Class of 2022 -- Blog #5 -- A Christmas Wish

Tomorrow is the first day of December -- my favorite month of the year!  We are only twenty-six days away from Christmas!  Lists have been made, and shopping has begun.  Trees are being decorated, and stockings are being hung on mantles!  It's the most wonderful time of the year!  (Hey, that sounds like a song!!)

All of us love the presents and frivolity of the season -- of course!  However, when we really think of the season, there is so much more.  If we really look at our "needs" vs. our "wants," I would guess that there are few things that many of us really need.  We have so much -- what more could we really need? 

In our world, there is so much turmoil.  There is so much stress.  There is so much hurt.   Wouldn't it be great, if we could just wrap up a present - a wish -- to make things go away?   It would be so nice to just make things better or to make things happier. 

So, if you could have one wish for the world, what would it be?  Please write a minimum of four sentences for four extra credit points.  This blog will close on Friday, 12/18.  Merry Christmas to you all!  Write on! 

Class of 2022 -- Blog #4 -- GIVE THANKS

Well, it's hard to believe, but Thanksgiving break is less than a week away.  The semester is quickly passing, and we have only a few weeks left of it. 

I LOVE THANKSGIVING!  I think too many times, we rush through this holiday, in order to get to Christmas.  That bothers me because I think too many of us forget to be thankful.  We simply take our blessings for granted, and I think that is sad.

Thanksgiving is about stopping (at least for a moment), and thanking God for the blessings that He gives to us.  We live in a country that is free.  We live in beautiful houses.  We have food in our pantry.  We have a car in the garage. We have parents and grandparents that take care of us.  Someone may be sacrificing to make sure we are getting a Christian education at Goodpasture.    Although, those things are "second nature" to most of us, those things are blessings. 

So, just stop for a moment, and think of ONE (yes, only one!) thing for which you are thankful this year.  What is your biggest blessing?  Why is that so important to you? 

Mine would be my family.  They are my life, and they are God's biggest blessing to me -- every day and in every way. 

Answer in THREE (3) complete sentences for THREE (3) extra credit points.  This blog will close on Thursday, 11/23 at midnight! 

So, get ready for turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie!  But don't forget to thank God for those blessings!  Write on!

Class of 2022 -- Blog #3 What Can We Learn from the Story of Anne Frank?

As we begin our study of The Diary of Anne Frank, I want you to take a moment to think about some very important principles and standards that we will be discussing during our study.  Our history, and the history of the world has been filled with glorious, positive things, as well as dark and horrible things.  We cannot erase history, but we can certainly learn from it.

The Diary of Anne Frank and the stories of the Jewish Holocaust are prime examples of the evilness of prejudice, discrimination and judgment of others.  Prejudice is defined as an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason. Discrimination is defined as the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things.  There is no room in the world today for these things, and these are part of so many other problems, such as racism, bullying and harassment.

As we read this play, we will see firsthand the horror of prejudice and discrimination.  We should learn from this part of history how we should NOT be, and how we should NOT treat other people around us.

As you think about these things, please respond to these questions: Why do you think that prejudice exists in the world?  Why do you think that many people judge others so harshly?  What can we do to make sure that we are not guilty of prejudice and discrimination? 

Respond in FIVE (5) complete sentences for FIVE (5) extra credit points!  This blog will close on Friday, November 10th at midnight. 

Class of 2022 -- Blog #2 Labor Day

It's hard to believe that we have now been in school for three weeks!  Memories of summer are becoming more distant, as we become more and more engulfed in homework and the school routine.  But wait . . . there's one more big summer event coming up!

That's right!  In just a little over a week, we will be celebrating the Labor Day weekend.  How much do you know about the holiday?

Here's a little info:

Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September, and it pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events.

Labor Day celebrates the American worker, regardless of the type of work he or she does.  As students, your job right now is just that -- being a student.  As an adult, I think it is pretty neat that our country celebrates the hard work of its citizens in such a holiday.  To many, just being off from work and being able to spend time with family or friends is a celebration itself.

So, as we celebrate the ending of our first month of school, basically, how do you plan to spend your Labor Day?  A quick trip to the mountains or the beach?  Sleeping in or catching up on NetFlix?  Shopping til you drop or catching a movie?  Hamburgers and hotdogs at a cookout?

Please respond in at least THREE complete sentences for THREE extra credit points!  Responses must be posted by midnight on Labor Day, September 4th.

Happy blogging!  Happy Labor Day!  Write on!

Class of 2022 -- Blog #1 WELCOME TO 8th GRADE!!

Welcome to the 8th grade!  This will be an exciting year as you prepare for high school!  We have a lot of work to do, but also a lot of fun along the way!

Blogging is a relatively new idea! We will use this blog as a means of communication between us as students, classmates and teacher!  This will give us a better chance to get to know one another too!  You will need to check the blog often because there  extra credit opportunities on here are very time sensitive!  

When responding to the blog, please let me know who you are.  You  must be logged on with your Goodpasture email credentials.  You will need to make a "limited blogger profile with you first name and first initial of last name.  You may also put your class period.    For example, if your name is Charlie Brown, and you have my class 3rd period, you would simply respond something like this:

Charlie B. (3) Mrs. Sweet -- I totally agree with your point of view!  I really enjoyed learning this information!  It was awesome!  

or

Charlie B. (3) Mrs. Sweet, I really don't agree with your opinion of the book.  I feel like the author is really trying to . . . 

