Mrs. Bowman's Classes

April 27-May 1

2009-04-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Events this week:

Thursday, April 30 8:15-11:30 All School Skateland Trip

This Week:
Reading Classes will be starting a short stories storyboard unit.
Writing Classes will be starting an application unit.
Health and Fitness students will continue circuit, fitness journals and set individual goals.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

April 20-24

2009-04-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Events this week:
April 22-24 WASL (Tues-Thurs)
April 30 (All School Skateland Trip)

This Week:
Reading Classes will continue reading strategies.
Writing Classes will be continuing with expository writing activity (letter of complaints).
Health and Fitness students will continue circuit, fitness journals and set individual goals.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

April 13-17

2009-04-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Events this week:
April 14-16 WASL (Tues-Thurs)
April 22-24 WASL (Tues-Thurs)
April 30 (All School Skateland Trip)

This Week:
Reading Classes will continue literary devices and reviewing reading strategies
Writing Classes will be continuing with expository writing activity (problem and solutions)
Health and Fitness students will continue circuit, fitness journals and set individual goals.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

April 6-10

2009-04-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Events this week:
April 7- Top three fundraiser groups will be presenting to the 8th grade and voted upon
April 14-16 WASL
April 22-24 WASL

This Week:
Reading Classes will be reviewing Literary Devices and reviewing reading strategies
Writing Classes will be continuing their fundraising project and determine this year's activity
Health and Fitness students will start their circuit, fitness journals and set individual goals.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

March 24-27

2009-03-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Events this week:
March 27 -Top three fundraiser groups will be presenting to the 8th grade and voted upon
March 28- April 5th Spring Vacation

This Week:
Reading Classes will be finishing up book reviews and presenting them on Thursday.
Writing Classes will be continuing their fundraising project and helping the finalists with their presentations.
Health and Fitness will continue with toning (safety and technique). They will be suiting down on Thursday.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

March 9-13

2009-03-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Events this week:
March 10- All school WASL Prompt and career presentations
March 11-No School
March 12-New Semester

This Week:
Reading Classes will be contining WASL REVIEW and working on book reviews.
Writing Classes will be continuing their fundraising project.
Navigation Class will continue with career unit.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

March 2-6

2009-03-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

February 23-27

2009-02-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Events this week:
Wednesday, Feb. 25 -school pictures

This Week:
Reading Classes will be contining WASL REVIEW and working on book reviews.
Writing Classes will be taking a spelling and grammar test on Monday and starting a group fundraising project
Navigation Class will continue with local community service projects.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

February 9-12

2009-02-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Events:
Thursday Feb. 12th 7th and 8th grade spelling bee to determine top 3 for each grade
Friday Feb. 13- No School-district work day
Monday Feb 16th-No School-President's Day

This Week:
Reading Classes will be finishing their Brochure Book Reviews Due Thurs. NO LATES!
Writing Classes will be starting a short poetry unit and taking a spelling and grammar test Thurs.
Navigation Class will be doing some local community service projects.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

Jan. 26-30

2009-01-25T11:23:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Events:
1/28 Student-led conferences 4:00-7:30 pm
Feb.1 Superbowl (Pittsburgh and Arizona)
1/29-Feb 2 Mrs. Bowman in Arizona

This Week:
Reading Classes will be working on their second book report and working on a WASL Practice.
Writing Classes will be Finishing their Family Newspaper Project and starting a grammar packet.
Navigation Class will continue conference preparation.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

FOOTBALL UPDATE
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Pittsburgh

January 20-24

2009-01-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Events:
1/28 student-led conferences 4:30-7:30 pm
1/29-Feb 2 Mrs. Bowman in Arizona

This Week:
Reading Classes will be working on their second book report and working on WASL review.
Writing Classes will be continuing their Family Newspaper Project and typing in the lab.

Navigation Class will continue conference preparation.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

FOOTBALL UPDATE
Steelers are in the Superbowl!!!!!!!!! They will take on Arizona on February 1st.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Pittsburgh

January 12-16

2009-01-11T19:38:00.001-08:00

Upcoming Events:
Mrs. Bowman out on Tuesday for a funeral.
January 19th-no school Martin Luther King's Birthday

This Week:
Reading Classes will be giving their book review presentations and continuing story elements.
Writing Classes will be continuing their Family Newspaper Project. All hand written articles are due Wednesday.

Navigation Class will continue conference preparation and goal setting.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

FOOTBALL UPDATE
Steelers crushed the Chargers they will be playing the Ravens on Sunday in Pittsburgh in the AFC Finals. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Steelersssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Congratulations to Bobby Salinas and Geraldo Alajandre for going 4/4 in last weekends Bowman's NFL Picks

Jan. 5-9

2009-01-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Events:
Mrs. Bowman gone to a conference Jan 7-9th
BOWMAN'S NFL PLAYOFFS PICKS start this week all entries need to be in by Tuesday.

This Week:
Reading Classes will be giving their book review presentations and continuing story elements.
Writing Classes will be starting a Family Newspaper Project. Information will be presented on Monday and Tuesday.

Navigation Class will continue conference preparation and goal setting.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

FOOTBALL UPDATE
Steelers will host the Chargers on Sunday in second round of the playoffs. GOOOOOOOOOOO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!

