Durkin Park School
8445 S. Kolin Ave. Chicago
7th & 8th Grade Homeroom Supply List
 3 - boxes of Kleenex facial tissue
 2 - rolls of packaged paper towels
 3 - packages or 1 large Clorox (approximate 100 count) or similar type wipes
 3- 5 Dry Erase “Expo” markers (black or blue only, wide tip)
 1 "Tool Bag" = zippered Pencil Pouch to hold pens, pencils, etc.
 1 Flash Drive for student's use
 Please bring $5.00 cash so you may purchase the required Agenda Book issued by the school.
 Please also be prepared to pay the School Activity Fees which range from $25-$60.
 4 – folders for Specials (Art, Computer, Library, Music)
Supplies not allowed in school.
 No mechanical pencils, no replacement pencil leads or liquid ink leads
 No retractable (click-type) pens or highlighters
 No pencil sharpeners
 No permanent markers like Sharpies, no gel, glitter, or trick-ink writing tools
 No liquid glue or liquid paper (“White Out”)
** In addition to the Homeroom Supply List, please purchase the specific supplies listed
on your subject teacher’s page: Mrs. Branch’s Math,
Mrs. Nielsen’s Reading, Ms. Esquibel’s Science, and Mr. G’s History.
Also check www.durkinpark.com for updates during the summer months. Thank you and
enjoy the break!
Mrs. Nielsen’s Reading Supply List
 Loose-leaf paper for assignments. Homework assignments must be on loose-leaf; homework pulled
out of notebooks will not be accepted.
 Black or blue pens
 Red or other colored pen only for grading work
 1-2 highlighters (yellow or orange)
 1 (100- 120 page) Red colored spiral or composition notebook.
 1 Red Mead 5 Star plastic Reading folder.
 Post its (1 package)
 3 x 5 index cards (1 package)
Please look at the S.O.S. Summer Reading. It is a two-page list of book series that are written for Young
Adults. I have read many of these books and the summaries were written by me. There are many to choose
from and I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I have.
Check in on Edmodo at least once a week for any questions, comments, videos or articles that I post for
you. Some questions will be part of your summer reading Bingo game. Your peers might also have
something to say, please be sure to participate in any discussions. Remember the Edmodo Code of
Conduct when you answer. Be respectful and use academic language.
Finally, find your imagination. We will be doing a lot of reading and writing. I will want to know what and how
you think and feel. It will be a very exciting year! You also need to bring your motivation and maturity. You
will be expected to turn in your homework daily and approach our discussions in a polite and respectful
manner. These are the upper grades, the preparation for your high school years.
Enjoy your summer!
S.O.S. Summer Reading List
~ Stuck on Series ~ 2015
The Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz (Stormbreaker, Point Blank, Skeleton Key,
Eagle Strike, Scorpia, Ark Angel, Snakehead, Crocodile Tears, Scorpia Rising, Russian
Roulette): Alex Rider is a 15 year old who finds himself taken by the British Secret Service
for a mission to spy on the Middle Eastern and multimillionaire Herod Sayle. Equipped with
James Bond technology, Alex goes undercover into a world of lies and dangerous killers.
The Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth (Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant (10/22/13)):
Beatrice or Tris as is she now called by her new friends must fight to survive in her
adopted fraction called Dauntless. Running through the streets of Chicago, Tris must hide
her Divergent nature and figure out if those around her are truly friend or foe.
The Giver Series by Lois Lowry (The Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger, Son): Jonas on
his 12th birthday is given the role of the Receiver of Memory and meets the Giver. As Jonas
receives the memories of his community, he comes to realize that there are choices and
experiences that have been taken from the people. The more Jonas learns, the more he questions
his life and whether or not he should leave.
The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games, Catching Fire,
Mockingjay): District 12’s Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in
the Hunger Games, the annual fight to the death match. Things do not go as planned for Katniss
or the Gamemakers and she is forced to trust others in order to survive.
The Lunar Chronicles Series by Marissa Meyer (Cinder, Scarlet, Cress,Fairest): Cinder, a
cyborg, half human and half machine finds herself volunteered by her foster mother to be a
lab rat as Prince Kai and Dr. Erland search for a cure for the plague that is taking over New
Beijing. As Prince Kai is being forced into a union with the Lunars or moon people, Cinder learns
of her past, must push away her thoughts of fleeing and fight to save Prince Kai and the people of
Earth.
