The last week of homework for this year!!!!

Reading: 

• Monday --

• Tuesday --  Bring a magazine ad clipping to class

• Wednesday --

• Thursday --  Ad Campaign presentations

• Friday -- Ad Campaign presentations

 

Writing:

• Monday -- Flash Cards 7

• Tuesday --    Flash Cards 8

• Wednesday --  Study Words

• Thursday -- Study Words

• Friday -- Vocab Test 6

HW for the week of Dec.9th, 2013

Reading: 

• Monday --

• Tuesday --  Describe a Commercial; is it effective? Why/not? ; who is the target audience?

• Wednesday -- Bring a magazine ad clipping to class

• Thursday -- 

• Friday --

 

Writing:

• Monday -- Wordly Wise 6c

• Tuesday --    Wordly Wise 6d

• Wednesday -- Wordly Wise 6e

• Thursday -- Study Words

• Friday -- Vocab Test 6

HW for Week of Dec. 2nd

Reading: 

•   Tuesday -- Decide on a person or event to create a memorial for

 

Writing:

• Tuesday --    Describe a commercial you saw and what persuasive technique it used

Vocab Tests from Nov.15th Finally Returned; Test 5 will be returned Nov. 27th

Hey there everyone.  The vocab tests from last week were finally returned today!  I had to wait until students that were absent made up the test before I could send them home.  Many students admitted that they studied only 1 day for these words which we had for 2 weeks and the grades reflected that lack of effort.  But I must mention that most students that scored poorly on that test made a huge improvement on today's test.  You will get today's tests back hopefully before break.

We spent all week practicing different study skills, so I hope everyone will utilize them for future tests!

HW for the week of Nov. 18th, 2013

Reading: 

•  No HW-- Test for Zebra next Monday Nov. 25th

 

Writing:

• Monday -- 5a and study 1st five words

• Tuesday --    5bc and study 2nd five words

• Wednesday -- 5d and study last five words

• Thursday -- Study ALL Words

• Friday -- Vocab Test 5

Week of Nov. 11th

Reading: 

• Monday --

• Tuesday --  

• Wednesday -- Read p.189; Answer questions 1-5 in COMPLETE SENTENCES

• Thursday -- 

• Friday -- Open Notebook Test

 

Writing:

• Monday --

• Tuesday --    Wordly Wise 4c

• Wednesday -- Wordly Wise 4d

• Thursday -- Study Words

• Friday -- Vocab Test 4

Week of Nov. 4th, 2013

Hey there, everyone!  There is no HW this week, but on Tuesday we will have our story test on The Monsters are Due on Maple Street.  The Scary Story writing prompt will be left open on MyAccess for the long weekend so students can continue to work on it, but I will be solidifying the grades by next Monday, Nov. 11th.   I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!

HW week of Oct. 28th, 2013

7D Homeroom parents:  Conference forms are going out today!  Please ask for them if your students do not remember to give them to you.




Reading: 

• Monday --

• Tuesday --   Story Vocab Sentences

• Wednesday --

• Thursday --  Study vocab

• Friday -- Vocab quiz

 

Writing:

• Monday --

• Tuesday --    Wordly Wise 4a

• Wednesday -- Wordly Wise 4b

• Thursday --

• Friday --

Week of Oct. 21st, 2013

Vocabulary Tests from last week were returned to students today.

There will be no homework this week except to study for the Root Quiz on Thursday that will involve the 3 roots of the week we discussed as well as the words that use those roots.

The Reading Quarterly will be on Wednesday through Thursday. The writing quarterly will be students' Courage Essay.

HW for the week of Oct. 14th, 2013

Reading: 

• Monday -- No School

• Tuesday --   Analogy WS

• Wednesday -- Make a list of books you'd like to read for SSR

• Thursday -- 

• Friday --

 

Writing:

• Monday -- No School

• Tuesday --    Wordly Wise 3c

• Wednesday -- Wordly Wise 3d

• Thursday -- Wordly Wise Lesson 3 Words -- STUDY!!!

