Eighth Grade Newsletter Your Monthly Update from the CCP Middle School Team
May Edition
English
Mr. Master nmaster@chaminade-stl.org
As we transition away from the end of our curriculum units and towards exam prep, a formal exam study guide will be posted on Canvas on May 11th. Students should expect the exam to cover 4 major components of our curriculum this semester: Lord of the Flies, Poetry, Grammar, Vocabulary (Root Words). Students should expect the study guide to provide them with a list of areas to revisit to prepare for the exam, which will be a 40 question multiple choice quiz accompanied by an extended essay question that students will have a week to prepare for with the accompanying text.
Theology
Mr. Thro mthro@chaminade-stl.org
Eighth grade Theology is currently studying some of the political effects of the Reformation upon Europe, and the violence that ensued. Students will also be reading about the Galileo affair on Wednesday and Thursday (pages 470-477 in the textbook in case you are interested in looking at it yourself). An EdPuzzle about the modern era presents a brief overview of the Enlightenment, and the origin of some of the ideas we hold true today. It also contains some of the adjustments the Church made during the period from the eighteenth to the twenty-first centuries. Highlights include looking at how Pope Leo XIII began what has become known as the “Church’s Social Teaching” with his encyclical Rerum Novarum, Pope Pius XI’s opposition to Italian Fascism and the National Socialism of Hitler’s Germany, Communism, and how Pope Pius XII was really regarded as a hero by people like the chief rabbi of Rome. It also contains a brief overview of Vatican Council II, and, finally a very brief overview of the origin of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The semester exam will be similar to that of the first semester, but not identical. There will be a bank or two of matching, readings with questions listed below them, some true-false statements,
and some essays. The information to be examined will be only over this semester (from the Dark Ages to the Modern Era). They will receive precise information about what to study this Thursday and Friday (May 13-14). Any semester work that has not been completed (even if it shows a “0” in the gradebook) can still be completed for full credit. Some semester averages will really jump if the work gets completed. If someone fails for the semester it will be because he did not do the assigned work, not because of failed tests. I will take missing and late work until midnight on May 23 (Sunday night) so everyone can concentrate on studying for exams during the week. This has truly been a great and rewarding school year despite the fears, difficulties, and inconveniences. We made it!!! Everyone is to be congratulated. Your sons have done really well!
Social Studies
Mr. Gambaro dgambaro@chaminade-stl.org
WWII has ended. The United States and the world now enter new era. Internationally, the Cold War has begun. Domestically, the nation enters some of its most transformative decades. Over the next couple weeks, the 8th grade will cover the origins Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, Korean War, Vietnam War, and hopefully more (if time permits). The final exam will be a combination of several “End of Years” assignments. In a couple weeks I will share more information and begin releasing preparation material.
Latin
Mr. Makarewicz jmakarewicz@chaminade-stl.org
We have completed our final chapter in the textbook, Chapter 18. A Final Exam module is on Canvas that currently contains the study guide. A practice exam and other study materials will be published in the next two weeks. Students and parents should remember to keep their textbook. We will be working from the same textbook in LAT230 next year.
Spanish
Mrs. Galvan mgalvan@chaminade-stl.org
During these last few weeks, the students will be grouped together to produce a video that tells a story entirely in Spanish. The Spanish they use must include the grammar concepts taught in class this second semester. These grammar concepts will be listed on their rubric, which will be posted on Canvas under "Course Resources." Groups will present these videos to their class on final exam day. After presenting their videos, I will interview each group member in Spanish about their films to ensure each person is equally familiar with the Spanish written in their stories.
Chinese
Dr. Chen xchen@chaminade-stl.org
There are only 2 more weeks for this semester. At this point, we are wrapping up the last unit of this year, and will working on review and assessment. As we focus the 4 parts (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) of learning and teaching on Chinese, the assessment will also focus on those 4 part. We will start to work on a speaking project next week, and will have a listening test in the last week of this semester. On the scheduled exam day, we will have do the reading and writing test.
French Mrs.Art Dalton cdalton@chaminade-stl.org
Félicitations! You have completed French 1. Sell those books back if you want as you will be getting a new one next year as well as a new teacher! I have enjoyed teaching your sons and I know that they will be in great hands with Mademoiselle Gruchalla next year in the high school! To keep up with your French, download the Duolingo app on your phones! Bon été!
Art
Mr. Anthony manthony@chaminade-stl.org
8th grade artists are currently working with clay this week. Their final exam will be a reflection essay. They will utilize their experiences – both from formal and informal critiques, short reflections on projects, and daily discussions about what they have learned - to more formally reflect on their art making and creative understanding(s). Excellent growth this semester gentlemen!
Band
Mr. Jones hjones@chaminade-stl.org
Band Members, congratulations on excellent performances at both the Spring Band Concert and the Spring Jazz Concert! You will need your instruments for every class that’s left including The one during Assessment Week.
Theatre
Mrs. Lawrence slawrence@chaminade-stl.org
Students will round out the semester by learning about the fundamentals of lighting design, including how to use the light board to program and run light cues during a ! production. Students will also conceptualize a design for "Anon(ymous)", which we just finished reading in class. Besides lighting, students can choose to create scenic, sound, or costume design for the production. If time allows, we will share our work in class. We will also watch a recorded play together in the last days of class.
For the final exam in Drama, students are asked to watch a play or musical, and then write a one page reflection on the production. Students can find links to our Chaminade productions from this year on our Final Exam Canvas Module, as well as links to various professional recordings. Students are also welcome to watch a production they have access to at home through DVD, Blu-Ray, or streaming services. We will watch a production in class that students can write about as well. During exam week, our time will be used to write and submit the Production Reflection Paper. Students are welcome to begin this paper before exam week. All information can also be found in our Final Exam Canvas Module. Any questions, please let me know. Thank you for a fun, safe, and exciting year in Drama class
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
Only a few more weeks left of Middle School! It has been an absolute pleasure working with your sons for the past 3 years. We wish them the best of luck in High School. They are always welcome to come back and visit us in the Middle School! Final Assessment Week is the week of May 24th (schedule below). Be sure to turn in any missing work before then. Finish out your Middle School careers strong!
to our Students of the Month! March: Nicholas Arns April: James Wingbermuehle
DATES TO REMEMBER: 5/21: House Polo--House Meetings 5/24-5/26 Final Exams--more information to come 5/28: Exam Make Up Day