Mrs. McGinn 8th Grade Classroom - St Columba Catholic School

Mrs. McGinn
8th Grade
Classroom Information
2009/2010

September 10,2009
Dear 8th Grade Families:
We are going to have a very busy and great year! I have looked forward to
having this class as my homeroom. We will begin the year with our Retreat, followed by
high school visitations to St.Augustine's and Our Lady of Peace Academy. In the Spring
we will also be going to the Museum of Tolerance.
As part of their 8th grade activities the students will have the option to take the
Catholic high school entrance exams hi January. The month of May is hectic with May
Crowning, Grandparents Day and PTG Ice Cream Social. Finally, the week of June 1st
we will continue with the traditional Ribbon Ceremony, trip to Disneyland and the
Graduation Celebration (paid for by 7* grade). These expenses will be covered by the
Graduation fee of $250.00, which is due no later than May 3,2010.
Amid this we will also be focusing our curriculum on:
Algebra and Functions
• Use algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities to model
linear and non-linear relationships.
• Use rate (change or slope) and reference points (one/two) to write
a linear equation.
" Simplify basic monomials by adding, subtracting, multiplying and
dividing. Factoring of polynomials.
Measurement and Geometry
• Evaluate and describe situations, both geometrically and
algebraically.
• Use coordinate geometry and the Pythagorean Theorem.
Problem Solving and Mathematical Reasoning
• Use strategies and skills, and concepts to find solutions and make
predictions.
• Demonstrate mathematical reasoning in solutions using symbols,
charts, graphs, tables, diagrams and models.
• Express mathematical solutions orally and in written form.
• Identify patterns.
This year I will again be teaching Religion to this class. Our curriculum will
center on Church History and Morality. I will also be adding the component of the

Holocaust in preparation for our visit to the Museum of Tolerance. Tolerance, respect,
and hope are the themes we will focus our attention on this year.
I will be teaching Literature which will involve reading comprehension, literary
response and analysis, word analysis, fluency, and vocabulary development. I also will
be teaching Social Studies which will cover Revolutionary War through the
Reconstruction Period (after the Civil War). This will include some project based group
activities which will be used for assessment.
Attached you will find a copy of their weekly schedule, discipline plan and the
homework/classwork standards. Once again, I will be having after school math
assistance on Wednesday. Also, you may expect their homework to average at least 2
hours a night (includes assigned homework and review). If you have any questions please
feel free to contact me at school.
Mrs. McGinn
8th Grade

Discipline Plan
Classroom Rules
1 - Follow all directions,
2- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3- Raise your hand to speak.
4- Come to class with all necessary materials.
5- No profane or put down language.
6- Respect others. Be kind with your words and actions.
Consequences
1- Warning
2- Sign-in
3- Detention (15 Min.)
4- Detention (30 Min.)
5- Visit to the principal (severe disruption may also result in a visit to the
principal).
Positives
1 - Note or phone call home.
2- In class privileges.
3- Schoolwide recognition.

ith
8ra Grade Schedule 2009/2010
Time
8:00-8:50
8:50-9:35
9:35-10:20
10:20-10:35
10:40-11:25
11:25-12:10
12:10-12:50
12:55-1:05
1:10-1:55
1:55-2:45
Monday
Algebra
Science
Language
Arts
Recess
Literature
Social
Studies
Lunch
Read
Comp/
Library
Religion
Tuesday
Algebra
Science
Language
Arts
Recess
Literature
Social
Studies
Lunch
Read
PE
Religion
Wednesday
Algebra
Science
Language
Arts
Recess
Literature
Social
Studies
Lunch
Read
Comp/
Library
Religion
Thursday
Algebra
Science
Language
Arts
Recess
Literature
Social
Studies
Lunch
Read
PE
Religion
Friday
Algebra
Science
Language
Arts
Recess
Literature
Social
Studies
Lunch
Read
Fine Arts
Religion
Gradins Scale
Faculty
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
c
c-
D+
D
D-
F
93-100
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
73-76
70-72
67-69
63-66
60-62
0-59
Principal
8th
7th7 Science
6th/LA
Computers
PE
Mrs. Nau
Mrs. McGinn
Ms. Lahr
Mrs. Geelan
Mr. Marte
Mr. Waite
After school math help will be Wednesday 3:00-3:45pm. Entrance exam prep class will
be on Tuesday morning at 7:00am.

