Pizza Social 2013

Congratulations 8th graders!  You raised almost $1700 today at the Pizza Social.  The iPad was auctioned off for $630, the basket of gift cards was auctioned off for $400 and the sports package went for $250.  You also raised almost $400 in donations, too.  This amount brings you to a little over $2000 raised thus far and $8000. left to raise.  I believe you can do this, but we need to start to plan our next event next week.  Come to school ready to discuss our next fund raising event.  Thus far we have had these suggestions to consider:

• See's Chocolates
• Cookie buckets
• Entertainment Books
• Car Wash
• Bake Sale

Jeopardy Link

http://www.superteachertools.com/jeopardy/usergames/Feb201107/game1298233590.php

Happy studying! :)

Practice ISEE Test * Free!

GET PREPPED! Free Practice Test for Private School Admissions The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is a required test for admissions to the Bishop's School, Francis Parker, and La Jolla Country Day for middle and high school.  Building students familiarity with this test can have a strong impact on their performance on the real exam.  La Jolla LearningWorks is offering a free practice test to give students exposure the test.  All students taking this test will receive a detailed score report indicating areas of strength and weakness, as well as recommendations to prepare for the actual test in January/February 2014.   WHO: Students applying for 6-9th grade admissions to private school WHEN: Saturday, October 5th - 8:30-11:30am WHERE: La Jolla Rec Center, Room 1, 615 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037 REGISTER: admin@ljlearningworks.com / (858) 456-4569 Spaces are limited.  Register by October 2nd to reserve your child's spot. VISIT US AT THE FARMER'S MARKET! La Jolla Open Aire Market Sunday, September 29th - 9:00am - 1:00pm This week is our last week at the La Jolla Farmer's Market.  Visit our Pearl Sponsor booth for free prizes and a chance to win an iPad mini! We will be designing bookmarks with the kids this week, so bring your creative energy!   Our director, Megan Cohen, M.Ed., will be available at the market to answer any questions you have about our programs.   We hope to see you at the market!

Parent Letter

Good Afternoon 8th Grade Parents,

I wanted to share a quick update on our first fundraiser.  Many of your children have volunteered their time and several of you have helped with our first Washington Fundraiser at this year's Pizza Social.  The students will be hosting a Silent Auction at our Pizza Social.  We will have three fantastic offerings, and we hope you will help us talk up each of the auction items.  We will be auctioning off (via silent auction with bid sheets) a brand new iPad Mini with a hard cover case and screen guard, a sports package with autographs, tickets and a photographer who will photograph your child at their next sporting event, and our third item, a La Jolla/Del Mar basket with hundreds of dollars worth or gift cards and gift certificates!  We hope to see you all at the Pizza Social on September 27 at 5:00.

Students are already working on their next Washington Fundraiser and are designing TCS logo socks!  Keep an eye out for these as they will make fun and affordable gifts for family and friends.

If you were not at our Back To School Night, you may have missed this year's dates and schools planned to assist you with high school transitions.  We have four events planned and may have more to come.  Here are the dates and schools schedule thus far:

     October 2 - High Tech High

     October 8 - Army Navy Academy, Bishop's School, Francis Parker School, La Jolla Country Day School,                             Pacific Ridge High, and Sand Diego Jewish Academy

     October 17 - Grauer School

     October 29 - Cathedral High

Lastly, TCS is still looking for an organizer of our Fall Festival!!  This year the 8th graders will play a small roll in the event, so please consider helping make this year's Fall Festival a great experience by volunteering some time.  If you are interested, please let me, Kelly or Evelyn know and we will point you in the right direction.

Your children are off to a great start this year.  They are thinking hard in math class, isolating variables in science class, writing persuasive essays and reading Shakespeare in humanities class, using antique photos with a modern twist to express ideas in art class, and looking for music on the internet to personalize in music class!  Welcome back to school and fall 2013.

Best, David

I was looking for a review game and....

...found this really cool one! Check it out!!!

http://www.mathplayground.com/XDetectives/XDetectives.html

I promised I would post this here on our blog... Good luck and persuade away!

Writing the Persuasive Essay

What is a persuasive/argument essay? In persuasive writing, a writer takes a position FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe or do something.

Persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.

When planning a persuasive essay, follow these steps

1. Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Know the purpose of your essay.

2. Analyze your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position.

3. Research your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic.

4. Structure your essay. Figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your audience, and your topic.

The following criteria are essential to produce an effective argument

• Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take notes.

