Therefore, of the 3 grades this project is worth, 1 grade will be applied to the current grading period, and 2 will be applied to the next.
Parent approval forms are due on or before the day the projects are due, which is Dec. 12-13. Parent approval forms that were turned in on the day of book checks (Nov. 12-13) were awarded extra credit points. Please monitor your child regarding their reading and completing these assignments—time management is key to completing this work, and some students still need guidance with self-pacing.
I have several extra credit opportunities available to students, but time is of the essence. Please remember that extra credit should be completed only after all missing assignments have been turned in.
History:
A major assignment is due on Monday/Tuesday. This is the storyboard relating to three periods in early American History. The students have received the assignment and they have seen examples from a previous year. This must be in on the day due; late work is unacceptable for this assignment.
I assigned the major project on the Constitution and Bill of Rights this week. This assignment is due January 18. It is work the students must know for work in school until they graduate from college and the knowledge of this material will help them to become good citizens. Each student has a copy of the assignment.
Too many students did not complete the assignments on story maps and analyzing a founding father as a hero or villain. These were due over two weeks ago and I have given all the opportunity to turn this work late. Your child’s grade will reflect this on the progress report. Please encourage your student complete the storyboard by Monday/Tuesday and the Constitution project.
Knowing how to use the social studies skills of the story map, analyzing people in history, and the story board will help the students in future social studies classes. These were all new skills for most of the students and, overall, they did an excellent job.
Science:
All Classes
TLW:
1) Complete study guides for Mid-Term exams.
2) Use study guides to create practice tests and complete practice study activities through out the week
The Final exams will count for 25% of the third six weeks average in Science 8/ Pre AP.
The Final exam for IPC will not affect the six weeks average because it counts as 25% of the semester average.
EXAM DATES:
Science 8/PreAP
December 18, 2007
IPC
December 19, 2007
These exams are very important and I am asking you to please help prepare your child to do well:
1) ask to see the study guide
2) quiz them from the study guide
3) make them tell you what’s on the study guide until it becomes second nature.
I will be here on Tuesday and Thursday to help IPC and Monday and Wednesday for science 8/PreAP from 3:50-4:30 for tutorials.
Math:
Algebra 1-all classes:
Students are preparing for the midterm exam. It will be held, Tuesday, December 18th. Students will receive review materials that review the topics that will be on the exam. It is important that students be present during this time, as students will do much of the preparation during class. We are currently working in Chapter 4 of the textbook. Students need not bring their texts to class, as we have a class set at our disposal. Students are also working on the Big Picture, a diagram that brings the first semester concepts together to add clarity. Please ask to see them.
Pre-Algebra:
Students are diligently working through the chapter on proportional and non-proportional relationships. We are discussing scale factor, dilations, and proportionality. Students have learned about using scale factor in the real world. Enlargements on a copier, and the dilation of the pupil of the eye are a few real-world examples. Please discuss with your kids and ask them to define scale factor and it’s uses.
All Math Classes:
We have begun our review as we get ready for TAKS. Each week or two, we will have an objective lesson pack that will help students review concepts in the form they are likely to see them on the TAKS test. This should help students feel more at ease during the test, as the questions are TAKS style questions. Students take quizzes that pull 10 identical questions from the packets. Dates for each class are given in the classroom. They are written on the agenda at the front of the classroom, discussed in class, and are written in the, “week at a glance” chart located on the far board. Agendas are used to record information about class and homework. I ask students each class period to take out and fill out their agendas. Please help me help your student by checking the agenda daily.
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
-Progress reports go home Friday, Dec. 7.
-If your child is applying to magnet high schools and the application requires teacher recommendation letters or forms to be completed, please allow ample time for the teacher. Please speak with your child about how to ask someone for a recommendation--not to just hand it in and assume we will handle it. This is an important life lesson. Be sure to include all necessary documents, including an addressed, stamped envelope where appropriate. Thank you!
English:
Our schedule didn’t work out quite as planned, so this week we will finish up with our in-class novel, Daniel’s Story. A short quiz over Part 3-4 will be Friday, Dec. 14. Monday/Tuesday, Literature Circle Discussions will be happening in class and questions are due. One grade will be based on participation, the other is a grade for the questions. Wednesday/Thursday is IRP Presentations in class. Per my email sent out on Tuesday, I have decided to split up the grade for this assignment between this six weeks and next. This is only because the students have already had several heavily weighted grades on this grading period. Because this grade is at the end of this grading period, students who perform poorly could find themselves with poor or failing grades with little time to do anything about it. Therefore, of the 3 grades this project is worth, 1 grade will be applied to the current grading period, and 2 will be applied to the next.
Parent approval forms are due on or before the day the projects are due, which is Dec. 12-13. Parent approval forms that were turned in on the day of book checks (Nov. 12-13) were awarded extra credit points. Please monitor your child regarding their reading and completing these assignments—time management is key to completing this work, and some students still need guidance with self-pacing.
I have several extra credit opportunities available to students, but time is of the essence. Please remember that extra credit should be completed only after all missing assignments have been turned in.
History:
A major assignment is due on Monday/Tuesday. This is the storyboard relating to three periods in early American History. The students have received the assignment and they have seen examples from a previous year. This must be in on the day due; late work is unacceptable for this assignment.
I assigned the major project on the Constitution and Bill of Rights this week. This assignment is due January 18. It is work the students must know for work in school until they graduate from college and the knowledge of this material will help them to become good citizens. Each student has a copy of the assignment.
Too many students did not complete the assignments on story maps and analyzing a founding father as a hero or villain. These were due over two weeks ago and I have given all the opportunity to turn this work late. Your child’s grade will reflect this on the progress report. Please encourage your student complete the storyboard by Monday/Tuesday and the Constitution project.
Knowing how to use the social studies skills of the story map, analyzing people in history, and the story board will help the students in future social studies classes. These were all new skills for most of the students and, overall, they did an excellent job.
Science:
All Classes
TLW:
1) Complete study guides for Mid-Term exams.
2) Use study guides to create practice tests and complete practice study activities through out the week
The Final exams will count for 25% of the third six weeks average in Science 8/ Pre AP.
The Final exam for IPC will not affect the six weeks average because it counts as 25% of the semester average.
EXAM DATES:
Science 8/PreAP
December 18, 2007
IPC
December 19, 2007
These exams are very important and I am asking you to please help prepare your child to do well:
1) ask to see the study guide
2) quiz them from the study guide
3) make them tell you what’s on the study guide until it becomes second nature.
I will be here on Tuesday and Thursday to help IPC and Monday and Wednesday for science 8/PreAP from 3:50-4:30 for tutorials.
Math:
Algebra 1-all classes:
Students are preparing for the midterm exam. It will be held, Tuesday, December 18th. Students will receive review materials that review the topics that will be on the exam. It is important that students be present during this time, as students will do much of the preparation during class. We are currently working in Chapter 4 of the textbook. Students need not bring their texts to class, as we have a class set at our disposal. Students are also working on the Big Picture, a diagram that brings the first semester concepts together to add clarity. Please ask to see them.
Pre-Algebra:
Students are diligently working through the chapter on proportional and non-proportional relationships. We are discussing scale factor, dilations, and proportionality. Students have learned about using scale factor in the real world. Enlargements on a copier, and the dilation of the pupil of the eye are a few real-world examples. Please discuss with your kids and ask them to define scale factor and it’s uses.
All Math Classes:
We have begun our review as we get ready for TAKS. Each week or two, we will have an objective lesson pack that will help students review concepts in the form they are likely to see them on the TAKS test. This should help students feel more at ease during the test, as the questions are TAKS style questions. Students take quizzes that pull 10 identical questions from the packets. Dates for each class are given in the classroom. They are written on the agenda at the front of the classroom, discussed in class, and are written in the, “week at a glance” chart located on the far board. Agendas are used to record information about class and homework. I ask students each class period to take out and fill out their agendas. Please help me help your student by checking the agenda daily.
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Weekly Update 12/3-12/7
IMPORTANT REMINDERS/EVENTS:
-Progress reports will go home Friday, Dec. 7.
-If your child is applying to magnet high schools and the application requires teacher recommendation letters or forms to be completed, please allow ample time for the teacher. Be sure to include all necessary documents, including an addressed, stamped envelope where appropriate. Thank you!
English:
This week, we will finish reading Daniel’s Story in class. Related activities will be assigned as classwork/homework. We will do other Holocaust related activities as time allows, including watching a video about America’s role in WWII and Freedom Writers (this is PG 13, includes some vulgar language—I will be sending home a permission slip if our schedule allows us time to view this movie—permission slips must be signed by for your child to view this.)
Congrats to Ray Torres and Jasmine Suryawan for being the English Question of the Week winners! The two will be entered into our monthly drawing for 10 dollar gift cards. We are combining Nov. and Dec. for the drawing this time because of the short amount of time we are here in December.
UPCOMING DATES:
Parent approval forms are due on or before the day the projects are due, which is Dec. 12-13. Parent approval forms that were turned in on the day of book checks (Nov. 12-13) were awarded extra credit points. Please monitor your child regarding their reading and completing these assignments—time management is key to completing this work, and some students still need guidance with self-pacing.
Literature Circles will be held in class on Monday/Tuesday, Dec. 10-11. This means that books must be completely read and questions answered.
History:
The students had two tests this week. On one, over chapters 5 and six, the students did fairly well, but many failed the one over the Declaration of Independence. It is obvious that they have not done their homework. Please encourage your student to do the assigned reading and work. The major homework assignments this six weeks were two new social studies skills: One was the analysis of one of the early leaders from the American and the British viewpoints (Hero/Villain). The second skill is that of a story map. The students had a variety of events from which they had to select at least five related events to complete the story map. I had two different types of examples they could use. Many have not done this work or they did not relate the items. Again, it is imperative the students pay attention to the introduction of these new skills and to do them. The rest of the year and into next year we will be studying the United States Constitution. The students will learn their rights and responsibilities through this study, and doing well on this will make their high school and college study easier. All students have study questions over Chapter 7 which are due this week. In addition, they will receive a new skills assignment on making a storyboard. This assignment will be due December 10/11. The next project is one on the Constitution. I will assign this shortly, but it is not due until some time in mid January. The students will need to use a computer and a library in order to complete this assignment. Perhaps they can go to the library over the winter holiday.
Science:
TLW
All Classes
1. Illustrate and explain how the spin and tilt of the Earth accounts for the length of a day
2. Relate the relationship of the tilt of the Earth on its axis to weather patterns and climate zones
3. Complete lab activities related to heat transformation and Convection currents related to weather patterns.
Use weather symbols and terminology and weather maps to interpret data.
5. Complete Texas Chilly maps, and conclusion rubric.
6. Complete heat transfer lab activity and write, graphs, and conclusions on results.
Math:
Algebra:
We will continue in chapter 4. Students will learn the point slope and the standard form of a line. We will continue solving for a variable, working with literal equations, and graphing lines given various pieces of information. The Objective 1 Quiz will be on Friday.
Pre-Algebra 3rd:
We will continue working in Chapter 4. Students will cover the remainder of chapter 4. We have covered through 4-4. Chapter 4 is all about ratios and proportions. The Objective 1 Quiz will be on Friday. Students can expect and exam on Chapter 4 next week.
Pre-algebra 5th:
Students will begin Chapter 4 and work through the first four sections. Chapter 4 is all about ratios and proportions. The Objective 1 Quiz is will be on Friday.
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com/
-Progress reports will go home Friday, Dec. 7.
-If your child is applying to magnet high schools and the application requires teacher recommendation letters or forms to be completed, please allow ample time for the teacher. Be sure to include all necessary documents, including an addressed, stamped envelope where appropriate. Thank you!
English:
This week, we will finish reading Daniel’s Story in class. Related activities will be assigned as classwork/homework. We will do other Holocaust related activities as time allows, including watching a video about America’s role in WWII and Freedom Writers (this is PG 13, includes some vulgar language—I will be sending home a permission slip if our schedule allows us time to view this movie—permission slips must be signed by for your child to view this.)
Congrats to Ray Torres and Jasmine Suryawan for being the English Question of the Week winners! The two will be entered into our monthly drawing for 10 dollar gift cards. We are combining Nov. and Dec. for the drawing this time because of the short amount of time we are here in December.
UPCOMING DATES:
Parent approval forms are due on or before the day the projects are due, which is Dec. 12-13. Parent approval forms that were turned in on the day of book checks (Nov. 12-13) were awarded extra credit points. Please monitor your child regarding their reading and completing these assignments—time management is key to completing this work, and some students still need guidance with self-pacing.
Literature Circles will be held in class on Monday/Tuesday, Dec. 10-11. This means that books must be completely read and questions answered.
History:
The students had two tests this week. On one, over chapters 5 and six, the students did fairly well, but many failed the one over the Declaration of Independence. It is obvious that they have not done their homework. Please encourage your student to do the assigned reading and work. The major homework assignments this six weeks were two new social studies skills: One was the analysis of one of the early leaders from the American and the British viewpoints (Hero/Villain). The second skill is that of a story map. The students had a variety of events from which they had to select at least five related events to complete the story map. I had two different types of examples they could use. Many have not done this work or they did not relate the items. Again, it is imperative the students pay attention to the introduction of these new skills and to do them. The rest of the year and into next year we will be studying the United States Constitution. The students will learn their rights and responsibilities through this study, and doing well on this will make their high school and college study easier. All students have study questions over Chapter 7 which are due this week. In addition, they will receive a new skills assignment on making a storyboard. This assignment will be due December 10/11. The next project is one on the Constitution. I will assign this shortly, but it is not due until some time in mid January. The students will need to use a computer and a library in order to complete this assignment. Perhaps they can go to the library over the winter holiday.
Science:
TLW
All Classes
1. Illustrate and explain how the spin and tilt of the Earth accounts for the length of a day
2. Relate the relationship of the tilt of the Earth on its axis to weather patterns and climate zones
3. Complete lab activities related to heat transformation and Convection currents related to weather patterns.
Use weather symbols and terminology and weather maps to interpret data.
