EJH Gifted

Junior United Nations Assembly

2011-05-20T11:04:00.004-05:00

This year, the gifted students represented Fiji and Senegal. We received much community support. Mrs. Sylvia Crum came and talked with the Senegal delegates. First National Bank made it possible to attend. With their generous donation, the student's did not have to pay their own registration fee. Thank you First National Bank of Talladega. We are looking forward to next year's assembly, January 26 and 27, 2012.

European History

2011-05-09T12:03:00.003-05:00

7th and 8th graders studied ancient and modern European history. These are just a few of their products to show what they enjoyed learning about.

2011 End of School Year!!

2011-05-09T11:54:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe I am about to say goodbye to a class of outstanding, bright young people. I have enjoyed the last two years. We have learned so much from each other. My hope is that each student has learned some independence and responsibility. They all have grown and matured so much. They have a strong foundation for civics and world history. Now, it's their job to use it and grow even more.

Coming to an End!

2011-04-22T13:39:00.006-05:00

2010 Back to School

2010-07-27T21:05:00.002-05:00

Our new school year is just around the corner. Teachers go back to the classroom on August 4th. I will be getting ready for a new, exciting year. Enjoy your last few days of summer 2010, and begin preparing for early mornings, homework, ballgames, new friends, new teachers, new schedules, and much, much more. Students will report to school on August 9th. Make sure you all have pen and paper for the first day; there will be much to write down to share with parents. There will be a 7th grade orientation on August 5th, Thursday evening. Call the school 256-315-5700 to verify the time. Thanks.

SAT Question of the Day

2010-05-05T10:16:00.000-05:00

http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/sat-question-of-the-day

Summer Reading!

2010-05-03T09:38:00.002-05:00

Check it out!

GEP Dates

2010-04-28T12:29:00.002-05:00

GEPs are just around the corner.

8th Grade GEP: Monday, 5/3/2010 2:30 p.m.
7th Grade GEP: Monday, 5/3/2010 12:00 p.m.
6th Grade GEP: Tuesday, 5/4/2010 12:00 p.m.

May Events

2010-04-28T12:22:00.003-05:00

1st Period 8th Graders are working on their end of the year biography. Each student chose a person from the civilizations we have read about and studied. Most chose someone we did not have much time for. The assignment is to publish a picture biography book complete with hand-drawn pictures and a life story of the person chosen. The final due date is May 20, 2010. The assignment in the end will be worth 650 points.

2nd Period 8th Graders will soon be designing a public service poster promoting hand washing. They are studying the early Americans and how measles and small pox brought over during the age of Exploration destroyed a large percentage of their population.

All 8th graders will be working in groups designing a jeopardy game using powerpoint. The topics will cover world history. The game is due May 13, 2010.

5th Period 7th Graders are learning about early Europe and modern Europe. We are having fun bouncing around the continent from the Ancient Greece to modern times.

Friends, Romans, Countrymen!!

2010-02-23T11:53:00.003-06:00

The 8th grade gifted students are studying Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare as part of their history of Rome unit. Each student recited with precision Mark Antony's Funeral Oration. They enjoyed this so much, they are now creating an interactive powerpoint to present for their class. Cate dressed in Roman attire and fluently recited Antony's very persuasive speech, and Nichalas could have been a true Roman orator. Kudos to all for the hard work!!

2010 Junior United Nations Assembly

2010-02-23T11:46:00.002-06:00

Ellis Russians Take Away 2 Top Awards

On January 28 and 29, the delegates from the Russian Federation attended the annual JUNA assembly at Birmingham-Southern. After months of preparation, the 7 delegate panel win 2 top awards: Outstanding Nation and Outstanding Native Dress. The representatives were 8th graders: Ahmad, Cate, William, Alisha, Nicholas, Samira, and Carter. Congratulations!!!!

National Geography Bee

2009-03-06T10:36:00.003-06:00

Recently, Ellis students participated in the National Geographic Geography Bee. The top 10 school finalists were: Philip, Austin, Nicholas, Tyler Gray, Robbyn, Regan, Peyton, Kristin, Barrett, and Nicholas. Thew winner was Robbyn. She went on to represent Ellis at the State level. Congratulations! Another fine example of Ellis students.

