Wednesday, June 24, 2015

FINAL BLOG POST...


A very special thank-you to all the grade 7 and 8 parents from 7F and 8L: it has been such a pleasure working with your children this year.  

A tip for summer: have a book or a math worksheet in your pocket at all times, so when your child eventually says: "I'm booooorreeed," you produce the work, seemingly out of thin air, and say: "Great - do this!".  Never fails.  

Friday, June 19, 2015

7: Lit Circle Reflection #2 due Monday (How the unique qualities of your group mates will get you a deserted island).  

Lit Circle #3 due Wednesday (

To Do: Tuesday, June 16

IS TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7:00!

8  Don't forget: movie night tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. 

English: We began working on Act 1, scene 3 of Macbeth.  Questions are to be finished for tomorrow.



7

Math: 8.5 page 312-313

English: 

1.  We continue our parodies tomorrow.  Just so you are in the know, your child is singing in front of the entire class - that takes guts.  

2. Lit circle #2 tomorrow: "Dictionary of Distaste".  

To Do: Friday, June 12, 2015

Friday, June 15, 2015



8 

Special thanks to Melissa for choosing Nature Conservancy Canada as the benefactor of our basketball tournament fundraising: Thomas came from the organization and shared with the students his role and how the money will be spent.  Something exciting that came from the presentation is that Thomas shared with us that he leads guided hikes through the Happy Valley Forest in the summertime on weekends.  I will post a link in the coming blogs so if you're interested, you can go as a family and actually see how the money is being spent!


8 Math: we are about to embark on our final two chapters: 10.4 and 10.5.  Test today, so no homework for the weekend.

8 English: we have read the first three scenes of Macbeth.  We will continue our study next week.


7 Math: we have only 8.5 left!  We will tackle it on Monday.


7 English: Parodies are due Monday.  If in doubt, look at the instructions in the course pack.

To Do: Wednesday, June 10, 2015

I think this is brilliant...




8 
Math: 
1.  6.4 and 6.5 test on Friday.  We will make this happen.

English 
1.  Good read about a 15-year-old boy who carried his brother 57 miles - to raise awareness for cerebral palsy.  Check it out here.




7
English: 
1.  Here are the questions for tonight's lit. circle reflection (100-150 words):
Who was a superstar of your group, based on the following criteria:

1. Attentive listener

2. Encouraged others to participate

3. Completed all the necessary work

4. Had thoughtful comments

In your reflection, name the superstar of your group, and explain how he or she earned the title. 

2.  For those who wish, you may present your parody on Friday. 

To do: Tuesday June 9

Count the Bears in the image.

8:
3 supa-dupa questions:
1.  Area = 2000cm2; r = 15cm  Find the volume
2.  Area = 500cm2; r = 5cm.  Find the volume
3.  Volume = 500cm3; r = 5cm.  Find the Area
4.  Volume = 1500cm3; r = 15 cm.  Find the Area



Finish "story of Macbeth" (as much as you can). Skype and share!



7: math 8.5
Lit circle #1 tomorrow


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

To do: Monday, June 8, 2015

8: I will be picking up your 1/2 sheet summary from today's presentation (Hilary's).

Math: 6.5

7: Parodies: start thinking about a song that you would feel comfortable singing...hee hee hee.

To do: Thursday, June 4, 2015

ENJOY THE LONG WEEKEND!

3/24 families have handed back the cheque for graduation....just sayin'....


8: Please do me a favour: look at the uploaded videos and select the two best (unusual, clear, funny...whatever).  Let me know on Monday.
8 Math: We learned about the volume of a cylinder today.  If, over dinner, you happen to have a cylinder hanging around, ask your child: "Hey, (insert name of child), I wonder what the volume of this cylindrical shape is?  Could you help me out?"  The actual homework is 6.4, but there are only 5 questions.

On Monday, we will be looking at the area of a cylinder, and I gave them some hints today as to the relationship between the base's circumference and the length of the side of the cylinder.  If your child has a chance to do some research this weekend, that would be a worthwhile topic.   

