EIGHTH GRADE TEAM NEWSLETTER

From Our Principal…    

April 21, 2008

Cross Community, 

As we head for May 22^th, it is hard for me to believe how fast this year has gone. It has been an excellent year. I want to thank the entire Cross Community for making it a great success. I am especially pleased with the growth that our students have made this year. They have worked very hard, and continue to do so. Let us not forget to honor their accomplishments.  

We just completed the AIMS DPA assessment for grades 6-8 and the first time for Science in 8^th grade. Thanks to our students who gave their best effort through a tough week of testing. We had 99%+ of our students complete the test. I am very proud of them and thankful toward the support of their families. I am looking forward to getting the results. I want to encourage students to stay focused as we still have our Level Test or MAP test to take. Although this test is not as time consuming as the AIMS DPA, the results give us very helpful information that helps in developing classes and class lessons designed to meet the needs of our students. 

As we round out this school year, I could not go without recognizing our PTO and their work with several events this year. Here are just a few of several parents that I would like to thank: Sandi Khawam, Elizabeth Burnett, Kim Fitch, Kathryn Pellegrini. Thanks again! Their countless hours of service to all our students are greatly appreciated. We are looking to recruit for next year’s PTO, so we can keep many events going for future years. Special thanks to Elizabeth Burnett  and a host of parents who made our Spring Thing happen this year. Also, a very special thank you to Carol Anne Valdez who has been putting together this newsletter for the past 3 years.  We will miss her next year. 

I want to wish everyone a fun and safe summer. I also want to wish the best to our 8^th graders as they move on to a new chapter in their lives. I have worked with many of these students for the past three years. I will miss them greatly but look forward to seeing the accomplishments that they will make in high school.

Sincerely, 
Mr. Vinyard 

Upcoming Dates

  PTO NEWS

See How Much Our School Earned with Box Tops 

This year, our school set a goal of earning $500 through Box Tops for Education. Thanks to school supporters, we’ve earned  $466.80! We’d like to thank parents, teachers and community members for making a difference at Cross Middle School.  

For over 10 years, Box Tops for Education has helped America’s schools raise over $200 million to buy the things they need. The Box Tops for Education program offers three easy ways to make a difference through everyday activities: buying groceries, shopping online and purchasing books. School budgets are tighter than ever, and Cross is asking for the support of families and community members like you. 

Another easy way to help our school is to sign up for the Box Tops website at boxtops4education.com. You’ll get updates on our school’s Box Tops earnings, money-saving coupons, family-pleasing recipes, chances to win Bonus Box Tops, the latest Box Tops news and much, much more. Best of all, it’s absolutely free! 

For more information on how you can help our school earn cash through Box Tops for Education, contact Corinne Mayo, our Box Tops coordinator, at 696-5920 or cmayo@amphi.com or visit boxtops4education.com.

No amount is too small! If you haven’t done so already, please consider sending in your donation. Please make your check payable to the Amphi Foundation, and mail it to:   

Cross Parent Teacher Organization
1000 W. Chapala
Tucson, AZ  85704 

The Amphi Foundation is a 501(c)3 for tax purposes. (Tax ID # 86-0472926) 

Thank you,
Cross Middle School PTO    

Ms. Vandertie & Mr. Fife – 21^st Century Classroom
We are the future!

Ms. Shope – Language Arts

             During their final weeks of middle school, English students will write and illustrate a children's book incorporating the 6 Traits of Writing. They will also read Steinbeck's The Pearl which serves as a great transition to freshman English. Please check the website for all due dates and other out-of-class responsibilities.

Mrs. Fife - Science

As April ends, we will complete our study of the variation found in Finches on the Galapagos Islands, showing the diversity and adaptations found in organisms. Classes have also completed studies of inherited traits and have a more complete understanding of how traits are inherited. These two concepts show how natural selection is involved in helping organisms adapt better to the surrounding environmental conditions.  

During the above studies, students were involved in asking 8 questions they were curious about from our discussions in class. Students either used the class blog on my website to share the answers with others, or gave a brief seminar during class to their teammates. 

Classes have germinated plants from both “normal” and genetically altered seeds and will investigate the uses and societal impact of genetically engineered crops. We will devote a few class periods to this topic and have invited a guest speaker to come into the classroom to increase our understanding of this 21^st century application of biochemistry, molecular biology and agriculture. 

