9/27/24

Dear Parents,

We finished our novel The True Adventures of Charlotte Doyle. It was full of twists and turns. Many of the exciting events at the end could be interpreted in different ways. This led to some lively discussions to prepare the kids for an essay: “Is Charlotte Doyle innocent or guilty of the crime of murder?” Before writing, I provided the kids with a template for an argumentative/persuasive essay so that they could get their ideas down on paper first before actually writing. We reviewed the structure of an essay and how it should include a hook, some background, and a thesis statement. Most kids didn’t know that a thesis statement is a bit like the topic sentence in a paragraph – it lets the reader know what the main points (paragraphs) of the essay will be about. I told the kids that I will be grading their essays for writing style, clarity, and mechanics (grammar and other conventions) and ran through the rubric with them on the back of the template sheet. They have already been given two class periods to write and will have only Monday language arts time to finish these before doing some peer review, some revisions, and then turning them in to me for a grade that same day.

In language arts we finished a Latin lesson and took a test. The kids are doing great at these. We started a unit on verbs and have learned the difference between linking verbs (usually “be” verbs) and action verbs.  They also learned about verb phrases (two or more verbs working together) and how to make them using helping verbs. Having a good understanding of how our language works will help the kids to learn another language.

In religion we finished learning about how our Church is apostolic. The kids completed a chapter review and took their first chapter test yesterday. As with all work, including tests, kids who wish to retake or make corrections may do so, they need only ask.

We had to cancel our time at the WeGrow Garden on Wednesday due to rain and wind. I have rescheduled our time for this coming Wednesday, October 2nd, from 10:30 – 12:00. Next week’s session won’t be on the SignUp Genius, but of course you are welcome to come along – just be in our classroom by 10:20 to walk with us.  We typically go rain or shine (although last week was pretty torrential), so please be sure your child comes with a rain jacket and good walking/gardening shoes.  

We have learned the various forms of government including direct and representative democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, oligarchy, autocracy, and theocracy. Today we did a deeper dive into the roots of democracy and will finish that next week.

Please sit with your child this weekend and look on FACTS. All grading should be in and updated. Don’t forget to have your child fill out and return a reading log on Monday. This is registered in the gradebook and does affect grades. Also, please remember that there is a two-week window in which to re-do or turn in late work (20% deduction for being late). Beyond that two-week window, your child will receive a zero.

Please see my email from earlier this week about the retreat and who will be driving on Tuesday.  

Here are some notes from your child’s other teachers:

Middle School Orchestra: This week in orchestra students are learning and reviewing how to tune, and drilling finger patterns to gain speed and accuracy.

PE

This week in PE we discussed the difference between muscular endurance and strength and the benefits of stretching.  We took the Fitnessgram push-up and flexibility test.  

Have a great weekend,

Chris

© 2024 Assumption Catholic School | 2116 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360.733.6133 | Fax: 360.647.4372
Email: theoffice@school.assumption.org
Dashboard | Web design and development by Olywebdev.com