Tue, 15 May 2012 07:21:30 -0800WeeblySun, 06 May 2012 20:09:51 -0800http://normanf.weebly.com/1/post/2012/05/progress-reports-go-home-this-week1.htmlLast progress reports of the year go out at the end of the week.

Many 8th graders are missing quite a few assignments that we had two weeks to complete in class.  Many of these are major grades and have the potential to bring grades up considerably.  I will be away from school on Monday and Tuesday but will return to help students get caught up after school on Monday and Tuesday and before progress reports grades close Tuesday evening.

Monday we begin a week long project in class and in small gorups.  Students need to stay on task in order to keep the group progressing through the project.

7th graders have a two special treats this week as well as wrap up our unit on Genetics.  We will have our test on Thursday with a review given out on Tuesday.  We will have time on Wednesday when they return from San Antonio to go over the review once again.

Looking forward to another busy week and only three weeks of school left.

Mrs Norman '91
Gig 'Em Aggies]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:28:27 -0800http://normanf.weebly.com/1/post/2012/04/one-month-to-go.htmlHello everyone.  Can you believe we have only one month left of this school year.

Although STAAR testing is complete, some of our 8th graders still have an Algebra I EOC to prepare for.

In science however, we are continuing with our final unit that allows us to do some experimental designing.  We will be working on research for a project regarding how we impact our environment. 

In 7th grade, students are revisiting genetics and heredity as we take a more in depth look into this topic.  We have lots of questions about traits and how our very own characteristics make us who we are.  Should be fun!

Happening this week...

Monday - Book Fair in the Library all week!
Monday - Relay for Life meeting
Tuesday - Athletic meetign for girls at 5pm.
Wednesday - Athletic meeting in the morning for 6-7th grade girls
Thursday - HCISD SINGLESTennis Tournament at HHS
Thursday - DMS Soccer vs Miller
Friday - HCISD DOUBLES Tennis Tournament at HHS

Have a great week!
Mrs Norman,
]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:03:28 -0800http://normanf.weebly.com/1/post/2012/04/8th-grade-prepares-for-staar.html8th graders will spend this week and next preparing for the upcoming STAAR Science Test.  We are working on a series of categories based on how they performed on their benchmark.  They've prioritized their weakest category and began reading, working on practice questions and taking a quiz over each category.  All work will be done in class to ensure nothing is left behind at home or lost.  Next week we will have discussion practice questions as well.

7th graders will continue with their next unit on Genetics.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs Norman]]>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:49:33 -0800http://normanf.weebly.com/1/post/2012/04/5th-six-weeks-ends-friday.htmlHello all.  I apologize for not updating sooner.  I have been out sick a few days for the last couple of weeks.  I am hoping to be back by this Tuesday.

7th grade is finishing up the Unit on Human body and we will be having a Unit Exam (major grade) over it this Thursday.  Students have their journals they can be reviewing.

8th graders will be finishing up their PSA on the State of the Gulf Video.  We will also have a Science Benchmark (for a grade) as we narrow down what students need to focus on individually for the upcoming STAAR Science Test.

Have a safe and e ]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:11:54 -0800http://normanf.weebly.com/1/post/2012/03/progress-reports-go-home-friday.htmlWe are mid way through the 5th six weeks and progress reports are going home at the end of the week.  Please take a few moments to check grades online to make sure students are getting things turned in, even if it is late.  Better late than never.

STAAR tests begin next week.
Tuesday - 7th graders STAAR Writing test part 1
Tuesday - 8th graders STAAR Math (Algebra I students will follow the same schedule but will be benchmarking the entire 4 hour period)
Wednesday - 7th graders STAAR Writing test part 2
Wednesday - 8th graderes STAAR Reading test 

Happenings this week:
Tuesday - NJHS Ceremony at the PAC
Thursday -  DMS Tennis at HHS
Thursday - Mr Mustang (8th grade fundraiser for dance)
Friday - Track at Wimberley ]]>Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:44:17 -0800http://normanf.weebly.com/1/post/2012/03/march-is-here.htmlWow....where has the time gone.  We have a week until Spring Break and then at the end of this month, 7th and 8th graders will be taking the first ever STAAR test.  7th graders will have the Writing test on Tuesday, March 27th and 8th graders will start with Math.  On March 28th, 7th graders will finish the second part of the Writing and 8th graders will take the Reading test. 

In 8th grade science we will begin our unit on Stars and Galaxies.  This will take us to the end of the week when we will finish off with a lab. 

In 7th grade science we continue with the Human Body.  We have covered the Circulatory and Respiratory systems so far this six weeks and we will continue on with the Lymphatic System on Monday.  This is a short system but we will see how it ties in with all the rest.  We will have a TEST over all three systems on Thursday with a review given out Tuesday.  Students should study notes, diagrams and processes as well as the review.

Happenings this week...
Tuesday - Symphonic Band at PAC in morning
Tuesday - Track meet at HHS (All students leaving early for Track should check in to see what they may be missing.)
Wednesday - Wind Ensemble at PAC in morning
Wednesday - STAFF meeting - no tutoring available in pm
Friday - Spirit Day

Have a great week!
Mrs. Norman '91
Gig 'Em Aggies! ]]>Sat, 25 Feb 2012 20:47:41 -0800http://normanf.weebly.com/1/post/2012/02/two-weeks-until-spring-break.htmlSome of us are counting the days!  This week will be going by quickly for our 8th graders as we visit Hays HS on Monday and then register online for next years Freshman classes.  In Science we are starting presentations of our Theories of the Universe posters.  Students will display their posters in the hallways and then do a gallery walk to learn about all the other theories that have been studied in class by the classmates.  We will finish off the week with a CSCOPE quiz on light years and the theories.

