December 3-7

Better late than never, right?!

 Grades come out next week, so be sure you're keeping

yourself on track for an A grade until the very end!

You're all such amazing kids, and I feel so lucky

to get to work with you each day. YOU RULE!!!

The Gobble Gobble Week

Don't forget, Wednesday is an early release day! Have a marvelous holiday.

November 12-16

This week is the canned food drive competition! We're in a heated duel with the 4 other middle schools in our district to collect the most canned food for the Second Harvest food bank. Let's win this thing people! Bring your canned food to your first period class.

November 5-9

HaLLoWEen fUN!

I love seeing all the kiddos dressed up for Halloween!

Conference week October 22-26

October 15-19

Don't forget to click on the picture to enlarge it for better reading!

October 1-5, 2012

Amazing work last week guys! Looking forward to seeing what you produce THIS week!

       (please remember to click on the photo to enlarge it)

September 24-28 Last week of September!

 

Lots of writing this week kids! Get those pencils handy!

Please remember that if you click on the image it will show up larger in another window.

September 17-21

Please click on the image to increase size and readability.

September 10-14

WOW! What a great start to the school year! I'm so stoked to have such an amazing bunch of kids in both 6th and 8th grades. I feel so lucky- really I do!
This week there will be projects introduced in both classes in both grades. We're off and running!

Usually all grades are posted online for parents to see as soon as they are entered, however with the new software system the district adopted this may not be possible. So I will be sending classroom progress reports quite a bit more often than I usually do.

Let's have another stellar week Hawks!

(if you click on any pictures they become larger)

September 6-8 FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL!

Please be sure to bookmark this blog and check it each week for upcoming projects, assignments, and possibly EXTRA CREDIT!

How exciting this year will be! I’m teaching sixth, seventh, AND eighth grade this year and couldn’t be happier.

Some of you may be a little curious about what life will be like in my class. I promise you that I am pretty easy-going, and I don’t assign homework for homework's sake. Really! (However, you’ll probably still have class work to take home, so don’t start cheering yet.) My homework policy is below, so be sure to read it. My room is usually pretty colorful and bright. I like books, so the walls are covered with bookshelves; feel free to sign out on any book that floats your boat!

Okay, a little about me: This is my 12th year teaching and 7th year at HMS. I LOVE teaching- and I especially love middle school aged kids. You're my favorite! I like to sing, and I enjoy hiking. I have four kids, two of whom are covered in fur. I suppose you’ll learn more once you’re happily ensconced in our classroom!

Please be prepared for my class each day. I tend to get a little huffy if you forget basic items like paper, pencils, and books. Come in with a happy attitude and I will return it!

HOMEWORK POLICY
Parents and Students,I’ve been reading a lot lately about the benefits and consequences of homework for middle level students. I had been thinking that perhaps our kids have been overwhelmed by the amount of work that has been given to them and I have a plan to perhaps change this.

A few years ago a lovely student named Trevin brought me an article written for the September 2007 issue of Time magazine by Claudia Wallis. This essay discusses several different viewpoints about the benefits of homework. Since the topic had already been on my mind, and then it was presented in such a concise little package by a student, I mulled it over and I’ve decided to implement a new plan: No more assigned homework. I will still be assigning essays and readings and projects, but I will not assign additional work specifically as “homework.”

Studies have shown that “students who feel overworked tend to lose interest in the topics and it may damage their interest in learning and natural curiosity.” (Wallis, 2006) While I do feel that it is important to instill a love of reading and writing in our kids, I don’t want to squash the current interest that they have.So, for the next trimester I am going to test my hypothesis. Your students will still have work to complete at home but it will be work that we began in class and didn’t get finished, or longer projects that need additional time.

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please call me at 509-228-4994 or email me at sfilanoski@cvsd.org, OR feel free to drop by, introduce yourself and talk to me in person!

