Mrs. Jilek

End of week 1

2010-09-10T20:57:00.003-04:00

Well here we are at the end of our first week of school. I think everyone did great!
I hope everyone remembered to bring back all of the important paperwork that was completed by parents. If you forgot, please put it in your bookbag right now and give it to your homeroom teacher on Monday. Next week we'll get started in all subjects. Monday we will have our first advisement class where we'll talk about respect, bullying, etc. Electives won't start until the following week. Please be sure to take time to remember the families that were personally touch by the horrific events of 9-11. Have a good weekend....see you Monday!

IMPORTANT TIDBITS

2010-09-08T22:56:00.003-04:00

Be sure to review the PCA student handbook - which includes dress code information, such as colors, no hats or hoodies, etc. Also remember all electronics and cell phones must be turned off and kept in your locker (off) all day, until after school dismissal.
Be sure to check the school website atleast every other day to see important information.
Middle school tryouts for VB,FB,CL,CC all start tomorrow 3:45-5:30. Be sure your pick-up ride is on time or your parents wil be charged for after-school care.
To better accommodate parent schedules - 7th and 8th grade teachers will hold conferences on Sat., Oct. 2nd from 8-4, be sure to sign up. All teachers must have face-to-face contact/conference with every student's parent, so that includes YOU.
Parents - remember that all students will come home with Thursday envelopes. You must sign the envelope and the tests and return the following day on Friday.

Labor Day wishes

2010-09-08T22:07:00.005-04:00

Meet & Greet was a big success! It was so nice to see so many of our students and meet the new members of our PCA student family. It is especially fun to see my 8th graders that graduated from PCA and come back to visit.
Will you have a picnic, be at the beach, stay home and relax? Whatever your plans for this Labor Day, I hope you enjoy this extended weekend. It's suppose to be a sunny and 85*, so get out there, enjoy and be safe! See you on Tuesday :)

School starts soon -

2010-09-08T22:05:00.002-04:00

Friday, Sept. 3, 2010 - School starts on Tuesday, the 7th - See you at 7:45am with smiles on :)

NEW SCHOOL YEAR 2010-2011

2010-09-08T22:02:00.003-04:00

Here it is the end of August....gosh the summer went by fast....and here we are at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year!
I hope everyone had a great summer and you're ready for an awesome school year. The teachers and staff have been very busy getting everything ready at PCA. Below are a few important dates for you to mark on your calendars. I will be posting important dates and major assignments on my blog throughout the school year. I hope to blog every weekend, however it could be alternate weekends, so check back often. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions or concerns at sjilek@pca.k12.de.us . If I don't have the answer, I will find it. Sooooo, get ready, get set, let's go!!!

Wednesday, September 1st from 5-7pm - Meet and Greet - Hope to see you!
Monday, Sept. 6th - No School yet - it's an extended weekend for Labor Day - yippie!!!
Tuesday, Sept. 7th - First Day of school - see you at 7:45am
Friday, Sept. 10th - ALL parent homework to be returned to your homeroom teachers

MY LAST BLOG FOR THE 09-10 YEAR

2010-06-20T15:06:00.008-04:00

What a wonderful Graduation! I hope everyone enjoyed it. I am so excited for all of you. You have worked very 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 have 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! It was bitter-sweet seeing you graduate from PCA. It will only be a short 4 years then you'll graduate 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 : )

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...so 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 : )

2010-06-11T08:02:00.003-04:00

Mon. 14th - Newcomb Volleyball Tournament for 7th & 8th grades from 1-3 - Be sure to sign up to play

Tues. 15th - Middle School Science Fair - all of you work should be in Mr. Rice's hands

Tues. 15th - Honor Society Induction Ceremony at 7pm

Wed. 16th - Field Day - Be sure to bring water bottle and wear your team t-shirt

Thurs. 17th - 8th grade GRADUATION at 7pm

Friday 18th - Middle School End-of-year Celebration/Cookout
* Be sure to bring food for the share table (sign-up sheet in ms lobby)

Tues. 22nd - Last Day for students !!!
Honor Roll Assembly, Sign yearbooks, and get Report cards

FIELD TRIP DATE CHANGE REMINDER

2010-06-09T21:38:00.002-04:00

Don't forget - due to the inclement weather - the field trip to Jungle Jim's has been moved from Wednesday the 9th to Friday the 11th - Everything for the trip stays the same

also - the Science Fair and Newcomb Tournament flip-lopped days so the Science Fair is now Tuesday the 15th and the Newcomb Tournament if Monday the 14th.

