Science - Mr. McCall

Science in the 8th grade consists of three areas of study.  We delve into chemistry, physics, and astronomy. Quarters 1 and 2 are all chemistry so buckle up as we build and build.   Concepts will layer on the previous concept week after week!

After Winter break it is all about physics, so bring a calculator. I don’t recommend an expensive one, just a calculator for basic math functions.

We finish the year with astronomy 4th quarter.

Students should be investing a little time reviewing their notes and corresponding text pages every night.  I recommend they turn their notes into questions, just like I would if writing a quiz.

Infinite Campus is a very valuable resource!  Check a few times a week to make sure no assignments are unaccounted for.

English - Mrs. Seegmiller

Major Areas of Study for 8th Grade English

The Outsiders
The Diary of Anne Frank
Flowers for Algernon
The Giver
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
Persuasive Essay writing (District writing test)
Literary Analysis Essay writing (figurative language, poetic and literary terms)
Research Paper writing (Holocaust Scrapbook page)
Sentence combining, parallel structure, and use of appositives for sentence variety
Reading Informational Materials (warranties, contracts, etc.)

2012-2013 AR Due Dates
AR points make up 15% of the students’ final grade.

1st Quarter: 10/10  
2nd Q: 12/10
3rd Q: 3/13
4th Q: 5/8

What parents can do to help

1. Check planner daily and remind students to clean out their backpacks
2. Check Infinite Campus regularly https://campus.hartdistrict.org/campus/portal/hart.jsp
3. Find books that they are excited about reading and let them see you reading
4. Encourage them to turn in their AR points early (the end of each quarter gets hectic)
5. Help your child set aside sufficient time for homework and a quiet study space
6. Limit TV and Internet time

History - Mr. Lemaster

• In U.S. history, we will be studying subject including:
• The English Colonies
• American Revolution
• The critical period in our history (how the government should work)
• The creation of the Constitution
• Development of political parties
• The age of Jackson
• Westward expansion - Manifests Destiny
• Sectionalism, secession, and the Civil War
• Reconstruction
• Industrialization and immigration

This is an exciting time to be studying history with an election cycle for the presidency. We will be having a mock election on campus for the students to participate in. They will experience the process of voting for the candidate of their choice. My classes will be experiencing the Senate and the House of Representatives in the classroom where we will tackle issues that our country faced in its development. We will also be doing projects for the Civil War time. They will be on display for open house later in the year. We also teach character development and train the students to be good citizens of this great land. Keep up with your students progress and check I.C. often.

Sincerely,

Mr. LeMaster

If you need assistance with any school supplies, please see your counselor.