8th language arts

OOPS!

2009-05-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Parents! I've received a few questions about the recent grades input to Gradelink for the term paper outline and intro paragraph. In reviewing the info, I realized I made a mistake inputting the scores. I put the paragraph scores into the outline slot. Although this does make the score for that assignment "skewed", it does not effect the overall grade for the class since overall, the student will still score the same number of points between the two assignments. My final percentage is based on total points earned divided by total points possible. I apologize for any inconveniences.

TKAM Vocab

2009-04-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, below is the list of vocabulary words for Section 1 (Chapters 1-5). Here are the requirements for ALL vocabulary lists while we are working on To Kill a Mockingbird:
1) Use the Dictionary link found on the Useful Links menu to the right of the posts.
2) Find the terms in the text and use the definition that matches the context from the novel.
3) Write/type/list the correct definitions. These definitions will be graded at the end of the section, i.e. once we finish Chp. 5, I will check to see that you have the definitions completed.
4) When we finish a section, there will be a spelling test and vocab quiz or crossword puzzle.

There are no set dates for the tests or definitions. Pay attention in class to our progress in each section. There will be verbal reminders as we go, but it's almost time for high school and you need to continue becoming independent learners.

Section 1 list:
Synonyms Collards Repertoire

Malevolent Predilection Beadle

Inquisitive Benign Dispensation

Erratic Iniquities Contentious

Monosyllabic Gothic Probate

Edification Cowlick Vapid

Nocturnal Domiciled Nebulous

Indigenous Meditating Condescended

Tranquility Benevolence Diminutive

Auspicious Melancholy Magisterial

Short Week of April 22

2009-04-22T13:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

Key concepts for this brief week:

- TKAM: you all have your "wiki groups" and individual logins. The link is on the menu bar to the right of the blog. Remember to have your individual 5 facts on the Scottsboro Trial posted by tomorrow and the 5 facts on The Great Depression posted by Monday.
- Vocab for section 1 (Chapters 1-5) will be posted tomorrow.

- Term papers: May 1, 2009 is important!!!!!!!
- Completed, perfect, attention grabbing, preview of arguments, approved thesis intro paragraph is due (5 points)
- Completed, clear outline of ENTIRE essay due. This means you have a minimum of 8 headings with details about the arguments along with some degree of researched support. (10 points)

Do not wait until the last minute to get info for the term paper. You have already had 6 weeks to work on this!

Last Second Reminders!

2009-04-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone, remember tomorrow is the deadline for your thesis statements to be submitted for credit. So far I would say less than half the class has submitted drafts. Any I receive tomorrow will ONLY receive a grade, no feedback! Grades will be posted on Gradelink by Saturday afternoon. If you want feedback you will have to set-up an appointment once we return to school. The grade is ten points, so a previously approved/edited thesis is guaranteed a ten out of ten. Obviously any really good ones tomorrow will also receive a ten out of ten. Any other score will be based on the following "rubric": name is stated, contribution is clear, and significance is valid and "provable". I will not be providing feedback on theses past 7:00pm Thursday night.

Also, just a mini reminder to do some research on the Scottsboro Trial/Boys in preparation for To Kill a Mockingbird.

Hope you are enjoying the break!

Important Information!

2009-04-06T07:59:00.001-07:00

Class of 2009, please pay attention to the following information:

- 8th Grade Memory Books: Please bring in a picture of yourself from grades K to 8. They do not have to be pictures from SJS, just pictures of you. These pictures must be submitted by this Wednesday to Mrs. Keaton.

- 8th Grade Field Trip to "Ain't Misbehavin": Order forms must be submitted by this Wednesday to Mrs. Baquet in order to attend the May 8 showing.

- Term Paper update: Today (4/6) was the due date to receive English points on your approved topic/contribution. Remember, the thesis statement MUST be APPROVED by April 17. This is during the middle of break and will require you to email me. Simply turning one in by the 17th is NOT enough; you must receive formal approval.

- Holy Week: Please remember to attend Holy Thursday Mass at 7pm, Good Friday Services at 1pm, and one of the Masses for Easter.

