Monday, December 22, 2003
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Monday, December 08, 2003
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Friday, November 21, 2003
Homework for the weekend of 11/22 for my homeroom and Mr. Dix's homeroom
Study for Monday's quiz on Raisin in the Sun. Begin work on your original Raisin in the Sun Act IV -- What happens to the Younger family when they get to their new home in Clybourne Park. Your Act IV will be due in class on Tuesday.
Study for Monday's quiz on Raisin in the Sun. Begin work on your original Raisin in the Sun Act IV -- What happens to the Younger family when they get to their new home in Clybourne Park. Your Act IV will be due in class on Tuesday.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Monday, November 17, 2003
Homework due Tues 11/18 -- Choose a book for your book report and get book report notice signed. A copy of the notice is posted below:
Dear Parents, November 17, 2003
This is a message from Mr. Porter, your child’s Language Arts Teacher at PS#34. All 8th graders in my class will write one book report per month. The next book report is due in my class on Tuesday, December 2, 2003. Your child will choose the book. We will NOT be reading this book in class. It will be your child’s responsibility to read the book on his or her own. You can help by monitoring your child’s progess.
Here is a checklist of all the things that the book report MUST include. Please use this checklist to check your child’s book report the night before it is due:
§ Cover
o Student’s name
o Date
o Subject: Language Arts
o Homeroom
o Marking Period
o Title of Book
§ Introduction
o Title of Book
o Author’s Name
o Names of the Main Characters
§ At least one paragraph about the beginning of the book
o A quote from the beginning of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the middle of the book
o A quote from the middle of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the end of the book
o A quote from the end of the book with the page number
§ A recommendation explaining whether you liked the book and why
Your child’s homework for tonight is to choose a book, show you this paper, fill out the lines below, get your signature, clip off the bottom with scissors, and return it to me tomorrow. Also, tomorrow, your child must show me the book in class. If the information below is not complete, or your child doesn’t bring the book in tomorrow, your child will not receive full credit for this homework assignment.
Thanks for your help and cooperation. -Mr. Porter
Dear Parents, November 17, 2003
This is a message from Mr. Porter, your child’s Language Arts Teacher at PS#34. All 8th graders in my class will write one book report per month. The next book report is due in my class on Tuesday, December 2, 2003. Your child will choose the book. We will NOT be reading this book in class. It will be your child’s responsibility to read the book on his or her own. You can help by monitoring your child’s progess.
Here is a checklist of all the things that the book report MUST include. Please use this checklist to check your child’s book report the night before it is due:
§ Cover
o Student’s name
o Date
o Subject: Language Arts
o Homeroom
o Marking Period
o Title of Book
§ Introduction
o Title of Book
o Author’s Name
o Names of the Main Characters
§ At least one paragraph about the beginning of the book
o A quote from the beginning of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the middle of the book
o A quote from the middle of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the end of the book
o A quote from the end of the book with the page number
§ A recommendation explaining whether you liked the book and why
Your child’s homework for tonight is to choose a book, show you this paper, fill out the lines below, get your signature, clip off the bottom with scissors, and return it to me tomorrow. Also, tomorrow, your child must show me the book in class. If the information below is not complete, or your child doesn’t bring the book in tomorrow, your child will not receive full credit for this homework assignment.
Thanks for your help and cooperation. -Mr. Porter
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Monday, October 27, 2003
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Homework due 10/14 -- get book report notice letter signed.
Dear Parents, October 14, 2003
This is a message from Mr. Porter, your child’s Language Arts Teacher at PS#34. All 8th graders in my class will write one book report per month. The first book report is due in my class on Wednesday, October 1, 2003. Your child will choose the book. We will NOT be reading this book in class. It will be your child’s responsibility to read the book on his or her own. You can help by monitoring your child’s progess.
Here is a checklist of all the things that the book report MUST include. Please use this checklist to check your child’s book report the night before it is due:
§ Cover
o Student’s name
o Date
o Subject: Language Arts
o Homeroom
o Marking Period
o Title of Book
§ Introduction
o Title of Book
o Author’s Name
o Names of the Main Characters
§ At least one paragraph about the beginning of the book
o A quote from the beginning of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the middle of the book
o A quote from the middle of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the end of the book
o A quote from the end of the book with the page number
§ A recommendation explaining whether you liked the book and why
Your child’s homework for tonight is to choose a book, show you this paper, fill out the lines below, get your signature, clip off the bottom with scissors, and return it to me tomorrow. Also, tomorrow, your child must show me the book in class. If the information below is not complete, or your child doesn’t bring the book in tomorrow, your child will not receive full credit for this homework assignment.
