LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- The grade 7s have read up to chapter 21 in their novel, recorded descriptions of "him" OR the garage, and had time to find copyright-free images online to match these descriptions.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- Today we reviewed the 9 "Being Alive" questions. Students who did not have difficulty with this assignment shouldn't have any difficulty with "The Christmas Carol" assignment. Those who had difficulty are encouraged to seek extra assistance before Tuesday.
- "The Christmas Carol" assignment is due Wednesday.

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- Worked on completing the chapter 4, 5, and 6 review.
- Students should now be able to answer the Renaissance Essential Questions 1 a,b,c, and 2 a, b.

NOTES:
- We are still collecting for Christmas Elves. It has been indicated that they now have a sufficient supply of paper items, but are still in need of the following items: canned mushrooms, coffee, tea, canned ham, peanut butter, cranberry sauce, soda crackers, pickles, hot chocolate, rice, sugar and flour.

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- Today we identified words with positive and negative connotations in William Blake's "The Schoolboy"

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
Today we finished reading "Being Alive" and answered 9 questions, which are to be completed for homework if they were not completed in class.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- no class today
YESTERDAY
- Read "Being Alive"
- 9 questions due for homework

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- finished Hot Seat Interveiws
- complete Renaissance Essential Questions 1 abc and 2 ab
- complete the first sheet two sheets (front and back) of chapter 4, 5, 6 review.

NOTE: We are still collecting for Christmas Elves. It has been indicated that they now have a sufficient supply of paper items, but are still in need of the following items: canned mushrooms, coffee, tea, canned ham, peanut butter, cranberry sauce, soda crackers, pickles, hot chocolate, rice, sugar and flour.

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- Today we read William Blake's "The Schoolboy" and compared the ideas in it with the ideas presented in Skellig.
- simile and descriptive writing assignment will be collected tomorrow.
- Please bring a duotang to class tomorrow.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- The Hockey Sweater assignment will be collected Wednesday.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- Read "Being Alive"
- 9 questions due for homework

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- 8A and 8C will have the last opportunity for Hot Seat Interviews tomorrow
- All Witness to Yesterday documents are available on the SOCIAL STUDIES 8 page of the wikispace.

NOTE:
We are still collecting for Christmas Elves. It has been indicated that they now have a sufficient supply of paper items, but are still in need of the following items: canned mushrooms, coffee, tea, canned ham, peanut butter, cranberry sauce, soda crackers, pickles, hot chocolate, rice, sugar and flour.

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- Today the grade sevens worked on a simile and descriptive writing assignment. It was assigned for tomorrow.
- Please bring a duotang to class tomorrow.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- Finished A Christmas Carol Reader's Theatre
- The Hockey Sweater assignment will be collected Wednesday.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- Finished A Christmas Carol Reader's Theatre

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- 8A and 8C will have Hot Seat Interviews on Tuesday
- All Witness to Yesterday documents are available on the SOCIAL STUDIES 8 page of the wikispace.

NOTES:
-We are still collecting for Christmas Elves (toilet paper, paper towel, baby items, non-perishable food)

Have a great weekend!

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- We are reading the novel Skellig. We have read chapters 1 -13
- We have also begun searching for copyright-free pictures for our video presentation at the end of the novel

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- Began A Christmas Carol Reader's Theatre
- Paragraph responses for the Hockey Sweater are due Monday.
- Short Story due Friday

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- Began A Christmas Carol Reader's Theatre

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- 8A and 8C will have Hot Seat Interviews on Tuesday
- All Witness to Yesterday documents are available on the SOCIAL STUDIES 8 page of the wikispace.

NOTES:
-We are still collecting for Christmas Elves (toilet paper, paper towel, baby items, non-perishable food)

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- We are reading the novel Skellig. We have read chapters 1 -12
- As we read, we are recording information for our video presentation at the end of the novel

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- Began preparation for watching the play, A Christmas Carol and ditributed project outline.
- Summarized the story and read Dickens' biography.
- Paragraph responses for the Hockey Sweater are due Monday.
- Short Story due Friday

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- Began preparation for watching the play, A Christmas Carol and ditributed project outline.
- Summarized the story and read Dickens' biography.
- Short Story due Friday

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- continued with Witness to Yesterday research
- students had time to research the answers to the Possible Hot Seat Questions. Today was thee the last opportunity in the computer lab for 8C. 8A will have their final period tomorrow (period 7) and begin their Hot Seat Interviews in the second period (period 8).
- 8C will also begin Hot Seat Interviews tomorrow(period 3).
- All Witness to Yesterday documents are available on the SOCIAL STUDIES 8 page of the wikispace.


NOTES:
-Rabbit Hill ski forms are due tomorrow
-We are collecting for Christmas Elves (toilet paper, paper towel, baby items, non-perishable food)

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- reading the novel Skellig
- began recording information for our video presentation at the end of the novel
- read chapters 1 - 9 already

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- Read The Hockey Sweater and began grammar and comprehension exercises for the story.
- Short Story due Friday

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
no class today
- Short Story due Friday

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- continued with Witness to Yesterday research
- students had time to research the answers to the Possible Hot Seat Questions. Tomorrow will be the last opportunity in the computer lab for 8C. 8A will have their final period on Friday.
- All Witness to Yesterday documents are available on the SOCIAL STUDIES 8 page of the wikispace.

NOTES:
Rabbit Hill ski forms are due Friday
We are collecting for Christmas Elves (toilet paper, paper towel, baby items, non-perishable food)

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- no class today (assembly)

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- worked on stories
- presented a couple Reader's Theatre acts. It was a great opportunity to hear some expression and see some creative gestures.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- worked on stories
- shared "Wrap Up" presentations. Kudos to those of you who had the guts to get up in front of your peers.

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- continued with Witness to Yesterday research
- students had one period to research the answers to the Possible Hot Seat Questions. This was, primarily, an opportunity to get organized and ready to begin.
- All Witness to Yesterday documents are available on the SOCIAL STUDIES 8 page of the wikispace.