Patriot's Pen Essay Contest

2009-03-06T10:25:00.004-06:00

The Local VFW, Ladies Auxiliary, Post 4261 sponsored the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest in 2008. This competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy with the prospect of winning U.S. Savings bonds. The essay was to be 300-400 words. It is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students enrolled in public, private, or parochial schools in the U.S. The 2008 theme was, "Why should veterans be honored?" I want to personally thank all the students who participated. Nicholas P., a 7th grader, won the school contest. Nicholas was awarded two $50.00 checks from the Local Post VFW and the Local Ladies Auxiliary. Congratulations to Nicholas. He is an exemplary student who will grow into a fine leader of our community.

JUNA

2009-03-06T10:11:00.004-06:00

A few students in the gifted class traveled to Birmingham-Southern to participate in the 18th Annual Junior United Nations Assembly. The delegations of United Kingdom and Mexico both brought home awards. United Kingdom received the Most Spirited, which is one of the most prestigious awards given at JUNA. Mexico received an award for the outstanding work on their display board. Congratulations and keeping working hard, 2010 is just around the corner.

Weekly Schedule

2008-12-05T14:02:00.002-06:00

ALL CLASSES: Semester Vocabulary Exam on Thursday, December 11, 2008. Be prepared. There are 62 possible words. Study the words on the list I gave you on Monday, December 1, 2008. No one is exempt from this test. This is not your social studies semester test.

Monday through Thursday: Review Semester, Vocabulary and JUNA
Friday: Medieval Times Field Trip

Semester Exam Schedule: December 16-19, 2008

Weekly Assignments 12/1-12/5

2008-11-21T10:50:00.002-06:00

Review vocabulary and remember to bringpictures.

7th Grade:
Monday: Complete Project and Geography Bee prep.
Tuesday: Geography Bee
Wednesday: Group Project and Vocabulary Review
Thursday: Group Project and Vocabulary Review
Friday: Group Project and Vocabulary Review

8th Grade:
Monday: Complete Project and Geography Bee prep.
Tuesday: Geography Bee
Wednesday: Group Project and Rome
Thursday: Group Project and Rome
Friday: Group Project and Test on The Bronze Bow

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-21T10:46:00.003-06:00

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Weekly Assignments

2008-11-14T11:54:00.002-06:00

Vocabulary 6: Test December 8, 2008: wax, wane, cosmopolitan, ferret, amble, parsimonious, pod, levity, alleviate, and urbane (Remember: Pictures)
Cumulative Vocabulary Test: December 15, 2008

7th Grade
Monday: CNN, JUNA, Geography Bee prep
Tuesday: CNN, JUNA, Geography Bee prep
Wednesday: CNN, JUNA, Geography Bee prep
Thursday: CNN, JUNA, Geography Bee prep
Friday: CNN, JUNA, Geography Bee prep

8th Grade
Monday: CNN, The Bronze Bow, Geography Bee prep
Tuesday: CNN, The Bronze Bow, Geography Bee prep
Wednesday: CNN, The Bronze Bow, Geography Bee prep
Thursday: CNN, The Bronze Bow, Geography Bee prep
Friday: CNN, The Bronze Bow, Geography Bee prep

Mr. President!

2008-11-07T11:06:00.004-06:00

The United States of America has a new president elect, Barack Obama. The message is clear...change! Currently, Barack Obama is choosing his cabinet. Keep an eye on the news and let us see who will be on the Obama team.

Tentative Weekly Schedule

2008-11-07T11:03:00.001-06:00

See last blog for vocabulary words: Remember: test in Monday, November 17, 2008

7th grade
Monday: Veteran's Day Activity
Tuesday: Veteran's Day Holiday
Wednesday: CNN and Economics Project
Thursday: CNN and Economics Project
Friday: CNN and finish Economics Project

8th grade
Monday: Veteran's Day Activity
Tuesday: Veteran's Day Holiday
Wednesday: The Bronze Bow and CNN
Thursday: The Bronze Bow and CNN
Friday: The Bronze Bow and CNN

See you at the Polls!