• Friday -- Vocab Test; Courage Essay Due next Monday on MyAccess

Tests Returned

Students received their tests on The Last Dog today!  Everyone did very well and I'm quite proud!

Tests returned...

Last weeks story test on Seventh Grade as well as the vocab quiz for the story vocab will be returned today!  Keep an eye out for them.  Lot's of good grades!

HW/Tests for Week of Oct. 7th, 2013

Reading: 

• Monday --

• Tuesday --  Finish reading "The Last Dog"; Reading Check Worksheet

• Wednesday -- Plot Sequence WS; Study for Story Test

• Thursday --  Story Test; Vocab WS; Study for Vocab Quiz

• Friday -- Vocab Quiz

 

Writing:

• Monday -- Brainstorm 10-15 ideas for courage narratives

• Tuesday --    Bring a picture to "tell" us about

• Wednesday -- Wordly Wise 3a

• Thursday -- Wordly Wise 3b

• Friday --

Vocab Tests Lesson 2

Wordly Wise Vocab tests were graded and returned today!  Keep an eye out for those tests!

Mentor Essay

Students are currently working on a MyAccess.com essay.  Today and tomorrow will be the last days I will provide time for students to work in class, but they are welcome to work on their essays at home from now until over the weekend.  Monday I will be recording their final scores.

So far I've really enjoyed reading through them, so I am looking forward to see the final products! 

HW for the week of Sept. 30th, 2013

Reading: 

• Monday -- Review class notes on plot and "Seventh Grade"

• Tuesday --  Have fun on your trip!

• Wednesday -- Finish Plot WS

• Thursday --  Vocab Quiz on story vocab

• Friday -- Story Test on "Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto

 

Writing:

• Monday -- Wordly Wise 1d

• Tuesday --    Have fun on your trip!      

• Wednesday -- Wordly Wise 1e

• Thursday -- Study Lesson 2 Vocab

• Friday -- Vocab Test Lesson 2

Vocab Tests returned today!

Everyone did well considering this was their first experience with these challenging vocabulary test questions:  I am very impressed.   Keep on studying everyone! 

HW for Week of Sept. 23rd, 2013

Reading: 

• Monday -- Provide an example of a movie, book, tv show, etc. that has INTERNAL conflict, and one that has EXTERNAL conflict

• Tuesday --  Read p.32-33 in your text book; answer questions 1-7

• Wednesday -- Sentences for vocab words for "Seventh Grade"; Open Notes Test

• Thursday --  Plot WS

• Friday -- Root Quiz: man, manu = hand

 

Writing:

• Monday -- Wordly Wise 1a 

• Tuesday -- Wordly Wise 1b       

• Wednesday -- Wordly Wise 1c

• Thursday -- 5 words, 1 sentence EACH from Wordly Wise Lesson 2

• Friday --

Week of Sept. 16th, 2013

Lots of amazingly delicious looking sandwiches!  I can't wait to see everyone's presentations next week! Here is the homework and approaching quizzes and tests.  Have a lovely weekend!

Reading: 

• Monday -- Present Sandwiches

• Tuesday --  Present Sandwiches

• Wednesday --

• Thursday --

• Friday -- Root Quiz: ped

 

Writing:

• Monday -- Wordly Wise Flash Cards 

• Tuesday -- Wordly Wise Flash Cards        

• Wednesday -- Wordly Wise 1d

• Thursday -- Study Vocab words

• Friday -- Vocab Test

HW for week of 9/9/13

What a wonderful first week it was!  Here is the HW and project due dates for this week.

Reading: 

• Summer Reading Sandwich due Thursday!  We will be working on it in class!

Writing:

• Tuesday -- Wordly Wise 1a
•               
• Wednesday -- Wordly Wise 1b
• Thursday -- Wordly Wise 1c

Summer Reading

I will be collecting the Summer Reading on Friday.  Next week we will be working on a project with it so if you need to bring your story to refresh your memory next week please do so.

Also, the green class contract was sent out today and students will receive 4 HW passes once they are returned signed.

I can't wait to get this week started!  Here's to another great school year!

Welcome Back!!!!