Students will finish their year in 8^th grade science looking again at physical science. They will complete a Webquest on physics. Please explore what your child will learn using the link on the left navigation bar on my website. Students will also spend the last classes of the year experimenting further with chemicals, their classification and interactions.

Mr. Williams - Science            

Ms. Seybert – Social Studies

MATH DEPARTMENT :
Mr. Edwards       

Pre-Algebra classes will begin with the study of the area of parallelograms, triangles, trapezoids, and circles. The formulas are derived, relating the concepts of algebra and geometry. Students will also find the surface area and volume of prisms, cylinders, pyramids, and cones.

Then classes will be dealing with probability. Students will use tree diagrams and apply basic counting procedures to permutations and combinations. We then use these processes to determine the fairness of games and probability of particular events. We will look at applying Algebra to right triangles through the use of the Pythagorean Theorem. We then will finish up with the introduction of polynomials by learning the basic processes of adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials.

Course II math will explore the applications of percents, including estimating with percents, interpreting and making circle graphs, calculating the percentage of change and working with discounts, simple interest, and sales tax. Students will learn the problem solving strategy of solving a simpler problem to solve a larger problem as well as exploring the use of spreadsheets in calculating interest.

Then Course II will also explore surface area and volume of solids, or three-dimensional figures. The students will explore these figures by building and drawing the figures. Later they will learn how to calculate the surfaces and volumes, paying more attention to prisms and cylinders. Students will also apply formulas to solve problems.

All classes need to begin preparing for the Final Exam. This will cover all concepts taught this year and will count as a test grade. The Final Exam will be May 19^th and 20^th.

Remember to look at your child’s assignment book to see what assignments are given. You can also check Voice Mail at 696-5921 and go to Math to get daily assignments. Quizzes and tests are listed on the website. You may access my web site through the Cross web page or at www.amphi.com/~medwards. I update grades weekly.

Mr. Celaya

 READING/WRITING LAB: Mrs. Heddles            

Please check Mrs. Heddles' web page on the Cross web site and the homework hotline (696-5920/press 7/press 2/press 1) for class updates and assignments. Thank you.
REACH: Mrs. Casey  

6^th Grade:  My 6^th graders individually or with a partner created their own maze project that was either 2 or 3 dimensional. The class tried each other’s out. They were a lot of fun, very creative and imaginative. One maze created by Rhyan Brogmus, involved his two pet snakes! That was an experience! They are creating mindscapes at the moment. Please ask to see your child’s for they are quite wonderful! They will be studying the teenage brain in the next few sessions again before they dissect a sheep’s brain in May! One of my 8^th grade classes will be assisting them. They are such a delightful group of kids! Parents please make sure they are registered in the Gifted Humanities class for next year. Best of luck to all of them! It has been a pleasure teaching them.

            7^th Grade Humanities: My 7^th graders have just completed their Western Expansion projects and they were wonderful!  Students presented the materials they chose in so many different ways. There were animated power points, re-enactments, plays, broadcasts, 2 and 3-D models, foods from that era, etc. The emphasis was on originality, creativity, higher levels of thinking and how complete the presentation was. An added component this time to their presentations was a way to “Check for Understanding” of their audience. They could pick from over ten popular game show templates, create crossword puzzles, word searches, word scrambles sheets or a quiz to check to see if their audience was really listening to their presentations! The information from their presentations was used in this variety of formats. This new component really helped to make their presentations much more meaningful, and kept the  audience engaged, taking notes and listening.

     They will be going to Old Tucson for their field trip to pan for gold and see what the old west was like! It should be a lot of fun.

     Their next project is based on the Civil War. They could pick any area that they were interested in and will then design their project in a creative, original way. “Checking for Understanding” will be expected. Their last project in May will take them up to WW I in American history and ready for 8^th grade history. They are a wonderful group of kids! It has been such a pleasure to teach them, and I wish them all the best next year.  

            8^th Grade Humanities: My 8^th grade presented fantastic WW II projects this quarter! They were able to choose the area of WW II that they were most interested and then were challenged to present the material in an original, creative manner. They also had to keep in mind higher levels of thinking and that the content they presented was complete. The new aspect added for this project was a “Checking for Understanding” component. This could be in a popular game show format, a crossword puzzle, word search, word scramble or quiz using the information from their presentation. This has helped engage their audience and has kept them listening and taking notes in order for them to participate and win prizes. They were able to use an Internet site on Classroom Game Templates that has at least 10 popular game show templates for them to fill in with the information from their presentations.  This has been so much fun and has really engaged their audience.  My students surprised me with extremely creative ways to present the material they had chosen, from radio and T.V. broadcasts, plays, re-enactments, animated power points, 3-D models and WW II foods! Some of them are becoming really good cooks!

