Welcome to the Blue Team!

Welcome back to school and the 8th grade blue team!  We will be working together to develop effective study and work habits that will prepare you for high school.  Our team teachers are excited to begin this journey with you and will help you along the way during the school year. 

The Blue team teachers are:

• Mr. Basile – Social Studies
• Ms. Bright – Mathematics
• Mrs. Kaplan – Language Arts Literacy
• Mrs. Mahoney – Science
• Ms. Dailey – Language Arts Literacy

The 8th grade social studies curriculum is an in-depth study of world history. The students will study events from Mesopotamia through modern times, in themes. Throughout the year the students will engage in a wide variety of hands-on activities, first-hand accounts, and stimulating cooperative group work. Current events will be fused into the curriculum whenever possible.

IIn the Language Arts Literacy Block our writing and literature centers on thematic units including Change and Growth, Humanity, Breaking Away, and Extraordinary Occurrences. The “Six Trait” writing program will guide students through a detailed writing process, from developing ideas to polishing a finished piece. Throughout the year the students will explore the content through activities, discussions, literature circles, and projects that will prepare students for the high school setting. 

In science students will be focusing on Earth systems in geology, astronomy, meteorology and oceanography.  Students will be building math and science skills through independent and cooperative group learning and will be preparing for the NJ ASK 8 state testing.  The G & T program will focus on Biology and life sciences.

Math students will be entering the world of higher level mathematics through the Unified, Algebra, or Connected Math programs.  All students will get a taste of Algebra while working cooperatively with their classmates.  Connected Math students will be preparing for the NJASK8, while Algebra and Unified students will be preparing for the new state Algebra exam.  In any case, good study skills, perseverance, and organization are keys to success.

As you can see, we are looking forward to a very exciting and productive year!