God bless and enjoy the Easter vacation.

Writing PowerPoint

2009-03-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

A couple of the slides' pictures were distorted, but the main content/information remains intact.

Week of March 30

2009-03-31T10:16:00.001-07:00

There is a lot going on this week, so I hope everyone comes prepared each day!

Tuesday: small groups can review for the Lit unit test on Thursday; time in computer lab to research topic/contribution for term papers. Remember, APPROVED topics are due April 6!

Wednesday: Baseball review game for Lit Unit Test; perfect tenses. Hopefully you are also working on the outline for your unit essay. You must have your own copy of To Kill a Mockingbird by today!

Thursday: Unit test - critical thinking multiple choice, comprehension short answer.

Friday: Unit essay - use the quote "Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all" as your thesis statement. Show how the three unit themes are developed in "Flowers for Algernon" around this thesis using the five paragraph essay format. This will be completed in class. You may have a one page outline with you.

Week of March 23

2009-03-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

This week brings us vocabulary, the end of "Flowers for Algernon", the perfect tenses, and a term paper. First the vocabulary (spelling/vocab test Friday; vocab packets due Friday):

motivation (206), psychology (212), neurosurgeon (214), tangible (216), specter (216), refute (216), illiteracy (219), obscure (220), syndromes (220), introspective (220)
Daily Vocab words: rancor, venerable, prosaic, impetuous, sagacious
Workbook pages: 92, 93, 94 (Part A only)

Plan on a "Flowers for Algernon" critical reading quiz Friday as well!

Today (3/23) we will preview your 3rd trimester term paper. Key dates to remember:
April 6 - Topic due
April 17 - Last day for thesis approval (email during the Easter break)
May 1 - Outline of essay arguments / Completed Introductory Paragraph
May 18 - Peer Edit in class
May 21 - Final Draft due
May 22 - Living Museum
The directions and rubric will be posted on the 8th grade Web page.

Finally, don't forget to have your own copy of To Kill a Mockingbird with you in class by April 1!

Poetry Week

2009-02-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

As Black History Month concludes, the 8th graders are presenting original poems as well as works written by African - American Poets. The class of 2009 learned about Langston Hughes the Harlem Renaissance, and and his involvement in that movement, before reading one of his short stories. Using the content and inspiration from the story, students created their own poems which they presented to the class. After explicating two additional poems by Hughes, the class will present, from memory, works from great poets such as Claude McKay and Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Keep an eye out for a special presentation from one of our own 8th graders at the Assembly this Friday!

Vocab Packet #5

2009-02-02T11:42:00.001-08:00

Here are the words for this week's list:

mutinous (144), wan (144), swarthy (144), unfurled (144), stalwart (149), stanza (150), exhausted (155), thoroughly (155), manifestly (156), exertion (156), maneuver (158), ascent (158), descent (158)

Daily vocab words:

Workbook pages: 65, 66, 70 (please write out answers, you don't have to fill in the crossword puzzle)

Spelling sentences (will be assigned in class Wednesday)

Packet due on Friday: daily vocab exercises, workbook pages and spelling sentences

Vocab/Spelling test Friday 2/6

Slave Narrative

2009-01-22T10:32:00.000-08:00

Timeline for writing process:
2 Clusters (prewrite) - due Fri 1/23 (10 points)
Second Draft - due Monday 1/26 (means you have work to do this weekend!)
Peer Edit - due Tuesday 1/27 (means it's "done"; 10 points)
Final Draft - due Thursday 1/29

Requirements:
Format - min 3 pages; 12 font; times/arial font; double space; 1" margins; include rubric (on 8th grade page) with final draft

Story (see rubric) [20 points - Lit]
Setting: place and time, details; has direct impact on plot!
Plot: 3c's need to be clear
Characters - detailed, clear
Include dialogue

Writing (see rubric) [25 points - Eng]

Spelling - 20 points

Week of January 12

2009-01-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

Today the 8th graders received formal outlines for the two remaining reports for the 2nd trimester. The Biography Report is due on February 13 and students need to select their book by 1/20. The class also received the presentation guidelines for their Narnia group reports. The format is a little different from previous years, so remember, if you have questions ask sooner than later! Presentations begin on March 2.

