December update

Hey guys - How'd you do on some of your quizes today?
In Health you had your vocabulary quiz. It was an easy matching quiz, so all of you should have gotten an 'A'. In Reading you had to pick 4 out of 6 stories to write a short essay about.It's open book so you should have no problem. If you didn't finish you'll get a chance tomorrow to complete the essays. Don't forget to be working on your index cards for your research project.
In Math you should be practicing problems on page 52-54, which can also be done online. We will have a Chapter 1 Math Test on Monday. Be sure you are ready for your Science quiz tomorrow. Study and practice Station Models. The Test will start tomorrow and be completed on Monday.
Friday 18th is jeans day with a holiday shirt
Monday 21st will be the December gathering from 2-3
Wed. 23rd - 1:00 locker clean out then classroom Christnas parties 2-3
NO SCHOOL Thursday December 24th until we return on Monday January 4th, 2010
Have a blessed Christmas break. Be safe, enjoy time with your family and friends, and remember the true reason that we have this time off! See you next year!!

December Update

Reading - Mon. and Tues., Dec. 14th and 15th we will practice essays for our unit test

Wed., 16th - Unit Test Part 1 - Vocabulary

Thurs., the 17th Unit Test Part 2 - Comprehension/Essays

Frid., 18th - complete essays - no later than today!

Writing - Research Project Note Card Check - you should have atleast 5 cards front and back

Outline Due Dec. 21st - you will work on final draft during Christmas break

Science - We continue our study of clouds, the ingredients to make a cloud, and students will make a cloud in lab class.

Social Studies - there will be a quiz middle of next week

Math - Next week we will move to 1.8 Properties, which completes Chapter 1. We will have a review/practice days then we will have our Chapter 1 Test before Christmas break. When we return we will move on to Chapter 2 - One step and multistep equations.

Health - Media influences

Important Dates

Dec. 16th - Report Cards go hone

Dec. 16-17 - Holiday Concert for the students (divided by grades)

Dec. 18th - Holiday Assembly 8:30 and 9:30

Dec. 21th - MS Gathering

Dec. 23rd - Honor Roll Assembly 10:00 and class Christmas parties -

No School from December 24th to January 3rd - Return Monday January 4, 2010

Enjoy your family, be safe, rememer the true meaning of Christmas!
Have a blessed Christmas!





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It's December!

Here it is December and I'm sure this month will go by quickly.
Here are some important dates and information.
Friday the 4th - Grammar - Quiz on Nouns
Wed. 9th - Picture Make-up Day
Friday the 18th - Grammar Unit Test
Writing - We will be starting our Research Project which you will receive 3 subject grades. (Writing, Science, Technology). More detailed information will follow soon.
Reading - We'll continue "Lady or The Tiger" and have a test next week.
Math - If you have retesting to complete, be sure to get it done and handed in Friday 4th. Science Test on Waves - Mon. 7th
Social Studies Quiz on Chapter 5.1 - Mon. 7th
Grades go in on Tuesday, so this is your last chance to bring your grades up n all classes.
Also on Monday the 7th is PCA's Winter Pep Rally - wear team or school color shirt with uniform pants. Next week the Holiday Store will be opened and on the 18th is the Holiday Music Assembly.

Week of November 16th

THIS WEEK:

*******BRING IN NON-PERISHABLE FOODS for the food bank field trip******** Put in the red box in my classroom....Thank you!

• Monday 16th - Grammar Quiz on Nouns
• Tuesday 17th - SCIENCE TEST - Study your notes and study guide
• Wed. - Frid. - I will not be at school. Any questions or problems that need immediate attention, please contact the individual teacher of that subject area. You can also e-mail me, as I will be checking my e-mails each day. In Social Studies everyone will continue working on their presentations from Chapter 2-4
• Friday 29th - Pajama Day (wish I were able to be there) ... Health Vocab. Quiz

Next week:

• Monday 23rd - "Terrible Things" Reading and Vocab. Test ... For my advisement group - be ready to write atleast 3 things that you are thankful for.
• Tuesday 24th - Community Service Day Field Trip to the Food Pantry and a State Park - Be sure to pack your lunch and a drink
• Wed. 25th - NO SCHOOL
• Thursday 26th - HAPPY THANKSGIVING! We are all blessed in many ways....take time to be thankful!
• Friday 27th - NO SCHOOL
• Monday 30th - NO SCHOOL
• See you on Tuesday December 1st - yep..December!

JUST A REMINDER - NO SCHOOL WEDNESDAY the 11th
Friday 13th - Reading/Vocab. Quiz on "Two Were Left"
Friday 13th - Flu Shots for middle school students with signed and returned permission slips December 1st - Picture retakes from 9-10

• PLEASE remember others that are less fortunate than us and don't have enough food to eat. Things that we are so blessed and thankful for. So PLEASE HELP and BRING in non-perishable food items (such as canned food) for our Advisement food drive competition. Drop items in my red box in my room. Thank you for caring!

First week of November

Math - Quiz on 1.1,1.2,1.3 on Friday
Science - Activity 10 Mixing and Melting Heat Energy and Temp.II (see Mrs. Bullen's blog)
Social Studies - Chapter 1 Test - then moving to Chapter 2 & 3 presentations
ELA - Writing - Short Story Due Tuesday/ Grammar - Chapter 2 - Nouns/Reading - New story and vocab. (refer to Mrs. Muldoon's blog for more details)
ADVISEMENT - Please remember to bring in non-perishable food items for our food drive. Go around your neighborhood and ask for donations, even 1 can from each neighbor is better than none. All items must be in my red box in my classroom by Friday the 20th. All items will be taken to the food bank during our service day on Tuesday 24th. Thank-you for your donations!
IMPORTANT DATES
Nov. 11th - NO SCHOOL (Veteran's Day)
Nov. 12th - High School Info. Night 5:30-7:30
Nov. 18th - Thanksgiving Lunch (parents welcome)
Nov. 20th - Pajama Day!
Nov. 24th - Community Service Day Field Trips
Nov. 25th - Thanksgiving Break - Have a blessed Thanksgiving - Be sure to think about all that you have to be thankful for.
Nov. 30th - Conferences (No Students) (Middle school holding conferences 12th,13th, 19th)
Dec. 1st - Back to School

LAST DAY of OCTOBER

Friday, October 30th - Come dressed in your Halloween costume, but remember no blood, guts, violence, revealing, etc. It is not jeans day, so don't come as a teenager in jeans! At 2:00 we will have a school-wide parade. Those who wear costumes will be in the parade, those that just wear school uniform will watch. At 2:30 there will be grade level parties, which will include a food and drink room, a movie room and a music room. Don't forget to come back to school from 6-9pm for the Halloween dance. Mrs. Lewis and I are the chaperones, we'll have a great time! Hope to see you there.

