Eighth graders were enlightened by the reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “Annabel Lee.” They worked on illustrating each stanza of the poem and immersed themselves in the discussion of the short story. Their illustrations showed that they understood both selections. As a culminating activity the students completed biography cards that helped them to understand the author.
The six graders created newspapers after learning the various sections of a paper, the content for each one, and how a paper is organized.
They continued to explore informational texts by studying features of magazines, journals and web sites.
The seventh graders are reading science fiction and fantasy. They are using comparison and contrast and double-bubble thinking maps to generate ideas and writing to explain their findings. They are also spending time analyzing characters’ motivations.
All classes continue to read accelerated books and take their tests each Wednesday.
As a part of test awareness, all students have been working on Brainchild.com to assess their skills for LEAP and iLEAP.
Their scores will be analyzed and used for additional instruction and preparation to strengthen their skills.
Students are also engaged in writing essays using assigned writing prompts and using the state rubric to evaluate their performances.
Art
Students in Mrs. Deason’s art classes are creating art forms through paper mache’ and sculpture. Materials such as newspaper, clay and coat hangers will be used. Students will research art history and the 20th century artists such as Picasso, Dali, Magritte, and Warhol.
Computer Literature
GMS is starting 2010 with a bang! The Computer Lit classes are busy learning skills that students can use far into the future. Some of these skills include: adding charts and graphs to documents, using Microsoft Power Point to create presentations, and learning to draw pictures using Microsoft Excel.
The eighth grade class produces a monthly newsletter that is full of fun facts and school information.
Holiday Gifts
Grambling Middle School is fortunate to have Adopt-A-School sponsors who show dedication and support to our students, faculty and staff year-round.
GMS was a recipient of generous Christmas gifts from our Adopt-A-School partners. On Friday, December 18, 2009, students, faculty and staff were treated to a private showing of “The Princess and the Frog” at the Celebrity Theater in Ruston.
All were impressed by an African-American princess and all the historical information about New Orleans in the movie.
The movie and refreshments were gifts from the Grambling Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The Bank of Ruston provided special treat bags to all students, and Martha’s Boutique presented gifts to teachers and staff.
GMS showed appreciation by presenting the partners with Christmas CDs and entertaining them with holiday songs.
Honor Roll Field Trip
Twenty-three students who made the honor roll for the second six weeks traveled to the Celebrity Theater in Ruston to see “The Blind Side.”
Students and sponsors enjoyed the movie and learned so much from attending the showing. It was a trip that increased their learning, not only about football but also about people in general.
After the movie they were treated to lunch at Ryan’s, also in Ruston. It was an exceptional day, and the students are to be commended for their accomplishments.
The school officials extend thanks to the Bank of Ruston, one of school’s Adopt-a-School partners, for making the trip possible.