Eighth Grade Book Reports due Today!!
Reminder to all students: You may receive extra credit grades this week for turning in submissions to the school literary magazine, and you may earn extra credit by doing AR tests before the end of the grading period.
Sixth Grade - Students did a multiple-choice worksheet on the two stories we read together yesterday ("The Sneetches" and "All Summer in a Day"). Students should read "The Gold Cadillac" for Wednesday.
Seventh Grade - Students will have a worksheet on "Oni and the Great Bird" and "Master Frog" on Wednesday. They should read "Sealskin, Soulskin" for Thursday. We will also finish vocabulary unit 13 this week with exercises on Wednesday and a quiz on Friday.
Eighth Grade - Students are working on the poetry unit in textbooks. We did questions 1 and 2 under Check Your Comprehension, 1 and 2 under Critical Thinking and the Reader's Response on page 829 and questions 1 and 2 under Check Your Comprehension and 4 under Critical Thinking on page 831 today. Students also took notes on vocabulary unit 12.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Middle School Dance
The "Spring Fling" will be held on April 17th at the Highlands Inn.
The Dance is from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. and
includes Dinner!
Dress in semi-formal (No jeans Please!)
Admission is $3.00
Friday, March 27, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts - Friday Update
Progress Reports go home today; parents, please sign and return.
Sixth Grade: Students finished watching Hoot today in class. The only homework for students is to read for book reports.
Seventh Grade: Students did a worksheet in class on the last two Cinderella stories we read, and students had a grammar practice sheet. Students have no homework except to read for book reports, which are due next Friday.
Eighth Grade: Students did a worksheet in class on the poems we have been reading together, and students did vocabulary unit 11 exercises. There is no homework except to work on book reports, which are due next Tuesday.
Try to stay dry this rainy weekend!
Sixth Grade: Students finished watching Hoot today in class. The only homework for students is to read for book reports.
Seventh Grade: Students did a worksheet in class on the last two Cinderella stories we read, and students had a grammar practice sheet. Students have no homework except to read for book reports, which are due next Friday.
Eighth Grade: Students did a worksheet in class on the poems we have been reading together, and students did vocabulary unit 11 exercises. There is no homework except to work on book reports, which are due next Tuesday.
Try to stay dry this rainy weekend!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts - Tuesday Update
Sixth Grade - Students have the following questions on Hoot:
Hoot
Final Reading Questions – Due Wednesday
Use your books in order to answer each question in 2 – 4 complete sentences on your own paper. This is a quiz grade, so do a good job!
1. How is Roy’s family different than Beatrice and Mullet Fingers’ family? What influence did the characters’ families have on their own actions?
2. There is a lot of humor in this book. Find one of the parts you thought was funny and write about it (summarize and tell why it’s funny).
3. Who is your favorite character in the book, and why?
4. Describe a scene in the book that made you angry.
5. If you had to give this book a new title, what would it be and why?
6. Once Roy learned of Mullet Fingers’ plan to save the burrowing owls, he wanted to help. Which boy’s method do you think was more effective? Why?
7. At the end of the novel, Roy begins to feel more at home in Florida. Why do you think this is?
8. Mrs. Eberhardt tells Roy, "Honey, sometimes you're going to be faced with situations where the line isn't clear between what's right and what's wrong. Your heart will tell you to do one thing, and your brain will tell you to do something different. In the end, all that's left is to look at both sides and go with your best judgment." Have you ever been in a situation like Roy's mother describes? What did you do?
9. What is a major theme of the novel, and how is it shown?
10. What was your overall reaction to the book? Did you like it? Why or why not?
Seventh Grade had the final writing assessment today, so they have a break from homework tonight.
Eighth Grade has been watching a documentary on the Holocaust. Students should be working on their book reports, which are due next Tuesday.
Hoot
Final Reading Questions – Due Wednesday
Use your books in order to answer each question in 2 – 4 complete sentences on your own paper. This is a quiz grade, so do a good job!