LAST WEEK OF OCTOBER

Progress Reports will go home with students this Wednesday the 28th


• ELA - Most important is that all 8th grade students and their parents should go to Mrs. Muldoon's blog and read about your assignments. You have your short story and book report due along with a reading vocab test and grammar test coming up.


• Math - at the end of this week we will have a quiz on adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers. We will have a review the next couple days. The following week we plan to move on to one step equations, followed by multiple step equations.


• Social Studies - We will continue and soon complete Chapter 1


• Science - TBA
• Health - TBA
• Tutoring starts the first week of November. I will be tutoring 8th grade Math on Mondays and Wednesdays. Is your name on my list? Be sure to attend on "your" day. Tutoring is from 3:45 to 4:45 and parents MUST pick you up on time! They can pick you up outside at the middle school door.

• Halloween Haunting Friday Oct. 23rd 7-10pm, admission $5 - students in elementary must be accompanied by a parent, others must be picked up by 10pm sharp!
• Book Fair: Monday, Oct. 25th
• Phillies Spirit Day: Support the Phillies in the 2009 World Series by wearing a Phillies shirt with uniform pants on Wednesday, Oct. 28th
• 8th students - be sure to check out your individual teacher blogs for assignments, especially Mrs. Muldoon's which gives you important info. on your book report and other assignments due soon. If you are not done reading your book, you must complete it this weekend!

Friday, October 16th

It is important for all students to go to Mrs. Muldoon's blog site.

Monday, October 12th

• ELA - Last week directions were given to all students to take home for the book report. All classes are completing a book report on Power Point that is due October 29th. NO reports will be accepted later then the 29th! Grammar - Quiz on Wed. 14th on Chapter 1 - Lessons 5-8. Reading - 8A will have a reading and vocab. Quiz on CinderEdna on Thurs. 15th. Visit Mrs. Muldoon's blog for more details.
• MATH - This week all of 8th grade will be reviewing and having quizes. Be sure to review your study guide. Students will have homework practice worksheets Monday through Thursday. Be sure to study for all quizes, everyone can get an "A"!!
• SCIENCE - Tuesday you will have a Test on KE and GPE - study your notes!
• SOCIAL STUDIES - This week we'll work on Chapter 1 Vocabulary and Key terms. Be prepared that you will probably have a quiz this week.


• Wednesday 14th wear a pink shirt for breast cancer awareness (no writing on the shirt unless it is a breast cancer shirt). You must still wear uniform pants (ie:khaki) Also on Wed. 14th is the Powder Puff football game - girls play and boys cheer....both boys and girls should wear pink shirts. Don't miss it, we'll have a great time!!!


• Thursday 15th is Back to School night - visit class and tour school. Tell you parents that this is NOT CONFERENCES!!


• Be sure you are finished with all of your work. Grades go in Wed. 14th pm and will be calculated Thurs.. An incomplete paper is a -O-. Progress Reports will go home Wed. 28th.

Polytech High School Info.

All 8th grade students will come home today with a red packet from Polytech High School. Included in this packet is a booklet and application for admission. Put on your calendar, November 2nd there will be a field trip for students to Polytech HS, leaving PCA and going to Polytech for a tour. Permission slips will come home soon. On Saturday, November the 21st, Polytech has their Open House, which is when the parents will attend a tour with their student. Applications will be accepted starting the day of Open House, the 21st. Keep in mind that last year there were 2 times the number of applications as space available, so get your application in early! In January acceptance letters will be mailed out.

October 6th - Important Reminders

• Polytech High School Assembly will be held tomorrow, Wed. 7th, 9-10. Parents are invited. Have 3 questions ready to ask. Even if you aren't planning on attending Polytech, any high school you plan to attend you would still ask the same 3 questions.
• Fiction book report due October 29th - Poster or Power Point Presentation - finish reading your book and take notes after each chapter. Read atleast a chapter every day!
• Science Retests this week - study your notes, we will review before the test. This week we are starting a poster project and we will have a test next Tuesday.
• Math - We will finish percent changes and move on to markup and discounts, you will also take a multiplication facts test this week, review the facts table
• NO SCHOOL this Friday the 9th (In-service for teachers)
• Wednesday, October 14th - Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month - For a smalll donation, you can wear a pink top with uniform pants...and don't forget that from 4-6 is the powder-puff football game. Female teachers, students (5th-8th), and relatives over age 10 will play non-tackle football, AND Mr. Pinder and the male teachers and students will be our cheerleaders (wearing pink ofcourse!!!) It only costs $3 to play and what fun you'll have...believe me, you'll laugh for 2 hours....and it goes to help breast cancer awareness. So don't miss the fun!!
• Back to school night on Thursday October 15th from 5 to 7
• Don't miss the Annual PCA Halloween Haunting, Friday, October 23rd from 7-10
• Our monthly Middle School Gathering will be Monday, the 26th
• Wednesday, the 28th progress reports go home....be sure your doing your very best!
• Friday, the 30th is the middle school Halloween Dance - don't miss it, we'll have a blast!!!

October 1st

Can you believe it, here it is the first of October. The weather is changing so think about your attire, listen to the weather or check on your computer so you'll be dressed appropriately.

• There will be a quiz tomorrow in Social Studies on Section 2 - just read over the notes from yesterday and you'll do fine!
• Your Health test on Stress is on Monday...and you won't be stressed about it if you study, so don't forget! You have plenty of good information on your study guide...the one we used in class for the game. Be prepared!

