DATES TO REMEMBER:

December

1: AR Book #1 Due (Reading Log & AR TEST)

3: INTERIM REPORTS

September

2: Media Center Orientation & STAR Tests (to determine AR reading level)

LPFUL WEBSITES:

1)www.quia.com/shared/eng/ --Interactive Quizzes on Reading & Language

Skills

2)www.nationalgeographic.com--

--Enter a "Search" for vocabulary words that you want to see used in

various contexts.

--A good source for nonfiction for improving reading skills

3)www.nytimes.com

--Enter a "Search" for vocabulary words that you want to see used in

various contexts.

--You can narrow down your search according to your specific interests

(i.e. "sports," "entertainment," "movies," etc.)

--A good nonfiction source for improving reading skills

4)www.earlibrary.org

--Local library :o)

5) http://sparkcharts.sparknotes.com/writing/englishvocab/section1.php 

--GREAT FOR VOCABULARY & OTHER STUDY TIPS!

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REMINDERS

(10/13) In order to maintain a general idea of what your child is studying in communication skills, check this page and his/her binder regularly.  Ask him/her general questions about what you see as a way to know if his/her studying is up to par!  :o)

(9/25) MANDATORY INTERIM PICK-UP RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, SEPT. 30 (3:30-6:00 p.m.)

(8/28) Parents/Guardians: Please check behind your student to make sure that he/she is organized with his/her school work.  The communication skills section of the binder should have four dividers in the following order: Warm-ups, Vocabulary, Class Work/Notes, and Returned Work.

ALSO, PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS SITE; THE URL IS DIFFERENT FROM THE WAY IT IS PRINTED IN THE SYLLABUS (UPGRADED PAGE).  THE URL IS http://new.schoolnotes.com.

Thank you!

************************************************************************************

HOMEWORK

12/3/08 (Wednesday)

1. Nonfiction AR books & reading logs (due Monday, Dec. 1)

2. Get progress report signed--it's a homework grade!

(2nd Period) Read chapter 5 of Chanda's Secret; complete the discussion questions for that chapter.

12/2/08 (Tuesday)

1. Nonfiction AR books & reading logs (due in two weeks--Monday, Dec. 1)

***Tomorrow is the last day to turn in the fiction AR reading logs for late credit!

(1st, 5th, & 6th periods) Finish paraphrasing the steps of the writing process (if you didn't finish in class).

(2nd Period) Read chapters 2, 3, & 4 of Chanda's Secret; complete the discussion questions for each chapter.

12/1/08 (Monday)

1. Nonfiction AR books & reading logs (due in two weeks--Monday, Dec. 1)

*The fiction AR reading logs and tests were due today!

(2nd Period Only) Complete the Chapter 1 discussion questions for Chanda's Secret; write in complete sentences !

**Congratulations to the winner of the drawing for the Barnes & Noble gift card by participating in the class book sharing promotion! 

Thanks to all of the students who submitted eligible entries into the drawing!!  Please continue to be enthusiastic about reading and sharing with your peers!  The next drawing is on January 5, 2009.

11/20/08 (Thursday)

AR book #1 (novel) & reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1)

ONLY THREE (3) SCHOOL DAYS LEFT BEFORE THE FICTION READING LOG & AR TEST ARE DUE!!

**AR book #2 (nonfiction) & reading log due (w/AR Test) on Dec. 15

TOMORROW'S THE LAST DAY FOR THE CHANGE DRIVE! PLEASE BRING DONATIONS FOR THAT AND THE CANNED FOOD DRIVE IF YOU CAN!

11/19/08 (Wednesday)

1. AR book #1 (novel) & reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1)

**AR book #2 (nonfiction) & reading log due (w/AR Test) on Dec. 15

2. (1st, 5th, & 6th periods) On a single notecard, write corrections for questions missed on vocabulary quiz #4; complete the analogies handout on list #4 words.

**DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE "DROP IN THE BUCKET" SPARE CHANGE DRIVE AND THE CANNED FOODS DRIVE!  EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!  :O)

11/18/08 (Tuesday)

AR book #1 (novel) & reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1)

**AR book #2 (nonfiction) & reading log due (w/AR Test) on Dec. 15

11/17/08 (Monday)

1. AR book #1 (novel) & reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1)

**AR book #2 (nonfiction) & reading log due (w/AR Test) on Dec. 15

(2nd Period only) The study of Chanda's Secret begins tomorrow; if you did not already get a signature authorizing your participation, you need to have it in tomorrow!

11/14/08 (Friday)

1. AR book #1 (novel) & reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1)

11/13/08 (Thursday)

1. AR book #1 (novel) & reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1)

2. Study vocabulary list #4--QUIZ TOMORROW!!

11/12/08 (Wednesday)

1. AR book #1 (novel) & reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1)

2. Study vocabulary list #4 (list 4 homework, part 3 was due today, but was not collected from 1st, 5th, & 6th periods).

3. Finish nonfiction Cornell notes (including the left column review questions & the summaries for parts I and II).

11/5/08 (Wednesday)

1. AR book #1 (novel) & reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1)

2. Part 2 of Vocabulary HW (due Friday, Nov. 5)

3. 1st, 5th, & 6th Periods: Finish reflection/self-evaluation & get signed.

11/4/08 (Tuesday)

1. AR book #1 (novel) & reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1)

2. Vocabulary HW (due tomorrow)

3. 2nd Period: Finish reflection/self-evaluation & get signed.

   1st, 5th, & 6th Periods: Finish mock reading log (if you didn't finish in class).

11/3/08 (Monday)

1. AR book #1 (novel) & reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1)

2. Vocabulary HW (due Wed., 11/5)

3. (2nd period only) Finish mock reading log on "The Bear Boy"; does not need to be signed.

**Bring report card signature slip back to your 1st period teacher.

10/31/08 (Friday)

1. Read AR book #1 and work on reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1).

10/30/08 (Thursday)

1. Read AR book #1 and work on reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1).

10/29/08 (Wednesday)

1. Read AR book #1 and work on reading log (due WITH AR TEST on Dec. 1).

*The Dec. 1 due date is a change from the original due date of Dec. 2 that students recorded in their agendas today.

2. Get the 2nd quarter newsletter slip signed (counts as a 10-point homework assignment is students' 1st period classes).

10/28/08 (Tuesday)

1. Read independent book and work on reading log (due dates to be posted within the next couple of days).

--The requirements are the same as last quarter: 2 independently-chosen books (WITH READING LOGS & AR TESTS)

2. **The presentation on something you treasure that was postponed until a later time.  In class over the next day or two, we will be reviewing the AR requirements.

10/27/08 (Monday): Teacher Workday

10/24/08 (Friday): LAST DAY OF QUARTER 1

10/23/08 (Thursday)

1. Read independent book.

2. Brainstorm items that you treasure (for presentation next week--details to follow).

10/17/08-10/22/08(Friday-Wednesday)

*Below is a synopsis of classwork and homework for the past few days.  I was at a workshop on Monday and Tuesday and did not update this page.

Students received a study guide for tomorrow's test on Monday.  It was to be completed by today (we went over it in class) and it will be collected tomorrow before the test.

During class on Monday, students took notes from the nonfiction AR book Ashanti to Zulu.  The AR test questions for that book will be a part of tomorrow's test.  Students will be allowed to use their notes from this book, and the notes will be collected for a grade along with the test.  This will be their third and final AR book for the quarter.

In class on Tuesday, students were assigned to read "The Bear Boy" and answer questions 1-9 that follow (textbook).  If students didn't finish on Tuesday, they were to have done so for homework to be turned in today (Wednesday, 10/22).

In preparation for tomorrow's test, students are to look over EVERYTHING in their binders related to this short story unit, including the study guide, the selection review for "The Treasure of Lemon Brown," charts, diagrams, etc.

FYI: Vocabulary quiz #3 (from Friday 10/17) was returned to the students today.

