Two Announcements

Hello Everyone,

     End-of-Trimester Progress Reports went home on Friday; students should have turned them over to parents by now. They include all the skills/standards we have covered in Trimester One, including the behavior and self-discipline skills as identified in the Guiding Principles.

     There is a two-hour delay for students on Wednesday, December 9; keep that in mind as you prepare for your week. Teachers will be meeting that morning, and school will start at 9:10 instead of 7:10.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

A Scene

Summer

by Nicole

    Summer sounds like bugs. Bugs buzzing while I see then fly through the air. Bees landing on dandelions. I hear kids playing outside. I feel the humidity in the air. It smells like BBQs cooking. Summer tastes like BBQ food and grass that my friend dares me to eat. I see the bright, yellow, sun shines up in the light blue sky.

The Five Senses

Here is an excellent scene written by Ricky; it has vivid language and clear, if brief, descriptions.

     On a warm sunny night in mid August of 2014, the sun was just half over the horizon. The air was crisp and smelt of fresh grass. Me, Myself, and I were in a canoe, simply fishing. I felt as if my butt was made of fire ants because of the wooden bench seat in that canoe. Suddenly, my fishing pole had a slight pull or jerk, if you would, and a beautiful splash of the crystal clear natural water. I start reeling it in and boy it felt like a whale. But then I hear an eagle's call… I look up and I see it coming from 75 yards out. I frantically reel in my whale/fish. It's so close, I can see it! I get it in the canoe and its literally a bass that is 7 inches long. I was so bummed out, I threw it back and paddled back to camp.

Yearbook Clarification

Hello All,

     I have gotten a couple questions recently about yearbooks, so I figure it makes sense to announce this to all staff rather than field the same questions more than once. I apologize for intruding on your inbox, but here is the yearbook scoop.

     You have two options for yearbooks — hardcover and (new this year!) paperback. The paperback version is the exact same yearbook, with the same sized pages, and the same content. The only differences? It has a soft cover instead of a binder board cover, and it costs five dollars less!

     Hardcover yearbooks cost $23, two dollars less than last year, and paperback yearbooks cost $18 — that's over 25% off last year's prices! Yearbooks are all full color this year, too, so your vibrant Bonny Eagle classroom and event decor will shine from the pages in all its glory.

     To buy a yearbook, either go to jostens.com and search Bonny Eagle Middle School (here is a link — http://bit.ly/1OQNDSc) or bring a check (made out to BEMS) or cash to me upstairs in Room 83. I'll give receipts for cash and check purchases, so students can get confirmation home that their order is secure.

     Thank you for your patience, and let me know if you have any further questions!

Best,

Mr. DeMaris

Yearbooks and Book Sale

Hey All!

     This is the LAST WEEK of the discount sale on yearbooks; after this, prices go up again. Buy one now! We still need to purchase many more to make our payment quota to Jostens, so go online and order away.

     After you buy a yearbook, if you have any funds left, bring a few bucks in cash tomorrow (Wednesday) and look through the Scholastic Book Fair down in the library. During Language Arts class, interested student can go peruse the sale and buy books of interest to them.

     The staff beat the students 4–1 in the soccer game this afternoon. The scores were split 3–1 for the girls' half and 1–0 for the boys' half. Muddy J. and Grady J., among others, represented Clan Barclay well in the match, but Mr. Robertson and the rest of the staff were simply too powerful for them. All played well, although I think if we had refs they would have called a few dangerous or off-sides plays. Good game!

Exuberantly,

Mr. DeMaris

Late Arrival Tomorrow

Hello,

     Remember that tomorrow is a Late Arrival day — students are on a two-hour delay schedule. Please plan accordingly.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Week in Preview

Hello All,

     This week we continue reading short stories, finishing the seasonal set with "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. We will discuss the stories, compare them, and write about them over the course of the week.

     In news this week, tomorrow (Tuesday) is picture retake day. If you are retaking pictures, dress for it; Barclay clan sends students down right after Allied Arts at 9:30. Wednesday is a late arrival for students; school starts at 9:10 instead of 7:10. Students can also visit the book fair on Wednesday.

     Wednesday night is the second round of conferences; parents who signed up will attend and discuss student progress and behavior so far this year. If parents did not get a chance to attend a conference, they may email Mrs. Davis and ask if we have any other times available.

