Wednesday

Hey All,

     If you earned a two or one on the first vocab quiz, or you did not take it Friday, you will take it Wednesday in class. You only get one retake, and the second grade stands. Study well for it.

     After that, you will continue working on your setting writing assignment — remember to include all five senses and your where, when, and what is there.

     Keep your focus!

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of Dec. 12 – Dec. 16

Good morning, everyone.

     Well, the snow has just begun to fall here, and the predictions are pretty nasty for the whole day, so we will reserve judgement on whether or not there will be a snow day today. If there is, stay safe and off the roads as best you can, and then enjoy yourself and admire the beautiful winter scene in comfort. We aren't in charge of the weather, so we might as well make the best of it!

     Regardless of the snow day, this week will be about reviewing vocabulary and developing setting and character. Last week, students took their first vocabulary and spelling quiz, to mixed results, and you will all get the chance to retake it if necessary early this week. However, there will also be a few new words to learn, and a new quiz this coming Friday. So, if you did poorly, this is your opportunity to fix that mistake and study earlier and more often for the next one. We will be making a habit of having vocab quizzes this trimester, so pay attention and learn your words.

     Monday (or Tuesday, depending on the weather and our district's call!) students will get their vocab quizzes back and will have the opportunity to review their work and a chance to retake the quiz the following day. There will be only one retake given per student; after that, your grade is set. The new batch of words will also be provided, so start studying that night to prepare for Friday's quiz. Students will also review how setting works, and will dig into descriptive language by writing about physical objects in detail.

     The middle of the week will be devoted to honing setting by improving the language of student descriptions. Everyone will share their writing with another person in the class, and there will be conferencing on how to improve, followed by revision. By the end of the week, each student will submit his or her descriptive writing to be considered and graded; all five senses must be applied in the work for full credit.

          Wednesday will be a reading or writing day in class; students will either work on their settings or read from their books. Thursday will be a strictly reading day, so students should make sure their settings are complete before then, or prepare to write furiously on Friday to finish.

     On Friday, students will take their vocab quiz, write a Week in Review, and make final edits to their settings as needed. Beyond that, it will be more time to read. After all, there will be less than a week remaining before vacation!

     After school this week, Yearbook Club meets Tuesday and Chess Club on Wednesday; to my knowledge, all eighth grade games are away.

     Stay safe, stay warm, and keep in touch with any questions! Report cards went out on Friday, so if there is any lingering confusion about grades, now is a good time to ask.

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of Dec. 5 – Dec. 9

Welcome to Trimester Two!

     It has been a busy first trimester, but it is done at last! Grades are being calculated and posted by teachers at this very moment, and report cards will go home by the end of the week. Trimester One report cards will include, for Language Arts, persuasive writing, grammar, presentation, and timeliness scores. Before you know it, we will be on vacation again, and then it will be a new year. But that is getting a bit ahead of things, so let's focus on the present.

     This week in Barclay Language Arts, students will take the SRI (Standard Reading Inventory) to check on how their reading comprehension has improved since the start of the year. In the coming trimester, we will be focusing on that exact subject, so this will be a handy score to compare to the end of the trimester. Students will have all class on Monday to complete this, and may finish it on their own time at home. This must be completed by Wednesday so we can compare progress by Friday's in-class student-teacher conference about it.

     On Monday, before taking the SRI, students will get five vocabulary words for the week, which they will be expected to spell and match with a definition and part of speech on Friday.

     On Tuesday, students will dive into scene descriptions, examining one moment from their novels and identifying all the descriptive words from them. Proper reading comprehension means depth of understanding, so recognizing how authors describe a setting is key to success. Students will work on this in groups or individually, and will turn in their work by the end of class.

     On Wednesday, which is a two-hour delay start for students, they will engage in a similar activity regarding a character from their novel; this time, the descriptions may come from anywhere in the text, not just one scene. This is a more student-driven assignment, and so will be done in pairs or individually. Students must be prepared to present their characterizations to the class verbally (without a computer) on Thursday.

     On Thursday, students present their characterization to the class and attend to the characterizations by their peers. Any remaining time will be used to review the concepts of characterization and setting.

     On Friday, students will take a quick vocabulary quiz, write a Week in Review, focusing on how much they understand about setting and characterization, and will be brought up to talk about their reading comprehension one at a time as they write. Any remaining time in the period will be spent reading.

     After school this week, our boys play at home against Lincoln at 4:45 on Monday, and the girls play at home against Windham at the same time on Thursday. The Newspaper Club meets Tuesday afternoon immediately following school, and Chess Club meets on Wednesday.

     Get in touch with any questions or concerns, and welcome to Trimester Two!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of Nov. 21 – Nov. 25

Good afternoon!

     This week is a short one from the school's point of view; there are only two days of classes, followed by Thanksgiving Vacation. The days are slightly unusual as well.

