Signing Off for the year.....

A busy day for all! It has been a joyful day, and yet there are still two more to go. As of today, I am signing off for the year on our class blog. I have had an awesome year with this group of fine 27 sixth graders! I will be sending home a letter with report cards!
Have a wonderful summer!

Reminder.....Report cards will be coming home......Thursday is the last student day of school.......

Working Through it all.....

We had a busy day....the students are plugging along with their assessments! I can see that some of them are lacking in effort....I know it is that time of the year. I have encouraged the students to make every effort to keep the efforts high, even though it is the last couple weeks of school. The end of the year assessments need to be a focus for proving what the students know and what they have learned.

HOMEWORK....
There will be no homework assignments for the remainder of the school year.....Unless a student had unfinished work or make-up work.

Parent Thought....Please remind your child to have good effort in the coming days....

REMINDER:
No school on Friday due to observation of Memorial Day!

Pre-Post Tests!

I have done a great deal of pre-and post testing this school year in order to determine learning needs for individual students. I am so glad for this because it has helped me to determine learning needs and moving each student to their next learning level! The students have, over time, started to see the reasons and the rewards for doing this. Some of their achievement has grown TREMENDOUSLY this school year.

Each student has kept a goal/data folder to record learning and assessment data. These folders (YELLOW) will be coming home next week. Be looking for them and have a conversation with your child about the achievement they have experienced this year.....We focus on growth!!

HOMEWORK:

NONE!

Parent Thought....Ask your child how they "Feel" they did on their end of the year assessment in Language Arts Assessments

Masks come Alive!

It has been a busy last couple of weeks! the students completed a unit on symbolism. The focus was on knowing yourselves and your strengths! Each student created a mask that was the shape of their faces. It was great to see the students working in partnerships to complete the masks. Then, the students were able to decorate their masks based on some symbols, paint colors, etc. that represented them!

We had a lot of fun! They are such a creative group!!

HOMEWORK: For Tuesday May 25, 2010
Language Arts:

• Complete vocabulary Crossword puzzle
• Study Unit Vocabulary and Spelling words

Math: None

Who is counting?

The students have officially starting counting down the days to the end of the school year. I had not heard them talk about it before today! I would think that the warm weather has helped to put the in "Summer Mode"! I am certainly not ready for the to head off to the Junior High, I know that they are ready, but I am really going to miss them! They make the days enjoyable, such a fun mix of personalities! I am so thankful!

This is a review week. We will be review both Language Arts and Math Material. There will be assessments everyday starting on Wednesday and continuing through Tuesday of next week. This will be the completion of the Language Arts and Math Units for the last grading period.

UPCOMING:
Next Week:
Tuesday - Privilege time in the afternoon
Wednesday- Talent Show
Thursday- Last Day & Field Day activities

HOMEWORK:
Language Art:

• Study Spelling Review List
• Complete Vocabulary Matching Sheet (Due Tomorrow)

Seminar (Health)

• Work on Drug Research Activity

Math:

• None

Parent Thought:

Ask your child ways that they can stay focused during this assessment week....Come up with a plan of action for this......good nights rest, personal best, staying focused, remembering respect....etc.

Choir....

Today we had the opportunity to enjoy a choir concert put on my the 7th and 8th grade students. The class was REALLY well behaved and they were a good audience. I was also very proud of their group work in math today! we are getting there with equations!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study spelling if needed
Study vocabulary
Finish Re-reading the story

Math-None

Parent Thought- Ask your child what they learned today about a Comprehension Tool Box???

When I grow up....I want to be....

Career Research! It has been so interesting to work with the students on this project! I have learned a great deal and feel that they have as well! More to come on this.....

Homework:
Language Arts:
Re-Read story pg. 730-737 (the rest on Thursday night)
Study Vocabulary and spelling (if you did pass the pre-test)

Math- None

Parent Thought:
Ask your child what they have learned about the responsibilities for the career they are researching???

Symbolism

Today we learned about The Aztecs. We did this in the form of a news story. On Wednesday the students will be creating their own "News" worthy bits of information from the story. The goal of this activity is to engage the students in their comprehension of the story.

PAINTING!!! Today the students planned what symbolizes them. We worked through understanding their passions, their goals and other items that represents them. The symbolism masks turned out GREAT!! What a talented group of students!!

Ask your child what they painted and why????

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Finish vocabulary sheet- Due Wed.
Study spelling and vocabulary words

Math: No written homework assignment

Read for 30+ minutes.....as always :)

We are getting there!!

Math....The students are making way with the introduction to equations. I am proud of their hard work!! It is not easy, but that is how learning is sometimes....It is good to be challenged!

Parent Thought: Note: I will out of the classroom but in the building for training tomorrow...I have reminded the students that the expectations are still high and our core values have not changed....Personal best is expected!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Study spelling if needed
Study/practice vocabulary words
Finish re-reading the story for the week

Math: None

As always ....Read for enjoyment for 30 + minutes!

Aching Algebra....

The theme for this week in math is EFFORT and Patience!!
We are working on equations and while they are not easy, I have reminded the students that effort can take you far!! Many of them started of with this mentality and attitude that they were unable to do them....They are able to do them, I know they can, it just takes patience and effort!!!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
-Study spelling if you did not pass the pretest

Math:
-Complete the 2 problems from the board

Parent Thought:
Ask your child what career they are researching and what information they are discovering,.....

