Its's the most wonderful time of the year....

One week until Christmas, which means we are wrapping up our semester!  This week in Social Studies we successfully finished Chapters 4 & 5.  The kids are testing today over the material, and starting tomorrow we are gearing up for the semester exams!  My exam is an open note test.  The students need to be organizing their notes and studying so that the can use their resources to their fullest potential and be successful on the exam!

Since Thanksgiving, FSMS has been filled with the holiday spirit.  The staff competed in a door decorating contest.  Team Monkees earned an honorable mention as the door with the "Best Team Collaboration."  Our doors had a "naughty and nice theme."

It's hard to believe that in just one week we will be off for Christmas break.  Remember the holiday is from December 17th through January 3rd.  December 16th & 17th are half days for students.  These are also the two days in which the students will be taking their semester exams in all classes.  The 17th marks the end of the six weeks and semester.  Happy Holidays!

Go Cubs!

We made it to Thanksgiving Break!

Hooray!  It's Thanksgiving Break, which means a much needed week off school for both teachers and students!  Can you believe it's already this time of year?  This means only 3 more weeks of school until Christmas break!  Wow, time flies!

We've been extremely busy in class, which is probably why it seems to have flown by so quickly.  Last week the students' digital Native American project was due.  I am spending a large portion of the Thanksgiving break working hard at getting them all graded.  So far, it looks like the students have really gotten a better understanding of how to research and use proper documentation.  I think the Webquest project from last six weeks really helped to prepare them.  I am always glad to see progress in their work and learning.

When we return from the break we will wrap up our unit on Native Americans and Early Exploration of Texas, and be testing on Chapters 4 and 5.  After the test we will spend the remainder of the semester going over test taking strategies and reviewing for the students' mid-term exam.   Then we'll be ready for a new semester and new material....after a well deserved Christmas break that is.  

Go Cubs!

Its been awhile....

To those of you who keep up with my blog, I apologize for neglecting to update it the last few weeks.  Things have been moving pretty quick up here, and I just haven't made the time.  I guess I have a lot to catch you up on....

The 2nd six weeks came to an end on Friday, and we are beginning the 3rd six weeks.  It's hard to believe that soon the semester will be coming to a close as well.  This school year is moving so quickly.

Parents, be on the lookout, report cards go out tomorrow.  I'm happy to report that all of my wonderful students passed for the six weeks.  I am so proud of them for getting their work in, and doing such a great job.

This week we have  begun a new unit on Native Americans and European Exploration of Texas.  The unit covers chapters 4 and 5 in the student's textbook.  Tomorrow we will begin our Indian Symbols project and will be spending a lot of time in the computer lab during the coming week, much like we did for the Texas Webquest.  The students will have the option of using several computer and web 2.0 programs.

The students will learn about the history and culture of Native Americans in early Texas by exploring designating online resources.  They will create a digital presentation that includes a variety of symbols and information representing their assigned tribe.  Hopefully, this information will enhance their knowledge and appreciation of the Texas Native American Culture, and they can have some fun along the way!

Go Cubs!

Webquests are due Friday!

Only a few days left until Texas Webquest projects are due.  On Friday, October 8th, Webquests will need to be turned into the computer drop box by the end of class.  We will be in the computer lab all week working on them.  This week we are focusing on creating a map of Texas document each student's road trip via Google Maps.  We'll also be putting the final touches on the digital scrapbooks, by adding narration, transitions, animation, and music.  I can't wait to see the final products.  


This project will count as a major grade for the 2nd six weeks.  The grade may not be included on the student's progress report.  Progress reports go out next Tuesday, so be on the lookout!

Go Cubs!

Texas Web Quests and Rock Stars

Last week we began planning a digital trip across Texas!  Each student has been researching and analyzing  the four regions of Texas and planning an interactive vacation.  The students are to "visit" each region twice,  and create a digital scrapbook of their journey using the Powerpoint program.  We will be working on our project in the computer lab through October 7th.  The project is due on Friday, October 8th.  Detailed instructions can be found on my website at www.midlothian-isd.net/~leslie_marks Please take the Texas Webquest, Webquest Resources, and Texas Webquest Rubric links on the left hand side for more information.


The kids seem to be enjoying the project and researching on the internet.  They are also technology wiz-kids when it comes to Powerpoint.  I am amazed at how tech-savy they all are.  Many of the students are incorporating custom transitions, sounds, and animations.  I can't wait to see the finished products!


On Tuesday of this week our wonderful principal, Ms. Arterburn, dressed up as a rock star for a day to celebrate the incredible earning from the school book fair.  The book fair raised over $4,600 dollars.  Way to go FSMS!  Below are pictures of our "rockin" principal.

Go Cubs!

Wrapping up the first six weeks

We officially began our Geography unit in Social Studies last week.  The students learned the countries of South America and the 50 states of the U.S.A.  Both of the major grades for the 6 weeks are the map test grades.

