You may vote by leaving a comment in the comment section with the number of your favorite design.
In no particular order:
1.
2. 
3. 
4. 
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
T Shirt Finalists
After review by expert judges, the following shirts are the finalists! Voting will be open from 10/16/2013 until 10/21/13.
You may vote by leaving a comment in the comment section with the number of your favorite design.
In no particular order:
You may vote by leaving a comment in the comment section with the number of your favorite design.
In no particular order:
T Shirt Commericals
The competition was fierce! 8th graders were given the task of designing our class t-shirt and then writing a persuasive commercial to convince others to vote for them.
How do you think they did?
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGNPQaFZTWCRYsMfo4Qk6NNZFTFZKd_pz
How do you think they did?
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGNPQaFZTWCRYsMfo4Qk6NNZFTFZKd_pz
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Coming Up This Week
This is going to be a great week in 8th grade! I hope everyone got lots of rest this weekend and is ready to hit the ground running.
Monday - Biographies are due. Students were given a photo taken somewhere between 1920 and 1960. Their task was to create the subject's life story. Where were they born? Who was their family? Did they go to school? If so, where? What was their adult life like?
Monday - Vocab test! We have been using the ACT vocabulary words for our daily Riggs words. The class has been doing an excellent job of learning to spell them, but not so great a job of retaining the meanings. To help ensure mastery of not only the spelling but also the vocab, we will be having weekly vocab quizzes on Monday morning. Students learned how to create flash cards out of the vocab words last week. They can also use Study Stack to practice. Our words can be found at http://www.studystack.com/flashcards-1358497.
Monday - Voting goes live for the 8th grade t shirt. Now that all the commercials are finally in, we can get them up and start the voting! Check the blog Monday night to vote for your favorite design.
Monday - After mastering the Executive and Legislative branches of the government, we're ready to move on to Judicial. We will be learning the basis of the this branch on Monday and getting our next project on Wednesday. Last week small groups were asked to create a diorama of the Legislative branch in two hours using only materials found in class. The results were very creative.
Tuesday - During science we will be completing the first of two labs this week on friction. 8th grade has completed 4 labs in 4 weeks, each complete with a write up! So far in physics we have covered speed, velocity, buoyancy, and friction. Below are some links that will reinforce these concepts.
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/1dkin/u1l1d.cfm
http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/physics/phys01/velocity/default.htm
http://physics.info/velocity/
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pbuoy.html
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/buoyancy
Tuesday - New essay! It's persuasive week. Students will be assigned to a court case that they will need to prosecute or defend. This will tie in to our history unit. By becoming a part of the judicial system, they will truly understand what it takes and how the system works. This will be a two week essay, with the first week focusing on researching their case and writing the KWO.
Thursday - Field Trip! Thursday is our off site physics labs. We will be completing two labs, one at Evergreen Curling on friction and one at the Milwaukie Elks Club on force and vectors. Students will need to be in uniform with a warm sweatshirt. Everyone will need to be in tennis shoes, no dress shoes, heels, or slip ons. We will leave school at 8:15, so don't be late! Be sure to pack a healthy no waste lunch. I have room for one or two more chaperones if anyone is available.
Thursday - One of my favorite family events is this Thursday night. Find a warm jacket and join us for a fun filled family evening. The games this year are cheesy and wonderful, sure to make memories. Younger siblings and friends are more than welcome. Entries for the baking contest should be turned in to our room no later than 3:30. I highly encourage all of the 8th graders to participate! Cooking provides practice in math and reading informational text, but also teaches life skills they will need sooner rather than later. Extra entry forms can be found outside the office. The fun begins at 6:00 and ends at 7:00.
Monday - Biographies are due. Students were given a photo taken somewhere between 1920 and 1960. Their task was to create the subject's life story. Where were they born? Who was their family? Did they go to school? If so, where? What was their adult life like?
Monday - Vocab test! We have been using the ACT vocabulary words for our daily Riggs words. The class has been doing an excellent job of learning to spell them, but not so great a job of retaining the meanings. To help ensure mastery of not only the spelling but also the vocab, we will be having weekly vocab quizzes on Monday morning. Students learned how to create flash cards out of the vocab words last week. They can also use Study Stack to practice. Our words can be found at http://www.studystack.com/flashcards-1358497.
Monday - Voting goes live for the 8th grade t shirt. Now that all the commercials are finally in, we can get them up and start the voting! Check the blog Monday night to vote for your favorite design.
Monday - After mastering the Executive and Legislative branches of the government, we're ready to move on to Judicial. We will be learning the basis of the this branch on Monday and getting our next project on Wednesday. Last week small groups were asked to create a diorama of the Legislative branch in two hours using only materials found in class. The results were very creative.
Tuesday - During science we will be completing the first of two labs this week on friction. 8th grade has completed 4 labs in 4 weeks, each complete with a write up! So far in physics we have covered speed, velocity, buoyancy, and friction. Below are some links that will reinforce these concepts.
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/1dkin/u1l1d.cfm
http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/physics/phys01/velocity/default.htm
http://physics.info/velocity/
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pbuoy.html
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/buoyancy
Tuesday - New essay! It's persuasive week. Students will be assigned to a court case that they will need to prosecute or defend. This will tie in to our history unit. By becoming a part of the judicial system, they will truly understand what it takes and how the system works. This will be a two week essay, with the first week focusing on researching their case and writing the KWO.