     On Monday, classes are their usual times for a Green day, but a few classes will be catchup periods. RTI will be primarily dedicated to Social Studies, with students who are set in that class given time to work on Math, Language Arts, and Science.

     On Tuesday, students will likely have shortened classes in the afternoon, and in the morning they will attend an assembly run by local meteorologist Charlie Lopresti. He will talk about extreme weather conditions, show some videos, and share his experiences working with a new company. This ties in nicely with our current science curriculum, which is about weather patterns. Tuesday is Full Chorus day during RTI. Yearbook club meets Tuesday afternoon, too.

     Wednesday through Friday is Thanksgiving vacation for students and teachers alike. Take this time to remember what good things you have in your life, and let someone who cares for you know you care for them. See family, smile, and share a few moments. The weather on Thanksgiving is supposed to be grey and rainy, but you can still appreciate the warmth indoors.

     Thank you for your time, and keep in touch if you have any questions.

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of Nov. 14 – Nov. 18

Good afternoon!

     This week is off to a great start; students were focused and attentive for the most part, and the weather was beautiful outside. This is also a pretty straightforward week, with only one aberration in the middle.

     Academically, all four classes are starting formal work with narratives; Gold, Green, and White classes began today with Elements of Literature definitions, while Blue class brainstormed what they knew about World War I, sharing it with the class. Every class will transition soon into story-based analysis over chosen books, with Blue class focusing on World War I literature that ties into Social Studies class.

     The rest of this week will be dedicated to choosing which book students will read in class; there are four options available, and students will be spending class time reading them, discussing them, and responding to them to develop their literary analysis skills. With rare exceptions, books will be kept in the classroom.

     Wednesday is a late arrival day, but other than that the weekly schedule seems normal. Next week, remember, is Thanksgiving, so we only have two days of school.

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of Nov. 7 – Nov. 11

Good morning,

     This week continues our work on story analysis with a comparison of original texts to movie versions of the same narrative. Over Monday and Tuesday, students watch a movie adaptation of "The Tell-Tale Heart" as a class, and compare it to the written text on their own, explaining what was changed and kept and why they think the director made those decisions. After that, on Wednesday, students move on to their own personal texts for a day. On Thursday, all classes visit the book fair one last time this season before spending the remainder of the class time reading.

     The second round of parent-teacher conferences take place Tuesday evening from 3:30 – 6:30; we meet in Mrs. Davis' room, while my room is used as a waiting area for those who arrive early or stay after. Yearbook and Newspaper Clubs (like so many clubs this day) are cancelled due to the early start of conferences. Wednesday afternoon Chess Club is still on; Mr. Edwards will not be joining us this week, or for many weeks to come, though.

     Friday is Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, and is a day to honor and remember all who have served this country in her armed forces. It is also a day off school as a result of it being a federal holiday. Take some time on your day off to thank a veteran for his or her service; it is their efforts that provide our safety and our freedom.

     If you have any questions or concerns, as always feel free to contact us!

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Book Fair!

Hey All,

     The Book Fair is open this week and next on Green Days; I am taking Gold Class and Green Class tomorrow during class time, and White and Blue class next Thursday. Bring some money and look around for books!

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of Oct 31 – Nov 4

Hello Everyone!

     We started the week yesterday with no internet access at school, so my posting of this little message was delayed. Regardless, yesterday's classes were spent finishing presentations and starting narratives, with most students choosing to read "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. The other option, "The Open Window" by Saki, still had a few fans, but with the more gory aspects of Poe's work he naturally gets more attention.

     Today we move on to stories full-time, digging into the narratives to figure out how best to understand complex texts. Wednesday and Thursday are much the same, processing additional Elements of Literature as we go. Friday we write a Week in Review, and that is the week done! This is a vague description, I know, but different classes are operating at different speeds on these skills.

     Wednesday is Parent-Teacher Conference night, from 4:00 – 7:00, and all the slots are taken. We encourage the student to join us (after all, students are why we are here!) so bring them along. Next week conferences (also booked) are on Tuesday, November 8, from 3:30 – 6:30.

     Friday is Hat Day, raising money for a community need; bring a dollar and wear a hat!

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Kokonut Kapers — A Komedy!

Hello Everyone,

     Tonight, our drama club puts on their performance of Kokonut Kapers, a classic comedy fit for all ages. They have worked long and hard to put this show together, so you should drive out and see the fruits of their labors. The play starts at 7:00 tonight in the Lowlands Gym here at BEMS.

     If you cannot attend this evening, I certainly hope you can make it tomorrow (Friday) night! The show is at the same time and same place. Bring the family, bring your friends, and have a good time.

     Finally, tomorrow is PICTURE RETAKE DAY. If you missed your shot last month, or you didn't like the way you looked, or you just want to get a better look for the yearbook, this is your chance. Dress well, smile brightly, and enjoy!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Presentations

Hello,

     Remember that tomorrow (Thursday) is presentation day here in Clan Barclay; each of you must be prepared to present your claim and your evidence aloud to the class. Students may ask questions of you, and to earn a four on your presentation you must be prepared to show that they learned something from your work. To earn a four on your audience part, you must not only show that you listened and learned attentively, but you also can justify how well you feel the presenter did in his or her argument.

