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.

This week will be THE BEST week! (okay, not really. I just waned to pump you up.)

The thunder is crashing as I write this...pretty cool outside tonight. I hope your weekend was restful, and fun because this week is your LAST WEEK for MSP testing. You're going to need all yer noggins to get through the second part of the writing assessment.

Here's what I've got planned:
Monday, we'll read The Cay, and take the ch. 9 chapter test. (It's EASY and you get to use notes.)

Tuesday, we'll start the day with a new game I bought. We will, of course, play for ducks. (TateO asked to play a game, and as you know, your wishes are my commands.) Then we'll do a little test practice, read The Cay, and watch a WWII movie.

Wednesday, MSP TIME BAY-BEE

Thursday, The Cay, Ch. 10

Friday, AR reading, and Ch. 10

Woo hooo! As you can see, the fun abounds in Ms. Filly's room! See ya tomorrow my chickadees!

HMS RULES!!!

I think this is my new, all-time, most favorite picture. Look at that sweet Michael ignoring me and Drew laughing. THAT'S CONCENTRATION!

Did YOU go to the Junior Lilac Day Parade?

This week is the M.S.P. We'll be testing 3 days this week. The rest of the time we'll be reading The Cay and studying the Great Depression. We'll make this week a good one!

The last week of April 2010

This week will be fun! Or, at least I'll try to make it fun for you. We will be reading our novel, The Cay and working on elements of fiction like: point of view, summary, conflict, plot, character, and setting. I think you're going to like being in Literature Circles and holding discussions with your new table groups. I'm interested to hear your opinions about it.

In Social Studies we'll work on writing our district CBA (Content Based Assessment) about Project Citizen. This is basically a reflection of the PC process from start to finish. The paper you wrote rightafter your presentation will be a big help with this paper.

PROJECT CITIZEN PRESENTATIONS ARE OVER!!!

YOU KNOW HOW SOMETIMES YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL? BEING VERY HONEST, THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED TO ME THIS YEAR. I AM SO LUCKY I GET TO SPEND MY DAYS WITH 54 OF HORIZON'S ALL-TIME GREATEST KIDS.

Week of April 19-23

Woooo Hooo! The time is nigh! Project Citizen Presentations are THIS Thursday in the HMS library. I know you will all do your best, and you know I will be in the back crying tears of pride as I watch you present. I am really impressed with your hard work, and I can't wait to see it all come to fruition. YAY YOU! Don't forget to invite your parents in to watch you present. I know they'll want to stand back and be proud of you too!

In addition to working on our presentations and our project boards, we'll begin a reflection C.B.A. paper. This paper sounds like a bigger deal than it is. But it is important. If you've kept notes, and understood the process as we've gone along, you'll do fine.

Don't leave AR in the dust as we work. You are reading for POINTS this trimester, so keep up on your reading. A few of you have already earned your points, and a couple of you are reading Don Quixote- WOW! I teach a bunch of really bright kids!

I'm looking forward to a great week with you all.

I'll be back Wednesday. BE GOOD!

This week in Fillyland...

Okay my darlings, this week it's back to Project Citizen. We've got to get moving and get our research DONE. We'll cover some figurative language in L.A., but for the most part we're going to buckle-down and get the P.C. job done.

After reading over your sensory detail paragraphs, I must tell you all how deeply impressed I am. So many of you had me visualizing your locations, and it felt like I was there. Ryan H. made me laugh out loud with his description of an orthodontist visit, and a couple of the Hawaii descriptions made me want to get on a plane to paradise ASAP!

Looking forward to seeing you all next week! Keep up the great work!

Oh, and to the parents reading this post, GREAT JOB at the Crooked Cane! Who knew what mad volleyball skills y'all had?!

Dates to remember:

All 3 A.R. books must be read and tested by March 16.

End of the trimester is March 19

I KNOW! I know!

I am so sorry that it has taken me TWO weeks to update our blog- but honestly, we've been doing the SAME THING for two weeks!

However, as you all know, this is a short week filled with fabulous parent-student conferences. We're reading a story in our W.I.R and of course working on Project Citizen. I think you have all come up with great topics and I am excited to see the changes you will make to our community!

Anyhow, I am happy to be back after the long weekend; I hope you are too!

