The web site is back online

Okay, after several weeks of the site being unavailable -- well, it was online but we couldn't update it -- it is now back up and running. I hope to get everything put back together ASAP.

Constitution Test this Wednesday and Thursday...

Hi All!

As you all know, the Constitution Test is finally upon us! The test is on Wednesday 2/11 and Thursday 2/12. Please use your Amendment Flash Cards and the copies of the tests you've taken as study tools.

Let me know if you need any help getting ready for this thing! :)

Thanks!

Mr. Griffith

Learning the 50 States...

And here's a video to learn the countries of the world:

And here's a video for learning the Presidents:

End of Trimester 1 is Upon Us!

Hi Guys,

We're coming to the end of Trimester 1! Get all missing work turned in by this Friday! Get er' done!!

Also, I balanced the grade book and adjusted the category weights. I also went through assignments that could not be made up and excused many of them. This seems to have helped the grade balance and makes a passing grade more within reach [for some of you]. :)

Let me know if you need any last-minute help!

Mr. Griffith

TMS 8th Grade 2008 Election Results

Election results have been tallied and calculated by our amazing election staff [thanks Megan!] and they are as follows:

IF TERRACE MIDDLE SCHOOL 8TH GRADERS WERE TO DECIDE THE 2008 ELECTION:

President:

• Barack Obama: 76 (59%)
• John McCain: 37 (29%)
• Cynthia McKinney: 10 (8%)
• Ralph Nader: 4 (3%)
• Alan Keyes: 2 (2%)
• Barr: 0 (0%)

Proposition 1A: High-Speed Train Bond

• Yes: 100 (70%)
• No: 43 (30%)

Proposition 2: Treatment of Farm Animals

• Yes: 85 (66%)
  
• No: 44 (34%)
  

Proposition 3: Child Hospitals Bond

• Yes: 95 (75%)
  
• No: 31 (25%)
  

Proposition 4: Minor's Pregnancy

• Yes: 62 (49%)
  
• No: 64 (51%)
  

Proposition 5: Nonviolent Offender's

• Yes: 60 (48%)
  
• No: 64 (52%)
  

Proposition 6: Law Enforcement Funding

• Yes: 54 (45%)
  
• No: 65 (55%)
  

Proposition 7: Renewable Energy

• Yes: 82 (69%)
  
• No: 36 (31%)
  

Proposition 8: Same-Sex Marriage

• Yes: 61 (47%)
  
• No: 69 (53%)
  

Proposition 9: Victims' Rights, Parole

• Yes: 66 (55%)
  
• No: 54 (45%)
  

Proposition 10: Energy Bonds

• Yes: 85 (70%)
  
• No: 36 (30%)
  

Proposition 11: Redistricting

• Yes: 46 (41%)
  
• No: 67 (59%)
  

Proposition 12: Veteran's Bond

• Yes: 48 (52%)
  
• No: 45 (48%)
  

Progress Reports Coming!

Hi Guys,

As we've been discussing in class, progress reports are getting ready to be sent home. I will submit all grades to the office on Monday (tomorrow). I have a small pile of homework to grade and then I will be updating the online grades.

I have done my best to give as many opportunities to build a solid foundation for your grades as possible. Some of these include:

• I have updated grades [and posted them online] several times a week.
• I keep an updated online schedule of all homework and class projects
• I have accepted lated work for full credit for the first 6 weeks
• Two weeks ago we only had 2 homework assignments -- which we did in class.
• Last week we had only 1 homework assignment.
• I graded the test on a curve -- for each class.
• I excused your Chapter 1-3 Test grade [if you chose to have it excused]
• I gave points just for watching the movie in class.
• I accepted "no name" papers for 6 weeks
• I have given several "extra credit" assignments
• I have stayed after school to let students work on homework in class

I hope everybody is doing as well as they hope!

Thanks!

Mr. Griffith

For those stressed about your presentation...

Hi Guys! I have heard from a few of you that you were "so embarassed at how bad" you did in your presentation. As I said, DON'T WORRY! Here's an example of when someone REALLY bombs their presentation:

I don't mean to pick on the poor girl, but clearly you could have done worse! :)

Preamble videos...

Only a real Constitution Nerd collects "Preamble videos". :) Anyway, here are some clips that I enjoyed.

Of course the CLASSIC Preamble video -- Schoolhouse Rock.

This is from the 1960's "Star Trek" series. As always it is way overacted and corny, but that's why it is so cool. :)

Here's one from the old "Andy Griffith Show" [no relation]. See, you guys already know more than Barney!

I will be adding more videos as I find them!

Interesting Presidential Race Clips

It's interesting to watch one Presidental candidate saying something nice about the other -- especially when it's something that can cost him/her votes. It's kind of refreshing.

Welcome to 8th Grade History!

Welcome!

My name is Robert Griffith. I am new to Terrace Middle School this year as I am taking over the 8th Grade History class that Mr. Laven taught for many years. I am excited about being back in the classroom and about being able to teach history again. I am very grateful for this opportunity.

I think it will be an exciting year for me, and I hope it will be an enjoyable year for you as well.

Good luck!

Mr. Griffith