     Rest well, and tomorrow attend well. Thank you for all your hard work. As we say in Clan Barclay, engraved on our crest:  do or die! I am excited to see how well you all do!

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

P.S. — On an unrelated note, the staff soundly beat the students at the staff-student soccer game today; the girls half was won 3–0, while the boys half was won 2–0.

Late Arrival Day!

Hello Everyone,

     Please remember that Wednesday, October 26 is a two-hour delay day for students (not staff) here at BEMS. Children can expect buses to be two hours later than usual, as the day begins at 9:10 instead of the usual 7:10. Staff members, as we always do on such days, will be up to our noses in faculty meetings and trainings during this time.

     Enjoy the time! Also, remember that Thursday we start presenting persuasive projects in class; be prepared to demonstrate you know your material, and be prepared to stand up in front of your peers.

With Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Sick Day

Good morning,

     I am taking today off to avoid infecting the school with the obnoxious cold I have. I expect to be back on Monday, but for today students know to work on their persuasive projects and not waste their time. Enjoy the rainy weather and be productive!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of October 17 – 21

Good afternoon,

     We started this week with a lesson on how to organize a bibliography entry; as students gather sources for their arguments, they can now cite the sources properly to avoid losing credit for plagiarism or an incorrect works cited page. Here is a nifty document we made today to help understand how it will look.

     Tuesday will be a silent reading day in class; students should bring their books and read quietly for the duration of the period. Remember to respect the other students in the room and not distract them from their stories.

     Wednesday will be another day to develop essays; students should continue finding sources and providing evidence to support their claims. By now, every student should have a solid claim, so the evidence is just a matter of sifting through the vast quantities of information on the internet to locate credible sources. Remember — just because it is a .org website does NOT mean it is credible. Consider the content and consider the source.

     Thursday will either be another silent reading day or a chance to reflect on the third Presidential Debate, which will have happened Wednesday evening. Should we go with the debate, students will watch and point out logical fallacies, errors of reasoning, and contradictions. As an audience, they will be assessed on their ability to express themselves clearly and listen attentively.

     Friday will be another day to work on the persuasive project. Students should finish finding their sources and begin wrapping up the organization of their essays. Remember that presentations begin on Thursday, October 27.

     After school, today the boys have a soccer game at home, and they have their last home game on Wednesday afternoon at 4:30. Come out and support them! Our field hockey girls have their last home game tomorrow (Tuesday) at 3:30; this is earlier than their usual time, so don't be late! Newspaper club meets Tuesday right after school, and chess club on Wednesday at the usual time, too.

     We have only two weeks until Halloween, which falls on a Monday this year. If you are wearing a costume to school, remember that it must conform to the dress code despite the festivities.

     That's all! Thank you for reading, and get in touch if you have any questions.

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Homecoming!

Hey Everyone,

     Even though it is not technically a middle school event, if you are in the area and want something to do tonight, get over to the high school. Tonight is the homecoming football game, and many of our kids will be there to cheer and support their fellow Scots. You should join them! The game starts at 7:00, and they have plenty of hot food and drink to keep you warm in the stands.

     In other news, our eighth grade girls won 6-2 against Westbrook tonight, after the seventh grade girls won 9-0 (I think). How's that for some quality playing?

Go Scots!
Mr. DeMaris

Week of October 10 – 14

Good Evening,

     This week has three major components:  arguments, NWEAs, and reading. On Tuesday, students get introduced to their big persuasive project, which will include written, visual, and presentation components. Students will get rubrics for each section in time to ensure they all have the opportunity to earn a three (3) or four (4) in every aspect of the project. There will be ample class time over the next couple weeks for students to work on this in school and to ask questions so the work they do at home will be successful.

     Remember, as students you are responsible for your own success. You have reached an age where you can ask for help when you need it, and you can recognize when you are struggling. While we, as teachers, check in and offer support, you must take charge of your work and stay focused.

     On Wednesday and Thursday, students will have regular Allied Arts classes followed by NWEAs before lunch. After lunch, they will have their standard afternoon classes for those two days. This way, thanks to the Green / White scheduling, they will have all of their four core classes once each over the two days. Students will read silently in Language Arts on those days, taking a break from the computerized tests and the pressure.

     On Friday, students will have a chance to work on their persuasive projects in class; they should be prepared to get up and announce their topics to the class as a whole by the end of the period.

     After school this week, Yearbook Club meets on Tuesday, and the same afternoon sees our field hockey teams facing Scarborough and girls' soccer teams facing King at home. Wednesday is Chess Club, and 8th grade soccer faces SMC. Thursday we play Gorham in field hockey, and on Friday our girls are home competing against Westbrook in soccer. As always, you should take an afternoon out of your busy schedules and come support your Scots — there is always more room for fans to cheer them on!