September 10,2009
Dear St. Columba 8th Grade Parent,
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you at the start of this new school year! I
tli
am the 8 grade science teacher. I want to assure you that I will work with you and your child
towards a successful, enjoyable and enriching 8th grade year.
The discipline plan in my classroom coincides with that of the other middle school
teachers, and can be found in the following pages. Please review the discipline plan and the
middle school policies with your child.
Science
This year your son or daughter will be using a textbook called Holt Science & Technology. The
textbook has a rich bank of science content and plenty of examples to help make that content
relevant to daily life. In addition, the book clearly outlines lesson objectives and vocabulary. My
goal is to create a classroom environment that will help your son or daughter:
• gam a strong understanding of key scientific principles and topics
• build a solid science vocabulary
• see how science is related to all other disciplines, and is worthwhile and meaningful
• develop thinking skills and the ability to challenge assumptions, think creatively, and
solve real-life problems
The following is a basic syllabus of the curriculum that will be covered hi Physical Science this
year.
• Matter: the properties and states of matter, differences between elements, and
compounds and mixtures
• Force: forces in motion and forces in fluids
• Machines and Energy: output vs. input force, types of machines, energy and conversions,
and energy resources
• Atom: characteristics of an atom and the periodic table of elements

• Interactions of Matter: chemical bonding, reactions and compounds
• Astronomy: formation of the solar system and its characteristics, and the universe
I will be monitoring your child's progress in science with the following grading policy.
Category Percentage of final grade: TOTAL 100%
- Class Participation 10% -Labs/Projects 20%
- Homework/Classwork 20% - Quizzes/Tests 50%
Science Fair Projects
Your son or daughter will also be completing their science fair project this year.
Throughout the next few month students will be completing then* final drafts of their reviews of
literature, and receiving information on the rest of the requirements for their projects.
Their project binders will be completed before Christmas break, and the students will
then responsible for completing their project backboards and displays. Students will receive an
updates timeline, but all projects will be completed in mid-January. Please continue to support
your son/daughter with their project, as more information and due dates are sent through their
family envelopes.
I would appreciate your help in furthering these goals, and look forward to working with you and
your child this year. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by phone, by email
at ms.lahr@cox.net or by requesting an appointment. Simply supporting your child this year will
go a long way!
Sincerely,
Ms. Lahr

. Coutmao- CotnoUc G>cnooif
September 2009
3365
So*,
858-279-1882
Dear Parents and Guardians of Grade 8 Students:
Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year. My name is Mrs. Geelan and I look forward to working
with your children and to meeting each one of you. This is my second year at St. Columba as the grade 6
homeroom teacher. I will share my love of English (Language Arts) and Spelling/ Vocabulary with grades
6-8. I will also enjoy literature with grades 6-7 and religion with grade 6.
Junior high age children are intensely curious and generally idealistic and hopeful as well as
blessed with a growing sense of humor. These characteristics make them a pleasure to know and to teach.
Everyday is a great adventure! They need extra love, guidance, praise, and encouragement. We as parents
and teachers can work with our children to develop strategies for success in achievement, problem solving,
and responsibility.
ENGLISH (LANGUAGE ARTS) GRADE 8
The English series I use is the Holt Handbook The focus is composition, the writing process,
grammar, usage, and mechanics. The students will begin with a review of the parts of speech and progress
through adjectival and adverbial phrases, clauses, simple, compound, complex and compound-complex
sentences, participles, gerunds, infinitives including related phrases. Mechanics will include capitalization
and punctuation.
SPELLINGA/OCABULARY GRADE 8
The series I use is Vocabulary Workshop by Sadlier-Oxford. It has an online audio program which
can be accessed by you and your child by using this internet address: www.vocabularvworkshop.com.
Your child can listen to each unit's words with recommended pronunciation both alone and in context as
well as download to an MP3 player to listen at his or her convenience. Also included are interactive
games and puzzles.
Each unit will cover a two week period with a spelling test on Thursday of week one. On the
following Monday I will correct the workbook pages orally in class to be followed by a vocabulary test on
Thursday of week two. Spelling tests and workbook assignments account for 40% and vocabulary tests
account for 60% of the grade.
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Students are responsible for completing in-class assignments, projects, reading logs, and
homework throughout the school year for which they will be given sufficient time to complete. The
assignment planner is an absolutely essential tool in which the children will record all assignments and
upcoming due dates and tests. I assist by directing this process in class. The success of your child
depends on you the parents to check/monitor the utilizing of this valuable tool. I recommend checking