     They are now concentrating on the significant events from 1945-1978 in American History. They are off to a great start! Many have added to my list of important events that they would like to research and present. I know I will see fantastic projects again! Their last project in May, will bring them up to the present in our history. They are a wonderful group of kids and I wish them all the best in the future!  I will miss them!

     They will be going to the State Capitol in Phoenix on April 29^th for a tour and will sit in on the legislature in session and we hope to meet the governor! Then they are then off to Superior Court on May 5^th for “Law Day” which is a special event usually only reserved for high school students!

                                                 RETIREMENT! 

On a personal note, I will be retiring at the end of this year in order to paint and follow my dreams. It has been such a pleasure to teach your child! I will miss them all. A wonderful teacher has been chosen to take my place for next year, and she will continue on with this wonderful program. All my very best to you and your family.     

 SPECIAL EDUCATION           

Peggy Greenway-Special Education-Cross Categorical

Pamela Juarez - SEI

4^th Period SEI  – Eighth graders will be finishing the year with a variety of short stories.  The first of the stories are from a legal point of view, requiring investigation of facts and legal issues.  Guilty or not guilty?  We just finished reading, The Lady or the Tiger by Frank Stockton. We will read a sequel that Stockton wrote.  The next short stories are classic short stories.  After Twenty Years by O. Henry is another story about the law with a surprising ending.  An Occurrence at Owl Bridge by Ambrose Bierce is a story that takes place during the Civil War.  Finally, The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse is a story about an unusual friendship. 

For the latest news from your child's SEI class, please go to the Cross website, http://www.amphi.com/schools/cross/ . Find "Teacher Web Pages" then click on "Juarez,P."  Your child's period will tell you all about the unit we are studying that week. Your child can practice that week's vocabulary, definitions, and the grammar rules. 

LIBRARY NEWS        

New Arizona State Vaccine Requirements

Beginning August, at the onset of the 2008-2009 school year, all incoming 6th graders will be required to receive the MENINGOCOCCAL vaccine.  In addition, all incoming 6th graders who have had 5 years pass since their last tetanus/diphtheria vaccine dose, are required to receive TDAP. 

If your child will be entering 7th or 8th grade, it is recommended you discuss immunization requirements with your child's physician at their next visit.  Eventually, all middle school students will need to meet these new state requirements. 

End of the Year Medication  

Prescription as well as over the counter school medications need to be picked up by the final day of school.  If you prefer that your child bring home any remaining medication, please send a note to the health office indicating your permission. 

Have a safe, happy & healthy summer!

ESPANOL:
Señora Shope  

Spanish 1

            What exellent progress our Spanish I students have made this year in all language skills! I am so proud of them. By early May, they will have completed all mandatory material. These eager learners will continue to progress with past tense, more command forms, etc. making them more than prepared for high school Spanish 2!! It has been a successful and enjoyable year with this bright, motivated group of fantastic students.

 7^th Grade Spanish

            7th grade Spanish students are currently studying names of their classes, classroom objects, etc, and AR verbs, which are the foundation of the language. We will continue to incorporate new songs, movies (in Spanish!) some art activities,and conversational presentations right up to the end of our year! These students are strong in the basics, and they have covered a lot of territory throughout both semesters. They are well-prepared for all future Spanish classes!

ART/21st Century Skills: Ms. Ciurca            

VIDEO TECHNOLOGY :  Mrs. Celaya

            Students are currently running the school wide morning announcement broadcast. Students are learning how to use a variety of software programs and equipment to create presentations to enhance our show. So far we have added green screen pictures, video, Power Point, morphing presentations, and animated titles. Groups will continue to rotate through a series of eleven work stations, learning new skills and techniques at each station. Grades for this class are given for daily participation and evaluation of the assigned projects or tasks. Points are taken away for disruptive behavior, not participating, interacting with other groups, and inappropriate behavior.  Students work independently in their groups and need to be responsible for following class rules and finishing assigned work on time.

Mrs. Wirth – Leadership/Student Council

ORCHESTRA: Mr. Demille

GUITAR: Mr. Demille  

BAND AND CHOIRS: Mr. Granillo  

MUSICAL THEATER: Mr. Demille