Welcome to English 8 with Mrs. Lee Slusher!

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at

lslusher@rcps.org or calling 731-3651, Ext. 6655.

See "Downloads" at the top of this page for attachments each six weeks, including rubrics, directions, or comments on assignments.

I am so excited about working with you and your child this year!

Aug. 22 - All students will receive a packet of information in homeroom. Read each carefully and sign the six forms that must be returned. Several others should be returned if the form applies to your household.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

Aug. 23 - See above. No other homework.

Aug. 24 - See Monday.

Varsity Football – Bobcats v. Pulaski, Tickets on sale Thursday, 08/25 and Friday, 08/26 @ all Radford Schools, Medicine Shop, Community Pharmacy and the Radford Recreation Dept. All tickets are $5.

Go Bobcats!

Aug. 25 - Peer Interview Graphic Organizer due Tues., 8/30.

Aug. 26 - See yesterday.

Hope to see you at the football game tonight. We had a wonderful week. Your children are just popping with ideas! Thanks for sharing them with me. Enjoy your weekends spending time with family and friends. :)

Aug. 29 - Peer Interview Graphic Organizer due tomorrow. Writing assignment due Thursday, 9/1. See "Downloads" at the top of page for the handout. First library on Wednesday. A Book Talk will be assigned.

Aug. 30 - Choose-a-Topic Writing Assignment due Thursday, 9/1.

Library visit on Wednesday to select a novel for our first Book Talk. See attachment under "Downloads" for directions. Book Talk Presentations will be September 27th. Your child should be reading nightly for 15 or 20 minutes. Remind him or her to bring novel back to class daily.

Aug. 31 - Writing assignment due tomorrow on SOL practice paper provided in class.

On-going reading assignment - In class today students selected a novel from the RHS Library and then divided the number of pages in that novel by 25, the total number of days for novel reading. This will help your child see how much reading needs to be done daily. The book should be finished on the weekend before presentations begin in order to have time to write notes and practice what information will be shared with the class during the "Book Talk." I have attached specific guidelines to help your child as he or she reads. Students may not change books after our Labor Day Holiday. Please let me know if you have questions.

Sept. 1 - See above. Novel reading.

Sept. 2 - Novel reading. Ask your child how many pages he or she should be reading each night. Students' novels need to be finished by Sept. 23rd for the Book Talks that begin on the 27th. Please enjoy time with family and friends this holiday weekend. Be safe! :)

Sept. 6 - Novel reading - 17 more reading days; review notes and practice PowerPoint presentation for tomorrow.

Sept. 7 - Novel reading - 16 more reading days; open notes quiz tomorrow on sentence fragments.

Sept. 8 -  Novel reading - 15 more reading days.

Sept. 9 - Novel reading - 14 days including weekends left to complete novel; I will model a "Book Talk" in class on Wednesday the 14th, so students will understand the expectations. Read together as a family this weekend and enjoy the cooler weather!

Sept. 12 - Novel reading - 11 days left to finish novel.

Sept. 13 - Novel reading; 10 more reading days. I will model a Book Talk for the students tomorrow. See attached guidelines under "Downloads" at the top of this page.

Sept. 14 - Novel reading; 9 more reading days.

Today students completed a Grade Level Test similar to the SOL Writing Test that will be given to all 8th graders in March. The testing took 2 class periods. I will use the scores for assessment of your child's strengths and weaknesses as a writer in preparation for the actual spring testing. Scores will not be used as part of the six-weeks grading. A similar test will be given in a couple of weeks to assess reading skills. Please let me know if you have questions.

Sept. 15 - Novel reading; 8 more reading days. Also, finish creative story using the homophones - their, there, and they're. If your child worked with a partner, he or she still needs to complete the story individually homework tonight.

Sept. 16 - Novel reading; 7 more reading days. Enjoy time together as a family this weekend!

Sept. 19 - Book Talk's begin next Tuesday, 9/27. Novels should be finished by Friday of this week in order to have notes prepared on time. Students have been given additional time in class for reading.Guidelines for the presentation are attached under "Downloads" at the top of this page.

Sept. 20 - 3 more reading days - see Tuesday's notes.

Sept. 21 - 2 more reading days. The Book Talk Directions and the scoring Rubric are attached if you'd like to see expectations and how your child will be graded. See "Downloads" at the top of this page. Let me know if you have questions.

Sept. 22 - 1 more reading day. See Wed. homework. Book Talks begin on Tues., 9/27.

Sept. 23 - Novel Book Talks begin Tuesday, 9.27.

Sept. 26 - Draft of "I Am" poem due Thursday. Students should have strong sensory details in at least 2 lines in each of the three stanzas. Books Talks begin tomorrow. These presentations may take a few days.

