Tuesday, February 27th

Welcome Mrs Bertucci, WE MISSED YOU!!!!!

Here are Tuesdays lessons with links:

Advisory: D. is working through Python script on Code Academy.

English Div 5: You are working on your articles/essays. This is your second block for researching and note taking. The next step is organizing those facts and details into groups. You can use a colour or letter code the points to group them. Alternatively, you could rewrite those points within a graphic organizer.

Recess (Ms B has duty by the playground)

Ms B has a prep. You have Coding with Mr Donegani. Ms B may want to visit Ms Gitzel.

Math Div 4: You are writing the integers test. When you are done silently read. You have the whole block to write this. Show your work for full marks.

Lunch

English Div 4: You are going to take a wee break from the fishbowl conversations and look at responding to short, visual texts otherwise known as short films. Here is the LINK to that lesson.

Last Block Div 4: Board Games to reconnect with Mrs. B.

Thank you Ms B for coming in for me. We LOVE YOU!!!!

Monday, February 26th

Course Summaries:

Math Div 4: You were shown how to calculate your grade by determining your total percent.

S.S. Div 3 and 4: You learned about key map elements and explored one, grids. You played a game of "You Crashed My Castle" modeled after a classic game, but integrating feudal fiefdom planning and grid use.

Carnival AFTERNOON

Today's word: Defile.

Thursday, February 22nd

Interim Reports went home today. These are informal reports that look at work habits and are intended to point you in the right direction heading into final reporting.

Those reports should be signed and returned by Monday, February 26th. 

Div 4 students please note:

Not all of you have done your Fishbowl Presentation; "not done" quite literally means that you haven't done it yet, not that you missed the deadline.

While all of you should have been keeping up a Math grade book, recording your marks and calculating your percents, NONE of you have submitted it for grading. We will review how to calculate your percent on Monday. You will submit it for marking then. This being said, looking for it and making sure it is current and tidy for Monday is advisable. 

EMCS Open House Tonight 6:30 to 8:30

Career Cruising Choices are due on February 28th. Directions for this are available on the EMCS website and on a sheet that you can locate in my "Extra Copies" hanging file under "Notices".

Tomorrow, I go to school, but it is a day off for you. I am learning about Universal Design for Learning. Maybe you will get a day to play in some snow.

Wednesday, February 21st

We are having Carnaval de Journey on Monday afternoon. Currently we are designing and building our float. We met our monitrisse, Jessica, today. She is from Quebec and here to share her culture with us.

A notice from EMCS:

This is a reminder that our annual Open House is tomorrow from 6:30 to 8:30.  

Course selection forms are due by February 28th. Open House is an opportunity to talk to teachers, counsellors and post-secondary representatives to clear up any confusion about the new curriculum, our registration process, and post-secondary requirements. Teachers will be here to discuss the courses, Mr. Phipps will be available to help with registration, and representatives from both Camosun College  and the University of Victoria will be here to answer any questions about post-secondary requirements. We hope to see you there.

Course Summaries:

S.S. Div 3: We looked at England using the satellite image on google maps. We identified some river deltas and rivers to include on our map. We looked at the evolving map of western Europe; we considered how our own boundaries may change in the future. We will be dividing your maps into Fief Lands. We might have some debate as to where to place them though...

English Div 4 Fishbowl discussions.

Carnaval Design Challenge!!!

Tuesday, February 20th

Today's summaries:

English Div 4: Fishbowl Discussion - The Body Conversation concluded and The Mind/Brain Conversation began. You are developing expressive language skills when you present and receptive language skills when you are listening on the outer circle. The articles you have chosen are fascinating.

Math Div 4: We looked into how to multiply and divide negative integers laying the stage for a whole lot of one step algebra, solve by substitution brain work which will build us up to do 2-step Algebraic Equations. Be prepared for an integers test on Tuesday, February 27th.

S.S. Div 4: We looked at Anglo Saxon mapping skills and lack of. We also looked at the shortcomings of our own maps that use Mercator Projections to put a 3D object, The Earth, on a 2D Map. Then you were asked to "eyeball" a contour map of England.

Monday, February 19th

Today, Mr. Phipps came from EMCS to help you to set up your Career Cruising Registration Accounts. You can find links and associated paperwork on the EMCS Website.

Mr. Phipps invited all Grade 8s to the EMCS Open House which runs from 6:30 at the school. If you are feeling anxious or curious about what awaits you at High School, this would be a good opportunity to take.

Course Summaries:

Math: Subtracting integers review and practice. For additional practice sets, download the Khan App on your phone or visit the website.

S.S. Div 3: You got your Battle of Hastings Critical Thinking Tests back. You continued mapping Medieval England. Your maps should now have a title: England 1080AE (Alternate Reality), a Legend that shows land, water, highlands, rivers, etc., a scale on the bottom right corner ( 4cm), an outline of England, and be coloured.

English Div 5: You were researching for your article/essay on a topic of your choice.

English Div 4: You organized into conversations. The first conversation between Oli and Amelia took place following the fishbowl format.


