8-206 Ms. Becht

Let me know if this sounds interesting to you:

The Garden Apprentice Program at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden invites you to learn
more about GAP - a hands-on apprenticeship for 8-11th grade students interested in
plants and the environment!

Come to our OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, November 14, 1pm. RSVP required: gap@bbg.org.

Garden Apprentices:

* Work with children, behind-the-scenes with staff, or with garden visitors

* Maintain a vegetable plot and build horticulture skills

* Develop job skills, including teamwork, communication, and responsibility

* Learn about environmental advocacy and conservation

* Earn a stipend after completing Tiers 2 or 3 of the program

Acceptance into GAP is gained through a competitive application process;
applications will be available in November 2009. Apprentices make a 10-month
commitment, March-December 2010. See www.bbg.org/gap for
more info or applications, or call 718-623-7252.

Posted by Ms. Becht at 7:07 PM | Permalink

The Specialized High School test will be on Sunday, November 8th at 7:30 a.m. It will be at Brooklyn Tech. The students will get their admissions tickets on Monday. They will have to list their priorities for the schools on that ticket. The ticket they will get from me, they must bring with them to the test.

If there are other tests or auditons they have to do-they should have already received the ticket for that.

If there are any problems please email me as soon as possible.

I also want to remind you that if you need a letter of recommendation please give the teachers at least one week to fill out the forms.

Posted by Ms. Becht at 4:13 PM | Permalink

Space Weather News for Oct. 26, 2009
http://spaceweather.com

MONDAY NIGHT SKY SHOW: When the sun sets on Monday, Oct. 26th, go outside and look south. Jupiter and the Moon are converging for a beautiful conjunction. The bright pair can been seen even through thinly-clouded skies and city lights.
Don't miss it!

BIG SUNSPOT: The sun is showing signs of life. Sunspot 1029 emerged over the
weekend, and it is crackling with B- and C-class solar flares. The active
region's magnetic polarity identifies it as a member of new Solar Cycle 24. If
its growth continues apace, sunspot 1029 could soon become the biggest sunspot
of 2009. Check http://spaceweather.com for animations and updates.

Posted by Ms. Moreland at 1:55 PM | Permalink

I hope you all had a nice weekend.
This week on Friday there is a half day.
Thank you to everyone who donated money to help get desks for the children in Haiti. It is so greate tos ee such generous students in our school.

We now are focusing on raising money for our walk-a-thon. It is a very important fundraiser for our school.

Progress reports come out on Wednesday.

7th grade

7th grade is working on their board games. Therefore there will be no quiz or test this week. This is a great project and to learn more details about it, ask your child to see the worksheet I handed out. The games all deal with the different operations of integers.

Monday-Draft due tomorrow
Tuesday-Finish Activity 3
Weds-Friday-roads to reaoning worksheet due Friday, have all materials, finish up creating the actual board

8th grade

I hope some people went to the high school fair this past weekend. If you are interested in working on solving equations on line go to this website:

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_324_g_3_t_2.html?open=instructions&from=category_g_3_t_2.html

or try nlvm.usu.edu-and then go to grade 6-8 algebra and play the first game

HW

Monday-2-3 mult of 3
Tuesday-2-3 mult of 4, r 2-4 #1-9
Wednesday-study for quiz, p 2-4 #1-6, r 2-3 #1-6
Thursday-text pg 87 #9-11, roads to resoning wksht
Friday-make up missing work

Posted by Ms. Becht at 8:08 PM | Permalink

7th grade- Castle learning

8th grade- 8-205- My Brother Sam Is Dead---1. Why do you think General Putnam refused Tim's plea for clemency? 2. Sam's execution was a place mother refused to go, Why? 3. Using a Venn Diagram, compare and contrast Sam and Tim.

8-206- The Giver---1. Prediction--What is going to happen to Jonas? 2. Using a Venn Diagram, compare and contrast Jonas and Rosemary.

