Midterm Exceptions...

Hello Parents, Guardians, and Students!

As we already know, 1st quarter mid-terms are almost here!  Many students recently noticed a sharp drop in their language arts grade-- due mostly to a 20 point assignment where they were to revise their utahwrite.com essay.  (They were to have done this anytime between Aug. 25 and Sept. 10.)  We have had some time in the computer lab during class, but many students will need some time outside of class to give this assignment their best effort.

I believe this assignment is important enough that I will extend the mid-term deadline until Tuesday, September 21.  Once a student hits "submit", their essay is sent directly to me so I can check and compare it to their first drafts.  Students can also leave me a comment or question on utahwrite.com if they have any specific concerns.

Thank you for all your support and hard work!  We've had a productive quarter so far!  :)

New Spelling Words & Book Report Rubric

Hello, hello!  I hope everyone had a fantastic Labor Day weekend.  Our quarter is really moving along, mid-terms are next Friday, Sept. 17!!!  

**Important note: No late work from the beginning of the year up to mid-term will be accepted after the 17th.  This includes retakes of Spelling Test #1! 

1. We're on to column #2 of our "Frequently Misspelled Words" list.  The test will be Tuesday, 9/14 (A-day) and Wednesday, 9/15 (B-day).  Here are the words: fulfill, finally, favorite, government, guarantee, height, ignorance, independent, jewelry, license, losing, maintenance, miniature, mischievous, misspell, neighbor, niece.

2. Many students have checked off their intended book report books with me.  Yay!  Many have not, however.  Please choose a book and get reading!  For all those who are finished, or close to it, here is a link to the book report rubric.  Students will make a Book/DVD jacket and will include cover art, a well-written summary, three character descriptions, and their own review of the book. 

3.  I am also asking that each student revisit their "Fall Benchmark Persuasive Essay" on utahwrite.com and revise for IDEAS & CONTENT.  They can resubmit up to three times on their original essay, and even more times if they go back to the 'practice' tab, pull down the 'topics' menu, and choose the same prompt again.  We've worked in class on creating specific details and including convincing, inter-connected ideas.  

Thank you for all your support!  We're having a great year so far!

Back to School Goodness!

Welcome, welcome!  The 2010-11 school year is now well underway.  I am so excited to have such enthusiastic, bright students!  Here are a few items everyone should know about:

1.  Spelling test #1 is coming up!  (Thurs. 8/26 and Fri. 8/27) We are working off a list of "50 Frequently Misspelled Words." Students will be tested on the first column of words on their list, which include: weird, vacuum, until, tomorrow, separate, success, scissors, rhythm, rhyme, restaurant, recommend, probably, possession, occurrence, occasionally, and necessary.

     2.   There will be a book report for each quarter.  The requirements for 1st quarter's book are:

•  The book must be 150 pages in length...and not a picture book!
•  The book cannot have been made into a movie.
• You must have started the book within the last month.
• You need to show the book to Mrs. Lee and get it approved by her.      

1. Students now have access to a writing program called utahwrite.com.  I have attached a link to my blog.  I encourage students (and parents too!) to log on wherever they have an internet connection and explore the site.  There are tutorials, example essays, and essay prompts galore.  Students just completed an in-class persuasive essay that will count as their fall benchmark.  They can revise and resubmit their essay up to three times to try for a higher score.  Go for it!!!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach, guide and cheer onmy 8th graders this year.  Thank you all!

-Mrs. Lee