Eighth Grade at MCCPS

The 8th grade readers have just begun to read Harper Lee’s powerful and accessible 1960 novel To Kill A Mockingbird.

It is a book, though written a number of decades ago, which has much contemporary resonance, placing at the top of a must-read list compiled by a number of British librarians back in 2006. One reviewer wrote that it “has all the factors of a great read. It is touching and funny but has a serious message about prejudice, fighting for justice and coming of age” (source).

For more on Lee, the author, take a look at this review of a recently published biography. Written by writer and radio personality Garrison Keilor, it appeared in The Boston Globe in 2006.

SUGGESTION to parents, family and siblings: Pick up a copy and read along!

Term 2 Exhibition Project will be fully integrated with Humanities, Math and Science.  The working title is America:  A Nation of Innovation and we will explore the early 1800’s in the U.S. with a focus on the Industrial Revolution.  More details posted soon!

Hello 8th graders!

There is another great writing opportunity - a Scary Poem Contest hosted by the Spirit of ‘76 bookstore in Marblehead. Submissions are due at the store  by Wednesday, October 29. Go to the website for more specific information.

Hey folks. Here is a quick link to ALEKS, on which all of you must spend 60 minutes per week. Keep it up and good luck!

Please go to the following high school letter from Mr. Stonecipher and Ms. Sullivan regarding important information about the transition to high school.

Read below about a wonderful writing opportunity.

- Mr. Redmond

Letters About Literature (LAL) 2009

DEADLINE: December 6, 2008

Program: LAL is a national reading and writing program that asks students to write letters to authors whose books have made a difference in their lives.

Purpose: LAL seeks personal and reflective writing about the importance of written works in the lives of young readers.

The Awards: Massachusetts winners, along with families, friends, and teachers are invited to an awards ceremony at the State House in the Spring.

Three MA awardees are then entered into national competition. National winners (6) receive $10,000 reading promotion grants for their school or community library or community library. National runners-up receive $1,000 grants.

Website: www.massbook.or

*******

For links to more writing contests and opportunities, go to the Humanities Links page, scroll down - all categories appear in alphabetical order - to “Writing, Teen Magazines and Writing Opportunities.

*******

Practice your monologue and alphabet along with Madame Dart and Carpenter. Click on the “Posts” button to access other French tracks.

Subscribe Free for future posts  Add this player to my Page

It’s Wednesday, August 27, and the new school year is just about to begin. We look forward to seeing returning students, meeting new ones, and starting off what is sure to be an exciting and interesting year with a bang!

Please check back in the fall for updated information