I have gotten approval to plan an end-of-year celebration/cookout on Friday the 18th - Please plan to bring something to our table to share. It can be as simple as chips, cookies, brownies, rice krispies, whatever - just remember what the more we get the more we have to eat! More to come on the celebration -

Last Field Trip

2010-06-07T16:25:00.002-04:00

Wednesday, June 9th - 7th and 8th grade will be going to Jungle Jim's from 9-5
Be sure to bring: lunch, drink, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, money, and a big smile!!
Parents: Be sure to be here to pick up your child no later than 5pm

2010-06-07T16:16:00.003-04:00

ATTENTION 8th grade PARENTS:
If your son/daughter has me for an advisor (they know) - This week, I will be sending home an SSP packet for your review. Your child has completed the SSP requirements for 8th grade graduation, bringing them to 90%. The final 10% is your required conference/signature to bring them to 100%. Be sure to look for manilla envelope with SSP information and sign-off sheet enclosed. Return it ASAP. When I receive the form back, I will then bring your child to 100%. If you have any questions contact me at sjilek@pca.k12.de.us .

IMPORTANT CHANGES

2010-06-01T11:44:00.002-04:00

Here are some changes on the calendar:
June 1 - DCAS - 8th grade Science 8:30-11:30
June 2 - Kindergarten Play (for students) 1:30-2:30
June 4 - Longwood Gardens Field Trip (not for all, you know if you are going)
June 7 - 6th grade to Jungle Jim's in Rehoboth 9:0-5:00 *Parents be sure to be here by 5:00 to pick up your child. (bring lunch, drink, swimsuit, towel, money etc.)
June 9 - 7th and 8th grade to Jungle Jim's (see above for info.)
June 10 - Talent show assembly 8:30 and 9:30?
* The PCA Open House has been cancelled
June 14 - Middle School Science Fair
June 15 - Newcomb Tournament 7th & 8th grade (1-3)
June 15 - Honor Society Induction Ceremony 7pm
June 16 - Field Day - wear your field day t-shirts
June 17 - 8th grade Graduation 7pm
June 22 - Last day (for students) Honor Roll Assembly, sign yearbooks, get report cards

2010-05-30T15:05:00.003-04:00

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!
Please take time to remember the reason why we have this long weekend and those that serve so we can have all of the freedom that we have.
Have a safe and fun 3 day weekend; see you Tuesday.

and CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs. Bullen, she was blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Isabella Grace, born Sat. May 29th weighing 4 lbs 2oz, 18.5 in. long and both are doing fine! : )

calendar update

2010-05-24T16:00:00.004-04:00

There have been a few changes/additions to the calendar..

May 25th - Sports Awards Assembly 1:00
27th - Concert 7pm
28th - Concert Assembly/Last Gathering 2-3
31st - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

June 2nd - Kindergarten Play (for students) 1:30
4th - Longwood Gardens Field Trip (you know if you're going)
7th - 6th grade Jungle Jim's in Rehobath (bring lunch, drink, money, swimsuit, towl, etc.)
9th - 7th grade " " "
11th - 8th grade " " "
10th - Talent Show Assembly 8:30 & 9:30
10th - Open House Events 3:30-7:30
14th - Science Fair
15th - Honor Society Induction Ceremony 7pm
16th - Field Day
17th - 8th grade GRADUATION 7pm
22nd - Last student day - Honor Roll Assembly/Sign yearbooks/Get report cards :)

2010-05-18T20:53:00.002-04:00

This Friday 21st is jeans day!!!
Only 3 days until 8th grade formal - this Sat. the 22nd from 7-10pm dress to impress, bring money for pictures, and be ready for great food and fun dancing!!

STATE TESTING WEEK

2010-05-16T21:35:00.002-04:00

Tuesday and Wednesday 17th and 18th are 8th grade DSTP Testing days for Science and Social Studies
Mon.17th, Thurs.20th and Tues. June 1st - 8th grade DCAS Testing (the new state field testing)

May 11, 2010 - Update

2010-05-11T21:12:00.003-04:00

Reading - Everyone should be reading "Roll of Thunder". Monday you got the first chunk of vocabulary words to define. This is the last book we will be reading. All work and assessments will come from this book. Stay on the reading assignments, read it as much as possible and on DSTP days when done testing. You do not want to get behind, so stick with it every chance you get. Help yourself by taking notes or write a short summary after reading each chapter. What characters were introduced, who are they in the story, what is the main thing (event) that happened in each chapter? This will help you when having to complete an assignment or a quiz.
Writing - Did you hand in your Autobiographical Incident? If not, it's late!
Grammar - Prepositional Phrases - easy stuff, if you pay attention!
Social Studies - Video today and quiz
Science - TEST tomorrow on Ecosystems
Math - Probability
***Keep up with the school calendar and my past blogs with important dates, more to come!!!

