Mrs. Smith’s Class

Field Trip Learning:
Trip to our State Capitol in Olympia, Washington

The 8th grade block teachers wanted to alert you to the fact our 8th Grade Block classes are traveling to Olympia on February 6th to see our state legislature in action and to visit the Supreme Court building. Prior to going we will be studying our national and state governments, how bills become laws, etc. in order to more clearly understand our rights and responsibilities as United States citizens. This trip will allow us to see the House of Representatives and the Senate in action. Also, we are scheduled to visit the Supreme Court building on the same day. After our field trip, our students will be holding a mock Senate here at North, which parents/guardians may attend.

STARTING THE SCHOOL YEAR OFF RICHT

Tips for Students
The best way to ensure a positive school year is to establish some routines right from day one.  Mrs. Eggers and Ms. O’Brien, our 8th grade counselors, offer the following suggestions:
1. Stay organized
 Set up a divider tab for each of your classes in your 3-ring binder.  Label each divider with the class title.  Also create a tab for homework.
 Clean out your backpack nightly.  File worksheets and assignments in the appropriate section of your binder.
 Write assignments in your planner to ensure that you do not forget them and look at your planner each night.
2. Establish a routine study time
 Take time to review what you learned in class each day.
 Complete homework as soon as you get home (to allow for ample time.)
 Make sure you have a clean place to do your homework/studying.  It should be well lit, comfortable, and stocked with materials you’ll need to complete your assignments.
3. Use your planner
 Check your planner nightly when you sit down to study.
 Record what you did in class and any unfinished assignments/homework you may have each day.  Share this information with your parent/guardian each night.
4. Check my classroom blog for assignment information and web resources relating to what’s being studied in class. http://blogs.everettsd.org/msmith2
5. Our social studies curriculum has a website with additional practice materials and an on-line textbook.  It is available at:  http://www.classzone.com