Week of October 11-15

English 8 - Students will learn to use and diagram gerunds..the second verbal in our series.

English 7 - Students will edit their "How-to" articles. Final drafts due on Tuesday. They will review simple, perfect, and progressive verb tenses.

English 6 - Students will review nouns on Monday and take a test on Wednesday. They will move into possessive nouns later this week.

Guitar - practice notes on E and B strings through pg. 31. Practice EZ G, G7, C, and Em chords.

Advanced Band - Concert Eflat scale, Duets in Book 1 and through page 3 in Book 2.

Beginning Band - Practice through pg. 6

Week of October 4 - 8

English 8 will begin a unit on verbals and this week will focus on participles: identification, use, tense, placement and diagramming. There will be a quiz on units 5.1 and 5.2 on Thursday, 10/7.
English 7 is continuing a study of verbs and this week's focus is active and passive voice. There will be a quiz on sections 4.1-4.5 on Wednesday, 10/6. Students will also be writing a "How to" article and should have their topics chosen by Thursday, 10/7.
English 6 is studying nouns and this week will focus on nouns as objects. Students will be given a study guide for the chapter on Monday and the chapter test will be given on Thursday, 10/7.
Beginning Band - practice pg. 6
Advanced Band - p. 25 in Book 1, pg. 2 in Book 2, and Concert Eflat major scale.
Guitar - p. p. 25-26. Reading and playing notes on the E and B strings and C, G, G7, and Em chords.
8th Grade HR - 10/4 -Blessing of the Pets, 2:15, 10/8 - No School Teacher In-Service, 10/15 Pumpkin Patch with kinders 9:00-12:00. 10/22 - Grandparent's Luncheon. 11/14 - Knight's of Columbus Breakfast, 8th graders serve.

Week of Sept. 20 - 24

Eighth graders will be finishing Section 1 - Nouns on Thursday and will be having a test on Tuesday, Sept. 28th. Today, they are having auditions to see who will represent our class on the Fun Run Rally on Friday. They will meet their kindergarten buddies for the first time on Friday. Remember to send in snacks for the concession stand at this Friday's Back-to-School dance. We will decorate after school. The dance is 7-10p.m. Remind students to keep working on Fun Run donations! We will have a party when all class members have earned their t-shirt.

Seventh graders have been given a study guide for the Section 1 test. The test will be Friday, Sept. 24th. We will have a review in class on Thursday. Students needing extra help can come in before school on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Sixth graders are reviewing nouns and forming singular and plurals. Sentence diagramming will be an integral part of the chapter later this week as we begin the study nouns as subjects, subject complements, and objects.

Week of Sept. 13 - 17

I'm almost (but not quite) ready to get back to work after a great week at Orcas Island.I want to hold onto the memories and fun.We were blessed with beautiful weather and enthusiastic kids, parents, and counselors! But alas, all good things must come to an end so even better things can begin...yes...drum roll,please...English grammar! Students in all grades should be ready to really delve into nouns...subjects, complements, objects, and appositives. And, students will delight in a review of everyone's favorite, diagramming. (Did you notice that "diagramming" is a non-restrictive appositive?)Not sure what an appositive is?...Be sure to check out our new grammar books for a refresher. Or visit www.voyagesinenglish.com for additional English activities.

Remember Back-to-School night for middle school is this Tuesday night from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Week of Sept. 7 - 10, 2010

8th graders and Mrs. Jansen will be away at Orcas Island from Tuesday through Friday!

English 7 - Students are creating their "Dream Bedroom". They will be writing a description of that bedroom and drawing an illustration. Students will have class time on Tuesday and Wednesday. They will edit their high quality drafts on Thursday in class. The final project is due on Tuesday, Sept. 14th.

English 6 - Each student will be giving an "Oral Personal Narrative" (a.k.a speech) about some event during their summer. They will be brainstorming, writing, editing, and practicing their speeches in class on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students should also give their speeches at home several times before class. Names will be drawn randomly on Thursday and Friday to select order for speeches.

Choir, Beg. Band, Adv. Band, and Guitar will have music classes during elective period but they do not need to bring instruments. Students should bring instruments, books, and supplies to class the week of September 13th.

Welcome Back to School

It's Sunday night before the first day of the 2010-2011 school year. I can't sleep because I feel as excited about tomorrow as I did when I was a student. New books, freshly waxed floors, sharpened pencils, colorful folders, new staff and students, and the eager minds of students ready to learn and grow spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share knowlege, open doors, and learn as well. I can't wait!

English 7 - May 25 - 27

Students are finishing their ABC books for English Grammar. The final books are due on Thursday, May 27th. Next week will be a final English review for the year.