Well, it's the start of a new year!  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again;  I hope you all were able to enjoy your summers and are also as eager as I am to start the school year.  

Summer Reading is due soon!  So all you procrastinators (I know you well, as I was one myself ;) !  ) get crackin'!  Enjoy the last holiday weekend coming up and I will see you all very soon!

Ms. Dean

The last full week of school....

Wow -- it's really hard to believe that this year is almost over.  It has been an amazing year.  But we still have some work to wrap up!

6th grade:  They are finishing their M.A.R.E. island narratives this week.  We will be hanging them up on our wall.

7th grade: They are sharing their M.A.R.E. coral reef animal story books with they younger grades this week.

8th grade:  They are finishing their research papers (due Tuesday), and starting their speeches for their graduation this week.

Week of June 3rd.... WHAT?? JUNE??? No WAY!

Cheese and crackers!!!!  It's the last month of the school year already!!!

Anyways, I'll be on another trip this week -- learning about our nation's capitol along with our 8th graders.  It'll be bitter sweet as it will be fun but also one of the last experiences we'll have together as a group, for they are moving on to high school next year. 

6th Grade:  We are finishing our island narratives and drawing a "book cover" this week.

7th Grade:  We are finishing our final drafts of our coral reef animal children's book this week.

8th Grade:  The due date of the research paper has been extended to June 11th.

Two more weeks of work left ladies and gents!  Finish strong!

Homework for the Week of May 20th

6th Grade:      Students are continuing their M.A.R.E  projects this week.  They will be planning and then typing their stories into MyAccess.

The following HW pages are available in the weekly Spelling words packets that are distributed on Mondays. 

           Monday -- p69

           Tuesday -- p70           

           Wednesday -p71
           Thursday --   Study for test

           Friday -- spelling test

7th Grade: Students will be continuing their M.A.R.E. projects while working with a partner. They will start organizing and planning their story.

8th Grade: Students will be continuing their Washington, D.C. research papers this week.  They will be researching a monument or museum that we will be visiting on the coming class trip.

 Home work for the week:               
                Thursday -- 12 Note cards (9 paraphrases and 3 quotes) and at least 3 source cards should be finished before class today

       

Homework for the week of May 13th!!!

6th Grade:      Students are starting their M.A.R.E  projects this week!  They will be researching an island of their choosing to use as the setting for a narrative story!

The following HW pages are available in the weekly Spelling words packets that are distributed on Mondays. 

           Monday -- p65

           Tuesday -- p66           

           Wednesday -p67
           Thursday --   Study for test

           Friday -- spelling test

7th Grade: Students will be starting their M.A.R.E. projects this week.  They will be researching a coral reef creature and then writing a creative and informative children's story about their creatures with a partner.

The following pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
            Monday --   Section 13D      
            Tuesday --Section 13E

            Wednesday --  Study words
           Thursday -- Study words
            Friday -- Vocab test

8th Grade: Students will be starting their Washington, D.C. research papers this week.  They will be researching a monument or museum that we will be visiting on the coming class trip.

 The following pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.            Monday --   Section 13D      
            Tuesday --Section 13E

            Wednesday --  Study words
           Thursday -- Study words
            Friday -- Vocab test

Week of May 6th!

Good luck to the 5th and 6th graders taking the NJASK this week!  I will miss you little buggers! Good luck to the 6th Grade Archers as well!

7th Grade:  These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
            Monday --   Section 13A      
            Tuesday --Section 13B and 13C

            Wednesday -- 

            Thursday -- Good luck to the Archers!!!!

            Friday -- Vocab test NEXT Friday 

8th Grade: These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 8 Work Book.
            Monday --   Section 13A      
            Tuesday --Section 13B and 13C

            Wednesday -- 

            Thursday -- Good luck to the Archers!!!!

            Friday -- Vocab test NEXT Friday 

Week of April 22nd!!!

6th Grade:        Same packet of words as last week.    