5. Complete Texas Chilly maps, and conclusion rubric.
6. Complete heat transfer lab activity and write, graphs, and conclusions on results.
Math:
Algebra:
We will continue in chapter 4. Students will learn the point slope and the standard form of a line. We will continue solving for a variable, working with literal equations, and graphing lines given various pieces of information. The Objective 1 Quiz will be on Friday.
Pre-Algebra 3rd:
We will continue working in Chapter 4. Students will cover the remainder of chapter 4. We have covered through 4-4. Chapter 4 is all about ratios and proportions. The Objective 1 Quiz will be on Friday. Students can expect and exam on Chapter 4 next week.
Pre-algebra 5th:
Students will begin Chapter 4 and work through the first four sections. Chapter 4 is all about ratios and proportions. The Objective 1 Quiz is will be on Friday.
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Weekly Update
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Our regular update will resume after the holidays. Have restful break from work and school!
Our regular update will resume after the holidays. Have restful break from work and school!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Weekly Update 11/19-20
IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:
Magnet Tours have been going on all week. I know that Ms. Graves appreciates all student and parent volunteers for this important week.
Area of concern:
Many students are turning work in late or not at all in all subjects. This is a major contributing factor to low six weeks grades. We offer tutorials for help or to complete work. Please make sure that you are checking your student's progress report and reports that come home for classes periodically.
English:
Many students do not have their independent reading books yet. The longer they wait to begin reading, the less time they have to complete the book before literature circles and projects. Lists and parent approval forms went home 2 weeks ago, I sent out an email about it, and it has been on the blog. Please, please make sure your child has the materials they need at school. When we read in class, they sit and do nothing if they don’t have a book. If you have obtained a copy of the book your child is reading, please monitor that they have it with them at school. I highly recommend that students read as much as time allows next week during the break from school to make up for lost time or to get ahead.
This week is only 2 days long, but we will accomplish as much as we can in these two days. Students will be taking a benchmark test over TAKS Reading material. After the test in class, we will begin reading Daniel’s Story. Vocabulary assignment from Daniel’s Story given out on Wednesday/Thursday, Nov. 14-15, is due Monday/Tuesday. Some time in class was given.
UPCOMING DATES:
Parent approval forms are due on or before the day the projects are due, which is Dec. 12-13. Parent approval forms that are turned in on the day of book checks will be awarded extra credit points.
Literature Circles will be held in class on Monday/Tuesday, Dec. 10-11. This means that books must be completely read and questions answered.
History:
This week, the posters on “Hero or Villain” were due; many of them are just quite creative and very well done. I hope to have some hanging in the hall before long.
The students received instruction on another social studies skill—a story map. They have a list of events during the Revolution. From these events, they are to select five or ten events and develop a story map. The final product is due Monday/Tuesday next week.
In addition, all questions and section reviews should be completed on Chapters 5 and 6 relating to the Revolution. There will be a test on Monday/Tuesday over this material. Those classes which have the Rotary Club SAW Program or Junior Achievement will have the test when they return from Thanksgiving/
The next unit of study will be on the New Republic, how it functioned under the Articles of Confederation, and why the Constitution was written. Then, we will be spending some time on the Constitution itself. There will be a major project with the Constitution, but that will not be due until next six weeks.
Science:
All Classes
My IPC classes will take a break from chemistry this week in order to do a unit called Geology 101.
The end of year exam determining promotion to high school will include all the objectives mastered since 6th grade.
Periodically as the year progresses I will include IPC students in the same activities as my Pre-AP classes to assure their ready to take the end of course exams, i.e.: genetics, systems, astronomy.
TLW:
1) Analyze and predict events in the rock cycle
2) Predict land features and global gradual changes such as mountain building, erosion, continental drift.
3) Explain the role of plate tectonics in the shaping of the earth’s continents.
4) Complete the laboratory investigations; Web Quest, Dynamic Earth, Pangaea Puzzle, Map of Fire, Rock hound
Last week was science week for the cluster question. I am excited to say all the submitted entries were correct so everyone went into the drawing, and the winners are Forrest Jackson and Lovie Valentin, congratulations you have each earned a coupon for a free grade in science and you will be entered in the end of the month drawing for a chance to win a $10.00 gift card.
Math:
Algebra-2nd, 4th, & 6th Period:Since we only meet once, we will grade outstanding work and students will receive the TAKS Objective 2 packet. The packet isn’t due for a week. As time permits, students will work on the Carnegie laptop program.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period:Students will take the Chapter 3 Exam and will submit their Chapter 3 Vocabulary (chapter vocabulary is always due on the day we test for that chapter). We will grade the Objective 1 Packet as well as the homework from last week (3-5, questions 1,2,4, 6, 8, and 13; 3-6, questions 1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 21,22, and 25). We temporarily skipped section 3-6, but plan to come back to it at a later date. Students will receive the Objective 2 packet. It will not be due until the Friday we return (November 30th). We will spend some time during the week on the Objective 2 packet, so students do not have to do it during the break.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period:We will complete chapter 3. Students will have an exam on the Wednesday they return.
I want my students to rest during the break. If they are keeping up in class, they should have nothing to do for math class, while they are on holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
Magnet Tours have been going on all week. I know that Ms. Graves appreciates all student and parent volunteers for this important week.
Area of concern:
Many students are turning work in late or not at all in all subjects. This is a major contributing factor to low six weeks grades. We offer tutorials for help or to complete work. Please make sure that you are checking your student's progress report and reports that come home for classes periodically.
English:
Many students do not have their independent reading books yet. The longer they wait to begin reading, the less time they have to complete the book before literature circles and projects. Lists and parent approval forms went home 2 weeks ago, I sent out an email about it, and it has been on the blog. Please, please make sure your child has the materials they need at school. When we read in class, they sit and do nothing if they don’t have a book. If you have obtained a copy of the book your child is reading, please monitor that they have it with them at school. I highly recommend that students read as much as time allows next week during the break from school to make up for lost time or to get ahead.
This week is only 2 days long, but we will accomplish as much as we can in these two days. Students will be taking a benchmark test over TAKS Reading material. After the test in class, we will begin reading Daniel’s Story. Vocabulary assignment from Daniel’s Story given out on Wednesday/Thursday, Nov. 14-15, is due Monday/Tuesday. Some time in class was given.
UPCOMING DATES:
Parent approval forms are due on or before the day the projects are due, which is Dec. 12-13. Parent approval forms that are turned in on the day of book checks will be awarded extra credit points.
Literature Circles will be held in class on Monday/Tuesday, Dec. 10-11. This means that books must be completely read and questions answered.
History:
This week, the posters on “Hero or Villain” were due; many of them are just quite creative and very well done. I hope to have some hanging in the hall before long.
The students received instruction on another social studies skill—a story map. They have a list of events during the Revolution. From these events, they are to select five or ten events and develop a story map. The final product is due Monday/Tuesday next week.
In addition, all questions and section reviews should be completed on Chapters 5 and 6 relating to the Revolution. There will be a test on Monday/Tuesday over this material. Those classes which have the Rotary Club SAW Program or Junior Achievement will have the test when they return from Thanksgiving/
The next unit of study will be on the New Republic, how it functioned under the Articles of Confederation, and why the Constitution was written. Then, we will be spending some time on the Constitution itself. There will be a major project with the Constitution, but that will not be due until next six weeks.
Science:
All Classes
My IPC classes will take a break from chemistry this week in order to do a unit called Geology 101.
The end of year exam determining promotion to high school will include all the objectives mastered since 6th grade.
Periodically as the year progresses I will include IPC students in the same activities as my Pre-AP classes to assure their ready to take the end of course exams, i.e.: genetics, systems, astronomy.
TLW:
1) Analyze and predict events in the rock cycle
2) Predict land features and global gradual changes such as mountain building, erosion, continental drift.
3) Explain the role of plate tectonics in the shaping of the earth’s continents.
4) Complete the laboratory investigations; Web Quest, Dynamic Earth, Pangaea Puzzle, Map of Fire, Rock hound
Last week was science week for the cluster question. I am excited to say all the submitted entries were correct so everyone went into the drawing, and the winners are Forrest Jackson and Lovie Valentin, congratulations you have each earned a coupon for a free grade in science and you will be entered in the end of the month drawing for a chance to win a $10.00 gift card.
Math:
Algebra-2nd, 4th, & 6th Period:Since we only meet once, we will grade outstanding work and students will receive the TAKS Objective 2 packet. The packet isn’t due for a week. As time permits, students will work on the Carnegie laptop program.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period:Students will take the Chapter 3 Exam and will submit their Chapter 3 Vocabulary (chapter vocabulary is always due on the day we test for that chapter). We will grade the Objective 1 Packet as well as the homework from last week (3-5, questions 1,2,4, 6, 8, and 13; 3-6, questions 1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 21,22, and 25). We temporarily skipped section 3-6, but plan to come back to it at a later date. Students will receive the Objective 2 packet. It will not be due until the Friday we return (November 30th). We will spend some time during the week on the Objective 2 packet, so students do not have to do it during the break.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period:We will complete chapter 3. Students will have an exam on the Wednesday they return.
I want my students to rest during the break. If they are keeping up in class, they should have nothing to do for math class, while they are on holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Weekly Update 11/12-16
IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:
It is a new six weeks! Report cards will go home Nov. 16.
Links you might need…
Pin Oak Middle School PTO: www.pinoakpto.org Pin Oak Middle School: www.pinoak.us
Pin Oak School Website www.pinoak.us
The six weeks grading period is over next Friday, Nov. 9, but most of us will stop accepting work before then. The kids have been informed of each teacher’s deadlines.
Help Wanted with Magnet Tours of Pin Oak:
(Please send responses to Ms. Rita Graves, Pin Oak Middle School Magnet Coordinator -- rgraves1@houstonisd.org)
During Magnet Week, November 12-16, tours of Pin Oak Middle School will be offered daily. The tours are led by students, but parents are requested to accompany the tours to be available to answer "parental" questions and to provide supervision.
We need parents to help at the following times, and we particularly need help on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday during the day:
Monday Nov. 12th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Tues. Nov. 13th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Wed. Nov. 14th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Wed. Nov. 14th (6:00pm - 8:00pm) -- evening Open House, parents can work a 1-hour shift Thur. Nov. 15th (12:45pm - 2:00pm) Fri. Nov. 16th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Thank you for your help with this.
8C FIELD TRIP:
8C will be going on a field trip to the Holocaust Museum in Houston on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. Letters, information, and permission slips went home with the students Thursday/Friday Nov. 1-2. Please read the letters and fill out the necessary documents as soon as possible. There is a lot that goes into planning field trips and the sooner we have a final head count, the better. Thanks for your help with this. Also, we need chaperones—please email Mrs. Parchman at cparchma@houstonisd.org if you are available and interested (HISD background check required)
So far, we are in need of several more chaperones. If we do not get any volunteers, the trip will, unfortunately, be cancelled.
English:
This week, we will continue presenting book projects, as we did not get to everyone. We will also begin reading Daniel’s Story in class. Students will be provided a copy of this book to read in class only. All reading will occur in class unless a student is absent. Then, the student must stay after school to catch up on missed reading. We will do related activities with this book including vocabulary.
Independent Books—please review the choice your child has made regarding their book. There is adult language and content in many of these books, and it is important to me that you have reviewed the book and give your permission. Just because it is on the list, does not mean it is okay with me that they read it. The decision is up to you and your child.
UPCOMING DATES:
New Independent Book Unit has been assigned. Our new unit will be Mystery/Sci-Fi/Fantasy. The book guide lists were sent home Thursday and Friday, Nov. 1-2, along with parent approval forms and other important information. Please read it carefully. Due dates are also listed! Book checks are Nov. 12-13. Parent approval forms are due on or before the day the projects are due, which is Dec. 12-13. Parent approval forms that are turned in on the day of book checks will be awarded extra credit points. On the parent approval form, please read the vital information about Literature Circles—this is something new for this unit.
History:
This week has been very hectic for the U. S. History students. On Tuesday the All-School History Fair began along with school pictures taken during our classes. The teachers then began preparing the students for their special lessons on Friday. All this time, the students have been trying to complete the six weeks by getting in the work they should have had in earlier. We are still trying to complete all the work on the American Revolution.
History Fair Winners for House C, 8th Grade
Individual Exhibit: Tie for 1st: Drew McMillan, Horace Nam, Philip Rendon
Tie for 2nd: Samira Williams, Joshua Isaac, Aaron Lavirgne
Tie for 3rd: Grace Srouji, Ashley Billard
History Fair Winners, House C, 8th Grade
Group Exhibit:1st: Chris Buitrago
2nd: Caroline Batten and Audrey Einhorn
3rd: Kori Sloan, Tatyana Jacobs, Leanna Conway
A number of students did documentaries; these, the papers, and the performance for our House are being judged now. We will announce all-school winners.This week the students are being introduced to story maps. Any not completed in class should be completed for homework, due next week.Due on November 12/13 is the activity entitled Hero/Villain. The students are to make a poster showing one half as a wanted poster for one of the founding fathers and the other half should be depicting him as a hero. This shows the Loyalist/Patriot relationship. All students should complete reading chapter 6 and answering the assigned questions. There will be a test over Chapters 5 and 6 later next week.
Science:
Please email Mr. Scott with any questions.
Math:
Algebra 1- 2nd & 4th Period Only:
Students in algebra 2nd and 4th period will have an opportunity to re-test, (the re-test is not required, but is optional), on Chapter 2 on Tuesday, November 13th. Students must bring back a signed copy of the original exam. We did a test analysis in class. Students are aware of where their individual weaknesses lie, and should study accordingly. The students have a matrix we filled out in class. Please ask to see the matrix so that you can help your student prepare for the redo. Students had difficulty with topics they should have memorized, such as the difference between an integer and a whole number. Students had to learn to recognize different properties being used within a problem, such as the distributive, associative, and commutative properties. These are simple concepts that require memorization. These were problems in the homework. Some students are having difficulty adding and subtracting values containing negative numbers, a sixth grade concept. Please ask your student to show you his or her agenda. Check to see that your student is completing the given assignments.
