Welcome to the St. Bernard School EIGHTH GRADE Home Page!

Hello Everyone! I am Mr. Fabrizio. I teach 7th and 8th grade Language Arts, American History, World Geography, and 6th grade Social Studies.  In my programs at St. Bernard School, there is a primary focus on student writing skills, grammar understanding, historical/cultural comprehension, and note-taking. 

Take A Look To See Where We Are Headed For The Spring!

Gr. 6 Social Studies:

We will be beginning Ch. 8 on Early Native American Civilizations. In this chapter will read, discuss, and take notes on the geography of North America, and the cultural, political, economic, and religious practices of early Native American groups like the Olmec, the Maya, the Hohokam, and the Anasazi. 

Gr. 7 Geography:

We have just completed our study of the regions of the United States and have now moved north to Canada.  In Ch. 8 on Canada we will discuss the geographic, climate, historical, cultural, regional, economic, and ethnic features that have made Canada the country it is today. 

Gr. 8 Geography:

We are just beginning Ch. 31 on China.  In this chapter we are discussing the political evolution of China from its beginnings as an empire, to its move into Communism, to its current trend towards a market system.  We will also discuss the geographic landscape of the nation, along with its access to natural resources, economic growth, and cultural traits. 

Gr. 7 History:

In Gr. 7 History we are just finishing up Ch. 9 on the early development of the United States as a nation beginning with the presidency of George Washington and ending with the presidency of John Adams.  In this chapter we have discussed the early challenges the United States faced as a growing nation, early foreign policy development, as well the emergence of political parties through the growing tension between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton.  We are close to the end of the chapter, so be prepared for a test next week. 

Gr. 8 History:

In this course we are currently heading toward the end of Ch. 24 on World War I. In this chapter we have discussed such topics as reasons for growing tension in Europe leading up to war, the impact of the alliance system, the assasination of archduke Franz Ferdinand, the policy of U.S. neutrality, the impact of war on the U.S. economy, U.S. involvement in the War, war-time conditions, significant battles, and the impact of American and European philosophies on peace after the War.    

Gr. 7 and 8 Language Arts:

In both of these courses students just finished up writing research papers on the significance of a historical figure of their choosing.  Students went through weeks of research, writing note-cards, outlines, and publishing their papers in Modern Language Association (MLA) Format.  I know it was a tough process, but the students should be proud that they completed such a rigorous task.  Now we have moved on to Unit 7: Modifiers in grammar.  In this unit, we specifically focus on topics of identification and comparison of adjectives and adverbs, as well as negative usage, and adjective/adverb differentiation. 

Upcoming Events:

4/23 Gr. 7 & 8 Religious Retreat 

5/2  Rock Cats Game Gr. 6-8

5/4  Gr. 8 Class Night

Hello everyone! I am Mr. Fabrizio.  I teach the Junior High Social Studies and Language Arts Programs at St. Bernard School.  My goal is to prepare students for high school by providing each student with sophisticated notes, promoting development of independent critical thinking skills, along with enhancing student abilities in various forms of writing and communication. 

Take a look at where we are in each of my subject areas.

Gr. 8 Language Arts:

We are currently focusing on Unit 5 Verbs from our English textbook.  In this unit we cover a variety of skills in verb identification and usage including; irregular and progressive forms, transitive/intransitive verbs, direct and indirect objects, active and passive voice, and more.  Homework is given each night to assess student understanding. 

 Gr. 7 Language Arts:

In the seventh grade, we are currently focusing on the writing process by writing a personal narrative.  Students have focused on learning new writing skills such as introduction types, sequencing, writing dialogue, using descriptive details, and story endings to apply to their narratives.  Students will participate in each step of the writing process which includes, prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading, and publishing.

Gr. 8 History:

In Chapter 12 we are diving into the Jacksonian Era of American History.  Students have learned about the elections of 1824, 1828, and 1832.  In this chapter we have focused on Andrew Jackson's connection to the common people, the Spoils System, the division over federal power and states' rights, the fight over the national bank, Jackson's treatment of Native Americans, and the legacy of President Jackson.

