8th Grade Weekly Update

This week we are wrapping up our 1st quarter mystery unit by reviewing vocabulary, making a mystery soundtrack, watching The Outsiders (or 12 Angry Men for block 3), and reflecting on the 1st quarter. Students must return movie permission slips by Tuesday in order to watch.

In 8th grade math, this is the last week of 1st quarter. All unit 2 slope assignments are due by today, Monday, 10/6. This will give me time to grade all assignments and finalize grades for report cards. Beginning this week, we are beginning our study of Linear Relationships. Unit 3 is the beginning of our most essential standards as we are preparing to be ready for algebra in high school. It is very important that your student is staying caught up with his/her learning tasks and assignments.

In Algebra, our class is a semester class, and our grade does not end for 1st quarter. We will continue with our grades until December, when the 1st semester ends. In class this week, we are continuing our study of linear functions. We will focus on converting linear equations into various forms and calculating for x and y intercepts. We will have a quiz on Friday over lessons 1 through 6.

This week students start the next unit on ancestry and natural selection. Students will use penguins as a storyline to learn how species change over time. The unit begins by students discovering an ancient penguin and begin to analyze and interpret data using data cards with maps, charts, measurements and description to find patterns in penguins alive today. Students will then develop an initial explanation and identify types of evidence needed to determine what caused changes in different types of penguins through out time.

This week in Social Studies:
We’ll be learning about the First Amendment.

• Monday: Introduction to the topic

• Tuesday & Wednesday: First Amendment project, followed by a short quiz

• Thursday & Friday: Overview of the other Amendments in the Bill of Rights

DSS ( Differentiated Student Support)

This class will be to support academic subjects for all students from 1:10-1:40. DSS is NOT study hall and is a structured 30 minute class period.

• 10/10 Early Release
• Student-led Fall Conferences will be held 10/15 and 10/16 for 8th graders. If you would like a conference with your student and the 8th grade team please sign up using the sign up genius link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CA4A72EA6FC1-58773749-fall
• November 3rd is SDOCHS Future Freshman night 5:30-7:30

• Please check your students CReeD card weekly for positives and infractions.

Please make sure your student has headphones that plug into the computer. No Bluetooth headphones are allowed. Student use headphones frequently and having their own pair would be helpful.

Celebrate your 8th grader with a special message and photo in the 2025-2026 Yearbook!

Spots are limited to 40 dedications. Download the flyer for more information.

"I don't brag because I am happy with myself."

Election day is Tuesday November 4th! This is a mail-in-ballot election to help restore funding. Please see graphic below for information or check out the DVUSD website for more information.

We lead with kindness, learn with purpose, and earn with effort.