Sara Filanoski

June 4-8

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May to June

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This week

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The week of April 23-27

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Emily honors a pixie

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Project citizen TO DO list

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November 28 - December 2

Stay fabulous for Mr. Young! See y'all in a few months.

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November 21-25

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This week

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Project specifics

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November 7-11

Keep up the great work!

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October 31-November 4

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October 24-28

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October 17-21, 2011

Be sure to click on the picture to enlarge it. If your eyes are old like mine, you'll need to!

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October 10-14, 2011

Click on the picture to enlarge it. THEN you may be able to read it more clearly. See y'all Monday!

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September 26-30

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Next Week September 19-23

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Happy new school year!!! September 7, 2011

How exciting this year will be! I’m back teaching seventh grade and couldn’t be happier. The word in the teacher’s lounge is that the incoming 7th graders are the cream of the crop, how great is that?! You’ve earned a great reputation by behaving well, and working hard.

Some of you may be a little curious about me and what life will be like in my class. I promise you that I am pretty easy-going, and I don’t assign homework. Really! (However, you’ll probably still have class work to take home, so don’t start cheering yet.) My homework policy is at the bottom of this blog, so be sure to read it. My room is usually pretty colorful and bright. I like books, so the walls are covered with shelves; feel free to grab whatever floats your boat! There are also a zillion pictures of my family and friends posted on the walls. I like to be reminded that I have a life outside of the classroom too. Sometimes, I’ll ask you to bring in pictures and share stories about your life, so prepare yourself for that!

Okay, a little about me…I am married to Sweetie-Pie and I have three sons, but only one of them isn’t covered in fur, his name is P.J. I like to sing, and I enjoy hiking. I suppose you’ll learn more once you’re happily ensconced in our classroom!

Please be prepared for my class each day. I tend to get a little huffy if you forget basic items like paper, pencils, and books. Come in with a happy attitude and I will return it!

YAY SEVENTH GRADE!!!

HOMEWORK POLICY

Parents and Students,I’ve been reading a lot lately about the benefits and consequences of homework for middle level students. I had been thinking that perhaps our kids have been overwhelmed by the amount of work that has been given to them and I have a plan to perhaps change this.

A few years ago a lovely student named Trevin brought me an article written for the September 2007 issue of Time magazine by Claudia Wallis. This essay discusses several different viewpoints about the benefits of homework. Since the topic had already been on my mind, and then it was presented in such a concise little package by a student, I mulled it over and I’ve decided to implement a new plan: No more assigned homework. I will still be assigning essays and readings and projects, but I will not assign additional work specifically as “homework.”

Studies have shown that “students who feel overworked tend to lose interest in the topics and it may damage their interest in learning and natural curiosity.” (Wallis, 2006) While I do feel that it is important to instill a love of reading and writing in our kids, I don’t want to squash the current interest that they have.So, for the next trimester I am going to test my hypothesis. Your students will still have work to complete at home but it will be work that we began in class and didn’t get finished, or longer projects that need additional time.

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact me at509-228-4994 or sfilanoski@cvsd.org.Sincerely, Sara Filanoski

June 6-10

Mixed in amongst all your field trips and out of class fun we'll be doing the following this week:

LA- Poetry Week!

SS- Finish ch. 12 and finance project

Dates to remember!

Tuesday- All final projects for The Cay are due!
June 3rd- All AR points are due.

This week we'll also be plugging along with reading and working on a finance project in Social Studies.

14 more days of school- but don't think I'm going to let you go easily! We'll be working till the last bell rings on the 17th!

What's this week got in store for you? Read on my friends!

Anyone want to take a guess about which two boys I won't send in the future to retrieve the camera?

