8th
Grade Classroom
Mr. Ostrander
Email:
Mr. Ostrander
Welcome back to another
fun-filled school year! In the 8th grade this year, we’ll be
doing a lot of really exciting things while getting the students ready for
high school.
In language arts, we’ll
read classics such as The Diary of Anne
Frank, To Kill a Mockingbird, Lord of the Flies, and a few more.
Student will expand their vocabulary and use of the English language through
writing activities both in the style of the studied authors and their own.
In history, we will
closely examine the period between the Civil War and the present, with a
special focus on the wars that have helped shape our country. Currently, the
students have just finished studying the causes of the Civil War. Second
semester, students will select a leading historical figure and write a
research paper on this person. This assessment, as part of the Archdiocesan
Assessment, really gives the students the freedom to closely examine some of
the great leaders that have impacted our world.
In religion class,
students will learn about Church history, morality, the sacraments, and many
other issues facing our world from the eyes of the Church. Students do
“Scripture Searches” to connect modern beliefs and teachings to the primary
texts of our faith. Students also examine different socio and political
problems in our world in an attempt to determine how Jesus would have acted
and how we can be the catalyst of change for a better world.
Several large projects
are in the works for the year, including a study of Shakespeare, a revival
of the Reminiscence Project where the students will interview veterans and
create a video presentation, and a science fair (through the math/science
teacher, Mr. Start). Along with these, students will also be completing the
Holy Name Service Requirement, 9 hours a semester, completing service on
Holy Name’s campus, at school-scheduled sites, and at individually-selected
sites.
Feel free to contact me
if there are any questions/concerns/comments that you may have.
Here’s to a great year!
Mr. Luke Ostrander
“A coincidence is a small miracle where God prefers to remain
anonymous.”
-Anonymous