10/16/08 (Thursday)

1. Study short story notes and classwork; test is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23!

2. Study for tomorrow's quiz (Vocabulary Quiz #3).

10/15/08 (Wednesday)

1. Hoodwinked characters' points-of-view paragraphs (2)

Hoodwinked Characters’ Points-of-View Assingment

q     Choose 2 of these characters: Granny, Woodsman, Red, Wolf, Boingo

q     Write 1 paragraph for each of the two characters explaining what happened from his/her P.O.V.

o       Include their specific motivations (use side 2 of page 9—movie handout).

q     Check for correct grammar and spelling.

2. Study short story notes & related classwork--Graded pop quizzes have been returned; test is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23!

3. Vocabulary list #3--STUDY (quiz on Friday!!)

10/14/08 (Tuesday)

1. Study short story notes & related classwork--Graded pop quizzes have been returned; test is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23!

2. Vocabulary list #3--STUDY (quiz on Friday!!)

3. Read independent book--no reading log or AR test necessary for this one; it's just for fun :o)

   **You can still take an AR test up until Thursday, 10/23 if you want to replace a poor grade on a previously taken AR test.  However, the replacement test needs to be on a novel (not a non-fiction "picture book") in order for it to count!

10/13/08 (Monday)

1. Study short story notes & related classwork--Graded pop quizzes have been returned; test is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23!

2. Vocabulary list #3 homework, part 2 (due tomorrow!!)

3. Read independent book--no reading log or AR test necessary for this one; it's just for fun :o)

10/10/08 (Friday)

1. Study short story notes & related classwork.

2. Vocabulary list #3 homework, part 2 (due Tuesday, 10/14)

3. Read independent book--no reading log or AR test necessary for this one; it's just for fun :o)

10/9/08 (Thursday)

1. Study short story notes & related classwork.

2. Study vocabulary.

3. Read independent book--no reading log or AR test necessary for this one; it's just for fun :o)

4. Finish reading "After Twenty Years" and the indirect characterization chart that goes with it.

10/8/08 (Wednesday)

1. Study short story notes & related classwork.

2. Study vocabulary.

3. Read independent book--no reading log or AR test necessary for this one; it's just for fun :o)

(6th period) Make sure that short story elements notes are complete (including review questions and summary)

10/7/08 (Tuesday)

1. Study short story notes & related classwork.

2. Study vocabulary.

3. (2nd period) Finish indirect characterization project.

10/6/08 (Monday)

1. Study short story notes & related classwork.

2. Vocabulary List 3 HW (part 1)--due Tuesday, 10/7

3) (1st, 5th, 6th periods) Finish indirect characterization poster (including attached inference handout and illustrations).

10/3/08 (Friday)

1. Study short story notes & related classwork.

2. Vocabulary List 3 HW (part 1)--due Tuesday, 10/7

3) Bring cut-outs and/or clip art that you could use for illustrating your indirect characterization poster.

10/2/08 (Thursday)

1. AR books & reading logs (due tomorrow!!)

2. Study for vocab. quiz!

3. (1st, 5th, 6th periods) Finish indirect characterization chart if you didn't do so in class.

10/1/08 (Wednesday)

1. AR books & reading logs (due Friday, 10/3!!)

2. Study vocabulary.

3. Get progress report signed if you just received yours today.

9/30/08 (Tuesday)

1. AR books & reading logs (due next Friday, 10/3!!)

2. Study vocabulary.

3. Finish the plot graph for "Lemon Brown" if you didn't finish in class.

9/29/08 (Monday)

**Don't forget, the interim pick-up has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, 9/30 from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m..

1. AR books & reading logs (due next Friday, 10/3!!)

2. Study vocabulary.

3. (2nd Period AIG only) Word Advertisement (due Tuesday, 9/30)

     *Also, bring a small (about 1/2 size of standard) blank poster board by Tuesday,   9/30.

9/26/08 (Friday)

1. AR books & reading logs (due next Friday, 10/3!!)

2. Study vocabulary.

3. (2nd Period AIG only) Word Advertisement (due Tuesday, 9/30)

     *Also, bring a small (about 1/2 size of standard) blank poster board by Tuesday,   9/30.

9/25/08 (Thursday)

1. AR books & reading logs (due next Friday, 10/3!!)

2. Study vocabulary.

GREAT WEBSITE!!!

