Letter to Parents
Saint Matthew School
Eighth Grade
2023 -2024
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Welcome! Eighth grade is an exciting year for you and your child as they undertake their final year at St. Matthew School. I am looking forward to working with your children in order to help prepare them with the necessary skills they will need to move on to high school as responsible, independent, and successful students.
This year, I will be teaching one class of English Language Arts (ELA), two classes of Religion, and two classes of Science.
English Language Arts
Reading and Literature: Over the course of the year we will be reading trade books and selections from our Literature anthology. We start with a Civil War era novel of historical fiction and move on to poetry, plays and other genres. Some of these will be geared toward the time period covered in our Social Studies classes. Vocabulary, comprehension and fluency will be emphasized. Writing assignments and chapter questions are required for most novels. Projects will also be occasionally assigned in order to provide a varied means of assessing students’ progress.
Spelling/Vocabulary: Students will be using the Vocabulary Workshop series published by Sadlier and Company. This book is a SAT prep and is an excellent way to prepare for high school. Each lesson will be covered over a two-week period. Assessments will be given to test skills in word definitions, synonyms, antonyms and usage in sentences. On-line resources are an important feature of this series and will be utilized for assessing student’s knowledge of each of the units. They are encouraged to use all the online study games and practice tests.
Writing and Grammar: Writing skills will be emphasized in all areas of the curriculum. Numerous assignments will be given and time will be allowed in the classroom for writing drafts and peer editing. Some group work will be assigned but the emphasis will be on individual writing skills. Proper Grammar usage will be reinforced and new material will be introduced and used to expand student’s writing abilities.
Speaking and Listening Skills: Students will be evaluating information presented and then encouraged to engage in discussion, build on ideas and express points of view. Skills to present their ideas with clear pronunciation, appropriate eye contact and adequate volume will be emphasized
Religion
The Students will be studying the role of the Catholic Church in salvation history from the time of the Apostles to the present day. We will focus on becoming active members of the Communion of Saints, and learn how faith enriches our understanding of God plan of redemption. Appreciation of the Church as the People of God, and studying the Ten Commandments, will help students form a moral conscience and contribute to their ability to live a virtuous life.
Science
The Curriculum for eighth grade is Physical Science and some of the topics covered are Matter, Energy, Work, Motion, Force, Light, and Sound. Students will use the Harcourt Science Fusion series which offers many online components through Think Central. This is an important resource to help reinforce student understanding. Lesson quizzes, Lab experiments, group collaboration as well as Unit tests will all be incorporated in determining a student’s grade.
STEM labs are also a part of each unit and utilized throughout the year. Demonstration of concepts in the classroom as well as experimentation in the lab are considered vital to student’s understanding. Science Lab safety is a priority and all students are asked to sign a contract after review of all safety procedures.
Homework
Written or study homework is given to reinforce material presented in the classroom and is required every night. Written assignments should be completed neatly and handed in on time. Study homework is required every night. Timely completion of assignments is expected and affects a student’s grade.
If you need to contact me during the school year, please do not hesitate to send a note with your child. I will respond as soon as possible.
I look forward to working with you and your children toward a successful year in eighth grade.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Patricia Guerin
Mrs. Guerin’s
Web Address https://sites.google.com/saintmatthewschool.com/mrs-guerin-room-18/home