Grade 8 Newsletter

October 2009

Yes, it is already October!  Where did September go?

The eighth graders have been extremely busy both in and out of  the classroom.  They have shown leadership roles in their Christian service activities.  Please take pictures of these service projects so that we can display them during Catholic Schools’ Week

In Social Studies we continue to discuss the Civil War and will draw comparisons between the information in our text book and the two stories that we read this summer. Over the next few weeks we will look at and discuss the ramifications of the Civil War and the impact it had and continues to have on our country.

In my Math class we continue to sharpen our skills with rational numbers.  Vocabulary continues to increase our awareness of words that have similar meanings, yet have a distinct difference.

The class has completed necessary COOP paperwork and will spend time preparing for this assessment.  I have shared with the class two prep books that they may wish to obtain which will give them extra practice.  These books, Peterson’s “Master the Catholic High School Entrance Exams” and The Princeton Review “Cracking the COOP and HSPT” are available at Borders and Barnes & Noble.

They are  approximately $18.  We give the test here on November 4^th and we would like them to feel comfortable-NOT STRESSED- when they take it.  Again, we encourage them to work in the review books.   The fee for the COOP test is $40 .

The COOP is the standardized test for all 8^th graders.  The results will be sent to the High School of their choice. Thank you to those who already submitted this fee.

Pope John is holding on Open House on Tuesday, October 13^th at 7:30pm.  All are encouraged to attend please.  The class will also be involved in many activities outside the classroom.  On October 26^th, the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade class will attend a conference on E-cyber Bullying at Pope John High School.  Halloween is really just around the corner.

We are still planning on the Haunted House on Friday, October 30^th.  We will need help setting it up on Thursday afternoon and parents to help out on Friday.  Our Halloween dance is on for that same night.  Mrs. Russo is heading the decorating committee.  I need one or two more parents to help out during the dance.  I have several parents who have volunteered to clean up.  I will make a schedule when all is complete.

Various clubs are starting this month, so keep an eye out for that information.

To all who generously supported our Innisbrook fundraiser a heartfelt “Thank you.”  I have not heard the final figure.  When I do I will share it with you and the class.

Thank you for your attention to this newsletter.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time if you have suggestions, questions, or concerns.  We all want this to be a successful year for the children.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Gargin

October Events for 8^th Grade

12             NO SCHOOL

13             Open House at Pope John

26             E-cyber Bullying conference

23             Tag Day

28             Report Cards distributed at HSA Meeting

29             Decorate Haunted House after school

30             Halloween Celebration (during school)

30             Halloween Dance – Hosted by 8^th grade for the 7^th and 8^th graders of the Academy

Looking ahead to November

4               COOP test at SJRS

5 & 6        NO SCHOOL