Understanding Hitler and the Holocaust

As we continue reading "Four Perfect Pebbles," it is important that all students understand Hitler's rise to power and the ways that Jewish people amongst others were treated under the Nazi regime. The following are links that can't help students understand the time period in which Marion Blumenthal lived.

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Holocaust/history.html
http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/holocaust/timeline.html
http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/
http://www.remember.org/camps/
http://www.history.com/video.do?name=militaryhistory&bcpid=1681730307&bclid=1683701726

Students can earn five points extra credit by submitting the name of any online or print resources they have found that can help another student understand what the Holocaust was all about.

Enjoying Break

Ms. Short wishes all of her students a restful break. There are only four days left. Make each one count!

Reading "Four Perfect Pebbles"

Students will begin reading a novel called "Four Perfect Pebbles" by Lila Perl and Marion Blumenthal Lazan. The story recounts the story of Lazan and her family's time during the Holocaust specifically in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany. Students will begin the novel over Spring Break and will continue the novel through the end of April. Students who want to learn more about Luzan and the novel can go to the following helpful website: http://www.fourperfectpebbles.com.

Beginning of the 4th Marking Period

On Monday, April 6th, students began the fourth and final quarter of the 2008-2009 school year. Students and parents are reminded that the 25 book assignment is due on June 1st. All students need to turn in summaries for the books read by this date. The 25 book assignment will account for 50% of the 4th quarter homework average.

Weekly Editorial

This week's editorial asks students to write about their favorite sport or physical activity. Students should describe this activity in detail as well as how he or she feels while participating in this activity. All editorials are due on Friday, April 3rd.

End of the 3rd Quarter

Just a reminder that the 3rd quarter ends this Friday. Students need to turn in all assignments by the end of the day on Friday. Because teachers do not need to turn in grades until 4/9/09, the 7th grade Drama Project will count for the 3rd quarter.

7th Grade Drama Project

As a culminating activity for our drama unit, students will be creating original plays to dramatize a specific theme. Students will be writing and editing scripts, creating costumes and scenery, and staging their productions. Students have the choice of creating a comedy or tragedy based on the assigned theme and their group's personal preference. Students will be working on this project throughout the week and will begin presentations next Monday, April 6th.