Week of September 28th

• Today, Monday the 28th - Most of you were able to attend the gathering today...a great time had by all!! Let's all work hard to have everyone go to the end of October gathering. The end of October will also offer a middles school dance and halloween haunting (more to come on both of these fun events).
• Some of you need to retake the Grammar quiz. Some also need to retake the Science quiz. Be sure to come to Tues. or Wed. workroom to retest. In all subjects, you only have one retest opportunity to bring up your grade, so be sure to study!! You will get your Social Studies quiz and Math quiz back tomorrow.
• This week you will have your first Reading and vocabulary test on the "Tell-Tale Heart" story. Wednesday we will have a review and have the test on Thursday.
• Check back later this week for further information.

Thursday, September 24th

• Tomorrow (Friday the 25th) you will still have a Quiz in Math Grammar, and Social Studies. Everyone should be able to get and "A" on all of trhe quizes. Review your notes and you'll do fine! In Math you will be able to use your notes so if you took good notes, especially today for the review, you will do great!
• Science Quiz has been post-poned until Monday!
• Tomorrow, Friday the 25th, is jeans day, for ONLY the homerooms that turned in all of the blue cards.

Wednesday 9/23/09

• Tonight be sure to write sentences for each of your 8 vocabulary words. Your sentences should each have atleast 8 words in them. There will be a Writing/Grammar Quiz on Friday the 25th .
• There will also be a Math Quiz on proportions, the same day, (this Friday the 25th). You will be able to use your class notes for the Math quiz so I hope you took good notes, steps, and examples. Tomorrow, Thursday, will be review so be sure to check your notes during class.

September 21-25

• Reading - Quiz tomorrow, Tuesday 22nd. The quiz will be on reading strategies and part of fiction reading. Be sure to study your notes. All students should have picked a fiction book that they will be reading for their report. This is due Friday, Sept. 25th.
• Writing - Quiz Friday, Sept. 25th on Chapter 1 - Lesson 1-4
• Math - Be sure to practice your multiplication facts, you must memorize them. You will be working with multiplication, division, fractions, probability, and more...all which need multiplication facts.
• Electives - start tomorrow (Tues. 22nd) - If you are in an outdoor elective be sure to dress accordingly for the elective (ie: walking elective needs sneakers)
• Advisement will be on Mondays - next Monday we have a scheduled fundraiser assembly at 2:00 and possibly the first gathering. If there is not a gathering we will have advisement, otherwise it will start the following week.
• More to come......

Ok it's the 2nd week of school, so everyone should be adjusted and ready for everything that is required for school. If you do not have the required supplies (composition journal book, dividers in a 3 ring binder, gym uniform, etc.) you must get everything before the end of his week.
Lockers - 7th and 8th grade students must remember that when you get to school do not go directly to special. You need to go to your locker. All cell phones must be turned off and left in your locker. Keep in mind the times you get to go to your lockers: in the morning before special, before 3rd period, before and after lunch, and after elective....so get what you need for the classes in between those times.
Friday's celebration - Don't forget about our grand opening celebration this Friday the 18th from 1:00 to 3:00. The ceremony starts at 1:00 and then immediately following (between 2:00 and 3:00) students will go back to their classroom and then guests will tour all of the buildings. Students should NOT be outside or in the halls. All students must be in their classrooms. We are hoping for a sunny, no rain afternoon. I just listened to the weather report and they said 75 and sunny...hurray! By the way, students will be sitting (not standing) on the grass, so be sure to bring a towel to sit on. Be sure to invite your parents and neighbors and even friends that go to another school, they might want to attend PCA next year!
Next week you will start to see me more regularly in each subject classroom. If you are struggling or need help with anything please let me know. I want everyone to stay on track for success and I am here to be sure you are succesful. Just remember, never give up...you CAN be successful!!

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

Mark your calendars....we will be having a grand opening celebration this Friday the 18th from 1:00 to 3:00. This will be a special ceremony and tour for the public, held on our beautiful PCA campus. Please tell your parents, family, friends, neighbors, to come. Students will come together as a class and return to their class after the ceremony. Guests will be able to tour all three buildings immediately following the ceremony. There will be many important guests attending, so please remember your manners and be on your very best behavior.

We made it to the end of the first week ....

and it went great! I'm very proud of how well everyone did the first week of school, with all of the adjustments. Today with the hard rain and wind, I don't think anyone slipped on the floors. That means you followed the "walk in the halls" rule...thank you. Miss Cody had a scavenger hunt today that everyone enjoyed. I was impressed how well you played and showed Miss Cody how good you are at team work. I also appreciate the respect and questions that you had in Mr. Hudson's afternoon class when we watched and disussed the events of 9-11-2001. You had some very good questions. Along with that, you listened intently to President Obama speaking to you about how important it is to stay in school, work hard to be successful and you CAN do it! Next week we get busy, so get a good nights sleep Sunday night and eat a good breakfast every morning. If you haven't gotten all of your supplies be sure to get them this weekend.
Everyone took home their first PCA Paw Print and calendar. Be sure your parents read all of the important dates and information. I will post all the event dates next week, along with homework assignments, so be sure to check my blog often. Have a great weekend!

DAY 2

Well everyone made it through day 2 and I witnessed smiles most all day! You are all doing a great job getting used to the new school, new cafeteria, new classes, new teachers, new rules. It just proves that all of the hard work by our wonderful administration, staff, teachers, and ofcourse the building contractors was well worth it....everyone benefits!
Most of you remember how it was the last few years....so when you see Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Erschen, and Ms. Messick be sure to thank them for all that you have here at PCA this year!
If it wasn't for them, PCA wouldn't be what it is today!
If you ever have any concerns, questions, or even praises...don't hesitate to let me know either in person or e-mail at sjilek@pca.k12.de.us .
See you tomorrow....

Our First Day of School

It was a GREAT first day of school!

Everyone was so excited to see each other and I think everyone was happy with their classes.