NOTE: Rabbit Hill ski forms are due Friday

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- began a new novel, Skellig
LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- beginning a short story unit
- made story outlines
- began writing stories
LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- beginning a short story unit
- wrote story outlines
SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- began Witness to Yesterday critical challenge
- students developed questions for guiding their research

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- still working on persuasive language. Writing due tomorrow.
- rubric is available here

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- beginning a short story unit
- Today, we reviewed the elements of a short story, created outlines for our stories, and began writing
- Students who did not complete their outlibes, MUST complete them for tomorrow.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- Outsiders Wrap-Up is due tomorrow. Rubric is available here
- beginning a short story unit
- Today, we worked on creating posters for terms related to our short story unit

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- questions 1 - 8 on chapter 2
- answer Essential Question #2B

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- still working on persuasive language. Writing due tomorrow.
- rubric is available here

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- beginning a short story unit
- Today, we reviewed the elements of a short story

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- Outsiders Wrap-Up rubric is available here
- beginning a short story unit
- Today, we worked on creating posters for terms related to our short story unit

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- visual note-taking exercise for chapter 2 is due tomorrow

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- still working on persuasive language. Students provided constructive feedback.
- rubric is available here

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- beginning a short story unit
- Today, we worked on creating posters for terms related to our short story unit

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- had last period of class time to work on Outsiders Wrap-Up. Due Thursday.
- the rubric is available here

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- began note-taking exercise for chapter 2

LANGUAGE ARTS 7D
- still working on persuasive language
- rubric is available here

LANGUAGE ARTS 8A
- On Monday, students will be presenting their perspectives on ideas presented in The Outsiders in written and oral formats, focusing on voice.
- the rubric is available here

LANGUAGE ARTS 8D
- began organizing ideas for presenting perspectives on ideas in The Outsiders in written and oral formats, focusing on voice.
- the rubric is available here

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- finished creating maps that identified geographical strengths of the chosen Renaissance trade centres (due Monday)
- the rubric is available on the wikispace

NOTE:
If you wish to participate in the Jasper Ski Trip, please bring your permission form to Mrs. Nessel FIRST thing on Monday morning. Seats are limited!

LA 7D
- still working on persuasive language
- today we began writing with persuasive language
- rubric is available here

LA 8A
- students will be presenting their perspectives on ides presented in The Outsiders in written and oral formats, focusing on voice
- the rubric is available here

LA 8D
- movie review was collected today
- began looking at some of the author's messages that were presented in The Outsiders

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- based on the criteria for successful trade centres, students decided which trading centre had the best opportunity to become powerful during the Renaissance.
- began creating a map that identified geographical strengths of the chosen centre
- the rubric is available on the wikispace

Report Cards were distributed on November 13th. Please have them signed and returned by tomorrow.

LA 7D
- still working on persuasive language
- today we focused on choosing a format to match purpose

LA 8A
- edited movie reviews were collected today
- looked at some of the key ideas that were presented in The Outsiders
- students will be presenting their perspectives on these ideas in written and oral formats, focusing on voice

LA 8D
- movie review is due tomorrow
- an exemplar and the rubric can be accessed on the wikispace

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- identified 9 Renaissance European Trade Centres on Maps
- developed criteria for successful trading centres
- based on this list, students will determine which trading centre has the best opportunity to become powerful

LA 7D
- began applying the techniques for persuasive language

LA 8A
- movie reviews were peer-edited today and will be collected tomorrow.
- began a final reflection on the ideas presented in The Outsiders

LA 8D
- had final work period for The Outsiders
- movie review is due Wednesday
- an exemplar and the rubric can be accessed on the wikispace

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- identified 9 Renaissance European Trade Centres on Maps and began determining criteria for success of trade centres during this period of time

SOCIAL STUDIES- completed a mapping skills review
- begin locating Renaissance Trading Centres on a map of Europe

8A LA
- worked on Moview Reviews and verb tenses (due Monday)
An exemplar and the rubric can be accessed on the wikispace

8D LA
- began writing movie reviews
An exemplar and the rubric can be accessed on the wikispace

7D LA
- discussed techniques and uses of persuasive language

NOTE
- Report cards were distributed today. Please have them signed and returned as soon as possible.

SOCIAL 8A and 8C- finish three essential questions

LA 8D
- finish movie review outline and planning for tomorrow

LA 8A- Movie Review due Monday

LA 7D
- Expository Brochure is due tomorrow

LA 8D
- Will begin planning movie reviews tomorrow

LA 8A
- Will have their final period for writing movie reviews tomorrow

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- Chapter 1 test tomorrow
- Will begin discussing trade in the Renaissance

LANGUAGE ARTS
7D
- began creating HOW TO brochures in computer lab. Wil have one more period for completion.

8A and 8D
- finished watching The Outsiders
- will begin writing movie reviews tomorrow

SOCIAL STUDIES
8A and 8C
began working on the study guide for our chapter 1 quiz next week.

LANGUAGE ARTS
7D
should have "how to" information finished for tomorrow's class

8A
discussed the characteristics of a good movie review
began watching The Outsiders

8D
discussed the characteristics of a good movie review
began watching The Outsiders

SOCIAL STUDIES
Will have a quiz on the first couple textbook chapters soon.

SOCIAL STUDIES RENAISSANCE PROJECT

-HELPFUL HINT-

Don't just look at all the bullets on the rubric and then try to figure out how to create a project that you THINK will work. Look at one bullet at a time and figure out how you are going to meet that specific goal, individually. Once you have completed each of the criteria, you are finished. Don't over analyze.

SOCIAL 8A and 8C
- Renaissance Worldview Project due Wednesday
- Rubric was distributed today

LA 8A
- Outsiders Character Sketch Project due Tuesday

LA 8D
- Outsiders Character Sketch Project due Wednesday

LA 7D
- working on transitions and expository writing

Progress reports for LA and SOCIAL were distributed today. Please sign and return them ASAP.