2008-10-31T10:11:00.002-05:00

Election time is here. It is time for American citizens to exercise their right to vote for representatives. We are encouraged to be an informed voter. Tuesday, November 4, 2008 is election day. Go with your parents to vote, go with neighbors, go with someone to the polls. Be a part of the process until the day comes when you can cast your own vote. If you know someone who is not planning on voting, share your views on the importance and maybe you will inspire an American voter. See you at the polls!!!!

Be a Responsible Trick-or-Treater!! Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T10:08:00.003-05:00

Whether you are trick-or-treating with brothers and sisters or partying in your favorite, scary costumes or maybe just hanging out with your friends, remember to be safe and responsible. Have lots of fun....the responsible way. See you Monday!!

Weekly Overview 11/3/08-11/7/08

2008-10-31T09:59:00.002-05:00

Vocabulary 4 Test TODAY
Words for Vocabulary 5: defenestration, articulate, discordant, mellifluous, petty, upbraid, scintillating, voracious, incognito, and acute

All Classes: 2008 Presidential Election and current events

Monday: CNN, Election, and defenestration
Tuesday: CNN, Election, and articulate and Mock Election
Wednesday: CNN, Election analysis, discordant
Thursday: CNN, Election analysis, mellifluous
Friday: CNN, Election analysis, petty

Report cards go home: Thursday, November 6, 2008

Assignments: 10/27/08-10/31/2008

2008-10-24T10:36:00.002-05:00

All classes: Vocabulary words for the week: audible, bibliophile, trudge, dehydrated, and credible

7th grade and 8th grade:
Monday: CNN and 08 Presidential Election: 3rd Pd. Test
Tuesday: CNN and 08 Presidential Election
Wednesday: CNN and 08 Presidential Election
Thursday: CNN and 08 Presidential Election; 2nd 6-week grading period ends
Friday: CNN and 08 Pesidential Election: Happy Halloween
Homework: Study for Vocabulary Test for Monday, Nov. 3, 2008

Mexico and United Kingdom: We will write and mail our resolutions by Thursday, 10/30/2008. Be prepared to THINK and produce quality work.

Assignments: 10/21-10/27/2008

2008-10-17T13:58:00.002-05:00

All classes: Vocabulary for the week; pacific, intrepid, fraternity, monotone, obdurate Test on: Monday: November 3, 2008

7th grade:
Monday: CNN, Presidential Election and Law
Homework: read pgs. 342-381
Law foldable, Criminal/Civil foldable
Tuesday: CNN,Read Comp. Quiz, Pres. Election, Law
Homework: read pgs. 382-401, complete main ideas foldable
Wednesday: CNN, review foldable, Law, Pres. Election
Thursday: CNN and Law wrapup
Friday: CNN and Law test

8th grade:
Monday: CNN, Pres. Election, China notes
Homework: pgs. 220-251, Important People of China foldable
Tuesday: CNN, China Notes
Wednesday: CNN, China Notes
Thursday: CNN, China wrapup
Friday: CNN and China test

Assignments: 10/13-10/17/2008

2008-10-13T10:41:00.002-05:00

All classes: Vocabulary Quiz on Friday, 10/17/2008: inclement, claustrophobia, tenacious, benevolent, malicious, petrified, superfluous, interminable, gullible, vivacious.
Progress Reports: October 17, 2008

7th Grade
Monday: CNN and Election PP, webquest, games
Tuesday: CNN and Election PP, webquest, games
Wednesday: CNN and Election PP, webquest, games
Thursday: CNN and Election PP, webquest, games
Friday: CNN, Vocabulary and Election Test

8th Grade
Monday: CNN, remaining projects due, India PP (Chapter 6)
Tuesday: CNN, India PP and Alexander the Great debate
Wednesday: CNN, India
Thursday: CNN, India
Friday: CNN, Vocabulary and India Test

October 7-10 Assignments

2008-10-02T13:10:00.004-05:00

All Classes 7 and 8
Final copy of your Patriot's Pen essay is due October 10

8th grade
Tuesday: Essay due, begin Greece Project, contract your product and due dates; word of the day: tenacious
Wednesday: Work on Project; word of the day: benevolent
Thursday: Work on Project; word of the day: malicious
Friday: Turn in a Greece product; word of the day: amicable