• Test your thesis. Your thesis, i.e., argument, must have two sides. It must be

debatable. If you can write down a thesis statement directly opposing your own, you will ensure that your own argument is debatable.

• Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument.

• Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason.

Parts of the Persuasive Essay

1. The Introduction

The introduction has a "hook or grabber" to catch the reader's attention.

Examples:

A. Opening with an unusual detail: (Manitoba, because of its cold climate, is not thought of as a great place to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal congregation of garter snakes in the world!).

B. Opening with a strong statement: (Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter sales in Canada!)

C. Opening with a Quotation: (Elbert Hubbard once said , "Truth is stronger than fiction.")

D. Opening with an Anecdote: An anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-getting opening if it is short and to the point.

E. Opening with a Statistic or Fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your topic. It may be wise to include the item's authoritative source.

F. Opening with a Question. (Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were not for television?)

G. Opening with an Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement. (The whole world watched as the comet flew overhead.)

The introduction should also include a thesis or focus statement.

The Thesis/Hypothesis is your statement of purpose. The thesis/hypothesis should be one sentence in length. This is the foundation of your essay and it will serve to guide you in writing the entire paper.

There are three objectives of a thesis statement:

1. It tells the reader the specific topic of your essay.

2. It imposes manageable limits on that topic.

3. It suggests the organization of your paper.

Through the thesis, you should say to the reader:

"I've thought about this topic, I know what I believe about it, and I know how to

organize it."

2. The Body

The writer then provides evidence to support the opinion offered in the thesis statement in the introduction. The body should consist of at least three paragraphs.

Each paragraph is based on a solid reason to back your thesis statement. Since almost all issues have sound arguments on both sides of the question, a good persuasive writer tries to anticipate opposing viewpoints and provide counter-arguments along with the main points in the essay. One of the three paragraphs should be used to discuss opposing viewpoints and your counterargument.

The following are different ways to support your argument:

·      Facts - A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading,

observation, or personal experience.

Note: Do not confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is an idea believed by many people, but it cannot be proven.

·      Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from responsible sources. Always cite your sources.

·      Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable.

Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete. They are the proof.

Hints for successful body paragraphs:

1. Clarify your position in your topic sentence – state your argument or reason that supports your position (thesis), think about what needs to be explained, and then think about how you can elaborate.

2. Include Concession Statements (address opposing viewpoints!): concession: If you're writing a persuasive piece, you might consider beginning with a concession--that is, by beginning with an acknowledgement of part of your opponent's argument as being valid. Remember that a concession is not a form of weakness. In fact a concession is a strength as it finds common ground with your opponent and it

establishes your ethical appeal: you are a reasonable person willing to listen to/acknowledge that there are more sides to an issue than yours.

**You cannot ignore compelling opposing evidence. You must address strong arguments on the other side; if you don’t, it looks like you are not well prepared and have not looked at the issue you are writing about from all perspectives.**

example:

"True, gun control legislation in Canada needs to be tightened to prevent the United States from becoming as violent as its neighbors to the south. The proposal that has been submitted, however, does not go far enough. Instead,…[now writer begins building his side of argument, showing how it is stronger than the opposing side’s!]3. Use transitions between sentences to serve as cues for the reader (first, second, then, however, consequently, therefore, thus, still, nevertheless, notwithstanding, furthermore, in fact, in contrast, similarly, instead)

3. The Conclusion

A piece of persuasive writing usually ends by summarizing the most important details of the argument and stating once again what the reader is to believe or do.

1. Restate your thesis or focus statement.

2. Summarize the main points: The conclusion enables your reader to recall the main points of your position. In order to do this you can paraphrase the main points of your argument.

3. Write a personal comment or call for action. You can do this with a prediction: This can be used with a narrative or a cause and effect discussion. The conclusion may suggest or predict what the results may or may not be in the situation discussed or in similar situations.

4. Consider ending with a question.  This lets your readers make their own predictions, draw their own conclusions.

 As a general guideline, when writing a persuasive essay:

1. Have a firm opinion that you want your reader to accept.

2. Begin with a grabber or hook to get the reader's attention.

3. Offer evidence to support your opinion.

4. Conclude with a restatement of what you want the reader to do or believe.

Persuasive Essay Outline

Introduction:

A. Get the readers attention by using a "hook."

B. Give some background information if necessary.

C. Thesis or focus statement.

I. First argument or reason to support your position:

A. Topic sentence explaining your point and reason

B. Possible concession toward opposing argument

C. Elaboration to back your point.

D. Clincher

II. Second argument or reason to support your position:

A. Topic sentence explaining your point and reason

B. Possible concession toward opposing argument

C. Elaboration to back your point.

D. Clincher

III. Third argument or reason to support your position:

A. Topic sentence explaining your point and reason

B. Possible concession toward opposing argument

C. Elaboration to back your point.

D. Clincher

IV. Opposing Viewpoint: (This is optional, however highly recommended, so that the reader will know you have considered another point of view and have a rebuttal to it.)