Plaster, Fun, and a little Mess!!

The class had a fun time making their symbolism masks....PHOTOS will be coming in a few days!!!

HOMEWORK:

• Language Arts:
  Vocabulary Application sheet
• Math:
• None

Parent thought: Ask your child about their art experience today!! We had a good time and they did an awesome job!!

A week in Disguise..?

This week along with the typical curriculum we are studying symbolism. Today, we looked at and tried on some masks...the students enjoyed this. We discussed that while on the outside we can disguise ourselves, who we are on the inside does not change. We will be continuing this theme this week.

Tomorrow....Is our mask art project. I sent home a note regarding this on Friday. As a reminder your child will need:

• old set of clothes
• small towel
• headband and hair tie
• Face wash if they use a specific kind, I will have some on hand

Please feel free to email or call me if you have questions....

HOMEWORK:

Language Arts:

• Study Spelling words
• Vocabulary Sheet (Due Wed.)

Math:

• Math Journal Pg. 348 students were instructed to take home their Student Reference Book and their math template.

Parent Thought:

Ask your child if they tried on any masks today??? How did they look???

OTHER ITEMS:

There is a flyer coming home for IUSB reading program, you might take a look...

Your child has been offered flyers on other camps this summer....YMCA, Science Camp....Etc.

Equations, Equations.....

We are working on algebra...For some this is a good thing, for others, it is a challenge! We are working through it and all students are growing as learners...That is the Goal!!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:

• Study for Spelling Test
• Complete Grammar pg. 107

Math:

• Studylink 9.2 #1-3 (a-d on each problem only)

PLAY OUTSIDE TONIGHT!!!

Visit to the Junior High

I must admit, I have been nervous about the end of the year and the fact that my group of 27 awesome sixth graders are leaving our building and take the junior high journey....They just seem so young yet. HOWEVER, I felt much better today after physically seeing them in the Junior High building, and seeing the teachers that are looking forward to their arrival. They will be fine, and it is my hope that they will take their experiences from the Intermediate building with them....They will be fine, but I will miss them!!


They took a tour of where their classes will be, and had some question/answer time with the principal. They will also be able to come in to the school in August to find out their schedule and practice their lockers. It is important that they take this opportunity!!

HOMEWORK:

• L/A - Study spelling words....No pre-test this week, the assessment will be on Friday.
• math studylink - 9.1

Camp Recap....

Busy, to say the least! It was a packed day at camp yesterday and today for our group activity day here at school! The students experienced some valuable learning opportunities. I personally enjoyed the survival in the woods activity, archery and team dynamics building!

It is so enjoyable to see the students in a different atmosphere, I had a great time and while they were tired out, they seemed to have fun as well. We apologize for the late bus, the bus broke down on the way to get us Monday evening. Luckily, it was a quick fix and we were only 30 minuted behind schedule. Sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused.

UPCOMING: Tomorrow (Wednesday May 5) the students will be walking over to Jimtown Junior High for a tour and a question/answer session. Please talk with your child tonight and have them be prepared to ask some questions. I had them write some today, I will pass them along, then they can be addressed without the student asking in front of everyone. I will offer this opportunity tomorrow as well.

HOMEWORK:
As always students are encouraged to read at least 30 minutes each night....It helps with writing, reading, comprehension, vocabulary ......

HAVE A GREAT EVENING!

CAMP reminders

Camp is on Monday.....
****A pink reminder note was sent home.....
Reminders:
Students need to wear tennis shoes and socks, comfortable clothes, and dress for the weather.
Bring a sack lunch - all disposable items

We will leave at 9:00
We will return by 5:30....Please be at school before 5:30 to pick up your child.
If they are riding home with someone, they will need a note.

Have a great weekend!!

Study of Greece....

Tonight, students need to continue to re-read the story "Ancient Greece" and focus on the 10 important comprehension questions from the story. They are to write the page number in next to the sentence on the sheet.

ISTEP: The testing for this year is complete with the exception of a few make-up tests that some students have.

UPCOMING.....CAMP IS MONDAY!!! Be looking for a reminder note with details that I will send home tomorrow!

HOMEWORK:
L/A - Career Interview Sheet Due Friday
Re-Read story Chapters 4-6 (last night was to read 1-3)
Write page numbers by 10 important sentences

Pride!

I am so proud of the class and the effort of most of the students during the Language Arts portion of the ISTEP today. It was not easy for some of them but they plugged along and from my point of view, most gave forth their best effort....not all, but most!

Remember...CAMP is Monday, there will be a reminder sent home on Friday. Students need a sack lunch for Monday.

HOMEWORK:
Career Interview
Re-read Chapter 1-3 of Ancient Greece Story
Tomorrow students will need to re-read chapters 4-6

Parent Thought: Ask your child about their effort today on the ISTEP? Remind them to get plenty of sleep and eat healthy!!

