Mr. Clark’s Cambridge Classroom Vol. 1 The new school year is underway and everything is going well. We are just two days into our Grammar Boot Camp and the students are doing fine. We have discussed nouns and pronouns and started our study of verbs. Some are amazed at how much they have retained and others; well let’s just say that some weren’t so happy. The pre-test grades are in grade-speed but will not count on their average. That grade will come in a couple of weeks as we complete our grammar and writing style review. Thanks to everyone that sent supplies for the classroom. We are in good shape with plenty of tissues, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes. I have noticed that most students have their necessary supplies such as notebook with dividers, index cards, highlighters and other items they will need. Hopefully they have their flash drives which we will begin using soon. If you have any questions about what they need please don’t hesitate to contact me. 12 August 2015 The time to begin our first novel is rapidly approaching. On or around the 24th of August, (contingent on our finishing the Boot Camp on time), we will begin researching the Russian Revolution which provides the backdrop for Orwell’s novel. Each student will be put into a group with 2 or 3 others and they will be assigned a specific portion of that historic event to research. They will share their information and collaborate on its meaning and significance. Then, each student will write their own response and reaction to the data. Each paper will be approximately 500 words or the equivalent of about two double spaced pages. When they complete their work they will share with the class by presenting their paper to the class. With this background information, we will read and discuss George Orwell’s Animal Farm. 8th Grade Cambridge Faculty David Clark – English harold.clark@mnps.org Dr. Eugene Sewell – Math eugene.sewell@mnps.org Mrs. Rachael Smith – Science / S.S. rachael.smith@mnps.org Edition 1 IMPORTANT REQUEST Your help is needed in creating a database for our 8th grade Cambridge students. It will be most helpful if you will take a moment to send me an e-mail with the following information: Your student’s name Your name A good phone number to reach you An e-mail address Your student’s birthday This will assist us in staying in touch and working in partnership to provide students with the best possible educational experience. You will find my e-mail address at the bottom of the previous column. The University of Cambridge Founded in 1209, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's fourth-oldest surviving university. Oliver Middle School 6211 Nolensville Road Nashville, Tennessee 37211 615-332-3011 Mrs. Jeanna Collins, Principal