This week, students will continue to use the Carnegie laptops and to work on the Russian Equations Handout. Students will also cover section 3.8 in their textbook. A TAKS Objective 1 Packet has been assigned and will be due the last class meeting before the Thanksgiving Holiday. The Objective 2 Packet will come home over the holidays, but will not be due until the second Monday or Tuesday after they return. There are a few outstanding assignments we will grade this week, including section 3.4 and 4.5, as well as two Carnegie assignments. Please consult with your student. Final reports will go home Monday and Tuesday. Your child understands that he or she is to bring home the report for you to see.
Algebra 1-6th Period Only:
Students will work on the entire Russian Equations packet in and outside of class. We will cover topics in class that are in the packet, with students continuing at home for practice. Students will work on the Carnegie Laptops, part of Tuesday and all of Friday. Thursday, students will learn how to use the graphing calculators to graph and compare functions, read tables, set their window, and trace functions. Students will continue to learn about more advanced formula manipulation, with homework from Chapters 2 and 3.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period Only:
Students will complete Chapter 3 of their Glencoe Textbook. Students will learn how to use the Pythagorean Theorem and will learn about distance in the coordinate plane. Students will prepare for their third exam covering Chapter 2, to be held next week.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period Only:
Students will study sections 3-4, 3-5, and 3-6 in their textbooks, with the focus being on the real numbers system and the Pythagorean theorem. Students can expect a quiz covering sections 3-1 through 3-3, to help them gauge how well they have mastered the sections. This quiz will be to see where they are, not for me to take a grade.
All Math Classes:
Tutoring is held for math on Thursdays and redos of class work, homework, and warm-ups is allowed on Fridays during the first five weeks of the grading period. The 5th Friday is mainly for grading, but redos, as time permits, are allowed. My priority this fifth week is for student work done on previous Fridays to be graded, so that I can get the items in the grade book. This takes time and usually, there is no time left for students to do redos that fifth Friday. If I allowed redos and had to grade the items myself, I would not have enough time to do so and would not be able to offer this service to my students. Please respect this policy, and remind your students of it. Students who have neglected their work all week or over a series of weeks cannot reasonably expect to complete it all during Friday re-dos. I respectfully ask that you assist your student in completing assigned work the night it is assigned.
Reports will come home after week 3 and 6 of any grading period. I will also send a report during the period between week 3 and 6. Please note that I have sent multiple reports throughout this six weeks that your student has received. If you have not received them, please consult your child.
I will continue to give at least a single report during the period between the 3rd and 6th week, if not more. Please realize a weekly report is no longer feasible.
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
It is a new six weeks! Report cards will go home Nov. 16.
Links you might need…
Pin Oak Middle School PTO: www.pinoakpto.org Pin Oak Middle School: www.pinoak.us
Pin Oak School Website www.pinoak.us
The six weeks grading period is over next Friday, Nov. 9, but most of us will stop accepting work before then. The kids have been informed of each teacher’s deadlines.
Help Wanted with Magnet Tours of Pin Oak:
(Please send responses to Ms. Rita Graves, Pin Oak Middle School Magnet Coordinator -- rgraves1@houstonisd.org)
During Magnet Week, November 12-16, tours of Pin Oak Middle School will be offered daily. The tours are led by students, but parents are requested to accompany the tours to be available to answer "parental" questions and to provide supervision.
We need parents to help at the following times, and we particularly need help on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday during the day:
Monday Nov. 12th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Tues. Nov. 13th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Wed. Nov. 14th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Wed. Nov. 14th (6:00pm - 8:00pm) -- evening Open House, parents can work a 1-hour shift Thur. Nov. 15th (12:45pm - 2:00pm) Fri. Nov. 16th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Thank you for your help with this.
8C FIELD TRIP:
8C will be going on a field trip to the Holocaust Museum in Houston on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. Letters, information, and permission slips went home with the students Thursday/Friday Nov. 1-2. Please read the letters and fill out the necessary documents as soon as possible. There is a lot that goes into planning field trips and the sooner we have a final head count, the better. Thanks for your help with this. Also, we need chaperones—please email Mrs. Parchman at cparchma@houstonisd.org if you are available and interested (HISD background check required)
So far, we are in need of several more chaperones. If we do not get any volunteers, the trip will, unfortunately, be cancelled.
English:
This week, we will continue presenting book projects, as we did not get to everyone. We will also begin reading Daniel’s Story in class. Students will be provided a copy of this book to read in class only. All reading will occur in class unless a student is absent. Then, the student must stay after school to catch up on missed reading. We will do related activities with this book including vocabulary.
Independent Books—please review the choice your child has made regarding their book. There is adult language and content in many of these books, and it is important to me that you have reviewed the book and give your permission. Just because it is on the list, does not mean it is okay with me that they read it. The decision is up to you and your child.
UPCOMING DATES:
New Independent Book Unit has been assigned. Our new unit will be Mystery/Sci-Fi/Fantasy. The book guide lists were sent home Thursday and Friday, Nov. 1-2, along with parent approval forms and other important information. Please read it carefully. Due dates are also listed! Book checks are Nov. 12-13. Parent approval forms are due on or before the day the projects are due, which is Dec. 12-13. Parent approval forms that are turned in on the day of book checks will be awarded extra credit points. On the parent approval form, please read the vital information about Literature Circles—this is something new for this unit.
History:
This week has been very hectic for the U. S. History students. On Tuesday the All-School History Fair began along with school pictures taken during our classes. The teachers then began preparing the students for their special lessons on Friday. All this time, the students have been trying to complete the six weeks by getting in the work they should have had in earlier. We are still trying to complete all the work on the American Revolution.
History Fair Winners for House C, 8th Grade
Individual Exhibit: Tie for 1st: Drew McMillan, Horace Nam, Philip Rendon
Tie for 2nd: Samira Williams, Joshua Isaac, Aaron Lavirgne
Tie for 3rd: Grace Srouji, Ashley Billard
History Fair Winners, House C, 8th Grade
Group Exhibit:1st: Chris Buitrago
2nd: Caroline Batten and Audrey Einhorn
3rd: Kori Sloan, Tatyana Jacobs, Leanna Conway
A number of students did documentaries; these, the papers, and the performance for our House are being judged now. We will announce all-school winners.This week the students are being introduced to story maps. Any not completed in class should be completed for homework, due next week.Due on November 12/13 is the activity entitled Hero/Villain. The students are to make a poster showing one half as a wanted poster for one of the founding fathers and the other half should be depicting him as a hero. This shows the Loyalist/Patriot relationship. All students should complete reading chapter 6 and answering the assigned questions. There will be a test over Chapters 5 and 6 later next week.
Science:
Please email Mr. Scott with any questions.
Math:
Algebra 1- 2nd & 4th Period Only:
Students in algebra 2nd and 4th period will have an opportunity to re-test, (the re-test is not required, but is optional), on Chapter 2 on Tuesday, November 13th. Students must bring back a signed copy of the original exam. We did a test analysis in class. Students are aware of where their individual weaknesses lie, and should study accordingly. The students have a matrix we filled out in class. Please ask to see the matrix so that you can help your student prepare for the redo. Students had difficulty with topics they should have memorized, such as the difference between an integer and a whole number. Students had to learn to recognize different properties being used within a problem, such as the distributive, associative, and commutative properties. These are simple concepts that require memorization. These were problems in the homework. Some students are having difficulty adding and subtracting values containing negative numbers, a sixth grade concept. Please ask your student to show you his or her agenda. Check to see that your student is completing the given assignments.
This week, students will continue to use the Carnegie laptops and to work on the Russian Equations Handout. Students will also cover section 3.8 in their textbook. A TAKS Objective 1 Packet has been assigned and will be due the last class meeting before the Thanksgiving Holiday. The Objective 2 Packet will come home over the holidays, but will not be due until the second Monday or Tuesday after they return. There are a few outstanding assignments we will grade this week, including section 3.4 and 4.5, as well as two Carnegie assignments. Please consult with your student. Final reports will go home Monday and Tuesday. Your child understands that he or she is to bring home the report for you to see.
Algebra 1-6th Period Only:
Students will work on the entire Russian Equations packet in and outside of class. We will cover topics in class that are in the packet, with students continuing at home for practice. Students will work on the Carnegie Laptops, part of Tuesday and all of Friday. Thursday, students will learn how to use the graphing calculators to graph and compare functions, read tables, set their window, and trace functions. Students will continue to learn about more advanced formula manipulation, with homework from Chapters 2 and 3.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period Only:
Students will complete Chapter 3 of their Glencoe Textbook. Students will learn how to use the Pythagorean Theorem and will learn about distance in the coordinate plane. Students will prepare for their third exam covering Chapter 2, to be held next week.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period Only:
Students will study sections 3-4, 3-5, and 3-6 in their textbooks, with the focus being on the real numbers system and the Pythagorean theorem. Students can expect a quiz covering sections 3-1 through 3-3, to help them gauge how well they have mastered the sections. This quiz will be to see where they are, not for me to take a grade.
All Math Classes:
Tutoring is held for math on Thursdays and redos of class work, homework, and warm-ups is allowed on Fridays during the first five weeks of the grading period. The 5th Friday is mainly for grading, but redos, as time permits, are allowed. My priority this fifth week is for student work done on previous Fridays to be graded, so that I can get the items in the grade book. This takes time and usually, there is no time left for students to do redos that fifth Friday. If I allowed redos and had to grade the items myself, I would not have enough time to do so and would not be able to offer this service to my students. Please respect this policy, and remind your students of it. Students who have neglected their work all week or over a series of weeks cannot reasonably expect to complete it all during Friday re-dos. I respectfully ask that you assist your student in completing assigned work the night it is assigned.
Reports will come home after week 3 and 6 of any grading period. I will also send a report during the period between week 3 and 6. Please note that I have sent multiple reports throughout this six weeks that your student has received. If you have not received them, please consult your child.
I will continue to give at least a single report during the period between the 3rd and 6th week, if not more. Please realize a weekly report is no longer feasible.
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
Thursday, November 1, 2007
WEEKLY UPDATE 11/5-11/9
IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:
PIN OAK in the SPOTLIGHT!
The National Middle School Association is having their annual conference right here in Houston this year. This is very exciting because Pin Oak has been chosen to be a tour stop for NMSA Conference attendants. Educators and Administrators from all over the nation will be visiting our campus this Thursday, Nov. 8th. We look forward to seeing our students represent Pin Oak positively and sharing the great things that are happening here with others. We are proud to represent HISD!
Links you might need…
Pin Oak Middle School PTO: http://www.pinoakpto.org/
Pin Oak Middle School: http://www.blogger.com/www.pinoak.us
Pin Oak School Website http://www.pinoak.us/
The six weeks grading period is over next Friday, Nov. 9, but most of us will stop accepting work before then. The kids have been informed of each teacher’s deadlines.
Help Wanted with Magnet Tours of Pin Oak:
(Please send responses to Ms. Rita Graves, Pin Oak Middle School Magnet Coordinator -- rgraves1@houstonisd.org)
During Magnet Week, November 12-16, tours of Pin Oak Middle School will be offered daily. The tours are led by students, but parents are requested to accompany the tours to be available to answer "parental" questions and to provide supervision.
We need parents to help at the following times, and we particularly need help on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday during the day:
Monday Nov. 12th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Tues. Nov. 13th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Wed. Nov. 14th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Wed. Nov. 14th (6:00pm - 8:00pm) -- evening Open House, parents can work a 1-hour shift Thur. Nov. 15th (12:45pm - 2:00pm) Fri. Nov. 16th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Pin Oak Library Book Fair is November 5th-8th and 12th & 13th.
We really could use help before school (7:30am) and especially at lunches.
All responses can be sent to:
Deborah Hennagir
Librarian
713-295-6500 X 324
dhennagi@houstonisd.org
8C FIELD TRIP:
8C will be going on a field trip to the Holocaust Museum in Houston on Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. Letters, information, and permission slips went home with the students Thursday/Friday Nov. 1-2. Please read the letters and fill out the necessary documents as soon as possible. There is a lot that goes into planning field trips and the sooner we have a final head count, the better. Thanks for your help with this. Also, we need chaperones—please email Mrs. Parchman at cparchma@houstonisd.org if you are available and interested (HISD background check required). Permission slips and money are due by Monday, Nov. 12.
English:
This week, we will watch a documentary about Gerda Weissmann Klein, a Holocaust survivor with an interesting story. There will be a related activity to complete after the viewing.
Holocaust/WWII Book Projects are due on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 7-8. These will be presented in class. They are worth 3 grades and will be applied to the 3rd six weeks grading period. Please monitor that your child has this done.
UPCOMING DATES:
New Independent Book Unit has been assigned. Our new unit will be Mystery/Sci-Fi/Fantasy. The book guide lists were sent home Thursday and Friday, Nov. 1-2, along with parent approval forms and other important information. Please read it carefully. Due dates are also listed! Book checks are Nov. 12-13. Parent approval forms are due on or before the day the projects are due, which is Dec. 12-13. Parent approval forms that are turned in on the day of book checks will be awarded extra credit points. On the parent approval form, please read the vital information about Literature Circles—this is something new for this unit.
History:
With early dismissal, guest speakers, field trips, and some technology that did not work, we have not completed all of the History Fair presentations. The exhibits are on display and the finalists will be announced shortly. Those exhibits placing will advance to the All-School Fair on November 6,7, and 8. The documentaries, performances, and research papers all will be considered a part of the All-School Fair and judged by various historians. All documentaries should be on CD’s or DVD’s; the various jump drives are not all working on our machines.
The students in periods seven and eight will have Mr. Jim Cotton from Aramco as their Junior Achievement Consultant. Mr. Cotton will be here once a week helping the students learn about business, entrepreneurship, and economics. Mr. Cotton will give the students a letter explaining Junior Achievement to share with their parents. Junior Achievement is an exciting and interesting program that helps the students learn about practical business decisions, economic history, and this new program on entrepreneurship.