     Remember, Yearbooks are still on sale for discounted prices this week only. Take advantage of this, and buy one while they are cheaper! Remember, you only experience your year once; remember it forever with a yearbook!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Yearbooks are on Sale!

Happy news, everyone!

     Yearbooks are on sale at jostens.com! For the month of October ONLY, they are $21.00 for hardcover and $16.00 for paperback. Prices WILL increase starting November. Buy one now, while prices are low. Yearbooks are FULL COLOR this year — no more black-and-white. Filled with pictures of your friends, classmates, teachers, and experiences, this year's book is a vivid collection of all the greatest memories of the Bonny Eagle Middle School experience.

     You only get to experience your year once. Remember it forever with a yearbook!

     Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Buy a yearbook!

Cheerfully,

Mr. DeMaris

Chess

Hello Students,

     You should join chess club. We meet after school on Wednesdays (like today!) in Room 98, over in MacCallum clan. All skill levels are welcome, and we'll even teach you a few tricks to beat your friends and family at the game!

     We look forward to seeing you on Wednesdays!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

A Story to Read

Please note the use of ellipses and dashes!

by Amanda O.

    What was I supposed to do? It was all so confusing. I looked into Scotts glowing yellow eyes, and that was proof enough. After trying to get my life together as it is, now I have to balance the supernatural world on top of that. We were standing in the Beacon Hills Veterinary Office, where we both work. Our boss, Dr. Deaton, had just left the room and Scott told me news that he looked like he couldn’t hold in any longer.

    “Scott… why didn’t you tell me before?” I asked him as his eyes returned to their normal dark brown color that matched his hair, the color I knew as my best friends eyes.

    “Stiles was the only other person who knew. When I went back into the woods to retrieve the inhaler that I had lost… I, I don’t really remember much. I just remember being chased by that wolf-like creature…” He replied with his head down. I never would have imagined anything like this happening to my best friend, and I was slightly hurt that he told our other friend Stiles about it before he told me, but thats beside the big point here. My best friend is a werewolf.

    It all just seemed so distant. Ever since I was a little kid, I have always been intrigued by this whole new world of supernatural creatures, I always enjoyed reading the myths and legends. And even still at age 16, I still got little excited at the mention of wolves. I just can’t picture my best friend out there fighting mythical creatures defending himself… although it is kinda cool…

    I hate to admit it, but I might be a little jealous of Scott. In all the 10 years that him, Stiles and I have known each other never once have we ever gotten into big fights or been jealous of one another. It has to happen at some point I mean we all expected it to happen, just not now. Right now is a really, really bad time to have our first fight… but he always gets everything. Good grades, popularity, and now the gift of supernatural. It’s not fair.

    “Scott how come everything happens to you? I mean, if anyone, I should be the werewolf here, don’t you think? It’s always been my thing! Its just like everything else!” I said beginning to raise my voice. “For example, I study for hours, you do nothing, yet you get the better grade. I study wolves all my life and you walk into the woods one time and come out a werewolf!” I said, crossing my arms.

    “Do you really think I tried to get bitten by a wolf?!  Of course not! This is all new and quite concerning if you ask me, and you’re the only person here who can help but you’re too busy pouting. For all I know I was bitten by a rabid canine, and I could die. The friend I trusted the most—“ He was interrupted by the sound of the heavy metal door swinging open. Dr. Deaton stumbled in and set a whimpering dog on the examining table. I examined the dog, coming to the conclusion that it had either broken a leg or hip, while Scott went looking around the room for something to soothe the dogs pain.

    “Wheres all the—“ Scott began.

    “Nevermind Scott you come examine the dog tell me what you think I’ll find the pain relievers, I think I saw them over here…” I said frantically searching around the room.     The dog was whimpering loudly and constantly, it was pretty ear piercing.

    “I think he's going to need surgery, I’m going to go get the numbing shots ready just in case.” Dr. Deaton told us making his way into the surgery room.

    I continued looking for our pain relieving medication when all of a sudden the whimpering stopped. I slowly turned around to see Scott standing next to the hurt dog with on hand on its leg and making direct eye contact with glowing yellow eyes.

    “What the—“ Dr. Deaton dropped the syringes he held in his hands, shattering them on the floor.

    “Doctor, it’s hard to explain—“ Scott began.

    “Scott, you just look the dogs pain away with your hands and judging by your golden eyes I can obviously make the assumption that you were bitten by an alpha werewolf, am I right?” Scott and I exchanged a look of disbelief as we heard what the doctor had to say. How did he know what Scott was?

