Eighth Grade Newsletter Your Monthly Update from the CCP Middle School Team
April Edition
English
Mr. Master nmaster@chaminade-stl.org
Students have just finished William Golding's Lord of the Flies. We will be composing essays over various topics related to this novel in our semester's last term. Additionally, we are concluding the 15th and final unit of our vocabulary workshop workbook. The last term's vocabulary lessons will focus on Greek and Latin root words. Students have just completed grammar lessons over everyday usage rules and will begin working with "Everyday Edits" to complete grammar lessons for the remainder of the year. Students will be working with Compare and Contrast Essays and the Research Process for the remainder of the school year in terms of writing.
Science
Mr. O'Shaughnessy boshaughnessy@chaminade-stl.org
We are currently in the midst of our unit on the atmosphere. We have discussed various aspects of the atmosphere such as air pressure, temperature, heat transfer and moisture. Students conducted an experiment showing the different heating rates of land vs water and how that applies to regional weather patterns. Students are currently working on their independent research experiment project, they have developed a hypothesis and are currently running an experiment to help answer their question, or to develop an invention. Presentations for this project should start in about 2 weeks time.
Math
Mr. Schaaf jschaaf@chaminade-stl.org
850: Half way through Rational Algebraic Expressions. 830: Moving on to Polynomials. VERY important chapter!!!!
Social Studies
Mr. Gambaro dgambaro@chaminade-stl.org
The young men continue to work their way through the 20th Century. Next week we will begin chapter 9. Year in and year out, this chapter tends to be one of the most anticipated. It begins with the Great Depression recovery efforts. Specifically, we will shine a light on FDR’s New Deal legislation. The class will then pivot to the rise of dictatorships and militaristic leaders. This topic directly evolves into the causes of World War II. Once the war gets underway, we will focus on the two main theaters: Atlantic and Pacific. While examining the two main parts of this conflict, the class will take time to break down impactful political, social, and military events.
Latin
Mr. Makarewicz jmakarewicz@chaminade-stl.org
Students recently completed their Roman topography project by creating Minecraft models of monuments and historical sites around Rome along with writing a short paper. In the book, we have just completed chapter 17. Students will have a test the last week in April after we complete chapter 18.
Spanish
Mrs. Galvan mgalvan@chaminade-stl.org
We are starting a new chapter that covers direct object pronouns. Reading another leyenda (legend) in Spanish, the students will see this grammar concept demonstrated in a story widely known by all native speakers. Continue to check under "Today's Lesson" on Canvas to see what assignments need to be completed, especially the scheduled Zoom time when online learning. There are only a few chapters left! Email me with any concerns/questions.
Chinese
Dr. Chen xchen@chaminade-stl.org
I think we have a smooth transition to the new text bookI love learning Chinese. The content requires more physical movement and we'd love to do it in Class. Recently, we are learning sentences like sitting on the chair watching the phone, laying on the floor and sleep, walk to a pretty girl, etc. It is fun to act them out and present them in Chinese. It is even more fun to put them together to make interesting stories. However, writing those characters and sentences are challenging, we definitely need more practice in class with the teacher and at home on our own. But, it will be rewarding.
Art
Art
Mr. Anthony manthony@chaminade-stl.org
8th grade visual artists are continuing to progress and develop their skills. They are applying what they learned from creating the color wheel and becoming more adept at blending colors. Currently they are beginning their final drawing that is base on the idea of Leadership. We will have an opportunity to work with clay in the upcoming weeks. Keep up the good work gentlemen!
Band
Mr. Jones hjones@chaminade-stl.org
The Spring Band Concert is the Thursday 4/15 at 7:30 pm. Coat and tie is required for the performers. Tickets are available at https://www.tix.com/ticketsales/chaminadestl/5726.
P.E.
Mr. Derkits mderkits@chaminade-stl.org
8th grade Physical Education class is currently in a Football unit for the next two weeks. Our upcoming units will include archery, swimming, baseball, and more. At the beginning of May, we will complete our 2nd round of Physical Fitness testing(mile run, push-ups, sit-ups). With the weather starting to warm up, we are going to be outside as much as possible. Students are encouraged to bring a drawstring bag so they can carry their water bottle, sweatshirt, and extra masks (students should bring an extra mask to replace the one the wear during class). The students are doing a great job and I look forward to continued success!
Theatre
Mrs. Lawrence slawrence@chaminade-stl.org
Students are putting the finishing touches on their Stop Motion LEGO Movies. We will be watching our movies in class, discussing our work, and ending the unit with a Self and Peer Reflection paper. Next, we will begin reading the play "Anon(ymous)" by Naomi Ilzuka, an adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey." We will wrap up our year by learning about lighting design and creating looks for scenes from "Anon(ymous)". Next week, our Middle School actors will present the play "A Lonely Boy's Guide to Survival (and Werewolves)". This play will be streamed on demand - see more details on Canvas. Tickets are free to CCP students! Students should also start thinking about their Drama Final, which is due the last week of class in May. Students are asked to watch a play and write a one page review on their thoughts. Information and links to productions can be found on our Module page. 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
With a little over a month until Final Assessment Week, be sure to stay on top of your assignments and turn in any missing work starting now. We are almost there! Keep working hard! On Friday, April 9 we held our Annual Middle School Career Day. This year, our teachers graciously volunteered to present to the boys on their previous jobs and the life lessons learned from them. Some of the jobs included waiter, pool boy, Zookeeper, CPA, Bike Shop mechanic, Newspaper reporter, among many others. It was a great day and a big thanks to our presenters for making it a huge success!
DATES TO REMEMBER: 4/16: Red Devil Relay Early Dismissal @ 12:00pm--no lunch is served 5/7: House Polo--First Friday Mass 5/21: House Polo--House Meetings 5/24-5/26 Final Exams--more information to come 5/28: Exam Make Up Day