     Yearbooks are still for sale, but prices have returned to normal — $25 for hardcover, $20 for soft. Buy them online at jostens.com or in person by bringing cash or check up to Room 83. Make checks to BEMS Yearbook. Students will get yearbooks delivered to their homerooms in the spring upon completion of design by the club and printing and binding by Jostens.

    Thank you for reading, and remember to get in touch if you have any questions!

Kind Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of October 3 – 7

Good morning!

     This week is a shorter week than usual for students, as Friday is an In-Service day for staff. This means students stay home and do whatever they do when we are not around, and all of us get to come into school and attend trainings and workshops and experience the building with about nine-hundred fewer voices than it usually holds. Thank goodness this doesn't happen too often — it would get far too quiet around here.

     In Language Arts this week, we will hopefully start by having students take the SRI in class, a short, straightforward Lexile test to see how students are doing on their reading levels. On Tuesday, students will discuss the difference between logical arguments based on credible sources and some of the major fallacies in argument — that is, weaknesses that get in the way of credibility and validity. On Wednesday, students will continue to develop their understanding of logical fallacies, including making a quiz or assessment on the subjet, and Thursday will be presentation day, where students present their topic to the class. This time, to earn full credit, students must take some type of test, quiz, or other assessment to determine if the audience understood their topic.

     After school this week, we have a mix of clubs and sports going on. Our soccer girls play a home game on Monday, while the boys play Wednesday. We also have a cross-country meet on Wednesday. Tuesday after school is newspaper club, and Wednesday (an awfully packed day!) is chess club. Go join a club or cheer on our Scots!

     Remember that YEARBOOKS ARE ON SALE AND RIGHT NOW YOU CAN GET THEM FOR $4 OFF!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Yearbooks are on sale!

Good evening!

You can preorder your yearbook at last! The Yearbook Club is going to spend the next several months designing and building this year's book, which we will print courtesy of Jostens. Every year, we pour the heart and soul of the Bonny Eagle experience into this beautiful publication, and it can be yours for only $25.00 in hardcover, or $20.00 in softcover.

But, from now until Columbus Day, there is a SALE going on! You can get 16% off hardcovers and 20% off softcovers if you order online or in person before or on October 10th. That's $4.00 off either option!

Buy now while prices are low, and guarantee yourself a book of memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Order at http://jostensyearbooks.com?REF=A03296105 or in person in Room 83, right above the office. You can pay online with credit card, or you can pay with cash or check in person. Make checks payable to BEMS Yearbook.

Buying a yearbook supports your school and gives you something you can enjoy for years to come. Take the time; order a book.

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Late Arrival for Students

Good evening,

     Please remember that Wednesday is a two-hour delay for students; staff still arrive on time, but the student day does not begin until 9:10, instead of the usual 7:10. In Language Arts here in Clan Barclay, students will be reading silently, so make sure everyone has their book.

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of September 26 – 30

Welcome back!

     This week will be all about developing the practical use of persuasion. That means combining the simple persuasive method with letters and speech. On Monday and Tuesday, students will write a basic persuasive letter about a selected topic, finding evidence from credible sources to support their claims. Wednesday, the late arrival day, will be for silent reading in the classroom. Students must submit their letters by Wednesday evening to be printed for Thursday. Throwback Thursday will be a chance for students to present their claims and a part of their reasoning aloud to the class, and Friday will be a day for review.

     After school this week, Yearbook Club meets on Tuesday and Chess Club meets on Wednesday. On the sports front, there is field hockey Monday at 4:30, a girls' soccer game Wednesday at 4:30, and a boys' soccer game Friday at 4:30; the seventh grade games all happen at 3:30 the same days. If you have the time, come out and support your Scots!

     Remember, Wednesday is a late arrival day for students. That means everything starts two hours later — busses and the school day.

     Finally, the school news website is up and running! bit.ly/BENewsNet is the official site of the Newspaper Club — check it out!

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Ferry Beach — What should I bring?

Good morning,

     Tomorrow (Wednesday) after the first Allied Arts class, Barclay students pack into busses and head down to the Ecology School at Ferry Beach in Saco. We will spend the rest of the academic day there, exploring the dunes and the forest and learning about the environment and the management of our natural world. Students will come back to school in time to get on their regular bus and go home at their regular time, or attend whatever after-school programs they do.

     Please remember that this means students will be walking on uneven ground for a period of multiple hours, with a break in the middle to each lunch. We highly suggest students wear closed-toed shoes, either sneakers or boots, so they do not injure themselves or break a sandal by slipping. The weather is predicted to be 75 – 80 degrees down in Saco that day, so you won't need any cold-weather gear like we will in the spring, but be advised that the school dress code still applies on field trips.

     Many students have indicated they will bring their own bag lunch on the trip; students who have said they need a school lunch have told us already, and will have a school-provided bag lunch available.

     We are looking forward to a good time!