8 English: Again, we will be starting Macbeth soon, so if you have a chance to pick up a copy (you are not obliged to do so), this weekend might be a good time.  The type with the "modern English" (not the band) on one side, and "Shakespeare's English" on the other tends to work well for our students.  


7 Math: we finished the test today looking at converting percentages to decimals to fractions, as well as solving problems with percents.  Our next unit of study will be creating circle graphs and the relationship between percents and degrees.  If you have a moment this weekend, take some time to think about how a circle graph is calculated, and what do percentages have to do with it.  

7 English: we will continue our media constructions next week within our very sporadic computer periods.  

To do: Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Wednesday, June 3, 2015



Poor Brian...


8: The grade 8 graduation memo outlining the most important info came home today.  Please read it carefully, especially the parts about the time of arrival and pickup from the party.  The cost for the evening is $45.00, so kindly send a cheque in that amount by next Monday.  With such a great group of graduating 8s, it's going to be a great evening.

8: Finished math test today.  No homework. 
8: Today was the last official day of filming (that is class time given to the kids).  If there are still scenes to be filmed, students must make arrangements with me to shoot at recess, before school, or after school.


7

1. We are continuing our work on reversed stereotyped ads.  
2. Math test tomorrow: 8.1-8.3. 

To do: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015

To do: June 2nd



8 Math: Test tomorrow!  6.1-6.3.  Review area of circles (PIEARESQUARE)

7 Math: No math test tomorrow.  It will be held on Thursday.  Tonight: create your five questions.  Prepare any questions you may have about 8.1-8.3.

To do: Monday, June 1st, 2015

Monday, June 1st.




Grade 8: Math test 6.1 - 6.3 Wednesday. Mid-Unit review
Grade 7: Math test 8.1 - 8.3 Wednesday.  Homework worksheet handed out today.

To do: Friday, May 29

Friday, May 29, 2015



Grade 8: read the following article over the weekend: History of Pi


8: 
1. Math: 6.3
2. Read the following article on the story of MACBETH.  We will be reading and listening to the play in class, so if you would like to purchase your own copy (you will likely be reading it in High School), I would recommend a version that has current English on one page, and the original language opposite.  There are several editions available, two of which are: "Shakespeare on the Double: Macbeth", and "Shakespeare Made Easy: Macbeth".  I also have some paper copies in class that you can borrow if you prefer.


7:
1. Math 8.2 (p. 299)
2. English: read 1/3 (or more) of your lit. circle book for Wednesday, June 3rd

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Pikachu: helping stranded motorists since 1998.


8 

Special thanks to Frenielle for helping out all day with the Track and Field.  Though she wasn't quite as fast as Nick, she did clear 9m in the triple jump.  Very impressive.  

Learning Skills reflection is due tomorrow.

Math
1. Write a brief paragraph outlining the steps we took to derive the area of a circle.  Whoa...start with step 1 (we drew a circle and divided it into even little triangle pieces).  When writing the paragraph, imagine your audience is someone who has never heard of this before.

English
Summative.  Lit.   Circle.  Tomorrow.  Let's do this.  Tonight: cram as much prior knowledge as you can (think Neo in the Matrix).  Secondly, review the steps for making a terrific connection:
Good connections...
 1.  Are specific

2.  Are understandable to a wide audience (no inside jokes!)

3. Touch on all three levels of connections (superficial, purpose, emotional level)

4. B2TB (they refer Back To The Book)

5. Answer the question: so what? Why is this connection important?

7

No homework tonight.  

To do: Wednesday, May 27

    Now THIS I'd like to see at the Louvre...


Grade 8 Parents:
Regarding the summer "Reach Ahead" program, it is, "...designed to reinforce literacy and numeracy skills with an intentional link to trades and technology."  It is a classroom course with opportunities for field trips.  If the student is successful at the completion of the course, he or she will receive a high school elective credit.  This is my first experience with this program, and should you have any questions, please contact Bev Osburne at 905-884-3434 or 1-877-280-8180.  Special thanks to Alexis' mom for stopping me today to ask for clarification!  The deadline is May 29, and registration is done through Career Cruising.


