Spelling Words and Class Novel

Hello, hello!  Our 2nd quarter is underway, and getting busy already!  I was especially proud of the Block 1 POST-test scores; lots of progress!  Currently, we are beginning to cover the core curriculum for Block 2 as well as beginning our class novel, The Pigman. 

• The final spelling test from our "Frequently Misspelled Words" list will be Thursday, October 28 for A-day students and Friday, October 29 for B-day students.  Here are the words:  foreign, exercise, equipment, embarrass, desperate, accidentally, absence, different, definitely, conscience, committed, cemetery, calendar, business, broccoli, believe, apparent
• All the reading for The Pigman (by Paul Zindel) will take place in class.  Any student who is absent will need to check out a copy of the book from our school library to get caught up.  (As there are only 10 copies in the library, purchasing your own copy is encouraged and rewarded!) Every 1-2 chapters we will be answering comprehension questions and recording vocabulary definitions.  It is up to each student to stay caught up with the reading and questions!!
• All compare/contrast essays (done on utahwrite.com) should already be handed in to class drawers.  Dixie College students in a "teaching writing composition" class will be reading our essays and offering suggestions.  I will be delivering the essays after school on Tuesday, October 26... any missing essays will lose BIG points!

Once again, I'm proud of hard-working, dedicated students!  I'm also looking forward to parent/teacher conferences in November.  Thank you!

End of 1st Quarter...Already!

Dear Parents/Guardians & Students,

I can't believe the year is already 1/4 over!  I am very pleased with all the work my students have put in so far--  from essays to book reports to analyzing short stories and famous speeches--there is a lot of critical thinking happening!  Here is a run-down of end of the quarter grading procedures and what to expect from 2nd quarter:

1. I have graded four (4) classes' book reports so far, and have been quite impressed!  The only other score included on this quarter's grade will be the Block 1 POST-test.  I have set the baseline score for 86%, so it will be possible for some students to earn extra credit.
2. My goal is to have all grades into powerschool by Friday, October 15, but it may take a bit longer than that. :)  Teachers are required to have final scores and grades submitted by Monday night, so please don't be surprised if your student's grade changes from now until then.  If you have concerns or questions, please know that I am happy to address them, but it would be best to wait until after Monday.  Please note that late work will be the last thing I correct and enter in.
3. About one week into 2nd quarter we will be starting a class novel, The Pigman by Paul Zindel.  I have a classroom set, so we will do all our reading in class.  However, if a student is absent, they will have to make up that reading on their own.  I have five copies of the book for check-out, but it would be helpful to have your own copy.  (I even give extra credit for anyone who donates their copies to me when we're done...)  Both amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com have the book for sale, with used copies as low as $2.00.

Once again, thank you for all you do in support of our students. They are smart, sweet, funny, and compassionate kids and I'm lucky to be their teacher!