There are no vocabulary packets this week. There is a vocab/spelling quiz next Tuesday 1/20:
receding (123), competent (125), microbes (125), hemisphere (125), radial (125), heedless (125), implications (125), fugitives (133), incentive (135), disheveled (135), guttural (135), mutinous (137), cajoling (137), indomitable (137), fastidious (139)

Friday is a block period for Narnia groups.

No school Monday!

Week of 1/6

2009-01-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and welcome back. The next 3 months have a lot of work for the class of 2009: essays, test prep / high school entrance exams, Narnia, etc. Hopefully your resolutions will help keep you prepared and organized!

Vocab packet #4 due Friday 1/9
1) in class Tuesday there will be 4 test prep words and 3 daily vocab words
2) Lit workbook pg. 49
3) textbook vocab list: apprenticeship (109), mote (110), countenance (110), furtive (110), inquest (111), pretext (113), intimation (114), judicious (114), indulgent (114), emancipated (116).

Spelling and vocab quizzes will be Monday 1/12.

We will also read a story by Mark Twain, work on a 5 paragraph essay, and review your Narnia group's progress in class on Friday. (hint: get those wikis updated)

Narnia Projects

2008-12-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

Here is a BRIEF outline of Christmas Break responsibilities:
1) You must have the book read by the end of Christmas break.
2) You received a login for your group's wiki page. By January 9 you must personally login and participate by adding details about the literary elements from your book. The wiki will serve as a group "brainstorm" / note-taking center for all relevant information concerning the book. Remember to "sign" your info for each posting.
3) When you return from break, a new set of directions will be passed out to the class outlining the presentation requirements.

Wiki links can be found on this blog. Keep in mind my reminder to type your insights/comments in a word document and save it on your computer to ensure there are no "mishaps" with the wiki page.

Merry Christmas 8th Grade!

2008-12-12T13:09:00.001-08:00

As an early Christmas present, I have offered bonus points to any students who turn in their cd book reports on the original due date of Wednesday, December 17. For students who might not have budgeted your time wisely, you may turn the assignment in ON THE DAY WE GET BACK (January 6) and not a second later. Although this is a "gift" from me keep in mind, this is not a gift you will receive in high school!

Reminders: Lit Unit comprehension test Tues 12/16; Lit Unit essay test Wed 12/17.

Reports!

2008-12-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

Class of 2009! Don't forget to keep working on your "CD" book report! It is due on December 17th.

Narnia, Narnia, Narnia! It's baaaaaack! Groups have been created and novels assigned. Remember that by the time you return from Christmas Break each student needs to have completed their novel. Wiki pages will be provided to each group prior to Dec. 18th and all group members will need to participate in the creation of outlines for each of the literary elements prior to January 9th.

Vocab Packet #3 - due Friday December 5

2008-12-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

Vocabulary Words for packet #3:
procured (49), sallied (50), sinew (51), mantle (51), unwonted (51), bedraggled (51), voracious (53), devoured (53), mesas (54), infinite (65), brisk (67), loitering (67), placidly (67), acquiescent (68), scolded (75), sturdy (75), rivulets (76), furrows (76), supple (76), stoic (76).

Please remember to enter the meaning of "finite" into your vocab journals as well.

The rest of your vocab packet this week includes the 3 daily vocab words given in class today and Literature workbook pages 27, 29, and 34. Vocab packets due on Friday, Dec. 5th.

Vocab and spelling quizzes on Monday, December 8.

Vocab Packet #2

2008-11-03T12:18:00.001-08:00

Here is the vocab list for this week. Study tip: write out all definitions, whether as flash cards or for repetition / practice. Spelling and Vocabulary test on Friday!

renounced (15), insolently (15), raucous (15), simultaneously (16), incredulously (17), memoir (23), fiscal (25), taut (27), benign (27), infuse (27), intolerant (28), couched (28), incessant (DV), utopia (DV), lethargy (DV), evanescent (DV), negligible (DV), and capitulate (DV).