Next week is the National Middle School Conference here in Houston. Pin Oak is one of the schools hosting visitors from throughout the country. Our History Fair projects will be on display as well as some of the timelines the students had due this week.
Science:
Math:
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period:
We will continue to study chapter 3 material. Sections to be covered include 3-4 to 3-7. Students can expect a quiz on Wednesday. Friday will include a special cross-curricular activity.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period:
Students will take an exam over Chapter 2 material. For Monday, students will have section 3-2 for homework. 3-2 is estimating square roots, a topic already covered in class. Students will cover section 3-3 on Wednesday, with a special cross curricular Holocaust activity on Friday.
Algebra 1- all sections:
Students will continue to work on the Carnegie Laptops. Students will cover section 3.4 and 4.5 in the textbook, in addition to the third section of Part 1, “Russian Equations”. Students will have a quiz on the slope, y-intercept, and graphing of lines on Tuesday. Students can work ahead on the Russian Equations as time permits. Students will do a special cross-curricular activity on Friday (see above).
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com/
PIN OAK in the SPOTLIGHT!
The National Middle School Association is having their annual conference right here in Houston this year. This is very exciting because Pin Oak has been chosen to be a tour stop for NMSA Conference attendants. Educators and Administrators from all over the nation will be visiting our campus this Thursday, Nov. 8th. We look forward to seeing our students represent Pin Oak positively and sharing the great things that are happening here with others. We are proud to represent HISD!
Links you might need…
Pin Oak Middle School PTO: http://www.pinoakpto.org/
Pin Oak Middle School: http://www.blogger.com/www.pinoak.us
Pin Oak School Website http://www.pinoak.us/
The six weeks grading period is over next Friday, Nov. 9, but most of us will stop accepting work before then. The kids have been informed of each teacher’s deadlines.
Help Wanted with Magnet Tours of Pin Oak:
(Please send responses to Ms. Rita Graves, Pin Oak Middle School Magnet Coordinator -- rgraves1@houstonisd.org)
During Magnet Week, November 12-16, tours of Pin Oak Middle School will be offered daily. The tours are led by students, but parents are requested to accompany the tours to be available to answer "parental" questions and to provide supervision.
We need parents to help at the following times, and we particularly need help on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday during the day:
Monday Nov. 12th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Tues. Nov. 13th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Wed. Nov. 14th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Wed. Nov. 14th (6:00pm - 8:00pm) -- evening Open House, parents can work a 1-hour shift Thur. Nov. 15th (12:45pm - 2:00pm) Fri. Nov. 16th (12:45pm - 2:00pm)
Pin Oak Library Book Fair is November 5th-8th and 12th & 13th.
We really could use help before school (7:30am) and especially at lunches.
All responses can be sent to:
Deborah Hennagir
Librarian
713-295-6500 X 324
dhennagi@houstonisd.org
8C FIELD TRIP:
8C will be going on a field trip to the Holocaust Museum in Houston on Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. Letters, information, and permission slips went home with the students Thursday/Friday Nov. 1-2. Please read the letters and fill out the necessary documents as soon as possible. There is a lot that goes into planning field trips and the sooner we have a final head count, the better. Thanks for your help with this. Also, we need chaperones—please email Mrs. Parchman at cparchma@houstonisd.org if you are available and interested (HISD background check required). Permission slips and money are due by Monday, Nov. 12.
English:
This week, we will watch a documentary about Gerda Weissmann Klein, a Holocaust survivor with an interesting story. There will be a related activity to complete after the viewing.
Holocaust/WWII Book Projects are due on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 7-8. These will be presented in class. They are worth 3 grades and will be applied to the 3rd six weeks grading period. Please monitor that your child has this done.
UPCOMING DATES:
New Independent Book Unit has been assigned. Our new unit will be Mystery/Sci-Fi/Fantasy. The book guide lists were sent home Thursday and Friday, Nov. 1-2, along with parent approval forms and other important information. Please read it carefully. Due dates are also listed! Book checks are Nov. 12-13. Parent approval forms are due on or before the day the projects are due, which is Dec. 12-13. Parent approval forms that are turned in on the day of book checks will be awarded extra credit points. On the parent approval form, please read the vital information about Literature Circles—this is something new for this unit.
History:
With early dismissal, guest speakers, field trips, and some technology that did not work, we have not completed all of the History Fair presentations. The exhibits are on display and the finalists will be announced shortly. Those exhibits placing will advance to the All-School Fair on November 6,7, and 8. The documentaries, performances, and research papers all will be considered a part of the All-School Fair and judged by various historians. All documentaries should be on CD’s or DVD’s; the various jump drives are not all working on our machines.
The students in periods seven and eight will have Mr. Jim Cotton from Aramco as their Junior Achievement Consultant. Mr. Cotton will be here once a week helping the students learn about business, entrepreneurship, and economics. Mr. Cotton will give the students a letter explaining Junior Achievement to share with their parents. Junior Achievement is an exciting and interesting program that helps the students learn about practical business decisions, economic history, and this new program on entrepreneurship.
Next week is the National Middle School Conference here in Houston. Pin Oak is one of the schools hosting visitors from throughout the country. Our History Fair projects will be on display as well as some of the timelines the students had due this week.
Science:
Math:
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period:
We will continue to study chapter 3 material. Sections to be covered include 3-4 to 3-7. Students can expect a quiz on Wednesday. Friday will include a special cross-curricular activity.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period:
Students will take an exam over Chapter 2 material. For Monday, students will have section 3-2 for homework. 3-2 is estimating square roots, a topic already covered in class. Students will cover section 3-3 on Wednesday, with a special cross curricular Holocaust activity on Friday.
Algebra 1- all sections:
Students will continue to work on the Carnegie Laptops. Students will cover section 3.4 and 4.5 in the textbook, in addition to the third section of Part 1, “Russian Equations”. Students will have a quiz on the slope, y-intercept, and graphing of lines on Tuesday. Students can work ahead on the Russian Equations as time permits. Students will do a special cross-curricular activity on Friday (see above).
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com/
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Weekly Update 10/29-11/2
IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:
HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION:
All HISD Magnet High School Coordinators were on campus last week to speak with our 8th graders and to hold a high school “fair” in the Multi-Purpose Room. We are proud that our students behaved well for our guests and presented the coordinators with intelligent, thoughtful questions when visiting each high school’s table. The students received a lot of information, and hopefully, they passed the information on to you. If you have any questions at all, the high school coordinators encouraged inquiries via email or phone. Ms. Graves, our Pin Oak Magnet Coordinator, encourages all students to consider and apply to several schools, instead of betting on getting into one school. The time to attend tours and apply for high school is approaching quickly, so please spend some time with your child discussing options.
HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATIONS: Necessary documents
Ms. Perez, our records clerk located in the front office, is available to provide school records (necessary for applications) to students upon request. Requests will be filled within 48 hours. Please encourage your child not to wait until the last minute to obtain these important documents. In addition, some schools require teacher recommendations via letters or school-specific forms. Please read the instructions carefully and allow teachers ample time to complete these. Most recommendation forms are to be signed by the parents, then completed by the teacher, and directly mailed to the school, not given back to the student. Please provide addressed, stamped envelopes with these requests. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
PIN OAK in the SPOTLIGHT!
The National Middle School Association is having their annual conference right here in Houston this year. This is very exciting because Pin Oak has been chosen to be a tour stop for NMSA Conference attendants. Educators and Administrators from all over the nation will be visiting our campus on Thursday, Nov. 8th. We look forward to seeing our students represent Pin Oak positively and sharing the great things that are happening here with others. We are proud to represent HISD!
Information from the Pin Oak School Store:
If you have comments/questions, plead direct them to: pinoakschoolstore@gmail.com
Now that we finally have some cool weather, stop into the school store before or after school or at lunch on Wednesday or Thursday to purchase your hoodie. We are fully stocked in all sizes and the cost is $25 each.
Parents, the school store now accepts Visa or MasterCard for your convenience!
Also, beginning Wednesday, all Halloween merchandise is 1/2 price. Be sure to stop in for a bargain!
Pin Oak Middle School PTO: www.pinoakpto.org Pin Oak Middle School: www.pinoak.us
English:
Next week, we will finish reading the play, “The Diary of Anne Frank.” We will continue our study of sentence diagramming and learn about verbs. Students should be prepared to be quizzed over diagramming very soon! We will begin reading Daniel’s Story, a Holocaust novel, in class soon (students are not required to purchase the book).
UPCOMING DATES:
Independent Book Projects: CHANGE IN DUE DATE! I have pushed the due date forward, due to scheduling conflicts, to W/Th, Nov. 7-8. This should be helpful for many students who have not yet finished their books, of which there appears to by many.
NEW PROJECT introduced Friday, Oct. 19: Pre-World War II European Jewish Life Photo Project. Students were given the assignment sheet in class. This is due on Th/F, Nov. 1-2.
FIELD TRIP:
8C will visit the Holocaust Museum-Houston on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. This is a powerful experience for our students, and we hope that every student will be able to attend. We will need parent chaperones for the trip, so please email me if you are able to help. HISD requires a background check for any volunteer, so those with that process already completed are welcome, and those who need to complete the process should contact the HISD Administration Bldg. This can take some time, so the sooner the better. Thanks to any that can help out!
History:
Most of the History Fair Projects are quite well done. The exhibits are attractive, the documentaries are informative, and the one performance I have seen is interesting. However, there are some that exhibits that need some attention. If the pictures and other papers are not evenly cut or the background is not matching, the whole project does not look neat even though the information may be excellent. I have suggested to some that they improve the appearance of their projects by Friday. The students are presenting their projects to the classes; all House C exhibits are on display in the House Commons where they will be judged to advance to the All-School Fair which is November 6, 7, 8. Those advancing will be announced next week so any improvements need to be done immediately. The project grade is based in the annotated bibliography, process paper, presentation of information, and the information itself.
This week my second period had guest teachers on Tuesday. These are four men from the Sharpstown, Bellaire, and West University Rotary Clubs who will be coming on Tuesdays for the next four weeks instructing the students in some basic economics. My eighth period class also had a guest speaker. This was Ann Linsley, advanced geography teacher at Bellaire High School. Ms. Linsley is going to Antarctica in a few days on a research expedition and she brought part of the clothing she will have to wear there to show the students and explained the project to them. They will be able to communicate with her by e-mail and web cam when she is in Antarctica. Mrs. Parchman and Mr. Scott brought their students so most of the 8th grade students were involved with this presentation. On Wednesday, the seventh period had a pep rally. Therefore, those classes all will have some “catch-up time”.
Those missing the test over Chapters 3 and 4 on Wednesday will take it on Friday. The scaled timeline over Chapters 5 and 6 will be due on October 31 and November 1. This is a very important assignment and should be well done along with drawings and other decorations representing that period in history. We will continue our class discussion on Chapters Five and Six.
The students also are receiving the maps on Europe for the Holocaust Project this week. We will spend one day in class using the historical atlases to work on this map. The other map can be done for homework because it is a map of current Europe. I am giving the students a website where they can locate information about the death camps.
A number of the students will be receiving low grades on their progress reports because there are three assignments many have not submitted. These are the two assignments relating to Plymouth and Jamestown and the map of the colonies with their products. Please encourage your student to stay current with assignments. These need to be in immediately. The Declaration of Independence activity brought in a number of very clever bumper stickers.
Science:
It is GREAT to be back!
ALL CLASSES
TLW
1. Describe ionic and covalent bonds.
2. Explain how to determine oxidation numbers.
3. Write formulas and names for ionic bonds.
4. Practice math skills completing formula problems.
All classes will have a unit test on chemistry Friday, November 2.
Please be sure your child is using the study guide to prepare for this major exam
I will be assigning a small project for the week of November 5-9 and will send information about this next week.
Thank you for all your kind wishes and prayers during the time I was gone I can’t tell you how much they meant to me and my family.
Thank you
Jamie Scott
Math:
Algebra 1:
Students are off and running using our new Carnegie Software! We are currently working on laptops on Thursdays and Fridays. Students need to bring their Carnegie materials to class each class period. For this week, students do not need to bring in their red textbook or practice book. We are currently working in the linear equations section in the Carnegie text. We’ve just begun Chapter 3 in Carnegie.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period:
Students have completed Chapter 2 of the text and are now working in Chapter 3, “Real Numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem”. This week, students will concentrate on taking the square root of and estimating the square root of numbers. Students will also use Venn Diagrams and will learn to compare real numbers. Specifically, students will cover sections 3-1 to 3-4. Students will use Neufeld Math on Friday. This is a computer software program that helps student master math concepts.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period:
Students will finish chapter 2 with the study of exponents and scientific notation. Because of early release on the 31st, students will begin Chapter 3 and will take the Chapter 2 exam on Monday, when more time will be permitted to complete it. Students can expect to cover square roots on Wednesday and Neufeld Math on Friday. This is a computer software program that helps student master math concepts.
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION:
All HISD Magnet High School Coordinators were on campus last week to speak with our 8th graders and to hold a high school “fair” in the Multi-Purpose Room. We are proud that our students behaved well for our guests and presented the coordinators with intelligent, thoughtful questions when visiting each high school’s table. The students received a lot of information, and hopefully, they passed the information on to you. If you have any questions at all, the high school coordinators encouraged inquiries via email or phone. Ms. Graves, our Pin Oak Magnet Coordinator, encourages all students to consider and apply to several schools, instead of betting on getting into one school. The time to attend tours and apply for high school is approaching quickly, so please spend some time with your child discussing options.
HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATIONS: Necessary documents
Ms. Perez, our records clerk located in the front office, is available to provide school records (necessary for applications) to students upon request. Requests will be filled within 48 hours. Please encourage your child not to wait until the last minute to obtain these important documents. In addition, some schools require teacher recommendations via letters or school-specific forms. Please read the instructions carefully and allow teachers ample time to complete these. Most recommendation forms are to be signed by the parents, then completed by the teacher, and directly mailed to the school, not given back to the student. Please provide addressed, stamped envelopes with these requests. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
PIN OAK in the SPOTLIGHT!