Thursday - Field Trip! Thursday is our off site physics labs. We will be completing two labs, one at Evergreen Curling on friction and one at the Milwaukie Elks Club on force and vectors. Students will need to be in uniform with a warm sweatshirt. Everyone will need to be in tennis shoes, no dress shoes, heels, or slip ons. We will leave school at 8:15, so don't be late! Be sure to pack a healthy no waste lunch. I have room for one or two more chaperones if anyone is available.
Thursday - One of my favorite family events is this Thursday night. Find a warm jacket and join us for a fun filled family evening. The games this year are cheesy and wonderful, sure to make memories. Younger siblings and friends are more than welcome. Entries for the baking contest should be turned in to our room no later than 3:30. I highly encourage all of the 8th graders to participate! Cooking provides practice in math and reading informational text, but also teaches life skills they will need sooner rather than later. Extra entry forms can be found outside the office. The fun begins at 6:00 and ends at 7:00.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
8th Grade End of Year Night
Thank you to everyone that joined us for the End of Year night. Many people asked for the notes to be posted, so here they are!
In order to be ready for graduation 8th graders should be ready academically, socially, and emotionally. Here are the guidelines:
Academically:
Completed Course 2 math or above
Reads a variety of fiction and non fiction text at grade level
Reads for pleasure and to learn new things
Understands the power of words and uses the correct vocabulary for any given situation
Writes expository, narrative, persuasive, and scientific papers with few errors
Uses historical knowledge to put current events in perspective
Uses scientific knowledge to understand the world around them
Uses the scientific method to solve problems, not just in science
Speaks comfortably in front of a group
Knows how to research a topic with and without the internet
Evaluates sources of information critically
Completes work on time (stays out of lunch detention)
Socially:
Organizes space and manages time
Shows appreciation when it is due
Accepts praise appropriately
Uses a variety of communication methods to initiate and sustain conversations
Work in a group, listen and contribute
Choose appropriate attire for a situation
Use public transportation
Choose friends wisely and remove themselves from uncomfortable situations
Know who to talk to about what
Identify go to adults
Be open to new experiences
Explore or have a sport/physical activity that they enjoy
Know how to advocate appropriately/respectfully for self
Cooks complete healthy meals
Create and stick to a simple budget
Does laundry
Attends to grooming
Emotionally:
Controls temper
Listen to and respond to differing opinions appropriately
Show affection for family and friends appropriately
Is not easily manipulated by friends
Understands family expectations for sexual behavior
Verbalizes emotions and seeks help when needed
Finds expressive or creative outlet
Identifies personal values and lives them
Looks to the future and begins to act on goals
Delays gratification
Can name role models and explain why they are admirable
The end of the year brings many exciting events. Details will flesh out as the year continues on, but here is what we know as of now!
8th Grade T Shirts: Last week students created a design and a commercial to persuade others to vote for their design. The finalists will be posted on the blog for voting in the coming days. As soon as we vote, we will get them printed. Usually the final price is right around $10. Students may wear their shirt on Thursdays during the second semester.
8th Grade Graduation: Graduation will be on the last day of school. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM with a dessert reception immediately following. It is semi formal and appropriate dress is required. We will further discuss appropriate dress as the time gets closer. I will need parents to help with decorations and the reception. If you would like to help, please sign up here: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0D4FA5AF23A20-graduation
8th Grade Trip: 8th grade traditionally takes a trip just after school gets out. We are brainstorming possibilities at this time. If you have ideas, please let me know as soon as possible!
Jog A Thon
Thank you to everyone that helped support the jog a thon! It was a gorgeous day and everyone worked really hard.
Monday, October 7, 2013
October Field Trip #2
October 25th is Field Trip Friday! Please join us for a day of culture and higher learning.
Our first stop will be at the Lan Su Gardens.
"Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland's greatest treasures and most interesting sites to see while visiting Portland. A result of a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, our sister city in China's Jiangsu province that's famous for its beautiful Ming Dynasty gardens, Lan Su was built by Chinese artisans from our Suzhou and is the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China.
Much more than just a beautiful botanical garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder -- a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony.
Once inside the garden's walls, you'll feel as if you've traveled through time to another era in a faraway world. Lan Su is a window into Chinese culture, history and way of thinking. Ever changing, Lan Su always has something new to offer - by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. " http://www.lansugarden.org/
There we have a guided tour of the gardens, which correlates beautifully to our current literature novel, The Good Earth. After our garden tour, we will walk just a short ways to lunch! Lunch will be traditional Chinese food. Students and chaperones alike will be expected to eat with chopsticks, so start practicing now.
The day will end with a tour of the Milwaukie Academy of the Arts. MAA is a local charter high school that many of our former students have chosen to attend.
Our first stop will be at the Lan Su Gardens.
"Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland's greatest treasures and most interesting sites to see while visiting Portland. A result of a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, our sister city in China's Jiangsu province that's famous for its beautiful Ming Dynasty gardens, Lan Su was built by Chinese artisans from our Suzhou and is the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China.
Much more than just a beautiful botanical garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder -- a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony.
There we have a guided tour of the gardens, which correlates beautifully to our current literature novel, The Good Earth. After our garden tour, we will walk just a short ways to lunch! Lunch will be traditional Chinese food. Students and chaperones alike will be expected to eat with chopsticks, so start practicing now.
The day will end with a tour of the Milwaukie Academy of the Arts. MAA is a local charter high school that many of our former students have chosen to attend.
- Our day begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:30 PM.
- Uniform of the day is regular uniform. Be sure to bring a coat, we will be outside and it is cold.
- Students DO NOT need a lunch.
- I DO need drivers for this trip. Please let me know via email if you can attend.
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