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