Happy New Week!
•Current Events–all classes, Wednesday, 16th…have current events all made up/caught up/ in order in notebook– open note test later this week…
•Have tests in all classes corrected, signed, returned to me as soon as finished/graded.
•Eighth Grade–Revolution and the Aftermath
Secret Project
•Seventh Grade–Pompeii; Christianity Spreads Across Rome
Rough draft of persuasive essay–Monday; final draft–Friday
Finishing Battle Maps
Oral Storytelling–Myth of Ancient Rome
•Sixth Grade–The Last Two Early River Civilizations–India/China; mini unit on both/emphasis on note taking/ completed this week and heading into overall discussion of military civilizations that took over/controlled/and then were conquered in the Middle East/Mediterranean region from 1830 BCE to the rise of the ancient Greeks.
Complete personal opinion persuasive essay on “Pro/Con: What Can Be Educational by Taking a Lengthy Field Trip out of State” send to me on google docs–look for my corrections/suggestions–final draft due Friday.
Resume work on country wiki–we will discuss areas to complete this week in class.
Have a great week!
Love..as always,
Mrs. R. 
• Current Events due as usual from all classes on 5/9/12–if we are still in the middle of tests, we will turn them in to meet due date and present when tests are finished.
• A major test begins on Tuesday, May 5 in each class; it will probably take two to three days to complete. We have reviewed in many ways over many days; so with some fine-tuning/memorizing, you should be well-prepared!
8th–The Road to Revolution–French and Indian War to Lexington and Concord
7th–Rome Begins through Caesar Augustus becomes First Emperor
6th–Ancient Egypt
New units begin right after tests end…persuasive essays will be completed in 6th and 7th, and United States map tests will be in preparation for 7th and 8th grades.
Study hard! Have a great week!
Love,
Mrs. R
Such a lonely last week without all of your enthusiasm and activity! 6th and 7th–so glad you had a wonderful time–great stories!…Welcome back eighth! Can’t wait to hear your perspective!
• All classes-current event on Wednesday, May 2–print out, summarize, commentary…best quality!
• 6th Grade–Intro to how to for persuasive essay on “The Value of Several Days Out of School for a Major Field Trip”
• 7th Grade–Monday, April 30–Topic and print-outs of initial research for persuasive essay due.
• 7th and 8th Grades–Don’t forget to get your map tests signed!
All Classes–This is your Review Week (4/30–5/6)for Next Major Test–Tuesday, May 7.
6th Grade–Ancient Egypt–have a review study guide
7th Grade–The Beginnings of Rome, the Roman Republic, the Punic Wars, the 1st and 2nd Triumvirates–organize notes
8th Grade–The Road to Revolution–organize notes
Study early…study hard… and you’ll do well as always!
Love,
Mrs. Reppert :)
•Current Events for all classes–Wednesday, April 18. Quality, details, good commentary!
•Major Projects Due Date–triple test grade!!:
April 18–8th Grade–present assigned area of colonial America–Table display, model, presentation to class of all required information from rubric; you are giving a sense of what life was like in your area of the colonies–Douglas–Southern Colonies; Joel–New England Colonies; Rebecca–Frontier; Ilyssa–Middle Colonies
April 18–6th Grade–present assigned area on ancient Egypt–Table display, model, if so choose, Smart Board presentation–creative play–your choice; but cover the information thoroughly–you are your class’s teachers on your subject.
Religion/gods/goddesses/temples–Reesa, Josh Z., Ryan H, Sabrina
Death and burial practices–Jilliyn, Shelby, Hannah, Samuel
Classes of people/how lived–Allie, Max, Shira, Josh F
Pharaohs/rulers–Rachel, Edyn, Daniel, Nathan
7th Grade–last of foundation for battle maps
Most of week will finish up project presentations; topics in each class:
6th–last details on Ancient Egypt
7th–1st and Second Triumvirates in the Roman Republic; the Roman Empire Begins
8th–Road to Revolution leads to fighting–Declaration of Independence
Have a great trip to Chicago; I can’t wait to hear all about it upon your return!
Love.
Mrs. R :)
•Current Events as always on 3/28/12 and 4/4/12! Remember quality and details!