Here are a few things for you to remember:

• Most of you have papers to get signed by your parents (ie: agenda book, grading policy, the nurses emergency card that was mailed to your parents over the summer).
• Check your supplies and be sure you have everything that each of your teachers are requiring you to have. Remember that your lockers are small so keep in mind what will fit and was is really needed.
• For Muldoon's class be sure you bring in a composition book and cover your reading book.
• This year you will be required to wear a PE uniform. You must wear a crew neck tshirt (colors: black, white, navy blue, white, or gray), shorts or sweatpants (black, white, navy blue, or gray). You are not allowed to particpate unless in uniform.
• You are responsible to put a lock on your lockers, however the combination or spare key must be given to your homeroom teacher or you will NOT be allowed to put a lock on the locker.
• Don't forget your lunch or lunch money. It is important for you to eat. You can put as much money into your lunch account as you want. It's easier to put in a lump sum for the month, then you don't have to worry about not having it. Your lunch is $2.25. When available cookies, snacks, and ice cream, etc. cost extra.

See you tomorrow for Day 2!

See you on Tuesday the 8th

WOW - the Meet and Greet night was awesome! It was so nice to see so many faces from last year and the new faces that will be joining the PCA student family. Have a great Labor Day weekend; the weather is suppose to be 85* and sunny... so enjoy it! We'll see you on Tuesday the 8th, the start of our new school year at our new school campus. It will be a great year!

2009-2010 School Year

Gosh the summer went by fast....and here it is the beginning of the 2009 -2010 school year!

I hope everyone had a great summer and you're ready for an awesome year in our new school. It is so beautiful and we are all so very excited about our new school home! The teachers and staff are busy at work getting everything ready. Below are the first important dates for you to mark on your calendars. I plan to update my blog atleast a couple times a month, if possible every weekend. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions or concerns. If I don't have the answer I will find it. Sooooo, get ready, get set, let's go!!!!

• Meet and Greet - Wednesday, September 2nd from 5-7pm
• No School - Labor Day - Monday, September 7th
• First Student Day - Monday, September 8th

LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL! and my last blog for this school year...

Well guys this is the last weekend....Monday the 8th will be your last week of school for this school year. Here's what's happening the last week...

• Monday 8th - All 8th grade students will get to tour our beautiful new school. Although you are moving on to high school, I had many kids ask me if they were going to get to see the new school before they leave. I talked to Mr. Taylor and he said he would be happy to be our tour guide. So, ONLY the 8th grade will be getting the FIRST student tour of the completed new PCA campus. We are also planning an exciting Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony/Open House Celebration on September 18th, and everyone is invited. It will be opened to the public from 1-3 and we hope we have a great turn out. So come back with your friends and family on Sept. 18th, you'll be glad you did! So, you will get to tour it first, this Monday the 8th at 9:00 after special. You won't believe your eyes....heck, you won't want to leave after seeing our new school, it's so awesome!!! I'm so excited I can't stand it! Because we plan to walk to the new school, if it rains on Monday we will tour it on Tuesday instead. So please be sure to come to school, you don't want to miss it!
• Tuesday the 7th - Honor Roll Assembly at 1:15 and new school tree planting
• Wednesday the 10th - it's our last field trip....to Dorney Park. Let's all pray for a beautiful sunny day! Don't forget to dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes for walking and riding rides. Girls, be sure that you wear/take a one piece bathing suit. If you wear a two piece suit you must have a t-shirt over it all day, even a tankinie. Keep in mind you might get wet during the day, but also keep in mind that you must carry everything you bring. A small backpack might be good. Bring a bag lunch, drink and snack. Bring money for souvenirs, food, and drinks in the park. Be sure your parents know to pick you up no later than 8:00pm, unless they get a call telling them otherwise. It's a school night and teachers must get home, some drive 45 minutes home, so please respect that, and remember they've spent 12 hours with you, so parents need to be on time!
• On Thursday the 11th - Field Day - Wear your field day t-shirts and appropriate shorts or gym pants. A bottle of water would be a good idea too. Once again we will pray for a beautiful warm sunny day! Field day will be ALL day.
• Finally, on Friday the 12th - the LAST day of school!!! YIPPIE!!! If you have a year book bring it for everyone to sign. If you don't have a yearbook, maybe you had everyone sign your field day t-shirt on field day. I have picked and gotten approved the movie ""Remember the Titans". It's a great movie and administration said it would be ok, so on Friday you will get to watch it half in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. If you want to bring bags of popcorn, we will pop them as we did before and share. Keep in mind that we must have multiple bags for there to be enough for everyone.
• YOU'RE DONE.. HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!!

So summer is here and you made it!!! Congratulations!!! Can you believe it, come September you will be officially a high school student...how cool is that?! I am very proud of all of you. Stay true to yourself. Remember right from wrong. Hang out with the right crowd...remember that if you hang out with the wrong crowd, and even if you are innocent...you get the reputation of being like them. So be smart, make wise choices, you have a brain so think for yourself, work hard, but have fun, enjoy high school...you only get to go through this life once ....do it right!!! Be happy, keep your eyes on your goals, enjoy life....and don't forget to stay in touch and invite me to your high school graduation. I'll miss you guys....God Bless! Mrs. Jilek "Nana"

THE BIG DAY - CONGRATULATIONS!

• Tomorrow, June 2nd wear your advisement t-shirt with school appropriate pants or skirt.

The time has come....it's graduation day! I am so excited for all of you. You have worked hard and reached your goal. I am so very proud of each of you. Everyone learns at a different pace and level; each of you having your own personal goals, expectations, and degrees of success. You are all a success and I am very proud of what you have accomplished this year! I look forward to seeing you graduate from PCA and again in 4 years from high school. Always keep your eyes on the goal and remember if you want it bad enough it is worth the effort! Best wishes to all of you. Congratulations! Mrs. Jilek

PS - Here are important details for graduation… Dress Code: Boys- Shirt, tie, dress pants, dress shoes. Girls- Blouse, Dressy Pants, Dress, or Skirt, with Dress Shoes (Wear shoes that you can walk in….and if your dress has straps…you need to wear something to cover your shoulders). Graduation Practice 9 am Tuesday morning - For graduation, students need to be at school no later than 6:30 pm Tuesday night! Graduation begins at 7 pm. Graduation should be about an hour. Reception immediately following in the cafeteria. Tickets are not required...but seating is on a first come first serve basis. Parents and relatives are welcome to take pictures. We ask that all audience members respect the importance and dignity of this celebration and allow all of our students to be recognized equally.