7th grade
Tuesday: Essay due, work on candidate, word of the day; tenacious
Wednesday: Work on candidate, word of the day: benevolent
Thursday: Work on candidate, word of the day: malicious
Friday: Finalize candidate, word of the day: amicable

Reminders: Essay, Prudential Spirit of Community Award, JUNA fees for delegates, extra points pictures (voc. words)

Alabama Shakespeare Field Trip

2008-09-08T10:59:00.004-05:00

We have been invited by Pod 4 to attend the Christmas Carol on December 17, 2008. Please make sure you pay your down-payment of $25.00 soon. We are taking only 60 students/chaperones. It is based on first come, first serve basis. As for gifted students, if you have been suspended or visited the office 3 or more times, you will not be allowed to attend any field trips. Please keep this is mind; your conduct always matters.

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY: Patriot's Pen

2008-09-08T10:52:00.008-05:00

All gifted students are participating in the Patriot's Pen essay competition. This gives the students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. The deadline for the rough draft is October 2, 2008. The deadline for the final, complete draft is October 10, 2008. You may visit the www.vfw.org for more information on the competition. I have sent entry forms and rules home with each student.

09/08/2008-9/12/2008

2008-09-08T09:09:00.003-05:00

$100 Vocabulary Words: novel, stymie, colassal, extrovert, plethora

7th Grade
Pretest: National Government/Presidency
Read Chapter 7, pgs. 164-187 by Wednesday, 9/10/2008
Daily quizzes beginning on Tuesday, 9/09/2008
Come to class everyday

8th Grade
Pretest: Ancient Civilizations: Greece, India, and China
Read Chapters 4 and 5 by 9/12/2008: pgs. 108-189
Daily Quizzes beginning on Tuesday, 9/10/2008: Hint: read 18-20 pages beginning Monday night.
Be in class everyday

2008-08-28T13:46:00.000-05:00

'>http://www.cnn.com/video/savp/evp/?loc=dom&vid=/video/education/2008/08/27/sn.0828.cnn" height="393" width="406" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no">

Assignments for 09/02-09/05

2008-08-28T13:16:00.002-05:00

Monday: Labor Day Holiday
7th grade:
Tuesday: Citizenship by Naturalization
Wednesday: English Influence on Early American Government & $100 Voc. Quiz
Thursday: The Amendments
Friday: Foundations of American Government

8th grade:
Tuesday: Ben Hur
Wednesday: Ben Hur & $100 Voc. Quiz
Thursday: Ben Hur
Friday: Conclude Ben Hur

Vocabulary words for quiz 9/3/2008: garrulous, perturbed, myriad, pedestrian, arduous, impeccable, serpentine, herpetology, desist, and conundrum

Week 2 Assignments

2008-08-15T10:16:00.003-05:00

8th grade and 7th grade
Monday: Exam: Unit 1, CNN Student News, Research and develop contracted projects
Tuesday-Friday: Research and develop contracted projects, CNN Students News, Projects may be due.
COME TO CLASS PREPARED: Bring you notebook with all research each day.
Grades for the week: Exam, daily quiz on Unit 1, class participation, notebook contents

Vocabulary Words: pedestrian, arduous, impeccable

WELCOME BACK!!

2008-08-05T14:57:00.010-05:00

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever." - Mohandas Gandhi

The 2008-2009 school year is upon us. The Olympics and the 2008 Presidential election kick off this exciting year. We have an awesome year ahead of us, and I hope you are as thrilled as I am to get started. You can expect to be challenged and engaged. Be prepared!!!!

Citizenship is the theme this year. Good citizens respect others, obey rules and laws, vote, help those in need, are responsible, and stay informed. All we do at school, in our community and as citizens of this great country hinge on these few basic principles.

