End of Year 8 th Grade Project Due Tuesday, May 26 th, 2015 **MAJOR GRADE** (15 points off for each day late)

You will create a Book of Reflections (like a scrapbook) for your final project as a Hildebrandt student. Please take this project seriously as several grades will be taken from the project. You must choose ­­8 of the following activities to include in your Book of Reflections. Advice to a Sixth Grader and The Most Influential person are REQUIRED! * You must have a cover page and table of contents

Cover Page Include a picture of yourself or a unique way to write your name Suggestion: Create a wordle (then use snipping tool) to cut and paste it.

**REQUIRED** Write a friendly letter (one page) to a 6 th grader on how to be successful in middle school. (You can use humor, but do give “true” advice.) Examples of what to include: What things should they know about 6 th grade? What are the best and worst things about Hildebrandt? What do you know now that you wished you knew as a sixth grader? Dear 6 th Grader,

*REQUIRED* The person who influenced you most: Write a one page paper about the person that influenced you the most in Middle School. It can be a teacher, another student, a parent, or someone from an outside activity. You can either write an essay about why that person is influential or write a letter TO that person, explaining what this person did to influence your life during middle school.

Class Reunion Imagine what you and your friends will be like in 20 years. Write a narrative from 1 st person point of view about meeting up with your 8 th grade buddies in 20 years. How has everyone changed? What successes has everyone had? Remember this is a narrative- so you are telling it from your point of view!

Persuasive Letter to Dr. Jones Write a five paragraph letter explaining a change that you feel is necessary at Hildebrandt, or explain what you feel are the strengths of our school and why we should make no change (do not do both; take a stand).

Letter to a teacher: Write a friendly letter to teacher here at Hildebrandt explaining why you will remember the class, what you learned, etc. (minimum one page). The teacher does not have to be at Hildebrandt still. Make sure that you think about that particular class and WHY you enjoyed it. Letter from a parent: Get one of your parents to write a letter to you explaining why they are proud of you as you prepare to enter high school. *This is still due on the due date- if your parents can’t finish this by the 26 th, then you need to pick a different option.

Directions for One Pager: 1) Create a central image that symbolizes your life as an 8 th Grader * Draw, cut out, or use a computer graphics to create an image that captures the central meaning of you * The image must be the central feature of your One-Pager and all other information on the page must tie into this singular concept!!! 2) Brainstorm around the central image - include four statements, three words or less that connect you & the image 3) Include two of your favorite quotes that connect to your life and the image; include author of the quote 4) Mission statement: A personal mission statement provides clarity and gives you a sense of purpose. It defines who you are and how you will live. ***SEE NEXT SLIDE FO AN EXAMPLE OF ONE-PAGER

Love to Learn Inspire Others Expect SuccessChildren=Future Mission Statement: I am a teacher. I strive to be a good example to my students, to create in them a love of literature, and to empower them to become writers. I believe words are the most powerful tool a student can possess. My philosophy is that if you treat students with respect, they will in turn treat you with respect.

Top Ten List: You must have at least four categories on this page. For example, top ten movies of your middle school life, songs, books, games, professional athletes, actors, or your choice. Most Memorable Day in Middle School: Write a personal narrative about the most memorable day you had in middle school. (one page)

Write a poem. You can model if after a favorite poet or poem. The poem should be about yourself or someone who influenced you. It must be at least 10 lines. It can rhyme or be free verse. Book Cover: Create an original book cover from either The Giver or Unwind. It must have the title of the book and an illustration drawn by you. It must be neat and colorful.

Favorite Book: Think about all the books you’ve read in middle school; write a brief essay about why the book(s) was meaningful to you.

Breaking News: Create a front page newspaper with headline and feature story; include two additional articles. Optional: include action shot.

Choose A Song: Find a song that explains your life as an 8 th grader. Write the lyrics! Then analyze the lyrics and explain the connection to your life in a brief essay. WHAT’S IN A SONG?

Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round: Describe a memorable event either riding the bus to or from school, or to or from a school event.