8th graders:
Prepare! High School Registration begins in January 2012. It's nothing to
stress about; you'll learn important essentials like: computing GPAs, weighted classes, choosing
electives as well as all major courses you will be taking in grades 9-12. Parents and 8th graders will
be
making decisions and narrowing down the choices so that you can prepare for Colleges and Careers.
NEWS Summaries are due every month. Upcoming due dates: November 18, 2011, December 21,
2011,
January 25, 2012, February 22, 2012, March 28, 2012, April 25, 2012, May 23, 2012 and June
5, 2012 are the due dates. No violent summaries will be accepted. Choose current events about
medicine, technology, science, inventions, psychology, performing arts, communities, music,
celebrities,
sports, colleges/universities, S.A.T news, collegeboard.com, marathons, fund raisers, vacations,
education, entertainment or book reviews.
Please help:
Donate a box of tissues to your reading class! As winter comes, people get
the common cold, and we need tissues!
As well, DONATE YOUR GENTLY USED MAGAZINES TO OUR READING CLASS AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE! THANKS.
MRS. COLBERT
Second Quarter:
In November, we will start a creative class about techniques in Argumentative Writing. Our goal will
be to engage 8th graders in the art of Argument Writing using interactive lessons.This will be a fun
tutorial with hands on classroom activities. Our Argument Writing Tutorial will be introduced by
experienced 8th grade Debaters, Joe Smith and Sonya Datta. Also, Dylan Gellis as well as Alexis Datta
will assist.
Students will use specific topics from curriculum novels as well as realistic situations as topics and
ideas for Argumentative Essays.
Mrs. Colbert will provide additional guidelines. Be ready...
Upcoming novels: The Outsiders, Lyddie, October Sky, The Wave
Upcoming assignment: *30 points* December Book Project~ Due on Monday and Tuesday, December
12, 13, 2011.
CHOOSE ONE TOPIC:
A. Write a sequel to your novel (1-2 pages in length using 2-5 characters, a unique setting, and
connect the original plot from your novel to your sequel).
B. Examine your novel for "the author's craft" and write a 1-3 page narrative story based on your
author's writing style. A journal is acceptable. Effectively utilize: mood, tone, foreshadowing,
dynamic characters, dialogue and suspense.
C. Illustrate your novel using "Comic Life" as well as setting, characters, plot, suspense and humor.
Creatively energize your novel in comic form.
E. Dramatize 2-3 scenes from your novel by creating a SKIT. Ask classmates to help you in the cast.
Get your own copies of your skit and provide one copy for Mrs. Colbert.
F. Give a testimonial speech (one minute) citing one unique heroic character as well as the character's
special distinction in the book.
G. Have a "Character Day" and dress up as your favorite character in the story. Relive some of the
novel by reading your favorite parts ( CHOOSE 5 ) of the book.
H. Book Talk: Summarize the highlights of your book, and "dramatically" read 5 different parts of
your book to get your classmates "Hooked" on your book.
8th graders: Complete your 1-2 page College to Career REFLECTION for Homework! Due dates are:
2/6 and 2/7/12. Use the rubric in your "College to Career" packets.
Current Events summaries are due on February 22, 2012.