3 more school days til graduation!!

• JEANS DAY - Friday 29th - jeans and a purple or white top
• Make up testing for all teachers MUST be completed this week.... all final grades are being recorded this weekend (you don't want a " O" or "incomplete" on your report card)
• SSP - my advisement is all 100% - THANK YOU! (if you are not in my advisement group, talk to you advisor to be sure you are at 100%, it is a STATE of DE requirement in order to graduate from 8th and transition to 9th)
• No dates have changed yet, so refer to my list of dates (scroll down and click on "older posts", then go to "important dates" for end of year events, etc.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY !

Please take a few minutes this weekend and remember why we have this holiday. Remember those men and women who have given their lives and those that are still fighting to give all if us the freedoms that we have here in the United States of America. We have off of school and most have off of work so that we can remember and think about how blessed we all are. No matter how bad it is in our own lives, it could be worse....look in any direction and there is someone that is worse off or struggling more than you; so be happy, don't count your problems...count your blessings...somehow we are all blessed!!

• See you on Tuesday the 26th, the last work week for 8th graders.
• If you still have DSTP to finish you have Tues. and Wed. to get 'er done!
• ELA - Everyone will take the "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" final exam on Tuesday. If you haven't finished the book be sure to finish it this weekend.
• Math - Everyone will be working on Benchmarks W/T/F
• Social Studies - Everyone you will present their power point slide show, are you ready?
• Science - A few of you have to retest, be sure to get it done during any day of workroom
• Thanks to everyone in the entire school that made tie-cards for Mr. Mears. It was a beautiful site to see everyone in line giving him their congratulations and respect. He is a wonderful man and is very deserving of retirement. PCA will miss him!

MAY UPDATE

Here's what's going on - Yesterday and today you took the Science and Social Studies DSTP.
If you were absent either of the days, make up days are Thursday and Friday.
Tomorrow is Thursday the 21st - we have the spring concert assembly at 8am. After the assembly we will go to Reading class for a vocabulary quiz. In Social Studies you will have a review for the Chapter 15 Test.
Friday you will have a final grammar test. In social studies you will have your final test, on Chapter 15. If you review your study guide ou will do great!
Monday the 25th - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL ! - finish "Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry"
Tuesday the 26th - Final Exam on "Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry" - Be ready!
Wed. - Fri. 27th - 29th - Math Benchmark Testing (then you're done!)
Tues. June 2nd - 8th grade GRADUATION !
Tues. June 9 - Honor Roll Assembly
Wed. June 10 - Dorney Park Field Trip
Thurs. June 11 - Field Day All Day
Frid. June 12 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (students only, teachers still work next week)

9 school days left (for 8th graders)

• Everyone check your calendars.... by my count, there's only 9 school days left before 8th grade graduation! Yippie!!!!
• Tues.19th and Wed. 20th are DSTP days (Science and Social Studies)
• Monday the 25th - Memorial Day - No School!
• Finish reading Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry...the final exam will be Tuesday the 26th
• Vocabulary Quiz on Thursday 21st
• Math - the 27-29 Benchmark testing and then you're done!!!
• Social Studies - Power Point Presentations and the Chapter 15 Test is all you have left to get done for graduation, so do a great job on both things!
• Graduation is June 2nd
• Honor Roll Assembly is June 9th
• Field Day t-shirt money now due, only $7 - get one, it's fun to have everyone autograph it (field day will be the 11th - all day)
• Dorney Park trip money is now past due...hope you got your money in (trip is the 10th)
• Last Day of school (for students, teachers have to come back) is June 12th

SEE YOU AT THE FORMAL!

First week of May

Here it is May 6th - for ELA class please click on Mrs. Muldoon's blog. She just updated today about your assignments, so be sure to check it out. The 12th you will have a quiz on the new vocab. and Chapters 4 and 5. The 22nd you will probably have the final test on the book.
In Math class we will continue on slopes and probably have a quiz on slopes Friday.
In Science we started our last unit "Ecosystems". We will complete the unit and take the test the end of May. I will let you know the exact date later. You should be finished with your 4 slides and ready for presentation in Social Studies. Please check Mrs. Kuhners blog for PE and Health class informaton. "Important Dates" have not changed, so refer to my previous blog below for the dates to write on your calendar/agenda. Don't forget this weekend (Saturday) is the 8th grade formal from 7-10pm. Be sure your ride knows that you must be picked up by 10pm.

IT'S MAY

It's May 1st - Hope everyone enjoyed the field trip to Washington DC.
Next week, in Math we will be moving on to graphing slopes, then finally translations and reflections (slide, flip, turn).
On Monday you will have the Reading and Vocabulary Quiz on Chapter 1-3 of our book. Be sure to study the vocabulary.
In Social Studies, everyone should be finishing the 4 slides for their presentation.
On Monday ALL grades from all class will be recorded and the progress reports go home on Thursday the 7th.
Next weekend, Sat. 9th is the 8th grade formal...I'm excited! are you?
Check my previous blog list below of important dates for events after the 9th.
See you on Monday!!

APRIL WRAP-UP

Wow, what a month! Here it is the end of April already. We just got back from our Rockwall field trip and everyone had a great time! I wasn't able to climb, but it was fun watching and cheering all of you on. Some of the climbs were difficult and it was exciting to see you reach the top. Yep, just like school or any goal, stay focused, keep your eyes on the goal, keep going, don't give up, and you'll make it to the top! Remember that when you are trying to accomplish anything...you CAN be successful...just like your rockwall climbing experience.
So here's what going on ....
ELA - If you missed the grammar test this morning, be sure you make it up by the end of the week. In reading we will have a vocabulary and comprehension quiz on Chapters 1-3 from,
"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry". We will then continue reading. You should be on Chapter 4, if you're not, you need to catch up. Monday we will be done with Chapter 4 and moving on, so don't get behind.
Science - Yesterday everyone took the Solar System test. If you missed it you must complete the test before the end of the week.
Math - Tomorow (Thursday) we will see how well you remember and understand solving and graphing two variable equations. I have confidence in all of you...I'm sure you've got it!
Social Studies - Be sure to finish your 4 slides for your project presentation.
Health - See Mrs. Kuhner or her blog
Advisement - Monday we will discuss your egg drop and will make your egg drop poster for the science fair. We will also share our experiences at the Delaware Rockwall.