December 15-19

2008-12-14T20:42:00.001-08:00

Upcoming Events:
Pen Pal Holiday Activity - Monday, December 15th
Christmas Vacations - December 19- January 5th

This Week:
Reading Classes are going to be completing their Story Elements power point book review and giving presentations.
Writing Classes will be heading to the Intermediate School on Monday, spelling test #8 on Tuesday, finishing typing their persuasive rough drafts on Wednesday, editing on Thursday, and turning in their final draft on Friday.
Navigation Class will continue conference preparation and goal setting.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

Congratulations Steelers for another WIN!

December 8-12

2008-12-07T15:57:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Events:
Pen Pal Holiday Activity - Monday, December 15th
Christmas Vacations - December 19- January 5th

This Week:
Reading Classes are going to be completing their Story Elements Unit and starting their powerpoint book review.
Writing Classes are continuing a Persuasive Writing Unit.
Navigation Class will continue conference preparation and goal setting.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

November 24-25

2008-11-23T21:47:00.000-08:00

Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Important Upcoming Events:

Wednesday Nov. 26-December 1, Thanksgiving Vacation (No School)

Reading classes will continue with their Story Elements Unit.
Writing classes will be finishing their Expository Final.
Health and Fitness will continue their Drug and Alcohol Unit.

FOOTBALL UPDATE:
Pittsburgh won!

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

November 17-21

2008-11-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.
Doug Firebaugh

Important Upcoming Events:

Friday Nov. 21, End of the 1st semester

Wednesday Nov. 26-December 1, Thanksgiving Vacation (No School)

Reading classes will continue with their Story Elements Unit.
Writing classes will be preparing for their Expository Final.
Health and Fitness will continue their Drug and Alcohol Unit.

FOOTBALL UPDATE:
Pittsburgh won!
Hawks lost again!

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

November 10-14

2008-11-09T18:15:00.001-08:00

If you don't know where you are going,
you'll end up some place else.
Yogi Berra

Important Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veteran's Day (No School)

Reading classes will be starting a Story Elements Unit.
Writing classes will continue with their Expository Unit and preparing for their final.
Health and Fitness will be starting a Drug and Alcohol Unit.

FOOTBALL UPDATE:
Pittsburgh and Seattle both lost in close games.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

November 4-7

2008-11-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer.
Marcia Wieder

Important Upcoming Events:

Friday, Nov. 7, Mrs. Bowman out of the building

Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veteran's Day (No School)

Reading classes will continue identifying main idea, supporting details, and inferences within the story.
Writing classes will be starting an expository unit.
Health and Fitness will planning the NOE Project.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

October 27-29

2008-10-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

A good name will shine forever.
Proverb

Important Upcoming Events:

10/28 Healthy Bake Sale (before school and lunch) proceeds go to help local community families who are in need.

10/30-31 Student Conferences (NO SCHOOL) I look forward to seeing you and child.

Reading and writing classes will be working on their portfolios and preparing for conferences.
Health and Fitness will be working on their bake sale.

FOOTBALL UPDATE
Steelers lost to the NYG (horrible game)
Seahawks finally won!

Have a wonderful short week!
Mrs. Bowman

October 20-24

2008-10-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

Reputation is for time; character is for eternity.
J. B. Gough

Important Upcoming Events:

MAKE A DIFFERENCE WEEK! 10/20-24

Purpose: neighbors helping neighbors All eighth grade students will be committing ARK's- acts of random kindness

10/28-29 Healthy Bake Sale (before school and lunch) proceeds go to help local community families who are in need

10/30-31 Student Conferences (NO SCHOOL)

Reading classes will continue identifying main idea, supporting details, and inferences within the story.
Writing classes will take their third spelling test and continue ARK unit.
Health and Fitness will planning healthy breakfast for next week.

FOOTBALL UPDATE
Steelers crushed Bengals
Seahawks lost again

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

October 13-17

2008-10-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.
Doug Firebaugh

Important Upcoming Events

Wednesday- 7th grade math and science field trip (8:15-12:39)

Wednesday -8th grade math and science WASL prompts (8:15-12:39)

Friday - Mrs. Bowman out of the building for a training

Reading classes will continue identifying main idea, supporting details, and inferences within the story.
Writing classes will take their second spelling test and start a grammar unit.
Health and Fitness will planning healthy breakfast for later in the month.

FOOTBALL UPDATE
Steelers had a bye
Seahawks lost again

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

October 6-9

2008-10-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
Robert Collier

Reading classes will continue identifying main idea, supporting details and introducing inferences within the story.

Writing classes will finish their narrative stories and start a short grammar unit

Health and Fitness will continue with nutrition.

Football Update
Hawks got crushed by NY (6-44)
Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

September 22-26

2008-09-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Reading classes will continue identifying main idea and supporting details within the story and take a quiz later towards the end of the week.
Writing classes will finish their first letter to their 4th grade buddy and finish their natural disaster narrative story.
Health and Fitness will continue putting together their personal fitness plans.

FOOTBALL UPDATE
Steelers took a beating against the Eagles.
Seahawks actually won!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Bowman

September 15-19

2008-09-14T20:54:00.001-07:00

Great progress comes with patience and determination. I believe we are on our way.
Reading classes will continue identifying main idea and supporting details within the story.
Writing classes will continue working on narrative writing and finishing their first narrative story.
Health and Fitness will finish the video and set personal fitness goals.
FOOTBALL UPDATE
Steelers took down Cleveland
Seahawks lost again

Have a great week!
Please look for progress reports they need to be signed and returned.

September 8-12

2008-09-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Another great start! Kids are coming to school, motivated and ready to learn. Now that we have completed the beginning of the year assessments, we can start having some FUN.