ISTEP Day 1

We completed the Math portion of the spring multiple choice ISTEP testing! The students did a fine job and almost all students completed the tests in the allowed amount of time. I am continuing to encourage them to do their personal best and to use what they know, often times they don't give themselves enough credit for their abilities!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Complete the Vocabulary Sheet (Due tomorrow)
Work on the Career interview sheet (Due Friday)

Math: None

Parent thought: Remind your child to get plenty of rest and to eat a healthy breakfast to prepare for ISTEP testing this week!!

Looking Ahead....

This week:

• ISTEP Week (Testing Tuesday - Thursday ) make-ups on Friday
• NO SPELLING OR GRAMMAR this week
• The story skills and vocabulary will taught and assessed as usual on Friday

Next Week:

• Camp is Next Monday - May 3rd 9:00-5:30
• Visit to the Junior High School - Wednesday May 5th 8:45-10:15 a.m.
• Spelling and grammar will resume next week

Upcoming:

• Free Physicals ....Did you return the form???

As always please feel free to call / email me with questions.

HOMEWORK:

Language Arts: vocabulary (due Wed.) - Complete Practice pg. 263 & 264 (Due Tues.)

Math: Take home Studylink 8.13 (Family letter)

The week in review....

It was a good week with the class!!
I have such a wonderful group of successful sixth graders!!
We learned about knights, medieval times and how to be better readers.
We watched clips from some different videos of the time period and we will be comparing them! The class also started their career study....Interesting stuff!!

Have a great weekend...
Up Next week:

• ISTEP - Part 2 - On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• Preparation for Camp....Coming in May!!
• Study of Greece
• Continue Career Study

Have a great weekend!!

Progress Reports....

Today progress reports for 5th terms were sent home. Please take time to look them over with your child and discuss progress, goals and steps toward success!

In addition to progress reports the follow was sent home:

• All mail from student mailboxes
• Physical forms....There is an opportunity for a free physical coming up soon!!

Please return TOMORROW!!! (if you haven't already)....

• Spring pictures or forms
• Camp permission slips and medical information
• Form signed that you have seen the progress report
• Mobile Dentist Forms

HOMEWORK:

Language Arts:

Study spelling & vocabulary, Re-read the story Don Quixote, Complete Grammar Pg. 103 & 104

Math: None

Parent Thought.... Ask your child what they did today in the computer lab??? Career Inventory???

Knight Time

This week we are studying knights and medieval times, which relates to this weeks story in the reading book. The students took their spelling pretest today and many of them did really well....They will heave enrichment spelling for the remainder of the week.


PLEASE RETURN.....

• Spring Pictures and Money
• Camp Paperwork (pink - two pages)
• Football camp info.

UPCOMING:

• report cards go home tomorrow
• The mobile dentist is coming....Free dental care, forms went home weeks ago...please return tomorrow
• Free physical forms go home with report cards

HOMEWORK:

Language Arts: Study Spelling Words (either regular or enrichment list -depends on pretest score)

Enrichment Group- Complete Spelling Pg. 32&33

Regular Spelling- Complete pg. 103 & 104

ALL Students- Finish writing questions and answers for the story - (8 Total) -started in class

Math: Fraction Practice (1/2 sheet)

Parent Thought: Ask your child what they are doing to enrichment themselves in spelling/vocabulary this week.....?

What career would you choose??

Today we started our career and self-actualization unit. I will be facilitating the students in a unit that will:

• Help them to discover their strengths
• Help them to discover what interest them and how to use these interests to help them
• Motivate students
• Inform students
• Use of Technology
• Build focus as they enter Junior High

Parent thought: Ask your child what they reflected on as we introduced the career study today??? Interests, schooling etc.

HOMEWORK:

Language Arts:

Study spelling and vocabulary words (spelling pre-test on Wednesday)

Vocabulary Sheet (Due Wed.)

MATH:

Division Practice Sheet - Side One only (all problems on side 1)

Grading???

The students were informed today...as they at the end of every grading period of how they are assessed and how their grades are figured. I strongly feel that the more informed the students are the more aware they are of their progress and goals.

The students took the Math Placement Exam today for Junior High.... This was not something they could study for but rather they were reminded to do their personal best, take their time, and use what they know.

Learning this Week:
Language Arts:
Comprehension: Asking questions, Author's Purpose, reading for understanding
Vocabulary: Using word structures for help with understanding
Grammar: Use of modifiers
Spelling: Suffixes

Reading: Don Quixote- Historical Fiction

MATH:
Review of skills
Pretesting Unit 9
Math Placement Exam for Junior High Classes

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts - Vocabulary Sheet - Due Wed.
Study Spelling Word - Complete spelling pg. 101
Math - None


UPCOMING:
***Book orders are due tomorrow
*** Camp forms are due this Friday...Both of the pink forms
***Camp is Monday May 3rd

Parent Thought:
Ask your child how their grades are figures, what percentage is based on homework / classwork, quizzes, and tests.????

Assessment Continues....

As we continue to work through review and assessment week I am really proud of the students! They are continuing to do their personal best! Friday we will be celebrating their success and be having some enjoyable time with learning and review games. We will also be mapping goals for the very important last grading period!

HOMEWORK:
Read something enjoyable for at least 30 minutes this evening!!

Parent Thought:
Talk with your child about what they read tonight, ask them to summarize it!

