Language Arts Updates

Most students are working on their Risk-taker Narrative "not-so-rough" rough draft which is due at the end of the week.  When we return from break, students will be ready to move on to the final MLA format draft of their essays.  Make sure you are staying on track to turn in your Writing Project in a timely fashion.  Thanks!

Characterization...

Can you explain the difference between direct and indirect characterization?  What are the 5 ways that writers show indirect characterization? How can readers infer based on direct characterization or other details/descriptions in a text? Why do authors even use indirect characterization?  These are all questions that we've been discussing in class over the last two weeks.  We'll be finishing up the model story in Chapter 2 and moving on to the story "A Shot at It" where we'll be using all the skills we've been trained in since the beginning of the year to analyze the story.  We'll be figuring out the plot line and subplots, tone/mood, characterization and start comparing this text to others we've read.  Soon we'll be moving on to the next major unit of study that involves theme using the novella "Flowers for Algernon."  Can't wait!

Tri 1 ends this week...be sure you're up to speed with all requirements on Parent Portal and AR.  We'll be making new behavior/organization goals and AR goals next week.

Always busy in Bantaland. :) 

Eyes of the Hawk Takes Flight!!

Congrats to Mr. Paniagua's Journalism class for bringing back the HMS newspaper!  There are so many wonderful things happening at HMS--keep up!

http://hmsnews.org/

In Language Arts news, students are getting ready to dive into Chapter 2 of our textbook.  We've done a lot of prep work with our vocabulary and next week we'll be moving into the stories.  We also have a trimester writing workshop on the horizon...be ready!

Just a heads up, the trimester is nearing a close...students, be sure to check in with your teachers about your trimester grades.  AR points are due November 1st, so keep up with reading outside of school to meet your Tri 1 goals.

Keep up the good work, Hawks!

IB Learner Profile Actions Review

Here are some amazing 8th graders reviewing the IB Learner Profile traits.  Remember that everyone has these traits within themselves, and at HMS we are working everyday to enhance and improve upon those characteristics of a life-long learner!  Thanks 5th period for being risk-takers when filming this video!

Student-Led Conferences

It's 1st Trimester Progress Report time which means we're getting ready for Student-Led Conferences at HMS.  A few notes about Language Arts grades:

• If students have not taken an AR quiz yet, they should still take one as soon as they finish a book.  I will make sure that they get credit for it which will improve their grades for the end of the trimester. Check Parent Portal for updates.
• I accept any missing work or any improved upon work for credit.  Students are also always allowed to retake quizzes/tests for improved credit.
• I don't offer extra credit...just do the work assigned or improve upon any work that you aren't happy with the final grade.
• What's more important:  grades or learning?  Answer=LEARNING.  

More Votes = More $$$

Vote for Harvest Middle School on http://givewith.target.com/ ... every vote gets us $1!  Thanks for your support!

Silhouette Project Updates

Just a few reminders:

• The IB Learner Profile Silhouette Project is due at the end of this week.  Remember you are aiming for "awesome-ness" when it comes to organization and knowledge of vocabulary.  Check the yellow rubric for more details regarding assignment requirements. (Thanks, Ileana, for letting me use yours as an example!)

• Students will be giving a short (less than a minute) presentation which will involve introducing themselves, sharing their strongest trait/explaining the image/giving an example of why its their strongest, sharing what they most need to improve and how they might do that this year, and ending with "Thank you!"  Be sure to practice at least 10 times in front of a mirror, peer or family member.
• Accelerated Reader point goals will be shared this week...be sure you are reading at least 20 minutes daily and taking quizzes upon completion of books.  Please see me if you run into any trouble finding books or meeting your goals.  Read to succeed!  Practice makes perfect!
• Back-to-School Night is coming up next week...be sure to share with your folks how important it is that they come and meet your teachers!  We appreciate your family's support at HMS!

Go Hawks!