Thanks for your help and cooperation. -Mr. Porter
Dear Parents, October 14, 2003
This is a message from Mr. Porter, your child’s Language Arts Teacher at PS#34. All 8th graders in my class will write one book report per month. The first book report is due in my class on Wednesday, October 1, 2003. Your child will choose the book. We will NOT be reading this book in class. It will be your child’s responsibility to read the book on his or her own. You can help by monitoring your child’s progess.
Here is a checklist of all the things that the book report MUST include. Please use this checklist to check your child’s book report the night before it is due:
§ Cover
o Student’s name
o Date
o Subject: Language Arts
o Homeroom
o Marking Period
o Title of Book
§ Introduction
o Title of Book
o Author’s Name
o Names of the Main Characters
§ At least one paragraph about the beginning of the book
o A quote from the beginning of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the middle of the book
o A quote from the middle of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the end of the book
o A quote from the end of the book with the page number
§ A recommendation explaining whether you liked the book and why
Your child’s homework for tonight is to choose a book, show you this paper, fill out the lines below, get your signature, clip off the bottom with scissors, and return it to me tomorrow. Also, tomorrow, your child must show me the book in class. If the information below is not complete, or your child doesn’t bring the book in tomorrow, your child will not receive full credit for this homework assignment.
Thanks for your help and cooperation. -Mr. Porter
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Monday, October 06, 2003
Homework due Tues, 10/7 -- Return progress reports signed by your folks!
And complete travel brochure for La Paz, based on The Pearl by Steinbeck.
Pearl of the World Tours
Description of the Project: After reading the novel The Pearl by John Steinbeck, students will create a travel brochure advertising a vacation in La Paz, Mexico, the setting of the book.
Standards Addressed:
§ Read with comprehension, literally, inferentially and critically (3.1G 1-17)
§ Use research skills (3.1H 1, 2, 4, 5)
§ Write for various purposes and audiences (3.2B 1-4; 3.2D 1,2,3,4,12,13)
§ Write in various genres and forms (3.2B 2,4; 3.2D 11)
Key Understandings: Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate comprehension of, and respond to, literature in a creative way with a career connection (travel agent); students will also develop an understanding of how our physical environment (geography) impacts our lives.
Driving Question: How does geography affect our lives?
Sub-question: How does geography impact our vacation plans?
Project requirements: The project MUST
1. Be in the form of a travel brochure advertising a vacation tour of La Paz, Mexico.
2. Include a 5 day itinerary describing how tourists will get to and from La Paz and what they will be doing there on each day; this itinerary must have a connection to the events of The Pearl.
3. Include a description of the Special Features of the Tour, which must have a connection to the events of The Pearl.
4. Include a description of the Geographical Features of La Paz and the surrounding area as detailed in the novel (for example, the Gulf of Mexico, the river and estuary, the inland mountains.)
5. Detail the costs of a Deluxe Tour and an Economy Tour.
6. Be neat, attractive and illustrated.
7. Be turned in on Tues, October 7, 2003.
And complete travel brochure for La Paz, based on The Pearl by Steinbeck.
Pearl of the World Tours
Description of the Project: After reading the novel The Pearl by John Steinbeck, students will create a travel brochure advertising a vacation in La Paz, Mexico, the setting of the book.
Standards Addressed:
§ Read with comprehension, literally, inferentially and critically (3.1G 1-17)
§ Use research skills (3.1H 1, 2, 4, 5)
§ Write for various purposes and audiences (3.2B 1-4; 3.2D 1,2,3,4,12,13)
§ Write in various genres and forms (3.2B 2,4; 3.2D 11)
Key Understandings: Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate comprehension of, and respond to, literature in a creative way with a career connection (travel agent); students will also develop an understanding of how our physical environment (geography) impacts our lives.
Driving Question: How does geography affect our lives?
Sub-question: How does geography impact our vacation plans?
Project requirements: The project MUST
1. Be in the form of a travel brochure advertising a vacation tour of La Paz, Mexico.
2. Include a 5 day itinerary describing how tourists will get to and from La Paz and what they will be doing there on each day; this itinerary must have a connection to the events of The Pearl.