           Monday -- 5 spelling word sentences

           Tuesday -- 5 spelling word sentences            

            Wednesday -5 spelling word sentences

            Thursday -- 5 spelling word sentences            

            Friday -- spelling test

7th Grade:   No HW this week. Vocab tests will be returned Tuesday.

8th Grade: No vocab HW this week, but I will have the students take home a writing packet for Thursday.  Vocab tests will be returned Wednesday.

                      Thursday -- Self-timed 30 Min. Expository prompt response

Week of April 15th!

6th Grade:            

           Monday -- Poetweet/Twaiku
           Tuesday -- p61
            Wednesday -p62

            Thursday --p63
            Friday -- spelling test

7th Grade:  These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
            Monday --   Section 12C       
            Tuesday --Section 12D
            Wednesday -- Section 12 E

            Thursday -- Study words
            Friday -- Vocab test

8th Grade: These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 8 Work Book.
       Monday --   Section 12C       
            Tuesday --Section 12D

            Wednesday -- Section 12E

            Thursday -- Study words
            Friday -- Vocab test

Welcome Back!!! Week of April 8th:

Well I hope everyone is well rested!  The rest of the year is going to go by like a flash, so don't blink!  It's April... which is also known as Poetry Month!  Everyone will get a little taste of poetry this month to help spice up our test prepping.

6th Grade:  We'll be working on paraphrasing this week.  For our mini-research paper students will be showing me their paraphrasing skills in writing a body paragraph.  Then, next week, we will start back up with our spelling test routine and get down with some NJASK test prep. 

7th Grade:  We'll be working on reviewing what's essential in expository writing. 
Homework:  Wednesday-- Week 12 Vocab Section A; Thursday -- Week 12 Vocab Section B
Friday the 19th will be the day of our Week 12 Vocab TEST.

8th Grade:  We'll be working on reviewing what's essential in responding to a quote response through creating a power point presentation
Homework:  Wednesday-- Week 12 Vocab Section A; Thursday -- Week 12 Vocab Section B
Friday the 19th will be the day of our Week 12 Vocab TEST.

Week of March 25th -- Spring Break is a'comin'!

6th Grade: No Homework this week.  Students will be learning about how to research information from different sources.  The Belvidere Library trip will be tomorrow, March 26th.  Students will be finding a book for their research paper to gather information from.


7th Grade:   No Homework this week.  Students will be reviewing how to write quote responses by responding to quotes from famous women in our history.

8th Grade:        No Homework this week.  Students will be reviewing how to write quote responses by responding to quotes from famous women in our history.

6th Grade:  Students will soon be beginning to work on their Mini-Research papers.  Topics must be picked and approved by me by this Friday.  We will be going on our trip to the library next Tuesday so students can find a book to do some research on their topic.

7th Grade:   Students are working on a power point project that represents a quote from an important woman in history.  This power point is due to be presented next Tuesday.


8th Grade: Students are working on Part 3 of their Create a Character project.  They are creating stories on MyAccess for their characters.  So far we have some interesting stories brewing

Week of March 11th

6th Grade: No spelling test or HW this week, but we will only have this week for our character development story on MyAccess.  If students need more time this week they may ask to stay after school if they don't have access to the internet at home or they can simply work on it at home.  They will have the weekend to work on it as well.
            Monday -- 
           Tuesday --
            Wednesday --
            Thursday --
            Friday -- Finish MyAccess over weekend

7th Grade:  These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
            Monday --   Section 11C        
            Tuesday --
            Wednesday --  Section 11D
            Thursday -- Study words
            Friday -- Vocab test
Students are also working on creating stories on MyAccess for the characters they created in their groups.  I'm looking forward to reading their stories!

8th Grade: These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 8 Work Book.
       Monday --   Section 11C        
            Tuesday --
            Wednesday --  Section 11D
            Thursday -- Study words
            Friday -- Vocab test
Students are also working on Part 2 of their Create a Character project.  They will soon present their characters as well as a conversation between two groups' characters.  Next week we will be creating stories on MyAccess for our characters.  I'm looking forward to meeting their characters!

Vocab Tests Returned

Check out the vocab tests.  7th and 8th grade got their tests from last Friday back today.  Lots of 100s in that batch!

