8th+Grade+English-Language+Arts


 * 8th Grade English-Language Arts **
 * Ms. Siracusa **
 * Room 11 **
 * (858) 278-5948 ext. 4011 **
 * bsiracusa@sandi.net **

Review of ** Literary Terms **
 * Ms. Siracusa's Drop Box - siracusa@sendtodropbox.com **


 * __Semester 2:__**
 * __Week 36:__**
 * __Tuesday, 6/3/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Continue working on your Final Toast to iMiddle and/or 8th Grade to share in class - 3. Turn in any missing assignments to Ms. Siracusa

//Reminder//: Tomorrow we will share our Final Toasts and have the Spoken Word Pizza Party during lunch (Please bring your own beverage and/or snacks!)

Homework: 1. **Finish your Final Toast to share it tomorrow with the class!! :)**


 * __Monday, 6/2/14 - Please be on your best behavior! :)__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Begin working on your Final Toast to iMiddle and/or 8th Grade -
 * Write about memories with friends
 * Write about your favorite teachers
 * Write about something you learned that you'll never forget
 * Basically, what will you remember when you look back at your years here at iMiddle?!
 * Remember, this is a final farewell, so put some thought into it!

Homework: 1. **Continue working on your Final Toast to iMiddle and/or 8th Grade - due Wednesday!! :)**


 * __Week 35:__**
 * __Friday, 5/30/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Final Spoken Word presentations 3. Eric Thomas - "Sacrifice for Success" 4. Game Plan for high school! Start now making your plan to be successful!!

Homework: 1. **Enjoy your weekend! Have fun and be safe! :)**


 * __Thursday, 5/29/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Final Spoken Word presentation in class

Homework: 1. **Make sure to submit your Final Spoken Word presentation to Ms. Siracusa!!**


 * __Wednesday, 5/28/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. **Update on Spoken Word Project** 3. In class today, you should be putting your visual(s) and your voice together to make your final video! 4. Copy and Paste your link to your Explain Everything or Educreation Final Video Here!!!! 5. Practice performing your Spoken Word to say it in class!! :)
 * **Spoken Word Video/Performance due TOMORROW!!**
 * Start sharing/presenting Spoken Word in class TOMORROW!!
 * Extra points if you share your video with the class or perform it live!
 * Pizza lunch from Ms. Siracusa and Mrs. Ladeby if you share your video with the class or perform it live!!

Homework: 1. **Final Spoken Word Video/Performance due TOMORROW!!**


 * __Tuesday, 5/27/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Return text books to the library 3. Find images and plan out how your final Spoken Word video will look in //Explain Everything// or //Educreations// 4. Record your voice //**performing**// your Spoken Word at home tonight so there is minimal background noise! :)

Homework: 1. **Record your voice performing your Spoken Word at home tonight!** 2. **Continue working on your final Spoken Word video/performance! - It is __due__ when you come to class on __Thursday__!!**


 * __Monday, 5/26/14 - No School - Memorial Day Holiday! Be safe! :)__**


 * __Week 34:__**
 * __Friday, 5/23/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Write your Final Draft of your Spoken Word 3. Show Ms. Siracusa your final draft by the end of class today! 4. Start planning your final presentation of your Spoken Word using //Explain Everything// or //Educreations// on the iPad!! - 5. //__**Reminder: Textbooks will be returned on Tuesday!! Make sure to bring them to class!!!**__//
 * You must have your voice recorded performing your Spoken Word on your final presentation!
 * Images on the video should go along with your message/topic
 * Take pride in your final major English assignment! :)
 * Have fun with it!!

Homework: 1. **Have a fun, safe, and fabulous long weekend!! :) Remember, No School on Monday for Memorial Day!! :)**


 * __Thursday, 5/22/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Continue revising your draft(s) of your Spoken Word while sharing them (speaking them) aloud with a partner 3. After giving and sharing constructive feedback with at least one other person, begin working on your Final Written Draft of your Spoken Word!
 * Partners, look for and give constructive feedback on:
 * Where could they add a break?
 * Where could they pause?
 * Where could they add emphasis in their performance?
 * Where might more detail or explanation be added?
 * Is there a place for any figurative language or imagery to make it more poetic?
 * Overall, how can the person make it stronger and a better performance?

Homework: 1. **Final Written Draft of your Spoken Word due to Ms. Siracusa tomorrow by the end of class! :)**


 * __Wednesday, 5/21/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Show Ms. Siracusa your second rough draft of your Spoken Word 3. Begin revising your draft(s) and get with a partner in class to share your work (perform it for him/her) aloud 4. Write down the constructive feedback that you received so that you can improve your writing and performance!!
 * Partners, look for and give constructive feedback on:
 * Where could they add a break?
 * Where could they pause?
 * Where could they add emphasis in their performance?
 * Where might more detail or explanation be added?
 * Is there a place for any figurative language or imagery to make it more poetic?
 * Overall, how can the person make it stronger and a better performance?

Homework: 1. **Continue revising your rough drafts, especially after receiving constructive feedback from a peer in class!! :)** 2. **Signed Promotion Academic Contracts due TOMORROW!! ALL Missing Work due TODAY!!**


 * __Tuesday, 5/20/14 - Please be on your best behavior!!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Show Mrs. Bradshaw your first rough draft of your Spoken Word 3. Continue writing and begin revising your work as you read it aloud to yourself
 * Where will you break your lines?
 * Where will you add emphasis?
 * Where will you pause when performing?
 * What can you rearrange?
 * What can you add (details)?
 * What can you take out?
 * Is there any way you could incorporate figurative language or more imagery?
 * What is the purpose of your Spoken Word? What message are you conveying? Is it clear?

Homework: 1. **Second rough draft due tomorrow in class**!! 2. **Signed Promotion Academic Contracts due on Thursday!!**
 * Make sure that you have two separate drafts that show revision and growth in your writing!


 * __Monday, 5/19/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Rough Draft of Spoken Word - due //TOMORROW//!! No exceptions - You will lose points if you do not have one! 4. If you have a rough draft, begin revising 5. Important due dates:
 * Check your rhythm, remember it is meant to be performed
 * Read your work aloud to yourself
 * What can you rearrange?
 * What can you add?
 * What can you take out?
 * Is there anywhere you could add some figurative language or more imagery to your Spoken Word/Message?
 * What is the purpose of your Spoken Word? Are you conveying a message? If so, is your message clear?
 * **Rough Draft - due Tuesday, 5/20/14**
 * **Second Rough Draft - due Wednesday, 5/21/14**
 * **Final Written Draft - due Friday, 5/23/14**
 * **Final Performance/Video using Explain Everything - due Friday, 5/30/14 - NO EXCEPTIONS!!!**

Homework: 1. **Rough Draft of Spoken Word due TOMORROW!!** 2. **Promotion Academic Contracts due THURSDAY!!**


 * __Week 33:__**
 * __Friday, 5/16/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Begin Brainstorming/Writing for your Spoken Word
 * Your issue or topic should have been chosen by today!
 * Brainstorm/Write your first draft of your Spoken Word
 * Remember, your Spoken Word is to be performed! Think about how it sounds, its rhythm, etc.
 * Rough Draft is due Monday! It should be 1-2 minutes in length when performed!

Homework: 1. Rough Draft of Spoken Word due Monday!! :) 2. Missing Work due by Wednesday!! - Promotion Academic Contracts due Thursday! 3. Have a fun, safe, and great weekend!


 * __Thursday, 5/15/14 - No School - State of Emergency!!__**


 * __Wednesday, 5/14/14 - iMiddle Maker Faire Tonight!!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Watch Spoken Words: 3. Stream of Consciousness Writing on a piece of paper 4. Review all of your Stream of Consciousness Writing
 * "The Truth About America"
 * "High School Training Ground"
 * "To This Day"
 * Answer the following prompt, "**Something you don't know about me is....**" OR "**It is important...**"
 * Keep writing until you are told to stop; this may turn into the beginnings of your Spoken Word!! :)
 * Choose a line or lines that you feel are the most important as the basis for you Spoken Word
 * Begin brainstorming your ideas
 * Map out ideas with the central idea in the middle and words or phrases that you can talk about associated with it
 * Continue with the Stream of Consciousness writing
 * Tell a story and see where it leads
 * Just write....

Homework: 1. **Continue working on your ideas for your Spoken Word** - Come with something tomorrow that you could really expand on, if you haven't already. 2. **iMiddle Maker Faire (Open House) is tonight!! :)** 3. **Reminder: 6 school days until your academic contracts are due for Promotion**!! Get those missing assignments in!!


 * __Tuesday, 5/13/14 - Please be on your best behavior today! :)__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading for 10 minutes 3. Stream of Consciousness Writing on a piece of paper 4. Brainstorm ideas for your //OWN// Spoken Word! 5. Fill in the ** Spoken Word: Brainstorming Sheet ** to begin brainstorming -
 * Write about whatever is on your mind
 * If you need a sentence starter, "I just don't get it when..." and write!!!
 * **You should think about and jot down ideas regarding**:
 * Things that are important to you
 * Issues that are important to you
 * Something you have a passion for
 * Your message to the world

Homework : 1. Continue to brainstorm your ideas for your Spoken Word – I want to see as much as you can get down ** TOMORROW ** in class!!! ** __You should have your Brainstorming Sheet filled in__ ** !! You will get points for having legitimate ideas brainstormed for your Spoken Word 2. **Missing work due ASAP** - only 7 school days left until your academic contracts for Promotion are due!! 3. Open House **(iMiddle Maker Fair)** is tomorrow night from 6:00-7:30 pm!! :)


 * __Monday: 5/12/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in your final Catalog Poem to Ms. Siracusa 3. Independent Reading of your independent reading book or a magazine 4. Journal Entry on LMS focusing on conflict 5. Missing work due ASAP
 * Reminder: Make sure that you answer **BOTH** parts of the journal entry prompt for full credit!!

Homework: 1. **Finish Journal Entry on LMS if not completed in class!** 2. **Missing work due ASAP!! - Only 8 school days left until academic contracts for Promotion are due!!**


 * __Week 32:__**
 * __Friday, 5/9/14__**

1. Write down homework in planne r 2. Turn in any missing work to Ms. Siracusa 3. Stream of Consciousness (Free) Writing 4. Revise and rewrite Final Draft of Catalog Poem from yesterday 5. Submit Final Draft of Catalog Poem to Ms. Siracusa to the bin or upload to LMS here!
 * See the Emotion Checklist on the Google Doc from yesterday to ensure you have everything you need!!

Homework: 1. **Missing work due ASAP - Less than 2 weeks until your academic contracts are due!!** 2. **Enjoy your weekend! :) Happy Mothers' Day to all of your moms and mother-figures in your lives :)**


 * __Thursday, 5/8/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in any missing work to Ms. Siracusa 3. Catalog Poem
 * List of emotions
 * List of experiences tied to emotion
 * Choose best lines
 * Make your catalog poem
 * Use the example of "Fear" to guide you as a model

Homework: 1. **Catalog Poem (first draft) due tomorrow! :)** 2. **Missing work due ASAP!!**


 * __Wednesday, 5/7/14 - iParty today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Work on missing work for class
 * Don't waste class time - Get it done!
 * Missing work due ASAP!!

