Lions Luv 2 Learn--sargenta@duvalschools.org

We're Moving Along!

2012-02-09T10:16:00.005-05:00

Week of 1/23: Text Features Gallery Walk continued
Analyzing an author's purpose for using text features
Text Features: pg. 871 "The Spider Man Behind Spiderman"
#4-8 and Vocab. Mapping

Week of 1/30: Engaging Beginnings (revisit)
Analyzing FEDI
Conferencing on DTW#3 (Privilege Essay)

Week of 2/6: DTW #4
Text Features Continued with "Learning About T'ai Chi" and "Keeping in
Touch" pgs. 194-205 in the HOLT Multicultural Workbook

margins and the work at the end)
Text Features in the McDougal Littel Textbook, pg. 876-881, "Over the
Top The True Adventures of a Volcano Chaser" by Renee Skelton.
Complete the "T" chart analyzing the text features.

******STUDY FOR THE UNIT 3 & 4 EXAM ON CAUSE AND EFFECT AND TEXT FEATURES.
THE EXAM WILL BE ADMINISTERED ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK.

Also next week, I will do a workbook, homework, and classwork check. ALL work is due on Monday and Tuesday--NO EXCEPTIONS, NO LATE WORK. Thank you for your cooperation! The following assignments will be reviewed:
--Workbook pgs. 14-25, "The Scholarship Jacket",vocab. mapping, and the Cause and Effect Chart
--Article: "Street Fair in Little Havana"
--Textbook: pg. 471 ("The Spider Man Behind Spiderman") #4-8 and vocab. mapping
--Text Features Gallery Walk Worksheet
--Essay Revisions for DTW#3 (Privilege Essay)

To access EssaySmart,
1) log onto www.classzone.com
2) create your student account with your school sign-in I.D. and password
3) log in your student Activation Code: 3767769 60
---------------------
Here are the steps to access EssaySmart:
1) log onto www.classzone.com
2) You are at the Home page.
3) Select Language Arts Middle; Florida; and then "Go"
4) Look at the top row and choose the middle book (McDougal/Grade 8)
5) Look at the top row and choose Writing and Grammar & then click EssaySmart
6) Choose Create a Student Account and complete
7) Click Activation Code and key in 3767769 60
8) Now, you will return to home page and repeat steps 3-5
9) Click the expository arrow and select prompt 8.
10) Make sure you save each draft in word and keep revising until you receive the required score. Print each draft and bring to class.

Wow! Happy New Year! Time is Really Flying By!!

2012-01-20T10:37:00.003-05:00

Week of 1/3:

Reading--Analyzing and Identifying Cause and Effect, "Scholarship Jacket" pg, 14-25 in the HOLT Multicultural WB, Vocab. Mapping worksheet, blue margins, and work at the end of the story

Cause and Effect continued with "Street Fair in Little Havana".

Writing: Improving Word Choice with Adjectives--Monster activity

Week of 1/9:

Reading--The Pigman Socratic Seminar (class discussion)

Text Features Scavenger Hunt/Gallery Walk Part 1

Week of 1/17:

Reading--Nobel Peace Price Winner President Carter (with substitute)

Text Features Scavenger Hunt/Gallery Walk will resume next week

----------------------------------

New Team Time Groups have started. In an effort to prepare for FCAT Writes Mr. B will also focus on writing in his Team Time. A special thanks to Mr. B for taking time to prepare our students and share his knowledge!

If you have any questions at any time, please email me at sargenta@duvalschools.org

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-15T10:36:00.007-05:00

The past two weeks in ELA--

Writing:
--Purple worksheet on transitions with assignment on Team Sports
--FEDI vs. FRIESS (elaboration)
--Transition chart (self made)
--Assessment: District Timed Writing #3

Reading:
--Making predictions: finished reading, "The Ransom for Red Chief"
--Plot
--Plot Structure
--Completed Plot diagram and prediction chart as we read
--Pg. 59 #1-6
--Took 2nd Reading Benchmark (assessment from the district)

OVER THE BREAK:

--Read the entire novel, The Pigman by Paul Zindel
--Complete the study guide (pages 13-31). Note: the study guide is available here on my blog, there is a link in the upper right corner.
--Complete all journal assignments and other tasks that are required on notebook paper (as per the study guide) except the tasks that are worksheets.
--Be prepared to participate in a Socratic Seminar upon return from the break. Note: only students that complete the study guide are eligible to participate in the Socratic Seminar and others will earn a reduced grade for observing the Socratic Seminar.
--Lastly, your 9 Weeks exam will be based on the novel. When we return we will continuing working on plot and use The Pigman as the basis for our exam.

I have made sure that each of you has a copy of the book and a copy of the Study Guide--there are NO excuses.

Have a safe and joyous holiday break! I look forwarding to seeing you next year. =)

PS If you have not read to story #27 on FCAT Explorer now is your chance to catch up. I am giving you a one time opportunity to change your FCAT Explorer grade and it is now. I will print the reports on Tuesday, Jan. 3rd and modify your grade if you earn a 70% or better on the work you complete. Again, you must catch up prior to our return from break.

Welcome Back! Tue, 11/29-Fri. 12/2

2011-12-02T10:18:00.003-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It's time to stay focused as we use the next few weeks wisely. When we return in January FCAT Writes will sneak up on us if we're not careful. ;)

This week in ELA:

Reading: "The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry (pg. 48) with an emphasis on plot, conflict, resolution, and theme. In class we are documenting predictions on our charts.

Writing: Elaboration---It's more that just FRIESS! Stepping it up with Level 6 Writing techniques.

Testing Week: Benchmark #2

Mon. 11/21 & Tue. 11/22 (Note: Friday/B day I had a sub.)

2011-11-22T08:24:00.003-05:00

Writing: Elaboration--I know what it is, but how do I achieve the
elaborated status? What does an elaborated paragraph include?

Reading: Analyzing conflict and resolution
Making Predictions

HW: --pg. 47 Vocabulary Mapping
--FCAT Explorer (#27) & Compass O. by 11/27
--Purchase The Pigman by Paul Zindel (if purchased by 12/5 you will get
bonus points)
--Bring in the DCPS Graphic Organizer for Unit Two the rough draft for the Unit
Two task (edited by a peer), and your final draft.

FCAT Explorer Story Titles and Due Dates

2011-11-21T13:39:00.003-05:00

Complete #1-9 Assigned: 9/22 Due: 10/16

1. The History of Silly Putty
2. My Night at the Opera
3. The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

4. Bobble's Silly Submarine Looking at Bats
5. How Gina and I Started Talking Again
6. Why Middle Schoolers Should Vote

7. Spy River Chase How To Be a Dolphin Trainer
8. One of Many
9. Poetry: Not Just for Shakespeare Anymore

Complete #10-18 Assigned: 10/17 Due: 11/6

10. Slug Races Wild Pigs
11. The Parrot That Talked Too Much
12. Strange Smells: The Future of "Nose Science"

13. Feed a Flytrap The Brain: Amazing Facts
14. Masha and the Bear
15. Grace Darling

16. The Spinning Squid Toy Trains
17. White Horses
18. Auto-Duck

Complete #19-27 Assigned: 11/7 Due: 11/27

19. RoboGolf The Baobab Tree
20. The Retrieval, Part 1
21. Why the Vulture Is Bald

22. Omni's Musical Revue Dead or Alive
23. The Retrieval, Part 2
24. In The Dark

25. Roller Mole Bold Boudicca: Warrior Queen
26. Birth of the Butterflies
27. Jack "King" Kirby: The King of Comics

Complete #28-36 Assigned: 1/3 Due: 1/22

28. Motorcycle Madness Diamonds
29. The Prince and the Pauper
30. Students Spark Frog Alert

31. Volcano Falls Tryouts
32. Why I Don't Smoke
33. The Mystery of the Backyard Visitor

34. Creepy Creatures Florida Explorer
35. The Class Assignment
36. Sound Off: Candidates for Student Council Treasurer

Complete #37-45 Assigned: 1/23 Due: 2/12

37. Hydro Mania Teresa's Story: El Grito
38. Weightlifting for Kids
39. Nature's Child

40. The World's Largest Bicycle The Huntington Herald Community Forum
41. Shingle Street
42. X-Game Women Athletes

43. Spinning Patriot The Huntington Herald Movie Review
44. The Stone Circle
45. Jason Kennedy: Casting Director

Complete #46-54 Assigned: 2/13 Due: 3/4

46. BumperCar Wars Sir Isaac Newton and the Hanging Curveball
47. Treasure Hunters
48. Dolores Huerta

49. The Slingshot A New Home: From England to Australia
50. Home is In Your Head
51. From Independence: 1853 The Oregon Trail

52. Boxing Bots Saving the Red-cockaded Woodpecker
53. The Prince of Ireland
54. A Call for Volunteers

Complete #55-60 Assigned: 3/5 Due: 3/26

55. FunHouse Antarctica
56. Persephone
57. Florida's Coral Reefs

58. SuperRamp Dr. Alexa Canady: A Passion for Healing
59. The Florida Cracker Horse
60. Buffalo Soldiers: Unsung Heroes of the American West

Wed. 11/16 & Thur. 11/17

2011-11-17T10:10:00.002-05:00

Writing: Effective Introductions continued (see worksheet)
--practice into paragraph (pick one topic)

--Anchor paper analysis from FL DOE--in class assignment

DCPS Graphic Organizer (see worksheet) to wrap up Unit 2 and portfolio task

Mon. 11/14 & Tues. 11/15

2011-11-15T07:34:00.002-05:00

--How setting can impact the mood and tone of a piece of literature (continued).

--Analyzing, "A Writer Observes" by Walter Dean Myers, pg. 63-75 in the Multicultural Workbook.

--Complete DCPS Graphic Organizer for the Unit 2 Portfolio Task

--1st Draft of the Unit 2 Portfolio Task due Wed. (B day) and Thur. (A day).

--Effective Introduction continued

Wed. 11/9 & Thurs. 11/10

2011-11-10T11:54:00.002-05:00

Effective Introductory Paragraphs
-emphasis on the difference between a level 4 and a level 6 intro.

HW: Worksheet Practice
FCAT Explorer and Compass O. Due 11/27

2nd Quarter

2011-11-08T13:36:00.002-05:00

Monday 11/7 and Tuesday 11/8:

--Pre-Assessment for Units 3 & 4
--"A Writer Observes" by Walter Dean Myers focusing on setting and how mood and tone of a literary work can be influenced by the setting

HW: Vocabulary mapping pg. 63, answer all questions in the blue margins (pgs. 64-73), and complete both activity sheets after the story (pgs. 74 & 75).

Long term assignment: complete three hours of Compass O. activities by Sunday at midnight on 11/27 and 9 stories on FCAT Explorer (stop AFTER reading "Jack 'King' Kirby: The King of Comics")

Get Your Hands On a Good Book! Scholastic Book Clubs & other IMPORTANT Announcements at the bottom of this post =)

2011-09-08T10:29:00.004-04:00

Book Club Order Due Date : October 14

Online Ordering Information:

Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: DW74W

Dear Parent,

Now it's easier than ever to find the perfect books for your child -- shop our NEW online Book Clubs Web site. Choose from a much-wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card to pay. Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online.*

It's so simple! Here's how it works:

SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Register" button in the "First Time Here?" section. Register for your own user name and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me. SELECT the books you'd like to order -- choose from thousands of titles -- many more than in our monthly flyers.
SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child's books will be delivered directly to my classroom.

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not see for yourself how convenient it is to
order online?

Thank you,
Amy Wells
*Excludes eBooks.

It was so nice to meet many of you at Open House this past Tuesday. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to meet me and visit our school.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

While our grade level will be going to the broadway play "Wicked" the book is NOT the same scipt as the play. The book is vulgar and inappropriate for school age children and I recommend that you read the book first before you decide to share it with your child. Additionally, the book is NOT allowed at school.

Compass Odyssey and FCAT Explorer will start the first week in October after we visit the computer lab (on 9/22 & 23) as a class and I can be sure that all students can access both systems.

Please bring your index cards, reading journal, 3 ring binder, and your HOLT Multicultural Workbook to class. Thank you! =)

See you on Monday!

2011-08-18T11:19:00.002-04:00

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Amy Wells and I have been teaching in Duval County since 1998. All of my years of service have been in middle school. I have served as a teacher, coach, professional development facilitator, and teacher leader. I truly enjoy working with middle school age students and assisting them as they prepare for high school. I look forward to meeting you and working with you this year.

My apologies for not updating my blog prior, I have been out on maternity leave and am adjusting to life as a new mom (which I absolutely LOVE). Below is my requested supply list if you happen to do your shopping this weekend.

Supply List

For Ms. Wells’ ELA Class
Team 8B

--Small 1/2" OR 1" --3 ring binder with view pocket on the front
--Subject dividers for the binder (5)
--Loose leaf paper
--Pencils
--Portable pencil sharpener (NON-battery operated please)
--Small portable pencil pouch or container
--Index cards on a spiral binding or a small index card holder with index cards
--One Composition Book or Journal

OPTIONAL: Jump drive to use for all subjects and projects.
Electronic dictionary bookmark –this is a great investment and will be used for years to come. I have seen them priced from $17.99-$45.99.

Summer Reading: --log onto www.duvalschools.org/landon for assignment specifications. Note: You do not need to purchase these books as long as you have read them and you have completed the assignments.

I hope you are enjoying your summer and I look forward to working with you as you prepare for high school! 

PS As you know, every year we rely on your generous donations to assist us in our classrooms. Please consider donating:

• Hand sanitizer
• Colorful EXPO markers
• Computer paper
• Clorox clean up wipes
• Lysol disinfectant spray
• Tissues
Thank you!

Summer Opportunities

2011-02-22T14:45:00.001-05:00

Summer Opportunities for Florida’s Gifted Learners

• The Governor’s Summer Programs will be announced soon.

• Disney Youth Education Series programs are now available for individual enrollment. During most of the year, these programs are only available for groups of more than 10 youth. However, due to popular demand, they’ve added summer programs for small groups of students and individuals between June 14 and August 29. A parent or chaperone must accompany each participant(s). This is a unique opportunity to experience 2 ½ - 3 ½ hour interactive, in-depth programs in several areas of study and experience the Disney Theme Parks at a deeply discounted rate! For more information visit www.disneyyes.com/openenrollment .

• The Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at the University of Oregon is a residential summer program that supports the academic enrichment of gifted and highly able students in grades 6 - 10. SEP applications for 2011 are now available at www.uoyouth.org. If you would like to receive paper copies of SEP applications, brochures, or other informational materials, they will accommodate requests for mailing program materials in batches of two to two-hundred.

• The Davidson Institute has a resource available for summer programs across the nation at http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10370.aspx which lists programs for gifted sorted by topics of interest.

• The University of Northern Colorado is offering two summer programs to challenge gifted, talented, and high-ability students: a Leadership Enrichment Program for students entering the 11th and 12th grades in Fall 2011, and a Summer Enrichment Program for those entering fifth through tenth grades. Both programs run July 10-23. For more information go to sep@unco.edu or visit www.unco.edu/sep.

• Information about summer programs across the nation is available at the NAGC web site: http://www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=1103 and http://www.nagc.org/resourcedirectory.aspx.

• For language immersion, gifted students may appreciate Concordia Language Villages with information at http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/newsite/programs1.php .

• Summer Wonders is an award-winning program for gifted kids in Austin, TX. www.SummerWonders.org. Session I: June 20 - July 1. Session II: July 11- 22 Session III: Mind Games (6-10th Graders) July 25 – 29.

• Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development has summer, and online, programs for all ages, including educators and parents: http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/summer/

• Teen Ink at http://www.teenink.com/Summer/ provides information about programs in many areas for high school students in writing, music, arts, sports, engineering, computers, business, and more.

• The Summer Institute for the Gifted http://www.giftedstudy.org/ has residential programs with varying levels of challenge for students ages 10-17 and day programs at multiple campus sites. http://www.giftedstudy.org/index_day.asp for ages 4-14.

• The founder of MathPath (grades 6-8) is launching a new math camp for ages 8-10.5: http://www.epsiloncamp.org/index.php

• http://robotics.nasa.gov/edu/matrix.php A good resource for science and technology camps.

• Exploration's Programs: http://www.explo.org/resources Junior Programs for grades 6-7 in veterinary and emergency medicine, Intermediate (grades 8-10) and Senior (grades 10-12) in Sports Medicine, Business, Culinary Arts, and TV and Movie Industry. All are two week programs day or residential at Yale University.