The National Middle School Association is having their annual conference right here in Houston this year. This is very exciting because Pin Oak has been chosen to be a tour stop for NMSA Conference attendants. Educators and Administrators from all over the nation will be visiting our campus on Thursday, Nov. 8th. We look forward to seeing our students represent Pin Oak positively and sharing the great things that are happening here with others. We are proud to represent HISD!
Information from the Pin Oak School Store:
If you have comments/questions, plead direct them to: pinoakschoolstore@gmail.com
Now that we finally have some cool weather, stop into the school store before or after school or at lunch on Wednesday or Thursday to purchase your hoodie. We are fully stocked in all sizes and the cost is $25 each.
Parents, the school store now accepts Visa or MasterCard for your convenience!
Also, beginning Wednesday, all Halloween merchandise is 1/2 price. Be sure to stop in for a bargain!
Pin Oak Middle School PTO: www.pinoakpto.org Pin Oak Middle School: www.pinoak.us
English:
Next week, we will finish reading the play, “The Diary of Anne Frank.” We will continue our study of sentence diagramming and learn about verbs. Students should be prepared to be quizzed over diagramming very soon! We will begin reading Daniel’s Story, a Holocaust novel, in class soon (students are not required to purchase the book).
UPCOMING DATES:
Independent Book Projects: CHANGE IN DUE DATE! I have pushed the due date forward, due to scheduling conflicts, to W/Th, Nov. 7-8. This should be helpful for many students who have not yet finished their books, of which there appears to by many.
NEW PROJECT introduced Friday, Oct. 19: Pre-World War II European Jewish Life Photo Project. Students were given the assignment sheet in class. This is due on Th/F, Nov. 1-2.
FIELD TRIP:
8C will visit the Holocaust Museum-Houston on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. This is a powerful experience for our students, and we hope that every student will be able to attend. We will need parent chaperones for the trip, so please email me if you are able to help. HISD requires a background check for any volunteer, so those with that process already completed are welcome, and those who need to complete the process should contact the HISD Administration Bldg. This can take some time, so the sooner the better. Thanks to any that can help out!
History:
Most of the History Fair Projects are quite well done. The exhibits are attractive, the documentaries are informative, and the one performance I have seen is interesting. However, there are some that exhibits that need some attention. If the pictures and other papers are not evenly cut or the background is not matching, the whole project does not look neat even though the information may be excellent. I have suggested to some that they improve the appearance of their projects by Friday. The students are presenting their projects to the classes; all House C exhibits are on display in the House Commons where they will be judged to advance to the All-School Fair which is November 6, 7, 8. Those advancing will be announced next week so any improvements need to be done immediately. The project grade is based in the annotated bibliography, process paper, presentation of information, and the information itself.
This week my second period had guest teachers on Tuesday. These are four men from the Sharpstown, Bellaire, and West University Rotary Clubs who will be coming on Tuesdays for the next four weeks instructing the students in some basic economics. My eighth period class also had a guest speaker. This was Ann Linsley, advanced geography teacher at Bellaire High School. Ms. Linsley is going to Antarctica in a few days on a research expedition and she brought part of the clothing she will have to wear there to show the students and explained the project to them. They will be able to communicate with her by e-mail and web cam when she is in Antarctica. Mrs. Parchman and Mr. Scott brought their students so most of the 8th grade students were involved with this presentation. On Wednesday, the seventh period had a pep rally. Therefore, those classes all will have some “catch-up time”.
Those missing the test over Chapters 3 and 4 on Wednesday will take it on Friday. The scaled timeline over Chapters 5 and 6 will be due on October 31 and November 1. This is a very important assignment and should be well done along with drawings and other decorations representing that period in history. We will continue our class discussion on Chapters Five and Six.
The students also are receiving the maps on Europe for the Holocaust Project this week. We will spend one day in class using the historical atlases to work on this map. The other map can be done for homework because it is a map of current Europe. I am giving the students a website where they can locate information about the death camps.
A number of the students will be receiving low grades on their progress reports because there are three assignments many have not submitted. These are the two assignments relating to Plymouth and Jamestown and the map of the colonies with their products. Please encourage your student to stay current with assignments. These need to be in immediately. The Declaration of Independence activity brought in a number of very clever bumper stickers.
Science:
It is GREAT to be back!
ALL CLASSES
TLW
1. Describe ionic and covalent bonds.
2. Explain how to determine oxidation numbers.
3. Write formulas and names for ionic bonds.
4. Practice math skills completing formula problems.
All classes will have a unit test on chemistry Friday, November 2.
Please be sure your child is using the study guide to prepare for this major exam
I will be assigning a small project for the week of November 5-9 and will send information about this next week.
Thank you for all your kind wishes and prayers during the time I was gone I can’t tell you how much they meant to me and my family.
Thank you
Jamie Scott
Math:
Algebra 1:
Students are off and running using our new Carnegie Software! We are currently working on laptops on Thursdays and Fridays. Students need to bring their Carnegie materials to class each class period. For this week, students do not need to bring in their red textbook or practice book. We are currently working in the linear equations section in the Carnegie text. We’ve just begun Chapter 3 in Carnegie.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period:
Students have completed Chapter 2 of the text and are now working in Chapter 3, “Real Numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem”. This week, students will concentrate on taking the square root of and estimating the square root of numbers. Students will also use Venn Diagrams and will learn to compare real numbers. Specifically, students will cover sections 3-1 to 3-4. Students will use Neufeld Math on Friday. This is a computer software program that helps student master math concepts.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period:
Students will finish chapter 2 with the study of exponents and scientific notation. Because of early release on the 31st, students will begin Chapter 3 and will take the Chapter 2 exam on Monday, when more time will be permitted to complete it. Students can expect to cover square roots on Wednesday and Neufeld Math on Friday. This is a computer software program that helps student master math concepts.
Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
Thursday, October 18, 2007
WEEKLY UPDATE 10/22-10/26
IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:
Important Info regarding Magnet HIGH SCHOOLS: Magnet High Schools will have representation on the Pin Oak campus on Oct. 19th. This is a great opportunity for our students to meet with different schools and get information on requirements for potential students. We expect students to conduct themselves appropriately during this program.
Next week is Red Ribbon Week. Each day will have a theme, so please encourage your students to participate. In addition, the Homecoming Game is Wednesday night, so come out and support the Chargers in their last game of the season!
Monday: wear red
Tuesday: wear favorite team jersey or T-shirt
Wednesday: wear all blue in support of Homecoming
Thursday: dress as chosen future career
Friday: wear mismatched clothing
English:
We will continue our study of the Holocaust and will begin reading a play from the literature book, “The Diary of Anne Frank.” We will also read a children’s book entitled, The Terrible Things: An Allegory of the Holocaust. Students will answer questions over this in groups, and will participate in literature circles to discuss their thoughts and opinions.
We will also continue studying grammar, and will begin sentence diagramming this week.
On Thursday, Oct. 18, there was a student/faculty volleyball game during 8th period for students who purchased a ticket. I do not stop teaching for events like this, so class went on as usual for those students who did not attend. For those that chose to attend, it was explained to them that they are missing class time and class work that they are responsible for. On this day, we watched a video for which they are to write a reflection piece. For students who attended the game, I am offering one day after school for them to watch this video. Tuesday, Oct. 23 is the only day I will do this. This was made very clear to them before they left for the game, so if your child is not able to attend on this day, they made a poor decision in deciding whether to stay in class or attend a voluntary event.
UPCOMING DATES:
Independent Book Projects: CHANGE IN DUE DATE! I have pushed the due date forward, due to scheduling conflicts, to W/Th, Nov. 6-7. This should be helpful for many students who have not yet finished their books.
NEW PROJECT introduced Friday, Oct. 19: Pre-World War II European Jewish Life Photo Project. Students were given the assignment sheet in class. This is due on Th/F, Nov. 1-2.
History:
This should be a very busy weekend for some of the students. History Fair projects are due on Monday/Tuesday. The students will present the projects to the class and then place them in the House C Commons. The projects will be judged for entry into the All-School Fair on November 6, 7, 8. I expect the students with documentaries and performances to be ready with their scripts and papers on Monday/Tuesday, but they may be performing on another day. Presently, I need only three copies of the research papers if a student is entering that category. Mr. Frankum has a group of historians who will judge these for the entire school. This is a major assignment for this six weeks period so it is critical for the students’ grades for them to do well.
Since History Fair projects are due on Monday/Tuesday, I have moved the due date again for the scaled timeline of the Revolution to October 31/November 1. This assignment requires to students to make a list of all the dates relating to this period, place these dates on a scaled timeline, and decorate the timeline with appropriate drawings or sayings of the period. This is an important assignment and I felt the students needed a little more time.
In conjunction with the Holocaust project in English, the students will be completing a map of Europe as it was during World War II. In addition, they will be labeling the locations of specific death camps and completing a graph relating to the deaths there. I will give the students a website to use for this information.
On Wednesday/Thursday, the students worked on an activity relating to writing the grievances in the Declaration of Independence into English words used today. It was somewhat more involved than many thought it would be. Many discovered there were a number of vocabulary words they really did not understand. Ask to see their bumper stickers. If they did not finish the project in class, I expected them to complete it for homework due this Friday, October 19.
Science:
Mr. Scott has returned to school. He was greatly missed in his absence by his students and team members. Please email Mr. Scott with any questions you may have, and he will begin posting to the BLOG again next week. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and well wishes for his speedy return to POMS.
Math:
Algebra 1- All Sections:
We will be working in sections 3.1-3.5 in the McDougal Littel book. We will, at the same time, be working on sections 3.2-3.5 in the Carnegie Text. These chapter sections deal with Solving Linear Equations. Students will continue to increase their understanding of linear functions and the solving of one and two step equations.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period Only:Students are finishing chapter 2 material. Students in 3rd Period will have an exam on Chapter 2 on Wednesday, October 24th. We will conclude the week with section 3-1 of the textbook: Square Roots.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period Only:
Students in this section will continue through Chapter 2, finishing up sections 2-7, “Solving Equations with Rational Numbers”, 2-9, “Powers and Exponents”, and section 2-10, “Scientific Notation”. We are tentatively planning to hold an exam on Monday, October 29th, covering Chapter 2 material. If this date changes, which depends on the readiness of the students for the exam, I will let you know via this blog.
Foreign Language Department BLOG:
See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
Important Info regarding Magnet HIGH SCHOOLS: Magnet High Schools will have representation on the Pin Oak campus on Oct. 19th. This is a great opportunity for our students to meet with different schools and get information on requirements for potential students. We expect students to conduct themselves appropriately during this program.
Next week is Red Ribbon Week. Each day will have a theme, so please encourage your students to participate. In addition, the Homecoming Game is Wednesday night, so come out and support the Chargers in their last game of the season!
Monday: wear red
Tuesday: wear favorite team jersey or T-shirt
Wednesday: wear all blue in support of Homecoming
Thursday: dress as chosen future career
Friday: wear mismatched clothing
English:
We will continue our study of the Holocaust and will begin reading a play from the literature book, “The Diary of Anne Frank.” We will also read a children’s book entitled, The Terrible Things: An Allegory of the Holocaust. Students will answer questions over this in groups, and will participate in literature circles to discuss their thoughts and opinions.
We will also continue studying grammar, and will begin sentence diagramming this week.
On Thursday, Oct. 18, there was a student/faculty volleyball game during 8th period for students who purchased a ticket. I do not stop teaching for events like this, so class went on as usual for those students who did not attend. For those that chose to attend, it was explained to them that they are missing class time and class work that they are responsible for. On this day, we watched a video for which they are to write a reflection piece. For students who attended the game, I am offering one day after school for them to watch this video. Tuesday, Oct. 23 is the only day I will do this. This was made very clear to them before they left for the game, so if your child is not able to attend on this day, they made a poor decision in deciding whether to stay in class or attend a voluntary event.
UPCOMING DATES:
Independent Book Projects: CHANGE IN DUE DATE! I have pushed the due date forward, due to scheduling conflicts, to W/Th, Nov. 6-7. This should be helpful for many students who have not yet finished their books.
NEW PROJECT introduced Friday, Oct. 19: Pre-World War II European Jewish Life Photo Project. Students were given the assignment sheet in class. This is due on Th/F, Nov. 1-2.
History:
This should be a very busy weekend for some of the students. History Fair projects are due on Monday/Tuesday. The students will present the projects to the class and then place them in the House C Commons. The projects will be judged for entry into the All-School Fair on November 6, 7, 8. I expect the students with documentaries and performances to be ready with their scripts and papers on Monday/Tuesday, but they may be performing on another day. Presently, I need only three copies of the research papers if a student is entering that category. Mr. Frankum has a group of historians who will judge these for the entire school. This is a major assignment for this six weeks period so it is critical for the students’ grades for them to do well.
Since History Fair projects are due on Monday/Tuesday, I have moved the due date again for the scaled timeline of the Revolution to October 31/November 1. This assignment requires to students to make a list of all the dates relating to this period, place these dates on a scaled timeline, and decorate the timeline with appropriate drawings or sayings of the period. This is an important assignment and I felt the students needed a little more time.
In conjunction with the Holocaust project in English, the students will be completing a map of Europe as it was during World War II. In addition, they will be labeling the locations of specific death camps and completing a graph relating to the deaths there. I will give the students a website to use for this information.
On Wednesday/Thursday, the students worked on an activity relating to writing the grievances in the Declaration of Independence into English words used today. It was somewhat more involved than many thought it would be. Many discovered there were a number of vocabulary words they really did not understand. Ask to see their bumper stickers. If they did not finish the project in class, I expected them to complete it for homework due this Friday, October 19.
Science:
Mr. Scott has returned to school. He was greatly missed in his absence by his students and team members. Please email Mr. Scott with any questions you may have, and he will begin posting to the BLOG again next week. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and well wishes for his speedy return to POMS.
