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"Disco Inferno" by The Trammps

(It gets pretty hot for turkeys this time of year!)

Download Windows Media Player here if you cannot hear music.

The Bulletin Board is the web page to visit for important announcements, such as Language Arts news and school-related information. There is no timetable for updates, so you need to check back periodically. Of course, to be completely informed, you should also see the Daily Class Activities page.

Meet the Mayor on Monday

Students on Team 8G will meet Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook on Monday in the Media Center. Needless to say, this is a wonderful opportunity to gain some political insight.

The following schedule provides all students with the opportunity to participate while minimizing overcrowding in the Media Center and creating a Town Hall atmosphere:

11:00 A.M. - 12:35 P.M. (8-2 and 8-4)

12:40 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. (8-1 and 8-3)

Special thanks to Mr. Cerri for organizing the visit!

New Benchmark Assessment Test This Week

Another Benchmark Assessment Test (BAT) will occur this week; however, the impact on our team will be minimal. Since only a few students are scheduled to take the test, regularly scheduled class activities will remain unchanged.

Study of Novels To Move Quickly

All classes are set to begin reading their assigned novels this week. Students in 8-1 and 8-2 will read Chapters 1 and 2 of The Outsiders. Those of you in 8-3 and 8-4 will read similar chapters in Animal Farm. In both cases, students are forewarned that the reading pace will be fast. This means tests will be frequent, so make sure you keep up!

I am a big fan of both books for different reasons. The Outsiders is a terrific novel about conflict between two groups that come from different sociological and economical backgrounds. Students will also learn some of life's toughest lessons. Animal Farm is a fascinating book to learn because it is an allegorical story which, of course, means that it can be taught on different levels. To be more specific, the tale is a fable with political lessons mixed in.

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November Writing Practice Test Coming Soon

Students who did not score well on the October Writing Practice Test will soon have a chance at redemption when the November Writing Practice Test will be administered.

After thoroughly reviewing the October prompt and its results - not to mention rewriting it - students should have an even greater understanding of what is expected when responding to the new prompt. Naturally, I am unable to divulge the content of the November prompt; however, students must ensure that prior mistakes are not repeated.

To adequately prepare for the next practice test, students need to analyze the corrections and comments I made on the October Writing Practice Test, as well as other essays. Next, review lessons from PowerEd Writing and episodes of Doc Kimmel's Writing Clinic. And, of course, access web pages on KIMMEL'S KORNER that specifically focus on writing: The Art of Writing, FCAT Writing Advice, and Powerful Writing.

Catch Another Episode of Doc Kimmel's Writing Clinic

Speaking of Doc Kimmel's Writing Clinic, Episode 5 will "air" during Critical Thinking classes later this week and next week. In the episode, entitled "Idea Anemia," Doc treats a young girl who is suffering from an inability to get thoughts down on paper. If you ever had trouble forming ideas for an essay, then this episode for you!  

Intensive Writing Clinics in Planning Stage

I am planning to conduct two writing clinics with many of Team 8G students in preparation for the FCAT Writing Test. The first one is slated for Monday, December, 8, 2008. The other one will be Wednesday, January 14, 2009. There is the possibility of a third date being added.

Selected students will attend their normal Critical Thinking class on the designated dates but spend the remainder of the academic day with me. After a wide range of writing lessons and activities, students are then released for their electives last period.

Stay tuned for further details.

Led Zeppelin Featured on BTM!

The heavy metal rock and roll band Led Zeppelin is the featured artist on Beyond the Music!

Led Zeppelin was a groundbreaking group in the late 1960s and rose to legendary status in the 1970s. Read about Zeppelin's history, while listening to one of the greatest rock and roll anthems of all time, "Stairway to Heaven." 

Have a great week!