7th Grade WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS:

8/7/08: My Name Collage

8/8/08: My Name Collage due

Reading Assignment: read pgs. 2-133 of Civics Today: to be finished by Fri.,
8/15/08
8th Grade WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS:

8/7/08: My Name Collage

8/8/08: My Name Collage due

Reading Assignment: read pgs. 1-33 of Journey Across Time: to be finished by
Mon., 8/11/08

Materials for 7th and 8th Grade classes:

Notebook: 1" to 1 1/2" 3-ring binder for class notes, assignments, handouts, worksheets, maps, etc.
Tab divider pages for notebook
Loose-leaf, college-ruled paper
Pen or pencil
Markers, crayons, scissors, stick glue, and colored pencils
Journal of any type
2-pocket folder any color

LABEL ALL SUPPLIES WITH STUDENT'S NAME

Super Summer Reading

2008-05-14T09:53:00.003-05:00

All Gifted Students....Read, Read, Read this summer. The one single factor that will place you above the rest is reading. There are many good websites to get a reading list to satisfy your taste, maybe even spark a new love of reading. Give this site a try: http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklistsbook.cfm or surf the web yourself.

Bon Voyage!

2008-05-14T09:42:00.003-05:00

Before students pack their bags and their minds, please make sure there are no loose ends. Please return all textbooks, library books, envelopes, stamps, semester tests are taken, lockers cleaned out, paying any remaining fines, and wish friends, teachers a great, safe summer vacation.

"Out of the black fen something stirred."

2008-05-06T15:46:00.002-05:00

The finish up the school year, 8th grade students are reading Beowulf, A New Telling by Robert Nye. This is an interpretation of the original.

The Medieval Europe Alphabet Book

2008-05-06T14:29:00.002-05:00

The 8th graders are writers this week. Each 8th grader is creating an alphabet book to teach Medieval Europe. I cannot wait to see the final product. I know that each student will produce an outstanding alphabet book that can can be displayed and shared for many years to come. The book is due May 9, 2008 before the end of each class period.

Vocabulary Workshop News

2008-03-31T10:12:00.003-05:00

Unit 7 and 8 Quiz: Friday, April 4
Unit 9 and 10Quiz: Friday, April 11
Unit 11 and 12 Quiz: Friday, April 18
Unit 13 and 14 Quiz: Thursday, April 24
Unit 15 Quiz: Friday, May 2
Final Mastery Test: Friday, May 9

April News

2008-03-31T09:56:00.002-05:00

April 2-3: ARMT
April 4: End of 5th Six Weeks
March 31-April 18: Pennies for Patients Program: bring your donation every day
April 7,8,9: SAT
April 10: Report Cards go out
April 16: Science Assessment
April 22: ASF Field Trip: Romeo and Juliet: Depart at 6:30 from Ellis: Don't forget lunch money ($7-$8)
Remember: Keep up with the news; CNN is temporarily out of order. We will be reading our Upfront magazine on occasion, especially during testing.

March News!

2008-03-06T13:22:00.002-06:00

8th graders: Test on Friday 3/7/08
7th graders: Designing a poster explaining and illustrating the Industrial Revolution in Europe.
Upfront: Read your Upfront magazines. We have not had much time in class to read them, but we will be discussing the articles next week.
Interesting stuff: New TV sow that helps students explore career opportunities (www.onthejobtv.org)

Alabama Primary Results

2008-02-12T11:51:00.000-06:00

The Democratic candidate results: Obama 56% and Clinton 42%
The Republican candidate results: Huckabee 41%, McCain 37% and Paul 3%

Pledged Delegates: Clinton-21, Obama-20, Huckabee-20, McCain-16, Paul-0

Republican National Convention: September 1-4, 2008
Democratic National Convention: August 25-28, 2008

February 5 Current Events

2008-02-05T11:19:00.000-06:00

Primary Day!
Today 24 states go to the polls to elect a Republican Primary winner and a Democratic Primary winner for the race to the White House! Who will be the next president of the US?? We all ask this question! Will it be Clinton or Obama on the Democratic side? McCain, Romney or Huckabee on the Republican side? We will wait and see!

L.G.

Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing

2008-02-05T10:16:00.000-06:00

Ellis students are steadily preparing for the upcoming writing assessment February 21, 2008. Social studies' teachers are focusing on persuasive mode of writing. Steps include:

1. read prompt at least 4 times,

2. create a graphic organizer to organize reasons that appeal to the audience;

3. write rough draft: use at least 5 paragraphs: with an introduction(grabber, clearly stated opinion, 3 reasons with transitions, and a transition sentence), 3 body paragraphs for the 3 strong reasons that support the opinion, and a concluding paragraph that finishes it off, adding a couple of extra "fluff sentences", and end the whole paper with a very well written sentence that leaves the reader with an imprint of the essay. Make it something the reader won't easily forget.

4. When you have 25 minutes left, copy the rough draft onto the test.

TIPS: write at least a 5 sentence paragraph each time, know the audience, stick to a certain tone, whether it's formal, informal, funning, pleasing, be familiar with persuasive words in support of and in support against, use 1 or 2 $100 vocabulary words, vivid verbs, facts, not just opinions,

Super Tuesday

2008-02-05T10:14:00.000-06:00

Today is Super Tuesday. Students have been studying the issues and candidates. We are holding a mock primary election. Results will be posted later today.

Letter to Congress Reminder!

2008-01-24T14:09:00.000-06:00

All students are writing letters to Richard Shelby, Jeff Sessions, or Michael Rogers. Final draft of letters are due Tuesday, January 29, 2008. www.congress.org is an excellent resource.

Progress Reports

2008-01-24T14:08:00.000-06:00

Progress reports go home today.

Conserve and Save

2008-01-24T13:59:00.000-06:00

Today, the 7th graders had a guest speaker from Alagasco. Mrs. Edna Richardson from the Engineering Department in Anniston came and spoke with us about energy conservation. "Don't let the TV watch you." "We need to conserve energy for future generations." "Wear layers to stay warm and keep the thermostat low." These are just a few ways we learned to conserve energy. Mrs. Richardson gave us brochures, pencils and graph to reinforce conservation. She reminded us to find our comfort zone at home and use less energy. We all have at least one way we can help conserve energy in our homes and our posterity, beginning today, January 24, 2008. www.conserve.alagasco.com

What's Up?

2008-01-15T09:12:00.000-06:00

Eighth graders have chosen a Greek philosopher, writer, scientiest, or leader who they think deserves a Nobel Prize. The students will write a speech to explain why and present speech to class. Students have chosen Archimedes, Pericles, Alexander the Great, Solon, Aristotle, Homer, and Socrates.

Before the end of January, 2008, all seventh and eighth grade students must develop and type a letter to a U.S. congressman concerning something of interest. I prefer the letter be persuasive, but that is not a requirement. We have discussed this on a regular basis for the last 2 weeks. The students are to compose a rough draft, proofread, edit, and type the final draft. I have instructed them to bring me the rough draft to proofread. After the students proofread, edit, and retype the letter, I will mail it.

Class assignments

2008-01-07T15:12:00.001-06:00

Eighth graders are currently studying Ancient Greece. The week of January 7-11, they are creating a travel brochure on Microsoft Publisher. The students have received the assignment and a rubrics for scoring. Tenetatively, it is due on January 10, 2008. The students will present and answer questions regarding the content of the travel brochure. Research of ancient Greece and creating a computer-generated brochure are the two essential tasks of this assignment. They should be researching and writing the content for the brochures at home Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening.

The Seventh graders are currently drawing and labeling a map of the continent of Europe. They will be assessed on the European countries on Friday, January 11, 2008.

Vocabulary Workshop: Both grades are working on Unit 4. A test will be given on Unit 4 Friday, January 18, 2008. Please use the words in any writing you may be doing in all core classes. This is one way to make a word part of your permanent, working vocabulary.

January Class News

2008-01-07T15:07:00.000-06:00

1/10/08: Report Cards go out
1/10/08: National Cut your Energy Costs Day
1/21/08: MLK, Jr. Holiday
1/24/08: National Compliment Day
1/31/08: Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

January: Write to Congress (All gifted students are to compose a letter to a U.S. Congress person). We are discussing ideas and format on a daily basis in class. Please do not wait until the last minute. Your letter must be mail this month.

Avoid any office referrals to remain eligible for field trips.

Remember: Daily current events/CNN news and map of events. Keep abreast of Election 2008 news.