•South and Central America Map test–grades 7 and 8–Tuesday, April 3!! Should be well into studying by now!
Projects due dates–Please work early–I do not want work being done during the holiday–that’s why I scheduled the due date with much time before it.
• Grade 6–Major Egyptian group presentation–after Passover–Wednesday, April 18–refer to rubric for details–Triple Test Grade!! OOOH!
• Grade 8–Major colonial region presentation–after Passover–Wednesday, April 18–refer to rubric for details–Triple Test Grade!! OOOH!
•Course of study in each class–
6th– Egypt–lots of class notes/refer to packet-study guide–test will be coming not too far after our project presentations–
7th–Rome–Punic Wars/The Period of the Republic—test not too far off!
8th–The Road to Revolution–test will be soon after presentations!
•End of grading period–Tuesday, March 27
•Conference Day and report cards–Thursday, April 5
Have a great last two weeks; and a relaxing family holiday!
Love,
Mrs. R :)
• Yes, everyone, we will have current events on Wednesday, March 21–remember I am looking at your summaries/commentaries with increased expectations as we move toward the end of the year; 1. I will, as always, be looking for a NEAT thorough, well-proofread summary–multiple sentences of expanded detail, improved reflection-multiple sentences of commentary–indication that you really thought about your story. 2. Phrasing that is not remotely close to copying–not on the edge of plagiarism 3. Careful selection of article–Is it IMPORTANT to the U. S. or world? Be sure it is NOT a tabloid-type article-no murders/traffic accidents/abuse/kidnapping–UNLESS related to a world situation.4. Be sure it is turned in on time–late drops a letter grade …
• There will also be small amounts of homework in all of your classes; we are avoiding major tests and big assignments this week.
• Be sure all make-up work is in ASAP–end of 3rd 9 weeks is March 27/conference day-report cards on April 5.
• Testing Tips:
(Mrs B–grade 8, Mrs. K–grade 7, Mrs. R–grade 6)
SCHEDULE:
•Be sure to get a good night’s sleep, and eat a good, healthy breakfast before testing each A.M.
•Testing each A. M. this week–9:00 to 10:45–Please try to avoid outside appointments during this time.
•Shortened general studies class periods–10:45 to 1:15
•Lunch, Judaic studies, PE–1:15 to end of day
SUPPLIES:
• 2 or more sharpened number 2 pencils with good erasers
• Scratch paper
• A book (preferably for
English class Chai reading) to read between tests
• A yummy snack and beverage for after testing
8th Grade–We are on the “Road to Revolution”–learning what changed a group of colonies from proud British citizens to rebels against the crown!
Quality/meeting due dates are everything at this stage in 8th grade–show me your full capabilities; go out of MJGDS at your very best in prep for high school!
Test Prep for your South and Central America Map Test should be in progress by now! I repeat…you cannot expect to do well on this test studying the night before! Test is Tuesday, April 3!
You also have a MAJOR project (triple test grade) in progress that will require work outside of class–refer to rubric and be working on making it a real quality happening! If you need advice, I am here! Due date is Wednesday, April 18.
7th Grade–We are moving through the Punic Wars and the conclusion of the period of the Roman Republic. I suggest that you print out your notes and let me help you organize them for study/prep. Tests will be coming!
We are finalizing our paper mache geography base for our battle maps this week; painting comes next, then we add any physical details such as fields and forests, villages, and finally-the soldiers! The last steps will be adding arrows to indicate troop movements, and writing a summary of the battle before presentation. If you find yourself getting behind, come in at lunch and work on it or, if necessary, take it home and work a bit…see me if you are needing help. The base must be finished this week ready to paint.
Central/South America test is on the horizon! Test on Tuesday, April 3. You are great at this; you know the key is beginning your studying early!
6th Grade–Egypt is our focus in class study, activities, and on our group projects. Refer to your rubric; be working outside on research and completing assignments, and devote your class project time to organizing how you will set up your presentation tables and activities. The due date will come quickly as we will have shortened periods this week, and we will not devote all your class time to your project most days…plan ahead, set goals, be sure you’ll get what you are planning done! Due date for project Wednesday, April 18.
Have a great week!