You are also responsible for knowing the meanings of the root" -cred-" (12) and tolerate (22).

Your vocab packet this week includes the following assignments:
1) Daily Vocab Words (3 issued in class on Monday)
2) Literature workbook pages 7 and 12
3) textbook pg. 30 (Build Vocabulary)
4) Write ten spelling sentences that include prepositional phrases in each.
- Review directions given in class

Book Report Reminders!

2008-10-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

8th graders!!!!!! Do not forget that your Holocaust Book Reports are due on Thursday, November 6. Bring your novel, any resources, drafts, and questions to class tomorrow. You will have a Friday block period to work on any aspect of the report including any one-on-one assistance you may need.

In addition, keep in mind the Book Summary is due on November 17th and the outline of questions is on the 8th grade page of the website. Remember, you have had the opportunity to work on this since the beginning of September.

Newbery Reports

2008-10-23T14:26:00.001-07:00

Holocaust Podcast

2008-10-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

Listed below are the groups and their topics. If your class number doesn't match with what I said in class, stick with the group listed in class! Remember to check the 8th grade page for the podcast directions and this blog next week to listen to the podcast.

U.S. reaction to Holocaust DURING World War II: 804, 809, 814, 827, 812

Catholic Church's reaction to Holocaust DURING World War II: 806, 815, 819, 823, 831

Concentration Camps - types, purposes, locations, descriptions: 803, 810, 816, 821, 828

Persecution of non-Jews - who and why: 802, 813, 818, 826, 833

Resistance to the Holocaust / Aide for the Jews DURING World War II: 807, 811, 822, 824, 832

Ghettos: purpose/description/effects: 805, 808, 817, 830

Genocide around the world SINCE World War II - choose 3 major incidents: 801, 829, 820, 825, 834

Holocaust KWL chart

2008-10-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

During class today the students filled in the Know and Want to know of the KWL chart on the Holocaust. For homework each student is asked to do a few minutes of research on two of the following questions from "W" and bring their info to class tomorrow.

Why were Jews put into concentration camps? What kinds of camps were there?
What were the outcomes of the Holocaust?
How did Hitler die?
Who besides the Jews were affected during the Holocaust?
What were the responses and actions of the United States and Catholic Church?
Who, besides Hitler, was highly involved in the actions against the Jews?
What was the exact time period of the Holocaust?
Who were some of the people who helped the Jews?

The following site provides additional links that may help with your research. Remember to always make sure the site you are using is valid and reliable!

Week of October 14

2008-10-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

Due to conferences, this week's schedule will limit the number of times we meet. In English we will review for the unit test covering sentence types, simple and compound subjects/predicates, and simple and compound sentences. This link provides a brief outline of the unit or take a quiz to review your comprehension. Remember your first 5 paragraph essay is due Tuesday and the unit test is Friday!

In Literature we will create a KWL chart previewing our unit on the Holocaust. We will also read an excerpt of a play based on the Diary of Anne Frank giving us insight into a young girl's experiences during this time period as well as allowing the class to comprehend the differences between play scripts and narrative stories. Visit the Anne Frank Center website to learn more about our brave protagonist.

Vocab and Report Choices

2008-10-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to your first set of vocabulary words! The definitions for the terms are found on the page listed in parentheses. During the course of the week you should use one or more of your study skills to learn the spelling AND definitions for each word. Pay close attention to prefixes, suffixes and root meanings as they will be of great help on your high school entrance exam. On Friday we will take a spelling test and vocab quiz using the format discussed in class.

plot (533), naturalist (535), spirited (535), arresting (536), sobers (536), suspense (541), acute (543), dissimulation (543), profound (543), sagacity (543), crevice (544), gesticulations (544), derision (544), dissemble (547), exposition (definition from class notes)

Here is the book list for your Holocaust Report. Please select one of the following novels and inform me of your choice prior to Thursday, October 9.
Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli; The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank; The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne; I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson; Malka by Mirjam Pressler; Jacob’s Rescue by Malka Drucker; Night by Elie Wiesel (parent permission required)

Kira-Kira discussion questions

2008-09-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Remember to answer the following questions for class discussions this Wednesday. You can use bullet points or complete sentences to finish the assignment.