Sept. 27 - Book Talks continue tomorrow. Students who forgot their novels or were unprepared today will have 1 point deducted from their rubric that is posted under "downloads" at the top of the page. Students have known about the assignment for one month and have also had ample opportunity to get help from me in class and after school if needed. Learning to plan ahead is hard for many during adolescence. I really do understand. :)

I Am Poem draft with sensory details is due on Thursday.

It's very hard to believe, but the six-weeks ends on Monday, Oct. 3rd. Report cards will come home on Oct. 10th.

Sept. 28 - Poem draft due tomorrow.

Sept. 30 - No homework. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the fall weather. Temperatures are dropping quickly!

Oct. 3 - Visit to the public library on tomorrow, 10/4.

       Wed. 10/5 - Vocabulary 1 due (matching, fill-in-the-blank, and parts of speech). Much of this was completed in class on 9/29

       Wed. 10/5 - quiz on compound sentences.

Your child should bring home a letter today that explains changes to our Girls' Physical Education Program.

The 1st 6-weeks ended today. Report cards will be sent home next Mon. 10/10.

Oct. 4 - See yesterday for assignments due tomorrow.

Oct. 5 - New novel chosen yesterday from the public library for the 2nd six-weeks. This book should be finished by November 4th. Any novel changes have to be done by this Friday, Oct. 7th. Ask your child how many pages he or she should read nightly in order to finish the book on time.

All of my English classes will meet in the computer lab on Thursday and Friday.

Oct. 6 - Novel reading - 28 days left to finish the book. Tomorrow is the last day to change books.

Oct. 7 - Novel reading - Book needs to be finished by 11/4. A test on Vocabulary List #1 will be on Wed., 10/12. We will review on Monday in class. Have a wonderful and safe weekend. The weather will be awesome! Enjoy time with family and friends.

Oct. 11 - Novel Reading - A test on Vocabulary List #1 is tomorrow.

Oct. 12 - Tomorrow in class, we will read and discuss a short story before I model an I Am Character Poem for the novel project for the 2nd six-weeks. Please note new dates due to a scheduling conflict beyond my control.

Timeline:

Oct. 26 - Nov. 1 - Finish reading novel

Nov. 2 & 3 - Poem and plot summary word processed in school lab

Nov. 4 - Field Trip to public library for a "Poetry Slam" and light refreshments

Tonight's homework - novel reading; please monitor your child's reading, so he or she finishes the novel on time.

Thanks for all you do at home to support your child's education!

Oct. 13 - Novel reading. See timeline from Monday.

Oct. 14 - Novel reading. Go Bobcats!

Oct. 17 - Novel reading. Book needs to be finished no later that Nov. 1st.

Oct 18 - Complete the poem draft about Mr. Peters from the short story "The Third Wish" if not completed in class today. Also, don't forget about novel reading.

Oct. 19 - Novel reading. Teen Read Week continues!

Oct. 20 - Novel reading. Main character "I Am Poem" with plot summary due Nov. 2nd

Oct. 21 - Novel reading. Enjoy the fall weather while reading with your family. Also, join the kids and take time to jump in the leaves! ;o)

Reminder - Just 3 days in school next week for the children. Parent/Teacher Conferences on Thursday from 12-3:00 and 4-7:00. Hope to see you then!

Oct. 24 - Novel should be finished this week. Novel poem and brief summary are due on Nov. 2nd.

Oct. 25 - See yesterday. Hope to see you at conferences on Thursday.

Oct. 26 - Novel Main Character "I Am" Poem and a brief summary is due on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd. Enjoy time together as a family during this 4-day weekend. Hope to see parents (bring your student, too) at conferences tomorrow. DIS will be open from noon until 3:00 and reopen at 4:00 until 7:00.

Oct. 31 - Novel Main Character "I Am" Poem and brief summary due Wednesday.

Nov. 1 - Novel Main Character "I Am" Poem due tomorrow. See attachment.

Also, Vocabulary #2 List will be handed out tomorrow and needs to be completed by next Wednesday, Nov. 9th.

Nov. 2 - Vocabulary 2 packet due next Wed., Nov. 9th.

Nov. 3 & 4 - Vocab. 2 packet due next Wed., Nov. 9th. Library at RHS tomorrow and a break from the ordinary with Fun Friday Challenge.

Nov. 7 - Vocab. 2 packet due Wed. All students should be reading a new novel. Ask you child what he or she selected from the RHS library or brought from home.