1. How is Roy’s family different than Beatrice and Mullet Fingers’ family? What influence did the characters’ families have on their own actions?
2. There is a lot of humor in this book. Find one of the parts you thought was funny and write about it (summarize and tell why it’s funny).
3. Who is your favorite character in the book, and why?
4. Describe a scene in the book that made you angry.
5. If you had to give this book a new title, what would it be and why?
6. Once Roy learned of Mullet Fingers’ plan to save the burrowing owls, he wanted to help. Which boy’s method do you think was more effective? Why?
7. At the end of the novel, Roy begins to feel more at home in Florida. Why do you think this is?
8. Mrs. Eberhardt tells Roy, "Honey, sometimes you're going to be faced with situations where the line isn't clear between what's right and what's wrong. Your heart will tell you to do one thing, and your brain will tell you to do something different. In the end, all that's left is to look at both sides and go with your best judgment." Have you ever been in a situation like Roy's mother describes? What did you do?
9. What is a major theme of the novel, and how is it shown?
10. What was your overall reaction to the book? Did you like it? Why or why not?
Seventh Grade had the final writing assessment today, so they have a break from homework tonight.
Eighth Grade has been watching a documentary on the Holocaust. Students should be working on their book reports, which are due next Tuesday.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts Thursday
Sixth Grade - Students have a vocabulary quiz tomorrow in class. Students need to bring their notes to class. They also need to read chapter 17 for tomorrow, 18-19 for Monday, and finish the book for Tuesday.
Seventh Grade - Students finished watching "Brian's Song" today and wrote about their opinions and the differences in the movie and original teleplay. They also took the AR test and took notes on vocabulary unit 12. Tomorrow we will discuss Tuesday's final writing assessment.
Eighth Grade - We finished "The Diary of Anne Frank" in class today, did Reader's Response, Thematic Focus, Journal Writing, #5 and #6 on page 769 for homework. The final test is tomorrow; students should bring textbooks since there will be an open-book component.
Seventh Grade - Students finished watching "Brian's Song" today and wrote about their opinions and the differences in the movie and original teleplay. They also took the AR test and took notes on vocabulary unit 12. Tomorrow we will discuss Tuesday's final writing assessment.
Eighth Grade - We finished "The Diary of Anne Frank" in class today, did Reader's Response, Thematic Focus, Journal Writing, #5 and #6 on page 769 for homework. The final test is tomorrow; students should bring textbooks since there will be an open-book component.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sixth Grade should continue their reading in Hoot; be through chapter 13 for tomorrow, 14 and 15 for Wednesday. We worked on vocabulary today and will finish tomorrow in class.
Seventh Grade finished reading Brian's Song during class and did questions 1, 3, 9, 10, 11, and Reading Check at end of play. Students will have a test tomorrow, and we will watch a PG-rated version of the movie.
Eighth Grade will have a vocabulary quiz on units 9 and 10 tomorrow. We are also continuing our reading of The Diary of Anne Frank.
Sixth Grade should continue their reading in Hoot; be through chapter 13 for tomorrow, 14 and 15 for Wednesday. We worked on vocabulary today and will finish tomorrow in class.
Seventh Grade finished reading Brian's Song during class and did questions 1, 3, 9, 10, 11, and Reading Check at end of play. Students will have a test tomorrow, and we will watch a PG-rated version of the movie.
Eighth Grade will have a vocabulary quiz on units 9 and 10 tomorrow. We are also continuing our reading of The Diary of Anne Frank.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts - Friday the 13th
Sorry that I haven't updated since last week! Here's the latest:
Sixth Grade: Students have been reading Hoot, and we have done some in-class writing and worksheets. Students should read through chapter 12 for Monday, and I will post a new reading schedule on my website link.
Seventh Grade: We have been reading the screenplay of Brian's Song in the textbook. We will finish it on Monday, take a test, and watch the movie next week.
Eighth Grade: We have been reading the stage play version of The Diary of Anne Frank in class, as well as working on vocabulary units 9 and 10.