3. Include a description of the Special Features of the Tour, which must have a connection to the events of The Pearl.
4. Include a description of the Geographical Features of La Paz and the surrounding area as detailed in the novel (for example, the Gulf of Mexico, the river and estuary, the inland mountains.)
5. Detail the costs of a Deluxe Tour and an Economy Tour.
6. Be neat, attractive and illustrated.
7. Be turned in on Tues, October 7, 2003.
Thursday, October 02, 2003
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Monday, September 29, 2003
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Homework due Wed 9/23 -- Complete first draft of Patriot's Pen essay. It must be at least 300 words, but no more than 400.
Info on the Patriot's Pen essay contest:
Patriot's Pen
Patriot's Pen, a youth essay writing contest, is a nationwide competition that gives students in grades 7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Last year, more than 106,000 students participated in the annual contest.
Contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme. The first place winner receives a $10,000 savings bond and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. The top 28 national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.
The 2003-2004 theme is "My Dream for America."
See www.vfw.org for more info on the contest.
Info on the Patriot's Pen essay contest:
Patriot's Pen
Patriot's Pen, a youth essay writing contest, is a nationwide competition that gives students in grades 7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Last year, more than 106,000 students participated in the annual contest.
Contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme. The first place winner receives a $10,000 savings bond and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. The top 28 national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.
The 2003-2004 theme is "My Dream for America."
See www.vfw.org for more info on the contest.
Thursday, September 18, 2003
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Dear Parents, September 16, 2003
This is a message from Mr. Porter, your child’s Language Arts Teacher at PS#34. All 8th graders in my class will write one book report per month. The first book report is due in my class on Wednesday, October 1, 2003. Your child will choose the book. We will NOT be reading this book in class. It will be your child’s responsibility to read the book on his or her own. You can help by monitoring your child’s progess.
Here is a checklist of all the things that the book report MUST include. Please use this checklist to check your child’s book report the night before it is due:
§ Cover
o Student’s name
o Date
o Subject: Language Arts
o Homeroom
o Marking Period
o Title of Book
§ Introduction
o Title of Book
o Author’s Name
o Names of the Main Characters
§ At least one paragraph about the beginning of the book
o A quote from the beginning of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the middle of the book
o A quote from the middle of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the end of the book
o A quote from the end of the book with the page number
§ A recommendation explaining whether you liked the book and why
Your child’s homework for tonight is to choose a book, show you this paper, fill out the lines below, get your signature, clip off the bottom with scissors, and return it to me tomorrow. Also, tomorrow, your child must show me the book in class. If the information below is not complete, or your child doesn’t bring the book in tomorrow, your child will not receive full credit for this homework assignment.
Thanks for your help and cooperation. -Mr. Porter
Student’s name:
The book that I have chosen is:
I understand the assignment that my child has to turn in on 10/1/03. I will monitor his/her progress and help to make sure that the book report is completed on time.
Parent’s signature:
This is a message from Mr. Porter, your child’s Language Arts Teacher at PS#34. All 8th graders in my class will write one book report per month. The first book report is due in my class on Wednesday, October 1, 2003. Your child will choose the book. We will NOT be reading this book in class. It will be your child’s responsibility to read the book on his or her own. You can help by monitoring your child’s progess.
Here is a checklist of all the things that the book report MUST include. Please use this checklist to check your child’s book report the night before it is due:
§ Cover
o Student’s name
o Date
o Subject: Language Arts
o Homeroom
o Marking Period
o Title of Book
§ Introduction
o Title of Book
o Author’s Name
o Names of the Main Characters
§ At least one paragraph about the beginning of the book
o A quote from the beginning of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the middle of the book
o A quote from the middle of the book with the page number
§ At least one paragraph about the end of the book
o A quote from the end of the book with the page number
§ A recommendation explaining whether you liked the book and why
Your child’s homework for tonight is to choose a book, show you this paper, fill out the lines below, get your signature, clip off the bottom with scissors, and return it to me tomorrow. Also, tomorrow, your child must show me the book in class. If the information below is not complete, or your child doesn’t bring the book in tomorrow, your child will not receive full credit for this homework assignment.
Thanks for your help and cooperation. -Mr. Porter
Student’s name:
The book that I have chosen is:
I understand the assignment that my child has to turn in on 10/1/03. I will monitor his/her progress and help to make sure that the book report is completed on time.
Parent’s signature:
Monday, September 15, 2003
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Important Announcements:
1) Don't forget to fill out your lunch forms!!! We want to win the pizza party!
