My Book Of Memories (Outline PDF) - (Rubric PDF)
Project Overview:
During this term you will write a book, a book of memories. It will consist of your memories and thoughts from your life. You will be entering High School next year and this memory book will be a project you can look back on to see where you came from and where you thought you were going. Your finished book will be due May 17, 2010, however you should begin now and work on it daily for the remainder of this term in order to complete it on time, without rushing...more.
HISTORICAL NOVEL BOOK REPORT
Rubric - Historical or Classic Book Report (word doc)
Project - Historical or Classic Novel Book Rerport (word doc)
QUILT PROJECT
Research quilts with the emphasis on slavery or the Civil War themes. Choose a pattern of themes (6 in all) that you will be able to draw on a piece of graph paper. You will need to “tell a story” with your quilt. Outline (word doc)
"With One Voice"
March, 2010
Dear 8th grade Families,
It's hard to imagine spring has arrived and with that, all the festivities that will lead to your child's graduation from St. John the Baptist Catholic School. I write today to organize these many celebratory events so that we, together, can prepare and enjoy what's to come.
Graduation Address:
One member of the 8th grade class will speak during the graduation.
Each 8th grader has the opportunity to represent their class as the speaker.
Any interested student is asked to write a 3-5 minute speech on the application of our Student Learning Expectations to his/her life. Our Student Learning Expectations (SLE's) were developed as preparation for our WASC/WCEA accreditation process. They were created by all stakeholders in our school: students, parents, staff, and parishioners. They are the outcomes, inclusive of all academic and spiritual skill sets, that we expect children to have gained upon graduation from St. John the Baptist Catholic School. Our SLE's are listed in this packet and can be found posted in every classroom and on our website under "School Info" on the menu bar of the home page.
The speaker will be chosen by a panel of school and parish representatives including teachers of various grade levels, a school council member, Father Gordon and myself.
The panel will listen to the speeches at a to-be-determined date.
Speeches are due, in written form, to Mrs. Picard, by Wednesday, May 12.
Speeches which are not chosen for the graduation address may be published in future school and parish bulletins. All will be valuable examples of genuine experiences at St. John the Baptist Catholic School.
Graduation Dance and Overnight Retreat: Several years ago, our 8th graders launched a meaningful and celebratory new tradition. This year, we will again organize a graduation dance for private school 8th graders and an overnight retreat in our parish hall. The retreat portion of the evening will include only our 8th graders. The evening will provide precious opportunity for social and spiritual connection, highlighted by a midnight prayer service. These events will take place on Friday, May 29. Additional details and opportunities for parental involvement will follow. We will secure a retreat facilitator, but will need parent chaperones throughout the night and a breakfast crew in the early morning. Details to follow.
Field Trip: Our Jr. High instructional team has arranged for a trip to the Ropes Course at Heron Lake, operated by the Napa County Office of Education. This excursion will provide a creative opportunity for our students to be challenged by situations that require teamwork and social responsibility. The date of this trip is Friday, May, 24. Details to follow.
State of the 8th grade Classroom Account: We still have details to work out regarding the fundraising efforts by the 8th grade families earlier this school year. The idea was to offset the cost of the Yosemite trip. We also need to consider the cost of graduation gowns, the overnight retreat and the Ropes course. Please stay posted for additional information.
Graduation Pictures: Graduation gowns have been ordered and will be delivered to school. Graduation pictures have been tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 16h at 8:30am in the school library (pending Lifetouch confirmation). Ordering information will be provided as soon as we receive it. Students should come in graduation-like attire (not necessarily their graduation outfit). They can bring clothes to change into after pictures. It is a Free-Dress day.
Graduation Dress Code: Although students will be in graduation gowns, we require a dress code for the graduation ceremony. The dress code also applies to the graduation luncheon. I have attached it for early preparation and ask for your support to enforce this important policy. We will contact you immediately if a child arrives out of the required dress code.
Class Gift: The 8th graders have traditionally provided a gift back to the school. In the past several years, classes have chosen to contribute to the "Let Your Light Shine" scholarship fund, named in honor and memory of Audrey Ford, daughter of Celine and Martin Ford, sister of Ashley ‘08 and Nicholas ‘05. This year again, the 8th grade families are encouraged to contribute to the "Let Your Light Shine" scholarship so that other children can access the faith-filled education that your child has received during their time at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. Checks can be made out to "St. John the Baptist Catholic School Let Your Light Shine" and sent to the school office by Wednesday, May 12. Your family name will appear on a certificate/card that will be presented to the Fords at graduation.
Scholarship Opportunities: For students transitioning to Justin-Siena High School, several scholarship opportunities exist. I will provide you with detailed information once it becomes available.
Graduation Luncheon: This festive luncheon is also St. John tradition and will be jointly sponsored by our 7th grade class and our family Club who will organize school-wide participation. Our 8th graders have given us important input as to how they'd appreciate their graduation luncheon to be. It will consist of a casual and delicious barbeque with lots of opportunity to share memories and share congratulations. The luncheon will take place on Tuesday, June 8th at 1:00pm in our parish hall. You will receive an "e-vite" invitation announcing the details of this highly anticipated event.
Achievement Awards: Certificates for achievement in academics and recognition for co-curricular involvement will be given out at the luncheon.
Graduation PowerPoint Presentation: Our graduates have traditionally created PowerPoint presentations depicting their years at St. Johns. Details of this project will be sent home with your child. We will show all of the presentations at the Graduation luncheon.
