Junior High Journal - 8th Grade
October 2nd - 6th
All Junior High Reminders:
Chromebooks should be charged every night.
Students should check the homework calendar nightly.
Check Skyward for updates of grades and missing or late assignments.
Thursday, Oct. 5th - All 7th graders will be going to the Golden Rondelle for the Physics Experience.
Friday, Oct. 13th - 8th Grade to Camp Timber-Lee
Friday, Oct. 20th - 7th Grade to Camp Timber-Lee
8TH GRADE CLASSROOM UPDATES
ELA
ELA News and Updates
Katie Nicholls katie.nicholls@yorkville.k12.wi.us
Another year is finally in full swing and the students have settled in. During ELA class this week, students worked to compare two opposing articles about the driving age. First, students found the central idea of each article and the details that supported the author’s claim. Next, students used those notes to write a paragraph or two about the selection they found most convincing. Students also viewed various PSAs (Public Service Announcements) that focused on teen issues. Using their knowledge of persuasive techniques, visual elements and statistics, students created their own PSA about a teen issue of their choosing, focusing on persuading their classmates to agree. Please encourage your student to take 10 minutes a day to read. An ongoing focus this year is to build fluency and stamina while reading. Be sure to ask your student why this is important.
Math
Math News and Updates
Mary Niccolai mary.niccolai@yorkville.k12.wi.us
Becky Seitz becky.seitz@yorkville.k12.wi.us
Algebra is off to a great start this year. We are well into our first chapter. The first unit is entitled Algebra Basis. So far we have covered the real number system, Algebraic properties, order of operations, absolute value, evaluating expressions, matrices, and simplifying algebraic expressions.
Next week we will cover the distributive property and solving two step equations and inequalities.
They took their second quiz this past week. Please check Skyward for updated grades and to check for late or absent work that needs to be completed.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I will be e-mailing the first progress report early next week. Have a great weekend.
SCIENCE
Science News and Updates
Erin Weis erin.weis@yorkville.k12.wi.us
8th graders have begun learning about physical and chemical properties of matter. They have already had a few quizzes and did their first lab today. They made observations at different stations to determine if chemical changes happened. They will have their first test next week on Chapter 2.
I encourage students to study actively, meaning not just rereading the text or directed reading. Active studying includes drawing pictures, highlighting, making flashcards to study aloud, or using Quizlet. The big question is always ‘what do I need to know?’ so as a rule of thumb, students should know the answers to all the objectives in each section of the book and the vocabulary.
In general, students will get a monthly participation grade that would be more accurately described as preparedness. If a student doesn’t have their book, notebook, chromebook (missing or not charged) or assignment, they will lose the point for the day. These materials are necessary for student success. Please check skyward and the homework calendar regularly. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Weis
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies News and Updates
John Johnsen john.johnsen@yorkville.k12.wi.us
This week in Civics we finished chapter 2 looking at where the United States got its ideas to build the government we have. The students completed a portfolio by writing a letter to the King and Queen of England and making a brochure encouraging people to come to the new world. The rest of the week we started looking into chapter 3. We focused on the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. This lead us into why the colonist would ever build a government like this. Next week we will look at the different compromises the Congress used in creating our new government. Have a great weekend. Mr. Johnsen
Spanish
Spanish News and Updates
This weeks in Spanish class have been very productive. I am happy to report that most students are now really comfortable working with the language everyday.
Some routines are already established: students enter the room and look for the “Campanada” which is their bell-ringer work, that they complete independently and help them both develop good working habits and to set their mind into the Language from the beginning of the class. This work has a known structure, and it is different everyday, in a way that connects the contents from the prior day to what we are doing that day. Feel free to ask your student to open Google Classroom for you so you can have a taste on how they look like.
Students are getting familiar with the numbers, using them everyday when we check our calendar.
We read about fictional characters and actors and completed introductions for them and our friends. Our classes’ artists started working on characters that will be part of our class stories. You will see some pictures next week!
We talked about the “Moles of Mexico” a group of real life heroes that enter collapsed buildings to rescue victims during earthquakes. In this way, the students that enjoy real life stories are more engaged with the content, using the language without even thinking about it.
Your students are able to tell what they like and dislike and introduce their friends and their likes. We keep practising on this.
These past weeks have been already very productive. I am very proud of these students and their level of engagement. Thanks for your support from home!
Sra. Giganti
P.E. and HEALTH
Gym/Health News and Updates
Amanda Peterson amanda.peterson@yorkville.k12.wi.us
This week in PE the 8th graders have been playing Flag Football! We have had a great time being active and soaking up the nice weather! We will continue our Flag Football game play next week as long as the weather permits!
In Health, the students are creating presentations about unintentional injuries, such as, concussions, hiking/camping safety, exercising in the heat, online safety, texting and driving to name a few. Next week the students will present their creations!
BAND
Band News and Updates
Mike Beix mike.beix@yorkville.k12.wi.us
Band Website: tinyurl.com/yorkvilleband
The 6th Grade Band is off to a great start this year! The students are producing great sounds and working on improving their rhythm skills.
Please note that we have a band rehearsal every Monday, Wednesday, and every other Friday. Band lessons are scheduled on Mondays.
Jazz Band meets every Wednesday from 3:45-4:15 starting on October 11. Students that are interested in joining Jazz Band can sign up on the sheet in the band room.
CHOIR
Choir News and Updates
Carly Kreuscher
carly.kreuscher@yorkville.k12.wi.us
https://yorkvillemusic.weebly.com/
We are off to a great start. The choir has been preparing for our Veteran’s Program and will soon start working on our Winter Concert music.
It’s not too late to join if you are interested. Please come see me if you are. We would love to have you in CHOIR!!!!