2) Practice test on Thursday (don't be nervous, it's just for practice)
3) Thursday evening is BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT! Parents are welcome to visit.
4) Friday -- Quiz on "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh," "The Road Not Taken," and PODs
1) Don't forget to fill out your lunch forms!!! We want to win the pizza party!
2) Practice test on Thursday (don't be nervous, it's just for practice)
3) Thursday evening is BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT! Parents are welcome to visit.
4) Friday -- Quiz on "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh," "The Road Not Taken," and PODs
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
Wed 6/18 -- 8th grade luncheon (uniforms not required, students may dress up nicely)
Thurs 6/19 -- Exit Day (uniforms not required, students may dress up nicely)
Mon 6/23 & Tues 6/24 -- 1/2 day of school
Wed 6/25 -- Graduation Day! The program begins promptly at 9 am.
Have a wonderful summer and good luck in high school and beyond!
-Mr. Porter
Thurs 6/19 -- Exit Day (uniforms not required, students may dress up nicely)
Mon 6/23 & Tues 6/24 -- 1/2 day of school
Wed 6/25 -- Graduation Day! The program begins promptly at 9 am.
Have a wonderful summer and good luck in high school and beyond!
-Mr. Porter
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Pick-a-college Research Project
Mr. Porter & Ms. Pollecastro – Language Arts 6/9/03
Project Due Date: Friday, June 13, 2003
Your Task: You will choose 3 colleges/universities: Your dream college, a second choice college, and a “safety” college. You will then prepare an essay, poster or both.
Essay Only Option: Turn in an 8 paragraph essay of at least 400 words. The essay should be organized as follows: Paragraph 1 – intro, identifies the three colleges you chose. Paragraph 2 – explains what you are looking for in a college. Paragraph 3, 4 & 5 – talk about your “dream school.” Explain why you want to go there and how this school fits what you’re looking for. Paragraph 6 – talk about your second choice school and why it would be a good school for you. Paragraph 7 – talk about your “safety” school and why it would be acceptable to you. Paragraph 8 – conclusion, explain what you’re going to do in high school to reach your dream school.
Essay & Poster Option: Turn in a 5 paragraph essay of at least 200 words. The essay should be organized as follows: Paragraph 1 – introduction, identifies the three colleges you chose. Paragraph 2 – explains what you are looking for in a college, what part of the country you want to go to school in, what you might want to choose as a major/specialization. Paragraph 3 – talk about your “dream school.” Explain why you want to go there and how this school fits what you’re looking for. Paragraph 4 – talk about your other two choices and why they would also be good schools for you. Paragraph 5 – conclusion, explain what you need to do in high school to reach your dream school. Attach your essay to your poster.
Then create a poster advertisement for your dream school. The poster should clearly identify your chosen school, tell us where it’s located, how many students go there, how much it costs, and why it’s such a good school to go to. The poster must include a visual, picture or illustration and be neat and attractive.
Poster Only Option: Create 3 posters, one for each school you’ve chosen. Each poster should clearly identify the chosen school, tell us where it’s located, how many students go there, how much it costs, and why it’s such a good school to go to. Each poster must include a visual, picture or illustration and be neat and attractive.
Scoring: If the project that you turn in on Friday meets all of the requirements, the lowest grade you can get is a “B.” If you do not meet all of the requirements, the best score you can get is a “C+.” Since final grades must be turned in soon, NO LATE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED!
Mr. Porter & Ms. Pollecastro – Language Arts 6/9/03
Project Due Date: Friday, June 13, 2003
Your Task: You will choose 3 colleges/universities: Your dream college, a second choice college, and a “safety” college. You will then prepare an essay, poster or both.
Essay Only Option: Turn in an 8 paragraph essay of at least 400 words. The essay should be organized as follows: Paragraph 1 – intro, identifies the three colleges you chose. Paragraph 2 – explains what you are looking for in a college. Paragraph 3, 4 & 5 – talk about your “dream school.” Explain why you want to go there and how this school fits what you’re looking for. Paragraph 6 – talk about your second choice school and why it would be a good school for you. Paragraph 7 – talk about your “safety” school and why it would be acceptable to you. Paragraph 8 – conclusion, explain what you’re going to do in high school to reach your dream school.
