Mrs. Lastner

MIDDLE SCHOOL 

ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS 

Class overview

In this course we will strive to consistently improve our reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. This includes regular lessons and activities designed to enhance our grammar and vocabulary. We will read and write about a variety of short stories, informational texts, poems, and novels from different genres. While reading, we will analyze literary elements and devices in order to increase our comprehension and improve our writing skills. 

Throughout the year we will also be incorporating "21st Century Skills" as often as possible. These important skills are critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. 


Lots of School Spirit Opportunities!

 

Our spring Spirit store is now open for shopping! SHOP SPIRITWEAR


For the remaining Spirit Wear days of the year, students can wear shorts that have been purchased from the SJS Spirit Wear Store or through the SJAA's Spirit Wear Store.

Remaining Spirit Wear Days:



Logo Design Contest

Show your school spirit by designing our next logo! Students in grades 4-11 can submit their logo ideas. The winning design will be used as the official logo for the '24-'25 AOB school year theme. The winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. Submissions are due by June 3rd and should be emailed to Alex.Herzberg@archbalt.org


ELA Classes

All classes are currently studying Unit 12 in their vocabulary books, and the test for this unit will be on May 3rd.  

We are continuing to read and discuss the non-fiction book, Hidden Figures. It is a book about African-American women and the important contributions they made to our space program.  

Students will be reading, discussing, and writing about the text and the time period, and may have a quiz at any time. 

They are learning important historical information while reading about some incredible women! 


The final exam will be on 5/21, and the study guide has been posted in Google Classroom.




All classes are currently studying Unit 12 in their vocabulary books, and the test for this unit will be on May 3rd. 


By Monday, all students should have read through the end of Chapter 8 in our new novel, Taking Sides by Gary Soto. 

While reading we will be focusing on character development and conflict.  


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The final exam will be on 5/20, and the study guide is posted in Google Classroom.





All classes are currently studying Unit 12 in their vocabulary books, and the test for this unit will be on May 3rd. 

8th graders are finishing The Outsiders over the weekend.

 Next week we will be doing a variety of different activities to discuss the novel as a means of reviewing for the final exam. Rather than having a separate exam for the novel, students will be assessed on their comprehension of the book on their final exam (May 13th).  We are primarily focusing on character development and perspective while reading this classic novel. 

The final exam will be on 5/13, and the study guide has been available in Google Classroom since the beginning of this week.


IMPORTANT HOMEROOM (8B) INFORMATION: 


A letter that lists all needed information regarding important dates for 8th graders through the end of the year was sent home on 5/2. Please make sure you ask your child for this important letter so that you can make note of the dates and times. 


FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE FOR GRADE 8: Week of May 13



Monday, May 13 - Language Arts (double period)

Tuesday, May 14 - Math (2 periods)

Wednesday, May 15 - Spanish

Thursday, May 16 - Social Studies

Friday, May 17 - Science

Monday, May 20 - Spanish (Part 2, if needed)





The 2024 Graduate Survey was emailed out to all 8th grade parents. This is used to compile stats on how much in scholarships our students earned, as well as which high school they have chosen to attend. Awards should also be included. Please respond before May 10th. You may use the link provided below.  


 https://forms.gle/JcvHK9EXQoxy88VD7




This is the final homeroom competition! Let's make sure the "B" homerooms win AGAIN!


Get ready to lace up your running shoes to join us for Race for Education, a cherished annual tradition here at SJS-F! All students will run (or walk) a 1/2 mile course on campus to raise funds to improve our school.

Volunteers are needed for the day of the event. Time slots include morning (7am-11:50am), afternoon (12:30pm-3:00pm) and all day (7am-3pm). Please click on the yellow text below to sign up. 

Race for Education Volunteer Sign Up



We are seeking the support of local businesses to sponsor Race for Education as well. If you are interested or know someone who may be, please contact admissions@stjoeschool.org.

Race Day is Friday, May 17th. Parents/guardians are invited to cheer during designated race times. Stay tuned for the race day schedule.

A little about me...

This is my first year at St. Joe's and I am very excited to be here! I am teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th graders this year and have many fun learning activities planned for all of my classes. I am very passionate about what I teach and hope to inspire my students to become lifelong learners. 

I have been a teacher for about 20 years and have taught both middle and high school English/Language Arts.  I have a B.S. degree in Education from the University of Maryland (Go Terps!), and a Master's Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. I also have a Master's Certificate in Reading Instruction from Goucher College.  I am a veteran who served in the U.S. Army, so I bring a wide variety of experiences and knowledge to my teaching.