LA 8A
Outsiders project due Tues

SOCIAL 8A
Renaissance and Medieval project due Wednesday

LA 8D
Outsiders project due Tues

SOCIAL 8C
Renaissance and Medieval project due Wednesday

LA 7D
Edited Voice Projects due Tomorrow
Began Expository Writing today

LA 8D
finish reading The Outsiders

LA 7D
"A Day As A..." Voice Assignments are due tomorrow

LA 8A
Outsiders Character Sketch projects due Monday

SOCIAL 8C
working on "What was the Renaissance Worldview?" Critical Challenge.
distributed citeria today

SOCIAL 8A
working on "What was the Renaissance Worldview?" Critical Challenge.
distributed citeria today

LA 8A
- finished The Outsiders today
- character sketch assignment will be due on Thursday, October 30th, 2008

LA 7D
- working on voice assignment

SOCIAL 8A
- viewed renaissance and medieval music
- assigned What Was The Renaissance Worldview? today.
- students should have read chapter 1 and 2 in their textbooks by now.

SOCIAL 8C
- viewed renaissance and medieval architecture and sculpture

LA 8D
- Read chapters 7 and 8
- checked bitstrips against criteria today. Will collect final product during 6th period tomorrow.

LA 8A
- Read chapters 8 and 9
- checked bitstrips against criteria today. Will collect final product during 4th period tomorrow.

LA 7D
- will begin voice assignment in class tomorrow

SOCIAL 8
- Returned Worldview Project Rubrics
- Examining characteristics of the Medieval and Renaissance Periods

LA 7D
- examining voice

LA 8
- finishing comics

LA 7D
- we are working on creating voice in our writing

LA 8D and 8A
- working on creating satirical comics related to our novel study

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
- introducing the Renaissance
- students are beginning to look at the Renaissance Worldview

October 9th

SOCIAL
- finish mapping assignment for Tuesday

LA
- essays were due today

October 8th

SOCIAL 8A
mapping assignment due Tuesday

LA 8A
contrast essay due tomorrow

LA 8D
contrast essay due tomorrow

October 7th

SOCIAL
- finish cover page, questions 1 and 2 from the board, and the Essential Questions Chart handed out today.
- bring pencil crayons for tomorrow

LA 8A
- some students have finished their essays. We will have a little time to work on them tomorrow and they should be completed for Thursday.

LA 8D
- some students have finished their essays. The rest are due for Thursday.
- began chapter 4 - 6 vocabulary for The Outsiders

October 6th

LA 8D
-reviewed baseline assessment strengths and areas of need
-reviewed contrast essay criteria
-read chapter 5 of The Outsiders

LA 8A
-reviewed baseline assessment strengths and areas of need
-created contrast essay criteria
-worked on contrast essays
-read chapter 5 of The Outsiders

SOCIAL 8C and 8A
-Worldview projects were due today
-Peer-marked projects using project rubric. Students have the opportunity to edit their projects or make any necessary changes tonight without being penalized.

LA 7D
- no class today because of the school assembly. Five paragraph essays are due tomorrow.

October 3rd

SOCIAL
Projects due Monday

LA 7D
Essays due Monday

LA 8A and 8D
Essay introductions due Monday

October 2nd

SOCIAL STUDIES
Worldview Visual Display due datehas been changed to Monday
Worldview Visual Display Project Criteria
 creative and original
 choose an appropriate format for visual communication
 well-planned and organized
o visually organized – fonts, headings, colour schemes, layout, and
design add to the clarity of your message
 interesting and persuasive for audience (classmates and teacher)
 project shows how the time and place you live in affects your worldview
 project shows how the government and other people affect your worldview
 all information should be obviously organized into the 7 elements
of worldview
 comments/explanations should be on topic and well-explained/logical

LA
introductory paragraphs should be completed for tomorrow

October 1st

SOCIAL STUDIES
concept mapping and worldview chart declaring the items you will use in your display must be completed before you begin your project.

September 30th

SOCIAL 8A and 8C
- organizing ideas and working on visual presentations this week

LA 7D
- working on the five paragraph essay "WhatI Want to Remember When I am Older"

LA 8A
- reviewing the five paragraph essay
- learning the format for a contrast essay this week

LA 8D
- reviewed the five paragraph essay
- began writing introductions for the contrast essay on the socs and the greasers

September 29th

SOCIAL 8A and 8C
Worldview Test tomorrow

LA 7D
Finish good copy of class essay

September 26th

SOCIAL STUDIES 8A and 8C
- "Implied Worldview in an Editorial" assignment is due Monday. Most students finished this in the computer lab. Those who did not, printed the material and can fill in the chart by hand.
- Worldview Visual Display PROPOSAL is due on Monday
Next week
- Creating Criteria for Visual Display
- completing "Personal Worldview Value Lines"
- Tuesday, September 30th - Worldview Test
- Friday, October 3rd - Worldview Visual Display PROJECT is due

LA 7D
-finished editing our class essay.
next week
-writing a 5 paragraph essay individually

LA 8D and 8A
- wrote Outsiders test today
- correct any mistakes on "mini character sketch" for a completion mark.
next week
- Venn Diagram for the socs and greasers
- writing a contrast essay

September 25th

SOCIAL 8C
- "Implied Worldview in an Editorial" assignment is due tomorrow. Most students finished this in the computer lab today. Those who did not, printed the material and can fill in the chart by hand.

- Friday, September 26th - Creating Criteria for Visual Display and completing "Personal Worldview Value Lines"
- Monday, September 29th - Worldview Visual Display PROPOSAL is due
- Tuesday, September 30th - Worldview Test
- Friday, October 3rd - Worldview Visual Display PROJECT is due

SOCIAL 8A
- yesterday, we searched for multiple perspectives on issues and began filling out a "Worldview in Editorials" chart.
- will have one more period to complete this assignment

LA 7D
- Finished and began editing our class essay

LA 8D
- Test tomorrow. Review was provided in class today.
- ONGOING CHARACTER SKETCH PROJECT OUTLINE IS AVAILABLE ON THE WIKISPACE.
- correct any mistakes on "mini character sketch" for a completion mark.

LA 8A
- wrote test and began A Venn Diagram for the socs and greasers. We will work on this tomorrow.

September 24th

Picture Day is on Friday. Pictures are taken outside, so please dress appropriately.