Review Week

It is nearly the end of grading period. This Friday, the students will be finishing up the material for the grading period and report cards will go home next week.

This week we are spending a significant amount of time reviewing both the Language Arts and Math Skills for the six weeks. The students have voiced that some of the material is challenging this grading period....we have had discussions about personal best and effort.....

UPCOMING:
We will be starting research projects on careers and discovering our own personal strengths....this will begin next week....The students should enjoy this!

HOMEWORK:
Study spelling and Vocabulary.....Focus for tomorrows Unit 5 Spelling Assessment

Parent Thought:
Ask your child what their grading period goals are and what they plan to do this week as we are assessing (a large portion of their grade)????

Enjoy!

I hope all the students have a safe, wonderful, enjoyable, and refreshing spring break!!

School Resumes on Monday April 12th

Spring Fever

Spring Fever....Many students have caught it this week, due to the start of Spring Break on Monday! I am proud of the learning we are accomplishing! I have a great (TALKATIVE!) but Great Class!!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
RE-Read Story
Study Vocabulary

Math: None

REMINDER: NO SCHOOL FRIDAY! SCHOOL IS OUT NEXT WEEK FOR SPRING BREAK!

Scorpions???

It must be the spring air....Yes, the students seem to often be "into" something this time of the year....Well, this year, it was a scorpion bite "game" that some of them were playing at recess, on the buses, etc. I have spoke with them about the POOR choice that it is! One student will dig their nails into someones hands until they tell them it hurts....Again, POOR CHOICE!!! Then, they have what they say looks like scorpion bites on their hands!

If they do it again, they will have a major punishment because they have been warned! I talked to them about harming others, even if in their minds it is a fun game....Many things can be viewed as a game and they are DANGEROUS! I wanted to inform you of what has been going on.

Secondly, it is a tough week as far as maintaining focus. We are moving along as usual but many students are having a tough time with math in particular! I am seeing that some of this is due to:..lack of focus in class, lack of knowing basic facts and for others it is new material and it is difficult. I have stressed to them to ask questions, and have personal best effort and they will be fine! I encourage them to take home the student reference book when there is homework.

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Vocabulary Sheet
Study spelling if needed
Complete Spelling Pg. 98 & 99 (if the student still has to take the spelling test)
Enrichment Group ONLY (Those who passed the spelling pretest: Complete pages 24 & 25 in the packet

Math: None

Parent Thought: Ask your child what issue they are writing about for their persuasive writing topic?

Learning This Week.

Learning This Week:
Lanquage Arts: "House of Wisdom" Historical Fiction
Comprehension: Sequencing Moniter-Fix
Vocabulary: Use of the Dictionary Glossary
Spelling: Prefix: bi, tri, un, semi
Grammar: Adverbs
Writing: Persuasive
Seminar: Social Studies
CORE Value: Personal Best


Homework:
Language Arts: Vocab Due Wednesday Study Vocab and Spelling
Math: Journal Pg. 312

When the light comes on!!

Yeah! During math today, the light came on for many of the students, I was so proud of them! It is so exciting to see their eyes light up with pride when they grasp understanding of a new concept!

HOMEWORK:
LANGUAGE ARTS:
Study Vocabulary and Spelling Words
Re-Read Story
Write page numbers on the ten important sentences

MATH:
None

PARENT THOUGHT:
Ask your child what they did today to make themselves a better learner? Listen, Try, Volunteer to answer???

Owership for Learning....

I have had MANY recent conversations with the class about having ownership for decisions and for learning! I have found that some of the students are continually asking questions like....

• Do I have to do the entire assignment? .....YES!


• Do we have to write the sentences?......YES!


• ETC....

I am working with the student to help them understand that doing one's personal best is soooooo important and that they can make themselves better by pushing themselves, buy being challenged and by trying new things that are sometimes difficult.

It is my goal and I have voiced to them the opportunity to make themselves BETTER!! Doing the bare minimum is not the ticket to greatness!

HOMEWORK:

Language Arts:

Study Vocabulary

Study Spelling (If they did not pass the pre-test)

Complete Reading Reflection Pages

MATH: Complete 3 division problems and SHOW YOUR WORK!

Parent Thought: Ask your child what they do to make sure they have all their materials prepared to complete their school work and homework???? Organization? Planner?

Debating....

We had some interesting debates in class today. We are working on persuasive debating as part of our language arts unit. Ask your child about the topics :)

HOMEWORK:

VoCaB ShEeT & PrAcTiCe Pg. 234 & 235
Math: NoNe!

A Full Week!!

It is a full five day week of school....There is MUCH to be accomplished!
The students will be reading "Gold" a discovery story.....They will also be doing some gold enrichment activities....

Learning this Week:
Expository Non-Fiction "Gold"
Comprehension: Studying main ideas to become better readers
Thinking while reading
Using Context Clues
Spelling: Suffixes
Grammar: Comparative & Superlative Words

Math: Rates, Ratios, and Percentages

Seminar: New Seminar starts Tuesday - Social Studies

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study Vocab, (We have a Vocab sheet) and study spelling words
Math:
We have a very difficult unit for math, so study hard!
WE have study link 8.2 to complete, and warning, it is TWO PAGES!