Get it?  Each blog entry comment will give you  extra credit points that will be calculated into your total points for the 9 week grading period.  You may NOT comment more than once per extra credit opportunity for actual extra credit!  You are welcome to comment as much as you'd like though!   As well, comments should be positive, helpful and appropriate.

Okay -- here is your first extra credit assignment:

What is blogging?
Do you write or read blogs on a regular basis?  If so, which one(s)?
Why or why not?


For THREE extra credit points, please respond to the above questions in at least THREE complete sentences!  All responses should be posted by August 20th at midnight! (Hint:  This blog will close at that time, and you will no longer get credit for it!)  Write on!

Class of 2021 -- Blog #9 Looking Back . . .

It has often been said that "hindsight is 20/20," and this means that we often see things more clearly when we look back on them.  We seem to understand what we should have done or should have said, in contrast to what we really did. 

Our lives are often like that in many ways.  We go through a season or period of time, doing the best we can; however, once that period of time is history, we look back on it a bit differently.  We look back on knowing all of the big picture, and many times, we realize that we wish we had that time back again.

In a very few days, you will all be ending out a season of your life.  Your days as a middle school student will be complete.  (Yay!)  For some of you, your time at Goodpasture is ending, as well.  You will be going to a new school; you will be moving to a new state; you will be moving on to a new place in your lives.  For all of you, you will be starting a new chapter in your lives, as high school students. 

For our final blog of this year, I want you to look back and reflect on the last ten months.  It doesn't really seem that long since I was going over the year's syllabus with you and collecting green, blue, yellow and red folders.  You now have 20/20 hindsight of your 8th grade year. 

If back in August, you would have known all that you know now, would you have changed anything?  Would you have tried some things differently?  Would you have studied harder and tried to do better academically?  Would you have tried to have been a better friend or a better example to those around you? 

Please respond to these questions in five complete sentences for FIVE (5) extra credit points.  This blog will close at midnight on Friday, 5/12. 

We don't need to get caught up in living in our pasts, but we can all learn from our past experiences.  I hope all of you have a great summer!  Don't forget to come back and see me next year! 

Love always --

Mrs. Sweet

P.S.  Don't forget to -- WRITE ON! 

Class of 2021 -- Blog #8 -- Washington, DC 2017

One of the highlights of 8th grade is the annual trip to Washington, DC, and you guys are there right now!  It is a fun-filled, action-packed, non-stop four days in our nation's capital.  There is so much to see and experience, and students always make life-time memories on this trip.

From the 4:00 AM airport arrival . . .

to the historic Fort McHenry . . .

to the beautiful monuments and memorials and the White House . . .

your first day seems successful!   The teachers, family and friends back home certainly enjoy getting updates through emails, texts and social media posts.  The next few days are going to be amazing for you!  Soak it in, and realize what an honor it is to be part of so many historical things! 

Enjoy the rest of your trip, and then take a moment to reflect?  What was your favorite part of the trip?  What location held the most meaning for you?   Did you have enough time to experience it all? What memories of this trip will last a lifetime?  (These can be serious or funny, but should be appropriate, of course!)  For FIVE extra credit points, please respond with at least FIVE complete sentences.  

Responses should be posted by midnight on Friday, 4/7.  See you soon!  Write on!

Class of 2021 -- Blog #7 -- The Light at the End of the Tunnel . . . !

It is really hard to believe, but our 8th grade year together is quickly drawing to a close.  By the end of this week, you will have completed 75% of 8th grade, with only one nine-weeks' grading period remaining.

It seems like only yesterday, that we were talking about Johnny Tremain, Animal Farm and creating amazing pumpkin projects!

We were getting ready for the holidays and having a fun time with students at Stratton!

We were hoping for snow days, and getting none, while we muddled through research projects, presentations and reading Julius Caesar!

Now, here we are!  It's the end of March, and we can see the light at the end of the proverbial 8th grade tunnel!

So, here's the question.  How are you going to make the last 25% of your 8th grade year the best?  How are you going to improve grades (not just English!)?  How are you going to enjoy time with friends?  How are you going to do your best in all aspects of life?

Please respond in TWO to THREE complete sentences for TWO extra credit points.  Remember these are weighted like tests, so it's really like SIX extra points in your cumulative total!  This blog will close on Friday, 3/3/17 at midnight!  WRITE ON!!

Class of 2021 -- Blog #6 -- Where's the SNOW??

We've been waiting and waiting; hoping and hoping; wishing and wishing!  We've watched for the SnowBird, but he's not flying; we've worn our pajamas inside out with no luck; we've done snow dances and looked just plain silly! So . . . where's the snow?

 Really?  Thousands of feet (well, not exactly!) up north, and that's just not fair!  Almost no snow for Tennessee this year! Temperatures have been mild -- even warm -- for much of our "so-called" winter!  We've been robbed of a full snow day!  (True, we got out early one day, but we've still been robbed!)

 
We've all got spring fever, and it's only the middle of February! It is quite disheartening!  We need a break from school!  (Yes, even the teachers!)

So, we ponder the meaning of life, and why we have not been blessed with any snow days!

Alas, there is hope!  Monday, February 20th is a HOLIDAY!  We get a long weekend!  Finally!
How will you spend your long weekend?  Shopping?  Sleeping?  Roadtrip?

For three extra credit points, write THREE complete sentences explaining how you will spend the approximate 89 hours of your long weekend!  This blog will close on Tuesday, 2/21/17 at midnight.

Enjoy your little break, even though we all still want SNOW!