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

New Blog Information and Directions

Hello 8th graders,

I know it has been a long time since we have had a conversation in the blog-o-sphere. I have decided to move our blog to this new location because a. it is free, and b. better supports our needs as a classroom community.

Our new approach to the blog will be as follows:

1. Please check the blog on a weekly basis for updates, messages and information.

2. Students are asked to leave 1 comment by each Friday of the week in order to receive credit for participation. I will check the blog by 5:00 pm every Friday to make sure you have completed this task.

3. Our website will be classroom based.We will discuss these expecations in greater length in the classroom.Please let me know if any of you have questions!

Thank you!
Mrs. Emmerich

Jog-a-Thon 2011

We had some enthusiastic 8th grade runners this year!

Way to go! It was fun being a part of this with you. Thanks

8th graders.

Builders Club Reminder!

Thank you for attending the first Builders Club meeting! We are really looking forward
to a great year together.

Just a couple reminders:
1. Coffee is in! We will begin selling coffee this weekend. Start talking to friends and family about our delicious Cardinal Roast. All proceeds will benefit SJS field trips and school activities.

2. BC is holding elections! The office of President is open to any 8th grade student who is interested in the role of a leadership position. 6th, 7th and 8th graders are welcome to run for Vice President and Secretary. These officers will run meetings, organize volunteers, and work together to help make this club great!
We will vote on Tuesday--so don't miss it!

3. Trick or Eat--a Halloween Food Drive to benefit our local food bank--will take place on Monday, October 31-Wednesday, November 2. All donations help the Missoula Food Bank stock up; it is their busiest time of year. Start collecting those canned goods!!

We look forward to seeing you next week!
Mr. Mansch, Mrs. Emmerich and Mr. Crockett