Math:
Algebra 1- All Sections:
We will be working in sections 3.1-3.5 in the McDougal Littel book. We will, at the same time, be working on sections 3.2-3.5 in the Carnegie Text. These chapter sections deal with Solving Linear Equations. Students will continue to increase their understanding of linear functions and the solving of one and two step equations.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period Only:Students are finishing chapter 2 material. Students in 3rd Period will have an exam on Chapter 2 on Wednesday, October 24th. We will conclude the week with section 3-1 of the textbook: Square Roots.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period Only:
Students in this section will continue through Chapter 2, finishing up sections 2-7, “Solving Equations with Rational Numbers”, 2-9, “Powers and Exponents”, and section 2-10, “Scientific Notation”. We are tentatively planning to hold an exam on Monday, October 29th, covering Chapter 2 material. If this date changes, which depends on the readiness of the students for the exam, I will let you know via this blog.
Foreign Language Department BLOG:
See link below
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
Monday, October 15, 2007
A Message from Mr. McDonough: Monday, Oct. 15, 2007
Upon Mr. Scott’s return, his INC grades will be changed to their appropriate grade. In light of the upcoming magnet application time frame, Pin Oak administration has decided that they will reprint report cards for all of Mr. Scott’s students with the updated grades. Thank you for your patience.
Thank you,
Mr. McDonough
Upon Mr. Scott’s return, his INC grades will be changed to their appropriate grade. In light of the upcoming magnet application time frame, Pin Oak administration has decided that they will reprint report cards for all of Mr. Scott’s students with the updated grades. Thank you for your patience.
Thank you,
Mr. McDonough
Thursday, October 11, 2007
IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:
Your students received their REPORT CARDS* today, Friday, Oct. 12th.
*Every student will have an “INC” (Incomplete) for Science or IPC (Mr. Scott). Due to illness, Mr. Scott was not present, and thus unable to input his grades for our students. He will fix this upon his return.
Important Info regarding Magnet HIGH SCHOOLS: Magnet High Schools will have representation on the Pin Oak campus on Oct. 19th. This is a great opportunity for our students to meet with different schools and get information on requirements for potential students.
Some classes will be participating in a program sponsored by the Houston Area Rotary Club in the coming weeks. The volunteer Rotarians will be leading activities in the classrooms that teach the students about life skills (finances, jobs, etc.) This is a great opportunity for learning, and we are pleased that some of our students will be able to participate during the time the Rotarians are available to be here. The program will kick off on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
DRESS CODE: A new addition to the dress code this year is Identification Badges. All students must have their ID badge on their person, and it must be visible. Please make sure your student has their ID badge every morning when they leave for school, in addition to being in compliance to other dress code requirements. Lost ID? Replacement ID’s are $5.00.
Sabor Latina is Friday, Oct. 12 from 6-8. Latin dancing and music for all! (Sponsored by POMS Foreign Language Dept.)
Please check out our Foreign Language Department's BLOG by following the link below.
http://pomsfl.wordpress.com
English:
Last week, our schedule didn’t allow for us to begin our Holocaust unit, so we will start this week. We will be studying some background into this time period before we begin with literature. The students will be making butterflies this week that go along with a poem from a child that perished in the Holocaust (“I Never Saw Another Butterfly” by Pavel Friedman). Each student will attach a picture I will give them of a child that either perished or survived the Holocaust, but they will not know what the child’s fate is yet. We will hang the butterflies on the windows in the C House Commons, and with the sun shining through, it looks amazing. I encourage all of you to come up and see it sometime. At the end of our unit, I will reveal the fate of each child the student’s had, and the ones that perished will be taken down, which is a fantastic visual representation of the tragedy that was the Holocaust. This is very meaningful for the students.
We will also be doing sentence diagramming and will continue reading and journaling in class daily. FYI: I will be off campus on Wednesday, Oct. 17 for a training session.
UPCOMING DATES:
Literature Terms TEST, Friday, Oct. 19, 2007.
Independent Book Projects due OCT. 1/NOV. 1. Please monitor your child’s progress on this assignment, as it counts 3 times in the gradebook.
History:
This week, the students took notes and discussed the mnemonic OPTIC. This is used to analyze painting, pictures, or other types of graphics. The students will be using this during the rest of their careers in HISD so they need to practice using it. It is unlikely it will be taught again so anyone who was absent this week on either Monday or Tuesday should be sure to attend tutorials on Monday, October 15. The students may use OPTIC for extra credit assignments if they go to the Museum of Fine Arts or other art museums. They must analyze at least three paintings that depict the period 1607 to 1876 or are the Remington paintings.
The new assignment is to read Chapter 6, answer the section assessments and chapter questions 1-23. The students should make a list of all the dates and events in both chapters 5 and 6. Those dates should be entered on a scaled timeline which can be decorated with pictures from the period.This is due in two weeks October 24/25.
The next big History Fair date is October 22/23. The completed project is due on those dates; the students will present their projects to the class that day.
History Fair Dates:
Process Paper due, October 8/9
Final Project due: October 22/23
All School Fair: November 6, 7, 8
Science:
Mr. Scott is out ill. Please email him with any questions you may have, and he will respond as soon as he is able. Because of his absence, all students have received an “INC” (Incomplete) for his class for the 1st six weeks. Mr. Scott will correct this when he returns. Our team appreciates your understanding.
Math:
Algebra 1:
This week, the algebra classes across campus will begin using the Carnegie Math Program. Our students are excited to use the new laptops and program. We will begin in Chapter 3 of the text. In addition, students can expect a test on material from Chapter 2 of the red textbook (non-Carnegie materials). Students will further investigate linear equations, graphing functions, and solving for a variable.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period Only: Students are deep into their study of Chapter 2. This week, we will focus on adding and subtracting unlike fractions (2-6), solving equations with rational numbers (2-7), powers and exponents (2-9), and scientific notation (2-10). The following week, we will continue the study of scientific notation, however, students will have a brief introduction to it during this week.
All Classes: Tutoring for math is available on Thursdays. Students wanting to redo work that was graded within the grading period, may do so after school on Fridays. Help should be sought on Thursdays, prior to coming to redo work on Fridays. Though tutorials are not usually full, redo sessions close to the end of a grading period are almost always full, due to procrastination. Please ask your child to redo work as soon as they know they did not perform well on an assignment (they know this in class, as they see their grade before I do). Encourage them to check their textbooks for assistance, get notes from classmates when absent, and make-up work promptly. Please email Ms. Qureshi for more information about Math and Knitting.
Friday, October 5, 2007
WEEKLY UPDATE 10/8-10/12
IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:
Parents, thank you so much for your support and involvement this first six weeks of school. We encourage and welcome you to be a part of our “family” in 8C. If you feel your child is struggling and needs tutorials, please monitor that they attend. The earlier we address issues, the better chance the students have of being successful. On that note, please encourage your students to ask for help as soon as they need it, and not to wait until the very last week or two (or day(s)!) of a grading period. At that point, the hill they have to climb is much steeper. We want all of our students to be responsible and successful!
FYI--REPORT CARDS will go home on Friday, Oct. 12th. The 2nd six weeks begins on Monday, Oct. 8th.
Important Info regarding Magnet HIGH SCHOOLS: Magnet High Schools will have representation on the Pin Oak campus on Oct. 19th. Time TBA (information via Ms. Graves, Magnet Coordinator)
Some classes will be participating in a program sponsored by the Houston Area Rotary Club in the coming weeks. The volunteer Rotarians will be leading activities in the classrooms that teach the students life skills (finances, jobs, etc.) This is a great opportunity for learning, and we are pleased that some of our students will be able to participate during the time the Rotarians are available to be here.
English:
This week, we will be doing some grammar activities, including sentence diagramming and learning about verbs. We will also be starting our unit on the Holocaust this week. We will study background information about WWII and will later get into literature from that time period. I am sending a letter home for you to read on Tuesday and Wednesday next week concerning the Holocaust unit, so please ask your child to see it.
UPCOMING DATES:
Independent Book Projects due OCT. 1/NOV. 1. Please monitor your child’s progress on this assignment, as it counts 3 times in the gradebook.
History:
Some of the students had questions about the process paper for the History Fair project so I extended the date to Monday/Tuesday, October 8/9. I know some already had theirs, but I prefer to wait to collect them all at the same time.
In addition, their assignment for next week is to read Chapter 5 and answer the section assessments and chapter questions 1-28. We will be doing other things in class, but this will give them the background they need for the class work.
The library is open before and after school and during lunch time. Many students are sitting in the cafeteria visiting when they have work to do. Please encourage them to make better use of their time by using the library for reading or study.
History Fair Dates:
Process Paper due, October 8/9
Final Project due: October 22/23
All School Fair: November 6, 7, 8
Science:
Mr. Scott is out ill. Please email him with any questions you may have, and he will respond as soon as he is able.
Math:
Please email Ms. Qureshi for more information about Math and Knitting.
Parents, thank you so much for your support and involvement this first six weeks of school. We encourage and welcome you to be a part of our “family” in 8C. If you feel your child is struggling and needs tutorials, please monitor that they attend. The earlier we address issues, the better chance the students have of being successful. On that note, please encourage your students to ask for help as soon as they need it, and not to wait until the very last week or two (or day(s)!) of a grading period. At that point, the hill they have to climb is much steeper. We want all of our students to be responsible and successful!
FYI--REPORT CARDS will go home on Friday, Oct. 12th. The 2nd six weeks begins on Monday, Oct. 8th.
Important Info regarding Magnet HIGH SCHOOLS: Magnet High Schools will have representation on the Pin Oak campus on Oct. 19th. Time TBA (information via Ms. Graves, Magnet Coordinator)
Some classes will be participating in a program sponsored by the Houston Area Rotary Club in the coming weeks. The volunteer Rotarians will be leading activities in the classrooms that teach the students life skills (finances, jobs, etc.) This is a great opportunity for learning, and we are pleased that some of our students will be able to participate during the time the Rotarians are available to be here.
English:
This week, we will be doing some grammar activities, including sentence diagramming and learning about verbs. We will also be starting our unit on the Holocaust this week. We will study background information about WWII and will later get into literature from that time period. I am sending a letter home for you to read on Tuesday and Wednesday next week concerning the Holocaust unit, so please ask your child to see it.
UPCOMING DATES:
Independent Book Projects due OCT. 1/NOV. 1. Please monitor your child’s progress on this assignment, as it counts 3 times in the gradebook.
History:
Some of the students had questions about the process paper for the History Fair project so I extended the date to Monday/Tuesday, October 8/9. I know some already had theirs, but I prefer to wait to collect them all at the same time.
In addition, their assignment for next week is to read Chapter 5 and answer the section assessments and chapter questions 1-28. We will be doing other things in class, but this will give them the background they need for the class work.
The library is open before and after school and during lunch time. Many students are sitting in the cafeteria visiting when they have work to do. Please encourage them to make better use of their time by using the library for reading or study.
History Fair Dates:
Process Paper due, October 8/9
Final Project due: October 22/23
All School Fair: November 6, 7, 8
Science:
Mr. Scott is out ill. Please email him with any questions you may have, and he will respond as soon as he is able.
Math:
Please email Ms. Qureshi for more information about Math and Knitting.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
WEEKLY UPDATE 10/1-5
IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:
If athletes (football players, volleyball players, etc.) need to stay after school with an academic teacher to make up work or tests, the students should let their coaches know before staying. They also should ask their teachers to give them a pass or note to the coaches. Please make sure your student athlete is aware of this.
This week completes the 5th week of the six weeks grading period. Please monitor your students and encourage them to get all work turned in before teacher-specific deadlines. Thank you for your support and assistance at home.
FYI--REPORT CARDS will go home on Friday, Oct. 12th.
Important Info regarding Magnet HIGH SCHOOLS: Magnet High Schools will have representation on the Pin Oak campus on Oct. 19th. Time TBA (information via Ms. Graves, Magnet Coordinator)
English:
This week, we will begin doing some grammar activities and will begin our background study of the Holocaust (depending on if the necessary materials from the Holocaust Museum arrive when scheduled). With the end of the six weeks approaching next week, I will not accept any work, late or otherwise, after Wednesday, Oct. 3.
Students received a project choice list to accompany their independent reading books. This list is one they should keep and refer to when completing each project. The due date for the first project (over the Holocaust/WWII book) will be due OCT. 31-NOV. 1. Please monitor that your child is reading their book at an appropriate pace to allow them time to complete a quality project. Thank you for your assistance with this.
History:
The students had a major test this week over all the material to date.
This will be a part of the six weeks grade. If your student has not passed the test over the world map, he/she really needs to make up this test. It will be the only test they can make up all year. I expect to see them by Monday after school or it will be too late after that. Students also may come during advisory.
The advanced assignment is Chapter 4, pp. 98-127. Read, answer all questions, and define all vocabulary terms in the assessments and questions.
The process paper for the History Fair is due on October 4/5. This paper is critical for the project. The students should refer to the website for additional assistance. Also, Mrs. Powell is helping students on Tuesday and Thursday in the library if any wish to stay for additional help.
History Fair Dates:
Topic and Group (If any): September 7
Annotated Bibliography (at least 25 sources): September 24/25
Process Paper: October 4/5
Project Due: October 22/23: Present to class, House Fair
All School Fair: November 6,7,8
Science:
ALL Classes
TLW: 1) Apply critical thinking strategies to conduct exploratory investigations; "Stink-o-Rific" and "Flame On"
2) Compare and contrast endothermic and exothermic chemical reactions.
3) Explain the relationship of elements to react chemically and form new substances.
4) Apply the laws of Conservation of Matter and Conservation of Energy to the classroom investigations.