Nov. 8, 9, 10 - See Monday the 7th. There will be no homework other than novel reading on Wed. and Thursday. I will be at a workshop at the School Board Office and a substitute will be with my classes. I am still available by email if you need me.

Nov. 14 & 15 - Vocabulary #2 Test on Thursday the 17th. We'll play a review game in class on Wednesday. The 2nd six-weeks ends on Wed., 11/16.

Nov. 15 - Vocab. test date moved. Schedule is now as follows:

Wed. - Review game for vocab #2

Thurs. - Walk to public library for small party and sharing of character poems. Specific students have signed up to bring drinks or a snack. Watch to the weather forecast and dress appropriately for our quick walk.

Friday - Vocab. #2 test. Also, Fuzzy Slipper/Pillow Reading Day! Ask your child. :o)

All make-up work, including missed literature journals must be done no later than Thursday afternoon. Six-weeks ends Wed. the 16th. Report cards will come home on Monday, Nov. 28th.

Nov. 16 & 17 - Please see schedule above. NO PAJAMAS ALLOWED on Friday. Just fuzzy slippers and a small pillow that will fit in students' lockers. Hope to have a great reading period. Dress appropriately for library walk tomorrow. Cancelled if raining.

Nov. 21 & 22 - No homework over the holiday other than some novel reading over the entire week. At least an hour total would be grand! I hope each of you has a very Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy time with family and good friends. Remember to help others who may be less fortunate. Report cards come home next week.

Nov. 28 - Students worked on a creative writing assignment in class today. If they don't expect to finish within ten minutes on Tuesday, then they need to work at home tonight. All students should be reading a novel and bring the book to class daily.

Report cards will be sent home today.

Nov. 29 - Unit 3 Vocabulary due Mon., 12/5. Novel reading, too. Please return signed report card cover.

Nov. 30 - See yesterday.

Dec. 1 - Unit 3 Vocab. due Mon., 12/5. Novel reading, too.

Dec. 2 - Vocab. due Monday. Enjoy the weekend!

Dec. 5 & 6 - Vocab. List #3 Quiz on Thursday, 12/8. Novel reading, too. 15-20 min. per night is appropriate.

Dec. 8 & 9- Novel reading.

Dec. 12-15 - Students will complete and word process their most recent writing assignment in class over the next few days. If they miss class, they can access the Google Docs. account from home and finish their narrative. Ask your child if he or she has the directions. That handout should remain in their notebook all year. There will be no assigned homework over the holidays, but please encourage your child to find some time for novel reading.

Enjoy this special season of giving, spend precious time with family and friends, travel safely, and send your children back to me on January 2nd.  I will miss them!

With warmest regards,

Mrs. Slusher

Happy New Year! Welcome back to English 8. We were all VERY sleepy today. It's difficult getting into the school routine again. :)  A few early-to-bed nights should help. Reminder - exams begin next week for those students taking a high school credit class. Make sure you know your child's exam schedule.

Mon. - 1/9 zero period exam

Tues. -  1/10 - second half of zero period exam

Wed. - 1/11 - 1st and 4th period exams

Thurs. - 1/12 - 2nd and 5th period exams

Friday - 1/13 - 3rd and 6th period exams

No homework for English tonight.

Jan. 3 - Novel reading

Jan. 4-6 - Novel Reading

Jan. 6 - Most students have turned in their holiday narrative and their "Color Poem." Those few who were absent or not making good use of class time have this weekend to complete and turn in both by Monday, 2:35. Enjoy the unusually warm weather this weekend! The 3rd grading period will end next Friday the 13th.

Scary, isn't it! ;0)

Jan. 9 - Tomorrow is the last day to turn in the holiday story and the Color Poem.

Jan. 10 - See yesterday. No additional homework this week since so many students have exams. Students will be involved in writing conferences with me for the next few days.

Jan. 18 - Vocabulary List #4 Quiz next Tuesday, 1/24. Novel reading, too. Report Cards come home on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

Jan. 19 & 20 - Library visit at RHS on Friday. Vocab. List #4 Quiz on Tuesday, 1/24. Congratulations to Wes Parcell, our Geography Bee Winner! Good job, Wes.

Jan. 23 - In class today we didn't finish all of our vocabulary skits and drawings; therefore, our vocab. quiz for List #4 will be moved to Wed., 1/25. Novel reading for 15 or 20 min. nightly.

Jan. 26 - I apologize that I haven't updated since Mon. I have been out of school with a virus; therefore, I postponed our vocab. quiz (once again) until tomorrow. Don't forget about novel reading nightly.

Jan. 27 - Novel reading. Enjoy the continued warm weather!

Jan. 30 - Novel reading. Please return the report card covers to your homeroom teacher.