daily if necessary and weekly if indicated.
Students must have a hard copy of all work when class begin. I do not accept assignments via e-
mail. Please remember that phone calls home for forgotten assignments are not generally allowed and that
work delivered after 8 am will be considered late, hi addition, students are expected to participate
regularly in class discussions. Daily class work, homework, and participation will account for 45% of the
grade while quizzes, tests, and alternate forms of assessment will account for 55% of the grade. Cheating
of any kind on any work or test will result in an automatic zero for all students involved. No student who
has cheated will be eligible for an academic award for the quarter hi which the offense took place. You
will be notified promptly of any cheating,
HOMEWORK
It is the student's responsibility to complete and turn in assignments on time. Students are given extra
tune after illness. While in attendance, students must turn hi assignments on time to receive full credit.
Homework one day late will receive no more than 80% credit and two days late will receive no more than
50% credit. No late assignment credit will be given for three or more days late. Homework will not be
given to a student prior to a vacation. Extra credit may only be offered to the class as a whole not to
individuals. Missing assignments affect the student's grade not only in lost points but in the lost practice
and learning associated with each assignment.
CONFERENCES
Excellent communication between the school and home is essential for a better learning experience
and continuous growth for each student. Please ask me for needed information and please make me aware
of any concerns that you might have regarding your child, any assignment, test, grade, or behavior and
consequence so that any issue can be resolved swiftly in the best interest of your child. I do follow all the
policies set forth in the Parent/Student Handbook. You are always welcomed to send me a note, stop by
the school office or telephone to schedule a conference.
I look forward to an exciting and productive year with all the eighth grade students.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Geelan
Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher

8th Grade Literature Reports/Responses
You will be required to read a variety of novels for Literature. You will also
be required to take notes on every two chapters you read in your novel or 10
pages These notes may be used when you are writing your literature report
or in-class written responses to specific questions/topics. You will turn in the
notes with your literature reports or written responses.
Literature reports will essentially be a written response addressing a specific
literary skill such as character, plot, etc. The reports will be written outside
of class and due on the dates noted per the schedule which follows.
Written responses will be an in-class assignment and the formant will be the
same as the above literature reports.
The following are the due dates for the literature reports/written responses:
October 09,2009
December 1,2009
January 14,2010
February 23,2010
March 26,2010
May 09,2010
Written Response (in class)
Literature Report
Written Response (in class)
Literature Report
Written Response (in class)
Literature Report
If, you have any questions concerning theses assignments please contact me
at school.
Mrs. McGinn