PLEASE RETURN IPC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTERS
Math:
Algebra 1: 2nd, 4th, 6th:
Students will cover Chapter 2: Properties of Real Numbers. Students will finish the chapter at the beginning of next week (Tuesday, October 2nd and will take an exam covering the material on Tuesday, October 8th. This chapter is mainly a review of 8th grade topics. Students have already covered section 2.5 in their text which involves the distributive property.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period:
Students were tested last week on Chapter 1. Chapter 2 involves the Rational Number System. Students will focus on the following sections:
2-1 Rational Numbers;
2-2 Comparing and Ordering Rational Numbers;2-3 Multiplying Positive and Negative Fractions;
2-4 Dividing Positive and Negative Fractions;
2-5 Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions;
Students can expect a mid-chapter assessment for learning. This assessment will be graded, but not recorded. Students will use this assessment to determine what areas in chapter 2, sections 2-5, they have yet to master. Students will then use this information to review content not yet mastered.
Pre-Algebra 5th:
Students can expect an assessment on Wednesday, September October 3rd covering Chapter 1 material. Last week, students spent time reviewing order of operation and working with positive and negative integers. We will complete the study of Chapter 1 with an in class review of the chapter on Monday, October 1st, followed by the exam on October 3rd. Students will work with the Neufeld Software Package on Friday, October 5th.
If athletes (football players, volleyball players, etc.) need to stay after school with an academic teacher to make up work or tests, the students should let their coaches know before staying. They also should ask their teachers to give them a pass or note to the coaches. Please make sure your student athlete is aware of this.
This week completes the 5th week of the six weeks grading period. Please monitor your students and encourage them to get all work turned in before teacher-specific deadlines. Thank you for your support and assistance at home.
FYI--REPORT CARDS will go home on Friday, Oct. 12th.
Important Info regarding Magnet HIGH SCHOOLS: Magnet High Schools will have representation on the Pin Oak campus on Oct. 19th. Time TBA (information via Ms. Graves, Magnet Coordinator)
English:
This week, we will begin doing some grammar activities and will begin our background study of the Holocaust (depending on if the necessary materials from the Holocaust Museum arrive when scheduled). With the end of the six weeks approaching next week, I will not accept any work, late or otherwise, after Wednesday, Oct. 3.
Students received a project choice list to accompany their independent reading books. This list is one they should keep and refer to when completing each project. The due date for the first project (over the Holocaust/WWII book) will be due OCT. 31-NOV. 1. Please monitor that your child is reading their book at an appropriate pace to allow them time to complete a quality project. Thank you for your assistance with this.
History:
The students had a major test this week over all the material to date.
This will be a part of the six weeks grade. If your student has not passed the test over the world map, he/she really needs to make up this test. It will be the only test they can make up all year. I expect to see them by Monday after school or it will be too late after that. Students also may come during advisory.
The advanced assignment is Chapter 4, pp. 98-127. Read, answer all questions, and define all vocabulary terms in the assessments and questions.
The process paper for the History Fair is due on October 4/5. This paper is critical for the project. The students should refer to the website for additional assistance. Also, Mrs. Powell is helping students on Tuesday and Thursday in the library if any wish to stay for additional help.
History Fair Dates:
Topic and Group (If any): September 7
Annotated Bibliography (at least 25 sources): September 24/25
Process Paper: October 4/5
Project Due: October 22/23: Present to class, House Fair
All School Fair: November 6,7,8
Science:
ALL Classes
TLW: 1) Apply critical thinking strategies to conduct exploratory investigations; "Stink-o-Rific" and "Flame On"
2) Compare and contrast endothermic and exothermic chemical reactions.
3) Explain the relationship of elements to react chemically and form new substances.
4) Apply the laws of Conservation of Matter and Conservation of Energy to the classroom investigations.
PLEASE RETURN IPC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTERS
Math:
Algebra 1: 2nd, 4th, 6th:
Students will cover Chapter 2: Properties of Real Numbers. Students will finish the chapter at the beginning of next week (Tuesday, October 2nd and will take an exam covering the material on Tuesday, October 8th. This chapter is mainly a review of 8th grade topics. Students have already covered section 2.5 in their text which involves the distributive property.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period:
Students were tested last week on Chapter 1. Chapter 2 involves the Rational Number System. Students will focus on the following sections:
2-1 Rational Numbers;
2-2 Comparing and Ordering Rational Numbers;2-3 Multiplying Positive and Negative Fractions;
2-4 Dividing Positive and Negative Fractions;
2-5 Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions;
Students can expect a mid-chapter assessment for learning. This assessment will be graded, but not recorded. Students will use this assessment to determine what areas in chapter 2, sections 2-5, they have yet to master. Students will then use this information to review content not yet mastered.
Pre-Algebra 5th:
Students can expect an assessment on Wednesday, September October 3rd covering Chapter 1 material. Last week, students spent time reviewing order of operation and working with positive and negative integers. We will complete the study of Chapter 1 with an in class review of the chapter on Monday, October 1st, followed by the exam on October 3rd. Students will work with the Neufeld Software Package on Friday, October 5th.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
WEEKLY UPDATE 9/24-28
GENERAL REMINDERS: Friday, Sept. 21st is EARLY RELEASE @ 1. Please arrange necessary transportation. Progress reports also go home. Thank you to those who attended open house Wednesday night. It was a pleasure meeting you all, and we look forward to working with you this year to make our students a SUCCESS!!
Want to meet with us? Schedule a team meeting with Ms. Qureshi--squreshi@houstonisd.org
English:
IMPORTANT INFO:
Wednesday and Thursday of the current week (9/19-9/20), students received a grade print out from me (for my class only) that should clarify the grade you will see on Friday’s progress report. Many students are performing well, and have all work completed and turned in on time. I do have a number of students whose grades are low—and the main reason is missing work or many late assignments. Please speak with your child on a daily basis and monitor the work they are doing at home to be involved in their progress at school. Please bear in mind that with as many students as we each have in our charge, it is difficult to alert parents immediately when something is missing or late. Feel free to check in with me frequently if you know your child is having issues with turning work in on time, or just to check in on their progress. I will be happy to reply to inquiries to keep you updated. cparchma@houstonisd.org
THIS WEEK:
On Monday and Tuesday, we will be watching the 1963 version of Lord of the Flies in class. This will be a good refresher for the test on Wednesday/Thursday. As I will tell the students, the test is over the novel, so any changes made to the text that are portrayed in the movie, should be disregarded. Friday, Sept. 21, I sent home a movie permission slip for you to sign. The movie contains very brief and mild nudity and cursing. Any child that does not have a signed permission slip will be sent to another room for the duration of the movie. Wednesday/Thursday is the Summer Reading Test. It will be over Lord of the Flies and their one choice book (Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie OR Ties that Bind, Ties that Break). It will be multiple choice and have 4 mini-essay questions. Please encourage your child to review these books. See below for other important items due this week.
Upcoming important dates:
Summer Reading Journals are due Sept. 26-27. This is also the day of their Summer Reading Test.
Book Checks are Sept. 25-26 and permission slips are due on the same day. No book projects will be accepted if I do not receive a permission slip.
Literature Term Quiz…if any student received a score below 70, they may bring it up to a 70 by doing the following (deadline is Tuesday 9/25). Write each of the 15 terms and definitions 3 x each, and write 1 example of each on notebook paper. Staple to quiz and turn in.
History:
Most of your students are working really hard and doing a good job. The vast majority of my students earned an A or B average this three-week grading period. Please encourage them to keep up the good work and suggest any with a lower average come for tutorials. Mine are on Monday. The major reason for poor grades is not doing their work or not submitting it on time.
I usually make the advance assignments on Monday to be due the following week. The assignment this past Monday follows:
Read Chapter 3. Answer the chapter assessments and questions 1-22 on pp. 94-95. These form the basis for our class discussions. In addition, they have a map of the early colonies to combine into one map. The maps are on pages 77, 83, 87, combine the products for the legend, and color as three groups, New England, Middle, and Southern.
This is due on September 26, not Monday.
On Monday, the students should have their annotated bibliographies for the History Fair Project. They are to have a minimum of 25 resources which can include pictures, movies, political cartoons, books, websites, and articles from newspapers, magazines, and interviews.
History Fair Dates:
Topic and Group (If any): September 7
Annotated Bibliography (at least 25 sources): September 24/25
Process Paper: October 4/5
Project Due: October 22/23: Present to class, House Fair
All School Fair: November 6,7,8
Science:
Math:
Algebra 1: We will finish Chapter 1 on Tuesday and have an exam covering Chapter 1 on Thursday. Friday, we plan to begin working with our new Carnegie Software. All lab work and work that needs to be done that is past due must be finished by Friday. The note taking guide and vocabulary for chapter 1 is due are due on Thursday.
Pre-Algebra 3rd Period: On Monday, we will begin Chapter 2. An assessment will occur on Thursday. Students will begin working with the Neufeld Software on Friday.
Pre-Algebra 5th Period: We will continue to work in Chapter 1, working supplemental sections in class with unfinished work to be done at home. Students will spend time reviewing order of operations as well as working with negative numbers. Students will also review solving for a variable. Please look for supplemental materials to come home during the week.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Weekly Update 9/17-9/21
General Reminders:
Wednesday, Sept. 19 is OPEN HOUSE @ 6:30. We are excited to meet you!
English:
This week, students will continue to read silently in class everyday and complete daily reading journals. Many students are still not bringing books to class, and I have begun to issue detentions for lack of supplies. Please speak with your child about bringing a book they have not read before to class to read, every day.
Students have received two letters this week to bring home to you. One is a summer reading letter letting you know that progress reports will not include the reading journal grade or the summer reading test grades (a total of 5), thus the averages you see at progress report time could change dramatically, depending on the quality of these assignments. This letter should be signed by both you and your student and returned to receive 5 points of extra credit. The other letter is a book list for the first independent reading unit we are doing. The genre is World War II and/or Holocaust novels. The list is for guidance only; a student can pick any book on their own, as long as it meets the requirements stated on the list. Due to mature content, all books must be approved by you before I will accept their choice. The permission slip is on the second page of the book list. This is due on Sept. 25-26, along with having their book in class to show me (this is a grade). Having the permission slip on this day will give them 10 extra credit points, and I MUST have the permission slip before I will accept their project. The project due date will be announced later, but it counts for 3 grades, so please monitor that your student has turned their permission slip in before the due date to avoid issues.
This week, we will be focusing on CONFLICT. Over the weekend, students have been asked to find a newspaper clipping or magazine clipping that depicts conflict in a current event. They should cut it out, glue it to paper, and label it Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature, or Man vs. Himself. They should also include a brief explanation of how their picture can be related to Lord of the Flies.
Upcoming important dates: Summer Reading Journals are due Sept. 26-27. This is also the day of their Summer Reading Test. The students have been assigned a get-to-know-you project called the Introduce Yourself Booklet. This is due on Sept. 17-18. Book Checks are Sept. 25-26 and permission slips are due on the same day.
History:
The assignment due for Tuesday includes the following:
Chart on the explorers, read chapter 2, Define terms on page 64, answer the following questions on pp. 64 and 65-#4-13, 16, 18-23.
My assignments usually are given a week in advance. Therefore, if a student is absent, he/she should have the work upon return. Students may not use the excuse they were absent the day or two days before the work is due when they have had the assignment for a week or more. If there are extenuating circumstances, please let me know.
It is very important the students take notes on class lectures, discussion, and the reading material. These notes will help them on their tests throughout the year and in future years.
Following are dates for History Fair:
Assigned: August 27, 2007
Topics and Groups (if any) due: September 14
Annotated Bibliography (at least 25 sources): September 24/25
Process Paper: October 4/5
Project due: October 22/23: Present to class, House Fair
All School Fair for winners of House Fairs: November 6, 7, 8.
The website is National History Day. All the rules, suggested topics, and many good ideas are on this website. There also are pictures of winners from past years.
Science:
IPC:
TLW:
1) Interpret information on the periodic table to demonstrate how physical and chemical properties are used to group elements.
2) Complete electron configuration and orbital notations for the first 20 elements on the periodic table.
3) Explain how the arrangements of electrons in the energy levels impact chemical bonding and chemical reactions.
4) Complete “Mendeleev cards lab”. “Electron configuration activity” and “Slots and Arrows Lab”
5) Complete reflection cards for the week (done on charger days)IPC students must return parent acknowledgment form signed on both sides by the 18th
Science 8 / Pre-AP- VG:TLW:
1) Determine the identity of an atom based on its subatomic parts.
2) Describe the structure and parts of an atom.
3) Complete “Multimedia Atom” and the “Rutherford Simulation” activities. 4) Complete reflection cards for the week (done on charger days)
Math:
Please email Ms. Qureshi for next week’s topics in Math and Knitting.
Wednesday, Sept. 19 is OPEN HOUSE @ 6:30. We are excited to meet you!
English:
This week, students will continue to read silently in class everyday and complete daily reading journals. Many students are still not bringing books to class, and I have begun to issue detentions for lack of supplies. Please speak with your child about bringing a book they have not read before to class to read, every day.
Students have received two letters this week to bring home to you. One is a summer reading letter letting you know that progress reports will not include the reading journal grade or the summer reading test grades (a total of 5), thus the averages you see at progress report time could change dramatically, depending on the quality of these assignments. This letter should be signed by both you and your student and returned to receive 5 points of extra credit. The other letter is a book list for the first independent reading unit we are doing. The genre is World War II and/or Holocaust novels. The list is for guidance only; a student can pick any book on their own, as long as it meets the requirements stated on the list. Due to mature content, all books must be approved by you before I will accept their choice. The permission slip is on the second page of the book list. This is due on Sept. 25-26, along with having their book in class to show me (this is a grade). Having the permission slip on this day will give them 10 extra credit points, and I MUST have the permission slip before I will accept their project. The project due date will be announced later, but it counts for 3 grades, so please monitor that your student has turned their permission slip in before the due date to avoid issues.
This week, we will be focusing on CONFLICT. Over the weekend, students have been asked to find a newspaper clipping or magazine clipping that depicts conflict in a current event. They should cut it out, glue it to paper, and label it Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature, or Man vs. Himself. They should also include a brief explanation of how their picture can be related to Lord of the Flies.
Upcoming important dates: Summer Reading Journals are due Sept. 26-27. This is also the day of their Summer Reading Test. The students have been assigned a get-to-know-you project called the Introduce Yourself Booklet. This is due on Sept. 17-18. Book Checks are Sept. 25-26 and permission slips are due on the same day.
