Mrs. Paolini

  Grade 8 Second Marking Period

Nonfiction Significant Tasks for Language Arts

Must complete the following THREE assignments

1. Take a stand on a controversial issue and write a convincing persuasive essay. Topics can be chosen from your personal class list.

2. Timed Persuasive essay (to be completed in class)

3. Choose at least TWO of the following from the Literacy Performance Tasks below:

Literacy Performance Tasks

1.  Collect advertisements that depict each of the propaganda tools you learned.

• Analyze each ad
• Discuss how the ads target a specific audience
• Show the way the product is being sold/offered
• Give both specific and concrete details from the ad
• Use the way it is set up to prove your points

2.  Research the time period of a novel we studied this year.

Write a report about that period including an original poem written as if you lived through something that happened then.

3.  Create a CMT-like board game, using the types of questions you would see on the test.

Use the following as subjects for questions: 

• Use materials from the literature books you have read this year
• Use your class notes and
• Use vocabulary words
• Directions: Use poster boards or any materials that will make things “pop” and make your presentation interesting.
• If you are reading this information on the blog, you may enter your name, date, and the following sentence to earn BONUS POINTS  on your SIGNIFICANT TASK. SENTENCE: Yes, I read about our assignment on the blog. Points will be determined by Ms. Paolini. Place your folded paper in the envelope on Ms. Paolini's desk. Your assignment MUST BE TURNED IN ON TIME TO BE CONSIDERED FOR BONUS POINTS! Thank you.  

I would like to remind all 7th and 8th grade parents/guardians that their children are responsible for reading an autobiography/ biography of any athlete and that the report is due no later than Friday, October 21, 2011.  There are a number of students who have not turned in their book report form telling me what book they will be reading.

Thanks,

Ms. Wright

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

            Welcome to 7^th/8^th grade math! This letter will provide you with information about our math class and answer some questions you may have about the year. As a 7^th/8^th grader, your child will build on all of the math topics he or she has learned in previous years and eventually extend his or her thinking algebraically.

              Homework is an essential aspect of learning and will be assigned 4 to 5 times a week. Your child should expect to spend between 10 to 15 minutes on each assignment. If your child misses class (due to illness, music lesson, etc.), he or she is responsible for making up the assigned homework, as well as any activities from class that day. I will be available after school everyday to work with any students in need of additional help.

            Assessment is another important aspect of learning. There will be daily quizzes to measure knowledge of important skills and as well as tests to measure learning for an entire chapter/unit. Grading will be done in accordance with the math department policy and quarterly grades will be calculated as follows:

Tests:                                                         40%

Quizzes:                                                      30%

Class work/Participation:                              15%

Homework:                                                  15%

            It is essential that each student come prepared to class everyday with his or her math notebook, textbook, homework and a pencil. The calculator we will use this year is the Texas Instrument TI-15 and will be provided on a needed a basis.

            I am very happy and excited to have the opportunity to teach your child mathematics this year. I will make every effort to make lessons both interesting and effective. If you have any questions or concerns it is best to email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Student Name______________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:___________________________________________

Regards,

Mr. John LaRovera

Hello Parents/Students,

For this year's math class, students will need the following items:

1 3 ring binder

1 Spiraled notebook or loose leaf paper for binder

Pencils or eraseable pens (NO permanent ink PENS)

Textbook to be brought everyday!

Regards,

Mr. LaRovera

Please click READ MORE to view the 8th grade science curriculum for the year.