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!!