With anticipation,
Mr. DeMaris

Learning Lab

Good morning,

     Learning Lab signup is now completely digital; there will not be a paper in the office to sign. Instead, you need to go to the link and fill out a form online, explaining which day you will go this week and what you will do there. There is a link to the form on this website, just as indicated in the image below.

     Please remember that Learning Lab is not a place to socialize or play games or simply waste time. This is a time and space for doing homework, studying for tests, or seeking help on concepts you did not quite master in class. Respect the needs of other students working there, and follow all the rules for good conduct.

Thank you,

Mr. DeMaris

The Week in Preview

Hello Everyone,

     This week in Clan Barclay we have ourselves a busy, busy schedule. Last week, students were introduced to the basic ideas of argument, and this week we will continue on that theme. But first, we need to refocus on our books.

     Monday will be spent in the library, reading quietly or finding new books and then reading. Students must be prepared by the end of September to present their reading book to the teacher and the class, and they will write a review of their books as well. Monday is a step in that process. Remember your book if you have one.

     Tuesday will be a day for argument development. Students will open their first argument assignment and begin to flesh it out, adding evidence and searching for credible sources to support themselves, separating the good from the bad. Remember, if your source is not credible, your evidence is not useful, and your argument is not valid. Do not ruin a good argument with bad evidence! Also, the next Newspaper Club meeting is Tuesday after school.

     Wednesday is our field trip to the Ecology School at Ferry Beach in Saco! Students will attend their first Allied Arts class, then pack into busses and head down for a day of walking and talking and exploring the coast and the woods nearby. Be sure to dress accordingly — check the weather forecast! We are going, rain or shine. Also, the next Chess Club meeting is Wednesday after school.

     Thursday we get right back to arguments, and this time they will be student pairs based on student-selected topics, albeit selected from categories we may discuss ahead of time. Remember, we will not use laptops this day. The key is a clear, cohesive presentation of your ideas, this time in written and spoken word.

     Friday will be a day for building on arguments by developing claims from evidence found in news articles. This day will be less free-form and more structured, so students can better understand how argument should be organized.

     Finally, I found this clever quotation by a modern author, and I appreciate it; share and consider!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

A Fundraiser

Hello All,

I have copied the text of a letter sent out to parents of some eighth grade students here at BEMS, and I encourage you to read it and consider donating to this project. 3D printing is a ridiculously futuristic idea that we can actually use in school and people are using in all kinds of fields in the work force. Toy companies print complex toy parts; engineering companies print machines. Just recently, doctors have begun printing artificial jawbones for bone cancer patients, an incredible way to improve the lives of many people. Here, we have a chance to introduce our students to the technology that is changing their world.

Please read, and consider.

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Dear Parents,

This year we have an exciting opportunity to develop a more technologically-based learning experience. In Math classes this year, students are learning about Geometric Transformations, and may apply their knowledge by using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create designs that can be printed on a 3D printer.

3D printing is an incredible new technology that allows students to turn a computerized design into a real-life object. In Math classes students can simulate real-world problems involving the volumes of cones, cylinders, and spheres. In Science classes, students can develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. With these experiences the possibilities have few bounds beyond the imagination of our students.

While we do have access to a 3D printer, a single print for one student can take several hours, and with that printer designated to the whole school, this limits our ability to maximize the capabilities of our project. In June, we started a fundraising effort on DonorsChoose.org to get a 3D printer dedicated for 8th grade student work. However, the deadline for donations is approaching fast (Oct 15, 2016), and we are still only half-funded.

Our students are tremendously excited by this wonderful opportunity, but our finances are limited.

Any donation you can provide will go a long way towards making our dream a reality.

By contributing through DonorsChoose using this link or by scanning the QR code below with your phone - http://goo.gl/bpr1c2 - you will be helping your children to develop their skills with this fun and engaging classroom resource to succeed in an increasingly technological world. Thank you so much for your support!

Sincerely,

Oisin O’Searcoid

Mathematics

8th Grade

Bonny Eagle Middle School

Picture Day!

Good afternoon!

     Tuesday (tomorrow) is picture day here at Bonny Eagle Middle School; make sure you are dressed your best and wear your favorite shirt — this is the mugshot that goes in the yearbook, so everyone will think of you this way for years to come. I will be wearing a snazzy tie; I encourage you all to do the same!

     If you already have your picture order forms, bring them in tomorrow morning; I already have a couple, but you should bring them with. Look at the form for pricing. If you have any questions, let us know.

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Our Upcoming Week

Good Evening,

     This is our first full week of school this year, five uninterrupted days at BEMS, and it looks like the weather will be a little cooler by the end of the week, too. Those of us upstairs are thankful for that; any break from the heat will be appreciated. Come December, we will appreciate our warmer spot, but right now it is just uncomfortable.