2010-05-07T13:48:00.003-04:00

Just to update you on a few things....

Those that are going to the 8th grade formal - the count has been taken...if you haven't paid, you must bring the money in Monday the 10th. (I will not be here Monday so give it to Mrs. Muldoon, she will be back :)
Social Studies - Chapter 8 Test on Monday the 10th
This Monday the 10th, is the last day for all grades accepted for the progress report, which will go home on May 19th

addition/correction

2010-05-03T12:52:00.001-04:00

additional reminders:
May 21st - jeans day
22nd - 8th grade formal
27th - sports banquet
28th - concert assembly
31st - Memorial day - no school
June 7th - last marking period ends
7th - 6th grade end of year field trip to Jungle Jim's in Rehobath
9th - 7th " " " " " " " "
11th - 8th " " " " " " " "
14th - Science Fair
15th - Honor Roll
16th - 8th grade graduation practice
17th - Field Day
17th 8th Graduation 7PM
22nd - Last (full) Day - students will get report cards

MAY

2010-05-03T09:57:00.009-04:00

It's May !!!

Writing - Autobiographical Incident - See due dates in prior blog - Final due Monday the 10th
Grammar - Chapter 5 - Adjectives & Adverbs Test Monday 3rd
Reading - Wed. the 5th we'l review Telephone and Prince-Pauper Dramas; then Friday the 7th a combined Test on both
Math - Review Square Roots. Next week there's a good probability we'll move on to Probability
Science - We will continue to work on our Deer graphs
Social Studies - We will continue on the Constitution, have you recited the Preamble?, We will also be having a Bill of Rights debate
Health - We will continue our discussion on Puberty

Here are some reminders - be sure to check the complete list in previous blog:

**Don't forget - 8th grade Formal permission slip and money is due by Friday 7th

**Wed. 5th is 8th grade day for book fair - bring your money

** Tues. 18th and Wed. 19th - DSTP Science and Social Studies

** Thursday the 20th 7-9pm - Talent Show

**Monday 31st - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL !!

Week of April 19th

2010-04-21T19:05:00.005-04:00

ELA - Writing - Autobiographical Incident - Brainstorming and start outlines.
Reading - Soar to Success groups will complete current book and a few students will move from group 1 to group 2. We will also start our Drama unit.
MATH - We will be working on adding and subtracting fractions (LCM/GCF)
SCIENCE - Ecosystems
SOCIAL STUDIES - Students must memorize and be able to recite the Preamble of the Consitution (pg222). Everyone will be reciting on Wednesday the 28th.
HEALTH - We will continue our discussion on puberty
Tuesday, April 20th - Blue Rocks Game night and PCA cheerleaders perform at 6pm :)
Friday the 24th - DC Field Trip from 8:00AM - 7:00PM
Monday 26th - Gathering
Friday 30th - Book Fair Starts and ends May 7th
May 12th - Progress Reports
May 14th - Science Fair starts
Sat. May 15th Spring Fair
May 18th and 19th - 8th grade Science and Social Studies DSTP
Sat. May 22 - 8th grade Formal 7:00 - 10:00pm sharp
Monday 31st - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
8th Grade Graduation has been moved to Thursday, June 17th at 7PM
Last Day of school for students is Tuesday, June 22nd - all day day
Parents: Students will be coming home with "Thursday Envelopes" starting next Thursday the 29th. Please review the items in the envelope, then sign and return items, as needed. Such items would be tests, quizes, writing prompts, etc. We believe this will help in communication with parents and getting papers signed and returned. The envelope and contents must be returned the next day on Friday. Consequences will be given if not returned by Tuesday.