IMPORTANT DATES

This FRIDAY, May 1st - Washington DC field trip. Be sure to dress accordingly. Bring a bag lunch and drink. Also bring money for the dinner stop on the way home. The bus leaves at 8:15 and will return to PCA around 8:30.
Thurs. 6th - Progress Reports
Sat. 9th - 8th grade Formal 7:00pm-10:00pm
Sun. 10th - Mother's Day - Don't forget your mom!
Thurs. 14th - Last day of tutoring for the school year
Frid. 15th - Science Fair
Tues. 19th - Science DSTP
Wed. 20th - Social Studies DSTP
Thurs. 21st - DSTP makeups and Spring Concert Assembly
Frid. 22nd - DSTP makeups
Memorial Weekend - Enjoy the 4 day weekend - Be Safe!!
Mon. 25th - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
Tues. 26th - additional dstp makeup day
Wed. 27th - last dstp make up day
Tues. JUNE 2nd - 8th grade GRADUATION
Tues. June 9th - Honor Roll Assembly
Wed. June 10th - End of year all day field trip to Dorney Park
Thurs. June 11th - All Day Field Day at school
Friday June 12th - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for students

Here's what's happening!!

Science - Today we finished "Seasons" and tomorrow we start "Moons", which will be our last unit. Monday the 27th we will have a review and on Tues. the 28th the test. The test will include: Gravity, Tides, Seasons, Moon Phases, and a couple Planetary facts. Also on Monday the 27th, during advisement time, we will do the egg drop, so be ready!!! If you and your team members haven't prepared for the drop you best get moving! The following Monday, May 4th, during advisement you will make your Science Fair poster telling about your egg drop.

Math - Yesterday we reviewed graphing points (Unit 1 - Skill 6) and today we started "Relations Between Two Variables" (Unit 3 - Skill 11). This is where we find "the rule" between the variables. When you have mastered that, we will take it further and eventually use it for graphing.

Writing - Your Research Project was handed in yesterday, I hope! If you forgot anything, bring it in to Mrs. Muldoon tomorrow. You should have turned in the final report, the rough draft, your outline, and 15 index cards. For tonight's homework you are to write 8 sentences using linking verbs (am, i, are, look, taste, feel, seemed, become).

Reading - We are now reading "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry". You must have already turned in the Chapter 1-3 vocabulary word definitions and 10 of the words used in 10 sentences. For each chapter you should write a review page, which includes: visualize, question, predict, connect, and summary. Today's homework is to write the summary from what we've read so far.
Social Studies - You should have already started your project, which requires you to make a story board template with 4 slides, of which you'll present. Not hard!

Health/PE - Refer to Mrs. Kuhner's blog or check with her in person

UP COMING IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday 29th - Field Trip - Rockwall- dress appropriately to climb walls
Friday May 1st - Field Trip - Washington DC - be sure to bring a bag lunch and drink, also money for gift shops, and our pit stop on the way home for dinner.
Friday May 15th - Science Fair (your team poster will be displayed)
Monday May 25th - No School - Memorial Day
Tuesday June 2nd - GRADUATION - Congratulations to all 8th graduates!!!
Wednesday June 10th - Field Trip - Dorney Park
Thursday June 11th - Field Day (all day fun)
Friday June 12th - Last Day of School for students - Yippie!!

Class Update

Science - We will continue "Seasons" then move into "Moons". The Science Fair Egg Drop is Monday the 27th. Be sure your team is ready with all your supplies.

WELCOME BACK!

Well here it is Sunday the 19th, 1 day before we all go back to school.

I hope you had a great spring break!

See you tomorrow

• Be sure that your Research Project is done and ready to hand in. It is due this Tuesday, the 21st and no late papers will be accepted. With the final copy be sure to include the bibliography. You must also hand in your outline, rough draft and 15 index cards. It should all be bound together or in some type of folder.
• Be sure to check back next week for updates on all of your classes. I will also be reminding you of impotant dates coming up. We are coming to the end of the school year and many events are planned. Be sure to keep everything written in your agenda so you don't forget anything.

HAPPY EASTER !!!

HAPPY EASTER!!! I hope everyone has a safe and fun spring break. Enjoy you time off!!
Check back in a few days. I will update my blog in the next day or two with important school reminders.

End of March Update

Service Learning Day - Thursday, April 9th each grade will participate in serving our community. The 8th grade will be going to Killens Pond. Dress appropriately and pack a bag lunch and drink. When we return, from 2-3:15 you will either attend the m.s. gathering or a classroom service day celebration.
FYI - I will not be at school on Friday 3rd, Monday 6th and Thursday 9th

SCIENCE FAIR

Attention: Science Fair Date has been changed to May 15th

Class Update and Revised Date List

What's happening in your classes?

• Science - Most students got 100% on the "Tides" quiz today. Great job! Don't forget Skylogs are due tomorrow, Friday 27th
• Math - Tomorrow, Friday the 27th, we will have a Quiz on the Pytherogeom Therom. Next week we start graphing.
• Writing - Research Project Outline was due on the 25th and you should have 15 index cards. The completed project should be done on April 8th
• Grammar - Review of IO and DO
• Reading - Memorize your poem and be ready to present the 30th, 1st or 2nd (your day)
• Social Studies - we continue with Chapter 9
• PE/Health - I have not been able to be in class so check Mrs. Kuhners site
• Advisement - we will decide on our t-shirt color, design and logo off-line next Monday
• Electives - students switched and are now attending their new elective
• All DSTP make-ups have been completed - GOOD JOB EVERYONE!

