Issue #3, 2009-2010 School Year

Brookside Middle

IB 8D Team

NEWSLETTER

September 21, 2009

What's happening in classes:

Language Arts

LA classes finished Nothing But the Truth last week.  Folders, which were the culminating project for this book, were due on Friday and we had a comprehensive test on the book Friday as well.  Students did well on the folders by keping up with the daily assignments, and this effort translated to good grades on the test.  The students who did not keep up with the daily work will require more daily effort on future assignments.  This week will bring writing instruction and review of their Brooksid eWrites papers in preparation for the FCAT Writing Assessment.  Standing homework remains to read 30 minutes for five nights a week.

American History

Students have been continuing a review of our early history, seeing why colonists came to America and why they decided to embark on a Revolution to free us from Great Britain's rule.  They turned in their composition notebooks last Friday with 9 assignments.  Most students are keeping up well with assignments whether in the notebook, the Study Guide, or elsewhere.  The notebook is the most crucial part of their American History grade as it contains answers, thoughts, notes and reflections on what they're studying.  Last week, students created a timeline of the American Revolution.  This week they begin to learn about the ideas and causes of our Constitution.  Studying the Constitution will take the remainder of the quarter as its ideas underlie much of the events in our history.  The next Vocabulary quiz will be on Friday, October 2nd.  There will be a quiz on Chapter 7 at the end of this week.

Math

TBA

Science

In science class we have been focusing on using the scientific method to solve problems and answer quewstions about the natural world.  Scientists are often very dependent upon tools that help with observations and to make measurements.  We will be reviewing how to use these tools, make accurate measurements and how to convert numbers in the metric system.

IMPORTANT DATES

Thursday, September 24 - Mid-term grades given to students to bring home for a signature     

Wednesday, October 7 - Brookside's Open House for parents 6:00-7:30pm.  Follow your 8th grader's schedule, including Encores!

IN OTHER NEWS

Church of the Palms is once again offering TUTORING SERVICES, beginning September 29th.  Call the church to sign up: 922-3294

Dads are invited to share a breakfast treat with your son or daughter  in "Donuts for Dads" this coming Thursday, September 24 from 7-7:30am in the Brookside Cafetorium.

The Phillippi 7K Run will take place Saturday, September 26 at Phillippi Shores Elementary School.  Start time is 7:30am.  A 1-mile Fun Run/Walk starts at 9:00am.  Registration forms are available in Ms. Drackett's and Ms. Downing's rooms.

Parents,

   We ask for your support in checking that your student leaves the house dressed appropriately for school each day.  Please check the Agenda to review our dress code.  Appropriate dress is one important way of helping all students focus on learning.  Thanks for your help!

Students will take the state mandated, county test titled FAIR (Florida Assessments for Instructional Reading) this coming Friday in all Social Studies classes.

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation is offering Dance and Cheerleading courses beginning Monday and Tuesday of next week, September 28-29th.  If interested, registration forms are available in first period classes.