Parent Thought:
Ask your child what they learned about gold today???

Long Weekend...

Just a reminder there is no school tomorrow....Friday March 19th, This is a built in snow makeup day that we did not need to use this year! There is also another one on Goof Friday April 2nd.

Today, the students will work through their weekly assessments. We will review the skills and concepts for the week.

GIRLS LUNCH:
I am planning on having lunch with the girls from our class today (I will meet with the boys in the near future)....Topics for discussion are: kindness, respect, how we treat others (verbally, by texting, how we talk to our friends etc.) we will also be discussing what priorities are and which ones should be the focus.... I hope it all goes well.

This is a tough time for many of the girls. Although they think they are "so grown up and in control" the reality is that they are just starting to figure things out and some of them are walking emotional beings....They need their parents more than ever as well as people surrounding them with support and love....Although they don't act like they need us and they push us away....be present in their lives, they need to feel the love and support even though they don't act like it :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

My, My Math....

Ratios, Rates and Proportions ....Oh My!

Although some of this math is challenging.....The students will get it....!
We are taking our time and working through it, one day at a time.
Learning is not always easy and it should not be! Being challenged is good!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Reread the Story - The River that went to the Sky
Discuss it with someone at home....

Math: Studylink 8.1

Parent thought:
Ask your child what "rates" are and why we need them?

Say Cheese!

Yes, it was picture day today. It went well, and it is always fun to see some of the students all dressed up.

Upcoming: Tomorrow we will have a spelling pre-test, as always if the students get at least 20 words correct they are exempt from having to take the test on Thursday.

HOMEWORK:
Study spelling and vocabulary
Complete spelling pg. 91 and 92

Math:
Journal Pg. 286 (ALL)

PARENT THOUGHT: Ask you child which spelling words us a hyphen and which do not....take some time to quiz them on their words.

Have a wonderful day!!

The Week Ahead....

Learning this week:

Language Arts: Reading: Myth: The River that went to the Sky
Comprehension: Cause and Effect, Thinking while reading, and the use of graphic organizers
Vocabulary: Words: densest, expanse, eaves, moisture, ventured
Vocabulary Skill: Use of context clues
Writing: Persuasive writing & debates
Spelling: Compound words....some one word and some with a hyphen
Grammar: Demonstrative Adjectives


Math:
Rates and Ratios

Seminar: Science....The solar system


HOMEWORK:
LANGUAGE ARTS:
Study Spelling Words on Pg. 89
Complete Spelling Page 90
Finish Vocab. sheet - Started in class - Due Tuesday

MATH:
Parent Letter



UPCOMING: Spring Picture day is Tomorrow - Tuesday March 16th
NO SCHOOL THIS FRIDAY -March 19th, 2010

Parent Thought: Ask your child what a myth is....

Have a great weekend!

Enjoy the weekend!!! Reminder: No School Next Friday....March 19th
(Snow-Makeup Day that wasn't needed)!

Preparing for comprehension....

We have been practicing strategies for comprehension and remembering what has been read!! I am hoping that the hard work they have put in will pay off! I am proud of them!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study for spelling test (if needed)
Study Vocabulary Words
Re-Read story "Harvesting Hope"

Math:
None

Parent Thought:
Ask you r child after they re-read the story what Cesar Chavez did to help others????

UPCOMING: No School Next Friday March 19th (Snow makeup day)

Busy Wednesday

It has been a busy day! The students are aiming to comprehend the story this week, as with it being a biography it is a tough one. We are trying some new strategies for comprehension, and they seem to be benefiting the students.

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study spelling and vocabulary words
Complete Practice Pg. 217 & 218

Math:
Look over review packet....Unit 7 Math Assessment is on Thursday .....

Parent Thought:
Ask your child to give you an example of a fact and to give an example of an opinion.

Back to school....

I am glad to be back with the class today. I have been out for a few days due to the death of my father-in-law, who I was very close to. It has been a rough few days but it so comforting to get back to the smiling 6th graders that I adore!

Learning this week:
Reading Harvesting Hope..... Biography (Learning about hardships)
Language Arts:
Comprehension skills: Fact & opinion and Using Prior knowledge to help with comprehension
Vocabulary skill: Context clues
Grammar: adjectives and articles
Spelling: words from other cultures
Writing: Powerful Paragraphs

Math:
Probability and Chance
Review of Unit 7 Skills
Assessment of Unit 7 on Thursday and Friday

Seminar: Science

Thank you for your understanding in my absence and I appreciate the notes from the students and the flowers my students brought in!!

Parent Note: Ask your child what they learned today about migrant workers and the hardships they are faced with...What hardships do children face???

HOMEWORK:
Study spelling and vocabulary words
Complete spelling pg. 88
Vocabulary Sheet (due Wed.)

Math:
None

Take a breath....

AWESOME effort from the class today! The class completed the math and writing portion of the March ISTEP testing. Wednesday we will complete language arts and Thursday we will complete the science portion. I am proud of the personal best effort of the class today!

HOMEWORK...
STUDENTS NEED TO GET A GOOD NIGHTS REST!!