Love,
Mrs. R :)
•
Current event, as usual, for all grades on Wednesday, March 14.
6th Grade Additions--
• Be sure to have had all recent tests signed–map test/and retest if you took it, Mesopotamia test–and placed in proper section of notebook for upcoming notebook check this week.
•Bring back shoebox on Wednesday–be sure background is done and you have “Prehistoric Spud” to dress up! Yes, they will be presented and displayed at last!
•Ancient Egypt in progress–a new project being introduced this week; look for explanatory sheet–final due date not until April 18, but mini progress milestone due dates will be assigned along the way–noted in class and posted here. Much will be done in school–but parts will be homework–updates will be posted here.
7th Grade Additions–
• Final draft of Peloponnesian War essay due.
• Have most recent notebook check sheet signed and returned.
• The Roman Republic in progress; about to discuss the Punic Wars…
• Back and ahead of schedule for this stellar bunch of geographers–South and Central American map test—and capitals!!! Test tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 3.
• Paper mache geographical features in progress for Roman battle maps–then we paint, indicate features, place soldiers, and arrows indicating troop movement–then we will draw conclusions about how geography affected ancient warfare!
8th Grade Additions–
• Have last week’s notebook check, final draft of Columbus essay signed, explorer test signed–return to notebook.
• New major project assigned this week–topic–”Regional Differences Develop in the English Colonies”–will be due for first presentation on or before–if we finish early–April 18. Look at project info sheet for details–this project will have additions made to it even after the first due date relating to the Revolutionary War, the establishment of the new nation, and the events leading to the Civil War.
• As we discuss and show via project the regional differences of the colonies, we will proceed forward into the French and Indian War and on the road to revolution!
• South and Central America countries/capitals/bodies of water/other areas–test on Tuesday, April 2. List and study maps have been sent home–see below:
Map test game center online —Sheppard Industries–South and Central America–leveled games…helpful but study using maps, too, for that will be how you will be tested–spelling/capitalization count!!
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/South America_Geography.htm
Have a super week…lots of fun “a-comin!”
Love,
Mrs. R :)
Lots to do–projects and progressing into new units in all classes! (Alliteration, much?)
6th Grade:
•Monday, March 5–Middle Eastern map retest–have both first map test and this test signed and returned.
•Have Mesopotamia test signed, corrected, and returned ASAP
•”Catch-up and Mustard” week for lots of in-progress projects after all the rounds of testing. Don’t forget “Cave Potato!”
• Current event, as usual, on Wednesday, March 7.
• Get notebook ready for next check this week!
•Egypt study has begun–individual and group projects galore upcoming!
7th Grade:
• When notebook returned from check, have it signed and return ASAP.
• Complete 3rd–and hopefully final draft–of Peloponnesian War essay for Friday.
• Area of study–the Roman Republic proves to be successful–expansion of territory.
• Current event, as usual, on Wednesday, March 7.
• Beginning the building of our geographical underpinnings for our battle map via paper mache this week.
• Assigning of new map test–South America’s land and water forms–extra points if you also learn capitals!! The New World will be discovered next year–getting ready early!
8th Grade:
• Current events, as usual, on Wednesday, March 7.
• Completing final touches on coats of arms and beginning individual colonial “way of life” projects.
• Areas of study–When Worlds Collide–native Americans, Africans, Europeans meet in the New World.
– Complications lead to the French and Indian War on the Road to Revolution.
–The event called the Spanish Armada.
• Get notebooks from last check and explorer tests signed as soon as they are returned this week.
Have an outstanding week. Work hard and give everything you do your very best effort!
Love, :)
Mrs. R
6TH GRADE QUICK UPDATE AFTER TODAY’S CLASS… AND BEFORE FULL POST ON SUNDAY–The 6th grade’s first combo “book/Reppert-style” test has taken several class periods to complete/another new testing style for them, and lots of student illnesses/absences; some will even need to finish up on Monday. The Middle East map test was re-scheduled for Monday the 27th, but of course I want to complete the Mesopotamia test a day or two before another test overlaps. I have now…hopefully, finally…set the Middle East map test for Wednesday, February 29. Since they have had the map study materials and suggestions for studying for nearly a month now, I hope that a bit of nightly review is continuing regardless, and this will only provide more time for further preparation. If–as I was asked by a few– any of my little, cute over-achievers have finished the Mesopotamia test and want to get the map test over with on the previously stated date, they may have lunch with me on Monday and take the test then…probably better, however, to take the additional days for more study; no % advantage for taking it early….I’m not real big on all these test date changes, but they have been dictated in this situation to be fair and reasonable for all.
