Dear Parents of 7th and 8th Graders,
The eighth grade students are well on their way to completing the Research Project. They have approached this important and difficult unit with enthusiasm, being particularly careful in completing each step and meeting each deadline. I am looking forward to reading about the wide variety of topics they have chosen. From the fate of the USS Indianapolis to the effects of wave action on the San Diego coastline, from the reign of Elizabeth I to the accomplishments of football great Ernie Davis and high jumper Dick Fosbury, the topics are as varied as the individuals who are writing about them.
At the same time they are working on the Research Projects, the 8th graders are preparing their SLE Master Presentations. In these presentations, they demonstrate how they have mastered the five Schoolwide Learning Expectations. The final presentations will be in May.
The seventh graders are currently improving their proofreading and editing skills. Each day they start class by reading and correcting a humorous passage.
In addition, they have started learning how to write Expository Essays. The first essay will be a compare/contrast essay in which they compare and contrast themselves as a small child with themselves now. Then they will work on improving their ability to summarize, to explain, and to describe.
Of course, they continue to increase their knowledge of the English language through grammar and word studies.
SPRING GALA
Mr. Millican and I are looking forward to seeing all of you at the Spring Gala. We especially hope you buy LOTS of Teacher Time Tickets so your son or daughter can join us, along with 3 of his/her friends, for a stroll across the street and lunch at the Windy City.