Language Arts:
Vocabulary Sheet
Study Spelling Words on Pg. 81

Math:
Studylink 7.3

PARENT THOUGHT: Ask your child how they did on the ISTEP, how did they feel about the math???Writing??? Did they do their personal best???

ISTEP PREP!

Tomorrow Tuesday 3/2/2010 we will begin ISTEP testing. There will be 2 tests on Tuesday, 1 on Wednesday and 1 on Thursday. The learning will be "normal" this week with the same expectations.
***Please be sure your child gets plenty of rest at night!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Complete spelling pg. 81
Study spelling words (pg. 81)
Take home Family Times
Vocabulary Sheet (DUE WED.)

Math: Studylink 7.4 Use journal for help if needed

End of Term

Today is the end of the 4th grading period....time marches quickly! I am working on grading and entering grades. Report card will be coming home next week.

Have a great weekend!

Progress!!!

As I contiunually speak to the students in regard to their progress....It is all about growing as a learner. This curriculum unit, or grading period there have been some ups and some downs. Math was tough this grading period. EQUATIONS!



I am proud of the studnets, they keep "plugging along"! There was wonderful growth overall in the areas of the Unit reading comprehension and vvocabulary.....well done class.



Report cards will be going home mid-week next week.



Parent Thought: Ask your child what they plan on making their learning goals for the next few months??? Improving in Math, Language Arts,... Then when report cards come home discuss this again with them.



Note: The is a posting on the school website http://www.baugo.org/ that outlines the budget plan for the corporation.



HOMEWORK:

Language Arts: Read for 30 + minutes

Math: None

Upcoming:

As we are moving through review and assessment week the students are showing success in their learning. The majority of the class has done a remarkable job with completing the assessments and scoring well on them.

Next week starting on Tuesday the students will have a total of four ISTEP tests to complete. The ISTEP will be completed in April.

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Complete the vocabulary review crossword
study vocab.

Math: None

Great Day!

The students had a very successful day of reviewing skills and staying on task!
I am so proud of them!
Tomorrow is the spelling assessment for Unit 4....Please help your student to prepare tonight!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Study spelling (assessment Wednesday) study vocab (assessment Thursday)


Math:
4 math problems

Review Week

This week is a review week. We will spend a significant amount of time reviewing the skills that have been taught through this curriculum unit. The students have been given a schedule of the assessments and what day each of the assessments will be taking place. In preparation for the assessments I have given the students the following recommendations:

• Take your time when completing assessments
• Read and re-read the questions as needed to make sure you understand
• Study the spelling and vocabulary daily instead of cramming the night before
• Use what you know, don't get frustrated!
• Look at one thing at a time and don't get overwhelmed!

UPCOMING: Next week will be one of the spring ISTEP testing weeks, there will be another one in April (more to come on this later in the week)

HOMEWORK:

Language arts: Study Unit Vocabulary and Unit Spelling words

Math: Share your family letter with your family

(If your child in in another math class they are to be responsible for writing their homework in their planners)

PARENT THOUGHT: ASk your child what are doing this week to prepare for assessments? Taking their time??? Look at things each night at home????

Skating Party Day!

Tonight is the last skating party of the school year....it is from 6-8pm to support PTO

HOMEWORK:

Language Arts:
Complete Spelling pg. 78 & 79
Re-read the story "Inventing the Future"
Study spelling and vocabulary for assessments

Math:
None

Have a nice evening!

This week....

Learning Goals this week are as follows:
Language Arts:
Comprehension: Understanding the author's purpose and thinking while reading
Vocabulary: Monitoring words and using context clues
Spelling: Spelling words that end in -ty, -ity, -tion
Grammar: Use of who and whom
Writing: narrative writing (variety)

Math: Solving equations and Unit 6 review and assessment

Science: Experiments and the scientific method

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study spelling & Vocabulary


Math:
Study Math Packet for Unit 6 Assessment

Parent thought: ask your child what they are writing their narrative about....what genre is it???

GREAT WEBSITE!!!
Have your child check out www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/ this is a helpful site for typing and it is a fun game!!

Note: I will be out Thursday for Positive Behavior Support Training with other teachers and Mr. Kovatch....Please remind your child to respect all teachers.....:) I have reminded them as well!


Upcoming: Thursday February 18th- Tomorrow- The last skating party of the year 6-8pm

Equations....

As we journey through this week.....The students are reviewing Unit 6 math this week....the students are facing some challenges of remembering all the steps to solving equations. We are working on taking their time and stepping through the process....SLOWLY!!!

Due to the short week:
Spelling this week: Pretest Wed. and the test will be on Friday!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study spelling on pg. 77
Vocab. sheet due WED! (TOMORROW!)

Math:
None

Parent Thought:
Ask your child (after they have read their nightly 30 minutes) What was the Author's purpose for writing what you have read???

LOOONG! Weekend

Have a safe and wonderful long weekend!
No school Friday or Monday....I will see the class on Tuesday Feb. 16th

Late start....

A late start = BUSY DAY!
The students adjusted well to the off schedule day! I am proud of them!

HOMEWORK:
LANGUAGE ARTS:
Re-read story & study vocab. (assessment tomorrow!)

For students who did not pass the spelling pre-test with 20 points or higher....
Complete spelling pg. 75 and study for the test tomorrow....


