Junior High Language Arts, Social Studies and Religion
Ms. Bevilacqua's Teacher: Andy Bevilacqua
EMAIL: a_bevilacqua@sttheresaschool.org
PHONE: 510-547-3146
HOURS: 7:45 - 3:45
Dear Parents,
Hello! My name is Ms. Bevilacqua and I teach the following subjects:
*8th Grade English and Language Arts
*7th Grade English and Language Arts
*8th Grade History
*6th Grade Religion
Incorporating the Catholic faith into teaching across the curriculum is my passion; I look forward to guiding your child down the path of learning and thinking this year.
E-mail is the best way to get in touch with me; if you would like to request a meeting, I am happy to accommodate your schedule. I check my e-mail every day after school and try to respond in a timely manner.
Kind Regards,
Ms. Bevilacqua
Student Projects |
May , 2010
Ms. Bevilacqua's April/May Newsletter
Dear Parents,7th Grade English and Language Arts:
Vocabulary: The students have weekly assignments in their vocabulary workbooks, which often have writing assignments that connect to the vocabulary words, as well as, a vocabulary tests every week and a half.
Language Arts:
The class enjoyed a unit on Greek myths. Along with many reading and writing activities, the students wrapped up the unit by picking their own Greek gods and goddesses and presented oral reports to the class.
The class just finished reading The Giver by Lois Lowry. The class had the opportunity to do a lot of guided collaborative work in class. Students were responsible for producing work that needed to be both turned in as a group, and presented as a class. Since The Giver is a a science-fiction book about an imaginary community, the class did a lot of creative thinking and writing with this book. They wrapped up the book by writing a continuation of the novel, giving the reader more closure as to what happens to the main character.
Some of the activities that the students did throughout the book were as follows:
-Responded critically to the text through discussion and in writing. Example: The students researched genetic experiments in class and had debates about whether they were a good or bad for society as a whole.
-Demonstrated comprehension by completing graphic organizers and writing paragraphs that made connections between the text, self, and others by comparing and contrasting life in a modern day society and life the community in the book. Example: The class brainstormed and pre-wrote about what they liked best, then wrote about what they would expose the main character to if they had the chance.
-Created an artistic representation of the story. Example: In a group, students created "Ceremony" posters.
8th Grade English and Language Arts:
Vocabulary: The class learns a new word every morning in class, Monday through Thursday, from The New York Times Learning Network. They are tested on these words every Friday. The following is the link to the site:
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/students/wordofday/index.html
Language Arts:
The class recently finished Animal Farm by George Orwell. Throughout reading the book, the students were always thinking critically about the characters and events in the story and comparing them to real life people and events. Upon completing the book, the students researched Aesop's Fables and compared Animal Farm to the Fables. They then took things a step further, and picked their favorite fable to re-write in modern times, incorporating technology, all the while, keeping the moral of the original fable intact.
The 8th graders are now reading the novella Of Mice and Men written by Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck. They are enjoying comparing the similarities in era to To Kill A Mockingbird juxtaposed with a completely different setting and cast of characters, giving the Great Depression an entirely different perspective. The class is taking advantage of Steinbeck's vivid writing style to delve into topics such as: animal imagery; literary deices; predictions; character analysis; characterization; marginalization; how setting affects the story.
8th Grade History:
The students did an amazing job with their inaugural speeches! The 8th graders had the task of picking one of the first eight presidents of the United States and then write an inauguration speech in that president's voice. They also had to incorporate time appropriate facts and vocabulary and use persuasive speech techniques. Costumes and charisma were afoot! I'm certain that there are a few future politicians and speech writers in this class. To wrap up all of the hard work, the class held an era appropriate feast – the students baked all sorts of delicious dishes and desserts using recipes from the time period.
6th Grade Religion:
The 6th grade has been learning so much! The class broke up into groups and reenacted what happened when the soldiers came to Rahab's home before they invaded Jericho. The class has also been playing games at their tables to help memorize the Roman Catholic prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Memorare. They have also been busy learning Sacraments of the Catholic Church and Scripture passages.
The students continue doing Tribes Learning Community activities in class. They have been having a lot of fun and have been very eager to share. http://www.tribes.com/
Thank you and God Bless,
Ms. Bevilacqua
Student Links |
ST. THERESA SCHOOL
2008-2009
GRADE EIGHT SUPPLY LIST
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIES ARE REQUIRED THE SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL, AND STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO REPLENISH THEM THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR. IT IS ALSO REQUESTED THAT ALL SWEATSHIRTS AND JACKETS BE MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME.
1. One 12 inch ruler with inches and centimeters. - math
2. Small pencil sharpener
3. One box of colored pencils
4. One pair scissors labeled with name
5. Three red correction pens
6. Composition books with sewn binding (three for 8th -science & Math & Religion
7. One accordion folder to return homework
8. Pens (blue or black ink) and 12 pencils sharpened
9. GENEROUS SUPPLY OF BINDER PAPER
10. 2 boxes of Kleenex each trimester and 1 (individual, small pack) for your desk
11. Index Card Packages (both 3x5 and 4x6)
12. 2 Spiral notebooks 8x11