My 7th graders are knee deep learning about the Human Body.  We have covered three systems so far and have plenty to cover in the coming weeks.  This week our focus will be to finish up the Circulatory System and begin the Respiratory System.  We are hoping to get to do a couple of good labs.  We had to reschedule our Heart Rate lab due to track.  I had half the class out for track and I did not want them to miss out.  My hope is that we can do this one on Tuesday.  At the end of the week, we will have a Quiz over Circuatory and Respiratory systems.  The next major test will happen the week just before Spring Break.

Happenings this week...

Monday - 8th graders to Hays HS for a tour.
Monday - DMS Tennis Girls Tryouts begin.

Tuesday - DMS Tennis Boys Tryouts begin.

Wednesday - 8th graders for Norman begin registration

Thursday - 8th graders for Foster begin registration

Friday - Track (?)

Hope you all have a super week!
Mrs Norman '91
Gig " ]]>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:17:57 -0800http://normanf.weebly.com/1/post/2012/02/we-begin-the-5th-six-weeks.htmlHello all.....I hope you were able to enjoy the slow and steady rain.  It was a wonderful sound and sight for me. 

This week begins the 5th six weeks.  We are about 2/3rds through this year and we still have lots to cover.  Although it's a short week, it will be packed with lots to do.  Don't forget, students are off on Monday.  Teachers will be in planning meetings for most of the day.

In 8th grade we started our unit on Light years and understanding measurement and distances in space.  We will be working on researching various theories about our universe. We will have a quiz at the end of the week as well.  Students should make sure to take good notes and complete assignments on time.

In 7th grade, we started on the Circulatory System.  We took some notes on Friday and watched a short video.  We will continue with a few more notes as well as drawing and labeling parts of the circulatory system to include the heart and the 3 types of blood vessels.  We also have our heart rate lab coming up as well.

Happenings this week...

Monday - NO School for Students

Tuesday - Pre-UIL Band Concert & Sight reading at the PAC - 6pm

Wednesday - Turn in your Career Planning sheets for High school 8th graders

Thursday - Tennis Parent Meeting in the cafeteria at 6pm with Coach Lance Kaminsky.  Practices will begin on Monday 2-27 for girls and 2-28 for boys.  Tennis is open to 7th and 8th graders only.

Friday - Career plan sheets for 8th graders are due...students who do not turn them in may not be able to register for their high school classes next week.  We will be going to Hays HS on Monday morning to tour the campus.  Registration for next year will happen on Wednesday 2-29 for Mrs Norman's classes and 3-1 for Mrs Foster's classes.

Friday - Band Social - 3:30 - 5:30pm...cost is $5...make sure you are not on the NFL (no fun list).
  
Have a  fabuloys week!
Mrs Norman '91
Gig 'Em Aggies! ]]>Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:35:57 -0800http://normanf.weebly.com/1/post/2012/02/end-of-the-six-weeks-is-this-friday.htmlHello all.  Hope you had a restful weekend.  We are finishing up the 4th six weeks this week. 

In 8th grade - we are finishing up Unit 9 on Earth Cycles.  We will be covering tides on Monday and then students will have Tuesday to work on their review for their upcoming test on Wednesday.  This will end our unit on Earth Cycles.  At the end of the week we will begin our next unit on Space.

In 7th grade we are continuing with the Human Body.  We have a quiz over the skeletal system.  We will continue to work on the muscular system and finish it off on Thursday with a Test over bones and muscles.  Friday we will begin the next system which is the Integumentary (skin) system.  We will be doing some drawings to help fully understand the parts and their functions.

Happenings this week....
Monday - Flower sales for Valentines day will be happening. This is an 8th grade fundraiser for the end of year 8th grade celebration...If you are interested in helping, please contact Jennifer Perry.
Monday - PARENT MEETING AT HAYS HS - for incoming freshmen and their parents. I recommend you attend especially if this is your fist child going into High school.
Tuesday - Valentines Day - per the administration - NO stuffed animals or large flower/balloon arrangments should be brought to school.  Flowers that were purchased at school will be delivered on Tuesday.
Wednesday - Student Council Relay for Life Fundraiser - Buy a wristband for a $5 donation and students will be able to wear long pajamas to school on Thursday.  Students will have to wear the wristband in order to wear the pajamas on Thursday.
Thursday - PTA sponsored Teacher luncheon
Thusday - Pajama day if you purchased a Relay for Life Wristband
Friday - End of the Six Weeks

NEXT MONDAY is a Student Holiday - teachers will be in meetings ]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:55:32 -0800http://normanf.weebly.com/1/post/2012/02/in-the-thick-of-things.htmlThis week we are continuing with our Earth & Space Unit in 8th grade science...
We finished off our lesson on seasons and are starting this week with moon phases and eclipses and tides.  There is lots of information headed our way.  Some of it is review from 5th grade.  Most everyone remembers a little here and there, but we really need everyone to review notes as we go through this.  Historically, 8th graders have not done so well on previous Taks tests on this subject.  We hope that this year will different mainly because it is being taught much later in the year and the students will have it fresh on their minds as we approach the new Starr tests coming up in April.  Thus far we have had good class discussions and most everyone is recalling some good information from 5th grade.

In 7th grade we are starting my favorite topic....the HUMAN BODY!
Today we began with the skeletal system.  We covered the basic vocabulary as students defined terms and we got a general understanding of structure and function.  As the week progresses will go more in depth on structure and function and make connections between systems.

Happenings this week...

Monday - Track tryouts
Tuesday - HOT AIR BALLOON is coming! (Sponsored by DMS parent Gayla Goertz, REMAX Agent)
 
Thursday - District Science Fair at the PAC (parents welcome at 4pm - Awards ceremony begins at 5ish
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