Agenda May 14 - 18

We are finishing up our drama unit this week with some fun ipad apps and fine arts activities.  There is no homework, but remember the last day to turn in late work for credit is Thursday!  No exceptions.

Thursday is also the last day to take quizzes for Accelerated Reading. 

If you have any books checked out from our classroom library, they must be returned by Thursday.  IF YOU HAVE LOST A CLASSROOM LIBRARY BOOK YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING IT!

Final exams begin Friday.  Make sure to get lots of rest and eat well as we finish up these last, important days of the school year. 

I'm so proud of all you have accomplished this year!  It has been a joy to watch each of you learn and grow in my classroom, and I wish all the best for you next year.  Have a wonderful summer, and don't forget to read! :)

Love,
Ms. Williams

Agenda and Homework May 7 - 11

Agenda

We're reviewing "Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" and taking a test on Tuesday of this week.  Please remember to turn in your Mob Mentality chart and Imagery graphic organizer for classwork credit.

We'll watch two television productions of the play and compare and contrast the different dramatic elements. 

On Friday students will take the STAR reading inventory and Edusoft Post Test.  Any student who scores a mastery or advanced on the Post Test will be exempt from ELA final exams!

Homework

Write Act 3 of your original play.  This is the final act, so bring your story to its conclusion!  Please turn in all three of your acts together on Friday.

Agenda and Homework April 30 - May 4

Agenda

We'll continue reading and analyzing "Monsters" this week, and we'll also resume practicing skills in grammar usage, spelling, and punctuation with Everyday Edits.

Homework

Write Act 2 of your original play script.  The same format and directions from last week apply.  Make sure this "middle" part of your play contains the peak of the action/tension in your story.

Remember, this Friday is the deadline for turning in field trip permission forms and money.

Friday May 4 is also the last day to check books out from our classroom library.
Any classroom library books that have been lost MUST be replaced by May 23.

Agenda and Homework April 23 - 27

Agenda

This week we're beginning to read and evaluate the Twilight Zone teleplay, "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street."  We'll discuss connotation/denotation of language, idioms, mood, and tone in relation to the play.  We will also have a grammar lesson on hyphens and dashes.

Homework

Write Act I of your own, original play script.  Remember to follow the directions and guidelines on the handout provided in class.

Seventh Grade Field Trip permission forms and money are due to me no later than May 4th!

Agenda April 16 - 20

LEAP/iLEAP testing ends Tuesday!  We're back to our regular school schedule on Wednesday.  We'll begin our final unit, drama, with an introduction to the genre and learning parts of a script. 

Remember that Friday April 20 is the last day students are able to check out books from the school library.  Students are still responsible for working toward AR goals for this grading period, so books will need to be obtained through teacher classrooms, public libraries, or Scholastic/bookstore purchases.

Agenda April 10 - 13

This week we'll be reviewing and prepping for the iLEAP exam.  The iLEAP/LEAP will be administered Thursday and Friday.  Students should remember to get plenty of sleep and eat well. 

On testing days bring a book to read; leave ALL electronic devices at home!

Any student who has not turned in a final draft of their persuasive essay should do so ASAP.

Agenda March 26 - 30

Students are rough drafting and typing persuasive essays this week.  A complete rough draft is due no later than Wednesday.  We will be in the computer lab typing on Wednesday and Thursday, and papers are due first thing Friday.

The persuasive essay in its final draft form should be typed in standard format (size 12, Times New Roman) and double-spaced.  Students should be very careful to proofread for correct spelling and grammar conventions and to review the grading rubric provided Wednesday in class.

Rough drafts should be stapled to the back of the final draft and turned in at the beginning of class Friday.  Any essays turned in after Friday the 30th will be penalized!!  Students have been given enough class time necessary to complete this assignment, and there is no excuse for late work.

On Friday students will take the Propaganda and Persuasion Edusoft exam.

Finish this week strong and enjoy the break!

Agenda March 19 - 23

This week students are working on outlining, researching, and drafting persuasive essays.  A complete outline and introductory paragraph are due by Friday.

There is no homework this week, but students have been given new Accelerated Reading goals and should be setting aside time at home to read.  PARENTS - please see the Parent Page on this blog for tips on how to create a reading culture for your children at home!

Looking ahead....

Friday March 30 - Propaganda/Persuasion Edusoft exam; final drafts of persuasive essays are due

Tuesday April 10 - students return from Spring Break

April 12-13, 16-17 - iLEAP testing

Agenda and Homework March 12 - 16

Agenda

This week we'll be evaluating a persuasive article, looking for essential components such as opinion statement and supporting evidence. We'll discuss point of view and the importance of differentiating between fact and opinion.  This activity will prepare students to begin brainstorming and outlining their own persuasive essays.

Homework

The only homework this week is to read AR.  Goals are due Friday.
Those of you who have not met your goals, make reading a priority this week!

Book Fair!

Next week we're having a book fair in cooperation with Citiplace Barnes & Noble Booksellers.  From Wednesday March 14 - Friday March 16, proceeds from purchases can go towards our school to help us buy library resources.  Just tell the cashier you'd like to help Sherwood Middle raise money with your purchase.

There will also be scheduled musical performances and other fun activities at the store in the evenings:

Student Art Display March 14 - 16 in the Barnes & Noble Cafe

Wednesday March 14

6 pm - choir performance in the music balcony
6:20-7:15 pm - Around the World geography activity

Thursday March 15

6:00-7:00 pm - STEM scavenger hunt
7 pm - jazz ensemble performance in the music balcony

Friday March 16

6 pm - strings performance in the cookbook area
6:40 pm - reading flash mob

If you would like to take part in the flash mob, learn the dance here!