LA 8A
- ONGOING CHARACTER SKETCH PROJECT OUTLINE IS AVAILABLE ON THE WIKISPACE.
- correct any mistakes on "mini character sketch" for a completion mark.
- finish questions for chapters 1 - 3
- quiz tomorrrow. Review was provided in class today.

LA 8D
- ONGOING CHARACTER SKETCH PROJECT OUTLINE IS AVAILABLE ON THE WIKISPACE.
- Finish "Mini Character Sketch" activity if you haven't handed it in already.
- Finish reading Chapter 3.
- quiz Friday. Review will be provided in class tomorrow.

LA 7D
- Began writing a class essay

SOCIAL 8C
- searched for multiple perspectives on issues of their choice
- began filling out a Worldview chart.
- will have one more period to complete this assignment

SOCIAL 8A
- searched for multiple perspectives on issues of their choice
- began filling out a Worldview chart.
- will have one more period to complete this assignment

September 23rd

SOCIAL 8C and 8A
Think of past or present topics for our computer period tomorrow

LA 8A
ONGOING CHARACTER SKETCH ASSIGNMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE WIKISPACE
Finish Outsiders Questions for Chapter 1 and Questions 1-3 in Chapter 2
Quiz on Thursday (novel elements, conflict, chapters 1-3 in The Outsiders)

LA 8D
ONGOING CHARACTER SKETCH ASSIGNMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE WIKISPACE
Finish "Mini Character Sketch" activity if you haven't handed it in already.
Finish reading Chapter 3.
Quiz on Friday (novel elements, conflict, chapters 1-3 in The Outsiders)

September 22nd

LA 8A
- If you haven't finished already, or you received an N on the assignment,
Identify one personality trait and one physical characteristic for three main characters (6 characteristics in all). Provide the page number and evidence to support each characteristic.
- finish reading chapter 3 of The Outsiders

SOCIAL 8C
- Explain Pungente's quote that you copied from the board today.

September 18th

NO SCHOOL TOMORROW! Enjoy your long weekend!

LA 8D
-Finish Chapter 1- 3 vocabulary

SOCIAL 8C
-Finish your web on who/what influenced your values and beliefs
-We will be having a quiz on worldviews soon

SOCIAL 8A
-Finish rewriting John Pungente's quote in your own words.
-We will be having a quiz on worldviews soon

September 17th

8D LA
Today we did some preparation for our novel study
Tonight, finish highlighting info in Hinton's bio

7D LA
Today we worked on Topic sentences and began talking about Introductory paragraphs in an essay.

8A LA
Today we did some preparation for our novel study.
Vocabulary should be completed for tomorrow.

8A and 8C SOCIAL
Wrapping up our unit on worldview. Read the first few pages in the text.
Will begin talking about unit assignment soon.

Sept 16th

Enjoy the evening.

September 12th

SOCIAL
Implied Worldview sheets should almost be complete

LA 8A and 8D
Due Monday - 1 paragraph that meets the criteria that you copied into your notes.

September 11th

LA 7D
- most students should be almost finished 1 paragraph that will be handed in.

SOCIAL 8A
Began watching "The Gods Must Be Crazy"

SOCIAL 8C
Began watching "The Gods Must Be Crazy"

September 10th

SOCIAL 8A and SOCIAL 8C
MOST STUDENTS HAVE ALREADY FINISHED THESE ACTIVITIES
Finish Magazine Sort Chart
Finish Worldviews Cover Page according to criteria provided in class

September 9th

SOCIAL STUDIES
Dear Parents/ Guardians:
In the grade eight social studies class, we will be examining worldviews throughout the year. As a means of reinforcing the worldviews concept, we will be viewing a movie, The Gods Must Be Crazy, in class. In this video, a bushman in the Kalahari encounters technology and the western culture for the first time. The film presents an interesting perspective on western civilization. This movie is rated PG. I ask that if you do not wish to have your child view this video, you initial this the note sent home today and have it returned to me by September 10th, 2008. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call me at (780)929-5977.
Sincerely,
Miss Jacqueline MacDonald

SOCIAL 8A
MOST STUDENTS HAVE ALREADY FINISHED THESE ACTIVITIES
Finish Magazine Sort Chart
Finish Cover Page

LA 8A
MOST STUDENTS HAVE ALREADY FINISHED THESE ACTIVITIES
Finish "7 Sentence Types" activity
Finish editing paragraphs for sentence types, lengths, and beginnings

LA 7D
MOST STUDENTS HAVE ALREADY FINISHED THESE ACTIVITIES
Finish "7 Sentence Types" activity
Finish editing paragraphs for sentence types, lengths, and beginnings

September 8th

COURSE OUTLINES WENT HOME THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES. The accompanying forms should have been signed and returned. Please return these A.S.A.P. Copies of the course outlines, the introductory letter, and recent classroom acticvities can be found on my wikispace (link on left of page).

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN ADDED TO THE WIKISPACE.

letter home 0809oc.doc
letter home 0809 return portion.doc

Social 8 outline.doc
LA 7 Outline 2008-2009.doc
LA 8 Outline 2008-2009.doc

Sentence Types.doc

Implied Worldview Analysis Organizer.doc
Concept of Worldview.doc
Concept of Worldview Handout.doc
Magazine Sort Chart.doc

TO BE FINISHED FOR TOMORROW:
LA 7D
grammar - page 30

LA 8
grammar - page 20

SOCIAL 8C - Magazine Sort Chart. 4 of 7 should be well done for tomorrow.

NOTE: Tomorrow is Language Arts baseline testing. Be sure to arrive on time. Writing begins at 8:30 a.m.

REMEMBER Sept. 4th

OPTION FORMS are DUE TOMORROW

SOCIAL STUDIES
Please remember to bring old magazines that we can cut. Also, please bring scissors and glue sticks to class tomorrow.

Important Dates

Option Forms will be distributed tomorrow and must be returned on Friday with a parent or guardian's signature. Options will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Students who do not return their forms on Friday will have their courses chosen for them.