    “Yes. How’d you know?” We asked at the same time.

    “Scott, I specialize in the supernatural of Beacon Hills. Do you know who bit you?”

    “No. I was in the woods looking for my inhaler which I’d lost the day before when I was going for a run. It was dark… the last thing I remember were two bright red eyes.”

    “Well Scott, I think you’ve found yourself in a pack, my friend. I think I know where we can find someone who can help you. I should take care of our patient here, but you can find him at the old abandoned house on the top of the hill. His name is Derek Hale, and he is your new leader, the Alpha of the pack.”

    Scott just nodded his head and sent me a questioning, ‘are you coming?’ sort of look and I nodded back. He thanked Dr. Deaton and we made our way outside where Scott called Stiles to come pick us up and drive us to the destination of where we would find Derek Hale. As I sat in the back of Stiles’ blue Jeep, I realized that this is our first mission together with a werewolf, my best friend, Scott McCall, the werewolf, and certainly not our last.

Dance Tonight

Hello All,

     Remember that there is a dance tonight from 6:30 – 8:30 at Bonny Eagle Middle School; all 7th and 8th graders are welcome to attend.

     Right now were are at halftime on a tight boys' soccer game against Gorham, and they are up 1—0. Enjoy your four day weekend, and enjoy all the fun you can have in the crisp, fall air!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Another Great Story

This story is a little more dark and thoughtful than the last; enjoy!

by Brenna F.

     What was I supposed to do? It was all so confusing. There was a post-it note on my door. It read “All your answers shall be answered if you follow the birch trees.” It made no sense until I remembered that there are a trail of birch trees about a mile into the woods in my backyard. It was dark out and I was alone. I put on my black hoodie and brought my flashlight. I walked into the woods. I felt like I was in a movie--a horror movie. Every sound scared me half to death. I tried to turn on my flashlight, but it wasn’t working. How helpful.

     It was only a mile but it felt like ten. It started to get cold and I could even see my breath when I coughed. I shook my inhaler to take a puff, I accidently dropped it and I had no idea where it was because of the dark. I tried to feel the ground and hopefully feel the metal texture of my inhaler. I went off the trail and went in the opposite direction of the birch trees. I walked around to see if the wind blew it away.

     Eventually, I gave up. I realized that I was very far away from the birch trees, which meant I was farther away from my house. I just walked until I felt myself falling. I fell into what was probably a hole. I hit the ground hard and the side of my head was bleeding. I took out my flashlight and it actually worked now. I was shocked at what I saw. All around me were flyers. A missing person flyer. It was a flyer My family and I were very familiar with. It was my sister. She went missing two months ago and has been gone ever since. I saw a figure jump into the hole. I tried to climb up to the hole. I could if the unknown person wasn’t holding onto my leg. All of a sudden the person let go of my leg and I climbed up the hole frantically. I used my now-working flashlight to guide me back home. I heard a scream and instantly knew who it was.


     I ran over and my flashlight revealed my sister tied up to one of the birch trees. I untied her and we ran back home. She told me everything that happened to her and I was just glad that she was okay and now safe. My family were equally as relieved. The next morning, I came across another sticky note. I took it off nervously and forced my eyes to read it. It read “The black hoodie is next.”

A Story

The Life of a Pet Cat who likes to Hunt

by Chloe F.

     I’ve got my target within my sights. That stupid mouse doesn’t even know I’m here. My paws are slowly creeping across the leaves of the forest, barely making a whisper of noise. My black fur helps me blend in with the night. I leap through the air, the wind hissing by my ears. I land on my plump prey’s thin tail, but before I can snap its neck it snakes its tail through my claws and takes off to hide under a bush, or in its burrow. I bound off after it, scaring off any other nearby prey. I can hear them running, even with the wind roaring in my ears. This is my only chance, otherwise I’ll have to come back later. It runs behind a tree with peeling gray bark, probably hoping that I would run straight past it. I turn the corner, but the slippery little thing is nowhere in my sights. I sniff the air for its lingering scent. It is then that I realize that there is a burrow at the base of the tree next to me. The mouse had slipped inside before I could get there. I decide to climb the tree–-to wait until it decides to brave the night again.

