AVID Trip to Syracuse University

Here are a few photos from the AVID trip to Syracuse University:

Outstanding Editorials

The following students submitted outstanding editorials outlining tips for next week's state ELA exam:

Amina B.
Rochelle B.
Kamara F.
Ema F.
Kodie H.
Richie L.
Arianna P.
Bonke R.
Jahmai S.
Katie W.
Tim W.

Today's Notes

Students of the Week

Congrats to the following students of the week! Period One - Natale D. Period Two - Yoan R. Period Three - Rochelle B. Period Five - Kapri D.

Earn a Homework Pass

Would you like to earn a HW pass? Then answer the following question in at least three complete sentences:

What can you do to improve yourself as a student in the last marking period?

• Remember that this applies to all classes not just ELA.
• Submit your answer on our blog, not as a written assignment turned into Ms. Short.
  

Incentive on Friday

As a reward for their hard work over the past month, all seventh and eighth graders will have the opportunity to participate in a Fun Friday during periods six and seven on Friday, April 15th. Students will be able to choose to participate in one of the following activities:

• basketball


• movie


• Zumba


• music and socializing

Half Day on April 14th

Just a reminder that there will be a half day on Thursday, April 14th. We will be running periods three. four, and five on the 14th. Students will begin dismissal at 10:20 am.

Students of the Week

Congratulations to the students of the week for April 4th to April 8th: Period One - Wa Hi D. and Tozziek S. Period Two - Jahmai S. Period Three - Fatuma H. Period Five - Sarah B. and Geneve C.

Reading "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street"

This past week, our class read the teleplay, "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street," written by Syracuse's own Rod Serling. You can link to youtube to watch the original episode of The Twilight Zone below: Part One http://youtu.be/TJyaBxYjWcQ Part Two http://youtu.be/AiByQ7VFp4Q Part Three http://youtu.be/G5u-QVk3PFU

Elements of Drama

Review the elements of drama by watching the video below:

Congrats to Science Fair Winners

Congratulations to Richie L. and Xavier B. who won Honors and Falastin A. and Geneve C. who won High Honors at the Greater Syracuse Science Fair. Check out the link below: http://www.syracusecityschools.com/?q=node/4186

The Fourth Marking Period

Just a reminder that the fourth marking period begins on Monday, April 4th. This is a chance for students to start over and do their best work as we wrap up the seventh grade year.

Practicing for the State Exam

Students took a practice ELA exam and will be spending a couple of days each week analyzing the results. Students will review techniques to do their best on the multiple-choice section of the exam and will also review the rubrics used to score their exam in order to find ways to improve their own answers. Although test prep is important, students will not only focus on this endeavor between now and May's exam. Instead we will balance our test prep with other activities to strengthen students' reading and writing abilities in general.