• Stetson University’s HATS program offers DeLand campus classes to be held July 18-22 and July 25-29. Other locations will be announced soon. A new addition to the HATS Program, the BERETS: Beginning Enrichment Recognizing Emerging Talents is for students in grades K-2 who participate in a gifted program and younger siblings of current HATS students are eligible to attend. hats@stetson.edu

• Energetic Einsteins offers summer programs and camps for gifted 3rd-9th graders as well as Internship opportunities for older gifted students. Summer program dates for 2011 will be: Session 1 July 25-29 and Session 2 August 1-5. giftedinfo@biophi.org. Brains and Behavior Program: The neuroscience faculty at the Clearwater, FL location offers a hands-on, minds on exploration for 6th -9th grade gifted students to learn about brain anatomy and function, neuronal communication, and brain health and diseases July 25-29. The science faculty at the Clearwater location will reveal the science behind the magic and provide hands on explorations in Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Participants: Gifted 3rd-6th graders August 1-5. Cost: $450/week ($50 discount for Multiple Class or Sibling Discount) Limited number of scholarships available! Register at www.EnergeticEinstiens.com.

• The Center for Gifted Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi with Frances Karnes offers a Summer Leadership Studies program for students in grades 6-11 from June 12-17; a Gifted Studies program with a wide variety of courses for students in grades four through eight from June 19-24; and A Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth in grades 7-10 from July 3-22. http://www.usm.edu/gifted

• Epsilon, a new summer camp for the exceptionally (EG) and profoundly (PG) gifted, ages 8 to 10 years old (students must be under the age of 11 during camp), who love math. This new camp, directed by Dr. George Thomas, founder of Mathpath and Canada/USA Mathcamp, will be held at Colorado College from July 24 through August 14, 2011. Epsilon Camp combines an intellectually rigorous student camp running in parallel with a parent workshop addressing the concerns and challenges of raising EG/PG children. Epsilon students will be exposed to mathematics enrichment not available anywhere else at this time for their age group. For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit http://epsiloncamp.org/index.php

• The Green River Preserve is an environmental summer camp, located on a 3400 acre private wildlife preserve in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Unique program offer a creative, nurturing, and intellectually stimulating approach to connecting children to the joy and wonder of the natural world. Programs are available for students rising into grades 2-12 as well as a family camp. For information go to http://www.greenriverpreserve.org/.

• Gifted students interested in a challenging academic summer program should consider attending the THINK Summer Institute on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. This intense three-week residential summer program offers exceptionally gifted 13- to 16-year-old students the opportunity to earn six transferable college credits. Fore details email THINK@davidsongifted.org or call (775) 852-3483 ext. 6.

• John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth lists a range of summer program options at http://cty.jhu.edu/summer/summer-programs.html.

• Duke University Youth Summer Programs include a variety of courses that include the sciences, the humanities and the arts. Gifted kids interested in science will find a course to take, but so will kids who are more interested in creative writing and even the performing arts. Programs run for about two weeks and are available to kids in grades five through eleven, although the range varies depending on the course. A residential plan is available. http://www.tip.duke.edu/summer_programs/.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! =)

2010-12-14T08:54:00.006-05:00

Over the break (and starting today) you do NOT need to work on Compass Odyssey or complete your reading journal---please keep reading for fun though.

In exchange you will complete two tasks:

1. Read the novel, The Pigman (should be underlined but this blog site does not provide the underline function) by Paul Zindel AND complete the study guide pgs. 4-20 (NOTE: when you print out the study guide it is coming from a book and the page numbers are not numbered 4-20 instead you will complete up to pg. #31). You can find the study guide on the list of links here on my blog--remember you don't have to print out the whole study guide, just pages 4-20.

This novel study will replace my Nine Weeks Exam for Quarter Two and is due on Jan. 3 for A day and Jan. 4 for B day.

NOTE: I do expect that your answers will be at the 8th grade/9th grade level with correct grammar and conventions, mature language, and effective transition usage.

Happy Reading!

2. FCAT Explorer Assignment: Many of you have kept up with FCAT Explorer and will not have any stories to read---GREAT work!! For those of you who fell behind for one reason or another you need to get caught up over the break. You will find a list of the stories on the "Reading Boardwalk" (8th Grade Reading FCAT Explorer)below. In order for me to replace your zeros on the parent portal you will need to read to the story, "Florida Explorer". I will pull your report on Monday morning (1/3/11)and I will replace your zeros with your average score on the report. If you take your time, read carefully, answer correctly the first time, and work at a decent pace you should have no problems replacing your zeros with 80-100%. Note: If you zip through the stories, answer questions wrong, and earn 40's and 50's your grade will not be replaced and the zeros will remain.

FCAT Explorer was created to diffentiate your instruction and give you assistance on the areas that you do not understand. When you get a question wrong a tutoring service pops up and gives you a mini lesson on the concept to deepen your understanding of the standard. You need to take advantage of this assistance in order to prepare you for high school level textbooks. Remember, I plan on being on leave after FCAT and we are not guaranteed to have Ms. Smith as our sub. That being said, I feel in my heart that I owe you my best in the next three months and I am confident that the FCAT Explorer tool is one that will assist you as we move forward. I do not take your education lightly and I know you all have high hopes and dreams for the future. I do not want your reading level to hold you back in any way and therefore I am trying to provide as many opportunities that I can to reinforce good habits and skills. Happy Reading!!!

The History of Silly Putty
My Night at the Opera
The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Looking at Bats
How Gina and I Started Talking Again
Why Middle Schoolers Should Vote
How To Be a Dolphin Trainer
One of Many
Poetry: Not Just for Shakespeare Anymore
Wild Pigs
The Parrot That Talked Too Much
Strange Smells: The Future of "Nose Science"
The Brain: Amazing Facts
Masha and the Bear
Grace Darling
6th-7th Grade Stories Start Here:
Toy Trains
White Horses
Auto-Duck
The Baobab Tree
The Retrieval, Part 1
Why the Vulture Is Bald
Dead or Alive
The Retrieval, Part 2
In The Dark
Bold Boudicca: Warrior Queen
Birth of the Butterflies
Jack "King" Kirby: The King of Comics
Diamonds
The Prince and the Pauper
Students Spark Frog Alert

FINALLY, YOU MADE IT! 8th Grade Content:
Falls Tryouts
Why I Don't Smoke
The Mystery of the Backyard Visitor
Florida Explorer

STOP HERE!!! =) Nice work!

The 26 stories that remain will be assigned in the 13 week (Jan-April) 2 at a time. This will allow you to finish FCAT Explorer and get all of the 8th grade passages completed prior to FCAT in April.

The Class Assignment
Sound Off: Candidates for Student Council Treasurer
Teresa's Story: El Grito
Weightlifting for Kids
Nature's Child
The Huntington Herald Community Forum
Shingle Street
X-Game Women Athletes
The Huntington Herald Movie Review
The Stone Circle
Jason Kennedy: Casting Director
Sir Isaac Newton and the Hanging Curveball
Treasure Hunters
Dolores Huerta
A New Home: From England to Australia
Home is In Your Head
From Independence: 1853 The Oregon Trail
Saving the Red-cockaded Woodpecker
The Prince of Ireland
A Call for Volunteers
Antarctica
Persephone
Florida's Coral Reefs
Dr. Alexa Canady: A Passion for Healing
The Florida Cracker Horse
Buffalo Soldiers: Unsung Heroes of the American West

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2010-11-22T06:05:00.006-05:00

I hope you all have a safe, restful, and fulfilling break. Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect and promote gratitude. I am grateful I have you as a student! This year is going by so fast and I am enjoying watching you grow during your last year of middle school. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

What are you grateful for?

Announcements:

---Ms. Smith, our full time UNF intern, will be leaving us next Friday, December 3. She will graduate with her Bachelor's degree on December 10. Please consider making her a card or writing her a letter to express your gratitude for the work she has done and energy she took to take care of you. I have seen many interns in my days and none have been more dedicated than Ms. Smith. Your kindness is greatly appreciate.

--Place your order from the Scholastic Book catalog, TAB, ASAP. Remember the holidays are coming and books make a great gift!! Not to mention there are a lot of great deals throughout the catalog. NOTE: check out our class' webpage at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs, I've recently added many other great catalogs including a Teen RC catalog and catalogs for your little brothers and sisters. Happy shopping!

--EXTRA CREDIT: We will start a novel study in December and I will award bonus points to any individual who steps up and takes the initiative to purchase the book over the long weekend. The title of the book is The Pigman (should be underlined but this program won't let me underline it) by Paul Zindel. You can purchase this book online or in stores. I will award bonus points to anyone who brings there copy of the book to school during the first week back 11/29-12/3. NOTE: The book is now on sale at www.half.com for .75 --yes, 75 CENTS!!! plus shipping (usually $3). The prices start at .75 for early birds and goes up to $2.76. Get your copy now!

--Lastly, make sure you complete your Compass O. and FCAT Explorer for this week by Thursday at midnight. If you have out of town traveling or a busy holiday weekend use your time management skills and get your work done now.

Again, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

~A. Wells =)

Quarter 2 Announcements

2010-11-05T11:14:00.003-04:00

As we begin the second quarter we will continue to work on our writing skills focusing on the FOSC/FCAT rubric. By now each student has been introduced to effective writing strategies that will assist them in the areas of focus, organization, and support. For focus each student has learned how to T.A.P. out the prompt to ensure they write on topic, for organization students have learned how to use the “four square” template, and for support students have learned how to effectively use the F.R.I.E.S.S. writing strategy. I have modeled the use of each strategy, students have implemented each strategy with their friends during group work sessions, and students are now taking District Timed Writing #2. I look forward to seeing an increase in writing scores as each student implements the various strategies in a unique manner.

We will also continue to work on analyzing and understanding various literary elements including irony, author’s purpose, cause and effect, symbolism, foreshadowing, evaluating reliable narrators, theme, main idea and comprehension. We will start a new unit entitled “Finding Courage” which will focus on various non-fiction essays and a play. The “Finding Courage” unit will also provide us with a time to honor various leaders as we learn more about leadership styles and leadership strategies.

Congratulations to Josie Hannaford, Aiden Mills-Conrad, Arman Canlas, Aubrey Bowen, and Jeremy Kerlin. These students will represent Team 8B in this year’s school spelling bee. The Spelling Bee will take place on Wednesday, November 11, at 12:30.

The November catalog is now available on the www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. Our class activation code is DW74W. Please note: there is not shipping charges or taxes applied to your purchases. Additionally, each time you make a purchase online the class gets to select a book to add to our classroom library. With the holiday season coming, consider giving the gift of reading. Books make great gifts. =)

I would like to thank all parents and guardians for the emotional and academic support that you provide. It is because of you and the work you do with your child everyday that they are becoming more prepared and confident in the work they do at JLCP. If any parent would like to donate to our room, I am currently in need of copy paper, tissues, and Clorox wipes.

This Week in ELA

2010-10-01T13:22:00.002-04:00

As we work towards preparing each student for high school we focused on identifying and analyzing irony this week. Additionally, we continue our work with writing focusing on expository essays(focus and organization primarily). This weeks work:

--Pg. 716 Identifying "normal", pg. 717 created the chart and completed it as we read "Us and Them" by David Sedaris, answered question #4, 6, & 7 on page 725, mapped out the vocabulary word (8 of the pg. 717) on index cards, and created a fun post on normal/abnormal...whatever way you wanted to go.
--Discussed the Photography Assignment that we will start next week---get your permission slip signed and bring your camera on Tuesday (A day) or Wednesday (B day).
--Study for the TEST: A day on Tuesday and B day on Wednesday. TAP(ping) our the prompt. Be able to explain the process and the purpose, be able to describe the procedures, and be prepared to T.A.P. out sample prompts.
--Complete 30 minutes of Compass O. due by Thursday night
--Complete 30 minutes of FCAT Explorer due by Thursday night
--Read 3 stories on Tween Tribune and write a summary for each story due at the end of each week (Thursday A day and Friday B day).
--Continue to read 30 minutes each night and write a minimum of three sentences/journal entry focusing on the required list.

I placed the September TAB order through Scholastic so our books will arrive next week! The October TAB is now available!

3rd Week--Benchmark Testing

2010-09-10T08:45:00.011-04:00

We survived benchmark testing!

After several polite requests to review my homework requirements, I have modified the weekly requirements.

Tasks for next week:

You will complete 30 minutes of FCAT Explorer, 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey, and read at least 3 articles from Tween Tribune each week. You can complete these tasks at your leisure but should be completed each week by Thursday evening. On Friday morning (starting the 17th) I will print up the completion reports for both Compass Odyssey and FCAT Explorer. When you get home on Friday night feel free to complete the computer based assignments for that week or complete them at ANY point over the weekend or during the week before for Friday morning when I print again. As for the Tween Tribune summaries, I will collect them on Thursdays and Fridays of every week to support the A day/B day schedule. Please do not feel as though you must wait until the week to complete these three tasks, they can be completed at any point over the weekend or throughout the week.

Time management is an important trait to develop. Consider using your agenda to block specific time in your schedule each week to complete these tasks. Keep in mind that technology does not always cooperate, therefore it is not a good idea to wait until the last the minute on Thursday evening to complete online assignments.

In short, I am deleting Shelfari and Free Rice from your requirements. I encourage you to utilize these sites in your free time to support your reading skills.

NOTE: 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey earning a minimum of 70% accuracy on each assignment. Click on the “Language Arts” icon and click on the first icon available to complete the tasks in that “folder”. Note: the “folders”/icons look different from the 7th grade icons. We will take the first ELA assessment test when we visit the computer lab next Friday the 17th and Monday the 20th.

We will continue our 30 minutes of reading for pleasure. Keep in mind: research indicates that children who read 25 books or more per year are more prepared for high school and college than their peers that do not read regularly. Remember reading is reading...it can be the youth version of Sports Illustrated, Time magazine for Kids, National Geographic for teens, a novel, comics, the newspaper, a book on fashion design, travel, etc. The possibilities are endless. Think about your hobbies and visit your local library to see the selection they have. Have you visited the downtown library? They have an amazing "Teen Zone," ask your parents to bring you to library and wonder around this great facility.

READING JOURNAL REQUIREMENTS:

Monday: 30 minutes of Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) and complete one journal entry focusing on making a prediction before you read OR making a prediction after you have read. If you make your prediction after you read you would naturally predict what you think is going to happen next in the book. Note: you can start documenting words that you don’t know the meaning of as you read for Friday’s journal assignment.

Tuesday: 30 minutes of SSR and an entry in your reading journal. Today’s journal entry will focus on making connections. Your connection can be a text to text connection, a text to world connection, or a text to self connection.

Wednesday: 30 minutes of SSR and complete your journal entry focusing on characterization. The entry should focus on a character from the book, discuss how the author chose to create the character, what traits the character has, and state why you think the author made the character this way. You may also choose to analyze a character and discuss how the character has changed throughout the book. Please note: each week you should select a different character or at least a different way to discuss the character—NO repeats.

Thursday: 30 minutes of SSR and complete a journal entry focusing on the mood and tone of the passage. Keep in mind that the mood of a passage is how the author makes you feel about the subject and the tone is how you believe the author feels about the topic (you will infer).

Friday: 30 minutes of SSR and create a vocabulary map for at least 3 words from the book you have been reading. Map entails a mini-four square with the word, the definition, a picture or symbol, and synonyms (use a thesaurus or dictionary.com).

Saturday: 30 minutes of SSR and complete a free write (your choice) journal entry. Consider using your reading strategies bookmark I gave you to select a topic, write a summary, OR use one of the strategies from Monday-Friday.

Sunday: 30 minutes of SSR and complete a free write (your choice) journal entry. Consider using your reading strategies bookmark I gave you to select a topic, write a summary, OR use one of the strategies from Monday-Friday.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

--Bring your reading journal with you to class next Friday the 17th (A day) or Monday the 20th (B day). We will be in the computer lab on those days and I will review your work and enter your grade at that time.

--Check out the TAB Scholastic Book Club online catalog. Use the link in the upper right corner of my blog. Click "parent," "Remember Who I Am," and select "Continue."

Book Club Order Due Date : September 28
Online Ordering Information---Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: DW74W

Dear Parent,
Now it's easier than ever to find the right books for your child — and help us earn FREE books for our classroom library at the same time! With new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card. Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online.

It's so simple! Here's how it works:
SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.

SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.
SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always. Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not experience for yourself how convenient it is to order online?
Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Plus our whole class benefits thanks to the FREE books we'll earn with every parent online order.

Go to www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs now to get started.

Thank you,
Ms. Wells

--You will get your first district writing paper back next week after we take the first Write Score.

--Make sure you have read "Pandora's Box" on pg. 454 and you have answered #1-7 on pg. 460.

Welcome Back!

2010-08-27T10:14:00.006-04:00

I hope you have enjoyed your first week of the 8th grade!