Feb. 1-5 2010

WOW! That was a doozey of a test today wasn't it?! Thank goodness y'all have an awesome teacher that allows notes and as much time as you need!

You will be grading your own tests next Monday after our

final S.T.R.R.T.S. project presentations.

This week we're also going to begin our HUMONGOUS Project Citizen unit. You are going to be amazed at the power YOU have to change public policy,

and make the world a better place.

If you'd like more information on Project

Citizen please visit:

http://www.civiced.org/index.php?page=introduction

I think y'all know...

This week's work is on the whiteboard in the room, but if you're spacing out, know the BIG things:
1. We finish reading S.T.R.R.T.S. this Wednesday and will have a "Ducky Test Prep" Thursday, and we'll end the week with a BIG FAT TEST on Friday.
2. We're now done learning about Native Americans. We're on to Washington state constitution! Do YOU know what a wolf meeting is? You will!

YOUR PROJECT IS DUE MONDAY! If you need to borrow a video camera, ask! If you need help, ask! If you're

confused about anything to do with the project- PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS!

On that note, you guys have been uber-chatty. SOOOO you've left me no choice. We'll go back to sitting in rows on Tuesday. Yep, you can cry in your Wheaties to your mama, but you'll still be sitting in boring old rows.It would take a lot of convincing (in the form of a persuasive letter. hint! hint!) to make me believe that sitting in rows is a bad idea.

Sorry Mr. Ady!

Here is the link to finish your packet at home!

http://washingtonhistoryonline.org/treatytrail/teaching/journey.htm

Click on the lesson plans for any downloads.

Mini-week January 19-22

(Read the following with a Texas twang) Y'all were great while I was in Texas, and I thank ya kindly fer yer positive behavior! Good job period 5 in earnin yer free day. I'm mighty proud o ya!

Now, on to the week ahead...Tuesday we had a guest speaker and finished working on our Treaties packet. This is the sample work you will use for your student-lead conference in February, so DO try to put your best into it. You want the boss of you to be proud of the smarty you are-right!?

Wednesday and Thursday in LA will be reading and test prep days. We'll read up to chapter 20 in Streams to the Rivers, Rivers to the Sea. We'll have a quiz Wednesday and a test Friday.

Wednesday and Thursday will also be test prep days for our doozey of a test in social studies. You'll get to use your two-column notes and your packet to answer several essential learning questions. You're a bright bunch, so I am not worried about anyone NOT passing this one.

If you are in my AM block you can earn an extra 15 points to be used in either block class if you write a thank you letter to Hank- our Nez Perce guest speaker.

If you're in my PM block, listen carefully for the next two days...I just might mention something in an aside that you'll want to hear.

Have a great week!

How to check your grades online

http://www.cvsd.org/student_information_system.asp

Parents may access the following password-protected information about their student(s):
-Attendance – excused, unexcused for current school year
-Test scores – history of standardized test results (e.g.: WASL)
-Class schedule - online gradebook
-Academic progress – report cards for students in grades 6-12
-Discipline – lists any incidents occurring over the past three years
-Fines and fees
-Credit audit – for grades 9-12 - lists the requirements still needed for graduation

To access this exciting communication tool, contact your eldest child’s school to receive a unique identification number and password.

Your student should have also received different access codes to view the same information.

Got em on YouTube!

If you go to YouTube type in Horizon Filly Infomercial and you should be able to see them.

OR

you can find them by my user name: TeacherJagsHorizon

They are posted as private, so I am not sure how that changes who can and can not view them.

Here are all of the URLs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npWQgSWgHJo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U81kyFZH_BE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA1VbehXq4o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcWejjk6HEU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxLEu5iP0cQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck2Hu2KNYwQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FUa9Xyi42E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPp7jjxJ5sc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irGZc7_mL04

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeHTMlRAuv4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JA0NzD3Nwg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFYWCggaDpg

It's just not working

Okay guys....I've tried several times to upload here, but it's not working.
I'll post them all on YouTube directly and not here. I'll post a link as soon as I get to it.

Infomercial #5. Did they sell it well? Comment below.

I'm getting there...

I've finally downloaded the infomercials onto my home computer. It takes a while for Blogger to upload them...have patience.

They will come up one by one...as I get to them, in between

making sure Stinky Face leaves the dogs alone, baking, and wrapping gifts.