Reminder--picture day tomorrow

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 4:39 PM | Permalink

7th grade- using the newspaper brought to class, find an article of interest, read it , and in one paragraph write the main idea of the article.

8th grade- answer the questions given in class.

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 4:07 PM | Permalink

All students received the NYC Public High School application and a letter from Ms. Black and Ms. Becht. Forms need to be returned by Nov. 20, 2009

Please make sure to complete pages 1 and 2 of the application and return to school, the teachers will complete pages 3 and 4.

The last day to register for the TACHS is October 22 and this can be done online at: www.tachsinfo.com or by phone at
1-866-61TACHS (1-866-618-2247)

Posted by Ms. Black at 3:04 PM | Permalink

7th grade- Using both the Rubric and score sheet, you are to evaluate your descriptive essay. For those students who didn't have their assignment today, please complete it for tomorrow . Also, bring in a newspaper for tomorrow's lesson.

8th grade- answer the questions given in class. You must write both question and answer in the homework section of your notebook.

Reminder- Picture day Thursday : Girls must wear their vest and Boys must wear white shirt and tie. You cannot wear a sweater on Thursday. Friday is individual picture day, only those students who paid for the pictures can wear regular clothes (regular clothes must be followed by the handbook standards)

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 4:18 PM | Permalink

This Thursday is group picture day. All students should be in uniform. The girls need to have a vest. If you would like to buy a class picture the cost is $11.

Friday is individual pictures. Only those students who are paying for individual pictures are allowed to not be in uniform. They should be wearing appropriate clothing. Everyone will get their picture taken for an i.d. card. Graduation pictures will be in January so parents may not want to purchase this package, but wait for January.

There is a borough high school fair this weekend at Edward R. Murrow. For more info visit the Department of Education website.

Posted by Ms. Becht at 3:19 PM | Permalink

Thank you to the parents who came on the trip with us this past week!! We had a great time at the museum and truly enjoyed one anothers company. It is great to go outside the classroom and explore the world of education in a museum.

Progress reports come out next week so please make sure you are all caught up with your work.

High School applications were given out to the 8th graders. They are due back November 20th. This is also a reminder to the 7th graders-their 7th grade grades will be sent to the high schools. It is very important that they try their best each day.

Extra credit: Email me about your comments about class so far-what was good, what should be changed, what sitll confuses you.

7th grade hw

Seventh grade has their first chapter test this week. They have had several quizzes, but they have a test on Wednesday. I recommend they start studying now. The best way to study is to go over and do old quizzes, old hw, and look in your notebook.

Seventh grade is also starting their first proiject, which is creating their own board games!!! This project is always a favorite.

hw
Mon- 1-8 odd, 1-9 even
Tues-text pg 63-64 #11-29 in ntbk, study for test
Weds-chapter 1 test, read through the project wksht and brainstorm ideas
Thurs-Activity 1, roads to reasoning wksht
Friday-make up missing work

8th grade

We finished our brochures. For the most part they turned out really well and the students put a lot of effort into them, and it paid off.

Mon-2-1 even
Tues-2-2 mult of 3, 2-1 mult of 3
Weds-2-2 mult of 4, r 2-3 #1-12, study for quiz on solving 1 and 2 step equations
Thurs-quiz, 2-3 mult of 3, roads to reasoning wksht
Friday-make up missing work

Posted by Ms. Becht at 4:52 PM | Permalink

7th grade- type your final draft descriptive essay, if your unable to type then handwritten is fine. Also, many students haven't as yet finished their Castle Learning. You have until next week Friday to do so.

8th grade- define and write each vocabulary word in sentences. Many students have not completed their Castle Learning assignments. Please do so by next Friday.

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 3:32 PM | Permalink

7th grade- Castle Learning

8th grade- vocabulary---define and write each word in sentences.

REMINDER- Permission slips for tomorrow. Bring your lunch and you must wear your uniform.

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 4:49 PM | Permalink

I am willing to give anyone who enters this contest bonus points on test or project. Take a look, if you are interested give it a shot-it can't hurt. Turn your essay or work of art to me and I will send it. It will be in the Empire State Building for a display-how cool!!