     On Monday, we in Clan Barclay will be watching the ESPN mini-documentary "The Man in the Red Bandana," a fourteen-minute segment honoring the memory of Welles Crowther, a man who sacrificed his life on September 11, 2001 rescuing others in the South Tower. We will discuss and write about the event as a part of history, a tragedy, and a moment that united the nation; this year's students are the first group where everyone was born after those events took place.

     Tuesday will be a reading day in class; all students should bring their reading books and read silently throughout the class period. Tuesday is also picture day here at Bonny Eagle Middle School! Dress your best, comb your hair, and smile for the camera; even if you do not plan to purchase photos from LifeTouch, you should still look good — these will be the student photos in the yearbook this year. Speaking of yearbook, our first club meeting will be Tuesday after school in my classroom; if you are interested, come join us!

     We begin discussing argument and persuasion on Wednesday; students will learn the basic terminology — claim, counterclaim, evidence, source, rebuttal. Students will memorize the terms and see which team can identify them all clearly first. The first Chess Club meeting is Wednesday after school in Room 98, down the hall. We also have a Cross-Country meet Wednesday afternoon at 4:00; come support your Scots!

     Throwback Thursday will be a discussion day; we will review argument definitions and read quotations on the purpose of democracy and government, and then students will have group discussions and small debates centered on those quotations. Remember, you are not allowed to use your laptop in Language Arts on Thursday, so come with a pencil or pen if you want to jot down notes. Thursday afternoon is the first Newspaper Club meeting; if you are interested in investigating your school, your community, and your world, or you like drawing cartoons, or you are just curious, stop in!

     On Friday, all students will write a "Week in Review" letter, reflecting on their first full week of school and connecting it, if they please, to their weekend or their plans for the future. This is an open opportunity to express themselves clearly and without any criticism of grammar and spelling, as it is only graded on completion. Once they have finished writing, they may free write or read quietly. We also have our first school-wide assembly Friday afternoon, so classes will be shorter than usual — roughly 40 minutes instead of the full hour.

     As usual, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, get in touch by email or phone, or even by commenting here. We are always interested in what you have to say.

Have a good week!

Mr. DeMaris

Dance and Football!

Hello All,

     Remember there is a dance tonight from 6:30 – 8:30 at BEMS! Seventh and eighth grade students are invited to attend; admission is $5.00 at the door, and there will be activities in the Murchie Gym for students less interested in dancing. On top of that, there will be food available for purchase at the outside barbecue… sounds great, right?

     Our boys have a football game at home on Sunday at 1:00; they play on Field 15, out behind the high school. Come out and support them as they play Thornton Academy!

Go Scots!

—Mr. DeMaris

Laptops

Good Morning, Parents:

     On Thursday morning Clan Barclay will receive their shiny new laptops from our IT department; we are looking forward to getting these in student hands so we can work with them moving forward. Please remember that for a student to collect a laptop, he or she needs to have

1) a parent or guardian who attended a technology meeting, and
2) a printed "Laptop Pick-up Ticket" with the student's name and parent signature.

Please make sure your child has the ticket in hand with your signature; without it, the school will not provide a laptop.

     If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Open House Tonight!

Hello Everyone!

     Tonight is Open House, or Back to School Night, at Bonny Eagle Middle School. We in Clan Barclay are excited to welcome you into our little wing of the building, and we hope you attend. The event runs from 6:00 – 7:00 PM; we will be in our classrooms right up the front stairs of the building. Come in, come up, and see where your children spend their time this year.

     Remember, this is not a conference night — we don't know your children very well yet, and the year is just beginning. Rather, this is a chance to meet and greet teachers and other parents and get a feel for how the year will go. Conferences will take place later in November.

     We hope to see you there!

With Anticipation,

Mr. DeMaris

The Upcoming Week

Hello Everyone!

     We had our first day of school today, complete with tricky locker combinations, misplaced schedules, wrong turns, and plenty of laughs and smiles. Everyone has new faces and new names to learn, and we all took some time in the middle, of course, to get some food. It was, all in all, a good day.

     Friday we have no school, and Monday is Labor Day; in celebration of the holiday, we have no school again. This four-day weekend will be followed by a four-day school week, and we already have plenty to keep you busy, parents and students alike. Here is how it will break down.

     On Tuesday, students return to school and start their first genuine school day, without all the extra bits and modified schedules tacked on today. Tuesday will be a White Day, so our new Advisory period will take place from 9:15 – 9:45, where students will join small groups and meet with a staff member. Once school lets out, activity busses begin running that afternoon. In the evening, from 6:00 – 7:00, parents are encouraged to come to school (bring your kid back with you, too!) to attend our annual Open House, or Back to School Night. This is not a time for conferences, but an opportunity to meet teachers, see the clan, figure out what is where, and get a feel for how this year will go. Please be there.

     On Thursday, provided a parent has attended a technology seminar by that point, students will receive their new laptops from our IT department. These are fresh out of the box MacBook Airs, a slightly updated version of their previous machines. If you, as a parent, have not yet attended a meeting, please check the times on the district calendar here. There are sessions at all hours of the day, so there will be one to fit your schedule.

