Eighth Grade is Boss!

Welcome to the Eighth Grade Web Page. I am Mrs. Finneke, the homeroom eighth grade teacher and science instructor for sixth, seventh and eighth grade.  I am also one of the moderators for our school's Student Council.  On these pages you will find information and photos of all things remarkable connected to these classes, Science Fair, the student government organization, class hamster, and more.

Reading, Vocabulary, and Greek and Latin

Veni, Vidi, Vici!  We came, we saw, we conquered.  Eighth grade is currently reading Wish List, (a novel about regrets and bucket lists where the action takes place in Ireland), learning new vocabulary via the traditional vocabulary workbook, and study Greek and Latin Roots through a newly acquired instructional series.

Social Studies and Junior Achievement

It's simple Supply and Demand!  Our textbook studies of the rise of American industry in the late 1800's and early 1900's is meshing nicely with the econmic lessons students are receiving through Junior Achievement.  In depth independent studies of various inventors and their inventions should cap off this unit of study.  Here's wishing all students success in creating their PowerPoint presentations. Also, a special thank you goes out here to our volunteer Junior Achievement Instructor.  On a side note, we will celebrate Chicago's 175th Birthday this month and create an Historical Timeline of major Chicago happenings.

Science

1 + 1 = 3, 4, or 5.  At this time, the eighth grade class is working very seriously at learning about the human endocrine system and human reproduction system.  In culminating this area of study, students will see if they can manage caring for an uncooked egg for 24 hours without breaking it.  They will take it from class to class and to home and back.  Albeit far from true parenting, this does give them a sense of the work it takes to care for something small and fragile.  While studying the basics in school, parents might want to use this time to talk more in depth and at greater length about related subject matter at home. 

Religion and PeaceBuiling

"........judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin," said Martin Luther King Jr.  While learning how to follow in Christ's footsteps, getting a better sense of church liturgical history, and grasping God's Word, students are also interpreting various quotes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.    All roads lead to peace.  Students are also preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in May.  We are all reflecting, repenting, and realigning with God as we take our Lenten Journeys.  This journey includes students collaborating with 6th grade to present the Stations of the Cross and the eighth grade students creating a Top Ten Tips List of activities to do to make the Lenten journey most meaningful.

Art, Song, Kinetic Wellnes, Technology and Other

*  American Gothic *Stations of the Cross Illustrations *Changing Hearts *Lenten Crosses Collage Flags* Spring Concert  * Nutrition and Volleyball  *Power Point, Searches, & Math Games  * Memory Book/Grad Plans AND What's up with "Eighth Grade is Boss?"  That's the class shout out.  It means fun, very good, exciting.  I think they're awesomely boss!
Fer sure!