A) Create a Venn Diagram for uncle Katsu and the father

B) Uncle K’s name, “Katsu”, means triumph. How does Uncle Katsu live up to his name?

C) Why does Mr. Takeshima (dad) quietly accept the blatant racism demonstrated by the motel clerk in Tennessee en route to Georgia?

D) How does Mr. Lyndon exploit (take advantage of) the workers at the hatchery?

E) Why does Mrs. Takeshima fear the union and feel it is a bad idea?

Week of 9/1

2008-09-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

The class of '09 will begin analysis of Kira-Kira this week with a focus on plot and characters.

Be sure to begin reading your Newberry Award selections and plan your time wisely. Remember the book report is due September 30!

Welcome Back!

2008-08-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to the class of 2009! I hope that you enjoyed the summer as well as the Newberry Award winning novel Kira-Kira. This is the first time I will be teaching the novel to the 8th grade and I look forward to the analytical discussions we will be having in class. As soon as the year begins we will hit the ground running as we review the novel and each student begins work on a Newberry Award winner for their first book report!

Throughout the year I will use the blog to post information about assignments, updates on class sessions, and online resources that can be used to help develop your literary skills.

8th grade is a time of great challenges, change, and excitement! Get ready for a great year.

Varsity Football Prepares to Defend League Title

2008-07-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Spartan faithful! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacation, reading lots of books, and sleeping late. I'm getting 2 of 3 done; the sleeping late is tough.

As summer progresses quickly it's time to start thinking about football practice! Despite the fact that all the info was passed out before school ended, I figure some of you may have "misplaced" the paper or maybe your dog ate it, etc. So here are the key dates and information:

Summer workouts begin Monday, August 11th! We will practice from 5-6pm at Westchester Park on the following dates: 8/11; 8/12; 8/14; 8/18; 8/19; 8/21; 8/25; 8/26; and 8/28.

There is no school on September 1 (Labor Day) so there will not be practice that day. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2 our regular practice schedule for the season will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays with games usually on Saturdays from mid-September until mid-November. Exact practice times for the school year will be posted at the end of the summer after confirmation from the Park.

Remember, please email Mr. B (spartan7th@hotmail.com) if you plan on playing, but will miss summer practices due to vacation plans. The summer workouts are not mandatory, but they will provide a head start for players participating.

See you on the 11th. Go Spartans!

Lady Spartans Advance to Elite 8

2008-02-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Lady Spartans for their hard-fought victory last night in the CYO's Sweet 16! Coach Rawson has led his team deep into the playoffs yet again and this weekend is HUGE for the girls. On Saturday they take on St. Martin of Tours at 1pm at St. Matthias in Downey. A victory Saturday places the girls in the Final Four and assures them of a trip to Staples Center and yet another banner for the gym. After their victory Saturday the ladies play at La Salle High School in Pasadena at 1pm for a shot at their 2nd consecutive CYO Championship Game. Spartan Nation, this is AMAZING and who knows when it will happen again. This weekend could put the Lady Spartans in the same company as the Lakers (87 and 88, 2000, 2001 [the Lakers did win a 3rd in a row in '02 but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves!]).

Spartan Nation, you MUST find a way to come out and support these hard working ladies and their coaches. I've arranged for bonus points for all Junior High students who attend the games, so I hope for a huge turnout! Below are directions to both locations from St. Jerome School. Feel free to look up your own routes, these directions are from Yahoo!

Go Lady Spartans!