      It must have been at midnight when the little rodent pokes his nose outside of its hole. The hunter inside me tells me to jump and snag its little nose with a claw, but I know better. If I jump, it will hear the wind rushing past me as I fall, besides, I do not have a satisfactory angle; I will have to wait until it is completely out of the burrow. The thing inches out of its burrow for far too long–-it must have been another fifteen minutes–-before I jump. One claw pins down the animal, and I stumble with the force of my impact. The mouse almost escapes, but my claw had snagged its foot, hindering its escape. I snap its neck, ending its misery, and pick it up in my jaws and walk back home to nose my way through the plastic flaps of the doggy door. A successful hunt. I drop my prize in the shoe of one of the humans that live here with me–-where I know it will be found. I hiss with triumph, and know she will be proud.

      The next morning she finds my gift, but I’m not sure what’s wrong with her. She picks me up and shoves the mouse in my face. Then she drops me outside on the porch, and discards my prey in the yard! I see a look of irritation on her face, and yowl in protest. What did I do wrong? Should I have tried to leave the foot intact? Should I have left it alive so that they can make the kill themselves? That must be it. I bound off into the woods to hunt again. This time I will do better. I sit still–-laying low in the multi-colored leaves–-keeping my eyes wide and ears open. A short distance away, a bush rustles and a small bird darts out. Perfect. It will be more of a challenge. Slowly, I and climb up a tree of smooth, white bark and climb out along its branches until I am directly above the unsuspecting creature. I let myself drop, and as I land I trap its wing in my jaws and trot out of the woods and into the house.

      Once inside I drop my prize at the feet of another human. It flies off. Soon other humans join the first trying to catch my prize. I sit back and watch, purring with contentment that I have done something right. Then they catch it; however, they don’t kill it, they release it! Now what did I do?! The largest human picks me up by my scruff–-I stop purring–-and yells in my face, though I don’t know what in the world he’s trying to tell me. Then nothing is holding me. I stumble upon landing on the floor. I slink away, thinking over the days events. I’m doing something wrong, but what? I’ll just keep hunting until I get it right.

Dances and Dismissals

Hello Everyone,

     This is a friendly reminder that on Thursday of this week, October 8, there is a school dance for seventh and eighth grade students from 6:30 – 8:30 here at Bonny Eagle Middle School. The second gym will be open for activities as well.

     On Friday, October 9, students have no school; this is a teacher in-service day, so we will be here working on some professional development instead. This means this coming weekend is a four-day weekend, as Columbus Day is the following Monday. Enjoy your last long weekend of the fall season; you don't get another until Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Late Arrival Tomorrow

Hello Everyone,

     Remember tomorrow's schedule; students have a two-hour delay while staff attend professional development meetings. Students, this means your bus will show up two hours later than usual, and homeroom will begin at 9:10. Keep this in mind, especially if it is raining outside.

     You will still have all your classes; this is a shortened class day, not a missing class day.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Out Sick

Hello,

     I'm out sick today, unfortunately. I don't appreciate it, but it's better than infecting the lot of you. I will be back in tomorrow, though, so don't worry. Until then, remember your manners and do your work. All of you, and I mean that literally, have more work to do on your projects. If you think you are done, find more evidence. The more you have, the stronger your case and the stronger your grade. If you need paper, you know where to find it. If you don't, a teammate will.

     I am proud of how well you have focused so far this year; please keep that going.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Soccer vs. Windham

Hello Sports Fans and Scots!

     Tonight we have games versus Windham at home and away; the boys play here at Bonny Eagle at 4:30, while the girls are away at Windham at the same time. If you are in either neighborhood, stop in and cheer on your Scots! Several Barclay students are on the team. We beat Windham last year, and we can do it again.

Go Scots!

Mr. DeMaris

Creative Writing Club

Hello Everyone,

     Mr. Pease is hosting a creative writing club after school this year, starting on Wednesday, September 23. If you are interested in joining, email him at jpease@bonnyeagle.org or see him in Room 36. He would love to have some eighth graders join!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Week in Preview — September 21

Hello Everyone,

     This week should finally be cool and comfortable upstairs; we will have a high of 75 at most all week, if you believe the weather man. So far as schoolwork is concerned, in Language Arts we will go into a little more detail about conflict, point of view, irony, and characterization, and then start in on the book project itself.

1. On Monday, students will analyze an interpersonal conflict between characters in their stories, and explain how their points of view impact said conflict.
2. On Tuesday, students will differentiate between different types of irony in a story. They are provided with "Mammon and the Archer" by O. Henry as an example of a story that contains all three types of irony.
3. On Wednesday, students will address all three types of conflict again, this time in more detail, as relates to "Mammon and the Archer."
4. On Thursday, students will review their answers, officially declare their project book, and begin connecting it to the ten Elements of Literature.
5. On Friday, students will write a Week in Review and continue their Elements of Literature book project.