Be sure to check my website for new book report dates and assignments. Have a great weekend!
Sixth Grade: Students have been reading Hoot, and we have done some in-class writing and worksheets. Students should read through chapter 12 for Monday, and I will post a new reading schedule on my website link.
Seventh Grade: We have been reading the screenplay of Brian's Song in the textbook. We will finish it on Monday, take a test, and watch the movie next week.
Eighth Grade: We have been reading the stage play version of The Diary of Anne Frank in class, as well as working on vocabulary units 9 and 10.
Be sure to check my website for new book report dates and assignments. Have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
SGA Coat Drive
The Middle School SGA is sponsoring a coat drive to benefit the needy in the Cashiers & Highlands area. Please send your clean, used coats to school by Friday, March 13th. You may but them in the collection box in the lobby or bring them to Ms. Taliaferro's room. Thanks!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts
Sixth Grade did pre-reading vocabulary in class today in order to prepare for our next novel Hoot.
Seventh Grade took notes on vocabulary unit 11 in class, and we continued our reading of Brian's Song.
Eighth Grade took notes on pages 705-711 in their textbooks yesterday and took an announced, open-notes quiz today. We will begin reading the dramatic version of The Diary of Anne Frank tomorrow during class.
Although I will be here after school on Thursday for anyone to make up final work, I will also be preparing for the Junior Beta Club induction service. So, I will not have a complete learning lab that afternoon; I will only be in my room for about 30 minutes.
Seventh Grade took notes on vocabulary unit 11 in class, and we continued our reading of Brian's Song.
Eighth Grade took notes on pages 705-711 in their textbooks yesterday and took an announced, open-notes quiz today. We will begin reading the dramatic version of The Diary of Anne Frank tomorrow during class.
Although I will be here after school on Thursday for anyone to make up final work, I will also be preparing for the Junior Beta Club induction service. So, I will not have a complete learning lab that afternoon; I will only be in my room for about 30 minutes.
Merit Party March 3, 2009
The following students attended today's merit party:
Eighth Grade
Autumn Chastain
Caroline Christy
Corbin Hawkins
Becca Johnson
Greg Palmer
Roy Pioquinto
Parker Sims
Austin Vinson
Seventh Grade
Ellie Cate Beavers
Olivia Dendy
Emily Dorsey
Emily Gabbard
Paige Moss
Jessie Palmer
Rebekah Parks
Emily Shuler
Ryan Vinson
Brittney Webb
Sixth Grade
Valarie Billingsley
Alli Bolt
Grace Brassard
Preston Chastain
Ann Marie Crowe
Veronica Garcia
Kenan Lewis
McKinley Moseley
April Moss
Philip Murphy
Ivy Satterwhite
Desiray Schmitt
Jessica Tilson
Kassie Vinson
Shannon Welch
Josh Wolfrey
Students must receive three merits for good conduct and class performance in order to attend. Keep up the good work!
Eighth Grade
Autumn Chastain
Caroline Christy
Corbin Hawkins
Becca Johnson
Greg Palmer
Roy Pioquinto
Parker Sims
Austin Vinson
Seventh Grade
Ellie Cate Beavers
Olivia Dendy
Emily Dorsey
Emily Gabbard
Paige Moss
Jessie Palmer
Rebekah Parks
Emily Shuler
Ryan Vinson
Brittney Webb
Sixth Grade
Valarie Billingsley
Alli Bolt
Grace Brassard
Preston Chastain
Ann Marie Crowe
Veronica Garcia
Kenan Lewis
McKinley Moseley
April Moss
Philip Murphy
Ivy Satterwhite
Desiray Schmitt
Jessica Tilson
Kassie Vinson
Shannon Welch
Josh Wolfrey
Students must receive three merits for good conduct and class performance in order to attend. Keep up the good work!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts - Friday Update
Sixth Grade turned in book reports and had final test on Al Capone Does My Shirts. We will begin a new unit in literature next week, but students may begin reading for the next book report.
Seventh Grade had a vocabulary quiz on unit 10 and went to the library for new books. We will continue reading Brian's Song next week.
Eighth Grade had a great discussion about the conclusion of The House of the Scorpion. Final essays are due on Monday.
The House of the Scorpion – Final Essay Topics
Write a four to five paragraph essay on ONE of the following topics. Use the books in order to be as specific as possible in your examples.
Follow the directions:
1. Write your essay in black or dark blue ink.
2. Double-space your essay.
3. Write on one side of the paper only.
4. If you want to type your paper, double-space it in 12-point font.
What do you feel is the main theme of this book as a whole? Please remember that a theme is the message that the author wants to convey to readers. This theme could relate to several elements, including (but not limited to):
- the effects of scientific experimentation
- the prospect of human cloning
- the treatment of less fortunate groups of people
- the power of the individual
- the effect of excessive greed and power
Write a character sketch of one of the most important characters in the novel. This character does not have to be the protagonist Matt, but you may choose to focus on a minor character or an antagonist. Reveal this person’s main characteristics, how he or she reveals those characteristics, and how this character was important in the action of the book. Examples include:
Celia
Maria
Tam Lin
Tom
MacGregor
Esperanza
Chacho
Fidelito
Write a comparison/contrast essay on Matt and El Patron. Although they are essentially the same person, there are many differences in their characters, actions, and fates. Show specific examples of their similarities and their differences.
Write an essay in which you discuss the importance of the setting in this science fiction novel. What makes the setting believable, or does Nancy Farmer create a completely unimaginable setting? Which specific details about the setting were believable? Focus on the elements that were most memorable.
Discuss the importance of the limited third person point of view from Matt. How did this point of view affect the reader’s feelings about other characters? How did this point of view create suspense for the reader? Was this point of view effective for this type of science fiction novel?
Seventh Grade had a vocabulary quiz on unit 10 and went to the library for new books. We will continue reading Brian's Song next week.
Eighth Grade had a great discussion about the conclusion of The House of the Scorpion. Final essays are due on Monday.
The House of the Scorpion – Final Essay Topics
Write a four to five paragraph essay on ONE of the following topics. Use the books in order to be as specific as possible in your examples.
Follow the directions:
1. Write your essay in black or dark blue ink.
2. Double-space your essay.
3. Write on one side of the paper only.
4. If you want to type your paper, double-space it in 12-point font.
What do you feel is the main theme of this book as a whole? Please remember that a theme is the message that the author wants to convey to readers. This theme could relate to several elements, including (but not limited to):
- the effects of scientific experimentation
- the prospect of human cloning
- the treatment of less fortunate groups of people
- the power of the individual
- the effect of excessive greed and power
Write a character sketch of one of the most important characters in the novel. This character does not have to be the protagonist Matt, but you may choose to focus on a minor character or an antagonist. Reveal this person’s main characteristics, how he or she reveals those characteristics, and how this character was important in the action of the book. Examples include:
Celia
Maria
Tam Lin
Tom
MacGregor
Esperanza
Chacho
Fidelito
Write a comparison/contrast essay on Matt and El Patron. Although they are essentially the same person, there are many differences in their characters, actions, and fates. Show specific examples of their similarities and their differences.
Write an essay in which you discuss the importance of the setting in this science fiction novel. What makes the setting believable, or does Nancy Farmer create a completely unimaginable setting? Which specific details about the setting were believable? Focus on the elements that were most memorable.
Discuss the importance of the limited third person point of view from Matt. How did this point of view affect the reader’s feelings about other characters? How did this point of view create suspense for the reader? Was this point of view effective for this type of science fiction novel?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts - February 25, 2009
Sixth Grade - Students are to be finished with Al Capone Does My Shirts by tomorrow; there will be a final reading quiz and a review for the final test, which will be on Friday. Book reports are also due on Friday, but I have instructed any student who is having problems finishing the book report to discuss a postponement with me.
Seventh Grade - We are now finished with When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, both the book and the movie and have written about the differences between the two. We will now begin a brief drama unit on Brian's Song. Students will have a vocabulary quiz on unit 10 on Friday. Book reports are due next Monday.
Eighth Grade - Students are to be finished with House of the Scorpion by tomorrow, at which time we will review for a final test on Friday. Students will also have an assignment on vocabulary units 7 and 8 on Thursday.
Seventh Grade - We are now finished with When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, both the book and the movie and have written about the differences between the two. We will now begin a brief drama unit on Brian's Song. Students will have a vocabulary quiz on unit 10 on Friday. Book reports are due next Monday.
Eighth Grade - Students are to be finished with House of the Scorpion by tomorrow, at which time we will review for a final test on Friday. Students will also have an assignment on vocabulary units 7 and 8 on Thursday.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts February 19, 2009
All students should be following their reading schedules, which are posted on my website link.
For Friday, February 19, 2009:
Sixth Grade will have an open-book assignment in class on Friday on their latest reading assignment in Al Capone Does My Shirts. Also, book reports are due next Friday.
Seventh Grade will complete and turn in the final drafts of the 2nd composition for the state writing assessment on Friday. I have returned and discussed the rough drafts. Students should also be finished with When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by tomorrow, at which time they will take the AR test and begin essays on Monday.
Eighth Grade will have an open-book assignment on the latest reading in House of the Scorpion. They will also work on vocabulary, and all book reports are due on Friday.
I will be at a workshop on Friday, but I will be back at school on Monday.
For Friday, February 19, 2009:
Sixth Grade will have an open-book assignment in class on Friday on their latest reading assignment in Al Capone Does My Shirts. Also, book reports are due next Friday.
Seventh Grade will complete and turn in the final drafts of the 2nd composition for the state writing assessment on Friday. I have returned and discussed the rough drafts. Students should also be finished with When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by tomorrow, at which time they will take the AR test and begin essays on Monday.
Eighth Grade will have an open-book assignment on the latest reading in House of the Scorpion. They will also work on vocabulary, and all book reports are due on Friday.
I will be at a workshop on Friday, but I will be back at school on Monday.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts - Thursday Update
All students may check my website link for reading schedules and book report dates and forms.
Eighth Grade - In-class writing assignment: Become either an eejit or a clone (like MacGregor's) and write your thoughts and feelings about a typical day. Vocabulary Quiz on unit 9 tomorrow.
Seventh Grade - Discussion of book and essays in class and begin individual research presentations today. Follow your reading schedules.
Sixth Grade - Good class discussion on book today. Continue reading!
Eighth Grade - In-class writing assignment: Become either an eejit or a clone (like MacGregor's) and write your thoughts and feelings about a typical day. Vocabulary Quiz on unit 9 tomorrow.
Seventh Grade - Discussion of book and essays in class and begin individual research presentations today. Follow your reading schedules.
Sixth Grade - Good class discussion on book today. Continue reading!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts - Tuesday Update
Sixth Grade began presentations on topics pertaining to the setting of the novel Al Capone Does My Shirts. Students should read through chapter 7 for tomorrow.
Seventh Grade had a vocabulary quiz today, and we discussed our reading in When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. Students should read through chapter 8 for tomorrow and through chapter 10 for Thursday. We will also begin research for the second state writing assessment tomorrow.
Eighth Grade finished research presentations in class today and did the exercises in vocabulary unit 6. Students need to be through the second section "Middle Age" in House of the Scorpion for tomorrow.
Seventh Grade had a vocabulary quiz today, and we discussed our reading in When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. Students should read through chapter 8 for tomorrow and through chapter 10 for Thursday. We will also begin research for the second state writing assessment tomorrow.
Eighth Grade finished research presentations in class today and did the exercises in vocabulary unit 6. Students need to be through the second section "Middle Age" in House of the Scorpion for tomorrow.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts
Saturday was a productive day for all classes!