Homework assigned this week:

turn in your summer reading assignment by Sept. 7
Open House is on Sept. 7
Request your parent or guardian to complete the "My Child in a Million Words or Less" worksheet for extra credit
Obtain a parent/guardian signature on your curriculum paper
Complete and turn in your "Student Interest Inventory" worksheet (except period 1A)
Bring your textbook to class EVERYDAY you have ELA---coming to class unprepared is not optional

A Day Period 1 ONLY: --Read pg. 12 and create a graphic organizer/notes/mind map on the information.

Please bring your book everyday to class.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, bring your book EVERYDAY to class! Thank you!

Homework cited on the curriculum paper will start on Monday, August 30.

MONDAYS: Your Log In to FCAT Explorer is:

Username: last name and first initial no spaces

Password 16 + first four letters of your last name + two digits for the month you were born and two digits for the day in the month you were born (Example: 16well0823)

TUESDAY: Tween Tribune.com

Select three articles that you would like to read. For each article, write the title of the article (please use quotes), the name of the author, and a brief summary of the article ON A SHEET OF PAPER.

WEDNESDAY: Compass Odyssey

Use the same username and password as last year/your school ID #. The first thing you will complete for ELA is the Assessment test that will measure your current understanding of 8th grade standards. This will create your learning path. The more your get wrong the longer your path. Take your time and focus.

THURSDAY: FreeRice.com

Use the website www.freerice.com to promote vocabulary development and proper grammar usage. Select the subject tab at the top of the screen and complete 15 minutes of grammar usage and 15 minutes of vocabulary development. After you have finished your 30 minutes print the page with your bowl of rice. Write a heading in the upper right hand corner of the page and turn in your print out on Friday or Monday depending on when you have my class next.

FRIDAY: Shelfari.com

Use the website www.shelfari.com to create an account and join my reading club. As you sign up for your account you will be asked if you would like to join a group. Please join my group for class credit entitled, "Lions Luv 2 Learn". Add all of the books that you have read this summer and be sure to rate, summarize, and provide some details about the book. We will discuss this website more next week prior to Friday to ensure all students understand the requirements.

REMEMBER: YOU CAN DO THE ASSIGNMENTS LISTED ABOVE AHEAD OF TIME, BUT NOT AFTER THEY ARE DUE. ADDITIONALLY, YOU CAN NOT COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENTS MORE THAN ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE DUE DATE.

___________________________________________________________

Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School
Curriculum Paper

Course Title: English Language Arts 3, Advanced and Gifted
Teacher: Mrs.Wells; sargenta@duvalschools.org or 346-5650 ext. 160

Mission Statement: Our Mission at the Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School is to create college bound students with a deep
commitment to public service and a true understanding of their leadership skills within the global community.

Course Overview: Throughout the year we will be enhancing and developing critical reading and writing skills that are vital to the 21st century student. I will utilize a variety of texts and assist my students in constructing meaning and interpreting information. In addition, we will also focus on using the writing process to effectively communicate ideas through a variety of media. We will explore the nature and power of language that shapes reactions, perceptions, and beliefs through a variety of units and novel studies.
Tentative Course Outline:
Quarter 1: Unit1—Setting the Stage, Unit 2—Fitting In, &Unit 3—Unexpected Consequences
Quarter 2: Unit 4—Finding Courage, Unit 5—Dreams and Ambition, & Unit 6—Things of Value
Quarter 3: Unit 7—Risks and Rewards, Unit 8—Taking a Stand, & Unit 9—The Blue Print
Quarter 4: Unit 10—Reflections, Unit 11—The Compass, & Unit 12—Search and Explore

Required daily homework—Please Read Carefully and have your parent or guardian sign here:____________________________________

Monday—30 minutes of FCAT Explorer, 30 minutes of personal reading time and a journal entry focusing on predicting (see journal rubric)
Tuesday—Tween Tribune.com (read 3 articles & write a summary for each article), 30 minutes of personal reading time, and a journal entry focusing on making connections
Wednesday—30 minutes of Compass Odyssey, 30 minutes of personal reading time, and a journal entry focusing on characterization
Thursday—30 minutes of Free Rice.com, print out final screen or save link and email it to me at sargenta@duvalschools.org, 30 minutes of personal reading time, and a journal entry focusing on mood and tone
Friday—Log onto shelfari.com, update your account, read and comment on at least two student’s entries, 30 minutes of personal reading time, and a journal entry focusing on the vocabulary word that you discovered this week in your book.
Saturday—30 minutes of personal reading time and a journal entry
Sunday—30 minutes of personal reading time and a journal entry

Additional assignments will be assigned throughout the week as we move through the pacing guide. All assignments will be posted on the board and discussed during the mini lesson, work period, or closing lesson each day. You are responsible for writing your assignments in your agenda/planner and knowing the due date for each assignment. I will do my best to update my blog each Monday but technology does not always cooperate. Always rely on your notes in your planner to keep you informed.

You will also be required to complete one book talk presentation each quarter on the independent reading book of your choice. Lastly, you will participate in one novel study per quarter with the class (titles are fourth coming).

Student Evaluation: A variety of assessments will be utilized to evaluate each child’s mastery of the standards. Including, but not limited to, class work, homework, projects, book talks, mini assessments, FCAT practice material, grammar exercises, common assignments, quarterly exams, journal writings, FCAT Explorer, Compass Odyssey, and class participation. I assure you I will do my best to cue into each child’s individual strengths to measure the mastery of each standard. If you feel that there is anything I should know about your child that will assist me in creating a deeper understanding of the specific needs of your child please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Educational Materials: McDougal Littell Literature, Holt Multi-Cultural Workbook, Holt Elements of Language, Interactive Reader and Writer Workbook, Strategic Reading Workbook, and Critical Analysis, Florida Times Union, various periodicals, a variety of short stories, novels, FCAT Explorer, and Compass Odyssey.

Homework/Late Work Policy: Late work will result in a reduction of points. Each late assignment will be graded on a sliding scale and will not meet the requirements to earn an A. For each day the assignment is late the grade will be reduced by a letter grade. After four days the assignment will not be accepted.

Make-up Work Policy: I will support the Duval County Public School Policy that indicates each child will receive the same number of days to turn in his/her work as they were absent. For example, if a student is out on Monday and Tuesday (2 days) they will receive two days to turn in the work. Therefore, all work will be due on Friday giving them two full days to complete the work (Wednesday and Thursday).

Grade Recovery Policy: Students will be offered grade recovery as outlined in the Duval County Pupil Progression Plan found on the Duval County Public Schools web page. All assignments during the grade recovery process are to be turned in as regularly scheduled. Please use team time to visit me to obtain your assignments and conference with me, view the blog when you are absent for any reason, and email me when you have any specific questions. It is your responsibility to stay informed and keep up with the work even when you are out due to grade recovery.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Please contact Ms. Cameron in the guidance office to schedule a conference. We will meet as a team, which means you will have the opportunity to meet with all of your child’s core teachers at one meeting.

Tutoring Schedule: At this time I do not have a specific tutoring schedule. I will provide tutoring through the after school program, Community Education. If the program does not meet the specific needs of your child, please contact me as the need for tutoring arises and I will make every effort to assist your child.

Grading Scale: Students will be evaluated in accordance with the standard Duval County Public School’s grading scale.

Progress Reports: In addition to report cards issued at the end of each quarter, students will receive progress reports in the middle of each quarter.

Other Information: In order to keep you informed on upcoming events, field trips, projects, and assignments I will be utilizing a blog. You can access my blog by logging onto the Duval County Public School’s website at: www.duvalschools.org/Landon. Once you are there click on “Teacher Blogs” and select “8th grade Team B”. My blog is entitled, “Lions Luv 2 Learn.”

Thank you for entrusting me with your most precious gift-your child. I look forward to working with you this year and assisting your child in reaching new levels of academic success, higher levels of self confidence, and embedding leadership skills that are vital in this evolving world.

___________________________________________________________________

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am truly excited to have your child in my Language Arts classroom. I have many unique learning experiences planned for your child that will help develop their skill and love for reading, writing and language. I have covered many expectations today so that your child is completely cognizant of how to be successful in my classroom.

Things that need to be reiterated are as follows:

· My blog will be used to keep you informed of classroom happenings. You can access my blog through the school’s website: www.duvalschools.org/landon

· Please make sure that your child has come to school with the following Language Arts supplies.
Pencils
Small 1/2" - 1" 3 ring binder with view pocket on the front
Subject dividers for the binder (5)
Loose leaf paper
Portable pencil sharpener (NON-battery operated please)
Small portable pencil pouch or container
Index cards on a spiral binding or a small index card holder (Walgreen $0.38)
One Composition Book or Journal
Summer reading: --log onto www.duvalschools.org/landon for assignment specifications. Note: You do not need to purchase these books as long as you have read them and you have completed the assignments.

OPTIONAL: Jump drive to use for all subjects and projects.
Electronic dictionary found in borders as a bookmark

· Your child’s homework is as follows:

Monday—30 minutes of FCAT Explorer, 30 minutes of personal reading time and a journal entry focusing on predicting (see journal rubric)
Tuesday—Tween Tribune.com (read 3 articles & write a summary for each article), 30 minutes of personal reading time, and a journal entry focusing on making connections
Wednesday—30 minutes of Compass Odyssey, 30 minutes of personal reading time, and a journal entry focusing on characterization
Thursday—30 minutes of Free Rice.com, print out final screen or save link and email it to me at sargenta@duvalschools.org, 30 minutes of personal reading time, and a journal entry focusing on mood and tone
Friday—Log onto shelfari.com, update your account, read and comment on at least two student’s entries, 30 minutes of personal reading time, and a journal entry focusing on the vocabulary word that you discovered this week in your book.
Saturday—30 minutes of personal reading time and a journal entry
Sunday—30 minutes of personal reading time and a journal entry

Additional assignments will be assigned throughout the week as we move through the pacing guide. All assignments will be posted on the board and discussed during the mini lesson, work period, or closing lesson each day. You are responsible for writing your assignments in your agenda/planner and knowing the due date for each assignment. I will do my best to update my blog each Monday but technology does not always cooperate. Always rely on your notes in your planner to keep you informed.

· Please talk to your child about their day and review the purple “My Child: in a Million Words or Less” sheet. Your child is eligible for extra credit points under homework if this is completed!

· Please consider signing your child up for one of the after school programs, Team Up or the Community Education program to assist in your child’s academic success. Team Up begins September 7 and will run through the school year. Both programs operate from 2:10 pm – 5:15 pm. I highly recommend these programs!

· Open House is on Tuesday, September 7, 2009 at 6:00. I look forward to meeting you.

Regards,

Mrs. Amy Wells, National Board Certified Teacher
Team 8B Advanced and Gifted Language Arts
Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School

Upcoming Event

2010-05-24T11:38:00.002-04:00

Student Breakfast for the Students of Team 7C

Tuesday, June 8th, 8:00-10:00 am

Dear Parents:

Please have your child bring in an appropriate breakfast food for Team 7C’s “End of Year” Breakfast celebration.

Use your Last Name initial for your food category. There are 105 students plus faculty, so if everyone brings in enough servings for 25 people, there should be plenty of food for all!!

Last Name Initial: Food Category:
A-E Egg or Meat dishes
F-K Potato dishes
L-P Fruit
Q-U Sweets or Bread
V-Z Juice/Water

Please email Ms. Reni Fenton with what your child is bringing in to confirm we have plenty of food and/or variety. fentonr@duvalschools.org

Thank you!

4th Quarter --Putting It All Together

2010-05-07T10:50:00.002-04:00

4/12-16:
--Autobiography Presentations
--pg. 790 Autobiography vs. Biography on Lance Armstrong
--Daytona 500 Experience (Field Trip)

4/19-23:
--College Trip
--If you stayed behind you started the unit on Myths, Legends, and Tales

4/26-30:
--Myth: "Prometheus" pg. 634 Venn Diagram
--DCPS District Writing #5

5/3-7:
--Myth: "Orpheus and Eurydice" pg. 638 Short Response Essay
--DCPS Progress Monitoring Assessment #7
--Computer Lab (My Test, Compass Odyssey, Tween Tribune, Shelfari, and Summer Reading)

5/10-14:
--Legend: "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" pg. 671
--Last Early Dismissal / Tall Tale: "Sally Ann Thunder..." pg. 713
--Start reviewing for the DCPS End of Course Exam (EOC)
--Introduce Final Project: Tableau Activity (funny skit for tall tales)

5/17-21:
--Work on Tableau Activity
--EOC Review Continued
--8th Grade Teacher Take Over Day: Eric Bueno and Brandon Justus will assist us.

5/24-27:
--Take EOC
--Review for in class final exam

Happy Memorial Day! (Four Day Weekend!!!)

6/1-4:
--Language Arts Final Exam
--Tableau Activity Presentations in class---we will be voting for the best presenters.

6/7-11:
--Meeting with Team A and Team B to present our best Tableau presentations from each class. We will also have the opportunity to watch them in action and discuss the variations and interpretations.
--Team 7C awards, breakfast, and academic achievements
--Team 7C an afternoon of fun
--Team 7C Islands of Adventure trip (I hope the Harry Potter Island is open!)

This is a summary of the events, activities, and assignments we will be working on. If you have any specific questions please feel free to email me at sargenta@duvalschools.org

Scholastic Book Club Order Reminder

2010-03-25T13:54:00.001-04:00

Place Your Book Club Orders Online It's Convenient, Easy & Secure

Dear Parent,

This month’s flyer from Scholastic Book Clubs features some terrific new books—along with some time-tested classics—that your child is sure to enjoy reading. Please take some time to explore the flyer with your child. Make your selections and return the order form to me along with your payment.Or, give online ordering a try!It's fast, easy, and you get instant access to hundreds of additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts. Best of all, our class earns a FREE book for our classroom library every time a parent places their order online! To order online, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password in the sign-in fields on the right side of the page. Note: You do not need to create your own user name and password.

www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

User Name: landonlions

Password: team7c

Shop online to get instant access to over 500 additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts. Of course, you can always use the printed flyer instead and have your child hand in a Book Club order form and payment at school. Thank you for continuing to help our classroom earn FREE books. Remember, every time a parent places an order online, we earn a FREE book for our classroom library! Go to www.scholastic.com/bookclubs now to get started. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Amy Wells

3rd Quarter Week 8

2010-03-22T16:14:00.004-04:00

Announcements:
--Daytona 500 Speedway field trip on Thursday, April 15. The field trip will be from 8:00-4:00. Note: you will need someone to pick you up at school at 4:00. Our program will end in Daytona at 2:00 and we have planned plenty of time for delays so I do not anticipate a late arrival. The cost of the trip is $40 and it includes the rental of a charter bus, admission to the Daytona 500 experience, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Please eat breakfast before arriving to school like you normally do. You will turn in your $40 in cash or money order to Mr. MacDowell with your signed permission slip.
--TAG scholastic orders are due by Wednesday, March 31. There are some really great deals this month. I encourage you to check out the online catalog at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs and for your username enter: landonlions and for the password enter: team 7c
--The end of the 9 weeks is upon us. If you have any last minute assignments including recycled tests or 25 standard book logs please turn them in by Monday, March 29.
--Lastly, your autobiography is due THIS week --Thursday for A day and Friday for B day. See standard and task sheet for specific directions and use the rubric to guide your work.

Autobiographies and Biographies continued...

A Days:
Tuesday: Eleanor Roosevelt’s biography and portfolio assignment (timeline). Homework: 5B pg. 774 & 775 –6B Portfolio assignment (timeline). Make sure you title your timeline and add pictures. Homework: put the finishing touches on your autobiography, it is due on Thursday. Note: I put the rubric on my blog on Friday (see below if you don't have a copy). Hint: number your index cards to make sure you keep them in sequential order. Also, turn your copy of the rubric in with your assignment so I can use it to grade your assignment and save paper. =)

Thursday: Computer Lab

B Days:

Monday: Eleanor Roosevelt’s biography and portfolio assignment (timeline). Homework: 5B pg. 774 & 775 –6B Portfolio assignment (timeline). Make sure you title your timeline and add pictures. Homework: put the finishing touches on your autobiography, it is due on Friday. Note: I put the rubric on my blog last Friday (see below if you don't have a copy). Hint: number your index cards to make sure you keep them in sequential order. Also, turn your copy of the rubric in with your project so I can use it to grade your assignment and save paper. =)

Wednesday: 5B We will work on the timeline in class. 6B we will look at an autobiography.

Friday: Computer Lab

We survived the FCAT! =)

2010-03-19T16:23:00.003-04:00

I'd like to thank all of my parents and guardians for making sure that every child was well rested, fed, and prepared for the grueling week of testing we endured. Your effort and hard work does not go unnoticed and I appreciate all of you.