Monday: “The Cay” scavenger hunt, read ch. 10-12,
Begin ch. 10 in SS "The Cold War and Civil Rights"

Tuesday: Read “The Cay” and analyze the characters’ development,
Mr. P presents a lesson on propaganda

Wednesday: Cay quiz ch. 7-14, plot development,
Chapter 10- Civil Rights

Thursday: Movie: Mighty Times, The story of Rosa Parks

Friday: A.R. reading, Complete Mighty Times assignment


Looking for a little extra credit? Write a one page paper about the development of a character in one of your favorite novels.
Due TUESDAY and worth 15 points in either LA or SS.

The Week of May 2-6, 2011

Monday-
LA: Journal, Read The Cay ch. 3-5, Discuss your role for the MSP
SS: Background information on The Great Depression, Begin ch. 9

Tuesday-
LA: MSP- Reading test part 1
SS: Ch. 9

Wednesday-
LA: MSP- Writing test part 1
SS:Ch. 9

Thursday-
LA: Journal, A.R. persuasive book talks are due to be presented. NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED!
SS: Ch. 9

Friday-
LA: Journal, A.R. reading
SS: In library for retake of the 3rd trimester assessment

Don't Forget:
-Book Orders will be collected TUESDAY. Be sure checks are made out to me, not Scholastic as I place the order online with a CC. (Or you can order online by using the link to the right of this post.)

-You MUST have an A.R. book with you each day.

April 25-29 2011

Yup! I've updated the blog...or I'm about to anyways! I'll try try try to get better at staying current with the blog for the rest of the year.

Don't forget: ALL A.R. POINTS ARE DUE JUNE 8. This date is NOT as far away as you may be thinking! If you were a last second point earner LAST tri- don't let that happen again THIS tri!

BEGIN COLLECTING FOR THE FUND RUN! You can turn your money into your 1st period class starting Monday. 7th grade MUST dominate this year! Just think, you win and you get a whole lot of time OUT of CLASS! (and you know that would make Collin and Matt S. SO happy!) Lucky ducks!

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Monday: We'll begin pre-reading and vocabulary development before we jump into our LAST novel of the year, The Cay. We'll also discuss the invention of the automobile and watch sections of the History Channel movie Horacio's Drive.

Tuesday: We will examine maps and discuss the location of the Caribbean islands, we'll have a mini discussion about WWII and examine pictures and clips of U-boats.

Wednesday: BEGIN READING THE CAY, Chapter 9 in the WA State History text

Thursday: Continue The Cay, take an A.R. assessment in class

Friday: ALL A.R. ALL DAY! I scored the library for us, prepare to take a test today!

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Want some extra-credit?

Watch the news or read a few newspaper articles about current happenings in the Middle East- focus on Libya. Write 3 paragraphs about:
1. What has been happening for the last two months? Who has been in control? What has the U.S. done?
2. What is happening now? Who is currently in control? How?
3. What is YOUR opinion on the events happening there?
Worth: 15 points in the class of your choosing.

March 7-11, 2011

With kids like these in my class, how could I not LOVE my days!

An update: REALLY!!!

This week we've got a lot going on! Even though we don't have class on Monday, and it's conference week so the days will be short, we'll be making up for our lack of time together with intensity! Tuesday in Social Studies we've got high school students coming into help us with firming up our Project Citizen outlines. Hopefully this will allow us to really get focused and tighten up our presentations. In Language Arts we will be reading our novel in preparation for our final AR tests and the DOOZY 100 point test on 2 weeks.

The rest of the week we be alternating class periods. In these classes we will be discussing local policy in action, reading our novel, begin building our panels, and of course, enjoying each other's company!

DUE DATES: March 7th your STRRTS movie is due

March 8th ALL A.R. points are due

March 9th is the 100 point test

Thanks kiddos for making my birthday a great one!
You make my work days fun days.

One student here looks to be breaking school rules...any guesses which?

Who me?!

Some students need a little break or two in between research projects.

You guys keep getting colds, and we still need Kleenex! Bring a box for 5 points!

Just SO much fun!!!

We are really getting into Project Citizen. I can't wait to find out what topic we'll be doing for our projects. Let's hope you guys pick a good one!