Important Revised Date List (note dates that have been changed)

Fri. March 27th (tomorrow) - Jeans Day and appropriate school top

Mon. March 30th - Pajama day

Frid. April 3 - Fitness Day - dress accordingly

Mon. April 6 - Field Trip to Dupont Theatre 8:30-12 (dress nice), and Science Fair at school

Wed. April 8 - Jumprope/Dodgeball for heart (wear sneakers)

Fri. April 10 - Good Friday - NO SCHOOL, spring break until the 20th - HAPPY EASTER!

Mon. April 20 - Back to School!

Wed. April 29- Advisement Field Trip to the Rockwall 10:30-2:15 - dress to climb!

Thurs. April 30 - Middle School Gathering 2-3:15 (Are you able to go?)

Fri. May 1st - DC Field Trip 8:15-8:30pm

Sat. May 9th - 8th grade Formal 7:00-10:00PM

Mon. May 25th - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

Wed. June 3 - Graduation (tentative date)

Wed. June 10 - Dorney Park Field Trip 8:15-8:00PM

Thurs. June 11 - Field Day - ALL DAY!

Fri. June 12th - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

DONE!

• Today was the last day for DSTP's. Most everyone has completed all testing. If you were absent and missed a day of testing, you will have the opportunity next week to make it up.
• I am very proud of all of your hard work. Give yourself a pat on the back.
• I will probably be busy with make up testing next week, so you might not see me in many of the classes. Your teachers will be picking up from where we left off before testing.
• Be sure that you are on your way with your Research project. Don't forget it's due April 8th and no late papers will be accepted! No exceptions!
• I will be posting another blog to update everyone on important dates and class information sometime next week. Be sure to check back every day.
• Have a GREAT weekend!!

LAST DSTP DAY

Yippie, it's the last day of DSTP testing! Unless you missed a test day and haven't made it up yet, then tomorrow, Friday the 20th is your last day. Anyone that has to make up a day has all next week (until next Friday) to complete the testing. The test tomorrow is Writing. You will be given a writing prompt and will be required to brainstorm, pre-write a rough draft and write a final draft. Review my reminders below; come prepared and well rested.

MIDWEEK

Hey 8th grade, you're down to the home stretch on DSTP!
Tomorrow (Thursday the 19th) will be the first day for Writing, then Friday you will complete the writing portion and you're done! Remember all of the techniques that we used and practiced in writing class and you'll do great!

• Read and re-read the prompt so you understand what exactly you are to write about...then be sure to stay on that topic.
• Use the questions given after the prompt to help in brainstorming your thoughts and ideas.
• Plan your work by writing your thoughts and ideas down and organize it (web, outline). This pre-writing is very important and it will help you attain the best final copy.
• Use the R.A.C.E.R. method (Restate the question/prompt, Answer it completely, Cite examples, Elaborate by stretching your thoughts with details, Restate, returning back to the beginning)
• You may use a dictionary/thesarus, so bring one and take advantage of it; you don't want to lose points for spelling.
• After you write your first draft, then go back and edit. Be sure to correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.
• When you are ready you will write your final draft.
• Don't be in a hurry - before saying that you're done and handing it in, be sure to review it, read it to yourself, does it make sense?
• Get a good night's sleep, eat a good breakfast, bring a healthy snack (you'll probably need it), say a little prayer and don't stress, think positive!
• If you truly do your very best, then we can't ask for any more than that!

Round 2 of DSTP's

• First, let me say how proud I am of everyone during last week's DSTP days. I am sure you all put your best efforts forward.
• Round 2 of DSTP - Monday and Tuesday will be Reading DSTP - Be sure to get a good night's sleep, eat a good breakfast, say a prayer, don't stress just do your best!!!
• Please scroll down and review the DSTP Suggestions below.
• St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday the 17th - it was originally scheduled to be a jeans day, but don't forget it was changed to the 27th, so be sure to wear uniform clothes. I have contacted administration to see if students can wear green tops on Tuesday. Listen to the announcements.

DSTP's

For those of you that decided to check my blog tonight, I just have a short message for you.
Eat a good dinner. Go to bed early. Eat a good breakfast. Say a little prayer; and don't stress...just do your best!!

It's DSTP week

Wow, what a beautiful weekend!

Hope you enjoyed the great weather.

• The next 2 weeks are DSTP weeks.
• This Wednesday and Thursday, March 11th and 12th, is Math DSTP, with Friday used as a make-up day.
• Next Monday and Tuesday, March 16th and 17th will be Reading DSTP, with Wednesday for make-up.
• Thursday and Friday the 19th and 20th will be Writing DSTP.
• SUGGESTIONS for DSTP days- Be sure to get a good nights sleep. Eat a good breakfast. Be to school on time, and bring the following items each test day...
• a healthy snack and drink, no soda.
• 2-#2 pencils and eraser
• Regular Calculator
• Dictionary
• colored pencils or highlighters
• Book to read when done testing
• IMPORTANT - There will be NO electronics, including cell phones, allowed in a students possession during testing days. That includes in a bookbag, purse, or coat. Just don't even bring them to school on testing days. If you have it, the teacher will be taking it and keeping it until the end of the day. No electronics, including cell phones are ever to be used during the school day, testing day is no different, however you can not even have it in your possession on test days. All students have been warned!
• There will be NO after school tutoring during these 2 weeks.
• Jeans day which was scheduled for the 17th has been moved to the 27th, due to the 17th being a dstp day.
• The trimester ends on the 10th and Report Cards should be going home the 18th
• Although there will not be any daily homework assigned on dstp days, students must continue working on there Research Project, which is due on April 8th. Remember - NO projects will be accepted after April 8th. No regular daily homework, so this is a great opportunity to get most of it done. This is a major grade for ELA, Science and Computer Tech. so take this seriously.
• Monday the 9th - in Math we will finish the fractions test. On Tuesday, we will review graphing and answer any questions or concerns about the Math dstp.

