Hello and blessings of the season to all of you!  I will update my website over the holiday break, but I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for your Christmas and New Year's wishes and thoughtful gifts.  I am truly thankful for your generosity!  Enjoy time with family and friends, and I will see you on January 4th. 

P.S.  Congratulations to the 8Gi and 8T spelling champions!

We have completed the pronoun chapter, with its nominative, objective and possessive cases. We are moving into the clause chapter (a perfect time for the "claus" chapter, don't you think?) and will return to your favorite concept of diagramming. Take charge of your education right now if you are not yet completely understanding these concepts, and if you are in need of a small group help session.

Both the spelling and vocab quizzes were on Friday. You have already studied these words, and hopefully you have kept them loaded in your brains, so that all that is needed is a final finesse. We will also continue our exploration of spelling, leading toward a solid showing in the 1/22 spelling bee. Be sure to keep your "Spell Check" handouts now that they have been given to you.

(Did you do this BONUS? It was due on Wednesday. It was easy work for 10 points, and the students who accomplished it learned three awesome words each.) BONUS: Find a copy of the 2008 or 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee words, or a list of the winning spelling bee words dating back as far as 1925. Copy the list. Highlight three words that you totally do not know. Look them up, finding definition, etymology, part of speech. Write or type this info, along with a heading and an original sentence using the word, on a separate sheet of loose-leaf that you attach to the spelling bee/winning word list. Hand this to me in English class on 12/7 for up to 10 bonus points. (Watch for other opportunities soon!)

Peace during this Advent season,

Mrs. Gillian