But for you my little duckies, it's worth it.

Hope your break is FANTASTIC! I already miss you guys!

Last week before CHRISTMAS VACATION!!!

Okay my little ducklings, this week is going to be THE BEST...for me that is!

After we study verbs and adverbs, review all the other parts of speech and sentence structure,

YOU ARE GOING TO FILM AN INFOMERCIAL

TO BE BROADCAST ON THIS BLOG PAGE!!

Don't you LOVE IT?

You'll be taped, with our fancy new camera,in a group, presenting Tony Little-esque infomercials with descriptive dialogue, compound/complex sentences, and reflexive verbs. Dance little students, dance! We'll film them Thursday and Friday.

On a more serious note, we'll have one more dam lesson, study the mega floods that formed our beautiful state of

Washington and then take

THE BIG TEST.

I am thinking I'll combine all the tests that

are scheduled, into one bigger test.

Better to do it all quick; like pulling off a Band Aid, ya know?

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SHOP FOR OUR HOLIDAY FAMILIES!!!

DUCKS ARE ON THE LINE HERE, PEOPLE!!

top secret extra credit: Write a letter to ANY Horizon teacher letting them know how they have helped you. This is worth 10 LA pts. if you let me deliver it to that teacher. Put it in a Christmas card and I'll add an additional 5 pts. (an additional 3 pts if you can tell me what is wrong with the directions above (hint: think plural).

Lost Ducks and this week...

WE ARE DONE WITH THE MIDDLE AGES!! Wow, 3 months after we started and look at all you've learned: Feudal systems, roles of the church and king, the black death, crusades, roles of women in the middle ages, Judaism, Muslims, Christians, and let's not forget HOW TO JUGGLE! I have a sneaky suspicion that you'll need to understand the ruling systems and roles of women in Native American culture...good thing we've got such a great reference base!

This week (while I hunt for the last three hidden duckies) we will begin learning about the geology and formation of our state. We'll learn about the giant flood that formed our area and made the soil so rich. We'll learn about Kennewick man and the controversy that surrounds his remains, and we'll be putting it all together while learning sentence structure (diagramming sentences is FUN) and parts of speech.

I LOVE SCHOOL!

Remember, you start school Monday with an A+, and I am a cake teacher- so keep that sugar of a grade up there!

Our new yearbook camera takes panoramic pictures!

My lovely 1st period class

Thanksgiving week

What an AWESOME time we had at the Medieval Feast! Thanks to you all for being such a great group of kids. It's because you're so cool that we're able to do things like this at Horizon. Other schools don't get to do these things; you're special! I'll post pictures as soon as I can, so check back here to see them.

This whole week we'll be in the library while Mrs. Albers teaches us library skills. It's going to be a fun lesson that will take us through the break and we'll finish in December. You'll like it-really!

Your Crispin book report projects are due Monday, DON'T FORGET! You'll be presenting in front of the class, and I can't wait to see what y'all have come up with!

All AR book tests must be taken and passed by December 4th to count for a HUGE part of your grade. Get on it and READ-READ-READ!

Week of November 16- 20

This will be a busy writing week. We'll be finishing our Jane Schaffer essay about Middle Ages women as second-class citizens. So far it looks like you are all doing a fine job, and I am looking forward to reading your papers.

Since we're writing on a social studies topic, and we'll be working on primary sources, we're going to use the block fully. That means both periods will be spent on different aspects of the same topic.

Friday is the Medieval feast. Be sure to have your costume, and your $3.00! It's going to be SO great!

See ya in class!

November 9-13

This is a short week for us, there is no school on Wednesday and Ms. Filly will be gone on Tuesday. That means you've got a chance to earn a FREE DAY this Friday!

My thoughts are that we will ACTUALLY PLAY SCRABBLE Monday, and then hopefully finish Crispin.

In Social Studies we're going to work on our essay about women in the middle ages. Not exciting work, but important work!

NO TESTS THIS WEEK! WOOO HOOO!

November 2-6

Period 2 juggling

Friday Costume FUN!

I'm so sorry about not posting this on Friday. I guess I got carried away by the holiday weekend!

Anyhow, this week in Language Arts we will return to out novel Crispin, and learn some new vocabulary. You'll turn your journals in on Tuesday, and take a quiz on both Wednesday AND Friday. Don't worry though; you can use your notes!

