February 24 to 28, 2014

 

Feb. 10-14

 

Psst! Looking for a little extra credit?

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

pastor, humanitarian, Civil Rights leader (1929-1968)

• What does this quote mean?
• What does it mean to you?
• In a one page reflection, ruminate on this quote.
• If you do an amazing job, and turn it in to me by Thursday, January 30th, you could earn 15 extra points in the period of your choice.

January 27- 31

This week promises much excitement!

 

The 7th graders will present their Project Citizen portfolios to the judges, and the 6th graders will begin their very first research project.

New experiences always make for great teaching. I just love my job!

• Your Scholastic book orders are due FEBRUARY 4th. Those of you who pay with check may have to wait a while longer for your shipments to come in. Therefore, I suggest you try the link to your right and order directly online in the future.

Matt Woodburn Makes a Difference

Sometimes it only takes one person to motivate others to do good. Be that person. Be the good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXwRWGoFtr0#t=360

January 13-17



UPDATES!

Happy New Year to you! I’m so glad to be back at Horizon with my classes; I’ve very much enjoyed hearing stories about your family adventures over the Christmas break. But, now that we’re back, it’s time to get refocused on learning! Here are some updates:

·         The newest RVF is attached to this email. It is due January 23^rd. ALL questions on the back side need to be answered despite the confusing direction on the top of the page.

 

·         Mr. Hardt has asked that instead of one large 300 point A.R. grade at the end of the trimester, that I break the grade up into smaller chunks throughout the tri., and I am happy to oblige. These grades will begin showing up in the grade book quite soon. However, they will have extended due dates because they are not scored until the end of the trimester. In this class all AR assignments and points are due by March 6^th. 

A.R. grades are made up of the following components (not just taking and passing the 3 required AR tests each trimester):

a.       A.R. comprehension tests taken in the library.

b.      Back-sides of all RVF sheets.

c.       In-class skill quizzes using AR book.

d.      In-class AR book quick writes

e.      Goal setting for the trimester’s reading.

f.        Having an AR book in class at all times.

g.       Score from the required genre’s AR test

h.      Reading one book from the required genre for the trimester.

These required genres are:

1.       Trimester 1- a classic

2.       Trimester 2- biography or autobiography

3.       Trimester 3-Historical Fiction

 

·         Parents often ask me how they can support our learning at home. I’ve written a few parent to student discussion topics if you too have been asking this same question.

1.       In Social Studies we are learning about Ancient Egypt. If you have any resources or knowledge about this civilization please discuss it with your child. It’s such an interesting part of our world’s history.

 

2.       Ask your child to talk about the mood or tone in the novel he is reading. Ask why s/he feels this way using proof from the book.

Please contact me if you have additional questions or concerns.

January 6-10

December 2-6



 

November 11- 15

R.V.F. is DUE on November 14th!

(Sorry I forgot to add it to the planner.)

 

 

Seventh Graders: Don't forget to be on the lookout for costume ideas for the Medieval Feast on November 19th.

 

Some high-ranking citizens of our Kingdom Filanosloe

November 4-8

This week will be a GREAT one! Why? Because you're going to learn some pretty cool stuff and things!

 

October 28 to November 1

October 7- 11, 2013

 

September 30 to October 4, 2013

If you click on this picture it should
enlarge enough to improve readability.

 

September 23-27, 2013

 

Lesson Plans for Sept. 16-20

Welcome! Ms. Filanoski Room 213 at H.M.S. 2013-2014

Wowie! Didn't the summer just FLY by?! It's not too upsetting though, because I'm lucky! Lucky that I get to come to Horizon each day to hang out and teach the most awesome group of kids IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!
You: How do YOU know we're the most awesome kids in the entire world, Ms. Filanoski?
My answer: I ONLY TAKE THE BEST OF THE BEST! You would not have been put into my class if you were not amazingly awesome! I pay the office in cookies and Starbucks to give me the cream of the Horizon crop. I called the Bosses of You and convinced them to send you to Horizon. (Okay, maybe this is slight fabrication. I suppose I know you're amazing because you're YOU. You're the ONLY you there ever was and ever will be. And that's pretty darn cool!) 

For most of you reading this post, this year will be your first in middle school- HOW FABULOUS! You will really love it here at Horizon. The teachers are pretty cool, the students are pretty cool, and now that you're here our school will be VERY cool! I'm excited to meet you and teach you all the wonderful things I know about Language Arts and Social Studies!

Could you do me a favor? Will you bookmark this page? Save it to your favorites? Friday of each week I post a shot of what our schedule will be for the following week. I also post extra credit, pictures, and other things I think you and the Bosses of You might be interested in reading. OH! Let's start NOW!!!

If you've read this post, please click the "comments" icon. Write JUST your first name and grade. (DO IT ONLY ONCE! I must approve all comments before you will see them in the comments section.) I'll gift you with a WHOLE 5 extra credit points JUST for doing that!!

Enjoy Your Summer!

Oh my little ducklings,

I hope you have the best summer yet and that

ALL OF YOUR WILDEST DREAMS COME TRUE!

See y'all next year!

May 20-24

April 29th to May 3rd