St. Theresa School Oakland, California

September, 2009

8th GRADE


HOMEROOM

I expect 2009-2010 to be a banner year since I have a great group of students in my homeroom with wonderful ideas and a joyous sense of humor. These are crucial attributes to having a great last year at St. Theresa.

Students study physical science, which embodies the study of basic chemistry, physics, motion, and energy. The goal of science instruction at St. Theresa’s is to create a learning environment where students can explore and achieve science literacy in their field of study. The current curriculum utilizes textbooks and lesson formats which meet California Standards and National Science Education Standards. Our science program provides comprehensive practice and assessment of scientific skills with a focus on the processes required for scientific inquiry.

Textbook: Physical Science; Prentice Hall

Key Areas of Scientific Inquiry

∑ Basic properties and states of matter
∑ Distinguish differences between the states of matter and their properties as they interact
∑ Fluids and pressure, motion and forces
∑ Master the concept of density, mass and volume as measures of matter
∑ Learn the structure of atoms, their descriptions and the format of the periodic table of elements
∑ Understand the chemical properties, chemical equations and chemical reactions
∑ Study the differences between acids, bases and solutions

Grading Policy

Science is the process of learning to think and utilize scientific tools and concepts. It is a method of discovery and requires thoughtful effort on the part of the student. This is a significant task for junior high students and necessitates diligence and patience to reach success. The science grade is based on four areas:

1. Tests - 35%
2. Lab work & homework - 20%
3. Projects - 20%
4. Laboratory notebook - 15%
5. Lab Participation - 10%

Periodically, long-term projects will be assigned for homework. They are to be completed outside of the class and typically take two weeks to complete. Most projects are done individually without collaboration with another student however brainstorming ideas is encouraged. The student will receive a time-line detailing the dates when specific parts of the project are due. Students will receive credit for completing each task by the stated deadline. If a part of the project is more than 3 days late they will not receive credit for that checkpoint. Each step must still be completed in order to fulfill the requirements of the project and receive credit on subsequent steps.

Absences

The school policy applies to excused absences. Students are given the equivalent time of their days absent to make up the work.

Most labs must be made up during lunchtime to receive credit. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a time to make-up the lab. Some labs are not possible to recreate and therefore are omitted from the students grade.

How to Contact Me

∑ e-mail: J-holden@sttheresaschool.org
∑ Send a note with your child
∑ I pick up e-mails in the morning and after school and usually respond immediately unless additional information is needed
∑ I am available for conferences by appointment at 7:30 a.m. daily or after school






Sincerely,

Joyce Holden

Student Projects

Select a NewsletterNovember 8, 2009September , 2008September , 2009April 11, 2009April , 2009February 3, 2009September , 2009October 2009January 7, 2009November 4, 2008December , 2008January 6, 2010May 21, 2010

May 21, 2010

Graduation!!

Another FAST year, but we are not over yet. All classes are continuing as scheduled which means there are a few more tests and quizzes to come. Below is a list of remaining dates and information that you may find beneficial.

Wednesday 5/26 the second half of the class goes to Med-share to complete the class service project.

Tuesday 5/25 gowns go home for pressing - please return them on a hangar with the student's name by next Wednesday 6/2

Wednesday 6/2 - Pool party for 7th and 8th grade

Thursday 6/3 is a minimum day
The dinner party begins 5 pm at Hiller Highlands

Friday 6/4 10 a.m. is the Baccalaureate Mass for family and school. Students are dismissed after the mass.

Saturday 6/5 10 a.m. is the graduation for family and relatives - it is an awesome event!

Thank you for everything you have done during the past school year, I have called upon you for many duties without disappointment. When you get a chance everyone must visit the school to see the incredible, theme driven, presentation of the students posters. I do believe you have raised the bar!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend and remember Friday is a half day.

Sincerely,

Joyce Holden

Student Links
The Cruicible	Learn about the play and the movie. Also links to the Salem Trials.
Last Expressions:	Art from Auschwitz - The block Museum at Northwestern University features the art created by prisioners at Auschwitz-Birkenau during their incarceration during the Holocaust. You can browse art by media, artist, or location. Included are biographies of the artists that explain how they came to create the work, often being transferred by guards to office duty. Students can examine re-occuring themes found in the artwork. Century American immigration and industrialization. lastexpression.northwestern.edu/ Information about the Holocaust - learn more about the Holocaust.
Great Photos and Pictures of Immigrants	Wonderful pictures and you may use them for your class projects
American Immigration	American Immigration Past and Present: A simulation activity
yahoo	this is yahoo

ST. THERESA SCHOOL
2010-2011




GRADE EIGHT SUPPLY LIST

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIES ARE REQUIRED THE SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL, AND STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO REPLENISH THEM THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR. IT IS ALSO REQUESTED THAT ALL SWEATSHIRTS AND JACKETS BE MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME.

Math, Science, Homeroom Supplies

• Texas Instrument 30XS series calculator (approximately $20)
• 12 inch ruler with inches AND centimeters
• One box of colored pencils
• One box of colored felt tip pens (no permanent markers allowed)
• One pair of scissors labeled with name
• 3 red pens
• 2 Composition books with sewn binding
• 10 pens (blue or black ink)
• 12 pencils sharpened
● 1 pkg of 12 pencils for community use
• I pack of binder paper (college ruled) this pack for community use
● 1 pad or pkg of graph paper
• Supply of binder paper for student use
• 3 boxes of Kleenex®
• 2 rolls of Scotch® Tape


Language Arts Supplies

*Mead Five Star Notebook, 5 Subject, 200 Sheet, 11"x8-1/2' (Please make sure you get this specific brand - the dividers should have pockets)
*Post-it Notes - sizes 3X3 and 2X3 *** if you cannot find these specific sizes, it is okay, I would just like your child to have two different sizes, as close to these as you can find.
*Post-it Flags - size 1 x 1.7 inch (The plastic are the best.)
*Post-it Flags – size 1 X 1.3/4 inch (The plastic are the best.) These often come in a four pack
*Glue sticks (I strongly recommend buying an eight or twelve pack for the year and keeping the extras at home. It is cheaper this was and we go through quiet a few.)
*Highlighters - at least four different colors
*Blue or Black Pens – I don't allow the students to write in pencil. (Please make sure the pens are non-click pens. Click pens will be confiscated, as they are very distracting.) [These were listed in the shared items]
*Silent Reading Book – The students are required to have one at all times. Magazines and newspapers are not a substitute.
*Three packs of 3 X 5 cards.
*Invisible scotch tape (any brand is fine) – I recommend buying a three pack
*(optional) a small stapler and staples to keep at desk