     Remember that Chess Club is after school on Wednesdays, and Yearbook will meet again on Tuesday and Thursday of next week (September 29 and October 1).

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Beautiful Creatures — Book Review

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Reviewer:  Tanya M.

Beautiful Creatures is a fantasy book about a boy named Ethan. He has lived in Gatlin his whole life. His mother died in an accident and his father is an introvert. There is a new girl at school named Lena. She is the niece of the crazy Macon Ravenwood. She is more than she seems.

Genres:  Fiction, Fantasy, Suspense

Week in Preview — September 14

Hello Everyone,

     I hope you all had a good weekend. I had to replace a corroded brake line in my car and rotate some tires, but it was a good weekend overall. This week, September 14–18, starts comfortably, but we will be back up into the 80s from Tuesday on.

     This week, we will continue our development of the elements of literature, which we started with theme last week. You will work in groups and individually on terms and application of the concepts.

1. On Monday, students will discuss terms and definitions in class, including application of concepts with a story of their choice.
2. On Tuesday, students will provide and work with examples of setting, characterization, point of view, and conflict.
3. On Wednesday, students will provide and work with examples of mood, irony, foreshadowing, and plot.
4. On Thursday, students will provide and work with examples of symbolism and theme.
5. On Friday, students will recap the concepts and write a Week in Review.

     Remember that Tuesday is Picture Day here at Bonny Eagle Middle School, and Open House has been rescheduled for Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30. Students also have their first dance on Friday from 6:30 to 8:30.

     Finally, Yearbook Club meets Tuesday afternoon from 2:20 to 4:00 in Room 83 (my room), and Chess Club meets Wednesday afternoon from 2:20 to 4:00 in Room 98 (Mr. O'Searcoid's room, in Clan MacCallum).

     Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

The Lost Hero — Book Review

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Reviewer:  Isaac R.

     In The Lost Hero Jason woke up on a bus with no memory at all. Later on in the book he finds out that it was Hera that stole his memories and to get them back he must find her and free her before Gaea (the earth) rises and destroys everything. Jason, Leo, and Piper must all overcome their fears and fight one of the most risky, dangerous, and the most suicidal missions of all.

Genres:  Fiction, Action

Early Release

Hello Everyone!

     In case you do not have a connection to Blackboard, you should know that all MSAD 6 schools will close early today. For Bonny Eagle Middle School, dismissal will be at 11:30. All regular afternoon activities are cancelled, including school clubs and sports.

     Open House, or Back to School Night, will take place on Tuesday, September 15, from 6:30 to 7:30.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

A Reminder

Hello Everyone,

     Please remember that Open House takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 on Wednesday night (that's tomorrow!) at Bonny Eagle Middle School. All us teachers will be there, and we are looking forward to meeting family members and introducing ourselves in person. This is usually a nice little event, and I am looking forward to it. We will all meet in Mrs. Davis' room (Room 84) for quick introductions of the teachers and an overview of the clan, and then we will all go to our homerooms so students and families can circulate as they wish.

     Please remember that this is not parent-teacher conference time; we barely know any of you yet, and we do not have the time or the privacy to discuss conference-level information this night. Thank you for understanding, and I will see you there!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Week in Preview

Hello Everyone,

     This coming week, September 8–11, promises to be another hot one; dress accordingly, within school code. As usual, the eighth grade floor will be toastier than the rest of the school. Remember that the quieter and less active you are, the cooler the rooms stay and the longer the doors can stay open to circulate air!

     This week, we will work on objective summarization, identification of themes in narratives, and how to properly defend a point.

1. On Tuesday, students will read a passage from their individual reading books, summarize it objectively, and provide a possible theme of the story so far, including how that theme relates to the events in the story.
2. On Wednesday, students will discuss in teams and with the teacher what a theme is, and how evidence can be used to support it.
3. On Thursday, students will review their answers and improve them as needed, and help team members with their answers and definitions until the entire team can provide working definitions and examples of both summary and theme.
4. On Friday, students will complete a Week in Review letter and present their week's reading to their team and the teacher.

     Also on Friday, students will participate in a short memorial for the anniversary of September 11, 2001; all students will join together in the first floor hallway to sing the national anthem and honor the flag.

