June 2014
Dear Students and Parents of 8th Grade Sebago House,
Greetings to you from Lyman Moore Middle School! We hope you are enjoying a happy and healthy summer vacation. As September approaches, we would like to briefly introduce you to this year's teaching staff and give an overview of the classes for Sebago eighth graders.
Maureen Tevanian is the language arts teacher with over 12 years of experience. Students will read many “choice” books and some assigned novels in her class. Unit topics include a study of censorship, science-fiction, poetry, and persuasive strategies. In addition, writing skills will be fine tuned with a focus on the skills and vocabulary needed for high school. Get ready for a challenging but fun language arts class! Materials needed for language arts: spiral notebook, two-pocket folder, post-it notes and pens.
Your social studies teacher will be Regina Morton. Ms. Morton has been teaching for 15 years, with 12 being in the Portland School District. Students will study and research many topics ranging from government to current events to major conflicts involving the United States. Most importantly, students will gain an appreciation of what the forefathers of our country endured to make this nation a great place to live. In eighth grade, students will be raising the bar for what is expected to better prepare them for their high school years. Materials needed for social studies: spiral notebook, two-pocket folder, pencil/pen case, pens, highlighters and markers.
8th grade science is taught by Rob Miller who is entering his 29th year of teaching. The 8th grade science course will focus on the physical science, basic topics chemistry and physics, along with several engineering design challenges and research projects. An integrated approach incorporating group projects and hands on lab activities is designed to prepare students for high school science classes. New information will often be taught through lecture/discussion, so a notebook with lined paper and pockets for handouts will be helpful.
The Sebago math teacher has not yet been determined. Grade 8 math will begin with a review of basic mathematical concepts and will continue through pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry. Additionally, math classes will include a focus on technology and hands-on projects when appropriate. Materials needed for math: 1.5” binder with 4 dividers, scientific calculator, filler loose-leaf notebook paper, and pencils.
The eighth grade year is a critical one for you as you prepare for high school. Your core teachers, as well as the related arts, foreign language and physical education teachers will maintain high expectations and do whatever it takes to help you reach your goals. Your responsibility in this process is to arrive at school each day prepared to learn and be ready and willing to give your best effort. With age comes the need for increased self-motivation and responsibility for your future. If you choose to make the most of it, you can leave school next June fully prepared for high school with wonderful memories of our year together.
We look forward to some exciting interdisciplinary units including the Maine Sailing Expedition, Red Cross Blood Drive, and Boston’s Freedom Trail!
If you need any help at all purchasing your child’s school supplies, please feel free to contact us or one of the school counselors.
Please bring your summer assignments the first day of school. They are available at http://cormil.wix.com/moore-8th-grade.
Sincerely,
Sebago Teachers
Summer Learning
Links
Please complete the packet of Grade 8 Summer Work before returning to school in the fall. We will be using this work as jumping off points for our classes. Summer Paper copies may be picked up at the school office.
June 2014
Dear Students and Parents of 8th Grade Allagash House:
Greetings from Lyman Moore Middle School. We hope you are all enjoying a happy and healthy summer vacation. Your Allagash House teachers are looking forward to welcoming you to eighth grade in the fall.
The English teacher for the house is yet to be determined. You will study various genres and authors in her class. Many literature units will be set in the historical periods that you will be studying in history. Grammar, spelling, and vocabulary, together with reading and writing, will be incorporated in all units, so get ready for a challenging English class.
Teaching physical science for the house will be Mrs. Holmes. In this class, you will cover key science concepts integrated with a variety of labs and discovery/problem-solving activities. This curriculum provides a balanced program designed to give you a solid foundation for your upcoming chemistry and physics classes.
Mrs. Green, your math teacher, will prepare her classes for high school. The year will begin with a review of basic mathematical concepts and will continue through pre-algebra, geometry, and algebra. Additionally, math class will include a focus on technology and hands-on projects when appropriate.
Your American history teacher is Mrs. Cormier. Her curriculum will begin with United States geography, and then take you from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. There will be a strong concentration on the Constitution and American government. The curriculum will be presented following the “Layered Classroom” model.
Your core teachers, as well as the related arts, foreign language, and physical education teachers, are dedicated to providing you with an exciting, quality education. We will maintain high expectations for our students and ourselves, and we will do whatever it takes to help you meet your goals. Your responsibility in this process is to arrive at school each day prepared to learn and ready and willing to give your best effort. The rest, as Mrs. Cormier would say, is history!
We ask that you purchase four two-inch, three-ring binders. These binders will be checked and graded in each class periodically. You will need dividers and paper for your binders. You will also need a lightweight, notebook size three-hole punch; a “marble” composition book; and a scientific calculator. For social studies, please bring personal earphones and, for English, bring a copy of one of the books you have read over the summer.
Eighth grade is a critical year for you as you prepare for your future. With age comes the need for increased self-motivation and accountability. We expect you to behave as independent young adults and make mature choices regarding behavior and academics. If you choose to make the most of this last year of middle school, you can leave school next June fully prepared for high school and with wonderful memories of our year together.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Holmes
TBD
Mrs. Cormier
Mrs. Green
LYMAN MOORE 8TH GRADE
HOUSE INTRODUCTION AND SUMMER LEARNING