In Social Studies, we will finish up with chapter nine. We'll study primary sources, and reliable sources. You'll answer the review questions and have a quiz on Wednesday.

Friday, we will play Scrabble FOR DUCKS! So put your thinking caps on and get ready to play!

October 26-30

Horizon's Jesters

Conferences are over, and so are the short school days.

Now, it's time to get back to business!

All week in Language Arts we will be reading and studying a horror story by Edgar Allan Poe called The Tell-Tale Heart. It's terribly frightening! We'll study point of view, narrator, learn some crazy new vocabulary words, and write an acrostic poem. Not to mention we're going to watch an episode of The Simpsons! Y'all are going to love it!

With all this horror, we're going to have to set Crispin aside for a bit. SAVE YOUR VOCAB NOTES,they will be needed for a test the first week of November.

Social Studies will be taken up with Chapter NINE. Really, we're going to get there this week, I promise! Get your fingers ready to answer some review questions and TAKE A TEST on THURSDAY!!

I'll be at a district meeting on Tuesday. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be on your best behavior for our guest teacher.

See ya Monday!

Week of October 19 to 23

"Hey Ms. Filly! What's my grade? Can I see it?"

Monday- Boggle for ducks (As requested by Wyatt),
Jane Schaffer reflection,
Chapter nine

Tuesday- Crispin reading,
Chapter 9

Wednesday- Crispin writing
Chapter 9

Thursday- Show and Tell day

(Extra Credit if you bring something to share!!)
Chapter 9

Friday – AR reading and tests
Chapter nine TEST!

"Magic 8-Ball, what is my grade?"

October 12-16

This week in Language Arts we will continue reading Crispin, write a Jane Schaffer essay, and work on completing our AR reading goal for the trimester.

In Social Studies we will continue on to chapter 9 in the textbook. There will be more fun review questions, and the word on the street is that y'all are going to need jackets again this week. There have been murmurings coming from Kingdom Moffit that war is afoot. They think that since we've been beaten before, that it will be easy to do again. WE'LL SHOW THEM!

October 5-9

Great work you guys! Since you've been in school you've taken one test in each block class. NO ONE EARNED LESS THAN A "C" ON EITHER OF THEM! What a smart bunch of kids you all are!

This next week is a fast week, but you've got a lot going on. We will continue to blend L.A. and S.S. together while we study the Feudal system and read our novel Crispin, the Lead Cross. We'll get to continue on to chapter 11 and find the outcome of that cliffhanger in chapter 10.

Now, my loyal subjects, I am sure you've heard the rumors of war swirling around my kingdom. Be not afraid, our powerful Popes have raised up our armies and we are ready to take on all who oppose us. Be sure to prepare and bring your cold-weather battle coats each day!

Due dates:
L.A. Journals collected on Tuesday
S.S. Ch. 8 test on Thursday
Present S.S. PowerPoint on Thursday
FRIDAY-NO SCHOOL!

Don't forget to show your progress report to your parents. They want to know what you're up to in school too!

Again, for those of you who missed the Back to School night, here is a copy of the letter I sent home:

You can check your student’s grade in Language Arts and Social Studies at any time from the convenience of your computer. Just do the following:
1. Log on to https://parent.cvsd.org/
2. Enter your student’s school ID number and password. (if you do not know it call the school and ask)
3. Click on class schedule
4. Click on “Filanoski” pop-up and “GO”
I will update grades online each Friday. Please call or email me if you EVER have a concern about your student’s success in class.

Students usually have ONE FULL WEEK to complete and turn in assignments. If they do not turn in assignments within this time frame I will give them ONE extra day. After that time frame, I will no longer accept those assignments and a zero grade will be entered into the computer. (Absent days are not applicable to this rule)

I try not to assign homework for homework’s sake. If a student does not complete an assignment in class, then it needs to be finished at home. However, there will be several projects assigned that will need to be done at home. Check the blog to keep up with these assignments and their due dates.

Class grading scale is as follows:
Tests, Quizzes, A.R. = 20%
Performances & Presentations = 30%
Homework = 20%
Class work = 30%
I send home progress reports every-other week, usually on Thursdays.