Essay & Poster Option: Turn in a 5 paragraph essay of at least 200 words. The essay should be organized as follows: Paragraph 1 – introduction, identifies the three colleges you chose. Paragraph 2 – explains what you are looking for in a college, what part of the country you want to go to school in, what you might want to choose as a major/specialization. Paragraph 3 – talk about your “dream school.” Explain why you want to go there and how this school fits what you’re looking for. Paragraph 4 – talk about your other two choices and why they would also be good schools for you. Paragraph 5 – conclusion, explain what you need to do in high school to reach your dream school. Attach your essay to your poster.
Then create a poster advertisement for your dream school. The poster should clearly identify your chosen school, tell us where it’s located, how many students go there, how much it costs, and why it’s such a good school to go to. The poster must include a visual, picture or illustration and be neat and attractive.
Poster Only Option: Create 3 posters, one for each school you’ve chosen. Each poster should clearly identify the chosen school, tell us where it’s located, how many students go there, how much it costs, and why it’s such a good school to go to. Each poster must include a visual, picture or illustration and be neat and attractive.
Scoring: If the project that you turn in on Friday meets all of the requirements, the lowest grade you can get is a “B.” If you do not meet all of the requirements, the best score you can get is a “C+.” Since final grades must be turned in soon, NO LATE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED!
Monday, June 02, 2003
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Friday, April 11, 2003
Here is the homework through Spring Break:
April 11, 2003
Dear Parents,
This is a message from Mr. Porter, your child’s Language Arts Teacher at PS 34. I am writing to tell you about the book report due in my class on Friday, May 9, 2003.
This month’s assignment is slightly different than in past months. This month, everyone will be reading Holes, by Louis Sachar. We will NOT be reading this book in class. It will be your child’s responsibility to read 3 chapters of the book each night for homework and then prepare a brief analysis of the chapters. You can help by monitoring your child’s progress. Here is the homework schedule we’ll be using:
4/8 Ch 1-3, 4/9 Ch 3-6, 4/10 Ch 7-9, 4/11 Ch 10-12.
4/14 Ch 13-15, 4/15 Ch 16-18, 4/16 Ch 19-20.
Spring Break Ch 22-28.
4/28 Ch 29-31, 4/29 Ch 32-34, 4/30 Ch 35-37, 5/1 Ch 38-40, 5/2 Ch 41-43.
5/5 Ch 44-46, 5/7 Ch 47-50.
Book report due on Friday, May 9, 2003.
Here is a checklist of all the things the book report MUST include:
n Cover
o Student’s name, Date, Subject: Language Arts, Period, Marking Period: 1
o Title of Book
o Extra Credit for an illustration
n Introduction
o Title of Book
o Author’s Name
o Names of the Main Characters
n At least one paragraph about the beginning of the book
o A quote from the beginning of the book with the page number
n At least one paragraph about the middle of the book
o A quote from the middle of the book with the page number
n At least one paragraph about the end of the book
o A quote from the end of the book with the page number
n A recommendation explaining whether you liked the book and why
n Extra Credit if it’s typed
Your child’s homework for tonight is to choose a book, show you this paper, fill out the lines below telling me what book they have chosen, get your signature, and return it to me Monday, March 17. If the name of the book is not filled out, or your signature does not appear below, your child will not receive full credit for this homework assignment.
Thanks for your help and cooperation. -Mr. Porter
Student’s name:
The book that I will be reading is: Holes, by Louis Sachar
I understand the assignment that my child has to turn in on Thurs, April 10, 2003. I will monitor his/her progress and help to ensure that the book report is completed on time.
Parent’s signature:
April 11, 2003
Dear Parents,
This is a message from Mr. Porter, your child’s Language Arts Teacher at PS 34. I am writing to tell you about the book report due in my class on Friday, May 9, 2003.
This month’s assignment is slightly different than in past months. This month, everyone will be reading Holes, by Louis Sachar. We will NOT be reading this book in class. It will be your child’s responsibility to read 3 chapters of the book each night for homework and then prepare a brief analysis of the chapters. You can help by monitoring your child’s progress. Here is the homework schedule we’ll be using:
4/8 Ch 1-3, 4/9 Ch 3-6, 4/10 Ch 7-9, 4/11 Ch 10-12.
4/14 Ch 13-15, 4/15 Ch 16-18, 4/16 Ch 19-20.
Spring Break Ch 22-28.
4/28 Ch 29-31, 4/29 Ch 32-34, 4/30 Ch 35-37, 5/1 Ch 38-40, 5/2 Ch 41-43.
