With today being our final day of school before break, I want to wish all of my students are restful, safe, and fun Christmas holiday and a happy new year. I'll see you in 2011!

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

Dear 8th Grade Parents:

Just a reminder, we will be having a meeting on Thursday, December 9 at 7:00pm in the church to introduce you to the process of Confirmation preparation. Msg. Moloney, Mr. Grossman, and I will be there to explain the process and answer any questions that you may have. We will discuss guidelines for sponsors, the focus of our preparation, and how you can help your son or daughter prepare for this sacrament at home. The meeting will last about thirty minutes. Students are not required to attend the meeting, but they are certainly welcome. If your son or daughter is not being confirmed this year, you are not required to attend. I look forward to seeing you there.

I just want to wish all my students a happy and restful Thanksgiving break. Enjoy. Eat. Rest. Give thanks.

"Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds." (1 Chronicles 16:8-9)

In the never ending quest to help my wonderful students write the perfect short answers on my tests, I offer you, dear reader, still more sample test answers.

These actual answers, given by actual students on an actual test, are from a recent world history quiz. Spelling, etc. have not been corrected.

Chapter 11 Sample Test Answers

1. Why was Jesus arrested and executed?

Minimum Acceptable Answer:
“He was arrested and executed because he was a thret to leaders in his society.” (Actual Answer).
(4 out of 5 points)

Awesome Answer:
“Jesus was arrested and executed because he was considered a threat to the Roman government. He was also considered a threat to the Jewish rabbis. Jesus had many followers, so the Roman officials thought that they needed to get rid of him, so they had him cusified.” (Actual Answer).
(5 out of 5 points)

2. Describe the spread of Christianity from Jesus to about AD 400.

Minimum Acceptable Answer:
“The spread of Christianity started when Jesus taught his apostles, who went and spread Christianity throughout the Roman world. Paul also went and taught Christianity throughout the Roman World.” (Actual Answer).
(4 out of 5 points)

Excellent and Awesome Answer:
“Christianity began with Jesus. He spread his teachings to his disciples and followers. After Jesus’ ressurrection, the disciples traveled to many communities and spread the good news. After establishing Christian communities in several areas, Christianity was spread throughout the empire by the common people. This was done quickly and efficiently with the help of Roman roads. By AD 400, Christianity was so popular that the emperor made it the official religion of the empire.” (Actual Answer).
(5 out of 5 points)

Notice that the best answers provide details to support the answer to the question. Of course, proofreading and double checking your work go a long way, it is that one extra example that makes all the difference.

Did you miss something during class? Maybe you were absent one day and didn't get all the notes from a lecture. Well, worry no more young students! Remember, you can access all of my lecture notes online. Just click on the Lecture Notes link and you can find what you need there. Enjoy!