Homework: 1. **Missing work - due ASAP!! :)**


 * __Tuesday, 5/6/14 - CST in Science today! & Teacher Appreciation Day! :)__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Watch Introduction to Spoken Word (1st Period) 3. Watch Examples of Spoken Word 4. After watching each, write down the meaning of each individual example on a piece of paper 5. Share out your ideas/thinking within your small groups and the whole class
 * "Hands" and "Dandelions"
 * "What Teachers Make"
 * What is the poet trying to express?
 * What is the poem all about?
 * What types of poetry techniques do you hear/see being used?

Homework: 1. **Missing work - due ASAP!!!**


 * __Monday, 5/5/14 - Special Schedule for Anti-Bullying Performance__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Journal Entry on LMS on your reading, focusing on a particular character 4. Check your grade - they have been updated drastically!! Get any missing work in ASAP!!

Homework: 1. **Finish your Journal Entry on LMS, if not already done in class! - due tomorrow!!** 2. **Get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and feel confident for your Science CST tomorrow!! :)**


 * __Week 31:__**
 * __Friday, 5/2/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish answering //Remember the Titans// Thinking Questions 3. Review and discuss the thinking questions 4. Introduce Spoken Word Poetry 5. Watch introduction to Spoken Word video

Homework: 1. **Enjoy your weekend! Have fun and be safe!! :)**


 * __Thursday, 5/1/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish watching //Remember the Titans// 3. Thinking Questions for //Remember the Titans// -
 * Write your answers on a separate piece of paper
 * Answer the questions using complete sentences
 * Turn your work into the bin when you finish

Homework: 1. **Finish answering the thinking questions for Remember the Titans - due tomorrow! :)** 2. **Last day of SBAC Testing tomorrow - Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast! :)**


 * __Wednesday, 4/30/14 - "It's gonna be May"__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. SBAC Performance Task Practice Test 3. Continue watching //Remember the Titans//

Homework: 1. **SBAC Testing continues tomorrow - Get a good night's sleep and Eat a healthy breakfast!! :)**


 * __Tuesday, 4/29/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Continue watching //Remember the Titans//

Homework: 1. **Make sure all of your assignments from last week have been submitted - grades will be updated soon!! :)**


 * __Monday, 4/28/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Review expectations for the SBAC 3. Watch //Remember the Titans//

Homework: 1. **Continue preparing for SBAC Testing - Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast!! :)**


 * __Week 30:__**
 * __Friday, 4/25/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. SBAC Practice Test online 4. Missing work - Anything you want in your current grade for the Progress Report, get to me ASAP!!

Homework: 1. **Have a great weekend! :)** 2. **Prepare for SBAC Testing - Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast!!**


 * __Thursday, 4/24/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. SBAC Practice Test online 4. Missing work - Anything you want in your current grade for the Progress Report, get to me ASAP!!

Homework: 1. **Missing work - All work is due by tomorrow!! :)** 2. **Reminder: Grades close tomorrow!! :) - Make sure you're going to Promotion and all the fun activities!!**


 * __Wednesday, 4/23/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Review student interface (SBAC) in preparation for testing 3. Take Reading Check Quiz on "The Wreck of Hesperus" on LMS 4. Watch "The Highwayman" poem set to animated video 5. Continue working on missing assignments

Homework: 1. Continue working on missing assignments! 2. **Reminder: Grades close on Friday!! :)**


 * __Tuesday, 4/22/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish reading and annotating "The Wreck of Hesperus" - turn into the bin when you are done! 3. Do the Review and Assess Questions on "The Wreck of Hesperus" on LMS 4. Work on missing assignments

Homework: 1. **Finish answering the Review and Assess Questions on "The Wreck of Hesperus" on LMS - due tomorrow!!** 2. **Reminder: Grades close on Friday! :)**


 * __Monday, 4/21/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading (10 minutes) 3. Review narrative and how ballads are a form of narrative poetry 4. Ballads Power Point - please download to your iPad! - 5. First read, "The Wreck of Hesperus" - 6. Second read, "The Wreck of Hesperus" close read and illustrate the story on the margin

Homework: 1. **Finish close reading, "The Wreck of Hesperus" and illustrate the story on the margin - due tomorrow!!** 2. **Reminder: Grades close FRIDAY for your second progress report! Make sure you're on the list for promotion!! :)**


 * __Week 29:__**
 * __Friday, 4/18/14 - Please be on your BEST behavior today!! :)__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish answering the analysis questions on "The Road Not Taken" if you did not finish for homework (10 minutes) 3. Independent Reading (15-20 minutes) 4. Journal Entry on LMS on your reading 5. Check your grade and do your missing assignments!

Homework: 1. **Missing assignments - Grades close in one week! Remember, these grades are the preliminary ones used to determine who goes to Promotion Activities!! Make sure you're there!!** 2. **Have a great and fun weekend! :)**


 * __Thursday, 4/17/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in your final copy of your Ode 3. Quick Write on daily decisions that you make (5 minutes) 4. Discuss Rhythm (Meter) and Rhyme Scheme - 5. Read and annotate "The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost 6. Fill in the Comprehension Check graphic organizer to support understanding stanza by stanza 7. Start Analysis Questions on the poem 8. Missing Work!!

Homework: 1. **Finish answering the __analysis questions__ for "The Road Not Taken." Answers should be written using complete sentences - due tomorrow!!** 2. **Continue working on missing assignments - grades close a week from tomorrow!! :)**


 * __Wednesday, 4/16/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish close reading questions on Robert Frost biography OR Independent Reading (10 minutes) 3. Quick Write on daily decisions that you make (5 minutes) 4. Review Rhythm (Meter) and Rhyme within a poem - 5. Read aloud, "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost 6. Close read, annotate, and fill in the Comprehension Check graphic organizer to support your understanding of the lyric poem's message 7. Begin answering the analysis questions for the poem

Homework: 1. **Finish answering the __analysis questions for the poem__, "The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost for __tomorrow__! Do your best, we will review them tomorrow!** 2. **__Final draft of your own original ode due tomorrow__!! See Ms. Siracusa if you would like "nice" paper to write it on and make it extra pretty! :)**


 * __Tuesday, 4/15/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Peer review your partner's ode 3. Close read and annotate the biography and historical context for the work of Robert Frost - 4. After close reading and annotating the text, write your short summary and answer the close reading questions on a separate piece of paper
 * Read your partner's ode aloud to them
 * Give constructive feedback to him/her
 * What is good about their writing?
 * Where could more detail be added?
 * Where can figurative language be added?
 * Overall, what do you have to say about their writing? Anything extra they need to know....
 * Write down your feedback and make sure you have feedback on your ode to revise and write you final draft!!

Homework: 1. **Finish close reading, annotating, and answering the close reading questions on the Robert Frost biography and historical context! - due TOMORROW!!** 2. **Final draft of your Ode is due Thursday when you come into class!! :)**


 * __Monday, 4/14/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Notes on Odes (Period 1) or Independent Reading (Periods 6 & 7) 3. Revisit "Ode to My Socks" and review what makes it an ode - 4. Notes on How to Write an Ode - 5. Look at student samples 6. Choose your topic and begin brainstorming your own ode! Review your notes to help you generate ideas!

Homework: 1. **Continue working on your own original ode! Come to class tomorrow with at least a rough rough draft of your ideas! :)**


 * __Week 28:__**
 * __Friday, 4/11/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading (10 minutes) 3. Google Form - You must have a gmail email address; if you do not, please create one right now! 4. Odes Notes - Take notes in PaperPort Notes on your iPad - 5. Read and annotate "Ode to My Socks" by Pablo Neruda - 6. Discuss what makes an ode!

Homework: 1. Missing Work - Get it in! :) 2. **Reminder: Only 2 weeks until grades close! No "F"s or "U"s!!** 3. Have a great and fun weekend! :)


 * __Thursday, 4/10/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in yesterday's homework stapled together 3. Watch Ronald McNair video clip 4. Read and annotate Nikki Geovanni's poem, "A Poem for My Librarian, Mrs. Long" 5. Paraphrase poem and answer the thinking questions on the comprehension check sheet 6. Work on missing assignments

Homework: 1. **Finish "A Poem for My Librarian, Mrs. Long" comprehension check sheet (both sides should be completed!) - due tomorrow!**


 * __Wednesday, 4/9/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish annotating and answering yesterday's questions 3. Read "A Poem for My Librarian, Mrs. Long" and annotate 4. Paraphrase the poem using the comprehension check

Homework: 1. **Finish annotating and answering the questions from yesterday's assignment on the biography and historical context of Nikki Geovanni and her poem!! - due TOMORROW!!**


 * __Tuesday, 4/8/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading (10 minutes) 3. Close read and annotate the biography and historical context on poet Nikki Geovanni - 4. Write summary of text and answer the close reading questions on a separate piece of paper - this will be collected at the end of class!!
 * Annotate the text
 * Write the main idea(s) in the margin/white space
 * Write down questions you have as well

Homework: 1. Missing Work - Get it done!! :)


 * __Monday, 4/7/14 - Welcome Back! :)__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Journal Entry based on your independent reading on LMS or on a piece of paper!
 * Check that you have BOTH parts of the journal entry
 * Summary of reading
 * Claim and support (evidence from text) - Question and answer from a character in the story!

Homework: 1. **Make sure you complete your journal entry on LMS or on a piece of paper - due tomorrow!! :)**


 * __Week 27:__**
 * __Friday, 3/28/14 - Career Day & Minimum Day - No Classes! Enjoy your break! :)__**


 * __Thursday, 3/27/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Watch "I Lived in a Truck" video clip 4. Discussion: Homelessness 5. Forum Post on LMS on "I Was Homeless" article and discussion
 * Read the directions
 * Answer BOTH parts of the forum with thorough, well thought out responses
 * Respond to at least 2 of your peers' writing (more than just, "I agree..")

Homework: 1. **Make sure Forum Post and your responses to your peers are complete on LMS!** 2. **ALL missing work due TOMORROW to the bin by 1:15 PM! :)** 3. **Enjoy your Spring Break!**


 * __Wednesday, 3/26/14__**

1. Write down homework 2. Turn in Read, Think, Explain sheet 3. Independent Reading 4. Answer Close Reading and Critical Thinking Questions (on paper) for "I Was Homeless" 5. Work on any missing work - ALL work is due by Friday!!

Homework: 1. **ALL Missing work is due on Friday!! :)**


 * __Tuesday, 3/25/14 - Please be on your best behavior today! :)__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Do Vocabulary page for "I Was Homeless" (on paper) and turn it in when you are finished! 3. Preview the text, "I Was Homeless" 4. Fill in the Before Reading: Text Features section of the Read, Think, Explain sheet (on paper) 5. Read the article carefully and continue filling in the Read, Think, Explain sheet (During Reading and After Reading sections)

Homework: 1. **Finish reading and completing the entire Read, Think, Explain sheet - it is due when you come into class TOMORROW**!!