Congratulations to the students...you survived! I can't wait to see the results and see how you've grown this year.

We are still in need of facial tissues. If you are able to donate a box, I greatly appreciate it.

We are currently working through our unit on Autobiographies and Biographies.

Here is the rubric you will use to guide your work. Each area is worth 25 points for a total of 100 points. Additionally, each interview you conducted and your list of major life changing events is worth 25 points each for a total of 75 and you will earn another 25 point for your presentation. This 9 weeks assignment will be worth 200 points and is due on Thursday, March 25 for A day and Friday, March 26 for B day. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at sargenta@duvalschools.org

---Introduction
The introduction is inviting and it adequately previews events included in the autobiography.

---Sequencing of Events (Organization)
Events are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader.

---Grammar & Spelling (Conventions)
Writer makes very few errors in grammar or spelling.

---Accurate Description
Each event is described vividly with sensory details. In the description, you should include who was involved in the event, how they supported you, and how it has had an impact on your life. Note: If you choose to complete a timeline, power point, or “It’s in the Bag” task you will place the descriptions on an index card. Please use one index card per event. If you select to complete the Imovie or flip book your descriptions will be recorded in/on the movie/book.

Remember, you have a variety of formats to select from including a timeline, power point, flip book, imovie, or "It's in the Bag!" In addition, if you would like to discuss other options or formats I will not stifle your creativity. Please feel free to submit and discuss other formats with me.

Finally, I have access! Thank you for your patience.

2010-03-02T14:10:00.005-05:00

Yeah, I have access to my blog. I do apologize for the delay, my blog was under inspection by the server and I was denied access. I would like to thank all of my students for using their planners on a daily basis and keeping their parents informed of news, assignments, and requests.

The class is desperately in need of tissues and Clorox clean-up wipes. Many of you stocked the cabinet at the beginning of the year and we have gone through our supply. If you are able to donate supplies we greatly appreciate your generosity.

Are you using OnCourse? Duval County purchased the user rights of an online grade book for you and your child to utilize. You need to come in with a photo ID and see Ms. Cameron in the guidance office to obtain your username and password. Log onto the "Parent Portal" on the counties main page: www.duvalschools.org and click on the parent tab. Under the parent tab you will see "Parent Portal" listed. Click on that link and it will bring you to the online grade books website. Enter in your child's username and password and you will have access to your child's grades 24/7. This will keep you informed of what has been turned in and what areas your child needs assistance. I appreciate your support and using the gradebook keeps everyone informed.

Are you looking for a challenge? Log onto FCAT Explorer and complete some of the 8th grade reading passages to prepare you for the 7th grade reading test. If you can master the 8th grade standards the 7th grade standards will be a breeze! =)

2/9(B) & 2/10(A): Analyzing the mood of a story. We explored the key idea of dealing with change while reading the short story, "Dark They Were and Golden Eyed" by Ray Bradbury. Student groups created Frayer models to analyze the vocabulary words while other groups read two articles on the author Ray Bradbury. Homework: Complete 30 minutes of Compass O, read 30 minutes daily, and prepare your presentation for next class.

2/11(B) & 2/12(A): Students completed a graphic organizer on all vocabulary words during the presentations in an effort to front load and prepare for the story. Additionally, student completed a 3-2-1 in class citing what they have learned about the author, Ray Bradbury, during the presentations. While reading the students completed a graphic organizer which assisted them in analyzing the mood of the story.
Homework: Read 30 minutes every day and complete 30 minutes of Compass O. weekly.

2/16(B) & 2/17(A): Progress Monitoring Assessment #6

2/19(A) & 2/22(B): Computer Lab

2/23(A) & 2/24(B): FCAT Prep Books--Question Analysis and review of best test taking strategies

2/25(A) & 2/26(B): Focused on identifying and analyzing elements of an authors style. Explored the key idea of being brave while reading, "A Day's Wait" by Ernest Hemingway. Students worked in groups to prepare presentations to discuss the key vocabulary from the story in order to build background knowledge prior to reading. Other groups read about Ernest Hemingway and presented information on him to help us understand his background. Homework: prepare mini presentation, read 30 minutes every day, and complete 30 minutes of Compass O. weekly.

3/1(A) & 3/2(B): Group presentations, discussed how bravery is an act of personal preference, and read "A Day's Wait" by Ernest Hemingway. Homework: pg. 473 #5-8 (pay close attention to #7--create a graphic organizer and complete all part of the question). Additionally, complete ALL three parts of pg. 474.

3/3(A) & 3/4(B): FCAT Reading practice review--intensive item analysis with best test taking strategies while reading "Volunteer Day" in FCAT sample question book provided by FLDOE. Each student will receive a score report from last years FCAT and will use a mathematical scale for figuring out how many points they need to increase to earn a level higher. Additionally, we will discuss maintaining their current level while demonstrating one year's worth of growth. Please ask to view these items and encourage your child to demonstrate growth on their score report. Homework: Read 30 minutes and complete 30 minutes of Compass O. weekly. Note: if you are looking for a challenge, feel free to log onto FCAT Explorer and complete the 8th grade reading section--this will really push you to a 5! =)

3/5(A) & 3/8(B): FCAT Reading practice review continued. Using the same book we will read the third passage, "Roy's New Dog" by Zoltan Malocsay and discuss the best strategies utilized by proficient readers. Review and recycle the practice book and PMA #6. Homework: complete recycling, read 30 minutes, and complete weekly duration of Compass O. NOTE: remember if you are looking to push yourself feel free to log on to FCAT Explorer and work on the 8th grade passages.

Quarter 3 Week 3 2/8-12/10

2010-02-09T14:16:00.003-05:00

Can you believe progress reports will be published soon? Time flies. Please make sure that you have turned in your yellow Multicultural Workbook for me to grade. Additionally, some of you have not turned in the edited version of your District Writing Assignment. Please check the OnCourse grade book(DCPS online grade book) for updates. If you have not received your OnCourse log in please contact Ms. Cameron in the guidance office.

We are in need of tissues, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes. Your donations are greatly appreciated and they help to keep the learning environment sanitary.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at: sargenta@duvalschools.org

A Day:
Monday--Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Arthur Ashe, Completed Notes on Vocabulary Words for the story “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” and completed a 3-2-1 on the Author Ray Bradbury. All students presented the information that they learned in the prior class and shared this information with their classmates. All students were required to take notes on the graphic organizer during the presentations. Homework: Compare and contrast the setting of "The Last Dog" pg. 44-57 with the setting of "Dark They Were and Golden Eyed" pg. 446-455, read 30 minutes everyday and complete 30 min. of Compass Odyssey.

Wednesday--

Friday--

B Day:
Tuesday--

Thursday--

Scholastic Book Club

2010-02-09T14:09:00.003-05:00

Dear Parent,

I have exciting news. You can now place your Scholastic Book Clubs orders online!
Browse all the great monthly Book Club selections at low prices and order online. Plus, our class earns a FREE Book every time a parent orders online.

Here's how it works:
--Use the information below to access the Scholastic Book Clubs Web site.
--Browse the titles with your child and place your order with your credit card.
--Your order will come to me, and your credit card payment will go directly to classastic's secure server. There's no need to send money to school.
--After I submit the entire class order to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to our classroom for your child to take home.
To get started, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password in the sign-in fields on the right side of the page. Note: You do not need to create your own user name and password.

www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

User Name: landonlions
Password: team7c

All orders are due by February 28, 2010.

Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. You'll also get instant access to over 500 additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts.
And don't forget: Every time a parent places an order online, we earn a FREE book for our classroom library!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,

Amy Wells

2/1-5/10 Quarter 3 Week 2

2010-02-01T16:37:00.002-05:00

B Day:
Monday—Computer Lab-input PMA #5, Compass Odyssey, and Shelfari. Homework: Add the books that you have read this year to your shelf on http://www.shelfari.com/ Ask for parental permission to add a picture. If your parents would prefer for you to use a clip art or other image feel free to get creative. Complete your 30 minute duration of Compass Odyssey and remember to read 30 minutes daily.

Wednesday—Celebrating Black History Month—analyzing the social causes Arthur Ashe influenced during his successful tennis career. We will analyze the mood of a story. Students will work in groups during the work period based on their FCAT data. The “Words & Phrases” groups will analyze the vocabulary words in “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” to prepare a presentation and front load before reading. The “Compare and Contrast” group will read three short articles on the author of “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed,” Ray Bradbury. Homework: Continue to read 30 minutes daily, complete the required 30 minutes of Compass O., and finish the Frayer Models/Venn Diagrams.

Friday— Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Arthur Ashe, Completed Notes on Vocabulary Words for the story “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” and completed a 3-2-1 on the Author Ray Bradbury. All students presented the information that they learned in the prior class and shared this information with their classmates. All students were required to take notes on the graphic organizer during the presentations. Homework: Read 30 minutes everyday and complete 30 min. of Compass Odyssey.

A Day:
Tuesday— Computer Lab-input PMA #5, Compass Odyssey, and Shelfari. Homework: Add the books that you have read this year to your shelf on http://www.shelfari.com/ Ask for parental permission to add a picture. If your parents would prefer for you to use a clip art or other image feel free to get creative. Complete your 30 minute duration of Compass Odyssey and remember to read 30 minutes daily.

Thursday— Celebrating Black History Month—analyzing the social causes Arthur Ashe influenced during his successful tennis career. We will analyze the mood of a story. Students will work in groups during the work period based on their FCAT data. The “Words & Phrases” groups will analyze the vocabulary words in “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” to prepare a presentation and front load before reading. The “Compare and Contrast” group will read three short articles on the author of “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed,” Ray Bradbury. Homework: Continue to read 30 minutes daily, complete the required 30 minutes of Compass O., and finish the Frayer Models/Venn Diagrams.

Quarter 3 Week 1

2010-01-29T16:07:00.002-05:00

Where did this week go?

We are in need of tissues and clorox wipes if you would kindly consider donating supplies. Thank you for your continued support.

Think about project ideas that we could complete for Black History Month. --Think outside of the box.

A Day:
Monday—In class read, “Homeless” article from the New York Times by Anna Quindlen. Focused on Author’s Perspective and how an author’s perspective affects their work. Homework: Pg. 363 #1-3 (the top portion of 363), Compass O, and read 30 min. daily.

Wednesday—DCPS Characteristic Trait of the Month: Tolerance; 7th Grade Practice FCAT Released Items Test (in class). Homework: 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey weekly and read every night for 30 minutes.

Friday—DCPS Characteristic Trait of the Month: Tolerance; PMA and CFA data analysis in class and chart scores. Re-read CFA #1 “Gail Devers” to analyze question types, answer options, and review strategies. Homework: Make sure you have written your leadership letter to an agency that assists homeless people or people living in poverty. Students that receive a letter in response earn bonus points. The assignment is outlined on pg. 363 #10. Also, if you did not revise your District Writing prompt #4 turn it in by Monday for full credit. Lastly, read the third story in your yellow Multicultural Workbook, “Seventh Grade” (Yes, I know we have already read this story. It should be an easy assignment, right?) . Bring your workbook with you to the next class. We will be in the computer lab on Tuesday and I will check your work and input your grade on OnCourse as you work on the computers. Make sure you continue to read 30 minutes every day and complete your 30 minute duration of Compass Odyssey.

B Day:
Tuesday— DCPS Characteristic Trait of the Month: Tolerance; 7th Grade Practice FCAT Released Items Test (in class). Homework: 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey weekly and read every night for 30 minutes.

Thursday— DCPS Characteristic Trait of the Month: Tolerance; PMA and CFA data analysis in class and chart scores. Re-read CFA #1 “Gail Devers” to analyze question types, answer options, and review strategies. Homework: Make sure you have written your leadership letter to an agency that assists homeless people or people living in poverty. Students that receive a letter in response earn bonus points. The assignment is outlined on pg. 363 #10. Also, if you did not revise your District Writing prompt #4 turn it in by Monday for full credit. Lastly, read the third story in your yellow Multicultural Workbook, “Seventh Grade” (Yes, I know we have already read this story at the beginning of the year. It should be an easy assignment, right?) . Bring your workbook with you to the next class. We will be in the computer lab on Monday and I will check your work and input your grade on OnCourse as you work on the computers. Make sure you continue to read 30 minutes every day and complete your 30 minute duration of Compass Odyssey.

Last Week of Quarter 2--1/19-21/10

2010-01-20T16:15:00.003-05:00

Tuesday & Wednesday: Data analysis--analyze PMA #3 and discuss strengths and weaknesses. Progress Monitoring Assessment #5. Homework: Complete Compass Odyssey before Friday at 6:00 pm. Compass Odyssey will be down from Friday night to Monday morning for technology updates. Read 30 minutes daily and complete log. Additionally, read the third story and complete all questions/assignments that go along with the story in the Multicultural Workbook.

Thursday: Understanding Author's Perspective and an author's bias. Homework: pg. 361 #1-3, ask for a parent or guardian to give you feedback and assist you with developing effective writing skills as you revise District Writing assignment #2 and see all item that are listed for homework in the Tuesday section as well.

Quarter 2 Week 8 ----1/11-15/10

2010-01-11T16:01:00.003-05:00

This week in ELA:

A Day:
Monday: Creating Inferences and identifying symbols within literature. pg. 339-352 "What do Fish have to do with Anything?" Complete Inferencing chart in class, start portfolio assignment on identifying symbols, read 30 minutes daily, and complete 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey weekly.

Wednesday: Review symbolism in literature and discuss the portfolio entry (homework from Monday), discuss how to effectively use persuasive elements in our writing to prepare for District Timed Writing #4 on Friday. In class work on pg. 353 all except #3 & #6. Homework: read 30 minutes daily, and complete 30 minutes of Compass O.

Friday: District Timed Writing #4 Homework: Read and complete pgs. 6-33 in the "Holt Multicultural Reader" workbook (yellow workbook). Complete all questions and activities that go along with the reading. If you plan on going out of town tear these pages on the perforated lines so you don't have to bring the workbook with you.

B Day:
Tuesday: Review Inferencing chart in class, participate in a Tableau Activity with your classmates in class, start portfolio assignment on identifying symbols, read 30 minutes daily, and complete 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey weekly.

Thursday: District Timed Writing #4 Homework: Read and complete pgs. 6-33 in the "Holt Multicultural Reader" workbook (yellow workbook). Complete all questions and activities that go along with the reading. If you plan on going out of town tear the pages on the perforated lines so you don't have to bring the workbook with you.

Happy New Year! 1/4-8/10

2010-01-04T16:26:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

Announcement: The school wide spelling bee has been moved to this Friday, January 8th at 12:45. Congratulations to Lexie Nickas, Austin McMann, Kathryn Robinson, Arman Canlas, and Caleb Vigil. Team C will be cheering you on!

This week in ELA:

B Day—
Monday: Computer Lab; complete school wide mini scrimmage #1-9; enter in PMA #4 data to My Test, and work on Compass Odyssey Language Arts. Homework: Read 30 minutes every night and log completed books. Continue to complete 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey every week with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

Wednesday: What is the cure for unhappiness? Pg. 338 Reading skill-Inference and identifying symbols within literature Homework: pg. 353, update index cards with vocabulary words, read 30 minutes daily, and complete 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey weekly.

Friday: In class—Read, "What do Fish have to do with Anything?" by Avi, pg. 340-352, complete inferencing chart, and complete portfolio Assignment on symbols withing literature. Homework: Portfolio Assignment (worksheet pg. 77 Unit 3), read 30 minutes daily and log completed books, and complete your weekly 30 minutes of Compass O.

A Day—
Tuesday: Computer Lab; complete school wide mini scrimmage #1-9; enter in PMA #4 data to My Test, and work on Compass Odyssey Language Arts. Homework: Read 30 minutes every night and log completed books. Continue to complete 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey every week with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

Thursday: What is the cure for unhappiness? Pg. 338 Reading skill-Inference Homework: pg. 353, update index cards with vocabulary words, read 30 minutes daily, and complete 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey weekly.

Quarter 2 Week 6 ---12/7-11

2009-12-07T16:20:00.002-05:00

I'd like to thank all of team C and team A teachers, our parents, and our students for such a fantastic field trip to St. Augustine. We had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the film. The instructor that presented The Science of Golf was very impressed by your knowledge, manners, and focus. He was especially impressed by Chase Evans, Case Miller, Keely Nowlin, and Mark Molvie. Nice work!

This week in ELA:

B Day
Monday: District Writing #3—our first persuasive writing prompt. I’m so excited to read your work. Homework: Read 30 minutes daily and log the completion of each book on your 25 book reading log. Complete 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey each week with a minimum accuracy rate of 70%. Note: I created a folder entitled “Mrs. Wells ’09-‘10” after you complete your learning path (which most of you have) you should start on this folder.