REMINDER

2010-03-31T22:23:00.005-04:00

Don't forget tomorrow, Thursday, April 1st, is Community Service Day. ...and NO it is not an April fools day joke!!! Yes, you may wear jeans, but you must wear a school uniform shirt. It is recommended to wear sneakers; flip-flops are NOT allowed. Be sure to bring a bag lunch and a drink. We will board buses after announcements. We will return around 1:30 for an Easter egg hunt then attend the gathering for pizza. It's going to be a beautiful day! :)

Last week of March

2010-03-29T20:51:00.005-04:00

Well here we are in the last week of March and it will be a short week.
Here are some important things that you need to remember:

Earth Balloon - Tomorow, Tuesday the 30th - each homeroom class has a designated time slot (8th grade will attend between 9-10:30)
Social Studies - Tomorrow, Tuesday the 30th - you will have a TEST on Chapter 6 on the Revolutionary Period. Study the topics given to you today.
Tomorrow, Tuesday the 30th - Earth Balloon - each homeroom class has a designated half hour time slot (8th grade will attend between 9-10:30)
Science - Planetary Systems Study Guide is Due this Wednesday the 31st - the test will be the week of the 12th (the week you return from spring break).
Math -We've been working on Prime, Composite, Rational Numbers, GCF, LCM, LCD. Practice you mulitplication facts #0-12 they must be memorized!
Reading - Your Poetry Packet and Vocabulary was due today. If you did not hand it in be sure to hand it in tomorrow or you will get a "0" for that assignment. Your pleasure book report/journal is Due this Wednesday the 31st - this should be an easy "A" for everyone. Also, you must have a poem, with a min. of 15 lines, approved by Ms. Wessell or Mrs. Jilek before the end of the day this Wednesday the 31st. This is NOT a poem written by you. You can find the poem in a book from the classroom, from the library, from home, or off the computer. This will be the poem that you memorize during spring break. The week we return from spring break everyone will recite their poem to the class. The order to recite will be a random selection by name, so be ready... you could be first! You will be graded on how well you remember the lines, as well as how you deliver the lines. Practice reciting to someone, or the mirror. You are not allowed to read it, you must memorize it!
Thursday, April 1st - Community Service Day Field Trip - You are allowed to wear jeans, but you must wear a school uniform shirt. You should wear sneakers and you must have a bag lunch and drink. This is an outside field trip, rain or shine. Altho' it's suppose to be a beautiful day, watch the weather report to dress appropriately.
Friday, April 2nd - Good Friday - NO SCHOOL
SPRING BREAK - HAPPY EASTER!!! Have a blessed Easter and a safe spring break! Enjoy the beauty of Spring and time with your loved ones.
Back to school Monday April 12th

Reminder

2010-03-25T21:38:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to wear atheletic clothes and sneakers Thursday 25th and bring a bottle of water, for fitness day.

Calendar Correction

2010-03-22T15:08:00.003-04:00

The PCA Cheerleaders will be performing at the Blue Rocks game on Tuesday, April 20th at the Blue Rocks Stadium at 6pm (not the 29th as previously posted)

UPDATE

2010-03-15T11:04:00.003-04:00

Wednesday 17th - St.Patrick's Day! All students may wear green shirts (school appropriate ofcourse) with jeans...for only $3 (which goes towards the school year book committee). Let's see if we can be green school wide :)

IMPORTANT DATES

2010-03-11T21:41:00.004-05:00

Here are some important dates for you to remember:

MATH DSTP was yesterday and today
this Sunday the 14th - Change your clocks - Spring Forward
READING DSTP - Monday and Tuesday, March 15th and 16th - no tutoring
DSTP make up days the rest of the week
Wed. March 17th - St. Patrick's Day! Luck of the Irish to ya!
Friday the 19th - Field Trip to Maryland Science Center (rescheduled from a snow day) Be sure to bring a packed lunch, drink, and snack. Also spending money, if you wish. Parents must be at school to pick you up no later then 5:00, unless called and told otherwise. Marking Period also ends today.
Thursday March 25th - Fitness Day and Report cards go home
Tuesay the 30th - The Earth balloon will be here
April 1st - Community Service Day - bring a packed lunch and drink
April 2nd - 11th - No School - Spring Break - Happy Easter!!
April 12th - Back to School
April 16th - jeans day and spring dance at 7pm
Tues. April 29th - PCA Cheerleaders perform at Blue Rocks Game at 6pm
Friday the 23rd - Washington DC field trip (bring lunch, snack, drink, money) late return!
Monday the 26th - MS Gathering
Friday the 30th - Book Fair Starts
May 3-7th Book Fair
May 4th - 8th grade assembly "Choices"
May 12th - Progress Reports go home
May 14th and 15th - Science Fair
Weekend of 15th and 16th - Dover Nascar Races - Beware of the race traffic!
Tues. May 18th - Science DSTP
Wed. May 19th - Social Studies DSTP
Frid. May 21st - jeans day
Sat. May 22nd - 8th grade formal 7-10
Tues. 25th - Sports Banquet
Thurs. 27th - Spring Concert 7pm
Friday the 28th - Spring Concert Assembly
Monday the 31st - Memorial Day - No School
June 7th - Marking period ends - final grades in
June 11th - Field Day - rain date the 14th
Tues. June 15th - Honor Roll Assembly
Wed. June 16th - 8th grade GRADUATION at 7pm
Last Day of School - TBA
SUMMER!!!! :)

SUNTIMES

2010-03-10T20:02:00.001-05:00

Pick yourself up a copy of this week's Suntimes
and see page 22 about PCA's collection for Haiti

HAPPY MARCH !

