novellas, and novels. Many of our 8th grade classrooms are immersed in classic novels, such as Call of the Wild, and our 7th grade classrooms have just finished reading the drama adaptation of "A Christmas Carol."  After the Winter Break, we plan to continue learning about story elements, as well as begin a unit on poetry.  Also, all 7th grade Language Arts classes will prepare for the CST Writing Assessment, which will be given in the early spring. We look forward to continuing the momentum of a strong start!

Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Physical Education  

 Come and join us in making history and break a Guinness World Record!! Can you skip rope better than our students?  On Monday, February 1, 2010, at exactly 9 a.m., C.A. Jacobs, led by the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, will be joining approximately 80,000 children throughout the State of California in a mass attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the “Most People Jumping/Skipping Rope at the Same Time.” Our students will be skipping rope with other schools/locations (coordinated via live webcast) to break the existing Guinness World Record of 59,000 people, held by Australia.   We hope that this event will be a great and fun reminder that it

doesn’t require a great deal of money or expensive equipment to be healthy, fit, and fight childhood obesity. All it requires is perhaps a good pair of shoes and a jump rope! If you have questions or would like to help out, contact Colleen Turner at cturner@dixonusd.org

 English Language Arts

Language Arts has had an exciting year so far! We focused heavily on non-fiction and persuasion our first trimester, and the results of our Benchmark scores are evidence of our hard work! We grew tremendously on the Reading Comprehension Standards in both 7th and 8th grade.  This trimester, we are analyzing story elements, such as plot and characterization. We are reading (and thoroughly enjoying) short stories,

What is happening in the classroom?                                                          

        Cougar Corner

Welcome Back                     Mrs. Girimonte                   Mrs. Girimonte will be joining our staff on January 11th as she returns from maternity leave.  Mrs. Girimonte will be returning to us part time and will be splitting the assistant principal duties with Ms. Harrison. 

 

 

 

C.A.J Band                             Tuesday night the C.A. Jacobs band performed their winter concert.  We have an incredible group of students with some amazing talent.  If you haven't heard them play you are missing out on quite a treat.  Thanks Mr. Russo for doing such a great job and way to go Cougar Band!!!

 

December 18th 2009

Are you in a homework battle?

Lately we have had a lot of feedback from parents who are struggling with the homework battle.  Those of us who are parents have had to deal with our kids putting up quite a fight when it is time to do homework.  Believe me, I have been there and so have most of the C.A.J staff.  Since so many parents struggle with this issue, we thought we would put together some tips.  These tips will eliminate the homework battle, turn homework into a habit and actually

decrease the time your child spends on it, because of the structure you provide.                  Tip #1                       Provide a consistent work place for homework that is quiet, well lit,  and free of distractions.             Tip #2                             Homework should be a structured daily routine that includes a specific time for completing it.  All other activities should be off limits during this time. 

Tip#3                              Provide feedback.  Every 10 minutes check on their

progress and ask some questions.  Have your child explain what he/she is working on.  This lets your kids know that you are not just monitoring them, but you are involved and care about what they are doing.        Tip #4                              Avoid the power struggle.  Set clear rules and consequences for not following the rules.  If rules are broken, make sure to enforce the consequence. 

Homework doesn’t have to be a battle.  Set some guidelines, be consistent, and your kids will excel.  

                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay active this vacation

I hope everyone gets some much needed rest and spends some quality time with their families.  Since it is such a long vacation, it is important to find ways to keep your mind and body active.  Parents, please make sure your kids take some time to read a book, write in a journal, ride their bikes, or go outside and play with some friends.   Simple activities like cooking your holiday meal with your kids can stimulate the mind.  Have them do the measuring for your recipes.  Ask questions like “How much would we add if we doubled the recipe?” Stay active, keep your minds busy, and enjoy your vacation. 

Mr. Hofhenke