2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Display

The New York State Education Department, in collaboration with the New
York State Office of General Services, is pleased to announce the 2010
Martin Luther King Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Display. All New York State
schools are invited to submit student artwork and essays based on Dr.
King's Six Principles of Nonviolence for a celebration of his birthday in
January of 2010. The categories for student entries include writing,
painting, drawing, sculpting and photography.

All entries must be postmarked no later than Monday, December 7, 2009, and
will be placed on display for viewing in the Empire State Plaza one week
prior to the King Holiday, on Monday, January 18, 2010 in Albany, New
York.

http://www.oms.nysed.gov/hr/MLKArts2010

Posted by Ms. Becht at 8:05 PM | Permalink

7th grade-Read your descriptive essay aloud to yourselves. DO NOT REWRITE your essay, in the margin make the following indications: write a . for grammar corrections, * for paragraphs or sentences which are unclear and circle words which are misspelled.

7th & 8th grades -- Emotional Literacy--In a paragraph write How would you want to feel in school?

REMINDER
7th & 8th grade will be going on a trip to the American Museum of Natural History, several students need to bring in their permission slips. You cannot leave the school ground without permission from your parents. Also, you must wear your school uniform and remember to bring your lunch.

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 4:23 PM | Permalink

Reminders

1. Bring a small bag lunch (we will be out of school for the day ---- no school lunch)

2. Bring something to press on (a notebook or folder), 2 pencils and an eraser.

3. Arrive to school at 7:50 a.m. (on time). We cannot wait for late comers.

4. Correct school uniform must be worn.

5. No cameras or other electronic devices will be carried on the trip.

6. Parents who are accompanying us on the trip should arrive by 8:10. Please wait in the school lobby for your child's teacher and class.

Posted by Ms. Moreland at 3:14 PM | Permalink

I hope everyone enjoyed the nice three day weekend. We are in our sixth week of school and have learned so much so far. The 7th graders are being introduced to integers, while the 8th grade finishes up learning about scientific notation while creating space brochures.

Picture forms were given out last week. (The 8th grade will get to take graduation photos in January-so you may not want to get these photos done also)

We go to the Museum of Natural History on Thursday-please bring your own lunch, and be on time.

High school forms for 8th graders should all be sent in now. Please sign up for the TACHS on their website because we can no longer take paper registration. Thank you to those parents who attended the high school meeting last week! If you have any further questions feel free to email me at becht@sfabrooklyn.org

Progress reports should be coming out soon...please continue to work hard.

7th grade hw

Tuesday-all late work from last week due, r 1-7, study for quiz on adding integers
Wednesday-quiz, p1-8 even, p1-7
Thursday-trip, roads to reasoning due tomorrow
Friday-make up missing work

8th grade

The 8th grade has been working on travel brochures. There have been 3 parts due already. This week there will be no quiz, their test grade will be their project.

The final part of the project, 2 complete brochures-is due Friday.
The roads to reasoning worksheet is also due on Friday.

Both 8th grades also have 3 journals each week-which are posted in their homerooms daily.

Posted by Ms. Becht at 8:58 PM | Permalink

7th grade- Write your Descriptive Essay on looseleaf.

8-205- read pgs 99-126 (chapters 8 & 9). 1. What is happening in Westchester County? 2. How does Ezekiel Plant feel about Sam fighting for the Rebels? 3. Who is Grey? 4. Why did father want to avoid Ridgebury? 5. Which great story would Tim like to tell Sam?

8-206- read pgs 66-87 (chapters 9-11) 1. How did Jonas feel after receiving his adult Assignment? Why did he feel this way? 2. Why was the concept of pain beyond Jonas' comprehension? How did he know this was about to change? 3. What was unique about the Annex? 4. Why was the transmittal of the memory of snow so exhausting to the old man? What does this reveal about the community?