Jan. 31 - See Mon.

Feb. 1 - Finish writing a thesis statement for Writing Prompt 2005 if not completed in class. Don't forget to label type of writing and the audience. Midterm is next week. Unbelievable!

Feb. 2 - Finish introductory paragraph with a thesis statement if not completed today in class. Novel reading, too.

Feb. 3 - No homework. Looks like another fine weather weekend!

Feb. 6 - Novel reading.

Feb. 7 - Students received a Vocabulary Unit Study Guide today for vocab. lists 1-4. "Big Ole Vocab. Test" next Tuesday, 2/14. Finish matching definitions. Identifying Verbs worksheet due tomorrow as well.

Feb. 8 - Vocabulary Unit Test on Tuesday.

Feb. 9 - Vocabulary Unit Test on Tuesday. Virginia SOL Writing Field Test on Wednesday, Feb. 15th. Nothing to be concerned about. There will be no scoring for DIS Students. It's an online practice test that will be used as data for future testing by the State. The "real" SOL Writing Test is in March. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me.

Feb. 10 - See yesterday. Enjoy the weekend. Bundle up and read a good book! :)

Feb. 13 - Vocabulary Unit Test tomorrow. Practice Online SOL Writing Test on Wednesday. A parent letter with details about a new bullying program will come home on Tuesday from homeroom. Please make sure you read it.

Feb. 14 - Happy Valentine's Day! No homework tonight. Get a good night's sleep and eat breakfast. The morning will be long - SOL Writing Practice Field Test.

Feb. 15 - A long, tiring day for your babies. We had problems from the State with the online test, so many of the children had to wait to begin their practice test. I was very proud of the way they handled the extra down time. Take 'em for ice cream! They deserve a break tonight. :o)

Feb. 16 & 17 - Novel reading.

Feb. 21 - Test on 3 types of verbs on Friday, Feb. 24th. Students must identify and label the verbs in the sentences. Novel reading, too. Our Olweus Bullying Program Kickoff was during 6th period today. On Thursday of this week, students will have their first of weekly class meetings. We are very excited about this new program that we hope will empower students to stand up to bullying. Your questions and feedback are welcome.

Feb. 22 - Finish the "Dad" essay's conclusion if not completed in class. Due tomorrow. Also, test on 3 verb types on Friday.

Feb. 23 - Verb Test tomorrow. The 6-weeks ends next Friday, March 2.

Feb. 24 - Enjoy time with family. :) Review for VA Writing SOL all next week.

Feb. 27 - Students are writing in class their final essay before the SOL Test next week. Encourage your children to try their best and use the strategies that I have taught them. They will be just fine. :) Attendance is very important every day, but especially for this week. We will be reviewing rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics, too.

Feb. 28 - See yesterday. Also, a practice test with 24 grammar, usage, and mechanics questions will be assigned for homework tomorrow. Please remind your child how important it is to move slowly through the test and read everything thoroughly. This assignment is due Friday. We will check it in class.

Mar. 1,2 - See 2/28.

Mar. 5-9 - No Homework all week. The VA SOL Writing Tests for all 8th graders will be administered on Tuesday and Thursday of this week. Breakfast will be provided for every 8th grader. Please see that your child is rested. They are prepared if they have been attending school regularly. I have so much faith in their success! Thanks for your support.

Mar. 12 - No homework other than novel reading.

Mar. 14 - Novel reading.

"Adventure Day" Field Trip for all eight graders coming soon! The information sheet with a place for parent signature was given out in class today. Please ask to see this and return the signed form to me along with 2 dollars a.s.a.p. Just 10 weeks left in this year - Yikes!

Mar. 19 - Return signed field trip form + $2; Band students and any others who missed class on Thursday have a drawing due tomorrow for the story "Treasure, Part I." Novel reading, too.

Mar. 20 - 23 - Students need to select a poem of 10 or more lines written by a published author for our Beatnik/Hippie Coffee House scheduled for April 3rd. Their selection must be memorized and recited during class. We spent all period Tuesday and will have some more time on Thursday to find just the right poem for each student. If you have suggestions for your child, don't hesitate to pass those along to me. More on optional appropriate dress later. It'll be a "cool and groovy" day! :)

Novel reading; return signed permission slip with $2 for the field trip.

Mar. 26 - Practice memorizing poem for coffee house and writing the introduction. Poetry Coffee House next Tuesday, April 3rd.

Mar. 27 - See yesterday. Six (6) days left to prepare for the coffee house. Costumes/dress-up is optional.

Mar. 28 - Students learned about the extra 20 points they can earn by dressing up for our "Hippie Poetry Coffee House." I do not want parents to buy anything special. They were given a number of ideas that are cheap or simple. Poem introductions are due tomorrow, 3/30.