Wednesday: Math Benchmark #2

Friday: Computer Lab Day; Homework: Read for 30 min. and make sure you complete your 30 min. of Compass O.

A Day
Tuesday: District Writing #3—our first persuasive writing prompt. I’m so excited to read your work. Homework: Read 30 minutes daily and log the completion of each book on your 25 book reading log. Complete 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey each week with a minimum accuracy rate of 70%. Note: I created a folder entitled “Mrs. Wells ’09-‘10” after you complete your learning path (which most of you have) you should start on this folder.

Thursday: Computer Lab Day; Homework: Read for 30 min. and make sure you complete your 30 min. of Compass O.

Please HELP!!! =)

2009-12-02T16:12:00.002-05:00

We have had a few parents inform me that they will not be able to make the field trip. If you could accompany us to the World Golf Village on Friday we would greatly appreciate it. Please email me at sargenta@duvalschools.org if you have any questions. Thank you!

11/30-12/4 Quarter 2 Week 5

2009-11-30T15:38:00.003-05:00

--I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving! We have a busy 13 days of school before our next break. This time will be very productive and I'm sure the time will go by VERY fast. Don't waste any time and stay focused during the next two weeks.

--Reminder: We will be going on a field trip on Friday, Dec. 4, to the World Golf Village IMAX Theater. We will leave at 9:00 and return before the end of the school day. You will need to bring a bag lunch. You might consider packing your lunch in an insulated bag.

A Day
Monday: Writing Lesson: Notes on focus, organization, and implementing F.R.I.E.S.S.S. (Don’t forget a simile.) HOMEWORK: “Show, Don’t Tell” worksheet, Compass Odyssey, and read for 30 minutes.

Wednesday: In class persuasive writing strategies mini-lesson to prepare for District Writing #3. Ten Timeless Persuasive Writing Techniques. HOMEWORK: Continue reading 30 minutes each night.

Friday: Field Trip—St. Augustine

B Day
Tuesday: Writing Lesson: Notes on focus, organization, and implementing F.R.I.E.S.S.S. (Don’t forget similes.) HOMEWORK: “Show, Don’t Tell” worksheet, Compass Odyssey, and read for 30 minutes.

Thursday: In class persuasive writing strategies mini-lesson to prepare for District Writing #3. Ten Timeless Persuasive Writing Techniques. HOMEWORK: Continue reading 30 minutes daily and log your entries when you finish a book. Also, you should have started on the new Compass Odyssey tasks entitled, "Mrs. Wells '09-'10".

Quarter 2 Week 4

2009-11-16T16:34:00.003-05:00

We will be going on a field trip on Friday, December 4, to the IMAX theatre. We will be seeing a tour and presentation of the Science of Golf and viewing "Amazing Caves". The cost is $11 and covers the presentation, tour, movie, and bus. The money is due by next Tuesday. Please send the money with the signed permission slip. The cost for adult chaperones is $7. Additionally, you may purchase concession stand combination packages for $4. The combo includes a drink of your choice (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Water, Power Aide Blue, or Power Aide Orange) and a snack of your choice (popcorn, Skittles, Milky Way, Cookie Dough Bites, Squizzles, ....) to enjoy during the movie. You must pre-pay and place your order with me for concession stand packages. The concession stand will NOT be open the day of the event for individual sales. Lastly, you must bring a bag lunch. You might consider carrying a small insulated bag to keep your items cool.

B Day:
Monday: Pg. 885 Fact vs. Opinion and understanding how an author’s bias can influence the reader. Homework: Complete the “Loaded Language” T-Chart, pg. 887 #4 & 7, pg. 885 Vocabulary in Context, and read 30 minutes daily.

Wednesday: Progress Monitoring Assessment #3. Homework: Update index cards for both non-fiction stories (don’t forget your antonyms).

Friday: Why do Professional Athletes make so much Money? Pg. 919 Elements of Non-fiction: "Persuasive Arguments" (claim, support, and counterarguement) and "Evaluating Reasoning". Read both stories (pgs. 919-924) and answer all of the questions in the margins as you read. HOMEWORK: pg. 925 #3-6 and pg. 919 Vocabulary in Context

A Day:
Tuesday: Progress Monitoring Assessment #3. Homework: Compass Odyssey 30 minute duration with a minimum of 70% accuracy, update index cards for both non-fiction stories (don’t forget your antonyms). and read 30 minutes daily.

Thursday: Why do Professional Athletes make so much Money? Pg. 919 Elements of Non-fiction: "Persuasive Arguments" (claim, support, and counterarguement) and "Evaluating Reasoning". HOMEWORK: Pg. 925 #3-6 and pg. 919 Vocabulary in Context

Quarter 2 Week 3

2009-11-16T16:21:00.001-05:00

Where did this week go?

B Day:
Monday: Analyzing Non-Fiction with the use of Cornell Notes. Homework: Complete Cornell Notes for each subheading, pg. 881 #6 & 8, 30 minute duration of Compass Odyssey with a 70% minimum accuracy, read 30 minutes daily, and complete the study guide for the exam on Thursday.

Thursday: Exam day. Complete all homework from Monday if you need additional time.

A Day:
Tuesday: Exam day. Homework: Compass Odyssey 30 minute duration with a minimum of 70% accuracy, and read 30 minutes daily.

Friday: Pg. 885 Fact vs. Opinion and understanding how an author’s bias can influence the reader. Homework: Complete “Loaded Language” T-Chart, pg. 887 #4 & 7, pg. 885 Vocabulary in Context, and read 30 minutes daily.

Quarter 2 Week 2

2009-11-02T16:39:00.001-05:00

A Day:
Monday: Reviewed PMA #2 and allowed time for students to recycle. We reviewed first person point of view and introduced omniscient (all knowing) point of view. Homework: Read a “Retrieved Reformation” (pg. 228) and complete the prediction chart. Read 30 minutes.

Wednesday: Early Dismissal --Omniscient Point of View continued with a re-reading of the “Retrieved Reformation”. Homework: pg. 237 #6 and pg. 227 Vocab. in Context, update vocabulary/index cards. Read 30 minutes.

Friday: Analyzing Non-Fiction with the use of Cornell Notes. Homework: pg. 881 #6 & 8, Compass Odyssey 30 minute duration with a minimum accuracy of 70%. Read 30 minutes.

B Day
Tuesday: Reviewed PMA #2 and allowed time for students to recycle. We reviewed first person point of view and introduced omniscient (all knowing) point of view. Homework: Read a “Retrieved Reformation” (pg. 228) and complete the prediction chart. Read 30 minutes.

Thursday: Omniscient Point of View continued with a re-reading of the “Retrieved Reformation”. Homework: pg. 237 #6 and pg. 227 Vocab. in Context, update vocabulary/index cards. 30 minutes of Compass Odyssey with a minimum accuracy of 70% accuracy and read 30 minutes each day.

Quarter 2 Week 1

2009-10-30T15:50:00.002-04:00

Where did the week go?

Monday: No School--Teacher Planning Day

Report Cards will be sent home during the last period on Tue, Nov. 3.

This week in Language Arts:

Tuesday(A)/Wednesday(B): We reflected on the first district writing assignment and focused on what we learned from the experience. Then we took the District Writing Assignment #2. Homework: Continue to read 30 minutes every night and complete your 30 minute duration of Compass Odyssey with a minimum accuracy of 70%.

Thursday(A)/Friday (B): Discussed dreams and obstacles with an emphasis on overcoming obstacles. Read "The Scholarship Jacket" (pg. 217) while completing an inference foldable. Lastly, we reviewed first person point of view vs. third person. Homework: complete the pink worksheet on first person point of view vs. third person, answer #5-7 on pg. 224, complete the "Vocabulary in Context" on page 217, and update your index cards.

If you want to get a head start on next week: on Friday, Nov. 6th (A day) and Monday, Nov. 9th (B day) you will have an exam on all of the literary elements we have learned thus far. Begin to prepare for the cumulative assessment on internal and external conflict, main and minor characters, mood, tone, idioms, first person point of view, omniscient point of view, setting, subordinate and independent clauses, and all vocabulary from: "Seventh Grade", "Melting Pot", "The Last Dog", "Thank You Ma'am", "Zebra", and "The Scholarship Jacket." Take it a little at a time. Start to re-read each story. You might consider creating your own version of a study guide.

Have a safe weekend.

Check this out...

2009-10-23T12:00:00.002-04:00

U.S. Department of Education Launches Video Contest for Students
The U.S. Department of Education issued a call for students to submit videos in a contest called "I Am What I Learn." The contest asks each student to lay out the reasons education is so important to his or her future. Students with a clear vision of where their education and career training can take them are encouraged to put together a two-minute video and use the link below to submit your entry. This is a great opportunity for JLCP students to gain recognition individually and for the district, and offers a chance to win a $1,000 grand prize. The deadline for submissions is Monday, Nov. 2.

http://www.ed.gov/iamwhatilearn/index.html

Week 9 10/19-23

2009-10-20T16:36:00.002-04:00

B Day
Monday: PMA #2 in class; reviewed, discussed, and identified internal and external conflict in a story (“Thank You Ma’am”). HOMEWORK: Read 30 minutes and complete 30 minute duration of Compass Odyssey—70% minimum accuracy.

Wednesday: We will be focusing on the literary element of characterization and the difference/importance of main and minor characters. We will read a good portion of the story “Zebra” in class (pg. 184). HOMEWORK: finish reading “Zebra” and answer questions #1-6 on pg. 205. Continue to read 30 minutes every night and be sure to log your books as you finish each novel.

Friday: We will revisit the story “Zebra” focusing on the use of similes as a creative writing strategy and re-visit an important reading strategy: visualizing. HOMEWORK: Complete the visualizing graphic organizer (on the back of the conflict worksheet—goldenrod worksheet). Make sure you have completed your Compass Odyssey duration and you are reading a good book of your choice daily.

A Day
Tuesday: PMA #2 in class; reviewed, discussed, and identified internal and external conflict in a story (“Thank You Ma’am”). HOMEWORK: Read 30 minutes and complete 30 minute duration of Compass Odyssey—70% minimum accuracy.

Thursday: We will be focusing on the literary element of characterization and the difference/importance of main and minor characters. Additionally, we will look at the use of similes as a creative writing strategy and re-visit an important reading strategy: visualizing. HOMEWORK: Re-read the story “Zebra” (pg. 184) and answer questions #1-6 on pg. 205. If you do not get a chance to finish the graphic organizer that focuses on visualizing in class you will need to finish it for homework.

Week 8: 10/12-16

2009-10-12T16:20:00.004-04:00

Can you believe it is the end of the quarter? I will be sending home an itemized progress report this week on Monday (B day) and Tuesday (A day) of next week so you can see the direction that you are headed in. Most of you know your status via doing your work and turning in extra credit but I understand it is always nice to see how the grade is calculated.

Donations needed: Computer paper =) Thank you!

Field Trip: IMAX --Pending approval from administration on Friday, December 4th look for upcoming information.

Thank you to all for your continued support. This year is off to a great start!

A Day:

--MONDAY: We will continue reading “The Last Dog” by Katherine Patterson and focus on the sequence of events, climax, resolution, and setting. In class today we reviewed the setting graphic organizer, handed back all graded work, wrote down the question for the Extended Response Portfolio Item (one paragraph with specific details from the text), and reviewed the rubric for the flow chart. In class students spent 30 minutes working on their flow charts and will need to finish these for homework. HOMEWORK: Finish the flow chart (like a comic strip of the story--see directions at the bottom of the this post), complete the Extended Response Essay Question (if you have misplaced your essay question scroll down to the bottom of this post to see the question), and update your index cards with the new vocabulary from this story.

--WEDNESDAY: We will discuss Internal and External Conflict within a story. (Literary Element) HOMEWORK: Re-read the story (pg. 64) and complete the graphic organizer on conflict. Additionally, you will need to prepare your notebook for a binder check on Friday, and update your Reading Log (you should have at least six books logged at this point).

--FRIDAY: We will have a notebook and reading log check, review the graphic organizer on conflict within a story, and work in groups focusing on similes. HOMEWORK: Pg. 205 #1-6, read 30 minutes each day, and complete your 30 minute duration of Compass Odyssey—Language Arts with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

B Day:

--TUESDAY: We will continue reading “The Last Dog” by Katherine Patterson and focus on the sequence of events, climax, resolution, and setting. In class today we reviewed the setting graphic organizer, handed back all graded work, wrote down the question for the Extended Response Portfolio Item (one paragraph with specific details from the text), and reviewed the rubric for the flow chart. In class students spent 30 minutes working on their flow charts and will need to finish these for homework. HOMEWORK: Finish the flow chart (like a comic strip of the story--see directions at the bottom of this post), complete the Extended Response Essay Question (if you have misplaced the essay question scroll down to the bottom of this post), and update your index cards with the new vocabulary from this story.

--THURSDAY: We will discuss Internal and External Conflict within a story. (Literary Element) HOMEWORK: Re-read the story (pg. 64) and complete the graphic organizer on conflict. Additionally, you will need to prepare your notebook for a binder check on Monday, and update your Reading Log (you should have at least six books logged at this point), read 30 minutes each day, and complete your 30 minute duration of Compass Odyssey—Language Arts with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

_______________________________________________________

Flow Chart Directions
The Last Dog by Katherine Patterson

The flow chart must include:

--The title and the author of the story is cited
--Introduction of the main characters, plot, and conclusion
--Proper sequence of events
--Climax of the story revealed
--Resolution/Conclusion disclosed clearly and accurately
--Each box (8) includes an illustration and a caption describing the illustration

Suggested use of the flow chart:

1st box: illustrate pages 44-46
2nd box: illustrate pages 47 & 48
3rd box: illustrate pages 49 & 50
4th box: illustrate page 51
5th box: illustrate pages 52 & 53
6th box: illustrate page 54
7th box: illustrate page 55
8th box: illustrate pages 56 & 57

Note: I provided a strip of construction paper to every student to complete this assignment on.

_____________________________________________________________

Extended Response Question:

Both Brock and the elderly people in the article on page 61 enjoy having the companionship of a pet or robot. According to the article and the story, "The Last Dog", how are robot pets different from animal pets? Use specific details from the text to support your answer.

WEEK 7: 10/5-9

2009-10-05T16:19:00.003-04:00

Another busy week! We will be focusing on the setting of the story with an emphasis on the details of buildings, weather, scenery, and the affects that the setting can have on the mood of a story. (Mood lesson connection from two weeks ago.)

B Day
Monday: Read “The Last Dog” by Katherine Patterson in class and completed a graphic organizer focusing on setting of the story. HOMEWORK: Complete the graphic organizer at home and consider coloring your paper. Additionally, you will need to complete pg. 58 #1-6 and be sure to bring your summer reading with you to the next class (I’m still missing assignments from 11 students.)

Wednesday: We will conduct the Socratic Seminars and discuss the various components of the novels. If time allows we will analyze the Progress Monitoring Assessment #1 (PMA) and discuss the various ELA strands. HOMEWORK: Read 30 minutes every night and log entry, complete a 30 minute duration on Compass Odyssey Language Arts with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

Friday: We will spend the class period in the computer lab inputting our answers for the first Progress Monitoring Assessment and complete the diagnostic test on Compass Odyssey.

A DAY
Tuesday: We will conduct the Socratic Seminars and discuss the various components of the novels. If time allows we will analyze the Progress Monitoring Assessment #1 (PMA) and discuss the various ELA strands. HOMEWORK: Read 30 minutes every night and log entry, complete a 30 minute duration on Compass Odyssey Language Arts with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

Thursday: We will spend the class period in the computer lab inputting our answers for the first Progress Monitoring Assessment and complete the diagnostic test on Compass Odyssey.

WEEK 6: 9/28-10/2

2009-09-29T16:01:00.002-04:00

What a great week! Thanks to the hard work of Ms. Wilhelm our team will be visiting Crystal Springs for a fun filled day of science activities. I would like to thank all of the parents for the support of our scholarship fund. Thanks to your kindness three of our students will be able to attend the field trip.

A Day
Monday: Review FCAT Writing rubric and discuss the major components of each level, revisit the F.R.I.E.S. handout, and analyze scored anchor papers from the FL DOE website. HOMEWORK: students will receive their graded District Timed Writing #1 with feedback and suggestions. You are to review the feedback and suggestions I provided and hand write on your copy how and where you will modify and revise your first draft. You will then ask a parent or guardian to do the same. Second, you will rewrite your paper with the revisions. For extra credit you may type your paper. NOTE: You MUST return your first draft with the revised edition for your portfolio. ---Be sure to bring your textbook so you can trade it out with Mr. Johnson for a copy of the new textbook.

