Eighth Grade Newsletter Your Monthly Update from the CCP Middle School Team
January Edition
Theology
Mr. Thro
mthro@chaminade-stl.org 8th Grade Theology has begun a unit on the relationship between science and religion. Each student has been assigned to research and present his findings about one of the over 200 priests in Catholic history who were also scientists. They have also watched video presentations on this issue delivered by Professor Stephen Barr, a particle physicist from the University of Delaware and author of the books, "The Believing Scientist", and "Modern Physics Ancient Faith". We have also looked at developments in the Church during the period known as The Dark Ages. Still much to do.
Science
Mr. O'Shaughnessy
boshaughnessy@chaminade-stl.org We are currently finishing up our unit on Earth's history and Geologic Time. Students worked in a group to create a timeline that detailed all the major events in earth's history. A facet of this project involved students making calculations on a spread sheet document to help create a scale version of their timeline on a large sheet of paper. We also have discussed radioactivity and how it can be used to date samples from the rock record and applied that information in our Radioactive Dating Game virtual lab. Looking forward to diving into our unit on Oceanography next week!
Math
Mr. Schaaf
jschaaf@chaminade-stl.org My 850 class is moving on to exponents after a VERY successful assessment with systems of equations. My 830 class is beginning systems of equations and needs to up their efforts to finally grasp graphing linear lines.
Math
Mr. Bennett
fbennett@chaminade-stl.org Hello! The students have completed their Chapter 5 test review. Next class they will complete their Chapter 7 test. I would encourage each student to continue to work hard and ask me for additional help if needed!
English
Mr. Master nmaster@chaminade-stl.org We are already underway with a fantastic start to our second semester. Here is what has happened in each of the following sections of our curriculum. Grammar: We completed this semester's first unit: a study of phrases, specifically emphasizing verbal phrases. We took a "quiz" last week (unlimited retakes and open notes) over the entirety of the unit last week. We are now two lessons into a study of punctuation. Vocabulary: We are midway through our second vocabulary unit of this semester in our Sadlier's book (Unit 11). Our 4-class routine will continue this semester: Day 1- In-Class: We learn/review the words. HW: 10 sentences using the words. Day 2- In-Class: We work on the unit in our Vocabulary Workshop workbook. HW: Complete unit in workbook. Day 3- In-Class: Turn in workbooks, complete Kahoot review game in class. HW: Study for quiz next class. Day 4- In-Class: Unit quiz. HW: None Literature: After reading some short non-fiction AND fiction pieces to introduce our larger unit, we are beginning William Golding's Lord of the Flies. Our study of this novel will be highlighted with our semester's two essential questions: 1. Is mankind inherently good or inherently evil? 2. What makes good people do bad things? What makes bad people do good things? Writing: While we have not done any major formal writing pieces yet, we have completed a few informal writing assignments introducing Lord of the Flies. We will begin a compare/contrast essay early in the second grading period that will act as our next major essay.
Social Studies Mr. Gambaro
dgambaro@chaminade-stl.org We are nearing the end of the Civil War! After examining the Reconstruction period, we move on to Chapter 7/8. This unit is a combination of two chapters. It will take us from the late 1800s up to the Great Depression. This period is one of the most transformative years in our country’s history. We will explore the continued migration west, conflict with Native Americans, rise of industrialism, Imperialism, the Progressive Movement, WWI, the 1920s and finally The Great Depression.
Latin
Mr. Makarewicz
jmakarewicz@chaminade-stl.org Students are now finishing chapter 14 in the textbook. Students should be reminded that when they have a quiz over a reading (lectio), they are expected to know the vocabulary and content of the reading. On Canvas there are videos and quizlet flash cards that can help. We are beginning to prepare for the National Latin Exam which students will take in mid-March. Any students interested in doing well on this enrichment test can find online practice at www.nle.org. If students want to re-take quizzes or need any extra help, it is best to come early on Block 8 days. In February, block 8 days are on Friday 2/5 and Friday 12/19. I am also available by appointment.
Spanish
Mrs. Galvan
mgalvan@chaminade-stl.org Students are covering content from Chap. 6 of their textbook. Look to Canvas for weekly plans from Sra. Deloya. Sra. GalvĂĄn will return in March from maternity leave.
Chinese
Dr. Chen
xchen@chaminade-stl.org We are learning about school life in Chinese recently, and students should be able to talk about their courses and how they performed in the classes with the target language. We had some fun discussions about their courses and other students they know. They are also going to have their own Chinese names soon! After this unit, in next month, we will transfer to the textbook "I love learning Chinse, volume 1" , please make sure that they have this book. Thank you!
Stem
Mrs. Young
jyoung@chaminade-stl.org Students are starting their final project to finish up our trimester. The entire project is open and there are answer keys and tutorials for all steps. They guys have been working so hard and we've had such a great time together. I am availble before school everyday around 7 am, or after school by appointment for extra help if needed. Our class will end Friday, February 12th.
P.E.
Mr. Derkits
mderkits@chaminade-stl.org 8th grade Physical Education class is currently in a basketball unit for the next two weeks. Our next unit will be Pickleball! As a reminder, students should bring a refillable water bottle to class. The students are doing a great job and I look forward to continued success!
Theater
Mrs. Lawrence
slawrence@chaminade-stl.org Students are preparing to share their Stop Motion LEGO Movies with the class. After sharing our videos, students will read the play "Anon(ymous)" by Naomi Ilzuka, a modern retelling of Homer's "The Odyssey." We also will begin our unit on lighting and production design. Audition information for the Middle School play will be sent out mid-late February, stay tuned!
Art
Mr. Anthony
manthony@chaminade-stl.org 8th grade art students have been exploring the work of several landscape painters Lawren Harris, Edward Hopper, and Wayne Theibaud. They learned that nature is a source of inspiration for artists, and can be expressed in a variety of styles. We have also created dialogues around how to care for our planet earth. They realize that the small efforts we make, such as recycling can have a big impact practiced over time. Students are developing their own landscapes from photo reference, and learning how to use values to create thumbnail drawings. They will begin working on their final drawing in the upcoming week. Keep up the good work gentlemen!
Band
Mr. Jones
hjones@chaminade-stl.org This month the Middle School Bands have been working on music from Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean. We’re also working our way through the Essential Elements for Band books; the beginners are on p.12 of Book 1 and the Intermediate Band is on page 5 of Book 2. All band students will participate in our annual Solo and Ensemble Invitational which will take place Wednesday March 31st from 3-5pm. Everyone performs with a small ensemble at the festival; students may also choose to perform a solo for 50 extra credit points. Students who want the optional solo should see Mr. Jones for music.
DATES TO REMEMBER: 2/8: No School-Professional Development Day 2/12: 4th Grading Period Ends 2/13: Course Registration Opens 2/15: No School-President's Day 2/16: 5th Grading Period Begins
ATTENDANCE REMINDER:
Will your son be absent? Does he have an appointment and need to leave early or arrive late? Call the Middle School Office at 314.692.6687 or email Susie at sclark@chaminade-stl.org
Messages from your Middle School Team: Principal Dr. Guidry
tguidry@chaminade-stl.org
Counselor
Mr. Twellman
jtwellman@chaminade-stl.org
Learning Consultant Mr. Hale
jhale@chaminade-stl.org
High School will be here before we know it! Registration for the 2021-2022 school year opens on February 13th! If you need any help with the process, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I would be happy to talk to you about classes and placements. I will be in your son's classes on February 2nd and 3rd to discuss what the course selection process for High School and answer any questions they may have. Congrats to our December and January Students of the Month! Henry Kriegel Caden Fernandez