 * __Monday, 3/24/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Journal Entry on LMS - Make sure to answer BOTH parts!! (Summary and Conflict explanation with text evidence and analysis) 4. Work on missing assignments

Homework: 1. **Make sure your Journal Entry on LMS for your independent reading is complete and submitted!! :)**


 * __Week 26:__**
 * __Friday, 3/21/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in Review and Assess Questions for "Tears of Autumn" into the bin (homework) 3. Finish homework assignment (silently) since so many people chose not to do it 4. Fill in "Tears of Autumn" graphic organizer in class - due at the end of the period! 5. Check grade and work on missing assignments

Homework: 1. **Continue working on your missing assignments! Have a fun and safe weekend! :)**


 * __Thursday, 3/20/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish working on Paper Clip (Holocaust) Project and Turn it into the bin! 3. Read "Tears of Autumn" on pg. 564 in your brown textbook, independently 4. After reading, answer the Review and Assess Questions found on pg. 570 on a separate piece of paper and write your answers using complete sentences 5. Continue working on missing work
 * Don't forget to do the name card and place your paper clip on your final product before turning it in the bin!

Homework: 1. **Finish answering the Review and Assess questions on pg. 570 for "Tears of Autumn" on a separate piece of paper - due tomorrow (if you did not finish the assignment in class)**!


 * __Wednesday, 3/19/14 - iParty today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Continue working on Paper Clip (Holocaust) Poem/Letter to commemorate your person from the Holocaust - 3. Work on missing assignments or Independent Reading
 * Finish writing your poem or letter
 * Write the final draft on the "nice" paper
 * Draw your symbol that is related to your person
 * Create your name card: (get the card from Ms. Siracusa)
 * The person's First and Last Name
 * The year that they were born - the year that they died
 * Place your paper clip on the card and the poem/letter

Homework: 1. **Paper Clip Poem/Letter with Symbol (Final Copy) due TOMORROW, 3/20!! - Make sure your work is neat and creative! :)**


 * __Tuesday, 3/18/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading OR Finish homework from last night (LMS was down so some people may not have finished!) 3. "Remembering a Life" Holocaust Assignment
 * Choose a person who died in or survived the Holocaust by reading information here
 * Read the attached instructions for the assignment - [[file:Remembering a Life Holocaust Assignment.docx]]
 * Remember the person you selected by writing a poem or letter
 * Draw a butterfly or other symbol to represent their life and write your poem or letter on the same side
 * On a separate piece of paper, write their full name (first and last) and the dates that they were born and died
 * Attach the smaller piece of paper to the larger with a paper clip
 * Put your name and period on the back
 * Write a Name Poem (Acrostic poem)
 * Bio Poem
 * Letter to the person
 * A Concrete Poem (write in and around a shape)

Homework: 1. **Finish Paper Clip Poem/Letter for Thursday! - Make sure that your work is neat, well put together, and creative! :)**


 * __Monday, 3/17/14 - Happy St. Patrick's Day!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. New seats in class 3. Introduce Token Economy System 4. Independent Reading 5. Complete the After Viewing Questions on LMS on Paper Clips documentary 6. Work on any missing assignments

Homework: 1. **Finish answering the after viewing questions on LMS on the Paper Clips documentary (if not completed in class!) - due tomorrow! :)**


 * __Week 25:__**
 * __Friday, 3/14/14 - Happy Pi Day!!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish watching //The Paper Clip Project// 3. Write down the part of the documentary that moved you the most and that you thought was the most powerful!
 * Continue taking notes on:
 * The process of how the project came to be
 * What students did to make the project happen
 * The resources that they used
 * Your reactions to their project and what they did

Homework: 1. Have fun and enjoy your weekend! :)


 * __Thursday, 3/13/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Movie Trailer for "Paper Clips" 3. Watch the first half of //The Paper Clip Project//
 * Take notes on:
 * The process of how the project came to be
 * What students did to make the project happen
 * The resources that they used
 * Your reactions to their project and what they did

Homework: 1. Think about how you can bring awareness to an issue like the Whitwell Middle School students did!


 * __Wednesday, 3/12/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Quick Write: Legacy - 3. Intro clip to The Paper Clip Project 4. Vocabulary Assignment for The Paper Clip Project on LMS

Homework: 1. **Finish The Paper Clip Project Vocabulary on LMS** - due tomorrow!


 * __Tuesday, 3/11/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in Response to Literature Essay to the bin near the door 3. Independent Reading (10-15 minutes) 4. Read the article, "Introduction to the Holocaust" 5. Answer the Text-Dependent Questions on the article on LMS

Homework: 1. **Make sure that you have finished the Text-Dependent Questions on the Holocaust article on LMS!**


 * __Monday, 3/10/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Last call for missing assignments 3. Finish writing Response to Literature Essay 4. Edit and revise your Response to Literature Essay using the RTL Checklist
 * Response to Literature Essay should have at least three paragraphs done by the end of class!!

Homework: 1. **Finish ALL work on "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas!" - Including your Response to Literature essay - due tomorrow when you come to class!! :)**


 * __Week 24:__**
 * __Friday, 3/7/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Take out **Outline and Brainstorming Sheet** used for planning your Response to Literature Essay! 3. **Begin writing your Response to Literature Essay** (if you didn't start yesterday!) -
 * Do your **BEST** work!
 * You should be sitting in your assigned seat, working quietly so that everyone can focus!
 * You may use your outline, brainstorming sheet, and movie notes to support you in your writing!
 * **// ALL work should be turned in at the end of class //** :)

Homework: 1. Enjoy your weekend! Have fun and be safe! :) See you on Monday!


 * __Thursday, 3/6/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Review **outline for the Response to Literature Essay**

3. Fill in the **Brainstorming (Pre-Writing) Sheet** to plan out your Response to Literature Essay! - 4. If/When you finish brainstorming today, begin **writing your actual essay on a piece of lined paper!**
 * Brainstorming Sheet **due at the end of class**!
 * Use your movie notes to cite evidence from the movie within your essay!
 * Do your best work!
 * You should be sitting in your assigned seat, working quietly so that everyone can focus!
 * You may use your outline, brainstorming sheet, and movie notes to support you in your writing!
 * //ALL work should be turned in at the end of class// - you will get it back tomorrow! :)

Homework: 1. **Continue working on Missing Work! All work due TOMORROW to the bin in class near the door or emailed to Ms. Siracusa - bsiracusa@sandi.net**


 * __Wednesday, 3/5/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. **Each table will be answering questions for a different theme of the story** (movie) "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"
 * Each person at your table will **answer the Thinking/Discussion Questions** for the theme you are given on LMS on their own and submit it - Be careful not to lose your work!
 * Answer questions throughly and completely; //Put real thought into your answers//!
 * **Click on YOUR theme in the list below and answer the questions for it on LMS**! (See Ms. Rose for paper copies if you do not have an iPad)
 * Theme: "Exploring an Innocent Perspective"
 * Theme: "The Essence of Friendship"
 * Theme: "Acts of Humanity"
 * Theme: "Understanding Obedience and Conformity"
 * Theme: "Exploring Prejudice and Discrimination"

Homework: 1. **Complete the Thinking/Discussion Questions for YOUR theme on LMS** - These need to be completed for tomorrow, Thursday, 3/6/14!


 * __Tuesday, 3/4/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in any missing work that has been completed 3. Watch second half of "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"
 * Take notes on paper when watching the film
 * You will be writing a Response to Lit essay this week!
 * Pay attention to the theme(s) and how characters change within the story
 * Key points and interactions within the story

Homework: 1. **Missing work due ASAP! - Check your grade! - Reminder: Grade for Progress Report 1 are closing this FRIDAY**! I will be out the rest of the week at a conference. If you complete work, place it in the bin in the classroom OR email me your work and I will put it in your grade by Monday morning. I will only accept work through Friday afternoon!


 * __Monday, 3/3/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Grades are up-to-date in Power School 3. Watch first half of "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"
 * Missing work due ASAP!!
 * Either put your work in the bin or email me (preferably with the attachment or screen shot)
 * Take notes on paper when watching the film
 * You will be writing a Response to Lit essay this week!
 * Pay attention to the theme(s) and how characters change within the story
 * Key points and interactions within the story

Homework: 1. **Missing work due ASAP**! - Check your grade! - Reminder: Grades for Progress Report 1 of second semester are due this **FRIDAY**!! :)


 * __Week 23:__**
 * __Friday, 2/28/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Make sure you have an independent reading book 3. Check that all work from this week has been turned in 4. If you haven't, read the article, "The Boys Who Fought the Nazi's" 5. Write a thorough summary of the article, "The Boys Who Fought the Nazi's," on a separate piece of paper. 6. If you have finished that, you can work on the "Power of Information" graphic organizer
 * Journal Entry
 * "The Wave" Vocab
 * Thinking Questions on "The Wave"
 * Summary of "The Boys Who Fought the Nazi's" article
 * Listen to the audio of the article
 * Make sure to include:
 * All of the central and supporting ideas within the text
 * Your summary should be one to two paragraphs of 7-8 sentences each

Homework: 1. **Make sure all of your work, especially from this week, is complete and turned in**! I will be updating grades and grading a ton over the weekend!! Remember, grades close for Progress Reports on Friday, March 7th!! :)


 * __Thursday, 2/27/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in "The Wave" Vocab on LMS - Click here! 3. Finish answering the After Viewing Thinking Questions on "The Third Wave" social experiment (20 minutes) 4. If you have finished answering the questions, silent independent reading while students finish 5. Read the article, "The Boys Who Fought the Nazi's" 6. Write a thorough summary of the article, "The Boys Who Fought the Nazi's," on a separate piece of paper.
 * Listen to the audio of the article
 * Make sure to include:
 * All of the central and supporting ideas within the text
 * Your summary should be one to two paragraphs of 7-8 sentences each.

Homework: 1. Make sure that the After Viewing Thinking Questions on "The Third Wave" social experiment are complete!


 * __Wednesday, 2/26/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish watching "The Third Wave" social experiment 3. After Viewing Thinking Questions on "The Third Wave" social experiment 4. Silent Independent Reading

Homework: 1. Finish your Thinking Questions on "The Third Wave" social experiment for tomorrow!


 * __Tuesday, 2/25/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Download this vocabulary document - 3. Watch the first part of "The Third Wave" social experiment (if you can't get it working, it's okay - students can finish vocab and read their independent reading books if they finish early!)
 * Download and open in an application of your preference on your iPad
 * Use your dictionary application or google search to define the vocabulary words related to "The Social Wave" social experiment
 * Draw an image to remind you what the word means (doesn't have to be extravagant)

Homework: 1. Make sure that you finish defining the vocabulary words for the social experiment!


 * __Monday, 2/24/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in your Lottery Acrostic Poem to the bin 3. Silent Independent Reading (20-25 minutes) 4. Journal Entry on LMS based on your reading - Submit by the end of class! 5. Work on missing assignments if you finish before the end of class
 * If you need a new book, ask politely to go to the library
 * Go quick and get back to read!
 * Make sure that you do **BOTH** parts of the journal entry
 * Answer **ALL** of the prompt!
 * Use complete sentences!

