8th Grade History: I will be covering the Spanish-American War and related topics this week. There will be a test next week. I will also be assigning a short report. Students will be able to do most of it during library periods.
8th Grade English: The advertising project is due on Monday. I told students not to worry if they have technical difficulties. I can give them extra time if necessary. Parents should stay on top of this matter, so we can get them done. I know this is assignment is not very structured, but it is probably the most enjoyable assignment they do for me during the year. I will continue to cover pronouns. I will be doing more with persuasive writing also.
8th Grade Geography: Students are making a map of the Central U.S. states that will be graded. It is due on Thursday.
7th Grade History: I will be covering the Constitution and related topics. There will be test next week. I will be assigning a short report within a week or two.
7th Grade Geography: Students are doing a map of Northern Eurasia that will be graded. It is due on Thursday.
6th Grade Social Studies: Student will be making maps of Southern Asia that will be graded. They will need to be artistic on these maps.
Music Classes: I will be teaching Advent and Christmas songs on the tone bells over the next few weeks.
Other News:
Report card conference notices are due back on Monday 11/17. I will return them to you with your appointment. Please let me know if the time I give you is not acceptable.
The Ziti Dinner profited $2395.74. This is a record for us, as far as I know. Mrs. Desjardins offered to coordinate the rest of the fundraising for the year.
The quotes for the trip to Boston add up to $2791.00. The coach bus (included in the 2791.00) was 1500.00. The trip includes a Duck Tour, Science Museum Exhibits and a movie at the Omni Theater. Students would have to bring their own money for lunch at Quincy Market and for dinner on the road. If the students decide to do something differently, the price would change. This is the price for what we usually do. We have been to Boston a few times, and this seems to be the best trip. I am thinking about leaving a little earlier this year though (around 6:30 A.M.) to give the kids more time at Quincy Market.
Grades seven and eight are scheduled to perform at the next Home & School meeting in December.
Many students still need to bring in their own headphones.
Grades/scores in eighth grade have not been outstanding lately. Students seem to be preoccupied with high school entrance exams, visits and other related matters. This is normal. I will do my best to be helpful, but they need to communicate their concerns to me. I do not mind this at all.
Message for the Week
You may email me at jcgambardella@optonline.net
Uniformity is a method useful in manufacturing TV dinners or possibly canned soup. It should not be used as a panacea in education. Uniformity in education is the way to play it safe. It does not guarantee excellence. It, instead, may lead mediocrity or even inferior teaching . . . uniformly. Innovative teaching may be a more difficult approach to monitor and evaluate, but it tends to produce more satisfying results.