MATH:
None

AS ALWAYS: Read for 30 + minutes each night, discuss what you read with someone at home

Parent Thought: Ask your child what they learned about respect at the class meeting this morning....

Balancing the Equations....

As the class journeys through learning equations, we are hitting some bumps in the road! I am working with them through this and in time, we will get there.

Travel to Europe anyone??? Most of the students have their European brochures done and they look great! They were to choose a country in Europe and reserach then develop a travel brochure for the country! Well done class!

There was a BLUE note sent home regarding no school on Friday and Monday regardless of any snowdays that might be called this week.

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Re-Read Story "Space Cadets" (for Thursday)
Vocabulary Sheet
Grammar pg. 73 (all) and 74 (#1-5 only)

Math: Finish Math Quiz (some have already completed this)

AS ALWAYS>>>>> Read for at least 30 minutes per day....the results will pay off today and for years to come!

Short Week

Although we have two back to back short weeks, there is a great deal of learning to be accomplished!

This week in Language Arts:
Comprehension.....Drawing conclusions, visualizing, use of context clues
Vocabulary....use and application of vocab. words
Reading: genre...Drama

This Week in Math:
Working and solving equations

Seminar: Students will begin a science seminar with Mr. LaFree


HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Study spelling words (pg. 73)
Finish reading "Space Cadets" do reader response #1-3
Vocabulary Sheet (Due Wed.)

Math: studylink 6.9 (all)

Parent Thought:
Ask your child how they plan on studying vocab. this week????

Upcoming:
Hat day tomorrow for $1 to donate to Haiti
NO SCHOOL Friday and next Monday

Go Colts!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Parent Thought....Today the students were able to earn 5 Extra Credit Points toward their reading grade....many did not take the opportunity to do so, ask your child if they did??? This is ownership for learning!!

NO HOMEWORK!

Girls Basketball players need to report to the school by 8:20 a.m. Saturday for the LaVille Tourney....the bus will leave with or without them......

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

We have had some conversations at morning meeting about what it means to be respectful! It is not all just what you say....it is how you say it, your facial expressions and your body language. I feel that there being respectful is a key component to the students being successful and making positive choices. It is a core value of the classroom, the school and in life....respect takes us places. I have focused on the with the students and plan on continuing these conversations!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study spelling and vocabulary
Re-read Black Frontiers focus on the main ideas of the selection

Math: Studylink 6.6 #1-6

Bookorders due tomorrow!

Upcoming Next week:
We will be having some spirit days to raise money for Haiti!

Monday: None
Tuesday: Hats for Haiti - Wear a hat for a $1 donation
Wednesday: Hearts for Haiti...Purchase 4 Valentines for $1
Thursday: Free time for Haiti- Time in the gym or computer lab for a $1 donation

NO SCHOOL Friday February 12 and Monday February 15

Comprehension Preparation....

The story this week is an example of Expository Nonfiction, "Black Frontiers", it is a interesting, but challenging story. Many students are struggling with the comprehension and vocabulary of the story. Some suggestions for success this week:
Students should.....
Study their vocabulary with some one at home, this will help them to understand the usage of the words. Students will also need to re-read the story at home this week (as always) It is recommended that they retell the story to some one at home to assist in their comprehension of the story.

Math.....Many students had some difficulty with the lesson yesterday and the homework from last night....Students have the opportunity to correct their homework tonight after the re-teaching in class today.


HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study vocabulary words
Study Spelling (assessment tomorrow)
... if the student did not pass the spelling pretest with a score of 20 0r higher

Math:
Correct the homework from Tuesday night

Parent Thought:
Ask your child what they are doing this week to prepare for the assessments....suggestions, re-reading the story, paying close attention in class, knowing vocabulary

Struggles in the Frontier...

Today the students read "Black Frontiers"....The learned about the hardships of pioneer life, they truly were surprised at the challenges that the pioneers and the homesteaders faced.

They were shocked to see that some of them lived in homes made of sod, dirt and grass. Much different from the way that they live today....it was an eye opening experience.




Homework:

Language Arts:

Vocabulary Usage Sheet
Finish Color Writing and share it with a family member (bring back to school)

Math:

Studylink 6.3 #1-2 Only

PARENT THOUGHT: Ask your child how well they would have done as a child on the American Frontier....What struggles would they face??

Learning This Week....

This week the students will be learning about the American Frontier and the challenges that the individuals of this time period faced. The goals and the objectives for this week are:

Language Arts:
Learning about Cause and Effect Relationships in reading
Activating Prior knowledge for comprehension strategies
Spelling words with -ci and -ti that make the /sh/ /ch/ sound
Possessive Pronouns

Seminar:
Traveling Europe....A Passport to learning
Students will make travel brochures for the countries of Europe

Math:
Equations and how they can be fun! :)

Have a wonderful week!

Parent Thought:
Ask your child what they have learned about frontier life....

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Spelling Page 70 and study words on pg. 69 for the pretest on Wednesday
Vocabulary Usage Sheet (Due Wed.)

Math:
Studylink 6.5 Use SRB if needed


UPCOMING:
Valentine's Day is coming up....students do not need Valentine's for their classmates we will be doing a class friendship activity that will take the place of this. Students may still bring Valentines if they would like.