A. Opposing point to your argument.

B. Your rebuttal to the opposing point.

C. Elaboration to back your rebuttal.

Conclusion:

A. Summary of main points or reasons

B. Restate thesis statement.

C. Personal comment or a call to action. Transition Signals:

Transitions are words and phrases that connect ideas and show how they are related.

To repeat an idea just stated:

In other words

That is

To repeat or restate

Again

To illustrate an idea

For example or for instance

In particular

To Illustrate

In this manner

Thus

To announce a contrast, a change in direction:

Yet

However

Still

Nevertheless

On the other hand

In contrast

Instead of

On the contrary

Conversely

Notwithstanding

In spite of this

Time:

At once

In the interim

At length

Immediately

At last

Meanwhile

In the meantime

Presently

At the same time

Temporarily

Thereafter

To restate an idea more precisely:

To be exact

To be specific

To be precise

More specifically

To mark a new idea as an addition to what has been said:

Similarly

Also

Too

Besides

Furthermore

Further

Moreover

In addition

To show cause and effect:

As a result

For this reason

Therefore

Hence

Consequently

Accordingly

Conclusion:

In short

To conclude

In brief

On the whole

In summary

Conferencing with a Peer

Ask someone to read your rough draft to see if they understand and can follow your argument. Ask them to consider the following questions. Their answers should show you that your argument makes sense.

What is the thesis statement?

How is the thesis explained?

What are the main points of the argument? (3)

1.

2.

3.

How did the author back up each point?

1.

2.

3.

What are the opposing point(s)?

What is the writer's solution?

Hello TCS NMY!

Dear TCS Community,

I am thrilled to be joining the Nelson Middle Years team as a new math/science teacher. I fell in love with the campus the instant I saw it and felt so welcomed when I had the opportunity to meet some students and teachers last school year. I also had the chance to observe a Friday community meeting and am so happy to be joining such a supportive and obviously caring community of learners.

For the past seven years, I have worked as the lead middle school math teacher at The Child’s Primary School. I earned my Masters of Math Education from San Diego State University in 2010. I love working with students to learn how they are thinking about a problem, and helping to guide them to reach the next level of understanding through discussion and problem solving. I have also spent the past three years working in staff development to support fellow teachers in gaining a better understanding of student thinking and growth in mathematics. I have a keen interest in STEM education and the ways it can support students’ real-world understanding and interest in math and science. I look forward to finding ways to incorporate projects that combine science, technology, engineering, and math in my classes this year.

Outside of school, I love to travel, scuba dive, and relax at the beach. I am originally from Cincinnati, where my family still lives. I was married this summer at The Berkeley Ferry downtown. My husband and I have a dog, Piper, who lives with us in Mission Hills. I look forward to meeting my new students and their families and learning more about all of you this year! 

Sincerely,

Diana Quincannon

8th Grade Parents - this flyer will be emailed to you once list-serve addresses have been updated. -David

PRIVATE SCHOOL

ADMISSIONS / ISEE

FREE PARENT INFO NIGHT!

Thinking about private middle/high school for your child? Admissions to San Diego’s elite private schools including, The Bishop’s School, La Jolla Country Day, Francis Parker, and The Children’s School, is a competitive process. Make sure you have all the information you need to make your child’s application stand out in the crowd!
JOIN US FOR AN OVERVIEW OF THE PRIVATE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS:
Mark your calendars!
• Important events that can give your child an advantage • Deadlines that can make or break your admission
Mastering the Application Process
• Keys to making your child’s application stand out • Avoiding common application pitfalls
• Putting a positive spin on learning disabilities
Acing the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
• Understanding the testing format
• How to prepare your child for test day • Testing with accommodations
DATE: Thursday, September 19th, 6-7:30pm
LOCATION: La Jolla Rec Center, 615 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037 RSVP: admin@ljlearningworks.com / (858) 456-4569
Light refreshments will be served.
Spaces are limited. Please contact us to reserve your space.
WHEN IT COMES TO LEARNING, WE KNOW WHAT WORKS

ljlearningworks.com | 858.456.4569 | 7730 Herschel Ave., Ste. N, La Jolla, CA 92037 

Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year!!