Eighth Grade News

November 11, 2007

Since many of us were confirmed last year,  the 8th graders are studying and understanding Religion as young adults by translating the books of the Bible and paraphrasing each Friday's Gospel so we can become better participants at Mass and as a result better Christians.

Since 8th grade math is generally composed of skills learned in 7th grade, we are finding it easier to accomplish mastery of algebra and geometry this year.

English is also mostly reviewing concepts learned last year.  We have taken a different approach and are learning how parts of speech can be changed through location in sentences.  As we understand the mechanics of grammar we can improve our writing skills through application of these mechanics.

Literature is currently novel study.  having just finished Animal Farm and studying it's references to the Russian revolution we understand how literature and history can be combined. Not only did we learn about proletariat, totalitarianism and Marxism, we learned to appreciate literature through understanding its elements.

The Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium is the destination of our field trip in December.  I personally can't wait to see the otters, penguins and Komodo Dragons.

On November 2nd Student Council elections were held.  Eighth graders were involved in campaigning using managers and slogans which culminated in speeches during a school wide assembly.  Afterward each student in grades 4-8 went to a voting booth and cast their ballots.  The newly elected officers are:  Anthony Tapia, President, Nina Delgado, Vice-President, Brian Harvey, Secretary and Alexus Hayes, treasurer.  All who ran for office will represent the 8th grade as student council representatives.

The era Fair is during Catholic School's Week and is taking the place of past Science and World's Fairs.  This is a project in progress and the results will be revealed by the end of January.

Finally, we all have our eyes focused on January 12th, and are working to strengthen skills for the high school placement exams.

Note:  A special thanks goes to Mike Allred from Q's restaurant for his thoughtful donation.  Thank you Mike!

Our prayers go out to Tommy Sanchez and his family during this difficult time.

Ms. Weber & Class of 2008