English Update

English 8 students are learning all about the ‘Burgh!  We have started our research project and students are really digging into their sources and organizing their ideas.  Our final product this year is a tour of a neighborhood in our city that is designed for runners to use to learn something about our city while getting ready for the Pittsburgh Marathon (or who are just interested in getting a little knowledge with their workout!)  These running tours will be available sometime in April, so keep an eye out for our publications!

Layered curriculum brings the power of choice to science class

A layered curriculum is a way to allow choice and differentiation in the classroom.  Students can choose activities from a menu of assignments. Assignments can be modified to increase rigor or help a student struggling with the content. The daily “mini-lessons” teach specific topics and skills. The lessons range from ten to fifteen minutes which offers students ample time in class to conduct lab activities, complete worksheet activities, or plan a project. Students should choose assignments that interest them. They should also turn in activities on a regular basis.

Many resources for the layered curriculum are available on the internet.  Students will have a choice of assignments from a menu of activities. Students are to start with “Level C – Basic Knowledge” assignments and move to “Level B – Advanced Practice” and then on to “Level A – Assessment” assignments. Each class period starts with a mini-lesson and concludes with time to work on layered activities.

Scores for the layered curriculum will be tracked by the students in their layered curriculum activity guides (folder created in class). Copies are available from the internet.

Some assignments have specific due dates. There is a special layered curriculum calendar on the menu of assignments.  The online tutorials and assignments require a computer with internet access. All Unit F layered curriculum assignments are due by Friday, 3/7/14.

Events and dates

Friday, February 14

 [Math] Study Island: Pythagorean Theorem Assignment due

 [English] Notes due at the end of class

  [Science] LC C - 7 Word Wall Poster C - 10 Parent Signature

 [Event] Final day for MS sports sign ups!

Monday, February 17

  No School - Teacher In-service ACT 80

Tuesday, February 18

 [Reading] New date! AR Progress Check Tuesday, 2/18.

Wednesday, February 26

  [Social Studies] Suffrage Test

Thursday, February 27

  [Event] Women’s Portrayal on Television - Videoconference

Tuesday, March 4

 [Field Trip] Courthouse field trip

Wednesday, March 5

 [Event] 8th graders to visit the book fair

Thursday, March 6

 [Field Trip] Courthouse field trip 

Friday, March 7

 [Science] LC Unit Test (ALL STUDENTS)

Wednesday, March 12

 2-Hour Delay Teacher In-service

Reminder: Field trip forms due

Spring field trip information

The 8^th grade team has several field trips planned for the spring. Click below to download the forms and letters.

Read more about the field trips. 

Print, complete and return the permission slip. 

This week:

Tue: sci-test & notebook check
Fri: Math-study island & final day for spring sports sign-up

Spring field trip information

The 8^th grade team has several field trips planned for the spring. Click below to download the forms and letters.

Read more about the field trips. 

Print, complete and return the permission slip. 

Atoms Layered Curriculum to begin Tuesday

Students in science class will begin their new unit on Tuesday. Each student needs a portfolio folder with three fasteners for this unit. Many students purchased these folders at the beginning of the school year and stored them in the lab.

There is a quiz tomorrow on the behaviors of gases. Also, there is a unit test on Tuesday. Check the science website, www.haskinssci8.info for more information.

 

Events and Dates

Many dates for events have changed due to the recent school cancellations and delays. 

Spring field trip information is now available on Edline. 

Friday, February 7

 [Reading] Study Island Author's Purpose

 [Science] Quiz: Behavior of Gases and Fluids 

Tuesday, February 11

 [Science] Unit Test and notebooks to be evaluated

Thursday, February 13

8:00am [Event] Advisory

10:00am  Event] Electronic Field Trip

12:00pm [PSSA TEST] Writing ELA Field Test

Monday, February 17

 No School - Teacher In-service ACT 80

Thursday, February 27

 [Event] Women’s Portrayal on Television - Videoconference

Tuesday, March 4

 [Field Trip] Courthouse field trip

Thursday, March 6

 [Field Trip] Courthouse field trip

 
Wednesday, March 12

 2-Hour Delay Teacher In-service

Tuesday, March 18

9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING

11:56am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING

Wednesday, March 19

9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING

11:56am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING

Thursday, March 20 

9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING

11:56am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING

Friday, March 21

 No School

Monday, March 24

 [AMS GRADE 8] Reading/Math PSSA Tests make-up

 Holocaust Videoconference

Tuesday, April 1

 [PSSA GRADE 8] Writing PSSA Test

Wednesday, April 2

 [PSSA GRADE 8] Writing PSSA Test

Thursday, April 3

 [PSSA GRADE 8] Writing PSSA Test

Friday, April 4

 [PSSA GRADE 8] Writing PSSA Test

Thursday, April 17 - Friday, April 18

 No School - Spring Vacation

Monday, April 21

 School back in session

Thursday, April 24

 [Event] National Pay It Forward Day

Tuesday, April 29

9:53am  [PSSA GRADE 8] Science PSSA

Wednesday, April 30

9:53am [PSSA GRADE 8] Science PSSA

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

 2-HOUR Delay Teacher In-service

Friday, May 9, 2014

 [Event] History Center Field Trip & Strip District Tour

Monday, May 12, 2014 & Tuesday, May 13, 2014

 [KEYSTONE EXAM GRADE 8] Algebra Students

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

 Kennywood Field Trip

Monday, May 26, 2014

 No School - Memorial Day Holiday

The 8th grade homework calendar is available on our Edline page.

Reading Test Friday

Reading test Friday, 2/7 on Narr of Frd Dglss

Reminder!

Sign up for Spring sports – Baseball, Softball and Swimming by February 14.

2-hr delay

The Avonworth School District will operate on a 2-hour delay February 5, 2014.

This week...

Wed: English-pay it forward 

Fri: Sci-quiz & Reading-Study Island

AMS Grade 8: Remember for tomorrow...

AMS Grade 8: Remember for tomorrow... Science: quiz - study guide online   Civics: 2nd Amendment Project & State of the Union extra credit

Tools for success

Does your child have the tools they need to succeed? 8^th grade teachers have noticed a decline in prepared students.  Please check with your child to see that they have the necessary materials to thrive in class.  Are they out of pencils? Could they use a new notebook?  A calculator?  These small items, when forgotten, cause major roadblocks to success.  A small trip to the local office supplies store may make a big difference. 

8th Grade Supply List 2013-2014