5/5 Ch 44-46, 5/7 Ch 47-50.
Book report due on Friday, May 9, 2003.
Here is a checklist of all the things the book report MUST include:
n Cover
o Student’s name, Date, Subject: Language Arts, Period, Marking Period: 1
o Title of Book
o Extra Credit for an illustration
n Introduction
o Title of Book
o Author’s Name
o Names of the Main Characters
n At least one paragraph about the beginning of the book
o A quote from the beginning of the book with the page number
n At least one paragraph about the middle of the book
o A quote from the middle of the book with the page number
n At least one paragraph about the end of the book
o A quote from the end of the book with the page number
n A recommendation explaining whether you liked the book and why
n Extra Credit if it’s typed
Your child’s homework for tonight is to choose a book, show you this paper, fill out the lines below telling me what book they have chosen, get your signature, and return it to me Monday, March 17. If the name of the book is not filled out, or your signature does not appear below, your child will not receive full credit for this homework assignment.
Thanks for your help and cooperation. -Mr. Porter
Student’s name:
The book that I will be reading is: Holes, by Louis Sachar
I understand the assignment that my child has to turn in on Thurs, April 10, 2003. I will monitor his/her progress and help to ensure that the book report is completed on time.
Parent’s signature:
Friday, March 14, 2003
Here is all the homework for the next two weeks:
March 14, 2003
Dear Parents,
This is a message from Mr. Porter, your child’s Language Arts Teacher at PS 34. I am writing to tell you about the book report due in my class on Tuesday, April 1, 2003.
This month’s assignment is slightly different than in past months. This month, everyone will be reading Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. We will NOT be reading this book in class. It will be your child’s responsibility to read the book each night for homework and then prepare a brief analysis of the chapter. You can help by monitoring your child’s progress. Here is the homework schedule we’ll be using.
Homework for Monday night, March 18 – Read and analyze Chapter 1.
Tues – Chapter 2. Wed – Chapter 3. Thurs – Chapter 4.
Homework for Monday night, March 24 – Read and analyze Chapter 5.
Tues – Chapter 6. Wed – Chapter 7. Thurs – Chapter 8.
Over the weekend of Sat/Sun March 39-30 – Read and analyze Chapters 9+10.
Book report due on Tuesday, April 1, 2003.
Here is a checklist of all the things the book report MUST include:
n Cover
o Student’s name, Date, Subject: Language Arts, Period, Marking Period: 1
o Title of Book
o Extra Credit for an illustration
n Introduction
o Title of Book
o Author’s Name
o Names of the Main Characters
n At least one paragraph about the beginning of the book
o A quote from the beginning of the book with the page number
n At least one paragraph about the middle of the book
o A quote from the middle of the book with the page number
n At least one paragraph about the end of the book
o A quote from the end of the book with the page number
n A recommendation explaining whether you liked the book and why
n Extra Credit if it’s typed
Your child’s homework for tonight is to choose a book, show you this paper, fill out the lines below telling me what book they have chosen, get your signature, and return it to me Monday, March 17. If the name of the book is not filled out, or your signature does not appear below, your child will not receive full credit for this homework assignment.
Thanks for your help and cooperation. -Mr. Porter
Student’s name:
The book that I will be reading is: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson
I understand the assignment that my child has to turn in on Tuesday, April 1, 2003. I will monitor his/her progress and help to ensure that the book report is completed on time.
Parent’s signature:
March 14, 2003
Dear Parents,
This is a message from Mr. Porter, your child’s Language Arts Teacher at PS 34. I am writing to tell you about the book report due in my class on Tuesday, April 1, 2003.
This month’s assignment is slightly different than in past months. This month, everyone will be reading Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. We will NOT be reading this book in class. It will be your child’s responsibility to read the book each night for homework and then prepare a brief analysis of the chapter. You can help by monitoring your child’s progress. Here is the homework schedule we’ll be using.
Homework for Monday night, March 18 – Read and analyze Chapter 1.
Tues – Chapter 2. Wed – Chapter 3. Thurs – Chapter 4.
Homework for Monday night, March 24 – Read and analyze Chapter 5.
Tues – Chapter 6. Wed – Chapter 7. Thurs – Chapter 8.
Over the weekend of Sat/Sun March 39-30 – Read and analyze Chapters 9+10.
Book report due on Tuesday, April 1, 2003.