Course Outlines should be signed and handed back tomorrow.

September 9th (8:30 - 10:30 a.m.)
- baseline testing

September 12th (10:00 a.m. ish)
- Terry Fox Run

September 15th (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
- Meet the Teacher

September 19th
- Professional Development Day

September 26th
- Picture Day

WELCOME BACK!

Welcome to Ms. MacDonald's Blog. I try to post homework/assignments on my blog daily. It is a great way to be sure you haven't forgotten to write anything in your agenda. On the right hand side of this page, there is a link to my wikispace where I often place copies of assignments. Sometimes when you are sick or you forget your assignment at school, you can find it there. You can also email me to ask for a specific assignment and I can post it as soon as possible. Take a minute to check it out! There are also links to Mr. Slade's homepage, Mrs. Kaliszuk's Blog, and Mme. Stewart's Blog on the right side of the page. Be sure to check back often!

June 17th

Return signed permission forms for studying at home are due tomorrow. Students will not be able to call home for permission after their exams. Arrangements should be made ahead of time.

Students need to return all textbooks or payments for them before their exams.

SOCIAL 8C
- outline of changes in the Meiji period will be collected in homeroom tomorrow.

SOCIAL STUDIES AND LANGUAGE ARTS review guides have been distributed. Please use them to guide you in studying for your final exam.

EXAM SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 19th a.m. - FLA
Friday, June 20th a.m. - LA
Monday, June 23rd a.m. - Social Studies
Tuesday, June 24th a.m. - Science
Wednesday, June 25th p.m. - Math

LAST DAY OF JUNIOR HIGH CLASSES and WEM water park trip - Wednesday, June 25th
AWARDS NIGHT - Thursday, June 26th - 7:00 p.m.
REPORT CARD PICK-UP - Friday, June 27th

June 10th

SOCIAL
petitions to the shogun are due tomorrow although there are no social studies classes
8C - hand in during homeroom
8A - hand in during LA

June 5

SOCIAL 8A and 8C
Response to President Fillmore's final copy is due on Monday for BOTH classes (even though 8A does not have social studies on Monday)

Final copies of petitions to the shogun will be collected on Wednesday. Rough drafts of these letters should have been completed a long time ago.

LA 8D
Should have completed sheet on shots and angles in class today.
Media Literacy Portfolios are due on Monday

FAREWELL IS TONIGHT FROM 5:30 - 7:30.

June 4

SOCIAL
Responses to Fillmore's letter are due tomorrow

LA 8A
lesson 77
film study cover page

LA8D
finish cover page
media portfolio due on Monday

June 3

GRADE EIGHT FAREWELL IS ON THURSDAY EVENING.
HOT LUNCH (KFC) ON THURSDAY.
WATERPARK FORMS ARE DUE TOMORROW.
MERIT AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED AT OUR ASSEMBLY ON MONDAY MORNING.
PROGRESS REPORTS WENT HOME ON MAY 27TH. If you have not returned signed progress reports yet, please do so as soon as possible.

LA 8D
Media Literacy Portfolios are due Monday

LA 8A
Last Charlie and the Chocolate Factory shot due for tomorrow
Profiles are due tomorrow!

SOCIAL 8C and 8A
Finish writing letters/essays detailing Japan's response to President Fillmore. Responses are due Thursday (next social studies period).

June 2

YEARBOOK ORDER FORMS ARE DUE TOMORROW.
WATERPARK FORMS ARE DUE WEDNESDAY.
If you have not returned signed progress reports yet, please do so as soon as possible.

LA 8D
Media Literacy Portfolios are due Monday

SOCIAL 8C
Finish writing letters/essays detailing Japan's response to President Fillmore. Responses are due Thursday (next social studies period).

May 30

SOCIAL 8A
Chart (about President Fillmore's Letter) is to be completed for Monday

LA 8D
Completed media literacy portfolios are due June 9th. Portfolios will be given a mark of INC (0) if the criteria for the final assignment is not met.

May 27th

PROGRESS REPORTS WERE DISTRIBUTED TODAY. PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THEM ASAP.

May 26th

LA 8A
-media literacy portfolio was due today
-SHOTS homework was due today. Please have it completed for tomorrow if it was not finished today.
- profile and poem are due June 4th. We will have more time to work on these in class.

LA 8A
- media literacy portfolio due June 9th.
- profile and poem are due June 4th. We will have begin working on these in class tomorrow.

SOCIAL 8A and 8C
petitions are due WEDNESDAY

May 23rd

SOCIAL
Students should have finished typing their petitions

LA 8A
Media Literacy Portfolios are due on Monday

LA 8D
Media Literacy Portfolios are due on June 9th

May 21st

LA 8A
Media Literacy Portfolios are due March 26th

LA 8D
Advertisement using colour scheme due tomorrow

Literature Circle Assignment (questionnaire, performance grid, and bookmarks) is due on Friday. Final evaluation will be on Friday.

May 20th

------------NOTES--------------
Invitations to the Grade Eight Farewell were distributed today. RSVPs should be completed and returned by tomorrow.

Permission forms for the grade eight bike rides were also given to students today. These forms should be returned filled out or a note should be provided if the student is not taking part in this part of the physical education program.

SOCIAL 8A
All students should be finished gathring information to write petitions. They will begin writing their petitions to the shogun in the next social studies class.

LA 8D
Literature circle duotangs are due by Friday. Both the questionnaire and the report should be signed after the parent or guardian has seen the duotang. Bookmarks should also be completed.
Final Literature Circle evaluation will be on Friday. It will be in a test format.

May 15th

Tomorrow is track and field day. Bring proper attire and materials for a sunny, sweaty day!

LA 8A
media portfolios due May 26th

May 14th

Enjoy the sun!

May 13th

LANGUAGE ARTS

- All junior high English Language Arts students will be writing the first 1/2 opf their Final Exam. This is the written portion and is worth 50% of the exam mark. Students should bring, pens, pencils, erasers, a dictionary, a thesaurus, and clear, lined paper.