Gr. 7 History:

In Chapter 5 we are exploring the early events that set the stage for the American Revolution.  Students have learned about the fight for territory in North America that led to the French and Indian War and the impact that the conflict had on the colonies following the war.  Students have gone on to study how Great Britain tried to erase its debt from the French and Indian War by raising taxes on the American colonists.  As the chapter progresses students will learn how the conflict between Great Britain and its American colonies will escalate into war with shots being fired at Lexington and Concord. 

Gr. 8 Geography:

We are just finishing up Ch. 12 on Brazil.  In this chapter we have studied the landscape, ecosystem, economy, culture, social classes, government, and physical development of Brazil.  The Ch. 12 Test will be on Thursday, November 29th.  Make sure to study!

Gr. 7 Geography: 

In Chapter 4, Resources and Land Use we have focused on natural resources, renewable resources, nonrenewable resources, various energy sources and forms, the four types of economic activities, and three classes of country development.   

Gr. 6 Social Studies:

We are currently in the middle of Ch. 4 on the Indus River Valley.  In this chapter we are focusing on the importance of the Indus River to establishing Indus civilizations, the influence of the Aryans, the rise of Hinduism and Buddhism, and the development of Indus empires. 

Important Dates:

12/1/12-  Catholic High School Entrance Exam

12/19/12- Archbishop Mansell's Jubilee Mass 

I am Mr. Fabrizio.  I teach the Junior High Social Studies and Language Arts Programs.  In these programs there is a specific focus on note-taking and writing to prepare students for the high school level.  Here is a brief view of what is going on in my classes.

Gr. 8 History:

     We are currently on Ch. 11 Industry and Growth.  In this chapter we have focused on studying the Industrial Revolution, technological advances such as steam power, American westward expanision, sectionalism, strengthening of federal power by the Supreme Court, Latin American independence. and the Monroe Doctrine. 

Gr. 7 History: 

     We are currently focusing on early colonial times in British North America in Ch. 4 Ls. 1.  This particular section focuses on the New England colonies.  Students will gain an understanding of how the various New England colonies were established and what life was like for a New England Colonist in the 1600s and 1700s.

Gr. 8 Language Arts:

     Students are currently in the writing process of composing a personal narrative.  Students have focused on learning particular skills such as writing story beginnings, using dialogue, sequencing, and showing detail to prepare for this writing assignment.  Students will then go through the writing process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, proofreading, and publication. 

Gr. 7 Language Arts:

    In L.A. the seventh grade is currently focusing on Unit 3 in grammar on Noun Usage. We are reviewing all of the skills covered as we approach the end of this unit.  The Test will be Wednesday, October 24th.  Make sure you study.  We will then be moving on to the next writing unit of writing a personal narrative. 

Gr. 8 Geography:

     We have just started Ch. 12 on Brazil.  We are focusing the landscape, regions, demographics, culture, government, and economics of this up-and-coming South American nation. 

Gr. 7 Geography:

     We are just wrapping up Ch. 3 on World Population and Culture.  Various topics have been discussed including, population patterns of the world, urbanization, cultural patterns, government structures and types, and economic systems.  The Test will be held on Monday, October 29th. 

Gr. 6 Social Studies:

     In Ch. 3 we are taking a visit to Ancient Egypt where we learned about the geographic and economic importance of the Nile River.  Students also will be focusing on Ancient Egyptian religion, customs (mummification), architecture (pyramids), historic time periods, government, and expansion. 

Important Upcoming Events:

     -  October 26th-  Gr. 6-8 Halloween Dance

     -  October 29th-  Gr. 8 Shadow Day at East Catholic High School

     -  October 30th-   Gr. 8 Expenses Parent Meeting 7 PM

     -  November 1st-  Gr. 8 Cap and Gown Measurement