Reading classes will be going over their reading assessments, setting goals, and starting their reading journals.
Writing classes will be starting a narrative unit, go over their writing assessment, and set their first quarter goals.
Health and Fitness will continue with their commercial, meet with Cory Briggs our personal trainer, and will be watching the movie Supersize Me.

FOOTBALL UPDATE
Steelers crushed Houston 17-38
Seahawks got owned by Buffalo 10-34

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STEELERS!

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

September 2-5

2008-09-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

We're back! A new year, new kids, a new chance to make a difference. I'm confident that this year is going to be a year of amazing growth.

7th Grade Reading will be taking a school-wide reading assessment, set quarter goals, and start the story FIRE IN MIDAIR.

8th Grade Reading will be taking a school-wide reading assessment, set quarter goals, and start the story UFO'S IN WASHINGTON.

8th Grade Writing will be taking a school-wide writing assessment, go over student learning objectives for writing, and start a writing journal.

Health and Fitness will be creating a commercial to promote a school-wide walking project.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

June 2-6

2008-06-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

We did it! Another year has finally come and gone. I just wanted to thank everyone for making this such a wonderful first year for me and I'm excited about my future in Zillah.

Upcoming events this week:

Tuesday, June 3rd----Final Writing Project Due
Wednesday, June 4th----Movie Prince Caspian-End of the year dance 5-7 pm
Friday, June 6th ----8thgraders to Enchanted Village-7th graders BBQ
Monday, June 9th-----Final Grades due in the office

Have a great week and long summer!
Mrs. Bowman

May 27-30

2008-05-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

We're in the single digits, 9 days to go. Hang in there!

7th grade Literature will be finishing up The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and presenting their book reviews.
8th grade Literature will be finishing up their Parody Unit and presenting their book reviews.
Writing Class will continue to tape their commercials.
Study Skills will be starting a leadership review unit.

Friday, May 30-gold card students go to Meadow Brook
Wednesday, June 4th-all school movie Prince Caspian
Thursday, June 5th-Last Dance 5-7pm
Friday, June 6th-8th graders to Wild Waves and 7th graders go to school picnic

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

May 19- 23

2008-05-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

13 more days! I hope that everyone enjoyed the hot weather this weekend. It was a little too hot for me, but I would definately take the heat over the cold we have had over the last several weeks. Speaking of drastic changes, you maybe noticing a change in your child's behavior. I know I'm seeing more behavior problems, poorer attitudes, and just lack of interest in school. I think I have written up more detentions in the last two weeks then I have all year. Please encourage your kids to hang in there and remind them we all have to be here, so lets make the best of it.

7th Grade Literature- starting new novel Prince Caspian
8th Grade Literature-Literature-continue working on Parody's Project
Writing classes-will be continuing with their creative writing project
Study Skills-will be finishing up careers

Up Coming Events:

Wednesday, May 21-8th grade science outing
Friday, May 23-Literature final book review due (no late projects)
Friday, May 30-gold card students go on a field trip

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

May 12-16

2008-05-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting warmer, the sun is hanging out longer and we are down to 18 more days, life doesn't get better than that!

Literature students will be finishing their stories out of the book and working on their book reviews.

Writing classes will continue with their application unit.

Study skills will be finishing with their career unit.

Upcoming events:

May 23-Literature classes turn in their last book review(genre-free choice)
May 30-Community service project due for study skills
June 6- 8th grade trip/last day

May 6-9

2008-05-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

22 MORE DAYS! We're getting there, but remember just because we are winding down doesn't give us the excuse to check ourselves out. There's still a lot of teaching and learning that needs to take place.

In literature students will be finishing their story boards and then starting a story out of the Literature book.

Writing classes will be finishing their movie reviews, summing up their fund raisers and starting an application unit.

Study skills will be continuing with their career unit.

Upcoming events:

May 8- lock in (5-7)
May 22-Literature classes turn in their last book review. (genre-free choice)
June 6-last day

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

April 28-May 2

2008-04-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

27 MORE DAYS LEFT! We can do this! Our lives should be getting back to normal starting this week now that we have completed the WASL.

Literature classes will be finishing up poetry and starting story boards.

Writing classes will be continuing with movie reviews.

Study Skills will be starting applications and resumes.

Have a wonderful week.

Mrs. Bowman

April 21-25

2008-04-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

One more week of WASL, hang in there! Again, you shouldn't be seeing too much homework during this week. Don't worry, it's just temporary.

Literature classes will be continuing with poetry and non-fiction strategies.
Writing classes will be working on reviews.
Please return all movie review permission forms, ASAP!
Study Skills class will be creating resumes and applications.

April 21-Regular student schedule
April 22 8-11 WASL, then periods 5-6-7 (Writing 7th grade-Science 8th)
April 23 8-10 WASL, then periods 1-2-3-4-7 (7th-8th Reading)
April 24 8-10 WASL, then periods 3-4-5-6-7 (7th-8th Math)
April 25 Regular student schedule

Special Thanks to Liz Park (Katie Wysling's mom) for helping with the Humane Society field trip on Saturday. We had 13 writing students volunteer, it was a huge success!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Bowman

April 14-18

2008-04-13T20:18:00.001-07:00

IT'S HERE! The WASL has finally come and WE ARE READY! Over the next several weeks we will be adjusting the students daily schedule to accommodate the WASL.