*http://sparkcharts.sparknotes.com/writing/englishvocab/section1.php

9/24/08 (Wednesday)

**DON'T FORGET, PROGRESS REPORT PICK-UP IS TOMORROW!!**

1. Vocabulary List 2 HW (part 2) due tomorrow!!

2. AR books & reading logs

9/23/08 (Tuesday)

1. Vocabulary list 2 HW, part 2 (due Thursday, 9/25)

2. AR books and reading logs--due Friday of next week (10/3)!!!

9/22/08 (Monday)

1. Vocabulary list 2 homework, part 1 (due tomorrow!)

2. AR books and reading logs--due Friday of next week (10/3)!!!

9/19/08 (Friday)

1. AR book and reading log

2. Vocabulary list 2 homework, part 1 (due Tuesday, 9/23)

9/18/08 (Thursday)

**Please make sure that your child is working on his/her reading log and studying the vocabulary each night.  Thanks!

1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz. 

2. Read AR book and work on reading log.

9/17/08 (Wednesday)

**Please make sure that your child is working on his/her reading log and studying the vocabulary each night.  Thanks!

1. Read AR book and work on reading log.

2. Study vocabulary (list 1).

9/16/08 (Tuesday)

1. Read AR book and work on reading log.

2. Study vocabulary (list 1).

9/15/08 (Monday)

1. Read AR book and work on reading log.

2. Study vocabulary (list 1).

9/12/08 (Friday)

1. Read AR book and work on reading log.

2. Study vocabulary (list 1).

9/11/08 (Thursday)

1. Finish reading the story "The Third Wish" and "talking to the text" (sticky notes) if you did not finish in class.

2. Vocabulary List 1 homework (PART 2)--due tomorrow!

3. Read AR book and work on reading log.

9/10/08 (Wednesday)

1. Vocabulary List 1 homework (PART 2)--due Friday, 9/12

2. Read AR book and work on reading log.

9/9/08 (Tuesday)

1. Vocabulary List 1 homework (PART 2)--due Friday, 9/12

2. Read AR book and work on reading log.

9/8/08 (Monday)

1. Vocabulary List 1 homework* due tomorrow!

*This is referring to the first vocabulary homework handout.  A second one will be given out tomorrow.

2. Read AR book.

3. Work on reading log.

**The AR computer test  system has not been working properly yet, but hopefully those students who are ready to take a test will be able to do so within the next couple of days.

9/5/08 (Friday)

1) Read AR book.

2) Work on reading log.

3) Vocabulary list 1 assignment (DUE TUESDAY, 9/9/08)

*AR deadline for the two independently-chosen books: October 3 (includes completed books, signed reading logs, and AR tests)

9/4/08 (Thursday)

*ALL STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE AN AR BOOK UNLESS THEY WERE ABSENT ON TUESDAY (9/2).  IF THEY WERE ABSENT, THEY SHOULD HAVE A BOOK NO LATER THAN TOMORROW.  PLEASE CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD IS DOING HIS/HER AR READING NIGHTLY.

1) Read AR book.

2) Work on reading log.

*AR deadline for the two independently-chosen books: October 3 (includes completed books, signed reading logs, and AR tests)

9/3/08 (Wednesday)

1) Read AR book.

2) Work on reading log.

*AR deadline for the two independently-chosen books: October 3 (includes completed books, signed reading logs, and AR tests)

9/2/08 (Tuesday)

Students checked out their first independent AR book today.  They will receive reading logs tomorrow and are expected to work on them nightly thereafter.

*If your child still owes a library fine from last year, they may not be able to check out a book until it is paid.  So that he/she does not get behind, if possible, please make arrangements to take care of the fine.  If this will be a problem, have your child see me about borrowing one of my personal books.  Thank you.

9/1/08 (Monday)--LABOR DAY!

8/29/08 (Friday)

None* (1st, 5th, & 6th--Finish your "New Student Class Brochure" if you didn't finish in class.)

8/28/08 (Thursday)

(All Classes)Procedures/Rules/Organization Take-home Quiz

(2nd Period) Finish the "New Student Class Brochure."