July 2010

Dear Grade 8 Students,

Welcome.  We, the Grade 8 Teachers, hope that you are having an enjoyable summer. As you move from 7^th to 8^th grade, there are many questions that students and parents may have. We hope this letter will answer some of these questions and assist you in making a smooth transition to the eighth grade. 

The 8^th grade team expects you to be the leaders of the school and to be role models for the younger grades.  We want all of our students to start to become responsible independent thinkers, so they will have an easier transition into Windham High School.   

            We want your 8^th grade year to be the most exciting of your middle school years; so many extra activities have been planned to enhance the learning experience.

            The enrollment key for individual teacher websites will be provided by September 2^nd after any schedule changes have occurred. The school district is now using Moodle for parents to access teacher/course information. Moodle can be found at http://Moodle.windhamsd.org/ 

In the fall, the class makes a trip to Salem, MA to expand your knowledge about the Salem Witch Trials.  You will be asked to participate in the fundraiser which will help pay for the class trip to Washington, DC.  This occurs the first week in May.  We will finish the school year with exciting activities, such as a career day, a special graduation dance, and a fun-filled day at Hampton Beach.  The school year concludes with a graduation ceremony.

            We are looking forward to an enjoyable and productive year with you as our students.  Please feel free to contact Windham Middle School at 893-2636 with any further questions you or your parents may have.

            The general 8^th grade supply list is located on the back of this letter.

Sincerely,

The 8th Grade Team

Windham Middle School

Suggested Supply List

Language Arts

• 3 ring binder with pocket folders
• filler paper
• pencils with erasers
• pens
• colored pencils
• sharpie
• composition notebook (no spiral bindings)
• Highlighters (2 colors)
• thumb drive

Science

• Heavy duty 3-ring binder (1.5 – 2 inch)
• Tab dividers for organizing 3-ring notebook
• standard size, loose leaf notebook paper  (small amount, +/- 40 -50 sheets)
• 2 packages of 3 X 5 cards (lined or unlined)
• pencils with erasers
• Highlighters (2 or 3 colors)

Math

• either a 1 1/2 or 2 inch three ring binder
• calculator with a square root button
• loose leaf paper
• 5 dividers
• lots of pencils
• ruler (optional)

Social Studies

•  Folder
•  3 Subject Notebook
•  Composition Book

French

• notebook (with at least 2 sections)
• a folder
• a small French-English dictionary
• colored pencils

Spanish

• Single Subject Notebook preferably with folders inside
• Writing Utensils