I. Verbal SMUs
A. Verbal Analogy
B. Synonyms
C. Logic
D. Verbal Classification
E. Antonyms
IL Quantitative Skills
A. Number Series
B. Geometric Comparisons
C. Non-Geometric Comparison
D. Number Manipulation
III. Reading
A. VOCABULARY
B. COMPREHENSION
1. Vocabulary in Context
a. Meanings from Context
b. Multi-Meaning Words
2. Literal Comprehension
a. Details
b. Sequence of Events
c. Cause and Effect
3. Inferential Comprehension
a. Main Idea (or title)
b. Implied Characteristics
c. Drawing Conclusions
d. Comparisons & Contracts (content)
e. Reasoning (relationships among
principals)
4. Critical (Evaluative) Comprehension
a. Author's Purpose, Message, or
Theme
b. Author's Qualifications
c. Fact vs. Fiction
d. Comparisons or Contrasts (literary)
IV. Mathematics
CONCEPTS
1. Numbers and Numeration
a. Place Value, Base Ten
b. Non-Terminating Decimals
c. Ratios, Proportions
d. Factors, Multiples B.
e. Exponents, Roots
f. Properties of Numbers
recognize and apply
g. Other Base Systems
2. Percents and Decimals
3. Geometry
a. Non-Metric
b. Metric
4. Common Measures
(time, temperature, length,
weight, equivalence) 2.
5. Probability & Statistics
(can use average graph item).
PROBLEM SOLIVNG
1. Computation
a. Whole Numbers
b. Fractions,
Mixed Numbers
c. Decimals
d. Percents, Ratios,
Proportions
e. Negative Integers
f. Exponents, Roots
g. Algebra
Applications
a. Single-Step Problems
b. Multiple-Step Problems
c. Inequalities
d. Number Sentences
& Equations
V. Language
.. PUNCTUATION
1. Period C.
2. Comma
a. Series
b. Appositive
c. Direct Quote
d. Direct Address
3. Question Mark
4. Apostrophe D.
5. Quotation Marks
6. Colon
. CAPITALIZATION
1. First Word in Quotation
2. Proper Nouns
USAGE
1. Verbs
2. Nouns, Prononuns
3. Adjectives, Adverbs
4. Prepositions, Conjunctions
5. Homophones
6. Double Negative
RECOGNITION OF E.
CORRECT FORM F.
1. Indefinite Pronoun-
Singular Verb
2. Pronoun-Nominative
Case
3. Object of Preposition-
Objective Case
4. Adjectives & Adverbs
5. Collective Noun-Plural Verb
6. Two Tenses in One Sentence
7. Subject-Verb Agreement
8. Exclamatory Sentence in a
Quotation
SPELLING
COMPOSITION
1. Conjunctive Phrases
2. Sentences & Thought Expression
3. Topic
4. Paragraph-Sentence Order

St. Columba Catholic School Computer Education
Welcome to another year of Computer Education at St, Columba School. The school
computer laboratory is equipped with Apple iMacs that come with Microsoft Office suite
package for word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), and presentation
(PowerPoint).
Computer Use
Kindly reinforce with your children the following rules in the computer lab:
• Clean hands before using the computer (wash or use hand wipes)
• Never touch the monitor, especially the screen
• Avoid moving the computer table
• Be gentle with the mouse and never drop it on the pad or table
• Be gentle with the keyboard and keys
Discipline Policy
Discipline policy in Computer Education closely follows the same policy in the students'
homeroom. Consequences will be carried out in the classroom such as signing in the
Sign-In Log book, turning of cards, moving magnets, etc.
Communication
Conference with the computer education teacher is very much welcome. Kindly make
prior appointments with the teacher through notes or call the office.
Computer Education Classes
Students in all grade levels come to a 45-minute class once a week. The following gives a
grade level summary of what students should expect this school year.
8th Grade
Students will learn and apply advanced documentation skills for the development of their
school projects.
They will learn advanced PowerPoint tools and develop school and classroom
presentation project.
They will learn more advanced spreadsheet tools using Excel. They will use more tools to
create and format tables, use function and graphing tools.
Students will continue to have grade-level appropriate keyboarding lessons and exercises.
They will have extensive exercises that will involve all letter keys. There will be more
extensive keyboarding lessons involving numbers and symbols.
Quarterly assessment of progress will include: one practical keyboarding skills test; three
practical computer tests; and at least one written computer concept test.

