Greetings,
Being in the middle of October is affording us the chance to cover seasonal content across all subject areas. Starting with Literature, both Seventh and Eighth Grade students are reading classic short stories from the horror genre by authors such as Washington Irving, Roald Dahl, and Edgar Allan Poe. Interestingly enough, some of these works were completed during the Revolutionary War and Civil War Eras which we have been covering in Social Studies. With it being the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire earlier this week, Eighth Grade has had the opportunity to learn about that monumental event in our local history.
Some important dates are coming up for both grade levels. On Monday October 16th, Seventh Grade students must submit their History Fair Thesis Statements. Students completed a lesson in class to prepare for it. There are also resources available on Google Classroom to refer back to if needed. Following that, we will spend time in class researching materials and constructing the Annotated Bibliography part of the project. On November 3rd, both grade levels will be attending a Field Trip at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. We will tour the First Division Museum and explore the grounds. That date was chosen because it the closest available date in conjunction with Veterans’ Day. It will give students a greater sense of appreciation and gratitude towards those who served and those who gave their lives for our country. Permission slips have been sent home, and please considering serving as a chaperone if possible.
Please be sure to save the date, Eighth Grade Parents, for Wednesday March 27, 2024. That is the date that has been booked for the Springfield Trip. It is the Wednesday of Holy Week. If any parents are interested/available in being a chaperone, you can start letting me know. If this date conflicts with anyone’s schedule, let me know as soon as possible because fees are based on the number of students attending.
The importance of iReady testing still cannot be emphasized enough. It is the primary assessment tool for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and at this level, it is what high schools utilize for placement. On Thursdays, students complete the practice assessment. The goal is to work for 40 minutes, and pass and complete 3 tests.
Let me know if you have any questions. I’m sure I will be seeing you around school over the coming weeks!