     Finally, Learning Lab begins this week; it runs every Tuesday–Thursday from 2:15 until 4:00 in the library. Students must sign up in the main office beforehand, and they must have work to complete; it is not social time. The activity bus can take all students home after. Many clubs and events begin this week as well; check with teachers and coaches for official times.

     Welcome back to school, and enjoy the heat!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

    

Welcome to Clan Barclay!

Hello Everyone,

     The new year is about to begin, and for all of you, this means the transition into eighth grade, your last step before entering high school. You will have many challenges this year, including maintaining your personal responsibility for all assignments at school; we expect you to meet these challenges with maturity and respect.

     We are Clan Barclay. Our clan leader is Mrs. Davis, the math teacher. The rest of us are Ms. Rancourt, for science; Mr. Robertson, for Social Studies; and Mr. DeMaris, for Language Arts. We are a dedicated clan, and we believe strongly in personal student responsibility both in and out of the classroom. Each of us has his or her own teaching style, but we care very deeply for the success of our students, and we expect you to work your best to honor that.

     Our clan motto is "Aut Agere Aut Mori," which, cleanly translated from the Latin, means "Do or Die." We work very hard to make our assignments and lessons understandable and accessible to you, the students, and we strive for success in all aspects of our professional lives. In return, we expect you to embrace the motto with equal vigor. School is your training for adult responsibility and education, and the lessons you learn here will have a direct and meaningful impact on the rest of your lives. You have no reason to give up on your education, and we expect you to try your hardest at all times. If you struggle and cannot solve your own problem, recognize your limitations and seek help. Your classmates and your teachers are here. Asking for help is not the same as giving up, and we respect students who can honestly assess their skills. "Do or Die" means you should fight for your success and find it despite any obstacles.

     This is a year of transition at Bonny Eagle Middle School, with changes in many areas and at many levels. We will communicate soon with you and with your families about all important aspects of school this year, and we will continue to communicate any important news throughout the year. In return, we hope you will communicate clearly with us about any questions or concerns you may have, or any obstacles you face that may impact your experience here at Bonny Eagle. We cannot solve problems if we do not know they exist, and communication should travel two ways. Personal responsibility means respectfully communicating concerns as well as compliments, and addressing consequences, both good and bad, for any actions. You are at the top of the middle school now, soon to enter high school, and you should be mature enough to recognize and accept responsibility for your work and actions.

     Welcome to Clan Barclay. We look forward to working with you this year.


Sincerely,



Mr. DeMaris

Summer Assignment—Honors English

Hello All,

     Now that summer has officially begun, it's time to remind you (in case you forgot) that anyone who signed up for Honors English 9 needs to complete the summer assignment for that class before arriving at the high school in the fall. Click this text to access a PDF of the assignment.

     Frankly, the assignment asks you to read a couple books in preparation for writing an essay about them. You should be just fine. I suggest you take some notes as you read the books, or maybe even read the book twice and take the notes the second time through. You will be asked to write a reflective essay about the book at the start of your freshman year.

     Enjoy your summer!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Happy Summer!

Hello All,

     Today is your first official day of summer vacation, and I hope it goes splendidly for you. Get all the time outside in the sun (or rain) as you can, and enjoy every minute of it. Make memories, make friends, and make the most of your next two months!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Out Sick…Again

Good morning, Ladies and Germs,

     As I feared, I am out sick again today. I don't appreciate it. If any of you has a cure for irritating viruses of the respiratory system, give it to me, and then go get filthy rich by marketing it. I promise I won't steal the formula; I just want to get back to work.

     Be kind to the substitute today; remember, the rules still apply even when I am not around. I will read over his or her notes carefully when I get back tomorrow. You all have work to do. If you think you are all caught up, check again. If you actually are all caught up, go back and fix some assignments from this quarter to boost your grade. Then help a classmate. You know the drill.

     Thank you for your time and patience. I'll be back.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Words of the Week—Responsibility

Hello,


     Here are your Words of the Week; the theme is "responsibility" this week, as all the words relate to that topic. Learn them, including parts of speech, by Thursday. They are, in alphabetical order, as follows.