This week we'll be focused on our P.C. unit and beginning a new novel: Streams to the Rivers, Rivers to the Seas by Scott O'Dell. It is the story of Lewis and Clark's journey west, told from Sacajawea's perspective. It's a pretty great read and I think you guys will like it.

Prepare for the following:
Monday you have your one sentence homework due
Tuesday you'll be writing a summary of the first couple of chapters from S.T.T.R.R.T.T.S.
and the rest of the week we'll be having a lot of fun learning about how our government works, and practicing non-fiction reading strategies.

See you soon!

At long last...

Welcome to the NEW YEAR my friends! It's 2011, does that seem weird to anyone else? I'm looking forward to spending the next five months with you guys!

This week we will continue with our TREATY TRAIL lesson in Social Studies. I think this is a great way for you to come to an understanding of how our forefathers settled the city of Spokane, and why there are so many reservations surrounding us here in Eastern Washington.
If you need to work on the project at home please visit: http://stories.washingtonhistory.org/treatytrail/index.htm

In Language Arts we will be reading stories related to Native Americans while also studying irony. Prepare to do a little writing too!

Here's to a great week!

Top Secret Extra Credit: For a few extra points, bring in examples of IRONY to share with the class.

Happy 2nd Trimester!!

Welcome to the second trimester of your 7th grade year! You're almost halfway done...time sure does fly when you're having fun! Everyone starts this tri off with an A+; be sure to do all you can to keep yours!

This week you'll be busy in the library learning research skills. These new skills will become VERY important later this trimester when we begin our Project Citizen project. Ms. Albers has some great things planned for you, and I know you'll all be great kids for her!

For Social Studies we will begin our learning about Washington state history. We'll start with a quick assessment to see what you already know (no reason to teach you what you already know...right!?) and then we'll go from there. A whole new textbook awaits you; oh the joy!!

Don't forget, you get your report cards this FRIDAY. Be sure to share your reports with your parents and be sure to tell them HOW MUCH YOU'VE LEARNED THIS TRIMESTER!

Had to share this shot of PJ...gotta brag about how the cute little guy is.

OH! I almost forgot, thanks for representing the team H.S.!

A PHOTO BLOG!

So, the post cut off the bottom of the picture. All AR points are due NOVEMBER 30. That's that was cut out. Don't freak out and think they're due this Friday.

Also, don't forget to work on your Crispin project! Most of your grade will be based on detail and originality. Don't put off doing it until the last minute! Due December 1st.

Remember: I will not be in class Monday. Do your best to be great and earn a free day Friday!

No School Thursday!

This week we've got a lot on our plates. Sorry I am so late posting this- it seems the weekend really escaped me!

Monday 11/8-
Journal
Expository Essay: Body Paragraph
Crispin
"The Crusades"
Movie Quiz

Tuesday 11/9-
Journal
Expository Essay: Body Paragraph
The Plague
Read Crispin at home tonight!
Wednesday 11/10-
Journal
Expository Essay: Tighten up your focus
Crispin Quiz
Black plague group work: How did the plague affect the feudal groups?
Group poster

Thursday 11/11-
No School today.
Hug a Veteran and thank them for all they've done for you!

Friday 11/12-
AR reading day
Present group posters
Movie: Black Death

Spirit Week!

PROJECT RUBRIC! CLICK TO ENLARGE!

Don't forget that this week is SPIRIT WEEK! We start off in out PJs on Monday- so I guess I'll have to be okay with y'all in your slippers. UGH!

This week YOUR BIG OLE PROJECT IS DUE! I've uploaded the rubric so CLICK on it if you're working at home and wonder what you're going to need to earn your "A." In Social Studies Monday and Tuesday will be devoted to working on your projects and combining slides. YOU MUST PRESENT ON WEDNESDAY (or before) OR YOU WILL RECEIVE A FAILING GRADE! Thursday and Friday we will be discussing the Great Plague...ewwww!