     On Friday evening, after this first nearly-complete week of school, students have the opportunity to attend their first school dance for 7th and 8th graders. Put on by the Pathfinder program, it runs from 6:30 – 8:30. Bring a friend or come alone, but students are welcome to dance and have a good time.

     In Language Arts today, students received their first reading books for the trimester, unless they identified books they are already reading. They also received their first assignment:  write a letter of introduction about themselves to me. Details about that assignment can be found on the assignments page of this website; see the link in the top menu.

     As usual, get in touch if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. We in Clan Barclay genuinely want you to know what is going on in the school and with your child, and communication is key to that understanding. Our email addresses are below, and you can call the school if that works better for you. Welcome to eighth grade, and welcome to Clan Barclay!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Mrs. Grace Davis
gdavis@bonnyeagle.org
Mr. Andrew DeMaris
agdemaris@bonnyeagle.org
Mr. Dale Menard
dmenard@bonnyeagle.org
Mr. Lawrence Robertson
lrobertson@bonnyeagle.org

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 Mr. Menard, 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, reasonably 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.

     We continue to explore new laws and new opportunities here at Bonny Eagle Middle School, 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

The Coming Week

Hi Guys,

You need to know three things about next week, May 30 – June 3.

1. Monday is Memorial Day, if you hadn't already heard, so it is a day off school. Take some time to consider who has given you the opportunities you have today and the freedom you so often take for granted. Show some respect and appreciation for those who have fought and fallen for your opportunities.

2. Wednesday, June 1, is the due date for the Final Project; make sure you proofread carefully and answer all the parts of each question. Some leeway can be given if you really need more time, but I have to grade all of these carefully before June 10, so I can't have everyone waiting until the last minute; I will literally not have enough time to grade your work, which will leave you on the list of potential candidates for Summer Academy. Don't do that to yourself, and don't do it to me.

3. Thursday, June 2, is laptop takeback day. MAKE SURE you save anything from the laptop you ever want to see again. These machines will be taken and shipped back to Apple once they have been processed, and you will never see them again. You will be issued a new laptop, essentially identical to your current one, once you get to the high school. Please remove all stickers, decals, cases, and any other additions to the laptop before you bring it in on Thursday.

Have a lovely weekend; Saturday looks to be a perfect day, Sunday a transitioning mix, and Memorial Day itself a rainy mess. Enjoy what you can and have some fun. And remember — rainy days are great for sitting with a good book… and finishing your project!

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Buy a Yearbook by June 1

To guarantee you get a yearbook, buy one by June 1! Order online at jostens.com, keyword Bonny Eagle Middle School, or bring cash or check to Room 83. Make checks to BEMS or BEMS Yearbook. Guarantee your copy of this year's memories, now in full color through and through!

Yearbook distribution will take place in early June.

—Mr. DeMaris

Out Friday

Hello All,

     I apologize for my sudden onset of poor health, but after my increasingly difficult headache today and the continuous sore throat that has progressed, disgustingly, to my sinuses and clogged nose, I have called in sick for Friday. I don't want to infect anyone, and I will not be much good at managing any work if I can hardly breathe and barely talk properly. I hope this is short-lived.

     Keep working on your projects and remember to stick to the story in your summary; don't judge or add your own opinion! If you do, it will not be objective, and that means it will be wrong. I hope to be back on Monday, as loud as ever.

Uncomfortably,
Mr. DeMaris

Upcoming Absences and Assessments

Hello All,

     I will be out of the classroom tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3; rather than pay a garage hundreds of dollars to replace the exhaust system on my car, I am taking the day to do it myself. As a man who doesn't own a garage or a car port, or even a nice pop-up canopy, I need to take the only partly sunny day in this week of rain to accomplish that. I'm sorry I won't be around, but it has to be done.

     Next week, Thursday and Friday (May 12 – 13),* I will also be out of the classroom, attending a conference at King Middle School on classroom design, lesson design, and modern teaching practices. This is a great opportunity to learn more about my job and hopefully experience a few good things. Believe it or not, I do always want to be a better teacher, so I take these conferences seriously and get what I can from them. I hate to be out of the classroom, especially with the year winding down, but this should be worth it.

     Tomorrow (Tuesday) students take the Voice and Mood quiz; you all have the notes on Google Classroom. The quiz is entirely multiple-choice, and involves definitions and examples. Make sure you know the differences between active and passive voice, and ensure you can differentiate between indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive moods. Remember, subjunctive is NOT the same as conditional. Look it up.

     Thursday of next week students take the SRI (Standard Reading Inventory), the in-class assessment of reading level and ability they have taken twice already this year — once in October, and once in February. Please do your best on it, and take it seriously. I want to see growth on these, not dismal scores. Even if you aren't confident, you should at least do better than you have in the past. Remember, the goal is not always to outdo the other students, but to outdo yourself. Take the challenge, and succeed.