S.O.S. Summer Reading List
~Stuck on Series~ 2013
The Maximum Ride series by James Patterson (The Angel Experiment, School’s Out
Forever, Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning, Max: A
Maximum Ride Novel, Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel, Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel,
Nevermore: The Final Maximum Ride Adventure): Six teens have their human DNA mutated by
mixing it with bird DNA by the scientists at “The School”. They are kept secret and hidden from
the world until their escape with the help of Jeb, a scientist. Now they must learn to fight for their
survival against the Erasers, those sent to kill them.
The Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie (Matched, Crossed, Reached): The Society has
devised the perfect lives for the perfect people. However when Cassia is given her perfect
“Match” or mate, there is a problem. Now she must make a choice between what the Society
deems as acceptable or to do what she thinks and feel is the right choice.
The Maze Runner Trilogy by James Dashner (The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, The
Death Cure, The Kill Order (Prequel)): Thomas and the others are trapped in “The Maze”
and must struggle to find the solution or way out. Thomas must fight against the grievers by
forming alliances with the other gladers and trying to retrieve their memories. Will they find their
way out of the maze?
The Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld (Uglies, Pretties, Specials, Extras): It is the 24th
Century and at 16 years old, Tally must undergo the Surge, a surgery that will transform her
into a Pretty living in New Pretty Town. Will she be able to conform to her new life or will she
question the principles of Sustainability, Peace and Equality that society so strictly enforces.
The Vietnam Series by Chris Lynch (Vietnam 1 Pledge Allegiance, Vietnam Sharpshooter,
Vietnam, Fire-Free Zone): One teen is drafted into the Vietnam War and his friends follow
him each serving in a different branch of the military. They pledge fight and to come home
together. How can Morris keep his promise? Can he bring the others home to safety?
Book covers courtesy of Goggle.
Nielsen MLIS 8 LSCI 604
Mary Kay
Nielsen’s Summer 2015 Reading
Challenge
1
2
3
4
5
Read a mystery.
Read a nonfiction
Read a book your
Answer a question
Read a scary book.
book.
friend
on Edmodo.
recommends.
6
7
8
9
10
Answer a question
Read 2 books from
Read a book
Read a book on
Read a book that is
on Edmodo.
a series.
online.
the Nielsen
historical fiction.
Summer Book List.
11
12
13
14
15
Read a scary book.
Read a book your
Answer a question
Read a nonfiction
Read 2 books from
friend
on Edmodo.
book.
a series.
recommends.
16
17
18
19
20
Read a nonfiction
Read a book that is
Read a book on
Read a scary book.
Answer a question
book.
historical fiction.
the Nielsen
on Edmodo.
Summer Book List.
21
22
23
24
25
Read a book
Answer a question
Read a mystery.
Read a nonfiction
Read a book on
online.
on Edmodo.
book.
the Nielsen
Summer Book List.
Rules of the game:
1.
This is your first grade for the new school year. You must read at least 4 books and answer one
question on Edmodo. I will post the questions for the Squares: 4, 6, 13, 20, and 22 throughout the
summer. Please check Edmodo weekly to see what squares (questions) I have posted.
2. You must complete a full row (5 squares) for the Nielsen Bingo grade.
3. You must have a Square Number Date Started, Finished, Title, and Parent Signature for every book
read.
4. Remember that you are in the upper grades, the books you read should be appropriate for you.
Please look at renlearn.com and the quiz store to make sure that the book is 4 points or more. I do
not worry about the AR level only the points.
5. Read from the Caudill list. These are award-winning books. If you read 3 of them and have a passing
AR test score you can vote for your favorite book in February and be eligible for a pizza and cake
party. Visit http://www.rebeccacaudill.org/2016-award to see the list of 2016 books.
6. Fill out the chart with the books you read and to the question you answered.
Square
Date started
Title of book or Edmodo Question
Number
and Finished
Please answer Edmodo question on separate sheet of
paper and attach to form.
