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
Thursday, December 6, 2007
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
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