Parents are sent a letter also about what will be on the tests and when they will be given. Review sheets and review days are given to remind and prepare the students . Later in the year, as another transitional device, we will be helping students learn more about themselves through a test called the Explore test, which is only given to eighth grade students. The results of this test will guide the parent and student as they discuss and choose courses for high school and make possible future career decisions. More information will be sent home about this test at a later date.
Eighth grade is a year that students become restless with elementary rules.
They want more freedom and want to take responsibility for themselves. We, as eighth grade teachers, see this as a good transition, and we are excited about guiding them through this very important and rewarding year. In Language Arts, students are wrapping up a review unit on the parts of speech and will soon begin to write their first essay of the year. Writing is a skill that is stressed in eighth grade, as we try to polish those skills that are introduced and reinforced in previous years. Literature class just finished a study skills unit and is ready to begin a study of short stories.