Middle School Policies 2009/2010
Homework Policv
1) Work is due the day following the assignment, unless otherwise noted.
2) Homework a day late will receive a maximum credit of 80%, 2 days late a
maximum 50% and on the 3rd day it will be a zero.
3) Missed assignments due to absences will be made up after the student returns
to school. Extra time will be given to complete assignments (equal to the
number of days absent).
4) Requests for absent work must be made to the office by morning recess and
will be available in the office at the end of the day or brought to sibling if
requested.
5) No homework will be given to a student prior to a vacation.
Test Signing Policy
1) All tests must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned the following
day.
2) If the test is not returned by the third day the student will receive a fifteen
minute detention. If a detention is issued school handbook policy regarding
detentions will be followed.
Cheating Policy
1) Plagiarism, cheating on class work/homework or tests/quizzes will result in a
zero and a note or phone call home.
2) No student who has cheated will be eligible for an academic award for the
quarter in which the offense took place.
3) If caught cheating twice then a note will be added to their permanent file and
may result in school disciplinary action.
Student Signature
Parent Signature

Mrs. McGinn 6th-8th Homework/Classwork Standards
1) All math work must be done in subject notebook (unless otherwise directed).
2) At the right hand top of the page, the date and assignment must be listed.
3) Corrections must directly follow the assignment.
4) All math assignments must be done in pencil.
5) Work must be shown.
6) Name should be clearly written on the cover of your notebook.
7) Handwriting must be neat, legible and work must be in logical sequence.
Additional Help
I will be available after school on Wednesday for math assistance.
Mrs. McGinn
Math Teacher

St.Columba Catholic School
Religion Serivce Hours
Grades 6-8th
St. Columba Catholic School wishes to guide students in the learning of what it means to
give of their time and talent through community service. Our hope is that you, the
parents, and we, the teachers, instill in them a life-long desire to give to others in thencommunity.
As a part of our religion curriculum, we require hours of service each
quarter. A list of suggestions follows: volunteer in a nursing home or hospital, volunteer
to assist in scouting activities, at a local library or senior center, organize a neighborhood
clean-up, do yard work for a neighbor or grandparent, pet sit for a neighbor or extended
family member, offer to work for a teacher after school, altar serve or participate in choir
in their parish, offer to help with a CCD class, participate in an organized "walk" or
beach clean-up. Car washing nor helping friends move will be considered community
service. Neither ordinary household chores nor sibling babysitting are considered
community service but rather a contribution to family living. It is important to remember
that community service implies no payment.
We are sure that you can help your child think of many more ideas. The total hours of
community service will be a combination of different community service activities so that
the student experiences a variety of giving to others. No more than 4 hours in one area
will be accepted for the entire year. Hours are not carried over between quarters. The
hours must be earned during the quarter they are submitted. These hours need to be
signed by the adult supervising the event, not the parent of the student. Students will
keep a list of service activities with the description of the activity and provide signatures
to turn into their teacher before the close of the report card each quarter. Service hours
for Springfest are not applicable.
Grade 8 students will complete 5 hours of service each quarter. 50 points each quarter
Grade 7 students will complete 4 hours of service each quarter. 40 points each quarter
Grade 6 students will complete 3 hours of service each quarter. 30 points each quarter
The sheets are due on the following dates:
October 23, 2009 (QTR 1) January 15, 2010 (QTR 2)
March 24, 2010 (QTR 3) May 14, 2010 (QTR 4)
If you have any questions regarding service hours please contact your teacher.
Thank you,
Mrs. Geelan, Ms. Lahr and Mrs. McGinn
Student Signature
Parent Signature

Name:
Grade: ___
Total Hours Required:
Community Service Record
You are required to perform community service either at a church related function
or within the local community (upon approval of your Religion teacher). Speak to
your parents or teachers for ideas on how to help in your community.
Fill in the table below to record your community service hours that you have
completed.
Date
Type of
Community
Service
Hours
Signature of
Supervisor

Date
Type of
Community
Service
Hours
Signature of
Supervisor