If you ever need to contact me email is the quickest method sfilanoski@cvsd.org or you can call directly into my classroom 228-4994. However, if class is in session I’ll jot your info. down and get back to you. Always feel free to contact me directly with ANY concern you may have about your student. I am here for them, please let me know how I can help.

The week of September 28 to October 2

The line between Language Arts and Social Studies will be a bit blurry this week as we REALLY delve in to the Feudal System of the Middle Ages. Prepare yourselves for a bit of silliness- and a lot of learning! You'll be assigned to a new table group where you will act as Lord, Knight, Peasant, or Serf for the next several weeks. One lucky student in each block will also be assigned the role of Pope (and we all know how important that role was in the Middle Ages!). We'll be reading a lot from our silly floppy S.S. textbook that will help us to understand much of the plot in our L.A. novel Crispin.

Important things you need to know this week:
Monday is our test on religions BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR NOTES,
We'll be in the library Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday researching our first big project,
All book orders will be collected Monday, and the order will be submitted before 6th period.

Week of September 21-25

In Language Arts we will begin reading our novel, Crispin. This is a novel set in Medieval Times. It's got a great moral message as well as targeting several of our recently studied reading skills like, character, plot, imagery, and metaphor. I really think you guys will like it.

In Social Studies we'll begin reading our textbook about Western Europe. We'll get a little deeper into the geography of the area. We'll also put our new two-column note taking skills to use!

I'm looking forward to another great week with my SUPER SEVIES!

top secret extra credit: come to school WEDNESDAY (9/23) with a personal item to share with the class. Yep, that's right! It's show and tell day!!! (10pts)

Scholastic Book Orders

Dear Parent,

I have exciting news. You can now place your Scholastic Book Clubs orders online!

Browse all the great monthly Book Club selections at low prices and order online. Plus, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent orders online.

Here’s how it works:

Use the information below to access the Scholastic Book Clubs Web site.
Browse the titles with your child and place your order with your credit card.
Your order will come to me, and your credit card payment will go directly to Scholastic’s secure server. There’s no need to send money to school.
After I submit the entire class order to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to our classroom for your child to take home.

To get started, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password in the sign-in fields on the right side of the page. Note: You do not need to create your own user name and password.

www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
User Name: HorizonLA7
Password: Books

Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. You’ll also get instant access to over 500 additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts.

And don’t forget: Every time a parent places an order online, we earn a FREE book for our classroom library!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Sara Filanoski

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 coach cross country and track, and I am the yearbook advisor. 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

The last days...whew!

Just a few more days till we're D-O-N-E!

Until then, we will complete our novel The Outsiders, work on and present our budget projects, and spend some quality time at Triple Play! I challenge anyone to

try and beat me at putt-putt!

Week of May 18-22

Monday-
Extra Credit due
Journal
Figurative Language- Symbolism

Ch. 9

Tuesday-
Journal
Fig. Lang. Symbolism

Ch. 9 reading

Wednesday- CAREER BOARDS DUE TODAY!
Journal
Fig. Lang. Simile

Ch. 9

Thursday-
Fig. Lang- Alliteration

Ch. 9 TEST

Friday-
A.R. Reading Day!

Movie: Washington during the Depression

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Extra Credit:

TYPE a 4 paragraph essay discussing the quote, "If we do not learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it." and how it relates to World War One and the current war. Be thorough and use specific examples in your analysis

May 11-15

Oh you guys! I am so sorry that I am late with this...
Here's the scoop for this week:

Monday-
Extra Credit essay due
The Pearl
Ch. 8 reading

Tuesday-
Business letter and envelope due
The Pearl
Ch. 8 reading

Wednesday-
The Pearl
Ch. 8 pre-test

Thursday-
The Pearl
Ch. 8 TEST

Friday-
Progress Reports for LA/SS go home
A.R. Reading Day!
Movie: Washington during the Depression

April 27- May 1

LA- This week we will be doing some lead-in activities to prepare us for our next novel,
The Pearl by John Steinbeck. This is a great book with a strong, moral, message about greed. I think you guys will have a lot to say about it! We'll discuss symbolism and themes in literature to prepare.

SS- We'll be moving on to chapter 7 in the text. This is a really interesting chapter about the Klondike gold rush. You'll be amazed at what people did just for a little bit of gold!

top secret extra credit worth 20 points! Interview an older relative (grandparents) and ask them all about their first job. Type up the 3 paragraph response and bring it in to share with your LA class on Monday.