This week we are finally venturing to the 4 regions of Texas and exploring our states geography.  Tomorrow I will introduce the Texas Webquest to the students.  We will take a digital and interactive journey through our great state, exploring and visiting interesting places in all four regions.  We will be working in the computer labs on this project through October the 8th.  The students will complete their project in class, and work towards creating a digital scrapbook of their journey.  It should be a lot of fun.  The project details and rubric for both my Pre A.P. and General Education classes are provided on my web calendar.  The students will also receive packets this week with detailed instructions.

This Friday is the last day of the six weeks.  Be sure that you have turned in all of your absent and late work to your teachers.  Grades must be finalized by Friday afternoon.  Friday morning is the last chance for tutoring or make up tests.  

Have a great week & Go Cubs!

Homecoming 2010

This past week was Midlothian's homecoming, so of course it was an exciting time at FSMS.  Each day was themed as a different spirit day.  Monday was Labor Day, so we began our school week on Tuesday, which was Twin Day.  Wednesday was Western Day, and Thursday was Jersey Day.  Friday was Homecoming so it was Midlothian Panther/Cub Spirit Day!  We had a parade through the hallways at the beginning of the day.  I love getting to see my students so excited and involved.  It is wonderful getting to see the kids different talents.  The drum line played as the cheerleaders and Cub Dancers danced and cheered behind them.  

All day students were pumped up about the parade and game that evening.  My hometown is Midlothian, so I too am a proud Cub/Panther.  I couldn't help but share in the kids' excitement.  There were jingles and jangles all day from the kids' mums and garters in the hallways.  Some of the girls had mums as tall as they were.  They were all so cute.  I love the school spirit!

Last week the Lady Cubs played their first volleyball games.  I was very proud of the girls for playing such a hard game and giving a great fight.  We will get them next time!

Get ready this week for the first Cub football games of the year.  It will be Monday night.  I know we will do great.

Progress reports went out on Tuesday, which means only three weeks left this six weeks.  We will begin our geography unit this week and have our first test/major grade in Social Studies.  Be sure to check Powerschool for updated grades on Friday. 

Go Cubs!

Effort, Choices, & Influences

This year in 7th grade social studies, we have decided, as a department, to spend the first few weeks of school on a Building Skills for Success unit.  We have been discussing goals, life influences, leadership, personal accountability and choices.  Not only have I enjoyed all of the wonderful discussion this unit has brought into our classroom, but it has helped each class get to know each other better.  This week has served as a wonderful introduction to how we will be using our interactive notebooks throughout the year.  Today I gave the first open note quiz, and hopefully the students saw the importance of good note taking skills.


This week, the students also received their first few grades for the six weeks.  I gave a grade for the setup of the interactive notebook as well as a planner check, and the students also received a daily grade for their quiz today.  


This six weeks is actually only a five week period (since we are ending our semester before Christmas this year) so progress reports will go out Tuesday.  Parents, remember to check and sign your child's planner where each teacher has posted their grades.


Remember, if you haven't turned in textbook review forms yet to get them in by Tuesday.  Thanks to FSMS for another wonderful week. Everyone have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend! Go Cubs!

One Week Down...

One week down, and I can already tell what a great year it's going to be.  This week in class we discussed the syllabus and class rules and procedures.  Students, be sure you have handed back your parent/student acknowledgment letter that was connected to the syllabus by Monday August 30th.  Also, remember to bring back your Textbook Condition Forms for all 4 textbooks you received this week.  If you have lost your forms, I have extra copies on my homework online page!  If you have not ordered your Texas Travel Guide, please do so this weekend.


On Thursday and Friday we began working on the students' Interactive Notebooks, which are the center of everything we will do in class.  We use the notebooks for note taking, illustrations, group work, warm ups, and other activities.  The notebooks will also be used for study and review purposes as well as a resource material for open note quizzing and testing through out the course.  


This week we discussed their importance in our class, and had fun collaging and decorating the covers.  I wanted the students to feel ownership of their books, so we decorated them using "what Texas means to them" as the inspiration.  I was amazed at the creativity my classes put forward.  We had a great time, and everyone got to know each other better through this activity, as we talked about each other's interests while working on the projects.  I was excited see the kids' individual personalities and enthusiasm come out during this time.


Next week we will finish up our notebooks and jump into our curriculum.  Having had such a wonderful first week of school, I am anxious to get to know the classes better and continue on into the school year.  Go Cubs!

The first day of school is almost here!

Who would have thought that the summer would go by so quickly?  Here we are once again, coming to the end of another summer and getting ready to begin a fabulous 7th grade school year.  As the first day of school steadily approaches, I have been busy planning lessons and getting our classroom together, so that we can have the best year ever.  

Hopefully, my students have seen on my web page that we will be using the Texas Travel Guide during our first unit of study in class.  Remember to order your free copy online at The Texas Travel Guide Website.  They do take a few weeks to come in, so make sure you have placed your order!  

If you have any questions, please feel free to comment on this blog post or email me at leslie_marks@midlothian-isd.net.  I hope everyone is as excited about this school year as I am.  I can't wait to meet all my students.  We are going to have a great time in Texas History!