Homework: 1. Journal Entry on LMS should have been completed by the end of class - Make sure it is complete!


 * __Week 22:__**
 * __Friday, 2/21/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. After Reading Thinking Questions on LMS on "The Lottery" 3. Acrostic Poem for "The Lottery" (make it pretty!)
 * Write a sentence or phrase to go along with the story that starts with the letter of the word "lottery"
 * For example:
 * L ** asts for two hours during June
 * O**ld Man Warner is not happy with young people today
 * T**
 * T**
 * E**
 * R**
 * Y**

Homework: 1. **Finish Acrostic Poem** (if not completed in class!)


 * __Thursday, 2/20/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish reading "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson (1948) 3. Watch "The Lottery" Parts I & II 4. Thinking and After Reading Questions on LMS (if time allows)
 * Read questions for each part as we go
 * Read section of the text and discuss
 * Answer the questions on your piece of paper (5 minutes)
 * Go back to the text to answer the questions!
 * Answers due at the end of class!!
 * Part I
 * Part II

Homework: 1. Missing work!


 * __Wednesday, 2/19/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Mock Lottery Drawing 3. Turn in vocabulary sheet 4. Read "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson (1948)
 * Read questions
 * Read section of the text and discuss
 * Answer the questions on your piece of paper (5 minutes)
 * Go back to the text to answer the questions!

Homework: 1. Missing work!


 * __Tuesday, 2/18/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Brainstorm about "Lottery" on Active Inspire 3. Anticipatory Set: Opinion Questions - Answer in the google form 4. "The Lottery" Vocabulary - 5. Angry Mobs and The Mob Mentality -

Homework: 1. Finish "The Lottery" Vocabulary sheet (if not completed in class!)


 * __Monday, 2/17/14 - No School! Enjoy your day off!__**


 * __Week 21:__**
 * __Friday, 2/14/14 - No School! Enjoy your day off!__**


 * __Thursday, 2/13/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Read and annotate the text, "The Day the President Was Shot" from Scholastic Scope 3. After reading, answer the Close Reading and Critical Thinking Questions using the text to support you! 4. Turn in your work to Ms. Rose before you leave class today!!
 * Access code to access Scholastic Scope online: **melonseal239** (use if asked for code)
 * Audio link to listen to the text read aloud and additional video about JFK

Homework: 1. Work on any **missing work**! 2. **Enjoy your long weekend! Have fun and be safe!! :) See you on Tuesday!!**


 * __Wednesday, 2/12/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish presentations from yesterday and notes that we did not get to 3. Make sure that you've turned in your notes with feedback and your research information sheet 4. Work on missing assignments 5. Independent Reading

Homework: 1. Work on **missing assignments**! Make sure you're all caught up! :)


 * __Tuesday, 2/11/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Work in groups to finalize presentation (10 minutes) 3. Present and "teach" the class 4. Take notes during presentations AND write down why the event/person was important to integration 5. Turn in notes before you leave today!
 * 13th and 14th Amendments
 * Plessy v. Ferguson
 * Jim Crow Laws
 * NAACP
 * Brown v. Board of Education
 * Thurgood Marshall
 * Martin Luther King, Jr.

Homework: 1. Work on any **missing work**!!


 * __Monday, 2/10/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Work on presentation of topic for 15 minutes 3. In your topic group:
 * Go around the table and give your presentation to your group
 * Choose the best one and add to it or combine ideas and information
 * Assign each person a part to "teach" the class
 * Be prepared to present and "teach" the one group presentation to the whole class **TOMORROW**!

Homework: 1. Make sure your **presentation is complete, ready to turn in, and ready to present or "teach" the class tomorrow**!!


 * __Week 20:__**
 * __Friday, 2/7/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Close **read and annotate** the article from Scholastic on The Civil Rights Movement - 3. Pull out the **main ideas and write a summary** about the article 4. **Add any additional information** you find on your topic to your presentation 5. **Continue working on your presentation**:
 * There should be hard copies of the text in class as well from Mrs. Ladeby
 * Remember, you are going to be teaching the class about your topic
 * You need to tell us
 * Who was involved
 * Where it took place
 * What happened as a result
 * When it happened
 * Why it happened or the person did what he did
 * How did it come to be
 * You should also explain why your topic is important to the Civil Rights Era and especially to the integration of schools!!
 * Include photos
 * Provide any other information you think is important or interesting!
 * Make sure to cite your sources at the end of your presentation of wherever you found your information
 * Make it engaging!

Homework: 1. **Finish your presentation!! Presentations are due on Monday when you come into class!!** You will be presenting in small groups to your peers, so be prepared!! 2. Have a great weekend!! :)


 * __Thursday, 2/6/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Research should be done, and your information sheet should be filled in 3. Once research is done, begin working on your presentation 4. Your presentation should be in Keynote, Prezi, or an application you can teach us from 5. For you presentation:
 * Remember, you are going to be teaching the class about your topic
 * You need to tell us
 * Who was involved
 * Where it took place
 * What happened as a result
 * When it happened
 * Why it happened or the person did what he did
 * How did it come to be
 * You should also explain why your topic is important to the Civil Rights Era and especially to the integration of schools!!
 * Include photos
 * Provide any other information you think is important or interesting!
 * Make sure to cite your sources at the end of your presentation of wherever you found your information
 * Make it engaging!

Homework: 1. **Continue working on your presentation** - tomorrow you will receive an article on your topic to close read and that also will help you add information, if needed, to your presentation. **Presentations are due and should be completed by Monday, 2/10**!!


 * __Wednesday, 2/5/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Continue researching your topic and filling in your information sheet 3. Show Ms. Siracusa your sheet when it is complete for her to sign off 4. Begin planning your **presentation** that you will give to the class
 * **Key information** (who, what, when, where, how, why)
 * **Photos**
 * **Importance** within the **Civil Rights** Era
 * **Cite your sources** at the end (put the websites you found your information)
 * Make it **engaging**!

Homework: 1. Make sure ALL of your research is complete, your information sheet is filled in, and you're ready to start putting together your presentation (if you haven't already)


 * __Tuesday, 2/4/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish writing Point of View Paper and submit (20 minutes) 3. Discuss end of //Fire From the Rock// and turn in book 4. Choose research topic on LMS 5. Begin research on your topic and fill in the Research Information Sheet -
 * Must find **at least 3 credible sources** of information
 * Write down the **key information**
 * **Paraphrase** the information in your own words
 * Explain //**why**// it is important and necessary to know!

Homework: 1. **Continue working on your research** and filling in your Research Information Sheet based on your topic!! Sheet should be filled in (and then some) for tomorrow!!


 * __Monday, 2/3/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Do the Final Thoughts Reflection on LMS - Your answer should be at least a solid paragraph 3. Watch the video about the Southern School Desegregation told by one of The Little Rock Nine, Jefferson Thomas! 4. Begin working on your Point of View Paper
 * Read the following instructions - [[file:Point of View Paper Instructions.pdf]]
 * Write from the person's point of view that you choose (Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, or a person in the mob's voice)
 * Remember, you are writing as that person and telling of the experience of the first day of school from his or her perspective
 * Write your Point of View paper on a lined piece of paper to turn in
 * **Point of View Paper is due TOMORROW, Tuesday, 2/4/14**!

Homework: 1. **Finish writing your Point of View Paper** retelling the first day of school at Central High from either Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, or a person in the mob's voice!


 * __Week 19:__**
 * __Friday, 1/31/14 - Please be on your best behavior today!!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reading Check Quiz on pgs. 193-203 on LMS 3. Forum Post on LMS - Sylvia's decision 4. Finish reading //Fire From the Rock// 5. Final Thoughts
 * Read the directions carefully and make sure that you follow them EXACTLY!!
 * You need to make your initial post AND respond to at least one person who sits at your table!! (Like we did on Tuesday!)

Homework: 1. **Finish reading to the end of //Fire From the Rock//** - Be prepared for a final reading check! 2. **Make sure that ALL of your assignments from this week are complete** - they will NOT be able to be made up once it's been a week!! Keep that in mind!!


 * __Thursday, 1/30/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reading Check Quiz on pgs. 169-192 on LMS 3. Independent Reading of //Fire From the Rock// 4. Journal Entry on LMS on pgs. 182-203 - Answer the questions that are a part of the prompt in your summary. Follow directions!

Homework: 1. **You should have read through page 203** in //Fire From the Rock// - Be prepared for a reading check quiz tomorrow! 2. **Journal Entry should be completed by class time tomorrow** on LMS!


 * __Wednesday, 1/29/14 - Unity Day - No classes!!__**


 * __Tuesday, 1/28/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reading Check Quiz on pgs. 156-168 in Fire From the Rock on LMS 3. Independent Reading of Fire From the Rock for 10 minutes 4. Review the main ideas for the "Kids on the Bus" article from yesterday 5. Write Around Activity
 * Answer the prompt on a piece of paper by making a claim, supporting your claim with evidence, and explaining how the evidence proves your point
 * Pass your paper to the right, when told to do so, and now read what your peer has written
 * Respond to your classmate's work and add support from the text to support your ideas and explain
 * Put the paragraph number of where your information came from
 * Sign next to your response
 * Pass your paper to the right again, when told to do so, and repeat the process
 * Turn in your work at the end of class

Homework: 1. **Read through pg. 192** in //Fire From the Rock// for Thursday! 2. No class tomorrow due to Unity Day! Wear your orange "stop bullying" t-shirt! :)


 * __Monday, 1/27/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Take Student Survey on Google Form - Please be honest with your answers! (10 minutes) 3. Reading Check Quiz on LMS pgs. 142-156 (5 minutes) 4. Reading //Fire From the Rock// independently for 10-15 minutes 5. Close Read non-fiction text, "Kids on the Bus: The Overlooked Role of Teenagers in the Civil-Rights Era -
 * Read through once for flow
 * Annotate the text - take margin notes, pay attention to areas where you're confused, things that stand out, words you do not know, etc.
 * In the box, where each section is numbered (1-13) write down the main idea in the box (only needs to be one sentence to summarize that section)

Homework: 1. Make sure you have **read through pg. 168** of //Fire From the Rock// for tomorrow! 2. **Finish close reading and annotating the text, "Kids on the Bus..."** for tomorrow - we will be doing an activity with the text, so this needs to be done!

__**END OF SEMESTER 1!**__ __**Week 18:**__ __**Friday, 1/24/14**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Read //Fire From the Rock// for 10-15 minutes in class 3. Watch clip from The Butler, Freedom Ride (start at 2:21 seconds in until scene is over) 4. Answer guiding question after viewing the scene 5. Information on Famous Freedom Fighters
 * Read the information on the 11 famous Freedom Fighters provided on the website linked above
 * As you read an excerpt, answer the text dependent question(s) about that person listed on the handout on a separate piece of paper!
 * Text Dependent Questions - [[file:Freedom Fighters .docx]]
 * All questions should be answered using complete sentences!