In Language Arts we will begin an expository writing, and you're just going to L.O.V.E the process. We'll also be reading Crispin throughout the week.

Boggle on Friday- bring your BEST vocabularies to class!

Medieval Feast Information

LET'S HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Goodness me! It's going to be a quick week this week!

I am so sorry I am tardy posting this. My WiFi was down all weekend, and I didn't know how to fix it. Technology is an area that totally escapes me. One day I'll master it though!

Anyhow, this week will be pretty repetitious for y'all. We've got short days due to conferences, and will only meet three times this week. Other than a CRISPIN test Monday (you guys know the answers, because YOU wrote the questions!), we'll be working in the library to finish your Medieval Power Point projects, and reading our novel. Don't forget that your project MUST be finished on Friday. You will be presenting them to the class on Monday. YOU WILL HAVE A POP MATERIALS CHECK ONE DAY THIS WEEK! Be prepared for class every day and you won't miss out of valuable class points. Plus...it'll be worth group stars!

Parents, PLEASE be aware that I will not be available to meet with you at the arena conferences WEDNESDAY afternoon/evening. We have a cross country meet that day. I would LOVE to schedule a one on one with anyone interested, so just zap an email my way and we can set something up.

Also parents, several of you are not on my class emailing list. If you would like my monthly information email you can email me with your address and I'll add you.

LET'S HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!



super top secret extra credit: write a one paragraph summary of your current AR book, using correct Jane Shaffer colors, and I'll add 10 points to your grade in the AR category. WOOOO!

My, oh my!

I cannot believe it; it's a first for any of my classes, EVER; I am speechless! EVERY block class scored PERFECT 10s on Friday!!! That means this Friday is YOUR day! Congratulations on your efforts. I think I'll also grant you a Queen's token. You'll find out more about that Monday...I'm just SO proud of you guys.

This week we will be reading Crispin in Language Arts, and you'll be building your group Power Point presentations in the library. Tuesday we'll have an AR test where you'll tell me all about CHARACTER in your AR reading book. Friday we'll have our first journal collection, and this one is worth about 100 points!

See y'all Monday!!

A photo Update for the first full week of October!

If you click on these photos you can blow them up HUGE! (That makes this next one a lot easier to read!)

Here are the week's plans according to my lesson book. Have a gander to see the fun you'll soon be having!

The PM block class leaders... really unsure of what the Pope is doing here.

The PM block battling it out for classroom domination...Go C.W. GO!

September 27 to October 1, 2010

This Week in the Kingdom of Filly

Book orders due THURSDAY

Monday- We will continue with the District Writing Assessment and focus on story elements
in social studies we will pick our medieval fiefdoms and continue on with ch. 8.

Tuesday- We will finish the writing assessment and begin the novel, Crispin. In Social Studies
we will have a three class meeting on ARTIFACTS and learn some important
vocabulary that will be used for the REST OF YOUR LIVES!

Wednesday-Friday- We will continue with Crispin and chapter 8 for the rest of the week
with short quizzes for both on Thursday, and AR reading on Friday.


TOP SECRET STUFF: If you write me a 2 paragraph explanation about why you should be chosen for either a noble or a knight position, I will put your name in a SPECIAL VIP hat. Then when we draw names on Monday, you will be almost sure to get assigned to one of the better jobs in the Kingdom of Filly.

This week!

We have our Open House on TUESDAY! Have the "boss of you" show up for a FREE HOMEWORK PASS! The 7th grade team teachers will have a whole group meeting and share what you're going to be studying and learning this school year.

Monday: Review of Central Valley writing terms
2 Column notes on Chapter 8, section 1

Tuesday: Begin the District Writing Sample
Continue Chapter 8 section 1

Wednesday: Continue District Writing Sample
TEST- Prewriting and Writing terms
Prefixes
Chapter 8, Section 1

Thursday: Complete Writing Sample
Point of View
SS Test Review

Friday: Boggle Day! (I love this game!)
AR Reading book discussion
Chapter 8, Section 1 TEST!

