Ms. Farris’s Class Blog!
Go Stallions!
Parents,
Attached is a letter from Shelby County Schools regarding the recent swine flu outbreak. Please read and review carefully.
I hope you all have a fun and safe spring break! The 3rd nine weeks is officially over and we are about to begin the last nine weeks of 8th grade! You’re almost in high school! 
Parents, report cards will go home on April 1st.
Thanks,
Ms. Farris
Here are our plans for the week! Lesson Plans
Students and parents, this is a reminder that the AFRICAN-AMERICAN AUTHOR REPORT IS DUE FRIDAY!!!!!!
Also, parents, students took their AR test Tuesday. Students have known about this since the beginning of January and many STILL had not read a book to take a test on in class. Their AR test scores show this. The purpose of AR is to allow students to read a book of their choice and earn points for it, while still counting towards their Language Arts grade. Please remind your child that this is not optional and counts toward their grade in class! The students are aware of the AR book requirements (6-8 grade reading level, 200+ pages, and worth 5 or more points). I truly appreciate your support in helping your child grow in their education!
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International Week is NEXT WEEK and I am so excited about all the festivities! Parents, if your child has not informed you, there is an International Night dinner being held on Thursday, March 5th. Su Casa is catering the food and, for a fee of $7.50 a person, you may enjoy it!
Also, in celebration of Memphis in May and International Week, the students are being given an opportunity to participate in the Smuckers Creative Writing Competition through the Memphis in May Organization! The students were given a form with all the requirements. It is due to the organization BY MARCH 6th! If students participate, I am offering extra credit. If you are interested in learning more, visit www.memphisinmay.org/competitions. There are several opportunities for students to earn several different prizes. As a class, we may be participating in a class-wide contest (depending on support). If you are interested in helping with this, please please please let me know. I would love to participate in this but, unless I have support, it’s going to be difficult!
As always, please feel free to email me at lfarris@scsk12.org with any concerns, or even to say hi! I am enjoying getting to know the students and everyone involved in their education!
Sorry I’m a little late this week! I’m still trying to get used to blogging.
Ms. Farris
Tomorrow, Doughtnuts for Dad will take place in the cafeteria at 7-ish. Come enjoy a yummy breakfast and juice/coffee! We look forward to seeing you there!
The agenda for this week is below.
Attention! AR test date is closer than it appears!
We will be taking our AR tests AS A CLASS on February 24. As of today, the new and improved online AR program is up and running at SFMS! Yippee!
All stuents should be reading their AR book and preparing for their test!
Also, students will be taking their next ThinkLink test on February 10th. WOO HOO!
I hope everyone had a great Super Bowl weekend!
Ms. Farris
Parents,
A letter was sent home with report cards regarding AR and updating the AR system; It asked for $4 from each student. Please send this money with your child as soon as possible. I have several students who have not brought it in yet.
Also, the TCAP Writing Assessment is in less than a week! We are preparing for this in class, but it definitely couldn’t hurt to work with your child when they are home!
Parents,
There is a PTSA meeting tomorrow (Thursday 1/15) in the cafeteria. The homeroom with the most parents present wins a treat! Please attend this meeting if you can! This is a great way to stay informed on SFMS activities and etc.
Also, the Winterfest dance is Friday night from 7-9 P.M. Tickets are $8 and only 7th and 8th graders are allowed to attend. The Winterfest KING and QUEEN will be announced during the dance! Our homeroom candidates are Ryan Fonseca and Faith Wolfard. All the proceeds of the student’s campaigns go to Make-A-Wish!
I am having a great time getting to know your children. They are all great kids! I’m still getting used to this blog thing, so thank you for your patience! As always, please feel free to email me for an reason.
Ms. Farris
Oh, report cards went home today! Please look over your child’s Think Link, ACT Explore, and class grades and return to school signed as soon as possible.
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This week in LA:
1/12 Laptop activity with the TN TCAP Writing Assessment
1/13 Adjective Clauses (wkbk. pgs. 85-88), given 5 extra words for vocabulary 14 test
1/14 2nd half of the laptop activity with the TN TCAP Writing Assessment
1/15 Adverb Clauses (wkbk. pg. 89) —Detention from 3:45-4:45—PTSA Meeting at SFMS
1/16 Vocabulary 14 Test, Grammar Poster
*Remember to make flashcards with your vocabulary words for 5 points on your test!
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This week in ELA:
1/12 Partner laptop activity with the TN TCAP Writing Assessment website
1/13 Adjective Clauses in workbook
1/14 Vocabulary 6 sentences and definitions due, 2nd period–Spanish and magazine drive assembly, 4th period–Infinitives/Infinitive Phrases
1/15 4th period–Spanish, Adverb Clauses in workbook, 2nd period–Adverb Clauses in workbook
HW: Study for Context Clues Quiz on Friday
1/16 Context Clues Vocabulary Quiz, Grammar Posters!
Welcome back to 8th grade! I am so excited about this semester and hope you are too!
Parents, I sent home an introductory letter with your child today. Please look over it, sign, and return to school with your child by 1/12/09. I can’t wait to get to know you all!
Also, this blog is still a work in progress! Until I get everything situated, please refer to Mrs. Drews’ blog for class information. The web address is www.kdrews.edublogs.org.