April 14-Regular student schedule
April 15 8-11 WASL, then periods 5-6-7 (Writing 7th grade-Science 8th)
April 16 8-10 WASL, then periods 1-2-3-4-7 (7th-8th Reading)
April 17 8-10 WASL, then periods 3-4-5-6-7 (7th-8th Math)
April 18 Regular student schedule ( 9-1 Honor Roll students are at Skateland)
Saturday April 19 Mrs. Bowman's Humane Society Trip 9:15-1:15

Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Bowman

April 7-11

2008-04-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for the last 8 weeks of school? I know that I am! LETS DO THIS!

This week:
Literature classes will be continuing WASL review.
Writing classes will be focusing on spelling/vocabulary and getting ready for another fund rasier.
Study skills will be starting a career's unit.

Upcoming events:

April 14-28 7&8 grade WASL
Friday, April 11 progress reports
Saturday, April 19th field trip to the Humane Society

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

March 24-28

2008-03-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of the those parents who attended conferences, another huge success.

This week:
Literature classes will be starting a WASL review.
Writing classes will be focusing on spelling/vocabulary.
Study skills will continue with leadership activities.

Up Coming Events:

March 28-April 6 Spring Vacation
April 12- Humane Society field trip
April 14-28 WASL

Have a good week!
Mrs. Bowman

March 17-19

2008-03-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Conference Week! I'm looking forward to seeing all of you toward the end of the week.

This week:
Literature classes will be in the lab finishing their book reviews. THEY ARE DUE WEDNESDAY!
Writing classes will continue grammar and start a creative writing activity.
Study skills will continue with leadership activities.

Up Coming Events:

March 19-21 Parent Conferences
March 20-21 No School for students
March 28-April 6 Spring Vacation

Have a good week!
Mrs. Bowman

March 10-14

2008-03-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

A New Beginning! We have made it through two of the three semesters and we are on our last leg. I'm confident the best is yet to come.

Literature classes will be continuing with their poetry unit.
Writing classes will be finishing up the research brochures and starting a short grammar review unit.
Study Skills (new students start Monday) will have an introduction to the class and start a leadership unit.

Up Coming Events:

March 19-21 Parent Conferences
March 20-21 No School for students
March 28-April 6 Spring Vacation

Have a good week!
Mrs. Bowman

March 3-7

2008-03-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

Another semester has come to an end! I will be sending progress reports and notebooks home on Monday. With the exception of my Writing Classes, grades will be updated. Please take a close look at any missing assignments. Students may turn those in for credit. Unfortunately, all late work must be turned in NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY!

"DANCE FOR CANCER," is third period's theme for the upcoming 7&8th grade dance on Tuesday. Students will be selling glow sticks, pop, water, and otter pops in the hopes to raise money for the patients at Children's Hospital.

This week:

Literature-will be starting a poetry unit.
Writing- will be preparing for writing assessment.
Study Skills-will be finishing interviewing (unfortunately this class has been interrupted numerous times over the last two weeks and we haven't had a chance to finish.)

Upcoming Events:

March 3 (progress reports and notebooks sent home-both require parent signature)
March 4 (Dance for Cancer 5-7)
March 5 (all school writing assessment)
March 6 (choir competition-students out all day)
March 7 (NO SCHOOL-end of the semester-official grades due by 2:00)

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

February 25-29

2008-02-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

Technology Week! For the last week students in my literature classes have been putting together a powerpoint book review. Although, I must say at times the assignment was a tad stressful, but I'm excited to proclaim they have done an exceptional job. In addition to literature classes in the lab, we attempted to include my writing classes experimenting with brochures. We will be finishing these up on Friday.

This week:

Literature classes -presentations
Writing classes -brochures
Study skills -mock interviewing

March 3 (progress reports)
March 4 (all school writing assessment)
March 6 (end of the semester)

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

February 19-22

2008-02-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all of those parents and students who worked so hard to make our bake sale a huge success. My 2nd period writing class earned $266.70 which will go towards vaccinating and feeding children in Africa.

Our next fundraiser will be for my 3rd period writing class. They will be sponsoring a concession stand at the dance. Unfortunately, the dance keeps getting postponed. We may look for another option if a date can't be agreed on this week.

I'm often reminded that we all have the power to make a difference we just need the motivation and passion to want to do it. I'm proud to say the mojo is definitely flowing.

This week:

Literature classes will be creating their power point book reviews and start presentations.
Writing classes will be finishing their research and putting together their brochures.
Study skills will be taking an interviewing quiz and starting mock interviews.

Feb. 19-20 (Literature classes will be creating power points in lab)
Feb. 21 (Literature classes -Hopefully start power point presentations)
March 6 (end of the semester)

Special Thanks for those who helped make the bake sale so successful:
Brenda Burge
Chloe & Corrie Blythe
Sean and Jodie Camarata
Jessica Burt
Britten and Wendy Ellis
Samantha Robillard
Troy Dunbar
Amanda Prado
Debbie, Ashley and Trevor Fink
And all of my second period class

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

February 11-14

2008-02-10T21:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Week! This is going to be a wonderful and exciting week for my second period writing class. We will be having our first fundraiser, a bake sale, for Cooking for Kids on the 13th and 14th . All of our proceeds will be going towards two organizations: food, water, and vaccinations for children in Africa and Children's Hospital in Seattle. I'm very proud of how determined and motivated students have become towards this project. I also thank all of the parents who were baking this weekend.