MOVIE NIGHT!  Our 11th annual festival of film will be on Wednesday, June 17th at 7:00 p.m.  Book the night off, get a baby sitter for the wee ones, and come enjoy some student work. 


8:  
1.  English: Freefall writing - 1 minute.

To do: Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Tuesday, May 26, 2015


Considering we're studying circles, I thought this was very appropriate.

Grade 8s will be helping with the junior classes for Track and Field tomorrow, so they need to be dressed appropriately (including sunscreen if necessary).  They will be having their own track on Thursday, so the same message applies.
8

Math: 6.2 + Tire question: You feel like committing a random act of vandalism and spray paint your mom's tire with a pink stripe.  You get caught, and as a consequence, your mom makes you calculate how many times that pink stripe will touch the road on your trip from Toronto to Miami, a distance of 2465km.  The tire's radius is 31cm.

English :  So what example: While there is some logic to euthanization (assisted suicide, animals suffering), and even in the context of the Giver's society (population control), governments cannot make policy devoid of humanity.  When Jonas' father was releasing the newborn to maintain the balance within their population, the audience feels a visceral reaction because we, with emotions, realize the cruetly of this action.  For this reason, politicians must make decisions that balance out logic and ethics.  (+ tie in what is happening in Canadian politics)

We may be doing the connection summative task tomorrow; it all depends on what our involvement with Track and Field will be (weather dependent)


7

Math We will finish our estimation/calculation activity tomorrow.

English: If you would like to continue writing the first voice activity, please go ahead and do so.  

Reach Ahead Program

 PARENTS:

This is just to let everyone know that the deadline for registration for the Grade 8 Reach Ahead Program (GLD201) will be Friday May 29th.

This is the program that will give students a Secondary School Credit.

We ask that all schools get their registrations in prior to this date.

Please note that these programs will continue to run in the summer given the current job action.

Registration information can be found online through Career Cruising.

Grade 8 Reach Ahead (GLD2O1)

Dear Parents/Guardians of Students entering Grade 9: 

This summer we are excited to offer a unique summer program to help students currently in Grade 8 to transition to Secondary School. This program is a high school credit course titled, “Discovering the Workplace” (course code GLD2O), and will focus on present and future opportunities in the workplace and careers. 

It is designed to reinforce literacy and numeracy skills with an intentional link to trades and technology. Field trips to local businesses and college/university/trade centres will be available. Your child’s homeroom teacher has recognized your child as someone who may benefit from attending this summer school course. 

The Summer School Course runs from Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 31, 9:00 a.m. to 3:19 p.m. daily. This program is available to Grade 8 students in the following elementary schools this summer: Elementary Schools GLD Location Bond Lake, Lake Wilcox, Lincoln Alexander, Redstone, Richmond Rose, Sir John A MacDonald, Walter Scott Richmond Green SS Charles Howitt, Red Maple, Sixteenth Ave. Langstaff SS Armadale, Cedarwood, Coppard Glen, Ellen Fairclough, Markham Gateway, Parkland Middlefield CI Aldergrove, Highgate, Milliken Mills, Randall, Unionville Meadows, Wilclay Markham DHS Armitage Village, Clearmeadow, Crossland, Maple Leaf, Rogers, Terry Fox Sir William Mulock SS Fairwood, Jersey, Keswick, Lake Simcoe, Lakeside, R.L. Graham, W.J. Watson Keswick HS Bakersfield, Carrville Mills, Discovery, Dr. Roberta Bondar, Forest Run, Herbert H. Carnegie, Mackenzie Glen, Michael Cranny, Nellie McClung, Thornhill Woods Blue Willow, Glenn Gould, Lorna Jackson, Pine Grove, Vellore Woods, Woodbridge Stephen Lewis SS Black River, Deer Park, Morning Glory, Sutton Sutton DHS Ashton Meadows, Beckett Farm, Buttonville, Castlemore, Sir John A. Macdonald, Stonebridge, Unionville Pierre Elliott Trudeau HS 

Bussing will be provided on a per needs basis, but it will not be door-to-door service. A bus schedule will be sent to each student in June. Students who are successful in this summer course will receive an elective credit for high school. 