Wednesday: We will meet with Mr. Johnson so you can trade out your textbook to obtain the new textbook. Please be sure to bring your book to class. In the new textbook we will begin the 7th grade required curriculum on page 42, “The Last Dog”. We will focus our study on identifying the setting and the various elements that contribute to the setting of a story. HOMEWORK: Finish the story and answer the questions on pg. 58 #1-6. Make sure you are reading at least 30 minutes per day and logging the titles of the books you have completed. Additionally, be sure to log onto Compass Odyssey and complete a 30 minute duration each week on the Language Arts section.

Friday: Setting continued, “The Last Dog”. HOMEWORK: Complete the setting graphic organizer, read at least 30 minutes per day, and complete the Compass Odyssey Language Arts section for at least 30 minutes.

B Day
Tuesday: Review FCAT Writing rubric and discuss the major components of each level, revisit the F.R.I.E.S. handout, and analyze scored anchor papers from the FL DOE website. Homework: students will receive their graded District Timed Writing #1 with feedback and suggestions. You are to review the feedback and suggestions I provided and hand write on your copy how and where you will modify and revise your first draft. You will then ask a parent or guardian to do the same. Second, you will rewrite your paper with the revisions. For extra credit you may type your paper. NOTE: You MUST return your first draft with the revised edition for your portfolio.

Thursday: Most students will be on the field trip with Ms. Wilhelm. Those left behind will be with Ms. Thanner. We will be studying leadership pillars in class. HOMEWORK: Be sure to bring your textbook on Monday so you can trade it out with Mr. Johnson for a copy of the new textbook. PLEASE check this blog again for assignment updates. Make sure you are reading at least 30 minutes per day and logging the titles of the books you have completed. Additionally, be sure to log onto Compass Odyssey and complete 30 minutes each week on the Language Arts section.

Week 5: 9/21-25/09

2009-09-21T16:09:00.002-04:00

Announcements:

--Mid-term progress reports will be sent home tomorrow. Please ask your child to view his or her report and discuss short term goals for this quarter.

--Look for the permission slip that we sent home today for our trip to Crystal Springs on October 1st. This trip will cover a vast number of science standard and will provide your child with an opportunity to connect their classroom studies to real life. The trip is $30 and covers the cost of the charter bus. At this time we are due to leave at 6 am and return sometime around 6. I will update my blog as soon as we talk to the other teams that have attended. You will need to pack breakfast, lunch, and snacks for your child. No IPODS, MP3 players, or other electronic devices will be allowed. We are in need of 12 chaperones that are available on October 1st to have a blast with us. Also, if you are able to make a donation at this time we will need bottled water for the trip, prepackaged snack, and monetary donations to pay for the cost of some of our underprivileged kids. Thank you for your consideration.

--Other donations: I am in need of Xerox/copy paper. Thanks!

B Day----

Monday: Due to the math benchmark classes today were cut short. We spent the majority of our time in the computer lab. The second half of class we used to analyze FCAT data, completed the “Goal Setting” worksheet, and discuss the upcoming field trip. HOMEWORK: Complete the Goal Setting worksheet if you weren’t able to finish it in class. Read 30 minutes every night and be sure to update your book log. Compass Odyssey: 30 minute duration once per week with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

Wednesday: Duval County Progress Monitoring Instrument #1, review and discuss FCAT Goals, review and discuss “Goal Setting” worksheet, and complete the Student Inventory for our portfolios. HOMEWORK Read 30 minutes every night and be sure to update your book log. Compass Odyssey: 30 minute duration once per week with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

Friday: Complete the survey for the Summer Reading Extension Activity. This survey will allow me to create differentiated groups based on your interests. J FCAT Writing rubric review, review anchor papers, and F.R.I.E.S. mini-lesson. HOMEWORK: Time to make your own F.R.I.E.S!!! Complete the F.R.I.E.S. assignment. Read 30 minutes every night and be sure to update your book log. Compass Odyssey: 30 minute duration once per week with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

A DAY---

Tuesday: Duval County Progress Monitoring Instrument #1, review and discuss FCAT Goals, review and discuss “Goal Setting” worksheet, and complete the Student Inventory for our portfolios. HOMEWORK Read 30 minutes every night and be sure to update your book log. Compass Odyssey: 30 minute duration once per week with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

Thursday: Complete the survey for the Summer Reading Extension Activity. This survey will allow me to create differentiated groups based on your interests. FCAT Writing rubric review, review anchor papers, and F.R.I.E.S. mini-lesson. HOMEWORK: Time to make your own F.R.I.E.S!!! Complete the F.R.I.E.S. assignment. Read 30 minutes every night and be sure to update your book log. Compass Odyssey: 30 minute duration once per week with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

Week 4: 9/14-18

2009-09-14T16:22:00.002-04:00

Reminder: Open House is on Tuesday, September 15, at 6:00.

A Day:
Monday—Review Mood and Tone within a literary piece. Word Wall Game. Homework: Study for the test on Idioms, Mood, and Tone on pages 115-124. Complete the study guide on pages 125 & 126 all parts. Bring your index cards with you on Wednesday for the test.
Wednesday—Mood, Tone, and Idiom TEST. Additionally, we will review your individual lexile levels, learn how to pull a varied list of books from the internet, and set academic goals for the coming year. Homework: Compass Odyssey 30 minutes per week with a minimum of 70% correct.
Friday—Analyze District Writing Prompt #1, review anchor papers, and discuss editing techniques. Homework: Students will revise using the editing suggestions provided.

B Day:
Tuesday—Review Mood and Tone within a literary piece. Word Wall Game. Homework: Study for the test on Idioms, Mood, and Tone on pages 115-124. Complete the study guide on pages 125 & 126 all parts. Bring your index cards with you on Thursday for the test.
Thursday—Mood, Tone, and Idiom TEST. Additionally, we will review your individual lexile levels, learn how to pull a varied list of books from the internet, and set academic goals for the coming year. Homework: Compass Odyssey 30 minutes per week with a minimum of 70% correct.

Week 3: 9/8-11/09

2009-09-08T16:47:00.002-04:00

I hope you enjoyed your long weekend!

--Remember to bring your literature book to my class EVERYDAY.
--30 Minutes of reading EVERY NIGHT.
--30 Minute duration of Compass Odyssey ONCE a week with a minimum of 70% accuracy.

Tuesday A day & Wednesday B day: FCAT Extended Response Rubric review and dialogue. Answer the following question using the FCAT Extended Response Rubric while referring to the short story "Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto: How does Victor feel about Michael's strategy for impressing girls?
--Reviewed Idioms pg. 115 and discussed the idioms found in "Seventh Grade".
--Went to the Media Center to see Ms. King for our library orientation.
HOMEWORK: Read "Melting Pot" on pg. 122-124 and create an Idiom T-chart. Complete the chart as you read (Literal on the left and Actual on the right).

Thursday A day & Friday B day: Understanding Tone and Mood (how authors use these elements to convey meaning in text).
HOMEWORK: Tone and Mood Handouts and pg. 124 #1-5 all parts. Additionally, study for your test on idioms, tone, and mood by re-reading "Seventh Grade" and "Melting Pot". Also, be sure to familiarize yourself with all of your words from the index cards.

Quarter 1/Week 2: 8/31-9/4/09

2009-08-31T09:09:00.007-04:00

We're off and running! I hope you find my blog useful to keep you focused and on task.

Reminder to ALL students: the summer reading assignments are due by this Friday 9/4. Socratic seminars will take place next week. You will not be able to participate in the the seminars if you do not turn in your summer reading assignments. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.

B DAY Students:

Nightly Assignment: Read EVERY night for 30 minutes
Weekly Assignment: Log on to Compass Odyssey for a duration of 30 minutes and earn a minimum of 70% correct on the assignment.
Monday: 45 Minutes District Mandated Timed Writing--Baseline Data (Show what you know.)
Pg. 115-121 "Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto, literary element: idioms. Assignments due: pg. 121 #1-6 all parts
Wednesday: Computer Lab and Idiom T-Chart Assignment with Vocabulary in Context. Assignment: Vocab in Context on Index Cards and Idiom T-Chart
Friday: "Seventh Grade" Response to Literature. Assignment: Writing assignment for your portfolio. Final copy due on Wednesday 9/9.

A Day Students:

Nightly Assignment: Read EVERY night for 30 minutes.
Weekly Assignment: Log on to Compass Odyssey for a duration of 30 minutes and earn a minimum of 70% correct on the assignment.
Tuesday: 45 Minute District Mandated Timed Writing--Baseline Date (Show what you know.)
and visit the Computer Lab. Note: you must know the last four numbers of your social to log on.
Thursday: "Seventh Grade" Response to Literature. Assignment: Writing assignment for your portfolio.

If you have any questions after we have reviewed the assignments in class please do not hesitate to contact me at sargenta@duvalschools.org

I hope you have a great week!

PS I still need large ziploc baggies for an upcoming assignment if you are able to donate. =)
Also, remember to bring your textbook to class everyday.

Homework

2009-08-26T15:03:00.003-04:00

Share your Curriculum Paper, Parent/Guardian Letter, and "My Child in a Million Words or Less" (purple sheet).
Purchase needed supplies by next week.
Bring your Literature book to class everyday from now on.
Turn in your summer reading assignments by Friday, September 4. NOTE: I have noticed that several students are turning their work in without completing the "Final Task". You will find the "Final Task" at the bottom of the first page of the summer reading packet.
Lastly, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at sargenta@duvalschools.org Thank you!

Welcome Back!

2009-08-22T15:02:00.005-04:00

Well, time flies when you're having fun! I hope you all enjoyed your summer and you're ready for a year of exciting adventures. On Monday you will go directly to your homeroom class after you stop by your locker. Note: do NOT place your lunch in your locker if you choose to bring your lunch. We will have different locker times and movement procedures that are suitable to our new A day/B day schedule. We will go over these items on the first two days of school. After that you will need to bring your textbooks with you (only for the classes that you have on a given day).

Suggestion: you might consider having two different book bags (one for A day and one for B day). This might assist you with your organizational skills. Below you will find a list of supplies that you will need to be successful in my class:

a half inch to one inch 3 ring binder with a view pocket on the front
5 subject divider tabs for the binder
loose leaf paper
portable pencil sharpener (non-battery operated please)
small pencil pouch or container
index cards on a spiral binding or small index card holder (Walgreens $0.38)

OPTIONAL: Jump drive to use for all subjects and projects

Note: Black and White Composition Notebooks are NOT needed for this course.

Additionally, you do not need to own the required summer reading books as longs as you have read them and completed the mandated assignments. Remember at the end of last year you received the assignments in your homeroom and signed a contract stating that you received the assignments/packet. If you have misplaced the assignments you can find them on our school's website at www.duvalschools.org/Landon

FYI: Open House will be on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 6:00.

Lastly, your donations are kindly appreciated. Currently we are in need of tissues, hand sanitizer, copy paper, old magazines (for projects and collages), colored sharpie markers and colored sharpie fine tip pens, large ziploc baggies (portfolio organizational technique), and clorox wipes. Thank you in advance for your support.

Enjoy your last weekend!

PS I hope it stops raining so I can enjoy the Jags game tonight. =)

ELA Final Exam is on Tue. 5/26

2009-05-22T14:23:00.002-04:00

Name _________________
ELA / Period # __________
5/20-22/09

ELA Final Exam Study Guide
Note: The ELA final exam will be administered on Tuesday, 5/26.

Short Story: Re-read “Jeremiah’s Song” on pages 38-46 in the Prentice Hall Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes textbook.

1. Before reading: Flip through the story and analyze the illustrations. Based on the pictures what do you think this story is going to be about? Or what do you remember about this story from the pictures?

2. While reading: read pg. 37, “Using Context to Determine Meaning.” While you are reading “Jeremiah’s Song” document at least five words in the chart below that you are not familiar with. Cite the context clues you used in order to determine meaning.

Word Clue Meaning
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

3. After reading: The narrator, Ellie, and Macon each behave differently toward Grandpa. Who do you think behaves most appropriately? Explain.

4. What is the theme of Macon’s song at the end of the story?

Define the following words:
5. diagnosis:
6. disinfect:
7. historical essay:
8. biography:
9. autobiography:
10. a letter:
11. persuasive essay:
12. informational essay:
13. narrative essay:
14. informational text:

Fiction: Re-read “Dragon, Dragon” on pages 432-444.

15. Before you read: read page 433, “Plot”. Write a summary in the space provided.

16. While you read: In “Dragon, Dragon,” most characters agree that the kingdom would be better off without the dragon. There are many references to things the dragon has done and is about to do, and many descriptions of his reactions to other characters. However, there is no description of what the dragon looks like. In the space below take notes based on the description of the dragon.

17. Use this space to draw your interpretation of the dragon.

18. What quality leads the youngest son to accept his father’s advice?

19. What might their fate say about people who refuse to consider the advice of others?

20. What did the cobbler seem to know all along about his sons and about the dragon?

21. What is the difference between listening to advice and letting others do your thinking for you?

Define the following terms:
22. plagued:
23. ravaged:
24. tyrant:
25. reflecting:
26. craned:
27. plot:

28. conflict:
29. setting:
30. theme:
31. What are the overall themes of the story, “Dragon, Dragon”?

Fiction: Re-read “Eleven” on pages 465-468.

32. Before reading: How would you describe the girl in the painting?
33. Why do you think the painter chose to place the girl in such a large space?
34. Define characterization:
35. While reading complete the following chart: On the chart below identify some of the key details of characterization for each character.

Character Words the character Thoughts the character Actions (movement)

used to portray had that demonstrates -Things the character

her personality her personality did to show her

personality

_________________________________________________________________

Rachel

Mrs. Price

Felice Garcia

36. After reading: How does Rachel feel about her birthday in the beginning of the story?
37. After the sweater incident how does Rachel feel about celebrating her birthday? Explain why?

Poetry: Re-read “The Sidewalk Racer” on page 719, “Cynthia in the Snow” on page 729, and “April Rain Song” on page 742, and “Abuelito Who” on pages 300-301.

38. Complete the following chart by providing the definition and provide an example of each poetic device from one of the poems listed above. Note: you must cite the poem you found each poetic device in.

Poetic Device Definition Example

Rhyme

Onomatopoeia

Alliteration

Simile

Metaphor

Personification

Repetition

Define the following terms using pages IN8 & IN9:
39. narrative poem:
40. lyric poem:
41. limerick:
42. haiku:
43. concrete poem:
44. tone:
45. figurative language:
46. Read the first subheading, “Free Verse,” on the top of page 299. Describe the unique characteristics that are utilized in free verse poems.
47. Read the bottom of page 299, “Drawing Inferences” and describe the purpose and benefits of drawing inferences.

48. After reading “Abuelito Who” complete the following chart.

Detail from the Poem Your Inference:

“Abuelito who throws coins like rain,”---------

“who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond,”---

“is hiding underneath the bed,”------------------

“who loves him who,”----------------------------

49. Drama: Re-read “Grandpa and the Statue.”

April's Announcements

2009-04-22T13:03:00.003-04:00

Attention: If you have borrowed a book from my personal library please return it as soon as possible. Also, if you have done your spring cleaning and have noticed that you have books that you have no use for I would gladly take donations to add to my classroom library. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

GIFTED: Read Monday, July 13 in Monster and complete assignment #5. Enjoy! PS We will discuss #4 on Friday.

World of Nations Field Trip: Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. You might consider using sunblock, wearing a hat for protection, and/or wearing sunglasses. =)

Week of 4/20-4/24

2009-04-22T11:33:00.002-04:00

Monday 4/20: Phantom Toll Booth Act I QUIZ

Tuesday 4/21: Phantom Toll Booth Act II--Understanding Theme, pgs. 637-646. Homework: Re-read pgs. 637-646, log entry, and complete Box 2- Mon. & Tues.

Wednesday 4/22: Phantom Toll Booth Act II--A Look at Imagery, pgs. 647-651. Homework: Re-read pgs. 647-651, log entry, and complete Wednesdays portion of Box 2 and start Box 3.

Thursday 4/23: Phantom Toll Booth Act II--, pgs. 652-656. Homework: Re-read pgs. 652-656, log entry, complete Thursdays portion of Box 2, complete Box 3, and start Box 1. Time will be given in class and we will discuss all portions of each box daily.

Friday 4/24: Phantom Toll Booth Act II, pgs. 657-660. Homework: Re-read pgs. 657-660, complete Fridays portion of Box 2, and complete Box 1 & 4. Study for Act II QUIZ. The quiz will be on Monday 4/27. Lastly, make sure all portions of all four boxes are completed.