Parent Signature
Science Supplies
**Mead 5 star pronged heavy duty “GREEN” plastic folder
(this will be your *SIJ) *Science Interactive Journal
Fill your binder with loose leaf –
** you will need x-tra loose leaf for classwork as well.
Black or blue pens (NO PENCIL FOR ANY SCIENCE WORK IS ACCEPTED)
Red pen for grading work only
1-2 highlighters (yellow or orange)
4 pack of Post its
(handed into teacher in September)
4 rolls of Scotch brand scotch tape (handed into teacher in September)
2 packs of sharpened color pencils - you will need these for SIJ work
2 Paper towels rolls monthly
2 Kleenex boxes monthly
1 box Gallon Ziploc bags
1 box quart Ziploc bags
Summer Math Assignment- Mrs. Helena Branch (7th and 8th Grade
Math Teacher)
Dear Parents and Students:
It is very important that you continue to work on math concepts over the summer. It is my strong desire that students
begin the new school year with the skills needed to be successful at their grade level. If we work together, this will
happen. We can no longer afford to lose time in the summer. The new standards are very challenging. Students are being
judged against their peers across the nation, many of whom are taking summer courses. I ask that you work with me to
ensure mathematics success.
The following is a list of expectations for students and resources that I expect both parents and students to use. You will
then complete a learning log (date, parent and student signatures are required).
1. Students should enter each grade with some fluencies. Fluency means being able to answer a question without
counting on fingers, using sticks or other counting tools. Fluency also means that you do not struggle with the
problem. Anything that says “from memory” means the answer should be given in under three (3) seconds.
Fluency takes practice!
Below is a list of expectations for 7th and 8th grade. If you are in 7th grade, you should be able to complete
everything from a-g. If you are in 8th grade, you should be able to complete everything from a-h.
Grade/Standard
a. K- K.OA.A.5 - Add/Subtract within 5
b. 1- 1.OA.C.6- Add/Subtract within 10
c. 2- 2.OA.B.2 – Add /Subtract within 20 (Know single digit sums from memory)
2.NBT.B.5- Add/Subtract within 100
d. 3-3.OA.C.7- Multiply/Divide within 100 (Know single digit products from memory)
3.NBT.A.2- Add/Subtract within 1000
e. 4-4.NBT.B.4- Add/Subtract within 1,000,000
f. 5- 5.NBT.B.5- Multi-digit multiplication
g. 6- 6.NS.B.2- Multi-digit division
6.NS.B.3- Multi-digit decimal operations (Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide)
h. 7.NS.A.1,2- Fluency with rational number arithmetic (includes negative and positive numbers , fractions,
and decimal numbers)
7.EE.B.3-Solve multistep problems with positive and negative rational numbers in any form
7.EE.B.4- Solve one-variable equations
2. Please use following resources to help develop fluency with the above expectations (you can search by the
standards listed)
a. ixl.com (you are allowed 20 practice problems per day )
b. mathdrills.com (practice sheets)
c. Khanacademy.org (video and practice problems)
d. Aaamath.com (practice problems)
e. Homemade flashcards or your own resources- make flashcards with facts and practice with an adult.
Remember fact fluency means the questioned can be answered in under three seconds.
3. In addition to the fluency expectations, you should also be working on skills that will prepare you for 7th or 8th
grade. Please read over the attached letter for Ten Marks. Go to the website listed in the letter and follow the
steps to sign up your child. You can use your son/daughter’s CPS email if you do not have an email account.
Have your son/daughter complete the Diagnostic Assessment.
4. Spend at least one hour per week working on TenMarks and complete a learning log. You may make additional
copies or write on a separate sheet of paper for the learning log. Feel free to spend longer than an hour. Please
have a parent/guardian sit with you at least 10 times during the summer. The Learning Log is due Wednesday,
September 9, 2015
If there are any questions, please contact me at hfbranch@cps.edu. Have a great summer!
Math Supply List for Grades 7 and 8
College-ruled loose-leaf paper (generous supply- needed daily)
1 Pack of Graph Paper
300 Index Cards
Colored Pencils
Dry Erase Marker (needed daily)
Sharpened pencils (needed daily)
4 Blue Folders (2 Pockets)
6 Composition Books ( 1 Per Math Unit)-PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE
SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS.
Ear Phones
1 Basic Function Calculator
1 Basic Function Calculator
Dear Parent,
Research shows that most children lose 2-3 months of math learning over the summer. We’re delighted to inform you
about a free program offered by TenMarks, an Amazon Company that will provide your child with access to a powerful,
personalized summer math program designed to help them reverse summer learning loss.
The program is called TenMarks Summer Math Program and here is how it works.
1. You can visit http://summer.tenmarks.com to pre-register for the program.
2. Before summer break, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to get started.
3. At the start of the program, your child will receive a short diagnostic assessment based on the grade s/he is completing.