Today's word: Inner Circle

Friday, February 16ths Lessons

Today's lessons for our wonderful TTOC:

Please take attendance after the announcements. My schedule managers can put up the day's schedule for you.

Numeracy: We are doing an algebra unit so a mental math workout is going to be a daily routine for us starting today. Each student should get a 100 chart to track calculations. Use the guide to move their minds through a variety of operations with a range of numbers. You can choose one of the students to be the caller.

English Div 4:
You have an in-class writing assignment. As a class, brainstorm for descriptive adjectives and vivid verbs that describe the people and action in this scene, Then, follow the instructions on the writing assignment page to complete an in-class assignment to be submitted in the bin by class' end. If you don't finish, I will give you time on Monday, Literacy Block.

Recess (I have duty out front by the playground)

Prep/No Class Block 2

English Div 5: You will be starting your essay/article assignment. This block is for going over the steps in the assignment, choosing a topic, and researching it. You will be given an assignment page.

Lunch:

PM Attendance and Silent Reading

Social Studies Div 4: View the videos on Feudalism/Middle Ages. As you view the videos, consider how the information impacts you from your feudal role's point of view.

Stack chairs and clean up.

Have a great weekend everyone. :-)

Thursday, Feb 15th

Today's summaries:

Math: We reviewed adding negative and positive integers.

S.S. 8: We looked at the Anglo Saxon's Mappus Mundi and investigated what they did and did not know about mapping. We ended the class drawing a coastal outline of England which was no easy task and not terribly scientific which gave us some insight into mapping in the middle ages (or the lack of it).

English 8: We had our last group present their topics: Sleep Deprivation and Psychosis. Then, we broke the Fishbowl so that all students could speak to topics that were raised in this exercise. It was quite an interesting discussion.

I am not coming in tomorrow as I am under the weather. Your TTOC will be given the day's lesson on this blog and it will serve as a summary. I have told them that they can award tickets to especially helpful students (which you all are). I will draw for the noble of the week next week. Laura, I owe you lunch on Wednesday.

Wednesday, February 14th

Happy Valentines Day

Today's summaries:

English Div 5: You finished your Fishbowl Discussions. Next step is writing your own information-full article (expository prose) on a topic of your choice. We will begin this task next week.

S.S. Div 3 and 4: You were given time to finish your critical thinking activity or test on the Battle of Hastings. This will be marked tonight.

Today's word is: CUTE

Journey to Mount Washington February 13th

***If you are not heading up the mountain, you are heading to Mrs. Barnes classroom for a day of study and fun.

If you are heading up to the mountain, here are some notes:

• We are leaving at 5:30 am precisely.
• Bring your breakfast and lunch.
• Bring money for dinner.
• Dress appropriately; the weather forecast is COLD. Bring a change of clothing.
• Wear boots with a good tread.

I recommend that you look through the Mount Washington Website to find out about the mountain and to review the safety rules that the Mountain Washington Team will be going over with you.

TUBE PARK INFORMATION --Don't wear runners!!! Wear good boots.

If you cannot go, like poor, sick Mme Abell, please email me. I will be checking my email up to 9pm on Monday and again at 4:25 am on Tuesday.

Your parents can try to catch a glimpse of you on the webcams!


It is supposed to start dumping snow on the East side of The Island starting between 4 and 6pm. We will be monitoring the situation and using our school call out and blog to update parents.

Stay tuned....

Friday's Summary and HAPPY FAMILY DAY WEEKEND

English Div 4: You were given time to prepare your notes for the Fishbowl Discussions. You summarized your article content under a topic, wrote it on a post it, and stuck it on the board to be organized into Converstations.

English Div 5: You continued with the Fishbowl Discussions. The topic today was Sport and Sport Excellence which was an superb lead into watching 15 minutes of the Winter Olympic's Opening Ceremony.

S.S. Div 4: You completed your notes on the Battle of Hastings, a turning point in history. You began the "Think About It" exercise which is an assessment of your understanding of that battle's significance but also an assessment of your ability to Historical Persective Take. We will complete the exercise next week.

Happy Family Day Weekend

Thursday, February 8th

Mount Washington Update:
You were given a blue slip with updated information about transportation

Grade 8s are leaving on a Wilson's Charter Bus at 5:30 AM. This revises the be here time to 5:15 AM
Grade 8s will return on a SD 62 School Bus stopping in Nanaimo for a fast dinner and continuing on to arrive at school between 8 and 9pm.

***We are asking students to set up a social media communication group to alert parents and drives to when the bus is on the 4 lanes giving families a 25 minute run up to pick up. As a parent, I have found this type of group communication works really well and saves long waits in the car.

Course Summaries:

S.S. Div 4: You finished reading about the Bayeux Tapestry and you added to your Cornell Notes on the subject. You will do a "Think About IT" Battle of Hastings Assessment tomorrow.

S.S. Div 3: You finished notes on the Bayeux Tapestry and you started the "Think About IT" Battle of Hastings Assessment. This tests and flexes your critical thinking skills as much as your understanding of this turning point in history.