2010-03-07T22:13:00.004-05:00

It's March!! I hope that means no more snow! It does mean DSTP's this week and next.
Math DSTP the 10th and 11th. Reading DSTP the 15th and 16th.
Please be sure to have a good nights sleep and eat a good breakfast.
If you do your very best, then we can't ask any more of you.
Please take time to check out Mrs. Muldoon's blog. You can see her new baby "Patrick" and some great hints and info for DSTP.
Next week I will be posting important dates, so be sure to check back.

2010-02-26T09:59:00.002-05:00

No Field Trip and No School today, Friday 26th, due to weather and road conditions.

Announcement: Mrs. Muldoon gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on the 24th at 7:10pm. His name is John Patrick Muldoon III at 6lbs15oz. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

PCA closed until Tuesday the 16th

2010-02-11T13:11:00.003-05:00

OK, it's official....NO SCHOOL until Tuesday, Feb. 16th
(due to the snowstorm and Monday being Presidents day, an already scheduled day off)
Hope everyone is enjoying their time off....be safe and we'll see you on Tuesday

February 8, 2010

2010-02-08T10:17:00.003-05:00

SNOW, SNOW and more SNOW !!!
So what shall we do? I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful snow and you aren't driving your parents crazy....no not you! So we are once again expecting more snow late Tuesday into Wednesday, so please listen and watch for school announcements . The best way to check is to go on the school website and click on "news". Mrs. Erschen posts closings and other important news immediately. You can also check the DOE website. Please do not listen to the text message rumors that the students start, one which said we were closed all week, and that was never announced! Decisions are made when the time comes and on a day to day basis and it is best to only pay attention to your school website or DOE. Stay warm, be safe....enjoy your time off, enjoy the snow and being with your family. Also be sure to take time to read. See you soon.....

2010-02-03T08:22:00.002-05:00

It's another snow day....2 hour delay....
Remember you should be finished or finishing your power point for Social Studies. You have a Grammar Test on Thursday (tomorrow) and a Science Weather Test on Friday. Be sure to study!! Our first collection of the Haiti money donations "Change for a Change" will be collected Thursday after school. On Friday we will announce the grade level that collected the most donations and they will be the only grade to get a jeans day. We will continue collecting, starting next week with a new reward, so be listening to the announcements.

It's February !!!

2010-02-01T16:55:00.002-05:00

Science - Weather Test this Friday
Math - Fix problem on your quiz and hand back on Tues.
Grammar - Quiz on Thursday
Social Studies - Chapter 5 Test the end of this week

Maryland Science Center Field Trip Feb. 26th - Permission slips and money due this Friday 5th don't miss this trip, you'll have a lot of fun, you will also be attending a planetarium show for free....

January 27th

2010-01-27T13:45:00.003-05:00

Maryland Science Center Field Trip will be in a month, on February 26th. Permission slips go home today and must be returned by Friday the 5th. The cost will be $20. You will return to school between 5-5:30. Parents must be here on time to pick you up. I hope everyone tries to come, it is a great place!
Health Vocabulary ReTest on Friday - Study your vocabulary words and definitions

Week of January 25th

2010-01-24T22:01:00.002-05:00

Monday we will have a review in Math and Reading for our Wed. Tests
Tuesday is our Field Trip to see CSI in Wilmington - Don't forget to dress nice, no jeans, bring your lunch and a drink. We leave around 10:30 and return around 2:30
Wednesday the 27th is the big day- your Research Project is Due, you will also have a Reading and Math Test
Friday the 29th Gathering
DON'T FORGET your "Change to make a Change" and any other donations that you have for Haiti, it's greatly appreciated!!!