Saturday 1pm St. Matthias - 7851 Gardendale street Downey, 90242
405 south; 105 east; 710 North; Exit Imperial Hwy EAST (stay on for about a mile);
Turn Right on Garfield (stay for ½ a mile);
Bear left on Gardendale for ½ a mile
7851 Gardendale

Sunday 1pm La Salle High School - 3880 East Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, 91107
Left on La Tijera; Bear Left on La Cienega (North) to the 10 East;
110 North; 5 North; CA 2 North; CA 134 East; 210 East;
Exit San Gabriel Blvd.
Left on Sierra Madre Blvd. (take for about 2 miles)
3880 East Sierra Madre Blvd

Slave Narrative Assignment

2008-02-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

Class of 2008, as part of the slave narrative assignment I am asking for you to respond to a few questions as part of an evaluation of the technology aspect of the project. This is a required homework assignment. Please read the information below and respond to each of the questions. All students who respond in detail to the questions AND send them via email will receive two bonus points on their essay.

Technology Goals:
- Understand how to discover information on the Internet about the Underground Railroad.
- Use “Inspiration” program as a prewriting tool.
- Use “Word” to draft, edit and publish a short story.

Please respond to the following questions:
1) Did technology assist you in understanding the concepts of research and the writing process?

2) Did this project help improve your technology skills? How?

3) List any suggestions to help make the project go smoother or to better understand the concepts of Internet research and the writing process.

Spartans Basketball

2008-02-18T12:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Boys' Basketball team as their two victories this weekend assure them of back to back League Championships! On Saturday the Spartans defeated St. Anastasia 46-21 and then beat St. Mark's on Sunday 38-19. The Spartans remain undefeated in CYO play with a current record of 23-0. Please come out and support the Spartans Thursday night as they complete League play against St. Joseph at 6:30 in Spartan Gymnasium.

Congratulations also go out to the undefeated Lady Spartans as they advanced to the Sweet 16 of the CYO playoffs! The ladies play this Wednesday at 7pm at Providence High School in Burbank. I would like as many of the boys as possible to make the game so we will end practice this Wedneday at 4:15 in an attempt to give as many people a chance to drive out to Burbank as we can.

Good luck Lady Spartans!

Spartans Basketball

2008-02-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update about this week's schedule. We will have regular practice Wednesday (3:15-4:45). Thursday we will have an abbreviated practice from 3:30-4:15 in the backyard. This way all our parents can enjoy a wonderful Valentine's Day Dinner!

Saturday we play St. Anastasia at 2pm at St. Anthony School in El segundo. Sunday we take on St. Mark's at St. Anthony's gym at 4pm.

Finally, our game for Saturday the 23rd has been moved to our gym on Thursday night the 21st at 6:30pm. It is our final regular season game before playoffs start on march 1. The playoff schedule will not be posted until approximately Thursday, Feb. 28th.

Harriet Tubman at the Forefront

2008-02-04T12:40:00.001-08:00

Harriet Tubman is a symbol of strength and leadership in the face of conflict and injustice. he 8th grade will spend the next two weeks learning more about the Underground Railroad and slave narratives through a biography on Tubman, Internet research, and class lectures. At the end of the week students will begin prewriting as they prepare to write a historical fiction short story about a runaway slave.

Vocabulary this week:
third-person narrative (131), Fugitive Slave Law (133), fugitives (133), incentive (135), disheveled (135), guttural (135), mutinous (137), cajoling (137), indomitable (137), fastidious (139)

Spartans Basketball Team Continues to Roll

2008-01-25T07:54:00.000-08:00

The Spartans Basketball team continued their impressive season with a convincing 53-15 victory over St. John Chrysostom last night. The defense came out with energy and determination often stealing the ball before the opponents could cross half-court. The Spartans are now 2-0 in League play and 18-0 overall.

The season continues this Sunday at St. Anthony's Gym in El Segundo. The Spartans will take on St. Bernadette at 5pm so come out and support the boys!

Following the Bernadette's game the Spartans will be off for two weeks before taking on St. Anthony at Noon on Feb. 9th and Visitation at 2pm on Feb. 10th.