Mar. 30 - Poem memorized by Tuesday, April 3. Also, a reminder to bring any coffeehouse supplies that the student agreed to contribute. Don't forget to plan hippie outfit for extra credit! ;0)

Apr. 2 - Hippy Day with Coffee House is tomorrow! Poem memorized. Dress as a hippie and earn extra credit. We'll be totally coo! (Parents, I'll have decaf. coffee as well as an alternate drink)

Apr. 3 - No homework. What a great it was! Lots of cool poems, too. Thanks to parents who helped provide the snacks and those last-minute Walmart runs! ;O)

Apr. 11 - No homework. Hope each of you had a wonderful break and enjoyed time with family. Practice testing for the SOL tomorrow and Friday.

Apr. 12 - Field Trip Tomorrow! Dress in layers since we'll be outside a lot! If your child didn't sign up for a school-packed lunch, then make sure he or she brings lunch and water. Sunscreen at home would be wonderful! We'll have some just in case. Hats and sunglasses are allowed. Tennis shoes highly suggested. We will have a blast! Can't wait to go. :) Thanks again for all the parent support.

Apr. 16 - Novel reading. No other homework.

Apr. 17 - Novel reading. No other homework.

Apr. 19 - The 5th grading period ended today. Report cards next week. Students are to write the resolution for our story, Treasure IV. This creative writing is due Monday. Novel reading, too.

Apr. 20 - Resolution for our story, Treasure, IV, due Monday. Mr. Cormany from RHS Guidance will work with our students on Tuesday and Wednesday next week to make the students' schedules for 9th grade. Please ask to see your child's schedule when he or she comes home and go over their options. Changes may be made if you don't agree with your child's selections. Advanced English is an option for 9th graders. What do I think as their 8th grade teacher - Take this class if your child enjoys reading & writing, understands grammar concepts, and thrives in a faster paced environment. Have a wonderful weekend together as a family. We need the rain that's heading our way. :)

Apr. 23 - Mr. Cormany from the RHS Guidance Dept. will be here on Tues. and WEd. to give students information about scheduling. Talk to your child about course decisions. Novel reading.

Apr. 24 - Students in 0,1,and 2 periods need to return their 9th grade schedules with parent signatures. Please email or call me if you have concerns. 3rd and 5th period with work with Mr. Cormany in class on Wed.

Novel reading.

Apr. 25 - Return signed schedule sheets. Novel reading, too.

Apr. 26 and 27 - No homework.

Apri. 30 - SOL review all week. Internal Text Structure "Scavenger Hunt" due tomorrow.

SOL Schedule As Follows:

Mon. 5/7 - 0 period

Tues. 5/8 - 1st and 4th periods

Wed. 5/9 - 2nd and 5th periods

Thurs. 5/10 - 3rd and 6th periods

All high school credit classes will be tested the week of May 14th with other RHS students. Contact me if questions. Breakfast will be provided in classrooms each day.

May 1 - Quiz on internal and external text structure.

May 2 - SOL games for review on Thursday and Friday. Will also visit the art show at RHS.

May 4 - No homework. SOL's next week, so no assignments due during testing. Have your children get a good night's sleep. If they're not much of a breakfast eater, have them eat at school. Breakfast at 8:30 on Tues, Wed., and Thursday. SOL Test for an middle school student taking a zero period will also have breakfast at 7:30 on Monday only. Your students are prepared if they have attended school regularly. They should do just fine! Encourage them to focus, take their time, and check over each answer before submitting the test.

May 7 - No homework. SOL's this week. Breakfast served daily.

May 14 - For the final weeks, students will have the opportunity to choose between a novel study and a class play. I hope many of the children will go for the drama unit, a fun comedy, but I understand that not all are comfortable acting in front of their peers. I will discuss thoroughly both options tomorrow.

May 15 - 25:

Play students - Practice lines at home; plan a simple costume with input from classmates. Practice will occur in class daily.

Novel students - Review your packet. Daily reading in class. Should complete approx. 24 pages per day, not including weekends. Some reading at home may be necessary to finish on time.

Deadline for completing novel and classroom plays is Tuesday, May 29th.

Coming soon:

5/25 - Yearbook signing - 1st & 2nd; SOL Celebration - 5th & 6th

5/29 - Class plays

5/30 - 8th grade picnic - 10 - 2:00 at Bisset Park

5/31 - Academic Awards Assembly - 8:30 RHS Auditorium

6/1 -  Talent Show - 8;30 RHS Auditorium

6/1 -  2 hour early release. :)