January 20th update

2010-01-20T20:06:00.003-05:00

Friday 22nd - Jeans Day $3
Next week Chocolate roses go on sale - great for your sweetheart, mother, teacher
Don't forget to bring in your "Change to make a Change" money for Haiti .. a competition between grade levels...also bring in other items such as non-perishable food, clothes, shoes, toys, stuffed animals, anything will be accepted...please help! ALL money can be given to Mrs. Jilek (in her blue container) and other items can be put in the red drop boxes in the core bldg., middle school lobby, or Mrs. Jilek's classroom.
Health Vocab. Quiz Thursday 21st - words on Mrs. Kuhner's blog
Research Project - Rough Draft should be completed for editing (self, peer, teacher) The final copy is due January 27th
Grammar Quiz Friday 22nd - Subject and Object Pronouns
Social Studies - You should be finishing your (4 slide) Power Point Project

EXTENDED WEEKEND and HAITI HELP

2010-01-16T07:30:00.006-05:00

Just a reminder that there is NO SCHOOL, on Monday the 18th, in observance of Martin Luther King Day. A great time for you to take advantage of this time off to work on your ELA Research Paper and SS Power Point Project. Enjoy your extended weekend! See you on Tuesday.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This year I am in charge of the 5th and 6th grade Honor Society. We are now collecting for Haiti. A great time for spring cleaning! We will accept anything, but keep in mind food items must be non-perishable! Just think of the clothes, shoes, sheets, blankets, toys, etc. that you haven't used for a year. Don't forget soap, shampoo, and the babies need diapers. How would you feel if when you got home, your home wasn't there, everything was gone? Disasters could happen to any of us and we need to help those that can't help themselves. Haiti people have nothing, so anything you can give, gently used or new items, please bring to the PCA Haiti drop boxes or directly to Mrs. Jilek. I will also accept monetary donations, "Change to make a Change", everyone has loose change around the house. This money will help with the water and medical supplies that are so desperately needed; and be assured it will ALL go to Haiti. In a month, many will forget about Haiti, but the Honor Society will be collecting until the end of the school year. Thank you and God Bless you for helping!

WEEK OF JANUARY 11th

2010-01-12T15:07:00.003-05:00

Writing - If you haven't handed in your 15 index cards and outline Mrs. Muldoon will be calling home the end of this week. You should have a rough draft started. Rough drafts will be checked. The Research Project is DUE JANUARY 27th. Be sure to check Ms. Muldoon's blog.
Reading - We will have a test tomorrow, Wednesday 13th, on "A Slave". We started the Introduction of our new Soar to Success Reading Program oday. Next week on Tuesdays and Thursdays we will start the program.
Math - We will move from one-step equations to two-step equations
Science - We will continue Sea and Land Breezes
Social Studies - Chapter 5.3 and everyone should now know what they're doing their powerpoint presentation on. This week we will start the story boards.
Health - You will now have a vocab. test - be ready!!!
No School the 18th
CSI Field Trip on the 26th

Back to School Update

2010-01-04T10:14:00.007-05:00

As promised, here is an update for each of your core classes. My information is basic, so please be sure to check out the individual teacher sites; especially Mrs. Muldoon's, she has important
information regarding the research paper and due dates.

Reading - Before break we started non-fiction. and you were given a worksheet to complete defining the different types of non-fiction. Today we will discuss that worksheet. Tomorrow we will start a new story "A Slave". Tuesday we will do the vocab and definitions. Wednesday and Thursday we will read the story. Friday we will answer questions about the story. Next Monday we will have a review and next Tuesday we will plan to have the Test on "A Slave".

Writing - The research paper outline was due before break. If you did not hand it in, it must be handed in immediately. You also were suppose to have 15 note cards completed. Likewise, if you do not have 15 cards done you must complete them this week. Be sure to have Mrs. Muldoon check in your outline and cards when completed. Mid-January your rough draft will be checked. The final research paper is due January 27th. Visit Mrs. Muldoon's site for more details.

Math - Chapter 1 TEST tomorrow. In class today, we reviewed the actual test, and I held a review session in math tutoring after school today. If everyone reviews again on their own tonight I'm sure we'll see many A's.

Social Studies - We are on Chapter 5 Section 2 and this week each student will be starting their Powerpoint Presentation (storyboards) on Primary and Secondary Sources.

Science - Today we went to the library to work on our research paper. Tuesday is the Station Model TEST. Wednesday will be a lab activity. Be sure to complete your online weather data.

Health - Wednesday TEST for those who missed the vocab. test on Dec.17th

CSI Field Trip the 26th - Did you hand in your permission slip?

PROGRESS REPORTS COME OUT JANUARY 29TH - how are your grades?