Homework: 1. **Read through pg. 156** in //Fire From the Rock// for Monday! Be prepared for a reading check! 2. Finish the **Freedom Fighters questions**, if not already done in class. 3. Have a great weekend! :)

__**Thursday, 1/23/14**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reading Check Quiz on pgs. 121-131 on LMS 3. Independent reading of pgs. 131-142 of //Fire From the Rock// 4. Journal Entry on LMS
 * ALL MISSING WORK DUE TODAY BY THE END OF THE DAY!!! TURN IT IN THE BIN OR EMAIL MS. SIRACUSA!!!**
 * This will be your **first grade in the new semester**!
 * Read the prompt **carefully**
 * Make sure you **answer ALL of the prompt and write as though you are an 8th grader** almost in high school! Check spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and overall writing mechanics!!

Homework: 1. Finish Journal Entry on LMS (if not already completed in class!) 2. Catch up on your reading!

__**Wednesday, 1/22/14**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Thinking/Discussion Question 3. Read pgs. 121-131 of //Fire From the Rock// 4. Finish watching "Our Friend, Martin"

Homework: 1. **Read through pg. 131** in //Fire From the Rock// for tomorrow! Be prepared for a reading check! 2. Reminder: Semester ends on Friday! __**ALL missing work is due by the end of the day TOMORROW**__!!!

__**Tuesday, 1/21/14**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reading Check Quiz on pgs. 81-110 on LMS 3. Briefly review what's happened in the book during the last section 4. Watch the first half of "Our Friend, Martin" (we will watch the second half tomorrow) 5. Begin reading pgs. 110-121 in //Fire From the Rock//

Homework: 1. **Read through pg. 121** in //Fire From the Rock// for tomorrow! Be prepared for a reading check! 2. Reminder: Semester ends on Friday! ALL missing work is due by the end of the day Thursday!!!

__**Monday, 1/20/14 - No School! Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!!**__

__**Week 17:**__ __**Friday, 1/17/14**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reading Check Quiz on pgs. 61-81 on LMS 3. Preview "Imagine This Was Your School" - photos, vocabulary, text features 4. Close read "Imagine This Was Your School" and discuss 5. Answer the thinking question on LMS regarding "Imagine This Was Your School" 6. Work completion and/or reading of //Fire from the Rock// - pgs. 81-110

Homework: 1. **Read pgs. 81-110 in //Fire from the Rock//** for Tuesday! Be prepared for a reading check!! 2. Reminder: **All missing work for semester 1 is due on Thursday, January 23rd!! After 3:00 PM on Thursday, 1/23/14, no more work will be accepted!**

__**Thursday, 1/16/14**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reading Check Quiz on pgs. 54-61 on LMS 3. Discuss characterization of Sylvia vs. Gary 4. Text Dependent Questions on LMS on pgs. 54-55 (the conversation between Sylvia and Gary) 5. Begin reading pgs. 61-81 of //Fire from the Rock// in class
 * Audio Recording of pgs. 61-70 - media type="file" key="Fire from the rock 61-70.wma" width="300" height="45"

Homework: 1. **Finish reading through pg. 81 in //Fire from the Rock//** - Be prepared for some sort of reading check! 2. Reminder: **Only 6 school days remain until the end of semester 1**!! :)

__**Wednesday, 1/15/14**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Silent reading of //Fire from the Rock// for 15 minutes 3. Work Day in Class - Work on missing work!!! 4. Read through page 61 in //Fire from the Rock// 5. For those who have finished reading and ALL work is turned in, you may watch additional information
 * Anything on Power School that says "missing" can be made up
 * If you finish something in class, bring it to me and show me so I can input it
 * If you finish something at home, //you MUST email me or write me a note// and put it in the bin!! Otherwise, I will //NOT// grade your assignments!!
 * Listen to tonight's reading if you prefer to **listen AND read along**!!
 * Part I - pgs. 48-54 - media type="file" key="Fire From The Rock _ Page 48-54.wma" width="300" height="45"
 * Part II - pgs. 54-60 - media type="file" key="Fire From The Rock_Page 54-60.wma" width="300" height="45"
 * Holocaust Survivor
 * Freedom: A U.S. History

Homework: 1. **Read through pg. 61 in //Fire from the Rock// for tomorrow** - Be prepared for a reading check! 2. Reminder: **Only 7 school days remain in semester 1**!! Get your work turned in sooner rather than later! All work is due by THURSDAY, JANUARY 23RD!!

__**Tuesday, 1/14/14**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reading Check on pgs. 26-40 of Fire from the Rock on LMS 3. Independently work on Holocaust Activity on LMS 4. Begin reading pgs. 41-47 in class

Homework: 1. **Read through pg. 47** in //Fire from the Rock// for tomorrow!!! Be prepared for a reading check!!! 2. Reminder: **Only 8 school days remain until the end of semester 1**!!! Get any last minute work in!! **ALL MISSING WORK IS DUE BY THURSDAY, JANUARY 23RD!!!!**

__**Monday, 1/13/14**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Spelling Bee Qualifier - Click here to link to page! Enrollment Key is 8 3. Quick Write on LMS - Gary vs. his parents' views 4. Start reading pgs. 26-40 in //Fire from the Rock// (20 minutes) 5. Journal Entry on pgs. 26-40 on LMS - Make sure to answer the prompt! 6. Finish reading through page 40 in //Fire from the Rock//

Homework: 1. **Read through page 40** in //Fire from the Rock// - Be prepared to discuss and/or for a reading check quiz! 2. Journal Entry on LMS should have been finished in class - if not, it is homework!! 3. Reminder: **Only 9 school days remain until the end of semester 1**!! Finish strong!!


 * __Week 16:__**
 * __Friday, 1/10/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reading Check Quiz on LMS on pgs. 5-14 of Fire from the Rock 3. Discuss characters of the story thus far and take notes on your iPad 4. Answer questions about Fire from the Rock: Exposition on LMS 5. Begin reading pgs. 16-25 of //Fire from the Rock//

Homework: 1. Finish the Fire from the Rock: Exposition assignment on LMS (if not finished in class) 2. **Read through page 25 in //Fire from the Rock// for Monday** - Be prepared for a reading check quiz on Monday!! 3. Reminder: **Only 10 school days remain until the end of semester 1**!! Finish off strong!! :) 4. Have a great weekend!!


 * __Thursday, 1/9/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Warm Up: Adverbs (back of worksheet from Monday) 3. Book Preview of //Fire from the Rock// 4. Write a preview statement on LMS about this historical fiction 5. Begin reading the novel - Read through page 14 in the book
 * Period 1: Quick Quiz on Elizabeth Eckford article

Homework: 1. **Finish reading through page 14** in //Fire from the Rock// for **tomorrow** - Be prepared for a reading check quick quiz and discussion tomorrow!! 2. Reminder: **Only 11 school days remain until the end of semester 1**!! End strong!! :)


 * __Wednesday, 1/8/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Take out Elizabeth Eckford article 3. Class discussion about the text and what you learned or stood out to you (discuss text dependent questions) 4. Forum Post on LMS focused on Elizabeth Eckford - Focus on answering the question in a paragraph of complete sentences and thoughts! Use your annotated text to answer and support your ideas!
 * Make sure you have:
 * Annotations and comments (notes)
 * ?,!,*, circled unfamiliar words, _, notes about why you made those marks and what stood out
 * Write the main idea or "gist" for every 2-3 paragraphs of the text on the bottom white space or on a separate piece of paper

Homework: 1. Finish Forum Post on LMS focused on Elizabeth Eckford - **due tomorrow**!! 2. Reminder: **Only 12 school days remain until the end of semester 1**!! Sprint to the finish line and give it your all!! :)


 * __Tuesday, 1/7/14__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Check out the novel, //Fire from the Rock//, from the library 3. Quick Write: Elizabeth Eckford on LMS 4. Preview the historical information text, "Facing a Mob on the First Day of School" 5. Discuss the text features of the article to generate background or context for the article 6. Close Read the article, annotating with your pencil, taking note of areas of importance, confusion, that evoke emotion, etc.

Homework: 1. Close read Elizabeth Eckford's article, "Facing a Mob on the First Day of School." Make sure to annotate the text, using the annotation marks we discussed in class (?, !, *, circling words unknown, _, writing comments, etc.) 2. Continue to get your work in - **only 13 school days remain in semester 1**....Do your best to achieve the grade you are capable of!! :)


 * __Monday, 1/6/14 - Happy New Year!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Warm Up: Adjectives and Articles 3. Independent Reading 4. Journal Entry 11 on LMS or on a separate piece of paper - Please make sure that you have 2 full paragraphs of 5-7 sentences (1 for each part)

Homework: 1. Finish Journal Entry 11 on LMS or on a separate piece of paper - **due tomorrow**!!! 2. Keep in mind, **only 14 school days until the end of the semester**!! Put in hard work over the next three weeks!! :)

__**Week 15:**__ __**Friday, 12/20/13 - Minimum Day**__

1. Traditions Pot Luck Celebration!

Homework: 1. Have a happy, safe, and fun winter break! See you next year!!
 * Take the opportunity to work on missing work over the break!**


 * __Thursday, 12/19/13 - Picture Yourself at Madison during Periods 1-4__**

1. Write down homework 2. Presentations of your mini-project aka your "medicine bag" 3. Those that did NOT present and currently received a zero, please email me your project ASAP in order to receive some points!! (bsiracusa@sandi.net)

Homework: 1. Traditions Potluck tomorrow during class time! Don't forget the item(s) you signed up for!! :)


 * __Wednesday, 12/18/13__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Sign Up for Potluck on Friday! 3. Continue working on your mini-project aka Your "Medicine Bag" - due TOMORROW**!!! 4. **Project is due on TOMORROW, 12/19/13**!!! You will share your item or tradition with the class tomorrow!!
 * Think of an item (or tradition) that is important to you, your family, or your culture.
 * Take a picture or draw the item.
 * Explain what the item/tradition is.
 * **Tell the story about how the item came into your possession or how the tradition came to be.**
 * **This part should be at least one paragraph long**!!!
 * Explain why this item is import to you, your family, or your culture.
 * Tell how you will pass this item/tradition along.
 * Be prepared to share the item or tradition with the class (30 seconds to a minute).
 * Work can be on paper OR an app on your iPad as long as you can send me it electronically!

Homework: 1. **Finish** your medicine bag project! 2. Remind parents about potluck on Friday!

__**Tuesday, 12/17/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Discuss Traditions Potluck for Friday 3. Turn in any missing work (Theme Poster, Questions, etc.) 4. Mini-Project: Your "Medicine Bag" 5. **Project is due on Thursday, 12/19/13**!!! You will share your item or tradition with the class on Thursday!!
 * Think of an item (or tradition) that is important to you, your family, or your culture.
 * Take a picture or draw the item.
 * Explain what the item/tradition is.
 * **Tell the story about how the item came into your possession or how the tradition came to be.**
 * **This part should be at least one paragraph long**!!!
 * Explain why this item is import to you, your family, or your culture.
 * Tell how you will pass this item/tradition along.
 * Be prepared to share the item or tradition with the class (30 seconds to a minute).