Here is a checklist of all the things the book report MUST include:
n Cover
o Student’s name, Date, Subject: Language Arts, Period, Marking Period: 1
o Title of Book
o Extra Credit for an illustration
n Introduction
o Title of Book
o Author’s Name
o Names of the Main Characters
n At least one paragraph about the beginning of the book
o A quote from the beginning of the book with the page number
n At least one paragraph about the middle of the book
o A quote from the middle of the book with the page number
n At least one paragraph about the end of the book
o A quote from the end of the book with the page number
n A recommendation explaining whether you liked the book and why
n Extra Credit if it’s typed
Your child’s homework for tonight is to choose a book, show you this paper, fill out the lines below telling me what book they have chosen, get your signature, and return it to me Monday, March 17. If the name of the book is not filled out, or your signature does not appear below, your child will not receive full credit for this homework assignment.
Thanks for your help and cooperation. -Mr. Porter
Student’s name:
The book that I will be reading is: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson
I understand the assignment that my child has to turn in on Tuesday, April 1, 2003. I will monitor his/her progress and help to ensure that the book report is completed on time.
Parent’s signature:
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
2003 Language Arts GEPA
Day 1 – Wednesday, March 12, 2003
1) Picture Prompt – 25 minutes. Use PPPS (person, place, problem, solution) to pre-write your story. Use details that appeal to your senses, think about what you would see (colors), hear and smell if you were in the picture. Read what you wrote before time is up, touching each word, to check for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
2) Narrative Reading – 40 minutes. Don’t leave any multiple choice items blank. Use the process of elimination to make an educated guess. Use SLAMS to answer the open-ended question. Write complete sentences, think about the length of your answer and fill up the lines you are given, answer all parts of the question, check your mechanics (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and support your answer with information from the text (perhaps by including a sentence that begins: In the selection, it says, “ …..”)
3) Persuasive Reading – 35 minutes. Don’t leave any multiple choice items blank. Use the process of elimination to make an educated guess. Use SLAMS to answer the open-ended question. Remember, in the open-ended question, they will probably ask some form of the question, “What’s your opinion on this topic?”
Day 2 – Thursday, March 12, 2003
1) Persuasive Essay – 45 minutes. Write a 5 paragraph essay in the ORRIA format: In my opinion …; My first reason is …; My second reason is …; Imagine if …; The following action should be taken: …. Read what you wrote before time is up, touching each word, to check for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
2) Persuasive Reading -- 35 minutes. Don’t leave any multiple choice items blank. Use the process of elimination to make an educated guess. Use SLAMS to answer the open-ended question. Remember, in the open-ended question, they will probably ask some form of the question, “What’s your opinion on this topic?”
3) Revise/Edit/Re-write – 25 minutes. Use the first 5 minutes to make editor’s marks and organize the essay into paragraphs. Use the next 18 minutes to re-write. You will have to add some information of your own to make it a good essay. Use the final 2 minutes to read what you wrote, touching each word, to check for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Day 1 – Wednesday, March 12, 2003
1) Picture Prompt – 25 minutes. Use PPPS (person, place, problem, solution) to pre-write your story. Use details that appeal to your senses, think about what you would see (colors), hear and smell if you were in the picture. Read what you wrote before time is up, touching each word, to check for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
2) Narrative Reading – 40 minutes. Don’t leave any multiple choice items blank. Use the process of elimination to make an educated guess. Use SLAMS to answer the open-ended question. Write complete sentences, think about the length of your answer and fill up the lines you are given, answer all parts of the question, check your mechanics (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and support your answer with information from the text (perhaps by including a sentence that begins: In the selection, it says, “ …..”)
3) Persuasive Reading – 35 minutes. Don’t leave any multiple choice items blank. Use the process of elimination to make an educated guess. Use SLAMS to answer the open-ended question. Remember, in the open-ended question, they will probably ask some form of the question, “What’s your opinion on this topic?”
Day 2 – Thursday, March 12, 2003
1) Persuasive Essay – 45 minutes. Write a 5 paragraph essay in the ORRIA format: In my opinion …; My first reason is …; My second reason is …; Imagine if …; The following action should be taken: …. Read what you wrote before time is up, touching each word, to check for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
2) Persuasive Reading -- 35 minutes. Don’t leave any multiple choice items blank. Use the process of elimination to make an educated guess. Use SLAMS to answer the open-ended question. Remember, in the open-ended question, they will probably ask some form of the question, “What’s your opinion on this topic?”