This Friday the 8th at 2:00 is the Middle School Gathering

Honor Roll Assembly will be January 14th

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-03T16:09:00.002-05:00

Happy 2010...I hope you had a wonderful Christmas break and enjoyed your time off with all of the snow! It's time for all of us to get back to business. It is always hard to pick up the books and pencils and get our brain working after a long break, but we can do it! This week I will be posting an update for all of your core classes, so please be sure to check back in a couple days. Get a good nights rest. See you in the am...

December update

2009-12-17T14:52:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-11T09:00:00.007-05:00

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!

\

It's December!

2009-12-03T22:40:00.005-05:00

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

2009-11-16T20:16:00.007-05:00

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!

2009-11-09T15:12:00.004-05:00

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

2009-11-06T10:19:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-29T19:53:00.003-04:00

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

2009-10-26T22:05:00.005-04:00

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.

2009-10-22T19:49:00.003-04:00

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

2009-10-19T08:05:00.001-04:00

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

Monday, October 12th

2009-10-12T08:25:00.008-04:00

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.

2009-10-07T13:50:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-06T21:08:00.004-04:00

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

2009-10-01T19:56:00.005-04:00

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

2009-09-28T20:48:00.005-04:00

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

2009-09-24T19:24:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-23T21:36:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-21T21:28:00.004-04:00

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......

2009-09-15T19:03:00.005-04:00

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

2009-09-14T22:34:00.003-04:00

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 ....

2009-09-11T21:55:00.006-04:00

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

2009-09-09T20:54:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-08T19:19:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-03T20:11:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-13T19:56:00.006-04:00

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...

2009-06-05T19:56:00.014-04:00

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!

2009-06-01T21:26:00.005-04:00

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!!

2009-05-27T22:38:00.005-04:00

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 !

2009-05-24T08:18:00.005-04:00

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

2009-05-20T11:05:00.004-04:00

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)

2009-05-18T21:51:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-09T07:40:00.000-04:00

SEE YOU AT THE FORMAL!

First week of May

2009-05-06T20:44:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-01T19:45:00.000-04:00

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

2009-04-29T15:01:00.000-04:00

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!!

2009-04-22T14:20:00.000-04:00

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!!

2009-04-21T12:50:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-04-19T01:26:00.000-04:00

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 !!!

2009-04-12T23:02:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-31T09:37:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-30T09:32:00.000-04:00

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

Class Update and Revised Date List

2009-03-26T21:41:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-03-20T12:44:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-19T17:50:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-18T12:30:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-15T10:34:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-10T19:08:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-08T22:23:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-04T13:21:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-17T12:28:00.000-05:00

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 !!

2009-02-04T10:41:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-16T12:28:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-13T11:56:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-06T12:54:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-03T09:19:00.000-05:00

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!

IT'S DECEMBER !

2008-11-30T21:37:00.001-05:00

We're back....it's now December, Monday the 1st....I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! All of my children came home from college, along with my mother, sister and her husband all came to my house for Thanksgiving. My grandson was also with us. We had a very nice Thanksgiving celebration, ate a lot of food, and also celebrated my daughter's birthday. We drove to Maryland to visit some friends and relatives. Friday, my mother and grandson went with my husbands and I to cut our Christmas tree down and then we spent the rest of the day decorating the tree and the house inside and out. My kids have all gone back to college so it's time for all of us to get back to work and school. Soooo...We are now starting a new trimester, which means a fresh start for everyone! So if you didn't meet your goals or do your very best the first trimester, you can be sure to do it this new trimester. Advisement groups stay the same. Last Monday, my advisement group enjoyed treats that each brought in to share, and everyone also shared 3 things that they were thankful for. It was very refreshing to me to see and enjoy our group in that way. Thank you to all of my students for the great treats they brought in to share. New Electives start on Tuesday. My "Tournament of Games" elective has been changed to Wed. and Fri. Ok, now for some class info.... in ELA - Grammar we will be having a chapter Test Tuesday, the 9th. This Test will be on nouns. Be sure to know the following: concert, abstract, common, proper, plural, singular, and possessive nouns are. Make sure you can also tell the difference between a direct object, indirect object and a predicate noun. You should also know about appositive and prepositional phrases. Reading - all students should have a nonfiction book by Friday the 5th for our next book project. Be sure you choose a book that you will enjoy reading and doing a report on. If you enjoy sports, there are many biographies and autobiographies about favorite athletes. If you don't enjoy reading a long book...you might check out something like Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, which is a collection of short stories, that are true. Don't just look at the cover of the book, read the back and inside flaps, glance through it, then make a decision. Social Studies - don't forget we have a field trip coming up on December 8th. Keep in mind that if you do not go, you will not be allowed to attend the year end "fun" field trip. Other class information to come. Remember that report cards will be sent home either Thursday the 4th or Friday the 5th. So let's get going and have a great week!
Be a positive thinking person and know that all things are possible!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-20T21:32:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, Friday the 21st, is jeans day. All you have to pay is $3 and you can wear jeans and any school appropriate shirt. In the morning, the 8th grade will have visitors from 3 high schools to tell you about what their school offers and answer questions. Please be on your best behavior and make our school proud. Those of you that missed the Polytech field trip can attend their open house this Saturday. It is not a field trip, you will need to visit with your parents.
Tuesday the 25th is Community Service Day. All students at PCA will participate in doing something for the community. All 8th graders will be traveling to Shutte Park in Dover for clean up. Students may wear jeans and a school appropriate shirt. Keep in mind the weather and dress accordingly to be outside. Be sure to bring a bag lunch and drink.
NO SCHOOL Wednesday the 26th - enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration. Be sure to take time to think of all the many things to be thankful for. We'll see you back in school Monday, December 1st - yep - December...then it will be time for Christmas. Gosh how time flys!!!
It is now the end of the first trimester. Second trimester and new electives will start the week we return. Report Cards will be sent home on Dec. 4th