*****All Classes–Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth–Current Events are due on Wednesday, February 15, and (NOTE CHANGE DUE TO NEXT WEEK’S KALEIDOSCOPE DAY ON WEDNESDAY) –Thursday, February 23. I continue to look for events that are of major importance to the world or nation, a well-developed, thorough summary, and plenty of well thought-out commentary. Quality in both your ideas and proofreading continues to be expected!
SIXTH GRADE:
• Completing and turning in Chapter notes for Mesopotamia packet–notes and section reviews on Monday, Feb. 13.
• Beginning review and discussion of Mesopotamia skills and concepts via the packet that was passed out last week.
• NOTE CHANGE–Test on chapter 3–Mesopotamia– originally scheduled for Friday, February 17, rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb 21, to allow for completion of our final review. It will be a combination book/style test–matching and multiple choice– and “Mrs. Reppert” test. :)–mainly fill in the blanks and short essays. Since we’ve already gone over all the notes you have taken from the chapter, if you study as we review this week and really learn the details in the study guide packet I gave you over the weekend, you’ll be well-prepared!!
• Middle East Map test–Friday, February 24. I have been so pleased to see how many of you have been studying a little bit each night as I have suggested. You’ve had the packet for two weeks plus now…so your study is obviously well underway. Study the spellings…a few each night, then study a section of the map, then review it and add on a new section nightly ’til you have mastered all the shapes of the countries and where each is in relation to its neighbors. A little at a time makes it easy; for those of you who have not yet started, PLEASE do not wait until the night before on such a test! You will find that it just will not be possible to learn all of this at the last minute!
•Project time for…shoebox, poster, and wiki completion will also be provided this week.
SEVENTH GRADE:
• Be sure you get your Battle of Thermopylae test signed and returned ASAP.
• We continue to complete our test grade essays on The Peloponnesian Wars and its significance in history; the introduction, and part one of the body was worked on in class and, if necessary, completed at home last week. On Monday and Tuesday we completed summaries of the second and third parts of the body, and planned a strong conclusion. The fully proofread and completed essays were due in final draft form on Thursday, February 16. Writing clear, organized, informative essays–proofread to be error-free–is a major skill in prep for high school. You are good writers. Do your best!
• Reviewing the accomplishments of Phillip of Macedonia and his son, Alexander the Great, will conclude our very detailed study of the ancient Greeks. Expect to reflect upon them…as a quiz next week. We will also begin our study of the Romans–first, via myth/legend, and their historical underpinnings, and noting key places–ancient and modern– on a map of Italy. Then on to the founding of the Roman republic.
•Last, over the next two weeks we will get messy creating the paper mache geography for your battle maps! Yay and Yuck!
EIGHTH GRADE:
• All your summaries of explorers are due in; you should have completed the coloring of your map of the areas claimed by Portugal, Spain, France, England, and others. You should have also provided lines on the map to show where the explorers went in their travels. All of this has been in preparation for the beginning of your explorer test on Friday, February 17. It will mainly be matching; but their accomplishments are similar, so study early! There will also be three short essays on Magellan, Amerigo Vespucci, and the two major conquistadors–Pizarro and Cortez.
• Since we have completed the reading and discussion of Columbus‘s life, voyages, accomplishments and controversies, you have been assigned a reflective essay; you will decide on your own thesis…lots of possibilities for your creative minds. You may use any parts of the information packet I gave you, or do some research of your own. It will be due next week–Friday, February 24.
• Our main area of discussion this week and next, will be the based on the packet “When Worlds Collide.” After we compare and contrast how the French, Spanish, and English colonized the Americas, we will make a brief segue into the implications of the event known as the Spanish Armada, and summarize how each of England’s 13 original colonies was founded.
Have a great two weeks! We’ll work hard and have some fun, too!
Love,
Mrs. R :)