Week of 4/13-4/17

2009-04-13T15:09:00.000-04:00

Drama: The Phantom Toll Booth

Monday 4/13: Act I pgs. 613-618. Understanding casts and sets. Homework: Re-read pgs. 613-618 and log entry. Start the four square assignment focusing on box #2 and box #4.

Tuesday 4/14: Act I pgs. 619-622. Understanding stage directions and dialogue. Homework: Re-read pgs. 619-622. Start Box #1 and complete Tuesday's portion for box #2 & #4.

Wednesday 4/15: Act I pgs. 623-626. Continuing to understand setting, dialogue, and character's actions. Homework: Re-read pgs. 623-626 and log entry. Finish Box 1 and complete Wednesday's portion of box #2 & #4.

Thursday 4/16: Act I pgs. 627-630. Understanding puns. Homework: Re-read pgs. 627-630 and log entry. Complete box #3 and Thursday's portion of box #2 & #4.

GIFTED: Bring everything you will need for the living museum tomorrow.

Friday 4/17: Act I pgs. 631-633. Understanding problem & climax. Homework: Re-read pgs. 631-633. Homework: Re-read Act I over the weekend and log entry each day. Finish all items in boxes #1-4 and study for Act I QUIZ.

Week of 4/6 - 4/9

2009-04-13T15:03:00.002-04:00

Quarter 4: Drama

Monday 4/6: Intro. to the elements of drama. Read and outline pgs. IN6-IN7 and pgs. 610-611.

Tuesday 4/7: Introduction to a Playbill project. Reviewed the rubric and read "The Princess Swan"

Wednesday 4/8: Worked on playbill (period 2 took theirs home since we will not be in class on Thurs. do to the school wide assembly).

Thursday 4/9: Put the finishing touches on our playbills. Shared out and discussed character development.

Friday 4/10: No School

Reminder GIFTED group: the Living Museum is scheduled for Friday the 17th. Please have your costumes and props ready. =)

Chaperones Needed! =)

2009-03-09T12:34:00.004-04:00

I am planning a field trip for Thursday, March 26, to St. Augustine's World Golf Village IMAX Theatre. I am currently looking for 7-10 adults that would be available and willing to ride the bus with us and view "Wild Ocean." After the movie we will eat lunch in the courtyard and return to school. We will leave the school between 9:15 & 9:30 am and return to school at approximately 1:30 pm. Thank you in advance for your support. Please call me at 346-5650 x157 or email me at sargenta@duvalschools.org if you can assist us.

Week of 3/2-3/6

2009-03-04T16:57:00.002-05:00

Monday 3/2: Paraphrasing and Personification-Digging Deeper. pg. 742 "April Rain Song."
Homework: Study Guide pg. 743 & 744 ALL parts and study for poetry test #3 (pgs. 138-144 & pgs. 738-744) Identifying the speaker, paraphrasing, and figurative language.

Tuesday 3/3: School Wide Progress Report Day & Poetry Test #3
Homework: Log on to FCAT Explorer for at least 30 minutes

Wednesday 3/4: Writer's Workshop-It's your turn! =) Using the types of figurative language we have focused on(pg. 739). Students will pre-write and draft their own poem. The topic is up to you as long as it is rated "E." Bring your poem with you tomorrow so we can edit and revise.
Homework: Log on to FCAT Explorer for at least 30 minutes

Thursday 3/5: Peer editing of poems. FCAT Score Analysis Summaries with a goal setting worksheet.
Homework: Log on to FCAT Explorer for at least 30 minutes

Friday 3/6: The Mac's visit. FCAT Explorer in class.
Homework: Log on to FCAT Explorer each day for 30 minutes.

Week of 2/23-2/27

2009-03-04T16:43:00.002-05:00

Monday 2/23: Review FCAT Sample Test book--Read and discuss effective strategies
Homework: Log onto FCAT Explorer for at least 30 minutes

Tuesday 2/24: Paraphrasing--pg.139-"Count That Day Lost," pg. 141.
Homework: Paraphrasing T-Chart and log onto FCAT Explorer for 30 minutes

Wednesday 2/25: Personification/Understanding Figurative Language--"The World is Not a Pleasant Place To Be," pg. 142.
Homework: Study Guide pg. 143 & 144 ALL parts & log on to FCAT Explorer

Thursday 2/26: Putting Figurative Language to work! In groups students will create their own examples of alliteration, personification, metaphors, similes, and onomatopoeia. --This is a fun one!
Homework: Finish your examples of each type of figurative language reviewed and log onto
FCAT Explorer

Friday 2/27: Figurative Language Continued--pg. 738-741. "Simile: Willow & Ginkgo" and "Fame is a Bee."
Homework: pg. 741 all parts and log on to FCAT Explorer each day.

GIFTED: Continue reading Monster. Assignment #2 is due on Tuesday.

Week of 2/17-2/20

2009-02-20T14:52:00.002-05:00

Monday 2/16: No School President's Day

Tuesday 2/17: FCAT Sample Test. Homework: Study for the poetry test, pgs. 717-732 & Reading Log.

Wednesday 2/18: Poetry Presentations. Homework: Study for the poetry test, pgs. 717-732 & Reading Log.

Thursday 2/19: Poetry Test #2. Homework: FCAT Explorer Challenge & 30 Minutes of Reading.

Friday 2/20: Review the FCAT Sample Test from Tuesday and complete an Item Analysis.

GIFTED: Monster, by Walter Dean Myers. Read pgs. 1-43: Complete mini-assignment #1, Vocabulary #1, and Study Guide #1 for Tuesday's discussion.

GIFTED CLASS =)

2009-02-18T12:51:00.002-05:00

Use the link below to access the online assignment site for the book, Monster:

http://web.me.com/flynnk/Site_3/The_Gifted_News.html

Remember, all work will be graded. =)

Week of 2/9-2/13

2009-02-13T14:40:00.002-05:00

Monday 2/9: District Mini-Formative #8 & #9 (5 questions each). School Wide Progress Report Day. In addition, I printed out a report to inform each student of their standing in ELA.

Tuesday 2/10: Understanding sound devices and reading poetry according to the punctuation. Pgs. 724-727. HW: Pg. 727 #31-3

Wednesday 2/11: Poetry continued--Understanding sound devices and reading poetry according to the punctuation. Pgs. 728 & 729. Homework: Review the sensory detail chart on pg. 717 and create your own chart on a sheet of notebook paper. Re-read "The Sidewalk Racer," "Haiku," and "Limerick" and fill in the chart. Be creative.

Thursday 2/12: Read "Parade" pg. 730 and discuss the sound devices used. HW: pgs. 731 and the top half of 732. Bonus points if you complete the bottom half of 732.

Friday 2/13: Alien Poem & Poster due on Tuesday.

NOTE: We will have poetry test #2 that will test from pg. 717-732 on Wednesday 2/18.

Also, Gifted students please have your copy of Monster by Tuesday.

Week of 2/2-2/6

2009-02-06T16:15:00.002-05:00

Reminder to the Gifted Class: Be sure to have your copy of Monster by Walter Dean Myers by Wednesday, February 11. You might consider visiting your local library and checking out a copy for your use.

Monday 2/2: Narrative and Lyric Poetry Test

Tuesday 2/3: Using Your Senses--Understanding Sensory Details in Limericks (poetry). Read pgs. 716-719. Homework: pg. 719 #1-4

Wednesday 2/4: Early Dismissal. Revisiting F.R.I.E.S.S. Students selected one writing assignment from their portfolio and edited the piece using F.R.I.E.S.S. Homework: Re-write the essay after you have added the additional elements as per the mini lesson.

F: Facts
R: Reasons
I: Incidents
E: Examples
S: Statistics
S: Sensory Details

Remember, when writing a good author always uses F.R.I.E.S.S. to bring their writing "alive."

Thursday 2/5: Using Your Senses (Understanding Sensory Details) in a Haiku. Pg. 720. Homework: pg. 721 all and the top half of 722

Friday 2/6: Creative writing. Write a limerick, concrete, or narrative poem. Use pg. 705 & pg. 717 to review the elements of these types of poems before writing. Your poem can be about school, a hobby, your family, or another approved topic. Have fun!

GIFTED CLASS =)

2009-01-30T15:18:00.003-05:00

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE GIFTED CLASS: In an effort to provide you with additional support and to create an opportunity for you to enhance your current understanding of literature we will conduct a book study. The chosen book is Monster by Walter Dean Myers. You will need to purchase a copy of the book for your use. You will find this book at most book stores in paperback for $7.99. I look forward to this adventure. =)

Week of 1/26-1/30

2009-01-30T15:00:00.003-05:00

Monday 1/26: District Writing Prompt #3--Persuasive essay on the use of cell phones. Homework: Read 30 minutes and log entry and study all vocabulary from pgs. IN8-IN9 and pg. 702-705 for the Word Wall Game (Study Hint: Make flash cards using index cards to study the definitions.)
Tuesday 1/27: Read aloud "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carroll. Students used the visualization strategy and illustrated either a scene/the setting from Jabberwocky or created a Jabberwocky mask (I supplied all materials needed for this assignment.) Homework: Finish your Jabberwocky poster, read 30 minutes, and study the poetry vocab. Reminder: The Poetry poster/foldable is due on tomorrow.
Wednesday 1/28: Identifying the Speaker-- Read pgs. 704-706 "The Geese" by Richard Peck. Homework: Reminder: Be mindful that this section is really short and we will have a mini-assessment (test) on Monday. Read 30 minutes and log entry and study poetry vocab.
Thursday 1/29: Identifying the Speaker--pg. 707 "Jimmy Jet and His TV Set" by Shel Silverstein. Read the poem in class and worked in pairs to compare and contrast the poem with "The Geese" (from yesterday). Students were to create a modified Venn Diagram. Homework: Finish Venn Diagram if additional time is needed, Pg. 707 #1-3 all parts, and read 30 minutes and log entry
Friday 1/30: Identifying the Speaker/Understanding Personification-- Pg. 708-712, "The Walrus and the Carpenter" by Lewis Carroll. Read aloud in class and discussed rhythm, beat, stanza, patterns, and word usage (multiple meanings). Homework: Pg. 713 all part and the top half of pg. 714. Use this as a study guide for your test on Monday. Study pgs. 702-714 to prepare for the test. In addition, you should consider re-reading the poems and study the key vocabulary.

Week of 1/19-1/23

2009-01-23T09:09:00.006-05:00

Parents and Guardians, I received the following letter from the University of Virginia. I do not have any affiliations with this camp. However, this may be a valuable learning experience and I wanted to pass this information on to those of you who are interested.
___________________________________________________________

January 2009

The University of Virginia Curry School of Education is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) for rising fifth through rising eleventh grade students. This summer residential program aims to provide academic enrichment for gifted and/or high ability students and a stimulating atmosphere within which these students can interact with each other.

The camp is offered in three 2-week sessions on June 21, July 5, and July 19, 2009 on Grounds of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Students stay in University dorms and attend a morning class and an afternoon seminar in fields of their choice. Subjects include Math, Science, Literature and Writing, Fine and Performing Arts and Social Science. The students are supervised 24 hours a day by undergraduate-age residential counselors many of whom were former SEP campers. Students explore the UVA Grounds and engage in many recreational activities throughout the camp.

Admission to SEP is by application and the deadline is February 15, 2009. Candidates must submit responses to two writing prompts and ask a teacher to complete and send in a recommendation. All application forms and writing prompts are found on our web site at http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/sep under “Summer Program.” Tuition for 2009 is $1100 and there is $25 application fee. Financial aid is available based on need. The financial aid form should be submitted no later than March 1, 2009 to be considered. The selection process is competitive and blind to both previous attendance and request for financial assistance. Applications are judged against students in each age grouping based on the quality of the responses to writing prompts and teacher recommendation. Test scores may be considered in cases of close decisions.

For the upcoming summer we are piloting an on-line application available now through our web site at http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/sep . Of course, we also welcome paper applications from those who prefer that process. The paper applications are available to download from the web site as well as more information about the program including a description of our classes in the Junior and Senior programs and the goals of the program.

Programs in past years have been judged to be exciting and beneficial by participants and we hope to provide an equally stimulating program in 2009. We welcome and encourage students from outside Virginia to apply. If you have any questions please email us at curry-sep@virginia.edu, or call us at 434-924-3182.

_____________________________________________________________

In an effort to "Support our Troops," our team will be creating a care package for a former teacher of Julia Landon. Ms. Franklin is an active member of the National Guard and was called out of the classroom and into the field during the last school year. She is currently serving our country in Iraq. We would like to send her warm wishes to let her know that we appreciate her work and to remind her that we are thinking about her. Due to the length of time it takes for a package to arrive in Iraq we would like to send the package out at the end of January and anticipate its arrival around Valentines Day. Therefore, we have decided to create a Valentines theme in hopes to send her lots of "love." Some of the items you might consider sending her include a home made Valentines card, a current magazine (reading material), small non-perishable snacks/treats, word game books, sudoku books, and just about anything that you think one would miss. In addition, we will be collecting small monetary donations to purchase an International Calling Card so she can call her loved ones. Please consider contributing to the care package.

This week in ELA:

Monday 1/19: No School-Martin Luther King's Birthday Observed

Tuesday 1/20: Introduction to the Poetry Unit; pgs. IN8-IN9, homework: Using an outline format take notes on the different aspects of poetry from pgs. IN8 & 9

Wednesday 1/21: Early Dismissal--Pg. 700-703, read aloud in class and reviewed the requirements for the poetry poster, brochure, or foldable. Homework: study key words/vocabulary from pgs. IN8 & 9 and pgs. 700-703 to prepare for the word wall game.

Thursday 1/22: Reviewed the poetry poster, brochure, or foldable rubric and started assignment in class. See below.

Standards

LA.6.2.1.1
The students will identify the characteristics of various genres, form, and style.

LA.6.1.7.2
The student will analyze the author’s purpose.

LA.6.1.7.3
The student will determine the main idea or essential message.

Task

Create a poster, brochure, or foldable that highlights the following aspects of poetry:

Introduce the different types, styles, and characteristics of poetry: What is Poetry? (pg. IN8 on the left you will see the types of poetry, pg. IN8 on the right you will see the different styles of poetry, and pg. IN9 you will see the characteristics of poetry)
Why we read poetry? (pg. 702)
Poetry Reading Strategies (pg. 703)

Poetry Poster, Brochure, or Foldable Rubric

The title is appropriate and aligned with
the standard (Poetry) 1 2 3 4 5

The different types, styles, and
characteristics of poetry are present 1 2 3 4 5
and defined

The three reasons to read
poetry are present 1 2 3 4 5

A minimum of four reading strategies
are present and clearly described 1 2 3 4 5

The poster is neat and error free. 1 2 3 4 5

Total points: /25 x4= /100

This assignment is due Wednesday 1/28/09

Friday 1/23: Field Trip to MOSH & Challenger Space Center, Jacksonville, FL. Those who did not attend the field trip worked on the assignment above.

Week of 1/12-1/15

2009-01-20T16:22:00.002-05:00

FYI

Monday 1/12: We took our nine weeks exam. All exams have been graded and returned.
Tuesday 1/13: Writing Workshop: District Writing Prompt #2 "My Favorite/Special Place." Reviewed the 25 Book standard and it's purpose. Each student had time to update their 25 Book Goal list on pg. 19 in their agendas and update their chart in the room.
Wednesday 1/14: Focused on Martin Luther King and understanding the importance of the Civil Rights Movement
Thursday 1/15: Computer Lab--Please continued to encourage your child to log on to Compass Odyssey and FCAT Explorer from home. If you continue to have problems logging on please contact Ms. Reni Fenton at 346-5650. Thank you for your continued support.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-09T11:25:00.002-05:00

I hope you all enjoyed your break and had the time make good memories with your families.

We are back to business. =)

This week we focused on Bloom's Taxonomy (Questioning) and creating a Web Quest. This assignment was a bonus assignment. My hopes for this project was to introduce the differences between a Mac and a PC, introduce the concept of Web Quests, and understand the FCAT complexity through questioning. No penalties will be applied for students that did not get to finish. I hope all of my students enjoyed learning more about their topic.

As you know, the nine weeks exam for ELA is scheduled for Monday, January 12th. As I mentioned in the previous posting the exam will cover all Non-Fiction stories that we covered in class from pgs. 532-582. I recommend that you re-read the stories and use the questions at the end of the story to guide your review.

I will be sending home scholarship warnings on Tuesday to students who earn a D or an F in ELA. After the last progress report each student had the opportunity to increase their grade by turning in the five assignments that held the highest value (the Open Book Test, District Writing Prompt #1, Summer Reading Assignment, pg. 569 Autobiographical Narrative, & the Selection Test on Autobiographies and Biographies). I will continue to accept any of these five assignments until Wednesday of next week.