May 12th

LA8A
- grammar lessons 16 and 21
- unsigned lit circle duotangs and reports should be signed tonight

May 9th

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IMPORTANT REMINDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, May 14 is Writing Day. All grade 8 LA students will be completing the writing portion of their final LA exam. All students (including grade 6 PAT exams)will complete their final writing assessment between 9:10 and 11:20. Students are encouraged to examine previous comments made on their written assignments to prepare for this portion of the exam. LA 8A and 8D Students -- this assessment is worth 50% of your LA Final Exam mark.

LA 8A
- lit circle duotang should be reviewed with parents/guardians, signed, and returned.
- lit circle final evaluation on Monday.
- finish media lit assignment using colour scheme, 2 principles, and 2 strategies

SOCIAL
- We have begun working through a new critical challenge. Students should read chapter 14 in the text to aid them in the completion of this assignment.

May 8th

LA 8A
- began working on combining colour scheme, principles of design and media strategies

LA 8D
- began discussing hip hop and music videos as means of advertising

SOCIAL
- began Critical Challenge "Looking Inward or Outward". Each student was given a role to research. They will be presenting a petition for the end or continuation of isolation in Edo Japan.

May 7th

LA 8A
- finish colour wheel
- complete literature circle reflection, including your parent's portion for Monday

LA 8D
- finish two advertisements and write-ups

SOCIAL
- complete 4 research questions

May 5th

SOCIAL -
finish hierarchy organizer

LA 8A -
two advertisements (one created, on from a magazine)- identify strategies used and how they affect the target audience.

May 1

SOCIAL
Japan maps need to be completed for tomorrow. Please try to meet the expectations that were provided in the criteria and list and by the exemplar that was shared today.

LA
please make sure roles are up to date and any finish any that were not finished

April 28th

LA 8D
lit circles tomorrow. Please have your role completed.

LA 8A
bring the ad you created in class on Thursday

SOCIAL 8A and 8C
questions are due Wednesday(pages 267 - 277)

April 22

SOCIAL STUDIES
Aztec Unit Exam tomorrow
Before writing the exam, essential questions chart, questions from the text and study guide that were assigned last week should be completed

LA 8A
- finish 3 questions from yesterday's powerpoint
- next lit circle role is due Monday
- students are encouraged to bring in old magazines for their media literacy unit.

LA 8D
- next lit circle role is due tomorrow
- first advertisement is due Monday
- students are encouraged to bring in old magazines for their media literacy unit.

April 21

Permission Forms for Science Field Trip were due today. Please bring them tomorrow if you did not do so today.

LA 8A
- finish 3 questions from today's powerpoint
- next lit circle role is due tomorrow
- students are encouraged to bring in old magazines for their media literacy unit.

LA 8D
- next lit circle role is due Wednesday
- students are encouraged to bring in old magazines for their media literacy unit.

SOCIAL
- Unit exam on Wednesday
- Tomorrow we will be working on study guides and finishing the activities that were assigned at the end of last week.

April 18th

NOTE:
SCIENCE FIELD TRIP FORMS ARE DUE ON MONDAY.
STUDENTS IN LA 8A, 8D, 8C, and 8B are encouraged to bring in old magazines for their media literacy units.

SOCIAL
BOTH 8A and 8C received study guides for their unit test on Wednesday. It has also been posted on the wikispace.

SOCIAL 8A
Today we worked on completing our essential questions charts. These are to be used as a self-assessment so students know what they don't know by the end of the unit.
Students should finish reading chapter 11 in their texts over the weekend.
Questions were assigned:
page 245 Over to You 1a, Zoom In- answer the bulleted questions and Explain.
page 255 #1, 4a-don't draw, just make a list.
page 256 #1c
Test Next week on Wednesday

April 17th

SOCIAL 8C
Today we worked on completing our essential questions. These are to be used as a self-assessment so students know what they don't know by the end of the unit.
Students should finish reading chapter 11 in their texts over the weekend.
Questions were assigned:
page 245 Over to You 1a, Zoom In- answer the bulleted questions and Explain.
page 255 #1, 4a-don't draw, just make a list.
page 256 #1c
Test Next week - likely Wednesday

LA 8D
finished our first literature circle session today. Students need to finish readings and 1st role for Monday

LA 8A
should have completed cover page, a list of strategies and a first advertisement for the media literacy unit

April 16th

LA 8A
stories were due yesterday
media literacy cover pages were due today
1st commercial is due tomorrow

LA 8D
stories were due yesterday
media literacy cover pages are due tomorrow

SOCIAL
We will have one more 40 minute period to complete the "Decline of an Empire" activity in the computer lab. (8C Thursday, 8A Friday)

questions on pages 219 and 222 were due long ago. I will be checking tomorrow.

April 15th

LA
The writing portion of the LA final exam will be on May 14th from 9:10 - 11:20.

SOCIAL
Aztec Unit test will likely be next week.

April 14th

LA 8A and 8D
stories are due tomorrow

SOCIAL
working in groups to identify factors that led to the decline of the Aztec Empire. We will be using criteria to determine the most and least significant factors. Students have been provide with an outline for the assignment. The final product is an individual assignment.

April 11th

LA 8A and 8D
- final draft stories are due on Tuesday

April 9th

LA 8A
finish figure of speech posters

SOCIAL 8C
todya we shared "expert" research information

HOT LUNCH money due on Monday

REMINDER

Just a reminder to send your LA story to your imail account if you typed it at home. We will be working on these in class tomorrow.

March 27th

NOTES
Highschool registration forms were due today. If they were not turned in, they should be returned to the highschool.

Carnival Activities will take place tomorrow from 9 - 12 and 2-3.

LA
- remember to email your story to your imail account if you typed it at home.

SOCIAL 8C
- finish identifying 5 factors that might lead one group to dominate another.
- What does "Guns, Germs, and Steel" refer to?