April 13-24

The TWO Weeks of April 13- April 24:
We will have WASL testing for the next two weeks. When we are not testing the class will move forward with their career projects and read chapter 6 in the Social Studies text.
We will also be working on Literary Strategies.

The following is the 8th grade testing schedule:
Monday- no WASL
Tuesday- Reading test 1
Wednesday- Math test 1 (with tools)
Thursday- Math test (no tools)
Friday- WASL make-ups

Monday- no WASL
Tuesday- Reading test 2
Wednesday- Science test 1
Thursday- Science test 2
Friday- WASL make-ups

March 23-27

Monday-
L.A.- Journal, Anne Frank reading
S.S.- Ch. 5 reading

Tuesday-
L.A.- Journal, Anne Frank
S.S.- Ch. 5 test review and reading

Wednesday-
L.A.- Journal, Anne Frank reading
S.S.- Ch. 5 test

Thursday-
L.A.- Anne Frank test
S.S.- High School councilors here

Friday-
L.A.- 8th Grade Trade Days!
S.S.-

March 9-13

Monday-
L.A.- Journal, Jane Schaffer persuasive essay intro., PowerPoint Lesson
S.S.- Ch. 4 Early settlers in WA and PIRATES!!

Tuesday- ALL A.R. POINTS DUE!
L.A.- Journal, Jane Schaffer class work
S.S.- Ch. 4 Power Point lesson, ec reading

Wednesday-
L.A.- Journal, Jane Schaffer essay work
S.S.- Ch. 4 reading and review

Thursday- SERVICE LEARNING DUE!
L.A.- High School councilors here
S.S.- Service Learning Presentations

Friday-
L.A.- New A.R goals, Re-read 8th grade class policy, A.R. reading
S.S.- Service Learning Presentations

top secret EC: In addition to the scurvy paper, you have two more EC choices! For 25 points to be used in any of your classes with me, calculate the actual size of a pioneer's covered wagon and then stock your wagon with the necessities needed for the trip, using no more space than you have in the wagon. Present this to the class on Tuesday.
OR
For 5 EC points you can write two paragraphs about the different types of conflict pioneers could have encountered on their journey West. Present this to the class on Tuesday.

Week of March 2-6

In Language Arts, we're going to get to conflict; I promise! But with all the interruptions going on, and projects that we've got due, time is flying by! Ms. Cumming will present conflict to you this week. Really! We'll finish reading S.T.R.R.T.S. this week and study for the BIG NOVEL TEST. Projects are due THIS THURSDAY March 5. Don't forget that you will be presenting your project to the class.
ALL A.R. points are due March 10.

In Social Studies we'll move on to Ch. 4 "Early settlers in WA." We'll plan out our Potlatch and trade day, and we'll watch a few movies about Native Americans in this area. Service Learning is due March 10!

Here are a few snaps from Ms. Mott's Career presentation.

secret extra credit: TYPE a 3 paragraph thank-you letter to one of your teachers. Be heartfelt, and give specific examples of how that teacher has made a difference in your life. I'll deliver them for you, and you get TWENTY extra credit points in LA!

Feb. 23-27

We had so many students gone last week that I didn't teach conflict. It would be too difficult to learn on your own, so we're going to learn all about literary conflict THIS week. Our student teacher, Ms. Cumming, will also take a spin at the crazy job of teaching- be good to her!

Monday
L.A.- Journal, Conflict in Literature NOTES (Yay! We LOVE notes!)
S.S.- Ch. 3 test review, Movie: Early PNW People

Tuesday-
L.A.- Journal, Conflict in Literature Group Activity
S.S.- Ch. 3 test

Wednesday-
L.A.- Conflict Playdough Mini-Lesson
S.S.- Ch. 4 intro., Vocabulary

Thursday-
L.A.- Conflict, Read Ch.16
S.S.- Ch. 4 reading

Friday-
L.A.- A.R. reading and text questioning
S.S.- E.C. current events, Ch. 4

Upcoming Due Dates:
March 5- STRRTS Project
March 10- Service Learning Project
March 12- ALL A.R. points earned
End of Trimester is March 13

Top Secret Extra Credit (BRANDON!!!)

