I find it really difficult to believe that there is only a little over six weeks left for this school year. I know I have stated it before, but this year seemed to happen very quickly. Thank you for all the support you have given to ensure the success of the students. It takes everyone working together to make a great team.
Reminders:
- Students must read for 30 minutes every day. There are plenty of resources for students to utilize in finding the best book. This assignment is difficult to check even though I can usually tell which students are not reading like they should.
- Students have a minimum of 1 assignment due every week. Sometimes, they have a few. It is imperative that students are using time management for their school assignments.
- English first. Students should be using English to communicate in all their classes. As with anything, students will not improve unless they practice.
Please continue to keep the lines of communication open. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or praises, please email me. Thank you for all that you do.
*Parent/Teacher conferences are going to be this Friday. I look forward to seeing each of you.
Schedule per Mr. Dery:
12:30PM – 4:00PM
7th Grade
We have been reading The Giver and completing a variety of activities to ensure comprehension. We have had discussions as well as written assignments. I am not sure if you heard, but we also had our “Ceremony of the Twelves”. Please ask them about their ceremony. I am sure they will have stories to tell. My wish would be for students to actually input more into our discussions. Some students shy aware from sharing, and I hope to encourage them to take those risks. Students will be completing a final project for this novel. I cannot wait to see how creative students will be. I will not reveal their final project as they do not yet know what it is.
*For Ms. Gilbert’s class as well.
8th Grade
Students just finished a short unit on dialogue. Students watched Pixar Shorts and used them to create internal and external dialogue. Pixar Shorts are mini movies, but most do not contain any dialogue or conversation between characters. Students had to imagine what each character was thinking as well as what he/she would say to the other character. Then, they wrote out the actual story for each short. They posted their writing on their blog. Ask them to show it to you. This week students watched several book trailers to determine what makes them good. Students have chosen their book and have worked on a plan for their own book trailer. I cannot wait to see what amazing trailers they produce.