March 26th

SOCIAL
- pg 219 # 1 (use bullets from page 21 as a guide), 2, 3, 4
- pg 222 #3, #4 - just the list

March 25th, 2007

LA
-finish self-editing stories
-will peer edit tomorrow

SOCIAL
- we will finish presentations tomorrow

March 20th

LA 8A
- I will be collecting 14 element story outlines on Tuesday

LA 8D
- I will be collecting 14 element story outlines on Tuesday

SOCIAL
We will be presenting "When Worldview Meet" projects on Tuesday

March 19th

LA 8A
- email your LA stories to your imail accounts if you typed them at home.
- fill out Skill and Experiences form
- finish story outline
- working on writing an anticlimax for the LA stories in class

LA 8D
- email your LA stories to your imail accounts if you typed them at home.
- fill out Skill and Experiences form

SOCIAL 8C
Today was the last day for completing presentation materials in class. Any remaining requirements should have been divided by group members for individual completion.


NOTES
Highschool course registration forms are due March 27th!
BCHS Parent Info Night is March 25th at 7:00 p.m.

March 18th

SOCIAL 8C
Today was the last day for completing presentation materials in class. Any remaining requirements should have been divided by group members for individual completion.

SOCIAL 8A
Tomorrow will be the last day for completing presentation materials in class.

LA 8D
"Only Curly Knew" paragraphs should be edited for tomorrow

NOTES
Highschool course registration forms are due March 27th!
BCHS Parent Info Night is March 25th at 7:00 p.m.

March 17th

LA 8A
-"Harrison Bergeron" brochures are due by the end of the day tomorrow.
The criteria list and the rubric have been posted on the wikispace.
- Finish editing "Only Curly Knew"

LA 8D
-"Harrison Bergeron" brochures are due by the end of the day tomorrow.
The criteria list and the rubric have been posted on the wikispace.
- Finish quotations sheet

SOCIAL 8A
2 periods remaining to complete presentation preparation. We will begin presenting on Tuesday, March 25th. Rubric is available on the wikispace.

SOCIAL 8C
2 periods remaining to complete presentation preparation. We will begin presenting on Tuesday, March 25th. Rubric is available on the wikispace.

NOTES:

Please remember to return signed report envelopes as well as requests for interview times.

BCHS registration forms were provided to students today. They are due back by March 27th.

BCHS Parent Info Night is March 25th at 7:00 p.m.

March 14th

REPORT CARDS WERE GIVEN TO STUDENTS TODAY. Please sign and return the envelopes as soon as possible. If you would like to schedule a meeting during our parent teacher evenings, please fill out the green form and return it with the envelope.

8A SOCIAL
-4 periods remaining to complete presentation preparation

8C SOCIAL
-4 periods remaining to complete presentation preparation

LA 8A
- finish editing "Curly Only Knew"

LA 8D
- finish quotations sheet

March 13th

LA 8A
- finish quotations activity if you did not finish in class.
- finish editing story for complete sentences, punctuation, and consistent verb tense

BROCHURE CRITERIA LIST HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE WIKISPACE

March 12th

LA 8A
- finish first side of quotations activity

LA 8D
- finish homonym activity

SOCIAL 8A
- all groups have a plan of action.
- presentations will begin on Monday March 25th.

March 11th

LA 8A - worked on brochures in Publisher. Brochures will likely be due Tuesday, March 18th.

LA 8D - finished grammar activity in class. Began paired homonym activity which we will finish in class tomorrow.

SOCIAL 8C - worked on presentations today. Each group should have begun putting their presentation together. We will likely begin presenting on March 25th.

March 10th

HOT LUNCH FORMS DUE TOMORROW!

LA 8A
- reviewed sentence activities today. If you had difficulty, please see me!
- homonym matching activity is to be completed for homework if it wasn't finished in class.
- still working in the computer labs on Brochures with supported argument, counter argument, rebuttal. Brochures will likely be due Tuesday, March 18th.


LA 8D
- reviewed figures of speech- began pages 14 and 16 in grammar book. Most of the class finished page 14 in class today. We will have time to finish this assignment in class tomorrow.
- still working in the computer labs on Brochures with supported argument, counter argument, rebuttal. Brochures will likely be due Tuesday, March 18th.

SOCIAL 8A
- most students are in their presentation planning phase. Students who are not at this point already should use some time in the evening to get caught up.
Thanks to those of you who have taken on leadership roles and have been working to keep your group on-task!

SOCIAL 8C
- most students are in their presentation planning phase. Students who are not at this point already should use some time in the evening to get caught up.
Thanks to those of you who have taken on leadership roles and have been working to keep your group on-task!

March 5th

LA 8D
- finish brochure sketches

LA8A
- finish grammar pages 14 and 16

March 4th

LA 8A
- outline sections and identify where each argument will be located on your brochure.
-identify the types of visual information (graphics, clours, fonts, 'white space', alignment)you will use.

SOCIAL 8C
- groups should have IMPLIED WORLDVIEW organizers and VENN DIAGRAMS completed.


HOT LUNCH FORMS DUE TUESDAY MARCH 11 2008

March 3rd

LA 8D
- finish denotation-connotation activity

- come up with three reasons and supporting information for your side of the vote to pass Bill # 212 "All Canadians Shall Be Made Equal By Whatever Means Necessary"

NOTE:
-Hot lunch forms (Panago and Taco Bell) due Tuesday, March 11th

February 28th

LA 8D
- finish "After Reading - Should Everyone Be Equal In Every Way?"

LA 8A
- come up with three reasons supporting your side of the vote to pass Bill # 212 "All Canadians Shall Be Made Equal By Whatever Means Necessary"

NOTE:
-Hot lunch forms (Panago and Taco Bell) due Tuesday, March 11th

February 26th

LA 8A
read Harrison Bergeron again

LA 8D
Final Draft of Ray Bradbury Essay due tomorrow

February 25th

SOCIAL
Finish reading Chapter 9

LA 8D
Finish rough drafts of Ray Bradbury Essay

LA 8A
Initial response to Equality should be completed LOGICALLY in paragraph form with supporting information.

February 21

LA
Ray Bradbury similarities essays due Monday.

SOCIAL
Final drafts of letters/speeches due Monday.

SKI FORMS WERE DUE TODAY!