Week of March 4th, 2013

6th Grade: These pages are found in the Spelling Packet students receive weekly.
            Monday -- 5 sentences with the words: feature, creature, pitcher, lecturer, bleachers
            Tuesday -- First section of  p.57
            Wednesday -- All of  p. 58
            Thursday -- All of  p. 59
            Friday -- Spelling test


7th Grade:  These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
            Monday --            
            Tuesday -- 
            Wednesday --  Section 11A
            Thursday -- Section 11B
            Friday -- Vocab test NEXT WEEK
Students are also working on Part 2 of their Create a Character project.  They will soon present their characters as well as a conversation between two groups' characters.  Next week we will be creating stories on MyAccess for our characters.

8th Grade: These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 8 Work Book.
             Monday --            
            Tuesday -- 
            Wednesday --  Section 11A
            Thursday -- Section 11B
            Friday -- Vocab test NEXT WEEK
Students are also working on their CHILL! video.  Students are working in groups to create an antibullying video for a contest coming up.  Permission slips for this video were sent out yesterday and need to be handed back as soon as possible so students can continue to participate in the making of this video.  I'm very excited to see what everyone comes up with!

Spelling Tests returned... and THANK YOU!

The sixth graders are bringing their spelling tests home today.  Please ask to see them as I'm sure you will be pleased!  They ALL did very well!

Also,  I'd just like to thank all my students for an amazing week!  I can't express enough how thrilled I am for the opportunity to witness everybody's creativity and brilliance!  There are so many thoughtful writers and talented artists at OCS that I can't wrap my head around it sometimes.  I'm so lucky to get to work with these students.  They've blown me away with their intensity and focus on our project this week.  Currently we are working on a Create a Character project and every class has thought up some unforgettable characters.  Keep an eye out for them as they will soon be hanging up. 

I hope everyone has a safe weekend and gets to enjoy this sunshine!

Week of Feb. 25th

6th Grade: These pages are found in the Spelling Packet students receive weekly.
            Monday -- First Section ONLY  p. 53
            Tuesday -- All of  p.54
            Wednesday -- All of  p. 55
            Thursday -- Study Words
            Friday -- Spelling test


7th Grade:  These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
            Monday -- Section 10D            
            Tuesday --  Section 10E
            Wednesday --  Study Words
            Thursday -- Study Words
            Friday -- Vocab test

8th Grade: These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 8 Work Book.
              Monday -- Section 10D            
            Tuesday --  Section 10E
            Wednesday --  Study Words
            Thursday -- Study Words
            Friday -- Vocab test

Vocab Tests Returned

The 8th Graders are getting thier vocab tests back!  A lot of improved grades so check them out!

Week of Feb. 18th

The 7th Graders received their graded vocab tests from last week, so keep an eye out for them.  Lots of As and Bs!  I'm very proud!

6th Grade:            
            Wednesday -- a sentence for each word: favorite, circuit, circumvent, rehearse, and traitor
            Thursday -- a sentence for each word: courtesy, courteous, humor, humorous, energy
            
7th Grade:  These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
            Monday --         
            Tuesday --  Section 10A
            Wednesday --  Section 10B
            Thursday -- Section 10C
            Friday --

8th Grade: These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 8 Work Book.
              Monday --         
            Tuesday --  Section 10A
            Wednesday --  Section 10B
            Thursday -- Section 10C
            Friday --

For the week of Feb. 11th

6th Grade: These pages are found in the Spelling Packet students receive weekly.
          Monday -- p. 49
          Tuesday -- p. 50        
         Wednesday -- p. 51         
          Thursday -- Study Words
           Friday -- Spelling test

7th Grade:  These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
                    
            Tuesday --  Vocab Test Week 9

                    8th Grade: These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 8 Work Book.
                         Wednesday --  Vocab test Week 9

For the Week of Feb. 4th

6th Grade: These pages are found in the Spelling Packet students receive weekly.
          Monday -- Write a sentence for each of the 5 spelling words
          Tuesday -- Write a sentence for each of the 5 spelling words          
         Wednesday -- Write a sentence for each of the 5 spelling words          
          Thursday --
           Friday -- Spelling test Next Friday the 15th


7th Grade:  These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
            Monday -- Section 9C p. 88          
            Tuesday --  Section  9D  p.89
            Wednesday --  Section 9E p. 90-92
            Thursday -- Study Words
            Friday -- Vocab test

8th Grade: These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 8 Work Book.
             Monday -- Section 9C p. 93          
            Tuesday --  Section  9D  p.94
            Wednesday --  Section 9E p. 95- 98
            Thursday -- Study Words
            Friday -- Vocab test

Stars with Sixes

The wall of names is growing!  Many students are getting excellent scores, including 6s, on MyAccess.  I'm so proud and excited for everyone.  It's a wonderful thing, getting to see the joy on a student's face when they find that they've achieved their first 6 ... really reminds of why I love my job!

8th Grade Vocab Test 9

.. was returned today!  Lots of students improved their scores!  Check them out!

Week of January 28th

7th Grade will be getting back their vocab tests from last week.  A huge improvement was seen by many students!  I am so proud.  It is clear that study strategies are finally clicking for some students.

7th Grade:  These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
                 
            Wednesday  --      Section 9A pg 85-86     
            Thursday --    Section 9B p. 87
                 Test for this section will be next Friday, Feb. 8th


8th Grade: These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 8 Work Book.
          
            Wednesday  --      Section 9A pg 91-92    
            Thursday --    Section 9B p. 93
                 Test for this section will be next Friday, Feb. 8th

Martin Luther King Contest Essays

Students will be bringing home their MLK essays today.  They all wrote wonderfully so be sure to check them out.  Only 7D students didn't receive them yet (but they will tomorrow!). 

Week of January 21st

7th Grade:  These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 7 Work Book.
                   
            Tuesday --      Section 8A pg 74-75       
            Wednesday --  Section 8Band 8C  p.75-76
            Thursday --    Section 8D p. 76-77
            Friday -- Vocab test

8th Grade: These pages are found in the Wordly Wise Book 8 Work Book.
               Tuesday --      Section 8A pg 77-78      
            Wednesday --  Section 8Band 8C  p.79
            Thursday --    Section 8D p. 80-81
            Friday -- Vocab test

The week of Jan. 14th:

The students worked really hard on their essays for the writing contest last week!  I am so proud of them and grateful for thier efforts.  Those papers with a grade will be returned next week.

This week everyone will be starting a MyAccess prompt that will be due at the end of next week.

If a student received a 'B' or lower on an essay they may revise it.  Revisions are due this Friday.  Students have been reminded of this throughout the past few weeks.  Students are to hand in the original graded essay and rubric with the revision. 

Thanks for all your efforts!  Have a great week!

Welcome Back!!!!

6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade:          There are 2 main things on our agenda this week.

1.  Spelling Bee
We will all be taking a Spelling Bee test this Friday to see which students qualify for the Oxford Central Annual Spelling Bee.  The top four students from each of the 6th and 7th gradrs will be chosen to move on as will the top two of the 8th graders. 

2. Writing Contest
This is a contest to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy for Grades Five through Eight.  It is sponsored by the Warren County Relations Commission.  Students are to write a response to the following prompt:

If you were a Civil Rights Leader, what THREE changes would you make in the world; why would you make these changes; and what impact will it have on your community?

The essay is due by Jan. 11th.  We will be writing it in class, but I invite you to open up a discussion at home about the topic of civil rights in today's world.

Homework for the week for all grades:
            Thursday -- Develop a list of at least 5 things you would change if you were a Civil Rights Leader like Martin Luther King Jr.
     
And for 7th Grade, 8th Grade ONLY
                Persuasive Essay Revisions:
Students will be getting back their graded persuasive paper back Tuesday.  If they received below a 92% they may revise the essay to improve their score.  Revisions are due by January 18th. 
If they choose to revise, students must hand in:
            *the original graded essay with my comments
            *the original rubric with my grade
            *the revised essay