Christmas....almost.

Happy 2nd Week of Advent!

We are moving quickly along here as we approach Christmas.

We have had some great conversations about the novel, Whirligig, in class.
The literature discussions have ranged from themes, symbols, fate and the universe, and our understanding of the term "karass" or disparate group of people linked together or connected in some way.

On the horizon...

• Chapter 9, our final chapter, "Everybody Swing!" will be due Monday, 12/12


• Reading Questions and quiz on Monday, 12/12


• New and last cool words list due Monday, 12/12 (Choose your own theme!)


• Final draft of Persuasive letter and Persuasion Map due Wednesday, 12/14


• Build our own Whirligigs: 12/14-12/16


• Watch "It's a Wonderful Life" 12/16, 12/19, 12/20 and Essay due after Christmas break

It has been an exciting month in 8th grade. I have really loved reading this novel for the first time with our 8th grade students.

Peace,

Mrs. Emmerich

Weekend Homework: 12/2

I just wanted to review your homework assignment for Monday.

• Read Chapter 7: Apprentices in Whirligig


• Answer corresponding reading questions in your notebooks


• New Cool Words List is due. Theme: Literary and English Terms


• Ex: similie, metaphor, protagonist, rising action, conclusion, etc.

Thank you. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Mrs. Emmerich

Happy Thanksgiving 8th Graders...

Be Thankful
Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to.


Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.


Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.


Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.


Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.


Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.


Be thankful when you are tired and weary
because it means you made a difference.


It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
a life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.


Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Whirligig

Our 8th graders have just started reading Whirligig by Paul Fleischman.

Although many of the students are unfamiliar with this novel, the themes of penance, acceptance and friendship are familiar to most adolescents. The narrator introduces us to Brent Bishop, a new student all-too familiar with moving from place to place. He strives to fit in and find acceptance.

Whirligig tells the story of Brent's journey to find redemption and along the way, rediscover his own love of life.

Homework Assignment:

Homework Question:

In complete sentences, please respond to the following question by leaving a comment under this post.

What is one thing you hope to learn in English class during quarter two?

Thank you!
Mrs. Emmerich

Builders Club Elections

Congratulations!

This week, our Builders Club members held their first officer elections. Many fantastic candidates were nominated; overall, it was a close election! Thank you for nominating, participating, and staying involved with this club. I think we have so much potential to serve, build, and create community in our school and beyond.

President: Tanner Condit
Vice President: Skylar Hollenback
Treasurer: David Kopeck
Secretary: Kendell Lincoln

Our officers are elected to run meetings and organize activities; but we must have active, enthusiastic Builder Club members to keep the club motivated to serve. Our members are a key component to building service opportunities in our school. Thank you for choosing to be involved!

*Updates:

• Tanner Condit and Kellen Round sold a combined $300.00 worth of coffee during parent teacher conferences on Thursday. Thank you to the both of you for kicking off our coffee sales!



• Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 15 during recess.

We look forward to seeing you ALL there!

Thank you,

Mrs. Emmerich

Parent Teacher Conferences

Hello 8th graders!

I just want to say that I am grateful to have seen so many parents at Parent Teacher conferences on Thursday and Friday. For some of you, it was the first time I have met your parent(s). We discussed quarter one acheivements as well as quarter two hopes and goals.

I hope you all enjoyed your three day weekend. I know you had plenty of time to finish your new cool words list and study for your mystery theme cool words quiz for tomorrow.

I look forward to seeing you all on Monday.
Thank you!
Mrs. Emmerich