This Week:

Feb. 11 Progress Reports
Feb. 13-14 2nd Period Writing Class putting on bake sale
Feb. 15 No School-work day for teachers
Feb. 18 No School-Presidents' Day
Feb. 19-20 (Literature classes will be creating power points in lab)
Feb. 21 (Literature classes -Hopefully start power point presentations)

Literature Classes- Finishing Man's Search For Meaning-starting cause and effect
Writing Classes- Phase 2 of Research Project (brochure) 2nd period is cooking Mon & Tues
Study Skills-finishing up interview notes-start mock interviews

Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Bowman

February 4-8

2008-02-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

I'm home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, what an experience! Beside the jet lag, the loss of my luggage and and the total chaos leaving Phoenix today, it was more than I could have imagined. The rush of being on TV, seeing celebrities and their overbearing security, swarms of NFL players, the true highlight was meeting the Brady family (carried on a conversation and got a picture with Tom's little brother, he was on my flight going down, Tom picked him from the airport. I got a wave! PRICELESS)I attended the Superbowl NFL EXPERIENCE Pre-Game party, AWESOME!

I'm confident that my students made it through my absence. I'm sure they will be raring to go.

This week:

Literature classes will be continuing with Man's Search for Meaning.

Writing classes will be starting a Make Your Day Research Project. Ask your child what it's about and how we are going to get involved.

Study Skills will be continuing with career applications.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

February 15-18 Mid-Winter Break
February 19 Literature Classes-Book Review Due (powerpoint)

THEY ALL LOST THE Superbowl Race!

Sam Robillard NEW ENGLAND 31-24
Natali Amador NEW ENGLAND 32-14
Mikey Zapien NEW ENGLAND 32-26
Kent Comer NEW ENGLAND 24-17
Kassidy Ruggles NEW ENGLAND 31-17

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

January 28-February 1

2008-01-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Snow, Snow GO AWAY, please comeback NEXT YEAR! I hope that all of you are enjoying your snowy Sunday. It's beautiful, as long as you don't have to go anywhere. Remember listen to the radio just encase there are any school delays.

This week:

Literature classes will be continuing with Man's Search for Meaning.

Writing classes will be starting a Make Your Day Research Project. Ask your child what it's about and how we are going to get involved.

Study Skills will be continuing with career applications.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

January 31-February 4 Mrs. Bowman in Phoenix (superbowl)
February 15-18 Mid-Winter Break
February 19 Literature Classes-Book Review Due (powerpoint)

Remaining Students in Superbowl Race

Sam Robillard NEW ENGLAND 31-24
Natali Amador NEW ENGLAND 32-14
Mikey Zapien NEW ENGLAND 32-26
Kent Comer NEW ENGLAND 24-17
Kassidy Ruggles NEW ENGLAND 31-17

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

January 22-25

2008-01-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

Another rough weekend, Packers lost and I had strep throat. If any of your children start complaining of a sore throat and have a fever you need to get them checked out.

Literature classes will be focusing on "cause and effect" and beginning a new read aloud.

Writing classes will be working on other forms of expository texts.

Study Skills will be continuing with community service projects and starting career applications.

Up Coming Events:

January 31-February 4 Mrs. Bowman in Phoenix, AZ (Superbowl)

Remaining Students in Superbowl Race

Sam Robillard NEW ENGLAND 31-24
Natali Amador NEW ENGLAND 32-14
Mikey Zapien NEW ENGLAND 32-26
Kent Comer NEW ENGLAND 24-17
Kassidy Ruggles NEW ENGLAND 31-17

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

January 14-18

2008-01-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

Rough weekend for Seahawk fans! Maybe next year, thats what I have to keep telling myself, too.

Literature classes will be turning in their book reviews in on Tuesday and starting presentations on Wednesday. They will continue throughout the week.

Writing classes will be correcting their quiz on Monday then start a narrative paper on Tuesday.

Study Skills will be continuing with their Micro-Unit project.

Up Coming Events:
January 14-Progress Reports
January 15-Literature classes will be turning in Book Reviews
January 16-Literature classes will start Book Reivew presentations
January 18-Mid-Term Progress Reports
January 21-No School (Martin Luther King Birthday)

Bowman NFL PLAY OFF PICKS
Congratulations Jennifer Nelson (2 time winner this season)

Remaining Students/Teacher in Superbowl Race

Mrs. Bowman GREENBAY 35-28
Jose Magana GREENBAY 21-14
Sam Robillard NEW ENGLAND 31-24
Natali Amador NEW ENGLAND 32-14
Mikey Zapien NEW ENGLAND 32-26
Kent Comer NEW ENGLAND 24-17
Kassidy Ruggles NEW ENGLAND 31-17

Have a wonderful Week!
Mrs. Bowman

January 7-11

2008-01-06T18:44:00.001-08:00

What an emotional weekend! Blood pressure got a little out of hand during the Steeler game, if any of you had an opportunity to watch the game you would so understand. But I'm much better today and ready to get back to school.

Literature classes will continue researching WWII and preparing to read "Man's Search for Meaning." BOOK REVIEW INFORMATION: Due to the cost of the tri-boards and the difficulty of trying to find them, students may use colored paper for the background as a way to display their information.

Writing classes will be covering common usage problems and taking a quiz on Friday.

Study Skills classes will be starting a technology unit.