Homework: 1. Work on your "medicine bag" aka mini-project!! - due on Thursday!! 2. For the potluck:
 * Bring some tradition that you and your family or culture have that you would like to share
 * Can be related to the holidays, but doesn't need to be!
 * Bring the item to class on Friday! - Let Ms. Siracusa know what you're bringing
 * Write the main ingredients on the top of the item's packaging to ensure no one is allergic
 * See Ms. Siracusa with any questions!! :)

__**Monday, 12/16/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in your Theme Poster 3. Independent Reading 4. Journal Entry #10 on LMS - Make sure you have a __complete summary__ **AND** your __claim and support focusing on the main character__ in your book!! 5. Missing Work
 * If you did your poster electronically, please send it to my drop box (siracusa@sendtodropbox.com)
 * Make sure that you save your document following the iMiddle naming conventions
 * PeriodLastNameFirstInitialThemePoster
 * For example, mine would be saved 1SiracusaBThemePoster

Homework: 1. Finish Journal Entry #10 on LMS - **Journal entry is due tomorrow**!! :)

__**Week 14:**__ __**Friday, 12/13/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Take Quiz on "The Medicine Bag" - Click here for quiz!!! 3. Continue working on your theme poster for "The Medicine Bag" 4. Refer to the Theme Poster Scoring Guide to make sure you have all parts!! -
 * Write your __**theme paragraph FIRST**__!!
 * Write your **3 quotes** on your poster!!
 * Draw your **symbol**!!
 * Make sure the **title and author** are on the page!!
 * Make sure that your work is __**NEAT**__!!

Homework: 1. Finish Theme Poster on "The Medicine Bag" - **due MONDAY, 12/16/13 when you walk in**!!!

__**Thursday, 12/12/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Go over Review and Assess questions for "The Medicine Bag" 3. Today's Meet - Discuss theme! - Click here!!! 4. Theme Poster on either Templates for Pages on the iPad or on a piece of white paper! - See scoring guide to make sure that you have **ALL** parts of the poster!! - 5. More detailed instructions for the written portion on LMS! 6. Visit the library (if desired) to go to the Scholastic Book Fair

Homework: 1. Find your **3 quotes from the story**, "The Medicine Bag" (pg. 582) to support your theme for your theme poster!! __**Theme Poster is due by the end of class on Friday, 12/13/13**__!! 2. Make sure **ALL** of your work from this week has been turned in!!

__**Wednesday, 12/11/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in text dependent questions from yesterday 3. Read and discuss "The Medicine Bag" on page 582 in your text book - Listen to text here!!!! 4. Answer the Review and Assess questions on page 590 on a piece of paper - Make sure your answers are written in complete sentences!!

Homework: 1. Finish the Review and Assess questions on page 590 on a piece of paper - due tomorrow!! :)

__**Tuesday, 12/10/13 - Modified Schedule (see board in the classroom for details!)**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Observe and discuss photographs on LMS page 3. Close Read Chief Joseph's speech, "An Indian's Views on Indian Affairs" - 4. Paraphrase each paragraph of the speech in your own words and discuss 5. Write a summary paragraph to summarize not only the speech, but also Chief Joseph's message 6. Text Dependent Questions on the speech - either on LMS or on paper - 7. View the video link here - America's Great Indian Leaders

Homework: 1. Finish the text dependent questions on Chief Joseph's speech on paper or on LMS for tomorrow!! 2. Begin watching the video "America's Great Indian Leaders." (Link is above)

__**Monday, 12/9/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish District Interim Assessment if not completed (15 minutes) 3. Independent Reading 4. Journal Entry 9 on LMS - Make sure you are including **BOTH** parts of the journal entry and it is your BEST work!!

Homework: 1. Finish Journal Entry 9 on LMS, if not completed in class!!

__**Week 13:**__ __**Friday, 12/6/13 - District Interim Assessment**__

1. Take out a pencil 2. Clear off desk 3. Review work done previously 4. During Assessment
 * Absolutely NO TALKING!!
 * Neat Handwriting
 * Read and MUST annotate the texts
 * Paragraph = 5-7 sentences
 * #1 = 1 paragraph
 * #2 = 1 paragraph
 * #3 = 1 sentence
 * #4 = 3-4 paragraphs
 * Structure: Claim + Support your answer with text evidence

Homework: 1. No homework due to assessment! :)

__**Thursday, 12/5/13 - District Interim Assessment**__

1. Take out a pencil 2. Clear off desk 3. Name (First & Last) on booklet 4. During Assessment
 * Absolutely NO TALKING!!
 * Neat Handwriting
 * Read and MUST annotate the texts
 * Paragraph = 5-7 sentences
 * Structure: Claim + Support your answer with text evidence

Homework: 1. No homework due to assessment! :)

__**Wednesday, 12/4/13 - iParty**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish text-dependent questions on Chief Joseph's speech and turn in 3. Missing work completion 4. Independent Reading

Homework: 1. Make sure all missing work is completed! 2. **District Assessment in class TOMORROW and FRIDAY**!! Please do your best to be in class!! :)

__**Tuesday, 12/3/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Close Read Chief Joseph's speech, "I Will Fight No More Forever" - 4. Discuss the text-dependent questions 5. Answer the text-dependent questions on paper -

Homework: 1. Finish answering text-dependent questions on Chief Joseph's speech, "I Will Fight No More Forever." 2. Signed Progress Reports due by tomorrow to your 6th period teacher!!!

__**Monday, 12/2/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Grammar Warm Up: Main Verbs and Helping Verbs worksheet 3. Silent Independent Reading 4. Journal Entry #8 in English composition notebook

Homework: 1. Finish Journal Entry #8 in English composition notebook - Make sure you have **both parts** - the //summary// **AND** the //claim with support// from your text!! 2. Signed Progress Report due by Wednesday to your 6th period teacher!!!

__**Week 12:**__ __**Friday, 11/22/13**__

1. Work on any missing work!

Have a fun and safe Happy Thanksgiving break!! :)

__**Thursday, 11/21/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Continue writing On-Demand Argument Essay in class 3. Make sure to review, edit, and revise your work before turning it in!! Check your work with the Persuasive Essay Outline! 4. Whatever is written by the end of class will be collected!!
 * **Essay** **due by the end of class today**!!

Homework: 1. Make sure all work is turned in!! :)

__**Wednesday, 11/20/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Write On-Demand Argument Essay in class 3. Use persuasive essay outline to guide you - 4. Essay will be collected today and passed back to finish tomorrow

Homework: 1. Make sure all work is turned in! Grades up to date!

__**Tuesday, 11/19/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Brainstorm for Argument Essay: Should athletes who use performance enhancing drugs or steroids be inducted into the Hall of Fame? - "Write an Argument Essay" PDF 4. Review Argument (Persuasive) Essay Format

Homework: 1. Make sure that **both sides** of the "Write an Argument Essay" **brainstorming sheet** are **complete**!!! 2. You will not begin writing your essay until it is done - Final essay **MUST** be turned in by the end of class on Thursday or you will lose points!!

__**Monday, 11/18/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Grammar Warm Up: Verbs 3. Close Read "Should Barry Bonds Be Inducted into the Hall of Fame?" 4. Annotate and highlight or underline **ALL** of the reasons for (**yes**) AND against (**no**) 5. Begin filling in the chart on the back of the article on **BOTH** sides of the issue! 6. Research both sides of the issue:
 * Dying to be Strong Article
 * Five reasons steroid-linked players should not be allowed in Baseball Hall of Fame
 * Should Baseball Players Who Have Used Banned Substances Be Voted into the Hall of Fame?
 * Steroids or no steroids? Who should be voted into Baseball Hall of Fame?
 * Baseball Hall Of Fame: Steroids Shouldn't Keep Players Out

Homework: 1. Finish filling in the chart on the back of the article on **BOTH** sides of the issue. Use __**MULTIPLE** sources__ to research and get information.

__**Week 11:**__ __**Friday, 11/15/13 - Please be on your best behavior today! :) - Grades are complete!**__

1. Write down your homework in your planner 2. Independent Reading (silently) for 15 minutes 3. Take the "Dying to be Strong" Quiz and Critical Thinking Questions (on paper) 4. Look at the vocabulary words on LMS for the next article we will read on Monday. Define each of the words and provide an example. 5. Complete the Vocabulary Practice worksheet - Turn ALL worksheets in before you leave class today!! We will go over/review them on Monday!!

Homework: 1. Enjoy your weekend! :)

__**Thursday, 11/14/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Review Text-Dependent Questions on LMS from last night's homework 3. Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer on steroids using "Dying to be Strong" text - please do it on paper! 4. Check your grades - all missing work is now in!

Homework: 1. Finish Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer using "Dying to be Strong" for tomorrow! 2. Missing work due **TODAY** __by 3:00 pm__. Grade book will be closing!!

__**Wednesday, 11/13/13**__

1. Write down your homework in planner 2. "Dying to be Strong" Preview 3. Look at pages 4-5 - What message does it convey? 4. Chart what you know about the causes and effects of steroid use - independently, then group share 5. Review text features of the article 6. Read the article "Dying to be Strong" - (You can listen to the article, but make sure you are following along!) 7. Answer "Dying to be Strong" Text-Dependent Questions on LMS

Homework: 1. Finish "Dying to be Strong" Text-Dependent Questions on LMS!!

__**Tuesday, 11/12/13 - Please be on your best behavior today! :)**__

1. Write down your homework in planner 2. Grammar Review Worksheet - Pronouns 3. Independent Reading for 15-20 minutes //SILENTLY//! 4. Journal Entry #7 on LMS - Please do this entry on LMS! Only those without their iPad should do it on paper!! 5. Continue working on missing work! Grades are updated. However, I am still working on getting your missing work from last week input in the grade book. Grades will continue to be updated this week! :)
 * Turn in your completed worksheet when finished

Homework: 1. Finish Journal Entry #7 on LMS 2. Continue working on missing work - Missing Work due on Wednesday, 11/13/13!!

__**Monday, 11/11/13 - Veterans' Day ~ No School!!**__

__**Week 10:**__ __**Friday, 11/8/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Summarize the first part of "The Bell" and read aloud the ending 3. Discuss text-dependent questions 4. Forum on LMS - "The Bell" 5. Work on missing assignments!!

Homework: 1. Missing assignments due Wednesday, 11/13!!!

Have a fun and safe three day weekend! Happy Veterans' Day!!! No school Monday!! :)

__**Thursday, 11/7/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Imagery and Foreshadowing - 3. Prediction of "The Bell" 4. Read aloud pages 33-36 and follow along as we read 5. Begin plot diagram of the plot structure 6. Continue reading story independently

Homework: 1. **Missing Work!! - All missing work is due Wednesday, 11/13/13!! Grades close 11/15/13!**
 * I will try to have your grades in Power School ASAP - my grade book is still not allowing me in. Please be patient. Use the list of assignments I provided yesterday to get your work done! The more missing assignments on that list, the lower your grade is!!! When you have completed an electronic assignment - please make sure to email me or write me a note and put it in the bin so that I can give you a grade... :)**


 * __Wednesday, 11/6/13 - Please be on your best behavior! Don't let me down! :)__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Quiz on "Annabel Lee" on LMS 3. Work Completion 4. Missing work is due by next Wednesday!!!
 * Get list of missing assignments from Ms. Rose
 * Work on what's missing!!
 * When completed, turn in the bin by the door, or if electronic on LMS, write me a note to let me know what to grade!!!