3) Revise/Edit/Re-write – 25 minutes. Use the first 5 minutes to make editor’s marks and organize the essay into paragraphs. Use the next 18 minutes to re-write. You will have to add some information of your own to make it a good essay. Use the final 2 minutes to read what you wrote, touching each word, to check for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Monday, March 10, 2003
Friday, March 07, 2003
Thursday, March 06, 2003
Wednesday, March 05, 2003
Monday, March 03, 2003
Dear Parents,
From Monday, March 10, 2003, to Thursday, March 14, all of our eighth graders will be taking the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (the “GEPA” exam). This is a state test given to eighth graders in reading, writing, math and science. All eighth graders in the entire state of New Jersey will be taking this test at the same time.
This is a very important exam for your child. The GEPA tests skills that are necessary for eighth graders to have in order to eventually succeed on the High School Proficiency Assessment, which is the high school graduation test.
You can help by doing the following:
§ Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep each night the week of the exams.
§ Make sure your child attends school on time each day.
§ Our school will be providing breakfast for all our eighth graders, so please make sure they arrive at school on the exam days at 8:10 am for breakfast.
§ Encourage your child to do the best that he or she can do on the exam.
§ Congratulate your child on his or her efforts and achievements.
We have been working very hard with your children all year long to prepare for this exam. With your help, we are confident that our eighth graders will perform to the best of their abilities.
Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at the school. (201) 915-6550.
From Monday, March 10, 2003, to Thursday, March 14, all of our eighth graders will be taking the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (the “GEPA” exam). This is a state test given to eighth graders in reading, writing, math and science. All eighth graders in the entire state of New Jersey will be taking this test at the same time.
This is a very important exam for your child. The GEPA tests skills that are necessary for eighth graders to have in order to eventually succeed on the High School Proficiency Assessment, which is the high school graduation test.
You can help by doing the following:
§ Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep each night the week of the exams.
§ Make sure your child attends school on time each day.
§ Our school will be providing breakfast for all our eighth graders, so please make sure they arrive at school on the exam days at 8:10 am for breakfast.
§ Encourage your child to do the best that he or she can do on the exam.
§ Congratulate your child on his or her efforts and achievements.
We have been working very hard with your children all year long to prepare for this exam. With your help, we are confident that our eighth graders will perform to the best of their abilities.
Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at the school. (201) 915-6550.
Thursday, February 27, 2003
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Homework due Thurs, 2/27 -- Complete the last line of the limerick:
There was a school called 34
Whose principal stood at the door.
She said with a smile,
As she looked at a child,
"___________________."
Also, if you did not complete your persuasive essay for President Bush, you must turn it in tomorrow.
There was a school called 34
Whose principal stood at the door.
She said with a smile,
As she looked at a child,
"___________________."
Also, if you did not complete your persuasive essay for President Bush, you must turn it in tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Monday, February 24, 2003
Friday, February 21, 2003
Thursday, February 20, 2003
Wednesday, February 12, 2003
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Homework due Wed, 2/12 -- Grey GEPA book, p.32, "A Gift for Mr. Lincoln." Answer all multiple choice questions and open-ended questions 16 + 17.
BOOK REPORTS -- due to the snow day, I am giving everyone a one-day grace period. The book reports that were due Mon 2/10 may be turned in on Tues 2/11 with no penalty. Any book reports turned in after 2/11 are late.
Homework due Tues, 2/11 -- Grey GEPA book, p.27, "Norma Shearer's Dress." Answer all multiple choice questions and open-ended questions 17 + 20.
BOOK REPORTS -- due to the snow day, I am giving everyone a one-day grace period. The book reports that were due Mon 2/10 may be turned in on Tues 2/11 with no penalty. Any book reports turned in after 2/11 are late.
Homework due Tues, 2/11 -- Grey GEPA book, p.27, "Norma Shearer's Dress." Answer all multiple choice questions and open-ended questions 17 + 20.
Thursday, February 06, 2003
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
Homework during exam week -- since we will be taking Mid Term exams through Mon, 1/27, your only homework for this time period will be to go to bed early, get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast before coming to school to take your midterms.
Mid Term Schedule
Wed, 1/22 -- Reading
Thu, 1/23 -- Math
Fri, 1/24 -- Science
Mon, 1/27 -- Social Studies
Mid Term Schedule
Wed, 1/22 -- Reading
Thu, 1/23 -- Math
Fri, 1/24 -- Science
Mon, 1/27 -- Social Studies