WELCOME TO SEVENTH HEAVEN!

How exciting this year will be! I’m back teaching seventh grade and couldn’t be happier. The word in the teacher’s lounge is that the incoming 7th graders are the cream of the crop, how great is that?! You’ve earned a great reputation by behaving well, and working hard.

Some of you may be a little curious about me and what life will be like in my class. I promise you that I am pretty easy-going, and I don’t assign homework. Really! (However, you’ll probably still have class work to take home, so don’t start cheering yet.) My homework policy is at the bottom of this blog, so be sure to read it. My room is usually pretty colorful and bright. I like books, so the walls are covered with shelves; feel free to grab whatever floats your boat! There are also a zillion pictures of my family and friends posted on the walls. I like to be reminded that I have a life outside of the classroom too. Sometimes, I’ll ask you to bring in pictures and share stories about your life, so prepare yourself for that!

Okay, a little about me…I am married to Sweetie-Pie and I have three sons, but only one of them isn’t covered in fur, his name is P.J. I like to sing, and I enjoy hiking. I suppose you’ll learn more once you’re happily ensconced in our classroom!

Please be prepared for my class each day. I tend to get a little huffy if you forget basic items like paper, pencils, and books. Come in with a happy attitude and I will return it!

YAY SEVENTH GRADE!!!

HOMEWORK POLICY

Parents and Students,
I’ve been reading a lot lately about the benefits and consequences of homework for middle level students. I had been thinking that perhaps our kids have been overwhelmed by the amount of work that has been given to them and I have a plan to perhaps change this.
Yesterday in class a lovely student named Trevin brought me an article written for the September issue of Time magazine by Claudia Wallis. This essay discusses several different viewpoints about the benefits of homework. Since the topic had already been on my mind, and then it was presented in such a concise little package by a student, I mulled it over and I’ve decided to implement a new plan: No more assigned homework. I will still be assigning essays and readings and projects, but I will not assign additional work specifically as “homework.”
Studies have shown that “students who feel overworked tend to lose interest in the topics and it may damage their interest in learning and natural curiosity.” (Wallis, 2006) While I do feel that it is important to instill a love of reading and writing in our kids, I don’t want to squash the current interest that they have.
So, for the next trimester I am going to test my hypothesis. Your students will still have work to complete at home but it will be work that we began in class and didn’t get finished, or longer projects that need additional time.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact me at
509-228-4994 or sfilanoski@cvsd.org.
Sincerely, Sara Filanoski

If you're reading this, you're not taking advantage of this lovely summer!!!

ONE WEEK TO GO!

Congratulations! You survived your first and last seventh grade year. I am SO going to miss you all. Thank you for being such a great bunch of kids, you made every day a good one. I've enjoyed getting to know you and have fun with you, while also teaching and learning with you. Thank you.

This next week is full of all the fun stuff. Field trips, parties, talent show, yearbooks, mixers, LIMO RIDES! Enjoy these last few days.

Don't forget to take a moment and reflect upon your year. What did you do this year that you want to always remember? Write it down! Someday you'll look back at what you wrote, and feel the same feelings you had when you lived the moment. I want you to look back at your seventh grade year as a wonderful time in your life. I want you to remember the good things we did.

Don't forget to also think about your future. What will you do tomorrow, this summer, or even next year, to be the kind of person you want to grow up to be? This year you started to make the mold for the person you will be for the rest of your life. If you want to change what you've begun making NOW IS THE TIME! Don't settle into a lifestyle, group, or attitude because it is easy. Be who you were meant to be! I have so much hope, so much love for my kids; I can't wait for you to come back and visit me one day, and tell me how proud you are of yourself. I am proud of you now.

Have a great summer. Be safe and make wise decisions.