Okay, here's what I'd like you to do for 20 (YES! TWENTY!) extra credit points. This is an all or nothing assignment so you can't do just one part and expect to get credit.
Part one: TYPE a 2 paragraph response to this, "Even though her peaceful existence is shattered, Sacagawea never forgets who she is and the nobility and integrity of her people. If you were taken from your family, home, and community, what would you do to never forget who you are?"
Part two: Present your thoughts to the whole class on Friday 2/20.

Week of February 16-20

Parents, an up-to-date progress report for my classes was sent home on Friday the 13th. Please ask to see your child's report if you have questions about current grades. Or, feel free to contact me ANY TIME!

Monday
L.A.- NO SCHOOL!!!
S.S.-

Tuesday-
L.A.- Journal, Read ch. 12-13,
S.S.- Kennewick Man reading

Wednesday-
L.A.- Conflict Playdough Mini-Lesson
S.S.- Kennewick Man bones: for the scientists or Tribes?Ch. 3

Thursday-
L.A.- Conflict, Ch. 14
S.S.- Ch. 3 review

Friday-
L.A.- A.R. reading and text questioning
S.S.- EC current events, Kennewick Man movie

Feb. 9-13

Hey my little munchkins!

This week in Language Arts we will continue reading Streams to the Rivers, Rivers to the Sea. It's such a great book! This week you'll see what a bad guy Charbonneau really is. We'll also be learning how to analyze characters in a very sophisticated manner... by tracing ourselves!

In Social Studies we'll finish chapter two and take a test. Then in chapter three we will move into the really cool study of Washington's Native People. In this chapter we get to see a video about Kennewick Man and learn about early Homo Sapiens. COOL RIGHT!?

Follow this link for an interesting artice to get you ready. http://archaeology.about.com/od/kennewickman/a/introduction.htm

Don't forget that 1/2 your A.R. points are due this Thursday! Oh, and I hope you wear a rabbit's foot this Friday...it's the 13th!!

Feb. 2-6

In Language Arts this week we will begin reading our next class novel, Streams to the River, River to the Sea by Scott O'Dell. This is the semi-fictional story of Sacagawea guiding Lewis and Clark through the West. It's a GREAT book! We're really short on copies of this book, and it's out of print. So, if you can find a copy for your own use you'd be ahead of the curve! Look for it at used book stores and online sites like Abe Books <http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=stream+to+the+river&x=59&y=19>

In Social Studies we will continue our study of Washington geography and early people.This is my favorite section of the text, so please forgive me if I get excited while teaching you about Pangaea, volcanoes, and frozen rivers. It's really interesting stuff!

Again, you're a great bunch of kids and I am proud to be your teacher. You really make me enjoy my days. Work isn't so much work with such a fun bunch! Thanks!

The Beautiful Brochure Bunch

What a lovely group this 3rd period is!

5 EC points if you send me an email and tell me what figurative language I've used in the heading of this post. Due Sunday evening for credit.

Week of January 26-30

You're such a fabulous group of kids and I so enjoy teaching you. Thanks for making my days so entertaining.

This week in Language Arts we are having great time working on our Pacific Northwest travel brochures. We'll be working in class, in the library, in the computer lab, and at home making the best looking brochures possible. Remember: You cannot cut and paste information directly from a website and claim it as your own work. Think for yourself and reword to make your paragraphs pop! Graded brochure presentations will be Wednesday and Thursday.

In Social Studies this week we enter the exciting world of Washington State history! We'll begin with some exciting scavenger hunts and trivia quizzes before we tackle the meatier stuff. Lots of candy prizes awarded!

Don't forget, you've earned your free periods this Friday! Woop! Woop! We can have some fun while remaining the ladies and gentlemen that we are.

Half of your A.R. reading points are due on February 12. Make sure you're keeping up on your reading and taking those tests!

Week of January 12-16, 2009

Language Arts:
This week we will be composing a Jane Schaffer model essay. The topic that the district chose for this essay is, "My Favorite Season." I'll do my best to make this a fun experience for you and, keep you from feeling overwhelmed. ('Cause you know this teacher likes y'all a lot- right? RIGHT!)
We'll also play a few rounds of Boggle for a journal activity. Hopefully this will engage the section of your noggins assigned to spelling. BIG BOGGLE PRIZES AWAIT!