     As usual, if you have any questions, please email me. I won't necessarily be able to respond from under the car tomorrow, but I can certainly address any concerns before or after.

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

* — That was an en dash inside those parentheses; see how it replaces "to" or "through" in the list?

Ferry Beach

Hello All,

     Just to update you, our clan is going on the class field trip to the Ecology School at Ferry Beach in Saco. This will be an overnight from Tuesday until Wednesday; the kids will return by 1:30 Wednesday afternoon, in plenty of time for their busses or after-school activities. Remember to pack the basics:

1. sleeping bag
2. pillow
3. toiletries (incl. a towel if you want to shower)
4. change of clothes
5. warm clothes (incl. hat, gloves, outdoor-appropriate shoes)
6. snack for bus ride there, if you like
7. board game or book

Do NOT bring the following:

1. cell phone
2. iPod or other music player
3. any other electronic device (except a dedicated camera, as per Mrs. Davis' permission)

You will leave your laptop at school after Allied Arts, and any phones or other electronics we will confiscate as we find them. You will have plenty to do without them.

     By this point, you should have asked your questions weeks ago, just as you should have turned in your permission slips. If you are not going, you have work to do. Be productive with your time.

Thank you,
Mr. DeMaris

Trimester Three Begins

Good morning,

     Monday is the start of Trimester Three here at Bonny Eagle Middle School. That means we have only three months until the end of school. While progress reports from Trimester Two will go home by the end of this week, students should be looking forward to see what they need to accomplish before the final wave of dismissals in mid-June.

     This week in Barclay Language Arts, students will reflect on how much they have accomplished so far this year, and how much they still need to accomplish. Reviewing their records, they will draft plans to finish the class as independently and productively as possible, based on the required skills they have yet to demonstrate.

     Enjoy the remainder of this gorgeous weekend; go out and soak in the sunshine before the rains come this week. Spring is on its way!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Late Arrival

Hello All,

     Please remember that Wednesday is a two-hour late arrival day; staff will be in the building for meetings, and students will begin their day at 9:10 instead of the usual 7:10. The day will involve shorter class periods and will end at the usual time in the afternoon to allow for clubs and events. Remember that chess club is every Wednesday! Enjoy the extra two hours, and get outside and enjoy the sunshine while you can!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

A Pun

Hello All,

     Welcome back from vacation! We are starting right off with poetry, but I thought a little pun would make a great appetizer.

There's a hare in my food!

     This week, we discuss what makes a poem into poetry and learn the basic terms we need to dive deeper into poem analysis and writing. It should be fun!*

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris


*Well, for those of us who like English….

Image Source:  http://www.hoodedutilitarian.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Picture6.jpg

Finishing Mythology

Hello All,

     We have finished Norse Mythology here in Language Arts, which means we will be moving on to poetry after vacation. Yesterday afternoon, I started recording a few videos of some of the stories; while I couldn't get the same amount of energy as we had in the classroom, with the limited space in front of the camera, I will be posting some or all of the stories online for listening later or recapping at another time. Here is the link to the first part of the first story; go to YouTube to see the rest as they are posted!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Snow Day!

Hello All,

     There is no school today for MSAD #6; Bonny Eagle Middle School is closed due to the sudden arrival of an impending snowstorm. Enjoy your impromptu three-day weekend, and stay safe! The staff-student basketball game scheduled for today will be rescheduled for Thursday of next week.

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Friday!

Hello All!

     Friday is a Hat Day, so be sure to bring in a dollar and your favorite hat. The money will go toward a Hannaford gift card to support a local family who recently suffered a traumatic event. Please remember this — it is important.

     Friday morning is also the staff-student basketball game! The eighth grade boys' and girls' teams will compete against the staff to see who is really the best, and who has the most fans. Staff:  make sure you wear white! Students:  bring your A-game and, don't forget, your hats!

Excitedly,

Mr. DeMaris

Mythology

Hello Everyone!

     Right now, our classes are working on Norse Mythology — the stories of Odin, Thor, Freyja, Loki, Authumla, and the rest give insight into old Germanic lives, and they are fun to tell and listen to. While they are traditionally told aloud, attached you may find some PDFs of the basics of each story.

     In class, I am telling the stories and acting out the best parts in proper, traditional form. Each one has some connection to the old-fashioned "just-so" stories — a myth, after all, explains why something is the way it is. So, the Norse Germanic creation story, the history of swans, the shape of the sky, and even how Thor got his mighty hammer are all myths.

     Click here to learn about the creation of the world.

     Click here to learn about the Gods and their lives.

     Click here to learn about how Thor got his hammer, and Loki learned to shut his mouth.

     Students will produce their own myths before February vacation; in the spirit of traditional mythmaking, their final project will be a verbal presentation of the myth, preferably recorded as well, so they can experience and demonstrate storytelling as well as listening skills. One class has already begun, and is doing a splendid job of it.

     Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris