January 8-12, 2018

Welcome Falcons!
     I hope you all are enjoying your holidays.  I know that there's always something to do, but I must say that those are the experiences that help us become better.  It's important that we always try our best to give it our 100% at all times.
     I must remind you that each and everyone of  you is extremely intelligent, so there is no reason why you all should struggle with the Song Writing Battle.  Many times I've seen or even heard some of you sing.  It would definitely be great to see what you can create on your own as opposed to singing another artist's song. This is just to challenge your brain a little more.  I have no doubt that you all will do absolutely amazing.  Every single one of you has the potential, so give it all you've got.
     I am posting the Song Writer's Battle Rubric.  I promise you that if there is effort in it, you will be fine.  Remain focused and you will do Fantastic!
Thank you,
Ms. Narvaez
    Please keep in mind that the lyrics MUST be inspirational, motivational, and positive.  I know that every single one of you can do this.  Please do not make it more difficult than what it is.

Purpose: 20 pts Your song has a clear purpose to it, and it fits with its topic or title	Exceeds (20 pts) The song has clear purpose and is exciting to listen to.	Meets (15 pts) Your song has a clear purpose.	Approaches (10 pts) Your song MIGHT fit its title or topic if you really thought about it; however, it’s still unclear.	Falls Far Below (5 pts) Your Purpose is unclear, song doesn’t seem to have any focus or topic.
Tempo/Melody 20 pts The speed, the tune of the song	Exceeds The melody and rhythm were perfectly performed.  Student’s can clap along to a steady beat.	Meets Tempo and rhythm are consistent.  The melody is mostly smooth and clear.	Approaches Tempo and rhythm are sometimes unclear or slow down and speed up.  The melody is apparent in some places but unclear in others.	Falls Far Below The song is choppy with an unnatural mix of tempo.  The melody of the song is unclear.
Lyrics 20 pts A set of words, phrases or sounds that make up a song.	Exceeds The lyrics are meaningful to the artists, flow with the melody and connect to the overall song.	Meets Chorus is complete with at least four lines to it, and two verses are completed.	Approaches Chorus is mostly complete, one verse might be finished.	Falls Far Below Song has one or no verses and chorus is only a line or two.
Audience response 20 pts How the audience/your peers react to your song.	Exceeds You have a huge hit on your hands.  Students laugh out loud, dance, wave their hands in the air, and really are enjoying your song.  Students may even request your song.	Meets The overall group interact with the song with body movement, laughter, talk or dance.  Many comments follow the playing of the song.	Approaches Some peers may tap their foot, smile occasionally, and nod at the rhythm.  They make a few comment but not many.	Falls Far Below Song has little or no impact on your peers.  They sit and listen quietly, but have little to say about it.

December 18-22, 2017

Welcome Falcons!
     This week we will be going over  different types of poems.  It is important that you all remain focused and give it your all, so you can excel.  Sometimes we have the tendency to make things seem more difficult than what they really are.
     I will remind you that you all are extremely intelligent, but it is up to you to make things happen for you.  You need to make sure to to give it your 100% all the time.  This will help you be fully prepared for next year.
     Don't forget that attendance is really important.  If you miss one day, you miss out on a lot.  It's imperative that you try to be here everyday.  This way you do not miss out on an instructional day.  Inevitable situations are definitely understandable.
Thank you,
Yolanda Narvaez

December 11-15, 2017

Welcome Back Falcons!
     This week you all will be testing.  Please make sure that you take every test seriously.  Take your time and do not rush.  It's important that you do well because this is how we are able to determine what it is that you all may need additional assistance with.
    I know that every single one of you is extremely intelligent.  This is exactly why each one of you should do exceptionally well on your tests.  You need to make sure that you read everything carefully no matter what they subject is.  It's important that you give it your all.  That way you can continue to excel.
     Do not forget to study your Review Booklet.  This will definitely help you.  Remember that you need to make sure you took good notes in order for you to do well.  Make sure you memorize the Personal Narrative Outline, so that you can write it down before you begin your rough draft.  You all are really bright, so there shouldn't be a reason why you all don't do well.
     Please remember that it's extremely important that you are here to take your test.  This way you don't feel pressured to complete tests on a certain day.  It allows you to feel at ease.
     Let me remind you all about attendance and how important it is.  When you all are out, you are missing out on instruction; therefore, it's imperative that you are here.  Especially, this week that you are taking tests.  Although, inevitable situations are understandable of course.
Test Days
Monday- Math,  Tuesday- Reading  Wednesday- History & Science,  Thursday- Writing

Thank you,
Ms. Narvaez
EXTRA CREDIT
* Do you believe it's important to be optimistic? Why? Explain what the following quote means to you.

December 4-8, 2017

Welcome Back Falcons!

     Students you all are extremely intelligent; however, you must give it your  all, so that you can excel and not fall behind.  There is no doubt in my mind that each and everyone can do absolutely amazing, but ultimately it is up to you.  Therefore, stay focused, so that you can continue to succeed in everything you do.
     This week you all will be reviewing, so you need to make sure that you come prepared to take notes.  This way you are ready for your test.  You must make sure to take good notes and write neatly because your notes will be collected before the test as a grade. 
     I must add that we will be working on how to write informal letters.  You are probably thinking that you already know how to do this, but unfortunately sometimes we have the tendency to forget to things.  Therefore, we will be going over it.
     I have to remind you that attendance is extremely important.  If you are out, please make sure to ask for any missing assignments.  This way you are able to maintain good grades in the classes.  I have to remind you that inevitable situations are completely understandable. 

Thank you,
Ms. Narvaez

   

November 27- December 1, 2017

Welcome Falcons!
     Here we are back from the Thanksgiving holidays.  I hope you all got to rest and enjoy your days.  We are now back to reality and ready to give it our all. 
     This week we are going to continue to discuss how to write a well written Personal Narrative, so you need to make sure to remain focused and pay close attention.  This way you will not fall behind and understand what needs to be done.
     As I have previously stated, every single one of you is extremely important; however, you need to make sure that you come prepared and ready to learn.  This way as soon as you walk in, we are able to begin without any interruptions.

     Let me add that attendance is very important.  Therefore, you must try your best to be here every day.  This way you don't miss out on any of the material being taught.  Remember that if you miss one day, you miss out on a lot.  Inevitable situations are completely understood.

Thank you,
Ms. Narvaez

Students, 

Please view the following video.  This way you can briefly review what you should do before writing a personal narrative.

Students, 
Please read the following quote.  Then on your own try to create a quote you think is important to live by.  On a regular white sheet of paper illustrate a picture that goes with your quote and make sure to write your quote on it too. (It must be done nice and neat in order to receive Full Extra Credit.)

Week of November 13-17, 2017

Welcome Mighty Falcons!
     Here we are beginning another week.  This is the week before we get released for the Thanksgiving Break.  Get ready because the days are going to fly by.
     Please make sure to come prepared to class because we are going to be extremely busy.  We will be going over Personal Narrative Writing, so I ask that you make sure to pay close attention.  This way you are grasping the information and you know exactly what to do when asked.  Remember that if you have any questions, you need to make sure to ask that way you don't feel confused.
     As I have previously stated, all of you are extremely intelligent; however, you need to make sure that you dedicate yourself so that you can succeed.  Give it your all and remain positive.  This way you can accomplish you goals.
     Let me remind you that attendance is extremely important so try to be here daily.  Otherwise, you lose out on learning about any material that was taught, and you will fall behind.  Inevitable situations are understandable.
Thank you,
Ms. Narvaez

  

Week of November 6-10, 2017

Welcome Mighty Falcons!
     We are beginning another week, and I let me add that the days are flying by.  Please make sure that you come to class well rested, prepared, and ready to begin the lesson.  This week we will be reviewing for your 2nd 6 Weeks Exam that will be on Thursday.
     As I have previously stated, every single one of you is extremely intelligent; however, you have got to set your mind to it.  This way you are able to accomplish anything you want.  Do not let any obstacles get in the way. You are capable of rising to the top. You just need to make sure that you fill your brain with the knowledge necessary to succeed to get there.  Give it your all, so that you can do extremely well on all of your Exams.
     Let me remind you that attendance is of extreme importance.  If you miss a day, you are missing out on a lot.  This is the reason why you need to make sure that you attend school everyday.  Inevitable situations are completely understandable.
     A quick reminder to please give it your all because every single one of you has the potential; however, it is ultimately up to you.
Thank you,
Ms. Narvaez