DATA 8th Grade Newsletter

Week 32: April 14 - 17

Please check the newsletter homepage for Important Information and Dates!

ELAR

"In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past, bridge to our future ."

- Alex Haley

This week we will continue frontloading information about Chinese culture as we prepare to read the novel Chinese Cinderella - we should read the first few chapters of the novel by the end of the week.

-Mrs. Burciaga

Tutoring

Tuesdays - after school until 4:30

Thursdays - before school beginning at 7:45*

Lunch tutoring available by appointment*

*Requires a pass - see Mrs. Burciaga

Questions or concerns?

Email me: jburci@neisd.net

MATH

"The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics."

- Paul Halmos

The Mathematics STAAR tests are all on Tuesday, April 22.

Algebra 1: We've covered Unit 8 material, but have deferred the unit test until after the STAAR Algebra 1 EOC. Our focus every day in class is on one of the 5 "categories" into which the TEA divides Algebra 1. We're working mostly with release STAAR problems, using them to "brain dump" on key ideas, develop strategies, and re-activate concepts from across the course. This sets a foundation in class, and student success will in large measure depend on individual efforts to continue practice outside of class.

Geometry: For preparation for the Math 8 STAAR we've begun by using a "mock STAAR" to identify areas that might need shoring up prior to the test. Students should have completed the Desmos STAAR practice test no later than Monday, April 14. We'll spend class time from then until the test addressing and fixing the problems revealed by the practice test. The goal is to match or exceed the score they made 2 years ago on the test.

-Dr. Koepp

Tutoring: I have a regularly-scheduled tutorial time from 3:45 to 4:30 on Mondays and Thursdays. I've added Tuesday afternoon until the STAAR. I also work with students by appointment--just email me at wkoepp@neisd.net and we'll find a time that works for your student!

SCIENCE

EXPERIMENT. FAIL. LEARN. REPEAT.

Science STAAR Test is on Tuesday, April 15th!

The STAAR Science Review will focus on key concepts and skills necessary for success on the STAAR test. Students will review the four major categories covered on the exam, including matter and energy, force and motion, Earth and space, and organisms and environments. Activities will include targeted instruction, hands-on activities, and practice questions to reinforce understanding.

We will spend each day reviewing material from 6th-8th grade. We will cover a different concept each day.

We have identified specific areas of need for each student. The TEKS that are most tested and that students struggled with are being retaught these next few days leading up to the STAAR test. The goal is to strengthen scientific knowledge, improve critical thinking, and build confidence in test-taking strategies.

Tutoring is offered on Tuesdays; students can attend from 3:45-4:15.

Students are also welcomed to set up an appointment for a different time, if needed.

If you have any questions, you may email me at egonza10@neisd.net.

U.S. History through 1877

We are Living History!

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The US History STAAR is April 16th (THIS WEEK!!!). We will be reviewing some of the trickiest and most tested concepts in class until them. Please encourage your child to study. They have their notebook, as well as resources that I have linked in Classroom.

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Tutoring is available Thursdays, 7:45-8:20 am and 3:45-4:15

You can reach me at lvanho@neisd.net

Have a wonderful week!

-Ms. Van Horn

Mrs. Malin's Classes

Greetings DATA Families!
Have a great week!
PLEASE REVIEW WITH YOUR CHILD THE NEISD AND CAMPUS GUIDELINES REGARDING TECHNOLOGY USE, ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY, AND THEIR SAFETY. YOU CAN ACCESS THIS VIA: https://www.neisd.net/Page/10011

Veni, Creavi, Vici. I came. I created. I conquered.

Hello to Our DATA Families!

Graphic Design & Illustration I: Students started their their cumulative project by launching a marketing campaign, beginning with the development of their brand identity and designing a unique logo to represent their campaign.They will continue to work on their company logos and incorporate their slogan into their advertisement.

Video Game Design: In the Kodu Challenge – Build a Game with Goals, students will design and build their own interactive game world by creating terrain, programming a playable character, and setting a clear game objective—such as collecting items or reaching a destination—while using “WHEN” and “DO” commands to add interactivity and logic to their game.

About Me: My name is Elizabeth Fuentes Malin. I am a technology applications teacher and have been teaching for sixteen years. I am married with one child who is now at DATA with us! I attended OLLU, UIW, Lamar University, and now UNT. I hold degrees in English, Communication Arts, Administration, Educational Technology Leadership, and now am working on my doctorates in Learning Technologies and Machine Learning.

My email is emalin@neisd.net

Tutoring is by appointment only

Mr. Lovett's Classes

Architecture & Digital Media 2:

From this point forward, both of my classes are on the same track. Both classes have a capstone project where they will be showing off the skills they have acquired while in DATA. They will also be working on a portfolio which will count as their final exam.

Capstone:

Capstone projects will have several checkpoints following the design process until the due date. These checkpoints will be graded and will allow us to track progress.

Final Capstone projects are due May 14th.

Final Exam:

The final exam portfolios are due May 16th.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to send me an email.

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