Students must be committed to achieving their best, modeling good behaviour and attending for the entire length of the program. Please note that Visa students (students from other countries attending YRDSB schools) are required to pay a fee. 

Please contact Community and International Education Services to make payment arrangements to the York Region District School Board in order to attend. If you support your child’s teacher’s recommendation, please see “Summer Programs” at www.yrdsb.ca. Space is limited, registration deadline is May 29, 2015. 

If you do not have a computer at home, please speak with your school’s Principal to arrange a time for your child to register on-line at school. If you have any questions, please contact Bev Osburne at 905-884-3434 or 1-877-280-8180. Mohamed Hamid, Coordinator, Elementary Summer School

To do: Friday, May 15, 2015

Just visualize...and you're there.

8:

Prior to the trip, write a 7-page essay about the learning opportunity arising from a class excursion to Quebec.  Be sure to tie in grade 7 and 8 historical references (paying particular attention to M. Champlain).  As well, illustrate the impact of the mighty beaver on the development of the city's defences (we all remember the great pelt battle of 1794).  The paper will be handed in at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, or if you wish to sing your essay, you may choose that format if it's preferable.

Be at the school by 7:00 a.m.

Bring: 

-warm attire

-wet weather attire

-good walking shoes

-a good attitude

-lots of quiet games

-sunscreen

-money for lunches (around $40)

-money for gambling with M. Le Moine - let's hope you paid attention during that card counting lesson

-G-rated movies

-E-rated games

-lots of healthy snacks to share with M. Le Moine

Parents: your child will be calling you once a day to update you.  We will be VERY busy during the day, and when we get back to the hotel at night, you can expect a call.

7:

I will miss you guys over the next week.  You will have lots of fun working through the math and language work I left for you!  Just pretend it's like Snape has taken over defense against the dark arts lessons while Lupin is off "recovering": "Open your books to page 394."  We will be working on our advertisements and 8.1-8.5 in Math.

7 MATH: The chapter 11 test (probability) came home today.  Please take a moment to look it over with your child. 

To Do: Thursday, May 14, 2015

Words of wisdom...


8

Math: Test on tomorrow (8.1 - 8.5).  As well, think about HOW you solved the pyramid problem today.  


There will be a video on pythagorean theorem later today (check the bottom of the video list). It's Frenielle's first video.  

English: 

1.  Lit circle #3 is Friday.  Listen carefully: you need not have finished the book by then.  It will NOT be the summative task.  I understand that some of you are reading some sizeable books, so I want to make Friday's lit circle as one last practice session.  When we return from Quebec, we will run lit. circle #4 and THAT one will be summative.

Great job filming today!


7

Math: test tomorrow.  10.4 - 10.6.

To do: Wednesday, May 13, 2015

8s...We will be holding a "Quebec Meeting" tomorrow afternoon.  If you have any burning questions, prepare them tonight.

Yearbook orders ($25.00) are due tomorrow.


8

Math: Test on Friday (8.1 - 8.5).  As well, think about HOW you solved the pyramid problem today.  We want to be efficient with our gallery walk.

English: 

1.  Lit circle #3 is Friday.  Listen carefully: you need not have finished the book by then.  It will NOT be the summative task.  I understand that some of you are reading some sizeable books, so I want to make Friday's lit circle as one last practice session.  When we return from Quebec, we will run lit. circle #4 and THAT one will be summative.

We will continue filming (tomorrow is Day 4 - three periods - must.be.ready!) Actors: know your lines.  Cinematographers: know your shots.  Directors: know the order of what you want to do.  