BOWMAN'S NFL PLAYOFF PICKS
STUDENTS WHO MADE TO THE NEXT ROUND(all went 4/4):
Jeff Leach
Sean Camarata
Jennifer Nelson
Kassidy Ruggles
Blake Cleveringa

Up Coming Events:
January 7 Study Skills Students need to turn in their community service forms
January 12-13 NFL PLAYOFF (Seattle still alive)
January 14 Progress Reports handed out
January 15 Literature Book Reviews Due
January 21 NO SCHOOL Martin Luther King's Birthday

Have a great week!
Mrs. Bowman

January 3-4

2008-01-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

We're back! I hope everyone had a long, comfortable vacation and are ready for the new year.

Writing classes will be finishing up their grammar packet on Thursday and taking a quiz on Friday.

In literature classes, we will be starting a read aloud "Man's Search For Meaning," by Viktor E. Frankl and focusing on determining importance and supporting details.

Study Skills class will be starting their community research project.

Important upcoming dates:

January 4th-Literature classes have their reading plans due.
January 5th-NFL Wildcard Weekend (Washington at Seattle and Jacksonville at Pittsburgh)
January 15th- Literature classes have tri-board book review due
January 21st- Martin Luther Kings Birthday NO SCHOOL

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Steelers!

Mrs. Bowman

December 17-21

2007-12-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe, but vacation is right around the corner. Encourage your kids to just hold on for five more days.

Things to be aware of for the week:
1. Progress Reports
2. Winter celebration party (Friday-students will be allowed to bring a snacks to share with the class)

Literature classes will be taking a quiz on Monday over main idea and supporting details. This will help them with their homework over the holiday break. Yes, homework! We will also be going over the expectations for our next book review presentation that is due January 15th. Students will be needing a tri-board for this assignment and you can find them at any office supply store. They range in price from $4-7.99, but can be reused.

Writing classes will be taking their final over Expository Writing and working on letters of inquiry.

Study Skills will be finishing their last week of leadership/citizenship.

Congratulations to Jennifer Nelson who went 16/16 in the Bowman NFL Picks.

Have a wonderful and safe Christmas Vacation.
Mrs. Bowman

December 10-14

2007-12-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

Two weeks to go! Lets work hard and celebrate our success.

7th Grade Literature will start reading plans and continue with compare and contrast.

8th Grade Literature will also start reading plans, cover main idea and determining importance.

8th Grade Writing will continue with expository text.

Study Skills will be finishing leadership/citizenship and taking a quiz on Friday.

Congratulations to Robert Gonzales for winning BOWMAN'S NFL PREDICTIONS last week. He went 14/16 and won a case of Mountain Dew and a 1/2 pound of chocolate. Everything he needs for watching Sunday football. We have over 80 students participating and each one took a pledge in order to play. If I happen to win, they all promised to do 30 minutes of fitness before school. I had only two students who felt that was too much to lose.

Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Bowman

December 3-7

2007-12-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

New semester, new beginning! For some, the opportunity for a fresh start only comes along once a year, this is the time. All students start with an A, it's their choice if you choose to keep it.

Things to be aware of this week;

1. final semester grades will be coming home
2. we will be cleaning out binders and choosing several pieces for the end of the year portfolio
3. we will also be doing personal reflections and goal setting for this next semester
4. (2nd period writing) will be bringing home a behavior contract that must be signed by
parent/guardian

7th Grade Literature will be focusing on "compare and contrast" and taking a quiz on Friday.
8th Grade Literature will be finishing up "theme" and taking a quiz on Friday.
8th Grade Writing will be going over WASL prompt and expository text.
Study Skills is a new group of students that will be focusing on leadership/citizenship.

For fun, several students participated in Bowman's NFL pick this week, an opportunity to win a prize for the best record.

Have a wonderful week.
Mrs. Bowman

November 26-29

2007-11-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

Full, well rested and ready to go! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Just a few
announcements for the week.

All school writing WASL practice, Thursday
End of the semester, Thursday
No school on Friday

I will be sending home progress reports on Monday, but if you want to check to see what you child's final semester grade is you can log onto skyward Friday after 1:00. Students will have until THURSDAY to turn in any missing assignments for partial credit. Please take a look at these reports and encourage your child to get in as many as they can.

7th grade literature will be focusing on dictionary and resource skills.
8th grade literature will be focusing on theme this week.
ALSO, THE DECEMBER NON-FICTION BOOK REVIEW TRI-BOARD WILL BE DUE JANUARY 15TH RATHER THAN DECEMEBER 15TH. This was due to the extended schedule for November's presentations.

Writing classes will be making corrections on their persuasive final and reviewing four square in regard to expository text.

Study Skills will be finishing with several leadership activities and a potential field trip to Mcdonalds or Subway for eighth graders who are interested in getting a job.

Have a wonderful week.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Steelers (Monday night football against Miami)

Mrs. Bowman

November 19-20

2007-11-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

Careful . . . if you blink you may miss this week! Even though we only have two days, don't underestimate their importance.

Literature classes will be finishing up book review presentations. I will also be collecting journals, since the last two weeks have been combined.

Writing classes will be typing up their final persuasive paper in the lab.

Study skills classes will be continuing with leadership/citizenship activities.

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
Mrs. Bowman

November 13-16

2007-11-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

Another short week! As you can tell by the academic calendar, the end of the semester is just around the corner. It's important that your child turns in all of these last assignments. For some students one assignment can make or break their grade. This is also a huge week for my Literature Classes. Book reviews start on Thursday and students will be randomly drawn to determine the order in which they will be presenting. ALL STUDENTS WILL BE PRESENTING THEIR INFORMATION.