And finally….Graduation: Our Graduation Mass and Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 8th at 6:00pm in the Church.
On behalf of the Faculty and Staff, I can genuinely say we have been blessed by the presence of your children. We've taken great joy at guiding them in knowledge and faith, knowing that we've successfully partnered with you, to prepare these fine students for high school.
In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal
St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Dress Code for Graduation Luncheon and Ceremony
Girls:
Sunday dress or skirt: The length of the dress must not be more than 4 in. above the knee. Strapless dresses are not allowed. If a dress has spaghetti straps, the student must wear a sweater to cover her shoulders for the luncheon and the Graduation Mass. Shirts or tops should be kept modest; no plunging necklines.
Shoes: Shoes or sandals may be worn. No tennis shoes or flip-flops. The heel of the shoe must not exceed 2 inches high. This is very important as there have been many cases where a young lady, unaccustomed to heals, has nearly tripped while walking on the slick church floor.
Make-Up: No make-up is to be worn for the luncheon or ceremony.
Boys:
Pants and belt: Dark dress, pressed pants to be worn with a belt. No sagging pants. Pants must be worn around the waist.
Shirt and tie: Dress shirt must be fitted, tucked in and worn with a conservative tie. When choosing a shirt and tie, keep in mind that boys' graduation gowns are red.
Shoes: Dress shoes must be worn. No tennis shoes.
Hair: Hair must be neatly trimmed and combed per our handbook. No exceptions.
If your child has any question about the graduation dress code, they can contact Mr. Gallegos, Mrs. Picard or Mrs. Jordan.
St. John the Baptist Catholic School Student Learning Expectations An active person of Faith who:
Has a personal relationship with Jesus
Knows basic Catholic teachings
Applies Gospel values to personal and community life
Respects and appreciates nature, culture and other people as part of God's creation
Is educated in the Sacramental life of the Catholic Church
Demonstrates a spirit of service in Church, family, school and community
A life-long learner who:
Demonstrates a strong foundation in academics and applies knowledge in a variety of situations
Uses technology for learning and communication
Demonstrates initiative and a continuing curiosity for learning
Understands how to access and utilize information and resources
A competent communicator who:
Reads critically, writes coherently and expresses opinions persuasively
Speaks clearly and confidently with respect to others
Uses diverse methods including art, music and technology to convey their opinions
An effective problem-solver who:
Applies subject matter to real life situations
Works collaboratively with others
Manages conflict and adverse situations with empathy and sensitivity
Thinks critically by strategizing, planning and gathering information from a variety of sources
Weighs possibilities and considers consequences when making decisions
A responsible citizen who:
Values and exercises self-respect and self-discipline
Makes decisions that foster a healthy emotional and physical well being
Exemplifies good sportsmanship at all times
Works cooperatively, demonstrating acceptance and respect
Understands and actively participates in civic responsibilities
Please keep in mind that graduation is part of the celebration of Mass.
St. John the Baptist Catholic School
8th Grade Graduation PowerPoint
Due: May 12, 2010
Required Assignment
To create a PowerPoint presentation depicting your experience as a student at St. John the Baptist Catholic School.
Your PowerPoint presentation needs to be based on our Student Learning Expectations (SLE's) which are enclosed in this packet.
Your presentation should last no longer than two minutes or the length of one song.
Your music needs to be approved by Mrs. Jordan.
You will be graded using the attached rubric
The PowerPoint can be worked on individually or as a small group (2-3 people)
These presentations will be shown during your graduation lunch and possibly for future use.
We'd like to share these creative and faith-filled DVD presentations with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School families in future community events. If you prefer that your child's DVD is not shown beyond this year's graduation activities, please sign and return the bottom portion of this assignment.
Name of Student
Parent Signature
Rubric for the 8th Grade Graduation PowerPoint
NAME:_________________________
KNOWLEDGE: 5 4 3 2 1
- Shows an understanding of the material
- Able to answer questions
PARTICIPATION: 5 4 3 2 1
- Does their "fair share" in presenting the material
- Participates in each part of the presentation
LENGTH: 5 4 3 2 1
- Long enough to adequately cover assigned material
CONTENT: 5 4 3 2 1
- Topic covered thoroughly
- Enough information given to understand topic
- Did not exclude any important information or include any unnecessary information
DESIGN: 5 4 3 2 1
- Very creative
- Easy to see and follow
- Did not include any unnecessary graphics
Objectives:
Students will write a book report after reading a biography of their choice. Biography must be approved by Mrs. Picard, be 200+ pages and be of Middle School reading level.
Plan:
BIOGRAPHY BOOK REPORT
Cover page: Include a drawing of your character, the title of the biography, the author of the biography and your name.
Tell the date and place where your character was born and raised. Don’t include too many family details or details about habits and hobbies that don’t have anything to do with their later work.
Describe the early life of your character. Tell about what kind of person he or she was. What was it about your character that helped him or her to succeed? Did your character know what he or she wanted to become in the future? How did your character prepare for his or her future?
Tell about the work your character did. Tell why his or her contribution was important, why the work was important. Did he or she invent something or teach others? How did he or she change the world? What lasting effects did your character have on the lives of others?
What should we all know about your character? How do we benefit today from him or her? What do you think was the most impressive thing about your character?
Tell how your character has inspired you. In what ways would you like to be him or her?
Three (3) or more sources have been checked for facts.