History:
The assignment due for Tuesday includes the following:
Chart on the explorers, read chapter 2, Define terms on page 64, answer the following questions on pp. 64 and 65-#4-13, 16, 18-23.
My assignments usually are given a week in advance. Therefore, if a student is absent, he/she should have the work upon return. Students may not use the excuse they were absent the day or two days before the work is due when they have had the assignment for a week or more. If there are extenuating circumstances, please let me know.
It is very important the students take notes on class lectures, discussion, and the reading material. These notes will help them on their tests throughout the year and in future years.
Following are dates for History Fair:
Assigned: August 27, 2007
Topics and Groups (if any) due: September 14
Annotated Bibliography (at least 25 sources): September 24/25
Process Paper: October 4/5
Project due: October 22/23: Present to class, House Fair
All School Fair for winners of House Fairs: November 6, 7, 8.
The website is National History Day. All the rules, suggested topics, and many good ideas are on this website. There also are pictures of winners from past years.
Science:
IPC:
TLW:
1) Interpret information on the periodic table to demonstrate how physical and chemical properties are used to group elements.
2) Complete electron configuration and orbital notations for the first 20 elements on the periodic table.
3) Explain how the arrangements of electrons in the energy levels impact chemical bonding and chemical reactions.
4) Complete “Mendeleev cards lab”. “Electron configuration activity” and “Slots and Arrows Lab”
5) Complete reflection cards for the week (done on charger days)IPC students must return parent acknowledgment form signed on both sides by the 18th
Science 8 / Pre-AP- VG:TLW:
1) Determine the identity of an atom based on its subatomic parts.
2) Describe the structure and parts of an atom.
3) Complete “Multimedia Atom” and the “Rutherford Simulation” activities. 4) Complete reflection cards for the week (done on charger days)
Math:
Please email Ms. Qureshi for next week’s topics in Math and Knitting.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Weekly Update 9/10-9/14
Important Dates/Events/Reminders:
-Wednesday, September 19 at 6:30 is OPEN HOUSE. We would love to meet all of you.
-Every student needs to bring a box of Kleenex. This can be turned in to Mrs. Parchman for use throughout the year in our cluster.
English:
This week, students will continue to read silently in class everyday and complete daily reading journals in their composition books. It is imperative that all students bring a novel and a composition book to class daily, and a number of students still don't have these supplies. This is a grade, and I appreciate your assistance with this matter. We will also be focusing on symbolism and conflict this week and how it applies to Lord of the Flies (required summer reading). We will continue our discussions on characters and characterizations.
Upcoming important dates: Summer Reading Journals are due Sept. 26-27. This is also the day of their Summer Reading Test. The students have been assigned a get-to-know-you project called the Introduce Yourself Booklet. This is due on Sept. 17-18.
History:
Thank you for sending us your bright and interesting children; we will do our best to prepare them for high school. I have told the students this is a very important semester because their acceptance in the magnet programs for high school depends upon their test scores and grades from seventh grade and their academic and conduct grades for the first semester of eighth grade. We want them all to do well.
Most of the students submitted their summer mapping assignments on time. This is a big help for them to understand the location of the various countries, regions, and water bodies to which we refer in the study of history. The students furthered this study by completing family maps to help them understand their place in American History.
They followed this assignment by a scaled timeline of their lives. This was practice in preparation for more scaled timelines. Some are having problems understanding that each line segment must represent the same number of years on each timeline. If your student’s assignment was out of scale, he/she must do it over.
Please ask your student about his/her grades on the world map test. If the grade is low, your student needs to review and learn the material. This will be on future tests as well as in high school.
All the students have an assignment sheet for work due next week. This includes the following: Becoming familiar with the Five Themes of Geography and Six Essential Elements through two short activities for PreAP and one for the rest, a short reading assignment with questions to answer, a chart over the four early civilizations (Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, Inca), and a map of the physical regions of the United States. This is homework, but they have had some time in class on Thursday and Friday to work on these.
All students should be working on History Fair. The topic is Conflict and Compromise in History. We do not have time to work on this in class so most of the work will have to be done at home; please encourage your student either to work alone or select team members they can work with on weekends or after school. This is due October 22.
If you have any questions or wish to contact me, please send an e-mail. We do not receive telephone messages during the day, but I do check the e-mail frequently.
Science:
All Classes
TLW: 1) Design and implement multiple scientific investigations where they will be required to identify and manipulate variables, interpret results using data tables and graphs and complete a written explanation of the results.
2) Complete “Checks Lab,” Come Fly with Us”, and Scientific Method Practice activities from Laying the Foundations lessons.
3) We may be starting atomic structure and the parts of an atom if students can handle the pace.
4) Complete reflection cards for the week (more about these later)
IPC students must return parent acknowledgment form signed on both sides ASAP
Math:
Algebra 1:
Students will continue to develop their understanding of functions, with on representation of functions. Students will learn how to create tables of data from linear patterns, symbolically describe the pattern, and graph it. In addition, students will learn what is and is not a function. Students will be working on sections 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 in their textbooks, practice workbooks, and note taking guides. Students can expect a quiz covering decimals, fraction, and percent conversions, an ongoing topic we will revisit throughout the year.
Pre-Algebra:Students will continue their study of the real number system, with continued emphasis on integers. Students are studying sections 1-7., 1-8, 1-9, and 1-10. Students will finish Chapter 1 early next week (the week of September 16th) and will have an cumulative assessment covering chapter 1.
Knitting:
Students in knitting have learned to roll a ball of yarn, and to cast on using two different methods: backward loop and knit cast on. Students have also learned the knit stitch and will be practicing throughout the week. Students need two sets of straight size 8 needles and worsted weight yarn. Dark colors and textured yarns are discouraged at this time. Students need to be able to see their stitches. Dark and textured yarns make this difficult.
-Wednesday, September 19 at 6:30 is OPEN HOUSE. We would love to meet all of you.
-Every student needs to bring a box of Kleenex. This can be turned in to Mrs. Parchman for use throughout the year in our cluster.
English:
This week, students will continue to read silently in class everyday and complete daily reading journals in their composition books. It is imperative that all students bring a novel and a composition book to class daily, and a number of students still don't have these supplies. This is a grade, and I appreciate your assistance with this matter. We will also be focusing on symbolism and conflict this week and how it applies to Lord of the Flies (required summer reading). We will continue our discussions on characters and characterizations.
Upcoming important dates: Summer Reading Journals are due Sept. 26-27. This is also the day of their Summer Reading Test. The students have been assigned a get-to-know-you project called the Introduce Yourself Booklet. This is due on Sept. 17-18.
History:
Thank you for sending us your bright and interesting children; we will do our best to prepare them for high school. I have told the students this is a very important semester because their acceptance in the magnet programs for high school depends upon their test scores and grades from seventh grade and their academic and conduct grades for the first semester of eighth grade. We want them all to do well.
Most of the students submitted their summer mapping assignments on time. This is a big help for them to understand the location of the various countries, regions, and water bodies to which we refer in the study of history. The students furthered this study by completing family maps to help them understand their place in American History.
They followed this assignment by a scaled timeline of their lives. This was practice in preparation for more scaled timelines. Some are having problems understanding that each line segment must represent the same number of years on each timeline. If your student’s assignment was out of scale, he/she must do it over.
Please ask your student about his/her grades on the world map test. If the grade is low, your student needs to review and learn the material. This will be on future tests as well as in high school.
All the students have an assignment sheet for work due next week. This includes the following: Becoming familiar with the Five Themes of Geography and Six Essential Elements through two short activities for PreAP and one for the rest, a short reading assignment with questions to answer, a chart over the four early civilizations (Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, Inca), and a map of the physical regions of the United States. This is homework, but they have had some time in class on Thursday and Friday to work on these.
All students should be working on History Fair. The topic is Conflict and Compromise in History. We do not have time to work on this in class so most of the work will have to be done at home; please encourage your student either to work alone or select team members they can work with on weekends or after school. This is due October 22.
If you have any questions or wish to contact me, please send an e-mail. We do not receive telephone messages during the day, but I do check the e-mail frequently.
Science:
All Classes
TLW: 1) Design and implement multiple scientific investigations where they will be required to identify and manipulate variables, interpret results using data tables and graphs and complete a written explanation of the results.
2) Complete “Checks Lab,” Come Fly with Us”, and Scientific Method Practice activities from Laying the Foundations lessons.
3) We may be starting atomic structure and the parts of an atom if students can handle the pace.
4) Complete reflection cards for the week (more about these later)
IPC students must return parent acknowledgment form signed on both sides ASAP
Math:
Algebra 1:
Students will continue to develop their understanding of functions, with on representation of functions. Students will learn how to create tables of data from linear patterns, symbolically describe the pattern, and graph it. In addition, students will learn what is and is not a function. Students will be working on sections 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 in their textbooks, practice workbooks, and note taking guides. Students can expect a quiz covering decimals, fraction, and percent conversions, an ongoing topic we will revisit throughout the year.
Pre-Algebra:Students will continue their study of the real number system, with continued emphasis on integers. Students are studying sections 1-7., 1-8, 1-9, and 1-10. Students will finish Chapter 1 early next week (the week of September 16th) and will have an cumulative assessment covering chapter 1.
Knitting:
Students in knitting have learned to roll a ball of yarn, and to cast on using two different methods: backward loop and knit cast on. Students have also learned the knit stitch and will be practicing throughout the week. Students need two sets of straight size 8 needles and worsted weight yarn. Dark colors and textured yarns are discouraged at this time. Students need to be able to see their stitches. Dark and textured yarns make this difficult.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
House 8C Welcomes Parents and Students!
Welcome back for the 2007-2008 school year at Pin Oak Middle School!
The 8C Team is excited to begin a new school year and have the opportunity to work with you and your students. Parent communication and involvement is vital to achieving our common goal: To nurture respectful, hard-working, creative, high-level thinking students who strive for excellence in all areas of their lives. With parental involvement in mind, we have created this website to keep you and your students abreast of what we are doing at school. It is a fantastic tool for us to keep you informed and aware of units of study, important events and dates, and assignments. Parents who are armed with the knowledge can then be more supportive at home, and of course, students can take responsibility for their work.
This website is no substitution for personal contact and/or face-to-face interaction between our team and parents. For individual questions or concerns, please feel free to email each teacher and/or call us. Email is quickest and is usually easier for us to respond to during the day. If you would like to meet with our team in person, please contact Ms. Qureshi to set up a meeting. Our meetings are held typically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or BLUE/CHARGER days according to the Pin Oak schedule. Meetings are held between 8:30 and 10 on Mondays and Wednesday, and 8:30-9:20 on Fridays. We can include your child in the meeting if we feel it will be beneficial.
It is important students purchase their supplies for school as soon as possible. The school store has the list of items that we are requiring, but additional items may be requested in each teacher's classroom.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Email Addresses: Phone Numbers/Extensions:
Mrs. Qureshi (squreshi@houstonisd.org) 713.295.6500 EXT. 417
Ms. Linsley (jlinsley@houstonisd.org) 713.295.6500 EXT. 418
Mr. Scott (jscott2@houstonisd.org) 713.295.6500 EXT. 414
Mrs. Parchman (cparchma@houstonis.org) 713.295.6500 EXT. 416
HOW THE WEEKLY UPDATE WORKS:
Each week, typically on Fridays, if not sooner, the following week's information is posted to the website. There will be a section for each teacher. Some information will be very detailed and specific, some will be more general. Due to the probability of scheduling adjustments for assignments, not every assignment and its due date will be listed. Assignment specifics is something that will be explained to students in class and posted in each teacher's room. Usually the specific information you will receive on this website are things like units of study, test dates, project information/dates, and school information. Please understand that what your student is told in class should be followed; this website is a general guide. If you would like information concerning certain things listed, please speak with your child. If you have questions, feel free to email us.
The 8C Team is excited to begin a new school year and have the opportunity to work with you and your students. Parent communication and involvement is vital to achieving our common goal: To nurture respectful, hard-working, creative, high-level thinking students who strive for excellence in all areas of their lives. With parental involvement in mind, we have created this website to keep you and your students abreast of what we are doing at school. It is a fantastic tool for us to keep you informed and aware of units of study, important events and dates, and assignments. Parents who are armed with the knowledge can then be more supportive at home, and of course, students can take responsibility for their work.
This website is no substitution for personal contact and/or face-to-face interaction between our team and parents. For individual questions or concerns, please feel free to email each teacher and/or call us. Email is quickest and is usually easier for us to respond to during the day. If you would like to meet with our team in person, please contact Ms. Qureshi to set up a meeting. Our meetings are held typically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or BLUE/CHARGER days according to the Pin Oak schedule. Meetings are held between 8:30 and 10 on Mondays and Wednesday, and 8:30-9:20 on Fridays. We can include your child in the meeting if we feel it will be beneficial.
It is important students purchase their supplies for school as soon as possible. The school store has the list of items that we are requiring, but additional items may be requested in each teacher's classroom.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Email Addresses: Phone Numbers/Extensions:
Mrs. Qureshi (squreshi@houstonisd.org) 713.295.6500 EXT. 417
Ms. Linsley (jlinsley@houstonisd.org) 713.295.6500 EXT. 418
Mr. Scott (jscott2@houstonisd.org) 713.295.6500 EXT. 414
Mrs. Parchman (cparchma@houstonis.org) 713.295.6500 EXT. 416
HOW THE WEEKLY UPDATE WORKS:
Each week, typically on Fridays, if not sooner, the following week's information is posted to the website. There will be a section for each teacher. Some information will be very detailed and specific, some will be more general. Due to the probability of scheduling adjustments for assignments, not every assignment and its due date will be listed. Assignment specifics is something that will be explained to students in class and posted in each teacher's room. Usually the specific information you will receive on this website are things like units of study, test dates, project information/dates, and school information. Please understand that what your student is told in class should be followed; this website is a general guide. If you would like information concerning certain things listed, please speak with your child. If you have questions, feel free to email us.
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