Homework: 1. Continue working on missing assignments!!!

__**Tuesday. 11/5/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Rhythm and Rhyme Notes - 3. Listen to the poem set to music - Free write and draw as you listen! 4. Close Read the poem, "Annabel Lee" - Annotate on the side! - 5. Paraphrase and write each stanza in your own words! 6. Whole Group Discussion - Text-based Questions

Homework: 1. Make sure your close read and annotation on "Annabel Lee" are completed!

__**Monday, 11/4/13 - Be on your best behavior please! :)**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Grammar: Intensive Pronouns in composition book - 3. Independent Reading - Periods 6 & 7 if you need to go to the library, ask to go, politely! 4. Journal Entry #6 - You can do your journal entry in your notebook or here on LMS! 5. Make sure that you have turned in your foldable on "The Tell Tale Heart" to the bin!

Homework: 1. Make sure your Journal Entry #6 is completed! :)

__**Week 9:**__ __**Friday, 11/1/13 - Decades Day!!**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Quiz on "The Tell Tale Heart" on LMS 3. Read Independently 4. Finish foldable and other work completion!!

Homework: 1. Have a great weekend! :)

__**Thursday, 10/31/13 - Happy Halloween!! :)**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Watch "The Tell Tale Heart" (animated) or "The Tell Tale Heart" (drama) 3. Continue working on your "Tell Tale Heart" symbol foldable

Homework: 1. Finish working on your symbol foldable - it is due tomorrow!! :) 2. Have fun and be safe trick-o-treating!!

__**Wednesday, 10/30/13 - School/College Spirit Day!!**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Review Critical Thinking Questions for "The Tell Tale Heart" 3. Symbol Foldable for "The Tell Tale Heart" - 4. Work on Foldable - You should have chosen your symbol, your word associated with the symbol, and began looking for quotes!

Homework: 1. Make sure you have chosen your **3 quotes from the story** that go along with your **symbol** within the story and show its significance!! :) Halloween Costumes TOMORROW - Make sure they are school appropriate!!!


 * __Tuesday, 10/29/13 - Sports Day!!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Images and Quick Write Activity on LMS 3. Read aloud, "The Tell Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe 4. Discussion of story 5. Small groups discuss thinking questions and take notes to help with homework - Post-Reading Critical Thinking Questions 6. Exit Slip - Summarize the short story. Also, answer what is one symbol from the story, "The Tell Tale Heart?"

Homework: 1. Finish Critical Thinking Questions on LMS about "The Tell Tale Heart" Don't forget to wear school colors and show your iMiddle Spirit tomorrow!! :)


 * __Monday,10/28/13 - Pajama Day!!__**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Warm Up: Personal Pronouns 3. Independent Reading 4. Reading Journal Entry #5 on LMS!! 5. Vocabulary Development: "A Tell Tale Heart" on LMS 6. Review of Plot Structure -

Homework: (due tomorrow, Tuesday, 10/29/13) 1. Make sure that Reading Journal Entry #5 is completed on LMS!! 2. Vocabulary Development: "A Tell Tale Heart" on LMS!!


 * __ Week 8: __**
 * __ Friday, 10/25/13 __**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Watch Simpson's version of "The Raven" 4. Finish Close-Reading/Summarizing Poe's "The Raven" (see yesterday for documents!) 5. Work Completion

Homework: 1. Have a great weekend!! :)


 * __ Thursday, 10/24/13 __**

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in your Poe Timeline HERE!! 3. "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
 * Read the first stanza with the thinking questions
 * Watch the video and listen to audio
 * Open the PDF in PaperPort Notes and Close Read the poem. Write a 1-2 sentence summary in the margin for each stanza, in your own words.
 * [[file:The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.pdf]]

Homework: 1. Finish close-reading for "The Raven" and summarizing each stanza in the margin of the text.

__** Wednesday, 10/23/13 - iParty!! **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Turn in your Edgar Allan Poe Timeline HERE!! 4. Work Day!! - Make sure all work is submitted!!
 * Clean out your binder
 * Go to LMS and make sure you have a submission for all of the following:
 * Close Reading Questions on Malala
 * Forum Post - School a Luxury?
 * Themed Vocabulary: Slavery
 * Forum Post - "A Child Slave in California"
 * PSA for Modern Day Slavery

Homework: 1. Make sure all work has been submitted/turned in!! 2. Wear your Drug Free bracelet tomorrow and get candy!!

__** Tuesday, 10/22/13 - District Observation Day!! **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Warm Up: Pronouns and Antecedents - (Open in Paperport Notes and answer!) 3. Pre-reading excerpt and Quick Write! 4. Video Clip: Edgar Allan Poe 5. Read Biography of Edgar Allan Poe 6. Create a timeline for the major events in Poe's life (using dates) in your Popplet Applcation on your iPad!!

Homework: 1. Finish your timeline of Poe's life in Popplet for tomorrow! 2. Signed Progress Report due tomorrow to your 6th period teacher! 3. Wear RED tomorrow!

__** Monday, 10/21/13 - Red Ribbon Week!! Pledge to be Drug Free!! **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reminder to get Progress Reports signed and brought to 6th period teacher by Wednesday!! 3. Warm Up: Pronouns and Antecedents 4. Independent Reading 5. Finish PSA on Modern Day Slavery!! 6. Save PSA to Webdav and Upload PSA here!!!
 * If WebDav is **NOT** working - Share your Keynote and email it to: **siracusa@sendtodropbox.com**

Saving to WebDav

__ In Keynote/Pages: __


 * 1) Click the wrench on the top right
 * 2) Click "Share and Print"
 * 3) Click "Copy to WebDav"
 * 4) Paste URL for server address []
 * 5) User Name = computer log-in
 * 6) Password = computer password
 * 7) Save file to your desktop

__ Uploading a file to LMS: __


 * 1) Log into LMS
 * 2) Choose this course
 * 3) Click on the assignment name in the course
 * 4) Click on the "Upload a file" button
 * 5) Click on the "Choose a file..." button
 * 6) Select "My Files" in the left hand side navigation bar
 * 7) Choose the folder "My Files"
 * 8) Choose the folder "Desktop"
 * 9) Click on the file
 * 10) Click on the "Select this file" button
 * 11) Click on the "Save changes" button

Homework: 1. Make sure PSA on Modern Day Slavery is submitted on LMS - See link above!!! 2. Get Progress Report signed and to 6th period teacher!!

__**Week 7:**__ __**Friday, 10/18/13 - Progress Report 1 Sent Home - Make sure to get parent's signature!!**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Watch video on Shyima's U.S. Citizenship 3. Public Service Announcement (PSA) to bring awareness to the issue of modern-day slavery! 4. Your PSA must include the following
 * A headline (stating the issue in a creative way)
 * A minimum of 5 facts, statistics, and/or quotes from the article, "A Child Slave in California"
 * A minimum of 5 facts, statistics, and/or quotes from the website, "Free the Slaves"
 * An ending slide to keep your readers thinking
 * No more than 2 strong images

Homework: 1. Make sure all of your work has been completed and turned in - go through your binder and the LMS page if needed! 2. Enjoy your weekend and have fun!! :)

__**Thursday, 10/17/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Check over last night's homework: "Read, Think, Explain" sheet if necessary - Did you answer in complete sentences and finish your thoughts? 4. Watch video on Shyima Hall 5. Forum Post on LMS regarding article "A Child Slave in California"

Homework: 1. Make sure forum post is completed and you respond to 2 other people's ideas constructively 2. Make sure all work is complete: "Read, Think, Explain" sheet, Journal Entries, and Themed Vocabulary!

__**Wednesday, 10/16/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Preview article "A Child Slave in California" 3. Read article once for flow 4. Close read article, annotating in the margins what the main idea (gist) for each section is and identifying vocabulary you may not know 5. Use annotated text to do the "Read, Think, Explain" sheet

Homework: 1. Finish the "Read, Think, Explain" sheet (link above) that goes with the article, "A Child Slave in California"

__**Tuesday, 10/15/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Grammar Warm Up/Review: Common and Proper Nouns or Independent Reading 3. Themed Vocabulary: Slavery - Complete the vocabulary activity on LMS 4. Preview the article, "A Child Slave in California" PDF
 * Merriam Webster Dictionary (You can find most, but not all vocabulary here)

Homework: 1. Finish Themed Vocabulary: Slavery assignment on LMS (if not completed in class!) 2. Preview the article, "A Child Slave in California" using the PDF link above

__**Monday, 10/14/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Grammar Warm Up: General and Specific Nouns in composition notebook 3. Independent Reading 4. Journal Entry - make sure that you are following the full format that should be glued in the back cover of your composition notebook!! Format is:
 * Title, Author, Date, Pages Read
 * Summary of reading
 * Claim with Text Evidence - (I believe.... + evidence from text)

Homework: 1. Finish Reading Journal Entry for tomorrow! You should have __at least__ four entries!! 2. Journals will be collected this week: (2 Entries will be graded!)
 * Period 7 - Tuesday
 * Period 1 - Wednesday
 * Period 6 - Wednesday

__**Week 6:**__
 * __Friday, 10/11/13__**

1. Write down homework in planner! 2. Take the "Malala the Powerful" Quiz - "Malala the Powerful" Quiz 3. When you finish the quiz, please do the online forum - School - a luxury? 4. Make sure all work has been turned in - grades close today!!

Homework: 1. Enjoy your weekend!! :)

__**Thursday, 10/10/13 - LAST PARENT TECH TRAINING!!**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Independent Reading 3. Warm Up: Online Practice with Plural and Possessive Nouns - Click here for Online Practice! 4. View Video: "Malala Returns to School" (whole group) 5. Video Discussion Questions (whole group) 6. Central Ideas and Supporting Details (handout) (If you did not get a handout, use the following link to get a digital copy - Malala Central Ideas Handout) 7. Make sure that you have all missing work and recent work turned in!!

Homework: 1. Finish the Central Ideas and Supporting Details Handout on "Malala the Powerful" article 2. Quiz tomorrow on the "Malala the Powerful" article and Plural/Possessive Nouns 3. Remind parents of the final parent technology training

__**Wednesday, 10/9/13 - Unity Day!!! :)**__

No academic classes today - Anti-Bullying Campaign/Activities - Please see your SURGE teacher at 8:00 AM for your special schedule for the day!! :)

__**Tuesday, 10/8/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Quick Write! 3. Pre-Read and Look at Text Features 4. Read the Article. "Malala the Powerful" - "Malala the Powerful" PDF, once on your own for the flow. You can listen to the article read if you'd like, but make sure to follow along! 5. Listen to the article read by the author. 6. Second Close read of article and Complete close-reading questions on Malala - Close-Reading Questions on LMS

Homework: 1. Finish **Close-Reading Questions** on LMS on the Malala article (see link above) 2. Missing work due by Thursday, 10/10/13!! Tutoring after school Tuesday!!

