WEEKLY UPDATE 1/14-18

IMPORTANT REMIDNERS/EVENTS:

Report Cards go home this Friday, January 11, 2008.

Upcoming school holiday is Monday, January 21, 2008—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The Pin Oak PTO is asking for help in putting together gift baskets for Family Game Night beginning in February. Each cluster is responsible for one basket. These will be made possible by donations from students and parents. We will collect donations at school and any/all help is greatly appreciated!! Our cluster’s theme is MUSIC. Possible donation ideas: iTunes gift cards, MP3 players, CD’s, Best Buy gift cards, ear buds/head phones, concert tickets, music lessons, Brook May’s gift cards, sheet music, guitar picks, etc.—anything you can think of that goes along with the MUSIC theme. We will begin collecting your donations immediately. Thank you so much for your support!!

Stanford Testing is next week Tuesday-Friday. Stanford is a national assessment that tests our students in 10 areas and gives us scores in comparison to other students on a national basis. It is considered a snapshot test, so besides our already rigorous curriculum, there is no “preparation.” Students should do their best to get restful sleep, layer clothing, and eat a good breakfast during testing to aid in their success. Here is the schedule next week:

STANFORD TESTING SCHEDULE:
Monday-Charger Day
Tuesday & Thursday – Funky Blue
8:30 – 11:30 Testing
11:35-1:45 5th period (kids eat at their normal lunch times)
1:50 – 2:25 1st period
2:30 – 3:05 3rd period
3:10 – 3:45 7th period

Wednesday & Friday – Funky Green
8:30 – 11:30 Testing
11:35-1:45 6th period (kids eat at their normal lunch times)
1:50 – 2:25 2nd period
2:30 – 3:05 4th period
3:10 – 3:45 8th period

TESTING SUBJECTS/DAYS:
Tuesday – Science & Social Science
Wednesday – Reading Vocab & Reading Comprehension
Thursday – Math Problem Solving & Math Procedures
Friday – Language, Spelling, & Listening


English:
Next week, we will continue studying verbs and doing related activities. Students should expect a QUIZ at some point after Stanford testing next week. On the horizon: we will be reading 12 Angry Men in class. We will begin with the movie (as it is originally a play and meant to be seen) and then assign roles and read it in class. We will do related activities including vocabulary, quizzes, character analysis, etc. When students miss class, they will miss the reading. If this happens, it is vital that they stay after school the day they return so they can catch up and/or purchase their own copy to keep up at home.

Independent Books/Projects: Our new unit is over biographies/autobiographies/memoirs. Students received a list of books on the first day back and have already given me their choices (and should have already had you sign their parent approval form as well, so this information shouldn’t be new). Parent approval forms are due Thursday/Friday 1/10-11. Book Checks (students bring their books to school to receive a grade) are January 23-24. I highly encourage getting books sooner than that to get a head start on the reading, especially for students involved in many extra-curricular activities or who take more time reading. This time, we will have 2 literature circle discussion groups: 1st (half the book should be read at this point) on Feb. 9 and the 2nd (book should be completely read) on Feb. 23. PROJECTS are due March 28-29 (this is AFTER TAKS and SPRING BREAK) and will be presented in class.

NEW POLICY: With our 8th graders entering high school in the near future, I like to transition them into stricter policies in the spring semester to hopefully acclimate them to their future high school environments. That said, I have implemented a new late policy. In the past, there were three strikes (1st day=20 point off, 2nd day=40 points off, 3rd day=50 points off). Now, students who turn in work late (late being anytime after I pick up the assignment in class) will receive a 50, or a 0 if they never turn the assignment in. I am hoping this will deter procrastination and the frequency of late work I receive. The only exception to this policy is if they did the work, but left it in their locker. It is still late, but I will give them a 70 instead, if they get the work right after class and bring it to me before the next period begins. In addition, the extra credit opportunities offered this semester will be limited. The emphasis should be on regularly assigned work, and no extra credit may be done until the student has cleared all zeroes in my class first. Please speak with your child about this policy and encourage them to do all work on time.

History:
Next week, the students will have the Stanford tests so we will have a different schedule. However, their Constitution Projects are due on January 18 regardless if they have history class that day. This project must be bound, not in a notebook. The students may bind them themselves or take them to a center. I expect complete, scholarly, and quality work.

We are completing our study of the Constitution and Bill of Rights this week and will have a test over this material next week. The textbook assignment and packet previously given are due the day the students have their test.

All students should have a spiral notebook this semester for the history work. Many are not taking notes nor keeping their returned work. Hopefully, using the spiral will help the students in their study of history. I will be grading these notebooks each six weeks for a major grade. The spiral notebooks are available in the school store.

Science:
Please email Mr. Scott for Science Info

Math:
Algebra 1 (meeting Monday, Wednesday, and Friday):
Last week, students worked to finish a few sections in Chapter 5. The main topics were fitting a line to data and parallel/perpendicular lines. This week, due to testing, there will not be homework until the last class period of the week (for the weekend). Students will begin Chapter 6, “Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities”, starting on page 354 of the text. Students will begin to solve inequalities using the four operations. Sections 6.1-6.3 are on the agenda for next week.

Pre-Algebra (meeting Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday):
Students have begun working in Chapter 5, “Percents”. We will continue in Chapter 5 during the week. Due to Stanford Testing, students will have no homework until the last class period of the week. Students have a quiz on Monday covering TAKS Objective 2. The TAKS Objective 3 Packet is due on Monday as well. Students are well aware of these dates and class time has been given to answer any questions they may have on these two topics.

Foreign Language Department BLOG: See link below

http://pomsfl.wordpress.com

Weekly Update 12/17-20

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/

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

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/

Weekly Update

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Our regular update will resume after the holidays. Have restful break from work and school!

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

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