4. The assessment will be automatically graded and TenMarks will create a personalized program designed to prepare
your child for the upcoming year.
5. You can create custom rewards to keep your child motivated – pizza, ice cream, or a trip to the zoo! It’s all up to you!
An hour a week is all it takes for your child to strengthen his/her math skills, and prepare for the year ahead. The
TenMarks Summer Math Program will guide your child through their personalized program, one topic at a time, helping
them refresh what they know, and learn what they don’t. Each assignment contains embedded instruction (hints, video
lessons, and interventions) to ensure success.
The 3-month program starts at the end of May. To get started, pre-register at
http://summer.tenmarks.com.
Let’s say goodbye to summer learning loss!
Sincerely,
Ten Marks and Mrs. Branch
Math Summer Learning Log- Please note by signing the learning log, you are agreeing that you are committed
to math success and the actual activity was completed.
Student Name___________________________________________
Date
Description of skill worked on
Time Spent
on Activity
(60 minutes)
Student’s Signature
Parent’s Signature
7th Grade Social Studies
Identify (Tell why they’re important) (YEARS ARE IMPORTANT)
People
Things/Places
Hernando Cortez
Aztecs
Francisco Pizarro
Mayans
Samuel de Champlain
Incas
Henry Hudson
San Salvador
Peter Minuit
New Netherlands
Christopher Columbus New Amsterdam
Leif Ericson
patroon
Ferdinand/Isabella
Bering Strait
Magellan
St. Augustine
Amerigo Vespucci
cartographer
Ponce de Leon
sea dog
Vasco de Balboa
missionary
John Cabot
Strait of Magellan
Francis Drake
Quebec/Montreal
Queen Elizabeth I
Northwest Passage
Jacques Cartier
Spanish Armada (1588)
Jacques Marquette/
Louis Joliet
Sieur de la Salle
Questions
1) What 2 things did the French build along the Mississippi River in the 1600s?
2) As best you can, explain what Columbus, Cortez and Pizarro did to the people they encountered in the New World.
3) Where did Marco Polo go? What did his journey and subsequent book cause in Italy and Europe as a whole?
5) What was the main reason Champlain sailed to the New World? How about the Spanish (after Columbus, Cortez and
Pizarro)?
6) What was probably the reason that the first people to come to North America crossed the Bering Strait? Why were
they able to in the first place?
7) What thing does Quebec City have that no other city in North America have?
8) Why were France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and England interested in exploring the New World?
Supplies for 7th/8th Social Studies
2 Black Notebooks (at least 70 pages)
Pens or pencils (needed every day)
1 pack of markers or colored pencils
2 Black Folders
8th Grade Social Studies
Identify (Tell why they’re important)
People
Things
Events
James Monroe
Santa Fe Trail
Seneca Falls Convention
Ralph Waldo Emerson American Renaissance Mexican-American War
Henry David Thoreau
Oregon Trail
California Gold Rush
Walt Whitman
Manifest Destiny
Harper’s Ferry
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Expansionists
Era of Good Feelings
Herman Melville
Annexation
Panic of 1819
Edgar Allen Poe
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 1824 Election
Cyrus McCormick
Whig Party
Nullification Crisis
Bringham Young
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Trail of Tears
James K. Polk
Fugitive Slave Law
Zachary Taylor
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Winfield Scott
Abolitionists
Levi Strauss
Monroe Doctrine
Harriet Beecher Stowe Missouri Compromise
John Brown
Underground Railroad
Stephen A. Douglas
Abraham Lincoln
Frederick Douglass
Alexander Cartwright
Andrew Jackson
Henry Clay
John C. Calhoun
Nat Turner
Harriet Tubman
John Qunicy Adams
Martin Van Buren
Questions
1) Explain the Compromise of 1850.
2) Explain the Dred Scott decision. Why was it so important?
3) As best you can, explain how a women’s work in the house changed in the 1840s.
4) What was the name of the first railroad in the United States? What region of the US were most railroads built? What
two cities were connected by railroads by 1855?
5) What three types of people were working in factories and mills in the mid-1800s? Explain the conditions and work
days.
6) What were the big reasons for the Mexican-American War?
7) Compare the Louisiana Purchase, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Gadsden Purchase (in terms of land
bought). Which do you think was the best?
8) What was William Henry Harrison’s campaign slogan in 1840? What was he the first president to do? (BONUS: What
word was first used during Martin Van Buren’s 1836 presidential campaign?)