7

Math: test on Friday: 10.4 - 10.6

English: tomorrow is our in-class ad test.  Review your framework, and think about expressing that innate sarcastic tone (voice is good!). 

To do List: Monday, May 11, 2015

It's okay, champ - it's Monday.

T-Shirt orders were due TODAY.  We will extend it one more day.

Yearbook orders are this Thursday, May 14.  $25.

8

English: 

1. Continue to review lines; nothing kills time more than students needing to "review" their lines while on the set.  You must be ready to go.

  

2. Lit Circles this week: Tuesday and Friday

Math: No homework

7 

English: Advertising test on Thursday.  We will do our final review today (paragraphs A-D).  Your child can review the framework studied in class.  If you want to examine the rubric, you can

Math. 10.6

To do List: Friday, May 8, 2015

T-Shirt orders due May 11th.
Quebec waiver forms.  Still waiting...

8

English: Lit circles: Tuesday and Friday.  

1. Continue to review lines; nothing kills time more than students needing to "review" their lines while on the set.  You must be ready to go.
  
2. Lit Circles next week: Tuesday and Friday

Math

In writing, describe the question you did today, outlining the steps required to solve it.  Be sure to use Math vocabulary.

As well, Frenielle would like feedback on her lesson!  She assures me that she is comfortable with criticism.


7 

English: Hang on to your paragraphs.  We'll do some conferencing on the Monday.

Math: We will do 10.6 on Monday.  No homework

To do list: Thursday, May 7, 2015

If you have a dog, you'll get this...otherwise, just trust me that this is funny.




GRADE 8: If you have a shoebox, please bring it tomorrow to Math class.  Thanks!
8

MATH: 8.3 #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

ENGLISH: Memorize your lines...


7

MATH: We will do 10.6 tomorrow.

ENGLISH: Start looking at print ads (or on the internet) with a critical eye: are there stereotypes being fostered through the images, fonts, and colours?  

To do List: Wednesday, May 6th 2015

Time to do some push-ups...




8 

T-Shirt orders due May 11th.
Quebec Trip waivers (rock climbing and medical information) were due this past Monday.  I have 70% of them returned.  Still missing 30%...

Math: We will be working on 8.3 tomorrow (so no homework tonight).  For the students who missed last week's probability test, the test will be tomorrow.

English: Day 1 filming tomorrow!  Big day.  Think about props, costumes, scripts - gather them up tonight.

7

Math: 10.5 is homework tonight.  For the students who missed last week's probability test, the test will be tomorrow.

English: We missed our English period today, so paragraph C is still due tomorrow.  Paragraph D will be due Friday.

To do List: Tuesday, May 5th, 2015

Grade 8: on the rock climbing waiver, there is a space that says: "Tutor Signature" - please have your parents sign in that place.


Grade 7: 10.4 ALL questions.

Grade 7 English: Paragraph C is due tomorrow.  Paragraph D is due on Thursday.

To do List: Monday, May 4th

MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

8s: Don't forget the Quebec waiver/medical information sheet.  This was in the package you received last week.
8:  

MATH: 8.1

ENGLISH: Lit circle #1 May 8th.  2nd: 12th, 3rd: May 15.


7:
ENGLISH: We conferenced paragraphs A+B for the ad review today.  Students began working on C+D (it's only 4 paragraphs).  C+D will be due Wednesday.

Friday, May 1st

Monday is...

(Please do not bring lightsabers to school.)





8: Yearbook messages are due Monday, May 4th.

Math: Test is done.  New stuff on Monday.  No math homework.

English: For this weekend, if you watch TV (movie or a show), I want you to be an active viewer.  For example, count the number of camera angle changes over a given period of time (remember the clapping activity), picture where the camera is at all times, close your eyes and listen to the background music, pay close attention to transition shots (between scenes), examine any colouring effects (sepia, greenish tint...), and pay extra-special attention to shot sizes (Wide, medium, close-up) and WHEN they are used.