Word (Origin)	Part of Speech	Definition
1. complete (L)	adj. v.	having all necessary or appropriate parts to finish something, or to make something whole or perfect
2. diligent (L)	adj.	having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or responsibilities
3. plagiarize (L)	v.	to take someone else’s work or idea and pass it off as your own
4. responsible (L)	adj.	being the primary cause of something, or being accountable for something
5. sluggard (ME)	n.	a lazy, sluggish person

Apply these to today's Make a List assignment, and study them, including spelling and part of speech, for the Thursday Think.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Away Games at Home

Hello,

     Today's Eighth Grade Baseball and Softball games, ostensibly away at SMC, is being held here on our fields. Come out this afternoon at 3:30 and support the boys and girls as they add another victory to Friday's!

I'll see you there!

Mr. DeMaris

Words of the Week—Difficulty

Hello,

     Here are your Words of the Week; the theme is levels of difficulty. Each word, regardless of its part of speech, indicates a level of difficulty or a problem. They are, in alphabetical order, as follows.

Word (Origin)	Part of Speech	Definition
1. arduous (L)	adj.	involving or requiring great, strenuous effort; very difficult
2. elementary (L)	adj.	basic; easy to deal with; uncomplicated
3. tricky (OF)	adj.	requiring care and skill because it is difficult or awkward
4. problem (G)	n.	a situation considered unwelcome or harmful that needs to be dealt with
5. problematic (G)	adj.	presenting a challenge or difficulty; doubtful or questionable

Apply these to today's Make a List assignment, and study them, including spelling and part of speech, for the Thursday Think.

     I will stay after tomorrow to help any students with work who need it. If you are missing assignments or do not understand some material, stay for help. This is not, however, social time for you to waste with friends; I expect results. Let me know if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Bring your Charger Tomorrow

Hello All,

     I hope your vacation went well, and you had a chance to enjoy the free time and the sunshine. I got three days down in Boston out of the deal, which were fantastic. This was a good time to get out of school and take care of things at home.

     Heading back into school tomorrow, we are beginning state testing on Monday, which is entirely computer based. This means you need to have a fully charged computer. That said, I know some of you have battery problems and some of you have a problem where you don't charge your battery, so bring your charger with you to school. That way, you don't have to worry about running low on power just when you need to finish an answer!

     Don't freak out about the tests, either. This isn't something you can study for, and it isn't something you can improve by worrying about it. The tests simply see where you are right now in skill level compared to your classmates and other eighth graders across the country, and help school organize what classes you take and what we teach you. Do the best you can, and take it seriously. Just don't feel like they are the end of the world.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Words of the Week—Concern

Hello,

     Here are your Words of the Week; the theme is levels of interest or "concern." Each word, regardless of part of speech (and they are all adjectives), indicates a level of concern or interest held by the subject about an object. They are, in alphabetical order, as follows.

Word (Origin)	Part of Speech	Definition
1. ambivalent (G)	adj.	having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas
2. attentive (OF)	adj.	paying close attention to something; polite or courteous
3. fascinated (L)	adj.	irresistibly drawn or attentive to something
4. indifferent (L)	adj.	having no particular interest or sympathy; neither good nor bad
5. interested (L)	adj.	showing curiosity, concern, or a desire to know more

Apply these to today's Make a List assignment, and study them, including spelling and part of speech, for the Thursday Think.

     I will stay after tomorrow to help any students with work who need it. If you are missing assignments or do not understand some material, stay for help. This is not, however, social time for you to waste with friends; I expect results. Let me know if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Picture Day Tomorrow

Hello Everyone,

     Don't forget that tomorrow is Picture Day here at Bonny Eagle Middle School. You do not have to buy the photos, but these will be taken and then offered to you later. Dress your best!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Words of the Week—Relations

Dear Students,

     This week, the Words of the Week are organized on the theme of "relations." Each word, regardless of part of speech, concerns the relationship of one thing to another. These things may be people, places, objects, or ideas, but they connect or fail to connect to others. They are, in alphabetical order, as follows.

Word (Origin)	Part of Speech	Definition
1. acquaintance (OF)	n.	a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend; or your knowledge or experience of something
2. cleave (OE)	v.	to split or separate to adhere or attach strongly to
3. cohesive (L)	adj.	characterized by or causing the formation of a united whole
4. disparate (L)	adj.	essentially different; not allowing comparison
5. unique (L)	adj.	unlike anything else; the only one of its kind

     Apply these to today's Make a List assignment, and study them, including spelling and part of speech, for the Thursday Think. Remember that "to cleave" something is far different from "to cleave to" something…that is an important distinction to make!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris