8th Grade Newsletter

September 14-September 27

 

Important Dates

 

Sept. 14            Jeans Day/Sock It To Poverty

Sept. 15            Flower Sale Pick-Up

Sept. 16            Teacher Blessing @ 9 a.m. Mass

Sept. 19            School Pictures

Sept. 21            Fiesta Set Up

Sept. 22            Parish Fiesta

 

Religion

Mr. Bob Jacobsen

            The eighth graders have spent the majority of the past week completing follow-up work from the retreat (initiating some goal-setting and conducting student interviews). Beginning next week, the students will study Chapter 2, “One Person’s Decision,” which focuses upon the four writers of the Gospels. A test will follow. During the week of Sept. 24, the students will focus their attention upon Chapter 3, “The Decision to Live in Christ.”  

 

Mrs. Bernie VanArsdale

            The class spent last Friday on retreat.  The goals of the retreat were to help the students establish year-long goals for themselves academically as well as socially and to help them decide on goals for the class as a whole.  The students have been working this week on follow-up activities from the retreat.  Next week Chapter 2 in the text will be the focus of religion class. The test should be Friday, September 21.

 

Mrs. Dianna Youngblood

             This past week eighth graders have been doing follow-up activities from last Friday’s retreat.  During the next two weeks we will be working in Chapter 2, “One Person’s Decision,” and Chapter 3, “The Decision to Live Our Life in Christ.”

 

American History—Mrs. Dianna Youngblood

             Students have just finished a review of American history through the Civil War and have begun studying more modern American history with Chapter 18 in their text books.  During the next two weeks students will be studying mining and mining towns of the late 1800s, the plight of ranchers and farmers of the late 1800s, as well as Native American struggles.

 

English—Mrs. Bernie VanArsdale

            The class is currently working in several areas.  With preservation as the topic, each class has decided on a building in Kansas City to use as the center of study.  After investigation of the chosen site, the students will write an essay on the importance of preserving our historical buildings.  In addition, the class is working on vocabulary using the text and dictionaries.  Rules of grammar and punctuation are also being reviewed through periodic editing exercises.

 

 

Literature—Mrs. Bernie VanArsdale

            To Kill a Mockingbird is the current novel for study.  The students have received their AR goals for the quarter.   

 

Health—Mrs. Tina Wendling

            We have explored all sorts of information relevant to teen health in the last several weeks, including the top three causes of death in teens, the reasons why teens engage in risk behaviors, the various tasks or goals of adolescence, and the various influences, both internal and external, that affect our choices.   The students had a quiz over this information this week and should be bringing it home to be signed—please check with your child. We are now working on setting year-long health goals.  I am trying to teach the older students life-long skills for BECOMING healthier people in addition to facts from their textbook.  They will, of course, not be graded on their goal itself or even on how well they accomplish their goal, but only on the writing assignments that will accompany this process.  I am also trying to focus on the importance of a positive attitude and as always emphasizing that when we are truly “healthy,” we are truly “whole” and complete.  “Whole” people are “HOLY” people.  Thus, “health” does not simply refer to our physical well-being.  As we tackle some tough issues this year— teenage drinking and drugs, sex, and abortion, please know that this is the context in which these subjects will be dealt.  As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.  

         

 Math

Blue:  Ms. Mary DiGiovanna

            Chapter 2 studies integer operations.  Just starting the chapter, students have been learning about graphing and ordering integers, absolute value, addition, and subtraction of integers.  A quiz is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 20.

Red:  Ms. Mary DiGiovanna

            The topic of Chapter 2 is integer operations.  Students have been studying the four operations of integers.  They will also be discussing the number properties and coordinate plane.  The Chapter 2 test is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 19.

White:  Mrs. Diane Marrin, ext. 326                 dmarrin@stpeterskc.org

            Eighth graders are studying integer operations, absolute value, and the use of mathematical properties to evaluate expressions.  Each Monday students present problems to the class, demonstrating problem solving strategies and the ability to communicate mathematical ideas. They are doing a great job at keeping up with assignments.  This is crucial since there are so many math skills expected on entering high school. Tomorrow there will be a binder check.  Please sign the checklist before binders are turned in.

 

Science—Mr. Bob Jacobsen

            The students are in the process of studying the human reproductive system, growth, and development (some of which was just covered in health class), and focusing upon the process of meiosis. The students have taken several short tests during this unit. This unit will then allow the students to begin their work in the genetics unit, which is scheduled to begin during the week of Sept. 17.  A test over Mendelian genetics is scheduled for the week of Sept. 24.