7

Math: Two tests done.  No homework in Math this weekend.

English: we brainstormed elements that would help develop paragraphs A and B for our ad review.  This weekend, I want your child to finish these two paragraphs.  Some terms that we used in class that might be helpful: Italicized, embossed, outline, flattened, framing, contrast, caricature, "geared towards", "intended for".

Thursday, April 30, 2015

8:
MATH: Test tomorrow.  11.1 - 11.4.  Ohhhhh yesss...we have reviewed, and then reviewed some more, and then just when you thought we couldn't review any more, we did it again.  If you have any difficulties with simulations, watch the video (11.3)


ENGLISH: Scripts are due tomorrow.  I will be collecting them to read over the weekend, so please come with a hard copy.

7: We finished the second part of the probability test, and I handed back yesterday's part 1.

English: we are analyzing advertisements (print/digital).  If you want to know what your child has learned thus far, show them a print ad, and ask the following questions: 1. Who is the target audience?  2. What is the obvious or explicit message?  3.  What is the implicit or hidden message?   4. How successful is the ad - meaning, does it grab the target audience's attention?

Wednesday, April 29

Quebec itinerary came home today.  As well, don't forget the grad photo packages are due May 5.  

8 Math : Test on Friday.  11.1 - 11.4.  Tonight, do the review pages  and tackle the problems below.  


Extra Problems: 
1. Out of a deck of cards, what is the probability of selecting a card that is a either a heart or a spade?
2. Explain the difference between theoretical and experimental probability
3. If you had a die (1-6) and you threw it 80 times, predict how many times you would get:
a. An even number    b. A prime number    c. A number less than 5    
4. If there is a 10% chance of Mme Wackett's class winning the next class challenge, what are the odds AGAINST her winning?
5.  Michael and Chris are playing a game: they roll a die twice and add the numbers they roll and then subtract 1.  Michael says : "I score a point every time an even sum occurs".  Chris says :"o.k., sounds fair".  Who is more probable to score more points?
6.  You are playing war with M. Le Moine.  The first four cards of the deck are dealt to the students, and they are the following: Jacinta: 10 of hearts, Rachel: Jack of spades, Carmen: 2 of clubs, and Ibrahim: 7 of diamonds.  What is the probability of M. Le Moine beating each player?  Remember: a tie is NOT a win.
7.  SUPER-BOSS question: Rojina has red marbles and blue marbles in a bag.  If she chooses a marble at random, the probability that she will choose a blue marble is 2/5.  Rojina adds 5 blue marbles to the bag and removes 5 red marbles.  If she chooses a marble at random, the probability that she will choose a blue marble is now 3/5.  How many marbles are in the bag - both BEFORE and AFTER adding the additional marbles?




7 Math: Because of the fire drill today, we will have to re-schedule part II of the 11.1-11.4 test until tomorrow.  It's all about communication, so review the terms as well as the procedures.

Tuesday, April 28

8 Math: 11.4 for tomorrow.  Test on Friday

7 Math: Test tomorrow

Monday, April 27, 2015

 (this one is for Arta and Saba)




8 

MATH: Test will be this Friday (11.1 - 11.4).   I have re-vamped the 11.3 video (WATCH IT).  There are even some cool special effects: there is an oven bell going off at one point (I did this before dinner)

ENGLISH: Scripts due this Thursday.  Think about this: What do you want the audience to feel at the very end of the film?  Once you have determined that, work backwards and create that emotion...


7

MATH: Test (11.1 - 11.4) will likely be this Wednesday

Friday, April 24, 2015

8 

MATH: Take a look at a new video on the "video page" entitled 8 Math 11.3 Simulations.  I ran through a sample problem and showed a strategy for solving it.  Keep in mind that for simulations, you're not asked to DO the experiment; instead, you are being asked to DESCRIBE how you would run the simulation.  

ENGLISH: Scripts are due next Thursday.  If you have some time this weekend, bang out a scene or two.
7

MATH: 
11.4: make sure it's done.