Thank you for your continued support. I hope you enjoy your weekend!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-18T18:27:00.002-05:00

I have just a couple of last minute notes:

Please continue to have your child read over the break and log their entry. In addition, I encourage any type of word puzzles, sudoku, crossword puzzles, etc. Keep those brains working! =)
Encourage your child to use FCAT Explorer and/or Compass Odyssey over the break. We sent home a blue memo today with specific instructions that will assist you in logging on.
Lastly, when we return from the break it will be time for the 9 weeks exams (end of the quarter exams). The English Language Arts Exam is scheduled for Monday, January 12. It will cover all Non-fiction stories we analyzed this quarter from pg. 531-582. In addition to re-reading the stories I recommend that the students focus on the vocabulary words at the beginning of each story and the grammar lessons at the end of each story.

Thank you for your continued support. I hope you and your families have a joyous and peaceful holiday season.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

2008-12-16T08:15:00.002-05:00

Here we are, the last week of school for the year. Can you believe it?

We will continue to focus on Non-fiction with an emphasis on Expository Writing:

Monday: Christine Parker from the City of Jacksonville Animal Care and Control will be visiting with her partner, Maggie. This month we have been focusing on DCPS Character Trait of the Month: Kindness and Caring. She will extend our focus on caring and kindness not just towards others but also towards animals.

Tuesday: Period 1: Our reading coach Ms. Knighton will be visiting to focus on summarizing.
Periods 2&3: We will start our Expository Essay. Pg.258: Problem/Solution Essay. Students will select a "Problem Within the School Setting" and create a concept map. On the map brainstorm all of the problems associated with the chosen topic and possible solutions.
Periods 5 & 6: We will attend the school's Spelling Bee in the auditorium

Wednesday: Problem Solution Essay Pg. 258 All classes will get caught up to speed with the brainstorming and concept map (step 1) and complete the four square graphic organizer for homework.

Thursday: We will be visiting the Media Center to check out a book for pleasure reading over the holiday break. If you currently have a book checked out from the Media Center please bring it with you. Homework: Using the four square graphic organizer write the first draft of your Problem/Solution Essay. Bring the first draft with you tomorrow for a peer editing session.

Friday: Mini-lesson on Revising Sentence Structure--Peer editing session with a focus on sentence structure and time to write your final draft.

I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season! This time of year can get a little hectic, consider slowing down and reading to your child. Even a chapter or two of their favorite book can mean so much. The best gift you can give is your time. =)

---I'll see you next year!

A Busy Week

2008-12-09T17:00:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned in the last posting the engrade messaging system is not working. Please continue to contact me via DCPS webmail at sargenta@duvalschools.org Thank you!

Monday: We will continue focusing on the "Table of Contents" strategy with an emphasis on finding the main idea while reading the "Ladybugs" article. --No homework, get a good nights rest and eat a healthy breakfast to prepare for the benchmark.

Tuesday: Pg. 596-598 Apply the "Questioning the Text" strategy and complete the graphic organizer (3 questions per box).

Wednesday: Early Dismissal; District Mini Formative #5 in class. Homework: pg. 149-151 "Interview with Jerry Spinelli" Pg. 151 #1-8

Thursday: Pg. 254-257 Understanding Patterns of Organization/Cause and Effect---We will start working on the cause and effect graphic organizer in class after the reading.

Friday: We will continue working on the graphic organizer in class. When finished--pg. 257 Comprehension Check and FCAT short response.

December--Seriously, where does the time go?

2008-12-01T16:02:00.002-05:00

Ready or not...the holiday season is just around the corner. =)

NOTICE: Engrade is hit or miss. I have been informed that Landon will be utilizing a new grade book program purchased by DCPS starting in quarter 3. Julia Landon will be one of the pilot schools so hang in there and try to be patient with engrade. I do want to inform you that I am not able to view messages sent via engrade. Your best bet to contact me is through email at sargenta@duvalschools.org or by phone at 346-5650 x157 please leave a message and I will get back to you at my earliest convienance.

We will continue working on Non-fiction this week with an emphasis on essay writing.

Mon. 12/1: Select one from the following options and complete a brainstorming graphic organizer. (A) Explain, based on "Restoring the Circle" short story how you are a piece of the "Circle of Life," (B) write a letter to the author, Joseph Bruchac, or (C) pg. 587 select a topic and compare and contrast two websites that offer information on your selected topic. Homework: Start preparing for the Selection TEST on Thursday by re-reading the three essays, "Restoring the Circle," "How the Internet Works," and "Turkeys".

Tue. 12/2: Mini Lesson using the F.R.I.E.S.S. writing strategy. Use the FRIESS writing strategy to complete your four square graphic organizer that assists with focus and organization. Complete four square in class and start first draft. Homework: Complete first draft. Note: you do NOT need to get it edited, we will be working on editing in class tomorrow. Continue to prepare for the Selection TEST on Thursday.

Wed. 12/3: Editing--Mastering all stages of the writing process, students will learn the proper signs and symbols editors use. Homework: Re-write your paper using the suggestions and feedback your editor gave you. You do need to use your best judgement when deciding to use the suggestions and if you are in doubt ask for a second opinion from me, a parent, friend, or mentor. As always, you may choose to type your final draft but it is NOT required. =) Continue to prepare for the Selection Test on Thursday.

Thur. 12/4: Selection Test-- Non-fiction (three types of essays) focusing on persuasive, informational, and narrative. "Restoring the Circle," "How the Internet Works," and "Turkeys"

Fri. 12/5: Progress Reports---Students will be bringing home school wide progress reports. Continue to use engrade to view (well sometimes) your child's grades. We will continue to focus on Non-Fiction. I will be teaching students an easy strategy that will assist them in increasing their "Reference and Research" (a portion of the FCAT) score. The strategy is called the Table of Contents Strategy and we will be applying it to a released FCAT passage.

Thank you for your continued support.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-24T15:26:00.002-05:00

We will continue to work on Non-fiction focusing on a variety of writing types including persuasive, information, and narrative.

The engrade grading system (www. engrade.com) continues to provide "n/a" where the grade should appear. I am told that when you log on to engrade the actual grade that appears is correct so you can use the system to check on your child's average.

A few parents have asked about the supplies in the classroom. FYI: We are out of tissues and low on hand sanitizer. If you are interested and would like to donate to the class supply closet that would be great.

Monday 11/24: Read the essay "Turkeys" by Bailey White pgs. 580-584 on pg. 584 complete the Review and Assess

Tuesday 11/25: Complete the Study Guide for the test next Thursday: pgs. 585 and 586.

Suggestion: Re-read the three essays, "Restoring the Circle," "How the Internet Works," and "Turkeys."

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and try not to eat too much turkey! =)

Glad 2 B Back =)

2008-11-17T17:16:00.005-05:00

Thank you for your kindness, thoughts, and prayers during this difficult time. With each day calm is restored. I have truly grown a new appreciation for the children I teach and I am grateful for the kindness they have shown me. It is because of you, my parents, that your children are so loving and precious. And I thank you for sharing your precious gifts with me.

FYI--when I returned I had a class meeting with each period and we discussed the three stories ("The Shutout," "Jeremiah's Song," and "Olympic Diary") they read with the subs while I was out. I made deal with each class and agreed for accountability purposes I would count one assignment from each story and any additional work turned in I would count as bonus points. In addition, I went through each stack of assignments and called out the student's names to remind them if they have turned in the assignment and gave them the remainder of the week to turn in those three assignments if they needed additional time.

Reminder: This quarter all class work and home work turned in late will lose one letter grade for each day it is late.

We are continuing where we left off focusing on all aspects of non-fiction. We have been working on biographies and autobiographies for the past week and a half (pages 552-566). This week:

Monday: Pg. 569 Autobiographical Narrative--Students will write their own autobiographical or biographical narrative. During the first quarter we focused on the FCAT writing skills focus and organization. We will continue to utilize the four square graphic organizer to develop organizational patterns. In addition, I will be teaching students how to use sensory details (an advanced level writing technique) to enhance their already developed writing skills. On Monday, we will brainstorm possible topics, select our topics individually, and complete the sensory details graphic organizer. For homework: students will create and complete their four square graphic organizer. In addition, for their 30 minutes of SSR I suggest that students re-read one or two of the stories they will be tested on Wed. (pgs. 552-566)

Tuesday: Pg. 569 continued--We will review the writing rubric and requirements and work on the first draft in class. Homework: STUDY for the selection test on Biographies and Autobiographies (pgs. 552-566.) Note: Re-reading to prepare for the test can be logged as your 30 minutes of SSR and if time permits have a parent, guardian, mentor, friend, or older sibling edit your paper.

Wednesday: Selection TEST on Biographies and Autobiographies (pgs. 552-566). Homework: After Autobiographical or Biographical Narrative is edited re-write OR type your final draft. Don't forget to read before you go to bed. =)

Thursday: We will start a new unit (still in Non-fiction) focusing on different types of writing including: persuasive, expository (informational), and narrative. "Restoring the Circle," pg. 572-575. We will be focusing on using context clues as a reading strategy. Classwork/homework: pg. 575 Review and Assess and SSR 30 minutes.

Friday: Informational Essay, "How the Internet Works," pgs. 576-579. We will continue focusing on the reading strategy: context clues as we read. Pg. 579 Review and Assess and 30 minutes of SSR each night.

Closing the First Quarter

2008-10-19T20:24:00.002-04:00

Engrade is still reporting a large volume of visitors to their site. This is causing many of you to see "n/a" where there are actually grades. This being said, I have taken the time this weekend to print out an engrade report for each student. I will distribute these reports on Monday and allow one additional day to complete any missing assignments. In addition, I will pass back the remaining graded work for you and your child to review. He/she may re-do these assignments for a higher grade (unless otherwise noted on the assignment) by following the re-do protocol. (Place new answers on a sheet of notebook paper, explain why they have selected the new answer, and staple the new sheet with the old graded assignment.)

In other business, we have an exciting and busy week planned.

This week we will be focusing on the leadership/character trait: Fairness

Monday: Picture Day! Look your best. =) 9 Weeks Exam Make-Up day and for girls in Pathfinders you will meet today from 2:45-4:45. In class: FCAT Short Response 2 point rubric (Responding to Literature) and creating non-fiction posters (Including forms and reading strategies.) Those who do not finish their poster in class will finish theirs for homework. Read 30 minutes and be sure to log your entry on your reading log.

Tuesday: Unit 7: Non-Fiction Pre-Assessment in class. Read 30 minutes and log entry.

Wednesday: Early Dismissal--Computer Lab: District End of the Quarter Assessment. Homework: Read 30 minutes and log entry.

Thursday: District Timed Writing Prompt #2 In Class. Homework: Read 30 minutes and log entry.

Friday: Teacher Planning Day---Enjoy your long weekend! PS Make sure you read. By now you should have approx. 7 books read. These should be recorded in your agenda.

Engrade--minor issue

2008-10-16T17:28:00.002-04:00

Hi all. Minor issue with www.engrade.com when I go to enter the grades in the computer a screen pops up and tells me "My time has expired." Well, I'm not logging on and leaving the computer or anything like that. I've been told by other teachers that they believe there is a possible issue on engrades end. Not to worry, I'm sure they're working on the problem. If you take a peek at your child's grade you might see a list of assignments without grades next to them. Not to worry since it doesn't have a grade it is not helping them or hindering them. If it has a zero next to the assignment, that's a whole other story. I will keep trying to update the grades and I will post a new message here letting you know my updated deadlines for quarter one work. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

9 Weeks Exam Week

2008-10-14T14:13:00.002-04:00

Wow! Can you believe it's the end of the quarter already? Study guides for the exam went home yesterday. I hope your child shared his/hers with you. I am going to update all grades tonight and students will have until Thursday to turn in any missing work for this quarter.

Now that the first quarter is over and my students have had an opportunity to adjust to "middle school life" I am implementing a stricter make up work policy starting in the second nine weeks (Monday, 10/20). Note: this excludes students who are absent from school. I have informed my students of the make-up work policy for quarter 2 it is as follows: All assignments turned in late will lose a letter grade comparable to the number of days it is late. For example, one day late--one letter grade lower, two days late--two letter grades lower, etc. I allowed a more leniant policy for quarter one to allow for a period of adjustment. We will now be focusing on creating a more responisble student that is ready for the 7th grade. Meeting deadlines is an important concept in creating a focused, responsible, and diligent students. I look forward to working on this goal throughout the next nine weeks.

This week in ELA:
Monday: 9 Weeks Exam Study Guide
Tuesday: 9 Weeks Exam
Wednesday: Writing a New Report
Thursday: Computer Lab
Friday: Summer Hats

Thank you for your continued support.

Note: please visit www.duvalschools.org to see the updated school calendar for the days we need to make up from Tropical Storm Fay. =)

Is it October already?

2008-10-08T19:54:00.004-04:00

I'd like to thank all you for sending your warmest wishes to me I start this new chapter in my life. I'd also like to thank you for your patience while I learned a little bit more about blogging. I have received several inquiries regarding the use of my blog site asking if I would be posting homework on this site. As per your request, I will utilize my blog to assist you in supporting the academic efforts of your child. It will be my goal to log on at the beginning of each week and use the same type of format as Ms. Fail-Hayden and Ms. Hamlow to keep you informed on the classroom "happenings."

At the beginning of last month, I sent home a parent information sheet (on purple paper) with specific guidelines on utilizing the engrade.com website to access your child's online grade book. If you did not receive this information please let me know so I can assist you in setting up your engrade account.

The first quarter ends next Friday, October 17. If your child is missing any work I can take late work (point deduction penalties apply to all late work) until next Thursday, October 16. In addition, if your child received a grade on an assignment that they would like to re-do they may utilize the re-do policy and turn those assignments in as well.

This week in English Language Arts:
--Monday: Pg. 515 Understanding Theme(definition pg. 429). Brainstorming and pre-writing (Four Square Strategy). Students will brainstorm and complete the mini 3 column chart selecting their main character, what he/she wants, and who or what is getting in the way. Then students will use the organizational tool, the Four Square Strategy, to plan and organize their ideas for their 5 paragraph essays.
--Tuesday: Pg. 515 Understanding Theme. Drafting/Sloppy Copy and the editing process. Tonight students will move on to the next step in the writing process--drafting. Write your rough draft and ask a parent or guardian for assistance in editing. You WILL need to turn in this "sloppy copy" as evidence of growth.
--Wednesday: Pg. 515 Q&A session. Students will write/type their final draft. In class we will start discussing a new concept: Character's Motive.
--Thursday: Pg. 515 is due. In class, we will read pg. 7 in the PH Literature Book, "The Sound of Summer Running." Students will create and complete a flow chart on two of the characters (Douglas and Mr. Sanderson). If additional time is needed your child will need to finish this for homework.
--Friday: End of quarter DCPS Post Assessment. Your child took this test (as per county requirements) as a pre-assessment of their knowledge at the beginning of the quarter. They will retake the same test with the idea of showing growth in a variety of areas we have worked on throughout the past 8 weeks.
**Classwork/homework pg. #1-3 ONLY (Character's Motives) and pg. ALL sections. Please label each section and number your work.

NOTE: Each night your child is assigned 30 minutes of Silent Sustained Reading (SSR). In addition, they must log their work. Please encourage your child to read before bed every night.

Lastly, next Tuesday I will administer the Nine Weeks Exam. It will be a comprehensive exam that focuses on all of the stories we have read this quarter including: "Dragon, Dragon," "Becky and the Wheels-and-Brake Boys," Overdoing It," "Eleven," and "The Sound of Summer Running." If you would like to assist your child in preparing for this exam you might consider reading over the stories with them. Discuss plot, character development, setting, and theme. You can also use the questions at the end of each story to assist you in monitoring their comprehension of the stories. Thanks for all you do. I hope this isn't information overload. =)

Open House

2008-09-03T20:39:00.004-04:00

Thank you to all of the parents and guardians who took time out of their busy schedules to visit with me on Tuesday night. I enjoyed meeting all of you and I look forward to working with you. I'm trained on engrade!! --Well, I trained myself. =) I entered in all of my student's names and I will send home specific directions with your temporary log in information on Monday with the progress report. Thank you for being patient with me as I begin a new journey in my life. I am truly enjoying my new position at Julia Landon and I just adore all of my students. I truly feel blessed.

All About My Class

2008-08-14T10:19:00.000-04:00

This year we will be focusing on all aspects of the reading and writing process. It is my goal to inspire my students to become lifelong readers, writers, and learners. I hope my passion for learning is contagious! I look forward to meeting all of you.