Peacock Chronicle

Volume 00-01

Issue 4

page 10

Eighth Graders
Visit 150-year-old
Sugar Plantation

By Joey Augello

On January 12, 2001, the eighth graders went on their first field trip of the year. Ms. Grady, the social studies teacher, took them to the Gamble Plantation in Ellenton. They left school at 8:00A.M. and got to the plantation in time for the 9:30 tour.

This year in social studies, the eighth grade is learning American History. They learned a lot about plantations in the classroom, and they got the opportunity to go to one that was still in existence and see what it was like. This plantation used to be 3,500 acres, but much of it had been sold off.

The Gamble Plantation was a sugar plantation and was built around 1845.

The eighth grade students Iearned many interesting facts while there, such as plantation soap contained pig fat, and that it took forty-five minutes to make their beds because they were feather beds.

I highly recommend that you go to this plantation for yourself and learn of the old ways that still exist here in Florida.

Make Plans to Read This Summer

by Nirav Bhadja

Summer is a time when student get to chill out and enjoy some time off. It is also the time to stretch their minds at their own pace.

Summer reading is required. Middle school students have to read a required book, a book chosen by them, and a book from the approved summer reading list. Therefore, three books in all have to be read in the summer.

Ms. Boza explained, "Reading is exercise for the mind and it is very important. We like to give the students lots of leeway and choice during the summer."

Mr. Vokoun added, "There are worksheets this year for each of the books. There will also be follow up assignments and a test on the required book.' Just so you know, students, the worksheets are due on the first day of school.

Each student has received a summer reading book list at this year's book fair from which they can choose their books. "I like having the list so far in advance so that I can decide what I am going to read for the summer," said Laurel Sprauge, seventh grade student. Ms. Hill, fifth grade teacher, said, "Reading is like riding a bicycle. The more you do it the better you get." She added, "The benefits are numerous."

Reading helps with your vocabulary, and the writing styles can transfer into readers' writing. Teachers want student's reading skills stay sharp during the summer, so enjoy the break while enjoying a book.

IDS 2001 Graduates

Joseph Augello
Gustavo Barrazueta
Adam Beeble
Cory Beyer
Andrew Boza
Alexander Craddock
Carl Cunnane
Leah Davies
Brittany Davis
Jackalyn DeMarco
Taylor Dunn
Jason Ehrlich Michael Giocondo
Randy Hamzah
Christopher Hargiss
Adam Jessup
Andrew Lau
Kelly Lawrence
Andrew Maniscalco
Kelly Matthews
Johnny Messina
Jeffrey Mueller
Andrew Ojeda
Heather Pate
Christopher Redmon
Alyssa Sewall
Ashley Sierra
Mackenzie Stewart
Erin Swartz
David Tockman
Emily Tyler
Andrea Wallis
Kayleigh Wilson
Ally Winkles
Devin Wittcoff
Marc Wolfson