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 4:38 PM | Permalink

7th grade- continuation with our draft- write the body of your descriptive essay directly underneath your introduction. You should already have the outline which contains the examples and details. The only step you must do is create paragraph form. Your body must contain 3 paragraphs.

8th grade- be prepared for tomorrows exam. Using the elements discussed in class, you are to evaluate the them according to your own feelings/reactions.

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 4:59 PM | Permalink

7th grade- In your notebook, draft the introduction. Get your essay off to a good start. Grab your readers attention with a strong statement or question. Be sure to mention your topic. Give the reader an overall impression of your essay. Remember the sample introduction I read in class today.

8th grade- Exam on Thursday, vocabulary and chapters 1-5 in your assigned novels. 8-205-Read pgs 94-98 and answer the following questions using complete sentences. 1. Would the conflict in the novel ever end? 2. Is it important for the cowboys to know who is eating the beef sold by Father? Why or why not? 3. What would happen if Father lost his cattle? 4. Explain the following line: "Here I was in a foreign country and it was just like being at home?

8-206-1. What set the Ceremony of Twelve apart from all other ceremonies? 2. Do you think twelve -year-olds are ready to choose their future careers? 3. In what ways are twelve -year -olds in our society tracked into their future careers? 4. What Life Assignment would you like if you lived in Jonas' community?

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 2:42 PM | Permalink

7th grade- Using both the sensory graphic organizer and the outline, fill in the examples with 2 details for each. For those students who filled in all five senses, combine 4 of the senses to create 2 paragraphs. Remember we are using the graphic organizer to help develop our descriptive essay.

8th grade- Study the vocabulary words and chapters 1-5 in your assigned novels. 8-205- My Brother Sam is Dead questions 1-5. 8-206- The Giver- define and write the vocabulary words in sentences.

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 7:12 PM | Permalink

This week marks the ending of our 100th anniversary year. Some of the students participated in Sunday's events, and I thank them for that. Thank you for all of the parents and families who continue to support our school by attending school functions.

Many students got notes from Sr. Marie re: tuition, please make sure you respond to those in a timely manner.

We finished our Terra Nova's last week. It was a long week, but I am sure they did well.

There is a parent meeting about high schools this Tuesday morning at 7:45-we look forward to meeting with the 8th grade parents.

The students have gotten 2 notes about high schools-one about applications and the other about the meeting. At this point they also have all of the test booklets-please review them with your child. They will get the public high school application in about 2 weeks.

7th grade-please bring in a deck of cards for Friday (we will be playing a game with them)

Mon- 1-4 multiples of 3
Tues- 1-4 multiples of 4, 1-6 #21-35 odd, study for quiz
Weds-1-6 even
Thurs- 1-6 #1-21 odd, r 1-7 1-12

Topics this week: all operations wth decimals, operations with integers

8th grade-hw will be posted on Monday night
We are working on our brochure projects

Religion hw for my homeroom-finish high school project, reflect on St. Francis video. We also will watch a TACHS prep video

Posted by Ms. Becht at 9:50 PM | Permalink

7-203- Fill in the sensory details web with the information we did in class. Please feel free to add additional information if you like.

7-204- Using your sensory details web, write your 1st draft descriptive essay in your notebook.

8-205-"My Brother Sam is Dead" read pgs 55-60 and answer the following questions using complete sentences: 1. Why does Redding have a reputation for being a Tory Town? 2. Why is Sam in Tom Warrup's shack? 3. Why has Sam decided not to help his father during his dilemma? 4. Why did Sam jump over the stone wall? Study your vocabulary words for Wednesdays exam.

8-206-"The Giver"- read pgs 28-39 and answer the following questions using complete sentences: 1. Why was Jonas interested in finding out where Roberto went upon release? 2. What effect did the pills have on Jonas and the other people who took them? 3. Why do you think all adults were required to take them? 4. What do you think was the social status of Birthmothers, or biological mothers, in the community? Why do you think they were given this status?

Posted by Ms. Villafane at 3:23 PM | Permalink