February 21

LA
IF your "Hockey Sweater" assignment was returned with an 'N', it Needs to be completed before February 29th

SOCIAL
ROUGH drafts of your letters or speeches are to be completed for tomorrow. Final drafts will be collected on Monday.

SKI FORMS ARE DUE TOMORROW!!! If the form is not returned, students must still provide a note stating that they will not be participating in the ski day.

February 20th

SOCIAL 8C *CORRECTION*
- ROUGH copies of "Preparing for the Voyage" letters/speeches are due Friday. Good copies will be due Monday.

Social 8A
- ROUGH copies of "Preparing for the Voyage" letters/speeches are due Friday. Good copies will be due Monday.

February 19th

LA
-Venn diagrams should be completed for tomorrow

SOCIAL 8C
- Good copies of "Preparing for the Voyage" letters/speeches are due Thursday.

February 11th

SOCIAL
- should have a good start on "Preparing for the Voyage" letter to monarch or crew

LA
- readers workshop due date has been changed to February 19th

February 5th

SOCIAL 8A
- bring headphones for social studeis tomorrow if you have them.

SOCIAL 8A and 8C
- Your letter or speech requesting five items for your voyage should be mostly completed by Monday.

LA
- readers workshop projects are due next week.

LA 8A
-Venn diagrams should be completed for "All Summer in a Day" and "The Veldt"

NOTE:
There will not be any classes for students on Thursday and Friday of this week.

February 4th

LA
- readers workshops due Wednesday

SOCIAL
-powerpoint presentations were due today

Jan 31st

LA

Readers workshop proposals were due today. Please indicate what sort of project you will be handing in, as well as how you plan to meet each of the criteria provided.

"All Summer In A Day" sequels must be finished for tomorrow. It must demonstrate
- effective use of dialogue and proper punctuation
- consistency of verb tense
- understanding and consistent use of narrative P.O.V. (Must be written from a different perspective than the original story)
- appropriateness and consistency with original story.

If you did not finish reading "The Veldt" in class today, please have it read for tomorrow as we will be carrying in with the assumption that it has been read.

SOCIAL
We will begin presenting our powerpoint presentations on Monday. Please have assignments completed as we will be beginning a new assignment.

January 29th

SOC 8A
- had a final ooportunity to complete powerpoint presentation today.
- we will begin presentations on Monday.

SOC 8C
- we will begin powerpoint presentations on Monday.

LA 8A
- had an opportunity to revise "The Hockey Sweater" assignments today
- Readers Workshop proposals due Thursday

LA 8D
- Readers Workshop proposals due Thursday

NOTES:
Tomorrow is a professional development day and there is no school for students.

January 28th

LA
- readers workshop proposal due Thursday. Projects were originally scheduled to be due Feb 6th, but this may be postphoned until February 11th.

8C
- had a final period to work on ppts today

8A
- will have a final period to touch-up their ppts tomorrow.
Due to the large number of students absent today, I am changing the due date to Monday.

Please note that tomorrow's school-wide ski trip is cancelled because of the weather. It will be a regularly scheduled school day.

Wednesday, January 30 is a PD day. No school for students.

January 25th 2008

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

SOCIAL
Social Projects should be nearly complete. We will have one 40-minute period for completing these powerpoint projects. Criteria are clearky identified on your outline and rubric. Please use these tools!

Ski Day is scheduled for Tuesday January 29th. In the case of inclement weather, we will be following a regularly scheduled day.

Wednesday, January 30th is a day off for students! Our second semester begins the following day, Thursday, January 31st.

January 23rd

PLEASE RETURN SIGNED PROGRESS REPORTS IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO

LA 8A
-THE HOCKEY SWEATER assignment is due tomorrow

SOCIAL
-powerpoints will be due next week

January 21st

Ski trip forms for January 29th were due on Friday. They need to be in tomorrow! If you are not going, you need to bring a signed note from a parent.

LA 8D -
stories due tomorrow.
Planning for reader's workshop.
Plan is due January 31st. Project is due February 6th.

LA 8A -
Planning for reader's workshop.
Plan is due January 31st. Project is due February 6th.

January 18th 2008

Social
- Maps of the Aztec Empire should be completed.
- Selecting Artifacts Planner should be almost complete. A sample portion of the planner can be accessed on the wikispace

LA 8D
-stories due Tuesday

LA 8A
- grammar pages 4 and 5 should be completed.

January 17th 2008

LA 8A
- complete lessons 4 and 5 in grammar book
- There are some examples of student work that were handed in for the movie review project on the wikispace. They can also be accessed here and here.
- Reader's Workshop - outline will be due January 31st. - Final project will be collected on February 6th.

LA 8D
- Stories due Tuesday.
- Reader's Workshop - outline will be due January 31st. - Final project will be collected on February 6th.

SOCIAL
- complete Aztec Empire map if you did not finish in class. You can use page 152 and the back cover of your text book. A copy of the mapping rubric can be found on the wikispace. Identify Mexico, Tenochtitlan, and the Aztec Empire (accurately!).
- We began working on our Artifacts project today. It will likely be due on the 25th or 28th.

January 16th 2008

LA 8A
- stories due tomorrow

LA 8D
- stories due Tuesday

Social
- mpas should eb completed for tomorrow

January 15th

SOCIAL
- finish one side of the map which was distributed today.
(Identify Iberian Peninsula and Mexican Valley) Use mapping rubric (a copy is available on my wikispace).
- new project outline is available on my wikispace

LA
work on stories

January 14th

LA 8A
stories due Wednesday

LA 8D
work on stories

SOCIAL
- finish one side of the map which was distributed today.
(Identify Iberian Peninsula and Mexican Valley) Use mapping rubric (a copy is available on my wikispace).
- new project outline is available on my wikispace

January 11th 2008

LA
You can check my wikispace (Find it in the links on the right) for examples of Character Study Projects that were well done.
STORY OUTLINES MUST be completed BY Monday. You should be working on your rough draft already. Focus on showing instead of telling.

SOCIAL
Finish questions
page 154 1 and 2
page 157 1a and b
page 164 1

January 8th

LA 8A
- finish story outlines

January 7th

LA
- finish "Being Alive" outline