In writing, students will be continuing working on their persuasive papers. As well as taking a quiz on Thursday over vocabulary in persuasive writing.

Literature Classes will be finishing up their last details for their presentations that start on Thursday.

Study Skills will be working on various leadership and citizenship activities.

Have a wonderful week! (Don't forget the Hawks on Monday night football!)

November 5-9

2007-11-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

Wow, how about last week! Crazy, no power Monday, Mrs. Bowman out with a sick kid on Tuesday, and Halloween on Wednesday, it was rough.

Monday the entire school will be going to the Capitol Theatre. We are scheduled to leave around 9 am and return at 12:30 pm. We will be eating lunch when we return and then the students will be either attending the dance or other activity in the afternoon.

Also, due to the power outage, progress reports were delayed a week. You should see those on Tuesday. Remember, please sign and get those in Wednesday. These grades are up to date and pay attention to your child's book review grade. They have their second book review due November 15th. The assignment is worth 20% of student's overall grade and I have several students who chose not to do them.

In literature this week, we will be continuing with Point of View and working on book review presentations(due the 15th).

In writing, we will be continuing persuasive writing with emphasis on vocabulary.

Study Skills-will be looking at the Pearls Project and coming up with a plan implementation.

Have a wonderful week
Mrs. Bowman-----GO STEELERS (Monday night football)

P.S. Thanks Jennifer for my first comment, I loved it!

October 29-November 2

2007-10-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Halloween WEEK! Upcoming events that you should be aware of ...
Monday October 29, 7-8th grade dance 5-7pm
Wednesday October 31, Halloween PLEASE NO COSTUMES
November 6th, Capital Theatre field trip (all students)

In literature, we will be covering inference and point of view. Wednesday we will be sharing Halloween stories and students will be able to bring in treats for the class. If your child wants to bring something in, please make sure there is enough for the entire class.
1st period 17 students
4th period 20 students
6th period 25 students

In writing, we will be comparing expository and persuasive writing.
Have a great week!
Mary

Study skills will be going through the Pearls Project expectations for High School.

Week of October 22-26

2007-10-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

We're getting it done! I want to thank those parents who came in for conferences. I felt it was a huge success.. If you were unable to come in, please contact me and we can arrange a time to meet. I also hope you enjoyed your weekend assignment.

This week in literature, we will continue covering dealing with difficulty strategies, grade and charting our second WASL prompt.

In writing, we will finish where we left off in our debate discussion with emphasis on persuasion.

Study skills have just completed their mock interviews. We will be doing some follow up activities as well as an interview assessment toward the end of the week.

Have a wonderful week.
Remember it's SPIRIT WEEK!

Mrs. Bowman

October 15-17

2007-10-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

Another short week! I'm looking forward to meeting with all of you and sharing your child's success this week. I will be sending home your child's notebook and a parent assignment sheet on Wednesday. Please spend some time with your child so they can go through the notebook with you. They have been working very hard.

In literature class we will be taking our second WASL Prompt assessment and grading it.

Writing class will be continuing debate with focus on persuasive writing.

Study Skills will be finishing their mock interviews.

I will be out of the building on Tuesday, attending the 8th grade college field trip.
Have a wonderful short week.
Mary

October 8-11

2007-10-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

We are all in this together! It takes a whole team to win the game (like the Steeler win over the Hawks this weekend). I appreciate all of the parent communication over the last several weeks regarding your child's academic progress.

Literature this week will be focusing on strategies for dealing with difficulty.

Writing classes will continue with grammar practice with an emphasis on subject/predicate and the introduction persuasive writing.

Study skills classes will continue with mock interviews throughout the week.

Have a wonderful short week. NO SCHOOL on FRIDAY!
Gooooooooooooooooo Steelers!
Mrs. Bowman

October 2-5

2007-10-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

Reach for Success! It is hard to believe, but we made it through our first month and conferences are just around the corner. If you haven't had the opportunity to return your conference information please get those in as soon as possible. If you would like to schedule a time to meet with me outside of conference time please let me know.

Literature classes will be covering book reviews and continue with story elements. The first book review will be due no later than October 17th.

Writing classes will continue to focus on grammar.

The study skills class will be going through their first round of mock interviews.

Just a reminder: progress reports will be coming home on Tuesday. Please sign and return them.

Also FRIDAY IS SEAHAWK/STEELERS DAY for our class. Encourage your child to participate in the fun.

Have a Great Week.
Mrs. Bowman

Week of September 24-29

2007-09-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Engage! We continue pushing on.

This is a week of harsh reality. Many of the students have found themselves on academic probation for lack of not turning in their work. My turn-in policy is simple, assignments are due the next day with the exception of my writing classes this week. We had trouble printing in the lab, therefore assignments will be due Monday. All journals and notebooks are due on Fridays, so I can grade them over the weekend. I will restate this policy again this week.

Please also remember, I only send hard copy grades every other Monday and students are expected to be signed and returned. I had several students who chose not to return them. I do count those as a grade so get them back to me as soon as you can. You can access your child's grades on Skyward anytime and I would encourage you to do so. I tend to do most of my grading over the weekend, so Mondays are a good day to check.

Literature this week will continue to cover story elements with emphasize on conflict.

Writing classes will be peer editing their narrative stories and moving on to review of grammar.

