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