Whew! Busy week!  Just so you know, I am out of the classroom tomorrow  - I will be back Monday and the class is in the capable hands of Grace Grow -- the kids enjoy her and she is an English/Social Studies teacher so it is a good fit!

We had numerous kids out for the Jazz Festival today - so the Wa. St. Maps will be completed tomorrow.

TKM will be wrapped up as well.

All students need to have declared their person for Night of the Notables (see earlier post for details) -- most got their first choice - a couple were disappointed - but reminding them that there are billions of people to choose from seems to get them going again!

Research should continue on their own - their first worksheet is due next Friday.  If a student chooses to read a full biography, it may double as their choice book for the quarter :) 

They have a Wa. St. Map test on Tuesday and an assessment on TKM Wednesday. These were shifted due to Jazz Festival as well. 

Have a fabulous weekend! I'm just hoping the weather in Snoqualmie Pass fails to live up to its predicted severe status!

Just in case you're wondering - these are the requirements for Night of the Notables (N of N) --- This project is also used as our Social Studies Classroom Based Assessment (CBA).  For 2 weeks the students have been encouraged to begin independent research - we continued this as a group today.  Chosing the "just right" notable is really key for student success and enjoyment - please help your student if they seem to be floundering in any way.  I too have numerous ideas and resources and I am more than happy to help!  Much of the research and work will happen outside of class, but their will be plenty of in class guidance along the way.  As always, I am excited to see the array of notable choices - always an adventure and a learning experience for all (including myself!)

Night of the Notables Expectations and Due Dates

This is our 13 year of Night of the Notables.  All 8^th graders are required to participate in this special evening event.  Family and friends are invited to attend and enjoy an evening of conversations with a room full of notables!  Once a student has selected and received approval for their  notable, they are required to complete the assignments detailed below.  Choosing a notable that is interesting to the student as well as suitable is our first priority.  I am looking for a person who has made the world a better place.  We want to choose people who exemplify excellence in their chosen field, who broke barriers and created new pathways for others to follow.  Some currently living people are suitable, but we’re

1.      Research your notable -  this must be approved by me J 

2.      Select your notable (you need 3 possible choices)

3.      Create a costume for the evening event that really transforms you into your notable!  This does not need to be expensive – just creative!  Think Goodwill, Valu-Village/thrift stores, your basement, sewing, construction paper….ask around!!!

4.      Create a PowerPoint or Prezi with timeline/bio.  info. This will likely be created during class time. 

5.      Complete the “fill in the blank” notable worksheet.

6.      Complete your 5 paragraph essay based on the “fill in the blank” notable worksheet.

7.      Answer the questions on the sheet for the evening event.

8.      Prepare a 2 - 3 minute presentation using your notable “fill in the blank” handout as your guide – supplemented by your Prezi --- this may be done as a video if you would prefer  - check with me firstJ

9.      Create a face and quote – I’ll show examples of this in class

Tentative Due Dates:

*Evidence of research notes due in class 2/19 ________

*Notable “fill in the blank” handout – due 2/29______

*Questions for the evening event – due 3/8 ________

*Papers – due 3/15__________

*Timelines and presentations – due 3/20 – 3/26__________

*Xtra credit – due on the day of your presentation - TBD

*Face and quotes due on Wed 3/26 during class

*Costumes need to be ready by the evening event on:  

March 28th Report by 5:45 – the event starts at 6:00!!!!!!!!

Happy Friday!  Today the students who were not attending the Channel 3 field trip had the opportunity to get a head start on their weekend homework.  Everyone is expected to be through chapter 26 by Tuesday.  These chapters are quite short, so it really isn't as much as it seems.  We will be finishing up the novel next week and culminate with an in-class writing assignment and the movie.

For Washington State History -- Maps are underway - we will resume work on this project on Wednesday (should complete them on Thursday) - there is a large test covering the map on Friday.

Night of the Notables --- Students have been asked to begin independent research.  They should have the start of a list of possible notables.  They will receive their packet on Tuesday with more details, including information on the districts BIG 6 research method.  We are going to the library/computer lab for more research on Tuesday.  Notable choices will be declared on Monday 2/25 (possibly sooner if I feel students are ready). 

Hope you enjoy a fabulous President's Day weekend ---- Mrs. Walker

Quick notes for the week and beyond:
(I apologize in advance for typos...no spell check and I'm in a hurry! - 7th grade bball game to go to :))

English - should be through ch. 21 in TKM including the packet questions.  Through ch. 22 by tomorrow.  and through ch. 30 by Tues. of next week. 

WSH - their map templates for their WSt. map should be completed in class on Wed.  --- construction of their group map begins on Thursday.  ALL MAP WORK WILL BE IN CLASS!!!!  supplies from home are needed, but if providing supplies is a hardship - students are asked to see me or choose materials that are not pricey (many free suggestions have been made!)

Choice books should be continuing throughout the quarter.

Night of the Notebables --- please encourage your student to consider whether or not a possible notable has LEFT THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!!! More info on this soon :)