November 17th update

2008-11-17T12:16:00.000-05:00

SCIENCE - Today we took our weather station model test. Those that did not finish will finish
tomorrow.
MATH - We did goal testing today and will finish tomorrow.
WRITING - Homework - Copy given paragraph using correct quotation marks and commas
READING - Tomorrow (Tues. 18th) we have the Unit 1-7 test. Study all 6 essays. You will write
4 essays. Also study the vocab. definitions.
SOCIAL STUDIES - We continue on JA moving onto taxes. Did you bring in your field trip slip?
HEALTH -

Wed. 19th - High School Asembly 9-12
Wed. 26th - 30th - NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break

NOVEMBER UPDATE

2008-11-13T12:31:00.000-05:00

SCIENCE - Monday 17th Test on Weather Station Models
MATH - Tomorrow we will finish the 2 step equation quiz,
M/T 17/18th - Goal Testing and Th/F 20/21 Math Benchmark Testing
READING - Tues. 18th Reading/Vocab Test
SOCIAL STUDIES - We continue working in our Junior Achievement Finance Booklet.
Remember the Field Trip Permission slip must be in by end of this week (the 14th)
The all day field trip is to JAFP on Dec.8th
Wed. 19th - There will be a High School Assembly from 9-11. Also, anyone that missed Polytech's open house field trip, you can go this Sat. 15th to their general open house 9-1 this is not a field trip, you go on your own.
ADVISEMENT - Mon. 17th we will review our goals then talk about next week. The following Monday the 24th, I would like to have a "thankful celebration". I would like each student to bring in something to eat to share with our advisement group. There are 10 of us. I will have each student write 3 things they are truly thankful for and we will share these things. (Does not have to be tangable.)
Wed. 26th - 28th NO SCHOOL
Thurs. 27th - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! BE THANKFUL !!
Mon. Dec. 1st - Back to school

November and December Dates to Remember

2008-11-03T12:49:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, Nov. 4th, is Election Day - NO SCHOOL ! (Remind your parents to vote)
Wednesday, Nov. 5th - Reading and Vocab. Test (Lady and the Tiger)
Wed. 5th - Fri. 7th - Parent Teacher Conferences (scheduled times)
Mon., 10th and Tues. 11th - NO SCHOOL ! (Remember to say thank you to a veteran)
Thurs., 13th - Book Report Due - points deducted after today
Fri., 14th - Science Test on Weather Unit
Wed. 19th - Holiday Lunch (parents are invited to eat with you)
Fri. 21st - Jeans Day with a sports jersey ($3)
Mon. 24th - Trimester Ends - Report Cards will go home the first week of December
Tues. 25th - Community Service Day - ALL students will do community service today
Wed. 26th - 30th THANKSGIVING BREAK - BE THANKFUL !!
Mon., December 1st - Back to school - Canned food drive begins, bring canned food to school
Wed. 17th - Holiday Lunch (parents invited to eat with you)/ Holiday Band Concert 7:00pm
Tues. 23rd - Food drive ends - LAST SCHOOL DAY IN 2008
Wed. 24th - NO SCHOOL until 2009 - Have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year !
Monday, January 5th 2009 - Back to school....