Teacher: Mr. Bill Walton

Welcome to Eighth Grade

Each trimester I will be sending out a  newsletter with information regarding long- term projects, upcoming events, and information of interest.  Please keep this to refer to as the year progresses.  This year as seniors of the school I expect you to be leaders of the school.  I expect you to set examples for all the younger students at St. Johns.  I know this can be a wonderful and exciting year.  This is your chance to ready yourself for high school; mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  I will do everything I can to help you to be successful.  Please don’t hesitate to ask for help.  Be ready to stay after school if you are struggling with some of the material we are covering.  Take the initiative to ask for help.

Another important goal this year is for you to organize yourself to be successful.  Turning homework in on time, taking effective notes, preparing yourself for tests are all skills that need to be perfected this year.  If you can organize your studies you will be setting the stage for success in high school.  Students and parents may contact me at bdwalton1@aol.com.  I cannot promise that I will get back to you that same day but I will respond as soon as possible.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This years 8th grade commissioners are:
JR Hornibrook —-President
Kathleen Campos—-Vice-President
Donald Petersen—-Finance
Haylee Bauer—-Religious Affairs
Rebecca Garcia—-Spirit
Kathleen Saldana—-Public Relations

Jaron Harrison—-Athletics
During the first two weeks of class the school will be voting for class representatives.  Eighth Grade will need six representatives; two for 8th grade, two for kindergarten and two for first grade.  Please considering running for these student government positions.  The school needs your involvement, time, energy and talents.

Roberto Saldana—Safety

Curriculum:
Our study of the American colonies has ended and we are discovering the root causes of the American Revolution.  How did 13 small, separate colonies defeat the most powerful nation on earth?  What men and women led the way to our independence?
In literature we are reading John Steinbeck’s “The Pearl”.  A simple but moving story, of a Native American, in Mexico, finding the pearl of his dreams.  What happens when our greatest wish comes true?  The students have completed their myth book, which will soon be on display in the hallway.

The class is beginning their study of prayer in religion class.  Besides studying different types and styles of Christian prayer the students will be creating their own prayer books and designing and leading their own prayer services. Faith must be active and interactive.
In science the class under the guidance of Ms. Baines direction is beginning its study of matter and its many components.  The hands on curriculum (Foss kits) provide a framework for understanding and exploring our universe made of matter.
The algebra class with Ms. Milani is pushing ahead to understand the concepts which form the basis for algebra.  The pre-algebra class with Mr. Walton is working with factoring and sequencing.  A combined math and technology project “creating a dinner party” will be introduced soon.

Ms. Curtis has taken over our Spanish Language program.  She is focusing the 8th grade students to use proper pronunciation as they speak.  An emphasis on conjugating verbs properly when they speak and write is another goal of this first grading period.
Ms. States has the students perfecting their grammar in English class.  Both creative writing and expository writing are being emphasized.

Student Government:
Our 8th graders are leading the way as student government begins this year.  There are many plans being discussed to make this year a great year for our student government.  Our 8th grade commissioners are Jordan Phan –president, Mariah Ghee—vice-president, Sam Paljuleras—finance, Kailey Walker—spirit, Oshani Gunasekara—religious affairs.
Plans for the blessing of animal, on the feast of St. Francis, and our first school family day are under way.