Now that you are finished with your memoirs and ebooks, I’ve begun reviewing your work. And it’s so good! I am amazed by your stories and wow’ed by your creativity. You put a lot of thought and time into your memoirs, and it shows.
We’re going to feature some of your ebooks on this class blog. So check out a few of them below, and be sure you’re subscribed to this blog for updates and more student ebooks.
Hi everyone,
This week we finish up our memoirs by doing self-evaluations based on the goals you set for yourself. In order to make that work, everyone needs to bring their blue packets to class with them.
If you’re curious about the self-evaluation process, you can click on this link to learn more:
Have a great day,
Ms. Shilo
We’ve got a lot of fun activities planned this week to celebrate our love of reading and writing. Be sure to bring your favorite book to class for a book talk, and plan to join us Thursday night for Literacy Night (from 6:00-8:00pm).
Literacy Week This Week!
Monday: One School One Book in Advisory.
Tuesday: Spelling Bee, 11:00-12:00pm in the gym.
Wednesday: Community Wide Book Talks
(Ask your teachers what they’re reading now!)
Thursday: Literacy Night 6:00-8:00pm.
Come dressed as your favorite character.
Writing Celebration submissions due at noon!
Friday: Read-a-thon in Advisory. Bring your pillows and blankets.
In ELA we’ll be doing book talks and promoting our favorite books, reading to our Early Childhood classes, sharing our memoirs, celebrating our published authors, and more.
Hi students,
It’s that time of the year again. We’re looking for contestants for the school Spelling Bee. If you’re interested in representing the Junior High, please let me know as soon as possible.
Spelling Bee: Upper Elementary and Junior High
Thursday, February 27th from 11:00-12:00pm.
Have a great weekend!
Ms. Shilo
Hi everyone,
This week is our final week of in-class time for writing your memoir. When you have work cycle, please use your time wisely. You need to write and polish/edit your story before the week is done. There will be no other in-class writing time after this Friday.
Please have your memoir printed and submitted to me by Wednesday the 21st of February. I will use this printed and submitted copy to assess your work. You should also place a copy of your memoir in your portfolio, which means you need to have it completed and finished before the 21st.
If you have questions, drop by before or after school. I’m here to help!
Ms. Shilo
Dear Families,
This is our fourth year participating in the Great American Spell Check!
Here’s how it works for the Junior High: students will be given grade-specific word lists and time to practice in our class. JrH students who want to represent us in the schoolwide spelling bee will go on to compete on February, 28th, from 11:00-12:00pm in the school gymnasium.
The top two students from our school will go to the State Spelling Bee on March 10th in SLC!
Please encourage your student’s participation. Together we can help facilitate strong spelling skills and a love of literacy!
Sincerely,
MMA Staff & Faculty
Hi everyone,
Today’s blog update is short. In class the last two days, we continued our work on the memoirs. We had a work cycle to finish drafting our four different hook/lead starts. Then I offered lessons, which was explained in more detail in your project packet. Some students started drafting their memoir, and others worked on the lesson follow-up work.
Next class (both A and B days), all students will have another opportunity for lessons and work cycle to finish all work previously started.
Thanks for all your hard work,
Ms. Shilo
Volunteers Needed for Science Fair
We are in need of food, judges, and scorers for the Science Fair on Wednesday, February 21st. If you (or anyone you know) are interested in the opportunity, please sign up here: https://www.trackitforward.com/site/389525/event/399835.
For more information, contact:
Michelle Olsen (molsen@mariamontessoriacademy.org)
John Edwards (Jedwards@maraimontessoriacademy.org)
Nicoletta Householder(nhouseholder@mariamontessoriacdemy.org)
Blog Editor Update:
On the 23rd and 24th of February our Memoirs are due. Remember that there is a project packet to help you stay on track with your learning. A really easy way to remember the packet is that the project packet is blue. It should stand out in your binder/ backpack.
By February 5th and 6th, you should have chosen your topic. In class today we learned about the four different ways to start your memoir, and we need to draft one of each for our memoir: Action, Dialog, Thoughts/ Self Reflection, and finally Sensory Detail.
If you have any questions, just ask Ms. Shilo or Ms. Wendy.
Written by Garret Aust, Blog Editor and Manager
Hi everyone!
Today I handed out our memoir project packet. It’s a continuation of everything we’ve talked about in regards to memoirs. If you were out, you can download it using this link:
In class today and tomorrow, we are brainstorming ideas for your memoir and listing qualities that make memoirs great. We’ll use this list of great qualities and/or writing techniques to set individualized and personal learning goals, so please be sure to think through this and come up with your own list. This is why we took the time to read those sample memoirs- so you know what makes a good story.
When you come back to class on February 1st and 2nd, you need to have your memoir topic set. At that time we’ll jump into short writing lessons on things like dialogue and vivid, descriptive language. Please read through your project packet and follow the dates and directions, especially if you were absent. I say that because I’m explaining this to our classes, but if you’re out, you’ll miss it. So it’s your responsibility to work to catch up.
If you have questions, please let me know. I’m available after school on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Be well, everyone!
Ms. Shilo