Eighth grade discussed a worksheet on the first section of House of the Scorpion. Students should be through chapter 8 by Monday.
Seventh grade did some in-class research and presentations. Students should have read through chapter 7 in When Zachary Beaver Came to Town.
Sixth Grade finished research in the library and will present information on Monday. They should also have read through chapter 5 in Al Capone Does My Shirts.
Eighth grade discussed a worksheet on the first section of House of the Scorpion. Students should be through chapter 8 by Monday.
Seventh grade did some in-class research and presentations. Students should have read through chapter 7 in When Zachary Beaver Came to Town.
Sixth Grade finished research in the library and will present information on Monday. They should also have read through chapter 5 in Al Capone Does My Shirts.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts
All students should be reading for book reports. Eighth grade students also need to read chapter 3 in House of the Scorpion for Tuesday. Seventh grade will begin a new novel tomorrow, and sixth grade will finish the drama section by Wednesday.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts
Sixth Grade - Check my website for the new book report requirements.
Seventh Grade - We had a great discussion on poetry in class today. Students should read "The Only Girl in the World for Me" and finish vocabulary exercises (if they did not finish in class).
Eighth Grade - We had a great discussion on "Flowers for Algernon" in class today, as well as a final assignment. Check my website for the new book requirements.
Seventh Grade - We had a great discussion on poetry in class today. Students should read "The Only Girl in the World for Me" and finish vocabulary exercises (if they did not finish in class).
Eighth Grade - We had a great discussion on "Flowers for Algernon" in class today, as well as a final assignment. Check my website for the new book requirements.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts
This short day and short week, classes are playing "catch-up" on assignments before we begin new projects.
Sixth Grade will present book report presentations from last week, and we will spend time in class going over last week's exams.
Seventh Grade will also finish book report presentations and go over exams.
Eighth Grade will go over exams and read "Flowers for Algernon."
There will be little to no homework this week. We will get to new units in literature next week, as well as begin learning labs on Thursdays for students who need help in class and with test-taking strategies.
Sixth Grade will present book report presentations from last week, and we will spend time in class going over last week's exams.
Seventh Grade will also finish book report presentations and go over exams.
Eighth Grade will go over exams and read "Flowers for Algernon."
There will be little to no homework this week. We will get to new units in literature next week, as well as begin learning labs on Thursdays for students who need help in class and with test-taking strategies.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Mrs. Lane - English Language Arts
Reminder to sixth and seventh grade students:
Sixth grade will begin book reports in class next Thursday.
Seventh grade will begin book reports in class next Wednesday.
The exam schedule for next week is:
Tuesday 8:00 – 10:00
Seventh Grade Math Exam
Sixth Grade ELA Exam
Eighth Grade Social Studies Exam
Wednesday 8:00 – 10:00
Seventh Grade ELA Exam
Sixth Grade Science Exam
Eighth Grade Math Exam
Thursday 8:00 – 10:00
Seventh Grade Science Exam
Sixth Grade Social Studies Exam
Eighth Grade ELA Exam
Friday 8:00 – 10:00
Seventh Grade Social Studies Exam
Sixth Grade Math Exam
Eighth Grade Science Exam
Get plenty of rest this weekend!
Sixth grade will begin book reports in class next Thursday.
Seventh grade will begin book reports in class next Wednesday.
The exam schedule for next week is:
Tuesday 8:00 – 10:00
Seventh Grade Math Exam
Sixth Grade ELA Exam
Eighth Grade Social Studies Exam
Wednesday 8:00 – 10:00
Seventh Grade ELA Exam
Sixth Grade Science Exam
Eighth Grade Math Exam
Thursday 8:00 – 10:00
Seventh Grade Science Exam
Sixth Grade Social Studies Exam
Eighth Grade ELA Exam
Friday 8:00 – 10:00
Seventh Grade Social Studies Exam
Sixth Grade Math Exam
Eighth Grade Science Exam
Get plenty of rest this weekend!
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