English Div 5: You entered into another Fishbowl Session and I was really interested and impressed by the discussion. The topic revolved around animation and gaming. I had to run next door to Mme. Abell to tell her how sophisticated the conversation was for a group so young.

EXPLORATORIES

Today's word is: BUS

Wednesday February 7th

Mr Phipps, an EMCS Counsellor,  is coming in on Monday, February 19th to advise and to enter you into their registration system, Career Cruising.
***If you have plans on going to a school other than EMCS, you should still register at EMCS to hold you a spot just in case you are not admitted to your other choice. Given what I am hearing, getting an out of catchment spot at Belmont or Royal Bay is not bankable. 

EMCS OPEN HOUSE is Thursday, February 22nd; Grade 8s and their families are encouraged to go to find out about the school and to make connections with staff.

Ski Trip: Tuesday, Feb 13th leaving from JMS at 5 am; BE THERE or BE LEFT BEHIND.
***Students not coming on the trip can come to school; you will be arranged into groups and be supervised by either Ms Lennox or Ms Barnes. If you are behind on Term 2 work, it will be the perfect opportunity to catch up. If your family is extending your Family Day holiday, as I know some of you are, you can rest easy knowing you are not falling behind.

Course Summaries:

English Div 5: You are continuing to present your topics and articles in a Fishbowl Discussion format. You are doing well for what it appears is a first run at this sort of thing.

S.S. Div 3: You took notes on the Battle of Hastings. You will do a Think About It Critical Thinking Challenge tomorrow.

English Div 4: You were given a block to continue to take notes on your article in preparation for fishbowl discussions. Groupings will be selected tomorrow and we will probably have time for one group to start presenting after that.

Math Div 4: You were given a "Translating Math" page to complete and some exercises around algebraic expressions. Tomorrow you will review one step algebraic equations.

Todays word is variable.

Monday and Tuesday, February 6th and 7th

Sorry about missing yesterday's post. That UVic Master's course is late for this early-to-bed person.

So here is a summary of what we have done in my courses across Monday and Tuesday:

English Div 5: You started the Fishbowl Discussions. I introduced you to the rubric that I will use to assess you, but you were reminded that this is so I can set a benchmark, a place to move you up from so that you can learn and grow. This is, after all, the point of engaging in study.

English Div 4: You chose an article to analyze for the Fishbowl Discussion. Now, you are looking at how that article is structured and why you were drawn to it. You can find the assignment on the English tab, under Informational Text, and at the bottom of the page under assignments.

Math Div 4: You completed practice sets with ratio and wrote a quick assessment. We have started our Algebra unit which will involve operations with fractions, integers, and exponents. Daily practice with your math facts is essential. Try out this site: www.multiplication.com for those pesky tables.

S.S. Div 3 and 4: You are investigating the game changing Battle of Hastings and looking at other similar events across history including our own land. You handed in your character sheets for marking; if you didn't, you need to get on top of that.

What is this making fun of for an entry for the draw to be noble for a week and be fed pizza in front of the peasants on Wednesday.

This week, February 5th to 9th

Calendar Notes:

Mount Washington Trip is Tuesday, February 13th Leaving JMS at 5 am precisely returning to JMS at around 9pm
Students who are not going to Mount Washington will be organized into groups and assigned a teacher who is staying back to engage in a variety of planned educational and fun activities.

Course Notes:

English: Div 4 will start the non-fiction unit that Div 5 is well into now. Div 5 will be engaging in a fish bowl discussion around an article they have chosen to connect with an interest, passion, or pet peeve and have taken it apart structurally and content wise. Div 4 you will be choosing your articles and preparing for your own set of fish bowl activity.

S.S.: We didn't get to the Battle of Hastings and looking at pivotal historic events so we will address that this week. Hopefully, we will have the time to look at dividing up the land and mapping our settlements in the Game of Fief.

Math: We will work on Ratio and you will be tested on the concept which will conclude our larger unit on proportional thinking. This brings us to reviewing operations with positive and negative integers in preparation for algebra and linear equations, our next major unit. We will spend a lot of time on this one.

Today's question for an entry for a week of noble status and pizza bought for you at lunch on Wednesday....

What was the design challenge for Maker Day?

Thursday, February 1st

Payment and waivers are due for the Mount Washington Trip. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns at: gbridal@sd62.bc.ca

Div 4 DEADLINES:
English5 Paragraph Compare and Contrast Essay due February 2nd
S.S. Character Sheets due February 2nd

Today's class summaries:

Math Div 4: You were given a 'Ratio Practice' set to work through. We will have Monday to work on it. Those of you who race through these things will be given extension activities.

S.S. Div 3: You worked on your character sheets researching your character and creatively building them out into a realistic historical figure.Those sheets are due on February 5th

English Div 4: You worked on preparing your notes for the Fish Bowl Discussion on Monday, February 5th.

Tomorrow is MAKER DAY...say what? Check out this video to find out....