March 11th

Thanks to Mr. Whyte who taught on call for me today. I am still feeling a bit off, but I should be in tomorrow.

Some reminders and notes:

1. Keep your "Mark Book" current. It is an assignment with extra copies to be found on the Math Wiki. If you are missing a mark, you are missing an assignment. You should always be able to answer the "how are you doing in the class?" question yourself.
2. Speaking of which report cards go home on Friday.
3. Honour Roll and Effort Roll are going to be called at a recognition ceremony this Friday at 11:30.
4. Pi Day is Friday. Last block we have a Pi Competition. One challenger is suggesting that one of the prizes should be Boston Cream Pie.
5. Any changes or late registrations that you want to make for grade 9 needs to be done through the EMCS Counseling Department; we have passed the signed forms to them.

March 10th

Today we had a "Birthday Party" presentation about alcohol at parties and under-age drinking. The bottom line that I heard is that under-age drinking is against the law, but more importantly it is not healthy when your brain is developing. Worse yet, is that alcohol affects how your brain works and often leads to decisions you wouldn't have made if you weren't under the influence. Bad decisions can be costly. Talk to your parents about the presentation, it is a good conversation to have.

A reminder that this Friday is Pi Day. It will be a celebration of sorts complete with a Pi Challenge. There will be a first, second and third prize for the student who can memorize the most digits of Pi. We like to round that number to 3.14, but it goes on and on and on like the song. I have emailed Chek News about our Pi Superstar. If they don't come, I need somebody to write an article for the News Mirror and I would like to have photos too.

For an entry today, post what your favourite flavour of pie is.... Mine is strawberry.

Just love the Simpsons ...

This Week, March 10th to 14th

I wish that it was raining binary code, but it isn't. Rain, rain go away!

The Open House or Celebration of Learning was well attended and I was really proud to show off your hard work. I received many compliments on your journals. People were impressed at the quality and detail in your work.
A big shout out to the musical acts too. I overheard many exclamations about how great the performances were. I was really impressed too.

Notes for this week (I will be adding to this on Sunday)

1. Science Human Body Systems Test on Monday - study the function of each system and know the main organs.

March 5th

(Inspired by your twisted game of dodgeball and that I am turning into a Grade 9 style teacher so grogrhrol...not saying that Grade 9 teachers are zombies or anything :-)

Tomorrow is parent teacher interviews followed by a showcase of learning and fabulous entertainment which starts at 5 and runs until 7.
Just a reminder that both Mr Horner and I are more than happy to arrange meetings outside of this time, if your parents have concerns.

I know that term's end is stressful, but I really want to stress not to focus on the negative and to be proactive. All of us can make goals to do better. I have mine planned out, do you? (BTW marked your S.S quizzes and I was really happy with a lot of the results...some of you still owe your S.S. paragraph "Knight's Training").

State your plan here for an entry tomorrow.

March 4th

(I have no idea why I chose a scared squirrel; he is kind of cute)

Academic notes:

Term 3:

Please note that I am now using Engrade, a computerized grading system, so that I can give you your percentages whenever you ask. I do believe that I will be sending your parents an Engrade Interim; you better make them love what they see. Remember, I play for Team Parent.

Social Studies:

• First mark of Term 3 is due tomorrow: "A Knight's Training" /10
• Chivalry Quiz Tomorrow /15

Science:

• Body Systems Final Monday, March 10th

Today's phrase is: "Turn over a new leaf."

March 3rd

You have until this Thursday to bring in your printed EMCS course selection sheets signed by both your parents and yourself. Marc, you get an entry for getting yours in first.

Some students are encountering glitches. My message to you is don't panic. There is still a human at the other end of this and we can clear things up with them.

Answer this question in the comments box for an entry: A student got 24/37 on a test. What was their percent? Should they be happy with that?

This very short week...March 3rd to 6th

My friend Sandra's dog ate EVERYBODY's homework. Unfortunately, even for teachers, that excuse doesn't solve the problem of the missing marks.

Div 1 and 2's Goal for Term 3: Building independence for success in High School.

Notes for this week:
1. Incomplete work is due tomorrow for the second term;
2. Term 3 Marks are being recorded starting tomorrow;
3. There will be a Chivalry quiz on Wednesday (use the Wiki and your notes to review);
4. Math: Relating Fractions, Percent and Decimals
5. Science: Body Systems Review Page
6. Social Studies: A Knight's Training and the Battle of Agincourt
7. Early Dismissal on Thursday (11:30)
8. Parent Teacher Interviews (1-3pm, but if your parents couldn't secure a time and want to meet please get them to contact Mr Horner or myself)
9. Celebration of Learning (5-7pm)

Word for today: "notes"