__**Monday, 10/7/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in signed class progress report (if not turned in already) and illustrated plot line from Friday 3. Warm Up: Plural and Possessive Nouns in notebook 4. Independent Reading 5. Reading Journal Entry - make sure that you follow the format!!!

Homework: 1. Finish your third reading journal entry - make sure that you are following the format!! 2. Missing work due by Thursday, 10/10/13!!! Tutoring after school Monday and Tuesday!!!

__**Week 5:**__ __**Monday, 9/30/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Warm Up: Common and Proper Nouns in your composition notebook 3. Independent Reading 4. Reading Journal Entry in the back section of composition book - make sure that you follow the template/guide you glued in the back cover of your notebook!!

Homework: 1. Make sure your reading journal entry is complete - all parts!! Use the template to guide you!! Journals will be collected later this week for points/feedback!! 2. Let parents know, if missed all of the technology trainings, the FINAL training will be Thursday, October 10th from 6:00-7:30 PM in the auditorium!! 3. Fundraiser Turn-in Day is TOMORROW, 10/1!! 4. Back to School Night is Wednesday, 10/2 from 5:30-7:00 PM!!!

__**Tuesday, 10/1/13 - Fundraiser Turn-In to your 1st Period Teacher!! Bring Order Forms and $$!!**__

1. Write down homework in planner! 2. Warm Up: Spelling Rule -//ed// and -//ing// 3. Read "Up the Slide" by Jack London on pg. 154 in your textbook 4. Review and Assess Questions on pg. 162

Homework: 1. Finish Review and Assess Questions on pg. 162 due tomorrow, 10/2/13!! 2. Remind your parents about Back to School Night tomorrow, 10/2/13 from 5:30-7:00 PM!!

__**Wednesday, 10/2/13 - Back to School Night tonight from 5:30-7:00 PM**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Go over and discuss Review and Assess Questions from pg. 162 3. Discuss Conflict within the story and do activity on graphic organizer!! - 4. Illustrate conflict(s) within the story on graphic organizer

Homework: 1. Finish Conflict graphic organizer on "Up the Slide" from class!! 2. Bring parents to Back to School Night tonight!! 3. Make sure all missing work is turned in!!

__**Thursday, 10/3/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in conflict graphic organizer 3. Independent Reading and Turn in journal 4. Review Plot of "Up the Slide" 5. Illustrated Plot Line with a partner due at the end of class! No exceptions!!

Homework: 1. Study and review for quiz on "Up the Slide," focusing on plot and conflict 2. Get class Progress Report Signed!!


 * Presentation given to parents at Back to School Night -** [[file:8th Grade ELA 2012-2013 Parent Version.ppt]]

__**Friday, 10/4/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in signed class Progress Report 3. Take "Up the Slide" quiz on LMS 4. Illustrated Plot Line on "Up the Slide"

Homework: 1. Finish Illustrated Plot Line on "Up the Slide" due Monday, 10/7!! 2. Missing Work due Thursday, 10/10!!

Have a great weekend!! :)

__**Week 4:**__ __**Monday, 9/23/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner and turn in Found Poem from Friday 2. Grammar Warm Up: Conquering Verb Tense - 3. Read Independent Reading Book 4. Reading Journal Entry Protocol - 5. Work on first journal entry

Homework: 1. Finish Journal Entry 2. Check grade (posted on wall) and turn in missing work! 3. Remind parents of technology training tonight in the auditorium from 6:00-7:30 PM

__**Tuesday, 9/24/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Read Independent Reading Book 3. Close Read William Sydney Porter (aka O. Henry) Biography - 4. Work on determining the main ideas of each paragraph 5. Determine and write a 1-2 sentence main idea for the overall text

Homework: 1. Make sure you've close read and determined the main ideas of each paragraph of the text. 2. Write a 1-2 sentence main idea of the overall text on the back of the page and include 3 key details to support main idea! 3. Turn in missing work! 4. Last "Duck Day" is Friday for the fundraiser!!!

__**Wednesday, 9/25/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in and review homework on Main Idea of William Sydney Porter (aka O. Henry) Biography 3. Read aloud "A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry and discuss 4. Review and Assess questions on pg. 250 in the text book on a separate sheet of paper - Answer in COMPLETE sentences!

Homework: 1. Finish Review and Assess questions on pg. 250 in the text book on a separate sheet of paper - Answer in COMPLETE sentences!! 2. Last "Duck Day" is Friday for the fundraiser!! 3. Remind parents of last tech training on Friday, from 10:00-11:30 AM in the auditorium!!

__**Thursday, 9/26/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Warm Up: Nouns 3. Go over Review and Assess questions from pg. 250 on "A Retrieved Reformation" 4. Character Analysis of Jimmy Valentine and Claim about theme -

Homework: 1. Finish Character Analysis 2. Quiz tomorrow, Friday, 9/27!!

__**Friday, 9/27/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in homework (Character Analysis of Jimmy Valentine) 3. "A Retrieved Reformation" Quiz on LMS 4. Independent Reading or Work on Missing work

Homework: 1. Work on any missing work! 2. Only 2 Weeks until first Progress Report goes home!! 3. Fundraiser Turn in Day (Order forms and Money) is TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1st!!!

__** Week 3: **__ __** Monday, 9/16/13 **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Read aloud "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes - pg. 170 in your brown literature book 3. Discuss the story and brainstorm for letter to Mrs. Jones 4. Begin Letter to Mrs. Jones from Roger (As if 10 years later) -

Homework: 1. Write your 3-4 paragraph letter to Mrs. Jones acting as Roger following prompt above - Due tomorrow, 9/17!! 2. First parent technology training tonight, in the auditorium from 6:00 - 7:30 PM

__** Tuesday, 9/17/13 - Fall Fundraiser Kick Off!! **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Revise and Edit your letter to Mrs. Jones 3. Re-write your letter, if necessary 4. Read your independent reading book quietly

Homework: 1. Finish your final draft of your letter to Mrs. Jones by tomorrow, 9/18!!

__** Wednesday, 9/18/13 **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in your letter to Mrs. Jones (if not already turned in) 3. Take notes on Theme in English notebook 4. Discuss and write a claim for the implied theme in "Thank You, M'am" 5. Begin "'Thank You, M'am' Implied Theme" activity on LMS

Homework: 1. Make sure the first part of the "'Thank You, M'am' Implied Theme" activity is completed (questions 1 and 2, as well as the chart with evidence from the text to support theme claim)

__** Thursday, 9/19/13 **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Reading independent reading book silently (worth points!) 3. Review how to write a solid paragraph analyzing the text/theme 4. Finish all of the implied theme activity for "Thank You, M'am" 5. If finished before class ends, create and illustrate a combined symbol for the story/theme of "Thank You, M'am"

Homework: 1. Finish all of the implied theme activity for "Thank You, M'am," including the 8 sentence paragraph analyzing the theme! 2. Remind parents that the second parent technology training is tomorrow, Friday, 9/20 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM!

__**Friday, 9/20/13 - Fundraiser Turn In Day!! Get your ducks!!**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Read independent reading book silently (worth points!) 3. Discuss Found Poem 4. Create Found Poem using Informational Text

Homework: 1. Finish Found Poem (including illustration!) for Monday, 9/23!!

__** Week 2: **__ __** Monday, 9/9/13 **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in "Walk a Mile in My Shoe" 3. Go to Library and check out text books (make sure name is inside front cover!) - You should also have checked out an independent reading book! 4. Read and Discuss "Harlem Night Song" by Langston Hughes 5. Answer Review and Assess Questions about the poem on a separate sheet of paper in COMPLETE sentences (use the question in the answer!)

Homework: 1. Finish Review and Assess Questions on "Harlem Night Song" by tomorrow, Tuesday, 9/10/13

__** Tuesday, 9/10/13 **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in "Harlem Night Song" questions 3. Set up class "Warm Up/Reading Journal" using your illustration to glue on cover! 4. Close read "The Harlem Renaissance" informational text 5. Answer text dependent questions on the informational text in COMPLETE and THOROUGH sentences/responses!!

Homework: 1. Finish Text Dependent Questions on "The Harlem Renaissance" informational text by tomorrow, Wednesday, 9/11/13

__** Wednesday, 9/11/13 **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Login to LMS (http://lms.sandi.net) and enroll in Ms. Siracusa's class - (see Ms. Siracusa if you need to do this!) 3. Write Forum Post for The Harlem Renaissance (use homework to help get you started!) 4. Respond to two classmates' forum posts constructively 5. Turn in your responses to the text dependent questions that was for HW

Homework: 1. Finish Forum post on LMS and have responded to two classmates' ideas

__** Thursday, 9/12/13 (Picture Day!!!) **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Warm Up: //Then vs. Than// in your composition class notebook 3. Finish Forum if necessary on LMS 4. Langston Hughes Scavenger Hunt on LMS

Homework: 1. None!

__** Friday, 9/13/13 **__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Finish Langston Hughes Scavenger Hunt on LMS 3. Finish any other assignments that are not yet turned in

Homework: 1. Make sure Langston Hughes Scavenger Hunt is completed on LMS 2. Remind parents of the MANDATORY Technology Training that they MUST attend! Parent(s) must attend only ONE of the following:
 * Monday, 9/16 @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM
 * Friday, 9/20 @ 10:00 - 11:30 AM
 * Monday, 9/23 @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM
 * Friday, 9/27 @ 10:00 - 11:30 AM

__**Week 1:**__ __**Monday, 9/2/13**__

No School!! :)

__**Tuesday, 9/3/13**__

1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Icebreaker: Toilet Paper 3. Small Group Work: Think-a-Grams!

__**Wednesday, 9/4/13**__

1. Write down H.W. in your planner 2. Syllabus and Course Overview 3. Expression of Self Illustration Activity

Homework: 1. Signed syllabus due tomorrow, Thursday, 9/5!! 2. Expression of Self Illustration due Friday, 9/6!!

__**Thursday, 9/5/13**__

1. Write down homework in planner 2. Turn in signed syllabus to Ms. S 3. "Walk a Mile in My Shoe" Activity

Homework: 1. Expression of Self Illustration due Friday, 9/6 (by the end of class!) 2. "Walk a Mile in My Shoe" Activity due Monday, 9/9! 3. Signed syllabus (if not already turned in!)

__**Friday, 9/6/13**__

1. Finish Expression of Self Illustration and submit to Ms. S 2. Finish "Walk a Mile in My Shoe" Activity - due on Monday when you walk in!!

Homework: 1. "Walk a Mile in My Shoe" due on Monday, 9/9 when you walk in!! 2. Enjoy your weekend! :) We start Unit 1 on Monday!!
 * Text book check out on Monday, 9/9!!!! Please bring last year's ID card to expedite process!!! :)**