MARCH Update

March came in like a LION... SNOW... SNOW... SNOW - OK enough is enough! It's beautiful and you got 2 days off, but we still have many things to get done.
First, the 8th grade after school college field trip that was scheduled for tonight, has been postponed. We do not know the new date yet. If you want to go and didn't hand in your permission slip, you now have time, so get it in.
Next, DSTP starts next week. March 11-13 Math, 16-18 Reading, 19-20 Writing. Be prepared! Have a good nights sleep and a good breakfast. It is important that you do well. Especially grade students. Keep in mind that the high school you plan or hope to go to sees your scores, so do you very best!
ELA - Writing - finish your time capsule letter
Grammar - Retests will only be accepted this week, so if you need to retest - do it now!
Reading - Open book essay unit test will be the end of this week - be ready!
Research Project - A major grade for ELA, Science, and Tech. ALL students were
given a packet explaining ALL requirements. Everyone should already have 3-4 index
cards completed. You wil need 6-8 index cards total. This research project is due April
8th and NO LATE PAPERS will be accepted. So plan to have it done before April 8th.

MATH - We are reviewing fractions (adding/subtracting, multiplying/dividing)

SCIENCE - We continue with our Solar System Unit this week talking about gravity

SOCIAL STUDIES - We continue in Chapter 8 - State and Local Gov. (8.4 Quiz this week)

HEALTH - We continue with Human Developement - retests must be completed this week

This Sunday, March 8th, Daylight Savings Time begins - Don't forget to change your clocks - SPRING FORWARD an hour!

March17th - St. Patrick's Day! Wear green and jeans

I hope you had a great 4 day weekend!
Today, Tuesday the 17th, we will have a small quiz in Science. We will start a "sky log" and will will continue the study of planets.
In Math you will have a writing prompt to explain how to find the area of a triangle.
Then the rest of this week we will work on finding the circumference and area of circles. On Friday you will have a quiz to see what you learned. Next week we will review order of operations, writing equations, and finding GCF and LCM. We will use that the following week to be sure we know how to add/subtract /multiply and divide fractions. Finally, we will review graphing and plotting points. This will be Monday and Tuesday March 9th and 10th. March 11th and 12th wil be Math DSTP with Friday as a make-up day.
ELA - Homework - Write a sentence using each correctly: their, they're, your, you're, its, it's, who's, whose. There will be a Chapter 3 Grammar Test this Friday.
Social Studies - We continue with Chapter 8 - tomorrow, Wed. 18th - Quiz on 8.2
Health -

IMPORTANT DATES
March 10th - Community Service Day/School-wide Gathering/End of 2nd trimester
March 11-12 DSTP Math
March 13 - Make-up day for Math/Rain date for community service
March 16-17 DSTP Reading/the 17th wear jeans and a green top
March 18 Make-up day for Rdg. /Report Cards go home
March 19-20 DSTP Writing
March 23-26 DSTP make-up days
March 27 (Friday) - Field Trip to DC
April 3 (Friday) - Fitness Day
April 6 (Monday) - Field Trip to Dupont Theatre
April 10 (Friday) - Good Friday - NO SCHOOL until Mon. the 20th HAPPY EASTER!
April 27 (Monday) - Advisement Field Trip to Rockwall
April 30 (Thursday) - Gathering 2:00-3:20
May 9 (Saturday) - 8th grade Formal
May 10 - Don't forget your mom - it's Mother's Day!

IT'S FEBRUARY !!

Hey 8th grade - here's what's happening in February -



ELA - Everyone should have already presented their book reports - Most of you did a great job!

Also your Autobiographical Incident should have been handed in, but if you haven't

handed it yet it's better late then never, so get it in...

We will be doing Mid-year Benchmark Reading Tests this week, just do your best...



MATH - We will continue working on Area and Perimeter. Then we will start looking at square

roots, pythagorean theorem, and area of circles.



SOCIAL STUDIES - We have been studying the Constitution. You will have a TEST on

Thursday 5th so be sure to review your worksheet and notes. You need to know the

following: The 3 parts of the Constitution are 1. Preamble (which set the goals) 2.

Articles and Amendments 3. Principles



HEALTH - You will have a TEST on Thursday 5th on Puberty, Male and Female ....

review your notes and diagrams



IMPORTANT DATES -

Friday 13th - NO SCHOOL for students - but we have to work, teacher's in-service day

Monday 16th - NO SCHOOL - Presdient's Day (so that makes it a 4 day weekend for you)

UPDATE - Friday, January 16th

NO SCHOOL MONDAY JANUARY 19th - so you have a 4 day weekend. You have projects due when you return on Tuesday, so use your time wisely.

Grammar: Quiz next week on Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns
Writing: Autobiographical Incident - Rough Draft will be peer edited on Wed., so be ready!
Reading: "Roberto Clemente" story and vocab. quiz next week
Book Report/Power Point - Due the 27th
Social Studies: Project/Presentation Due when you return on Tues. the 20th, be ready!
Health: Sex Characteristics and Puberty worksheets and notes
Math: Review and understand "Supplementary", "Complementary", "Interior", "Exterior", and "Corresponding" Angles. We will practice when you return and have a quiz the end of the week.
Science: Tues. we will continue learning about how clouds form.

HAVE A GREAT 4 DAY WEEKEND!

WEEK OF January 12th

Reading: Book Report is due January 27th - no excuses for it being late!
C. Chavez Quiz was Tues. has been moved to Wed. 14th
Social Sudies: Project presentations begin the 20th - be sure that you're ready!
NAEP - National tesing for 8t grade will be on the 28th
NO SCHOOL - Monday, January 19th - MLKing Day

January 6th - UPDATE

Reading: The book report due date has been extended to Tuesday, January 27th. However, get it done now, don't procrastinate!
Grammar: We will continue to work on Pronouns. We will probably have a quiz next week.
Social Studies: During the next 2 weeks (1/5-1/19) students will be working on an American Revolution project. Students will choose to do a web quest, report, or the history challenge. Presentations will begin on Monday, January 20th.
Math: We will continue to work on angles - naming, estimating, measuring and drawing.
Science: We will probably complete our weather unit this week. I will let you know when we will be testing again. Those that need to re-test the last test, given before Christmas, must re-test during workroom this week.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a great holiday break. It's time to get back to the school work and fun. I hope you completed reading your non-fiction book, and maybe even started the book report. It's due soon so get started! Check back soon and I will have updates on all classes. See you Monday, January 5th 2009!