"I Have a Dream"

2008-01-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

8th grade! Here is a review for your assignment. Print out the "Dream" speech by Dr. King (on the 8th grade page as a Word document) and highlight areas relevant in our search for justice and freedom. Remember to look past some of the wording and extend his message to 2008 and our Nation and world today. This assignment is due tomorrow.

The second part is to write a poem that reflects on the message of "I Have a Dream." You may focus on the concepts and ideals using the 1963 speech, or you may be inspired to use the pictures and discussions from today's class. Remember to THINK and allow yourself time to be inspired prior to writing. The poem is due Thursday and must be typed. The goal is to display them at Open House Sunday, so please make sure you have proofread and edited or you will have to rewrite Thursday night.

Open House Volunteers

2008-01-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

Calling all Spartan Christian Leaders in the Junior High!! I would love to have your assistance at Open House on Sunday, January 27th. We have Catholic Schools Week Mass at 9am followed by the Open House. I need students to come in uniform (some in sports, some in regular school uniforms) to help staff the event.

Some students will be used as "security" to keep children away from the play structure and running around the grounds. Some students will be used as tour guides and take prospective parents around campus and answer general questions. Finally, a few students will serve as "locators" and provide visitors with any needed directions.

Service hours will be provided.

Please confirm with you parents that you can and will be available from 10:30-12 that Sunday then email me (spartan7th@hotmail.com) with your preferred job this weekend.

Thanks for your assistance in making St. Jerome a great place to learn.

"Don't Stop Practicing"

2007-12-11T14:51:00.001-08:00

The Noun Lovers present their 1st hit single!

Mythology Presentations

2007-11-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

Reminder to all Greek God and Goddess researchers. Your PowerPoint or Posterboard is due to me tomorrow!!!!!! This Friday we will share the presentations, limit our choices for "God of the Year" and then have our final "debate" on the 30th!

Enjoy.

Elite 8!!!!

2007-11-10T15:09:00.000-08:00

The Spartans advanced to the CYO Football Tournament's Elite 8 today with a come from behind 12-8 victory over St. Anthony de Padua. Eric Marrero made a tough throw to the corner of the endzone and Tochi Oti snatched the ball away from a defender to seal the win with just 36 seconds on the clock. The boys now take on St. Louise de Merillac tomorrow (Sunday 11/11) at 1pm at Loyola High School. A victory tomorrow puts the boys into the Final Four!

Spartan Nation where have you been? Thanks to all of our great parents, but now it's time to line the stands with red and black! Any Jr. High students in attendance are guaranteed bonus points, so come on out and cheer the Spartans on to victory!

Spartans Continue Playoff Run

2007-11-03T12:25:00.001-07:00

The Spartans moved onto the second round of the CYO playoffs today with a convincing 28-14 victory over Our Lady of the Assumption. Tomorrow they will take on Holy Name of Mary at St. John Bosco High School at 12 noon. Holy Name is an excellent team and the Spartans want and need your support. Come out and cheer on the boys as they lok to make their second consecutive Sweet 16. Directions and playoff information are in the posting below. See you there tomorrow!

Spartans' Playoff Schedule!

2007-10-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

Spartan Nation, the football team's playoff run begins this Saturday bright and early at 9am at St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs. All football players MUST meet at St. Jerome School at 7:30am so we can caravan there together. (Contact Mr. B if for some reason you can't meet at school ASAP.) All of our great fans are more than welcome to join in the caravan out to St. Paul as well. If/When we win, our next game will take place Sunday at 12 noon at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower. The team(s) we play Sunday play right after us on Saturday, so you might want to stay for a little bit and get a feel for the opposition! There is $4 admission fee for adults and $1 for children. The full bracket can be found at http://www.cyousa.org/ and click on the flaf football link.

Here are the directions to St. Paul High School: 405 South to the 105 East to the 605 North (stay on the 605 for almost 3 miles); Take exit #12 Telegraph Road and head toward "Telegraph Road East" (for about 2.5 miles); Turn left on Greenleaf Avenue, St. Paul is at
9635 GREENLEAF AVE , SANTA FE SPRINGS 90670

Sunday's game at St. John Bosco is even easier to reach. Take the 405 South to the 105 East and exit Bellflower Blvd (just before the 605 interchange). Make a right on Bellflower and the school will be on the left hand side at 13640 Bellflower Blvd.

