Show Mercy

My classes were treated to a presentation by Show Mercy. A local organization founded by Mike and Lori Salley, Show Mercy spreads awareness about their orphanages around the world. Thank you Mike and Lori for your expertise!

On another note...We have a test on Wednesday! Students have all of their notes to study from. These test results will show on this week's progress reports.

Africa Studies...

December 3rd, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are in the middle of our unit on Africa in our 7th grade Social Studies class. Throughout this unit, we have been studying events in African history that have led to its current status. In order to truly explore what is happening in Africa, I feel I need to address issues such as civil wars and genocides. We will be covering the atrocities that have occurred in countries like Rwanda, and the Congo. We will also being looking at apartheid in South Africa, and the AIDS crisis. I wanted to let you know that if you have any questions or concerns about the curriculum I will be teaching, to please let me know.

I have been careful in choosing books, videos, and other information that are not too graphic and that are age appropriate. Even so, I feel it is nearly impossible to convey reality and seriousness of the events without some disturbing images and concepts. I strongly believe that we must learn from our history in order to prevent ourselves from repeating it.

I assure you that I will create a safe learning environment and encourage students to discuss their feelings and concerns. No students will be required to view or participate in any lesson that they do not feel comfortable with. I would encourage you to discuss with your child what they are learning about in class. This will help them process such mature concepts.

Thank you for your support. It has been a treat teaching your students this year.


Sincerely,


Cathleen Weis
cathleen.weis@albany.k12.or.us
541.967.4541

Nov. 30th-Dec. 4th Homework

Students have been asked to choose an endangered African animal and write a short report on its habitat, population, preservation, etc... This will be due on Friday(4th), as usual.

Happy homeworking!

Extra, Extra Credit!

I have given the class an extra credit assignment for this 2nd 6-weeks. It will be due December 4th, and only students who have all other work turned in are eligible to do this extra credit. The requirements for the assignment are as follows:

Write a 500 word legend that includes 5 different topics of study from our Africa unit. It must be typed, properly formatted, and students should consider the 6 writing traits when writing the legend. Good luck guys!

Also, to encourage students to turn their work in, and to reward those who turn in their work, I have a 100% club. Students who have 100% of their work turned into me at certain points throughout the 6-weeks get treats for their effort.

Let's keep up the good work!

Test this Friday!

Students have their test on Islamic Civilization this Friday. They are allowed to use notes on their tests. I recommend that they study these notes beforehand to know where to find the information when taking the test.

Change in homework...

The homework this week will not be a packet. Students are responsible for finding all vocabulary words in yellow from their JAT books Chapter 11. Students will list the words and their definitions. Due Friday!

Also, I want to remind parents that they can view grades on pinnacle every Thursday and send a quick e-mail letting me know that they have viewed them. Please include your child's name and their class grade percentage in the e-mail.

Timeline of Christianity

Students have a timeline as their homework this week! It was assigned yesterday, and will be due next Monday (10/26). They will be given one day in class to work on this, but will have the whole weekend to complete it. This homework will count for more points than previous homework assignments.

Also, we have conferences this week. Schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 5:00 - 7:30

Thursday 8:00 - 11:00
1:00 - 3:30
5:00 - 7:30

You are not given a specific time to arrive, so drop by anytime:)

Rome Test

Tomorrow (Thursday) is our test for chapters 8 and 9 on the history of Rome. Students have spent the last two days in class going over notes and doing while class review. Students are allowed to use any notes and homeworks that they have done during this section on their test.

Also, please check for updated grades for this 6-weeks tomorrow on pinnacle:)

Have a great week!

Update...

There's a lot going on in class! Mrs. Day, our wonderful Vice Principal came into class to discuss the issues surrounding bullying and harassment. She shared some important information so that students are aware of the consequences of their actions both at school and in the community.

As for Social Studies...we are presenting our Rome Projects! Good job to groups who presented yesterday on The Roman Republic. Ask your child when they are scheduled to present. They might benefit from having an audience to practice in front of.

Picture Test

This photo was taken on a recent trip to Chicago. The fountain behind me is the Buckingham Fountain. It is located in Grant Park, was made in 1927, and is made of Georgia pink marble. A sight to see:)

Testing, testing...

1, 2, 3...testing.