Study Skills class have been completing local job applications. We will be continuing this progress this week. Friday, seventh period is our first pep assembly.

Congratulations to those kids participating in football, cross country, and volleyball. I was so proud of how well everyone played.

Have a wonderful week.
Mrs. Bowman

Week of September 17-21

2007-09-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Up and Onward! My students are soaring upward and we are moving onward through the curriculum.

Please look for progress reports on Monday; they should be signed and returned by Tuesday. Also, remember you can login in and check your student's grades through skyward.

Something you may have noticed when I post curriculum assignments is that I post the Sunday before. It seems I over-plan because we haven't made it through a complete week yet, but I would rather have your child be over-prepared then under. Please continue to follow the assignments posted.

Literature this week will be covering story elements with emphasis on setting, plot, character development, and conflict. I will continue to meet with students and share their assessment results and monitor fluency and comprehension.

Writing classes have been working on personal narratives (true stories about themselves). My objective was creative writing with focus on introduction and organization. Students will be finishing their rough drafts and completing a published piece by the end of the week.

Study Skills will be going through the application process and continuing to prepare for job interviews.

Have a wonderful week.
Mrs. Bowman

Week of September 10-15

2007-09-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

We are off and running. I'm hoping your kids are coming home excited about school (hopefully not too sore) and sharing their planners with you.

I'm sure some of you may be wondering why I choose to do 3-5 minutes of fitness everyday in my core classes. This is something I have done for years, not only is it highly motivating, it relieves stress/anxiety as well as gives me an opportunity to emphasize that importance of goals and we are all striving to be better. Unfortunately, some of your children may have me for more than one period and they may get a little sore. Believe or not in three minutes you can get an effective workout, especially if your body isn't accustomed to it. Encourage them to continue to stretch at home. I always promote safety in class, but often it the soreness doesn't come until the next day. I will be sending home a list of stretches that can be done home this week.

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE- We can finally access our class blog from school, but we are still experiencing some difficulty linking our class grades to it. I will keep you posted of any changes. Remember, this blog is constantly evolving, so please be patient.

In Literature this week, we will be covering story elements. Also, I will be introducing read- alouds (I read a variety of literature to the class) and the students will be expected to use HOT (Hierarchy of Talk) as a way to clarify the reading. In addition, students need to have a library book everyday. They will be independently reading (IR) on a regular basis while I conference with every student once a week. This is an opportunity for me to assess their fluency, readability level, and their reading strategies they rely on.

Writing classes will continue to work on strong opening paragraphs, with emphasize on their first sentence.

The Study Skills class will finish their resumes and look at preparing for an interview. I have several eigth grade students who are interested in getting a job so I will be bringing in actual applications from local businesses who are hiring.

Have a wonderful week and thank you to those parents who introduced themselves to me via email. I would love to hear from all of you.

Week of September 4-7

2007-09-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

YAH, week number one is finished and we are all alive. I have to say Friday came quicker than I had hoped. I guess time flies when you have such great kids.

We are continuing to have some technical difficulties with linking our blog to the school. At this point we are unable to even view or have any association of the blog at school. I have spoken to tech support and they have reassured me that things will be up and running by the end of the week.

Also this week we will be starting where we left off. Many of the kids needed two days to finish their assessments. So, this week we will be correcting and charting, then creating personal goal plans based on those scores.

In addition, literature classes will be taking their first trip to the library and will be checking out two books one for my class and one for home. I know schedules are busy, but if time permits encourage your child to read at home. Remember it doesn't matter what your child is reading as long as they are reading. At this stage in the game, a child who reads what they want will have a better chance of developing an intrinsic love for books.

Writing classes will be exploring expository text and rediscovering the importance of classroom resources.

The study skills class has taken a different direction than what was originally developed due to the number of 7th graders who are now enrolled. It was largely intended to prepare students for the Pearls Project. I have decided to move more towards a citizenship and career applications class. The theme of the course will be "The Choices We Choose to Make Today, Can and Will Effect our Future". Students will be exploring their future based on if they graduate from a university or for some the harsh reality of not even graduating from high school. Unfortunately, their educational future is determined by the roll of a dice. From here we will talk about available careers, creating resumes, interviewing, the importance of being a respected citizen/leader no matter what type of education you have chosen. Then finally tying in Pearls Project and what we can do now.

If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact me.
Have a safe and wonderful week.

Week of August 28-31

2007-08-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

WE MADE IT! For some parents, the idea of summer finally coming to an end was just a far off dream. Well, that dream has now become a reality.
This first week my goal will be to establish relationships. If I can create a positive risk-taking environment where all kids can learn, then I have mastered one of three essential components of teaching. I will also be giving a baseline (starting point) assessment in all of my Literature and Writing classes. This assessment will allow us to identify your child's strengths and areas that need improvement. From there, we will be able to chart the results and establish goals for the future.
These first couple of weeks will definitely be a time of transition and change. I would like to help any way I can. So please feel free to be in touch.

Also just a few things you should expect to see from your child;
1. Student, Parent, and Teacher Compact (please sign and return by Friday)
2. Class binders are due Friday (the sooner the better)
If a binder can't be provided, please let me know and one will be provided for you.

Welcome Back

2007-08-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

Another year is about to begin and I'm so exited to get started. For some, the idea of making to middle school is an accomplishment with in its self. For others, it's just one step closer to independence. For me, its a beginning . . . new school and an opportunity to teach five miles from home.

I look forward to meeting all of you soon.
Mrs. Bowman