Social Studies:
We will be studying chapter 17 in the text book. We're leaving the Civil War and moving on to the Reconstruction of the US after the war. It's pretty interesting learning! I've got some videos and picture books to help us really "get it."
I AM still hoping to have our Battle of Gettysburg reenactment in the snow. So cross your fingers that we get a light dusting that sticks enough for us to go outside!

See you on Monday!!

secret blog extra credit:
For 5 points on Monday, bring in a small item representing your favorite season. Show it to me, and be prepared to explain why it reminds you of that season.

Service Learning

You have another week before you have to trudge back to the 'ole school. But lucky for you, there are fabulous opportunities to provide service to others during this time! Woo Hoo! (Repeat after me: "I love to serve others Ms. Filanoski!")

Anyhow, I live in the Valley and I know that the plows are not being very good about clearing our streets. So, a great way for you to be of service (and help your neighbors) would be for you to grab your nearest snow shovel and get to work! You might even make friends with someone new! Making a path for the mailman will help keep people from stumbling to their boxes, and help the mailman deliver mail faster.

Also, The Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery is in critical need of baby items. A fun few days might be spent making quilts for the babies or gathering food and diapers for the little ones. So many of the items they need are easily accessible. http://www.vanessabehan.org/

There are so many chances for you to be of service that I'd hate for you to miss any- so get on it buddies!

OH, as an update, you might want to know about the families for whom we had been collecting Christmas gifts. Well, the gifts were supposed to be delivered on Thursday, but as you know that was a snow day and there was no way cars could get from here to there. So, on Monday Mr. Weis, Ms. Moffit, and Mr. Smith loaded their cars with all the fabulous items you had collected and delivered them all to Broadway Elementary School for the families to pick-up.
I'm so proud of all the work you did. Thank you for giving a nice Christmas to those in need.

Week of December 15-19

Woo Hooo! This is your last week of school before your Christmas break!

Be careful out in the snowy cold!

Monday-
LA- Introduction to Walt Whitman
SS-Chapter 16 section 4 pop quiz and video

Tuesday-
LA-"Oh Captain my Captain"
SS- Ch. 16 section 5 vocab and intro.

Wednesday-
LA- "Oh Captain my Captain" practice recite, worksheet
SS- Monitor and Merrimack, Ch. 16 section 5

Thursday-
LA- "Oh Captain my Captain" practice recite, Whitman quiz
SS- Test review, video

Friday-
LA-"Oh Captain my Captain" final recite, vacation essay assigned, Charlie Brown movie
SS- TEST! and then... YOU'RE FREEEEE!

secret extra credit:
Come to class on Tuesday wearing polka dots for 5 S.S. extra credit points.
Be sure to show me your dots!

WELCOME TO A NEW TRIMESTER AND A NEW TEACHER!

Now that you have a new block teacher, there are some changes that will be made, and a few little twists to what you've grown accustomed to. No worries though; I promise to take it easy on you...at first!

To start with, I follow the 8th grade team policy to a "T". That means everything you read (and your parents signed) on that funny green paper on the first day of school is the L-A-W in my room.

I do not assign homework. That does NOT mean you won't have work to do once you get home, but I will not assign homework just for homework's sake. (I've posted my policy at the end of this post.)

If you're a knucklehead during class time, flex those little fingers of yours and prepare to WRITE! I very rarely yell. I very rarely show anger. BUT, if you commit a "NO NO" in our class you will know I am upset because you will be writing during your free time! Sometimes you will be writing A LOT! If you do not turn in your "No-No" writing assignment at the agreed upon time, I'll keep you after school (regardless of your after school schedules) to finish. It'd be a shame to miss your basket-weaving class wouldn't it? Yes, it would. So be a good kid!

I like 8th grade kids. I really do. Be good in our class, and I'll be good to you too.
See ya December 8th!
Yee Haw!


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filanoski's Homework Policy

November 21, 2006

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 2006 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 509-228-4980 or sfilanoski@cvsd.org.
Sincerely, Sara Filanoski
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECRET EXTRA CREDIT!!!
Leave a comment with your name and LA period.
In your comment please tell me one school goal you
have set for yourself for the second trimester.
This is worth 20 points.
(That's like FOUR book assignments!!!)