Week of Sept. 29-Oct. 3, 2014

We have arrived to the sixth week of the first six weeks.  In the first chapters of "Esperanza Rising" we found out that her father has been killed.  Was Sixto Ortega murdered by bandits or his step-brothers?

This coming week our students will be taking their six weeks exams.  I will be administering my exams on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.  Students must study and be prepared. 

Exam for Honors Literature will include:
"The Dog of Pompeii"
History of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius
The Great Depression
Intro, chapter 1 and 2 of "Esperanza Rising"

While reading the first chapters of "Esperanza Rising" we learned about several cultural traditions that her family held dear.  What are your opinions on these traditions?  Do you feel that these traditions are still being honored in Mexico?

Week of 22-26, 2014

We had a great time learning about the Great Depression.  Students learned the causes and consequences of one of the most difficult times in US history.  Students showed great interest toward The New Deal programs created by Franklin D. Roosevelt with much enthusiasm.

This week we will begin reading "Esperanza Rising" students will travel back in time to the Mexican Revolution. The introduction takes us to El Rancho de las Rosa in Aguascalientes where Esperanza and her family live.  Esperanza comes from a wealthy family with a loving father and mother.  Circumstances beyond anyone's control will turn Esperanza's life upside down.

This week in Honors Literature:
Story Elements
Visualization
Summarization
Making Predictions

ELA/Writing:
cont. Parts of Speech

Careers in Ag/Horticulture:
Understand the different forms of sexual and asexual
plant reproduction. Discuss various techniques used in
plant propagation.

Something to think about I would like your comments for this question.
In your opinion, was Roosevelt’s New Deal a success or a failure?  Always use specific historical examples to support your arguments.
 

Week of Sept. 15-19, 2014

We had a great time learning about Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius.  "The Dog of Pompeii" gave us insight on what life was like during 79 AD in Pompeii.  Students learned about the foods, dress, beliefs and medicines used in Pompeii.

We will now learn about "The Great Depression" before reading "Esperanza Rising".  I will take the students back to the 1920s and 1930s so they can fully understand what happened and why Esperanza and her mother had a difficult time when they came to the United States. 

In our Agriculture/Horticulture class students learned the different parts and uses of plants.  They also planted seeds that will be planted in our garden. 

Reminders:
-Progress Reports Sept. 15
-Student Council Class Representative Elections Sept. 17
-Constitution Day Sept. 17
-College T-Shirt Day Sept. 18

-Spirit Shirt Day Sept. 19

-Student Council Officer Elections Sept. 19

--8th Gr. Washington D.C. trip parent confirmation contracts due Sept. 19

-Students will continue with their project for "The Dog of Pompeii" due on Friday, Sept. 19.
-Students don't forget the fundraiser.....continue to sell.

I came across this quote:
"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today." ---Malcolm X, 1925-1965
 
Think about what you'd like to do in the future.  Describe how you intend to prepare for it. I would like for our students to leave their comments.

Week of Sept. 8-12, 2014

We had a great week reading about the history of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius.  This week we will be reading and discussing "The Dog of Pompeii." 

Honors Literature:
Figurative Language (Similes and Personification), Cause and Effect, Setting, Concrete and Sensory Details. Students will use a Thinking Map to show mastery of Cause and Effect and a Fold able to show mastery of characters, concrete and sensory details.

Honors ELA:
Students will be reviewing parts of speech.

Careers in Agriculture/Horticulture:
We will be discussing different uses and functions of plants.  We will also be planting a variety of vegetables. 

Reminders:
-Students need to purchase the novel "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz.
-We will be having Meet the Teacher on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014 from 2:00-5:00 pm.
-Students need to turn in money for fund raiser by this Friday, Sept. 12, 2014
-Students need to turn in money for spirit shirt, cardigan, sweatshirt, or polo by Friday, Sept, 12, 2014