Come out and support the Spartans in your red and black! Mr. B and Mrs. Cobbs still have shirts available for $10 each. Any students joining the crowd can earn a few bonus points for attending the playoff games! See you there, GOOOOOOOOOOO SPARTANS!

Vocabulary Preparation

2007-10-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

8th graders, a key element of your high school entrance exam and future academic success is vocabulary. One of the keys to achievement in this area is knowledge of root words, prefixes and suffixes. Our Literature books do an excellent job of presenting these "meanings" and providing solid vocabulary words from the stories and poems we read. In addition to these two provisions, we will also be adding a "word of the day" exercise to each class session. In order to make this a learning experience while maintaining enough class time for grammar, writing, and literary analysis, we will be creating vocabulary workbooks. Each workbook will consist of five sections: 1) vocabulary from our readings; 2) word of the day; 3) prefixes; 4) suffixes; 5) root words. It will be your responsibility to "study" these words and word parts; ask your parents to review them with you.

Each week you will be assigned a set of pages from the textbook that provides information on roots, prefixes, and/or suffixes. You will be required to write that information into the appropriate section of your workbook.

Each day at the start of class you will need to copy into your workbook the word of the day exercise and have them completed by the following Monday.

Depending on the stories read during the course of a week, you will receive a "spelling list" on a Monday that will include vocabulary words which you will be tested on the following Friday for spelling and vocabulary knowledge (like we have already been doing this year).

The vocabulary workbooks will be graded on a bi-weekly basis using a basic rubric similar to Mr. Ortega's interactive notebook. To check up on your progress/comprehension we will play some review games like "Cake Walk Comprehension," "Bingo," and "Jeopardy."

Please have your workbooks created no later than Monday, October 29th.

Important Football Update

2007-10-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

Attention all Spartans football players (and families)! This Saturday's game against St. Anthony has switched locations to Meadows Park in Manhattan Beach - we will NOT play at Loyola this week. The game will still take place at 9am; players need to arrive no later than 8:30am. Sunday's 3:00 game against St. Bernadette will also take place at Meadows Park as planned. Meadows Park is located at 1200 North Meadows Ave. Take Sepulveda South past Rosecrans and the mall. Turn left on Manhattan Beach Blvd and left on Meadows. The parking lot is behind the school.

Remember, we play this weekend to end the regular season as undefeated league champions! Please come out ready to cheer on the boys as they attempt to reach a goal we have been working towards since mid-August.

Newberry Reports

2007-10-03T10:28:00.001-07:00

"So a man can stand up"

2007-09-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

Well, class of '08, you "finished" Johnny Tremain. I realize summer reading may not be at the top of your list, but remember there is a lot more coming for the next few summers in high school! Take the lessons learned in Johnny Tremain and try to apply them to your daily life. It is important at this time in history to recognize the problems that do exist, set aside our own pride and arrogance, and strive to assist others less fortunate than oursleves. Don't wait for a tragedy to strike (like Johnny) before understanding how important selfless service is. Also, particularly in light of 9-11 and the troops around the world, remember those who have gone before us so that we might enjoy freedom. Academically, remember the lessons in historical fiction, literary elements, and especially, theme! I hope you enjoy the rest of the school year.

Homework 9/18: English workbooks ("to the right, to the right")

JT is almost done!

2007-09-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

Alright c/o '08, your work with Johnny Tremain is nearing an end. Hot Seats ended today and we reviewed for the book quest as well. Remember to review tonight for tomorrow's final JT assignment, the quest. Here's a bit of an advantage for those checking the blog. First ten students to email me (spartan7th@hotmail.com) with the correct answer to this question will receive two bonus points on the quest: What was the date of the "shot heard round the world" in Lexington?

Good luck tomorrow!