Happy Weekend!

It was a whirlwind of a week, a lot was accomplished, but very busy! I hope all students have a fabulous weekend! Stay warm!

No Homework!

Taking a trip....

We went on a mini-tour of Europe today....interesting things! Ask you student what they learned?

HOMEWORK:

L/A: Study for Vocab & Story Assessment

MATH: Study Order of Operation paper Quiz Friday

Europe and Beyond...

The students were entertaining today, as they often are. We were learning about Europe, in our Social Studies Seminar more specifically, Germany. I recently finished reading the book "Number the Stars", to the class and today I read them a book about the Berlin Wall. They were disturbed by the way that people have been treated over the course of history. In fact, they just did not think it was possible or right to actually miss treat people that way! It brought on a great deal of discussion.

Parent Thought:
Ask your child how they felt when we read the books? What emotions did they experience for the characters?

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Re-Read story "Chimpanzees"
Study Vocabulary
Study Spelling (If you did not pass the pretest with a score of 20 or higher)

Math:
Studylink 6.2 (1-10 Only)

Monday, Monday....

As the week begins, the students had a great day from my point of view!
Learning this week:

Study into Animal Rights....as we read "Chimpanzees...The story of Jane Goodall"

Skills: Understanding Author's purpose, Pronouns and Antecedents, Spelling with Prefixes, Writing Narratives (ISTEP Practice), Math: Multiplication & Division of Fractions, Add/Sub. Negative and Positive Numbers, Order of Operations.

***Just a reminder spelling tests are moved to Thursday with a pretest on Wednesdays

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Study Spelling words and complete spelling pages 67 & 68
Vocabulary Usage sheet - Due Wednesday

Math: Studylink 6.1 (All)

Parent Thought: Ask your child how they felt when the read about the treatment of some captive chimpanzees????

Have a great evening!

Busy Day....

The students had a very ....very busy day! We studied the Arctic, they shared their park models as well as completing the curriculum goals for the day....Ahh!, I can breath now! We had many things to celebrate as well! MANY students showed major growth on their progress reports! I am so proud of them! I remind them often that personal best and personal growth is the goal....it is not about comparing your progress to others. I am so pleased with this group of students....While they are a chatty group, they are an awesome group of students and I could not be more pleased with their personalities and how they work together! I hope they are having as much fun, or close to as much fun, as I am having this school year!

As I mentioned in the letter sent home. PLEASE feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or comments that you have regard your student. I would love the opportunity to conference with you via phone, email or in person. Just contact me.

No Homework....Enjoy the weekend!
Little League sign ups start tomorrow, info. was sent home today.

Report Cards

Report cards will be going home tomorrow. There are both term grades and semester grades on the report card.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regrading the report cards. Many student have improved in areas, some have not! I reminded them to stay focused on their goals!

Homework:
There is no written homework Wed. or Thurs. night because the students reached a homework point goal! They need to continue to study their vocab. and spelling then I encourage them to re-read the story on Thursday night.

Have a great evening!

Grading Period #4

As we being the 4th grading period, I am encouraging the students to work toward their next level of learning! We will be setting goals and communicating on where their goals should be focused!

Report Cards go Home Thursday!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Complete Spelling pages 61 & 62
Vocabulary Usage Sheet (take home your reading book)

Math:
Take home & Share Unit 6 Family Letter

Unit 3 Celebration

Today we finished many grading period assessments for the week! The students had some time to celebrate with the choice of reading time, writing time, art time, computer learning time or watching Snow Dogs

(a movie based on the unit theme of Facing Challenges & Obstacles)!

Well Done students! Have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy having Monday off!

Upcoming: Tuesday we will begin Curriculum Unit 4!

Computer ....Yikes

Well, We are back online, My Class computer crashed, luckily, all material was saved on the server!

Review week is going well, the students are doing well and many of them took great effort to prepare for the assessments. Report cards will be going home next week.

HOMEWORK:
NONE...Celebrate assessments

UPCOMING:
No school Monday January 18th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Girls Basketball Camp....Starts Next Tuesday January 19th

Parent Thought:
Ask your child how they did on the assessments...Did they bring their graded work home???

Working on the Progress...

This week as the students are preparing and assessing for the grading period we discussed grades. I took time to explain to the students, again, the breakdown of their grades. Each subject are is put into three separate categories.....Each subject has the following breakdown:

Homework / Classwork 20% Practice
Weekly Quizzes 30% Practice & Reteach
6 Week Assessments 50% "Game Time"

I pointed this out to emphasis the importance of practicing for the assessments. During the weeks of the 6 weeks, we have daily practice of skills (a time for help and reteaching), Weekly skill checks (a time for reteaching and asking questions!) then, a six week assessment of retention of skills (Game time)!

HOMEWORK:

Language Arts:
Study vocabulary definitions with someone at home (Vocab. Sheet Provided)
Study spelling words (pg. 125 in the spelling book) Assessment will be 25 words (5 from each list)
Tomorrow is the ....Spelling Assessment & one portion of the Grammar Assessment

Math: None


Parent Thought: Ask your child what they are doing to prepare for the assessments????
We have taken time to learn how to prepare and study (a huge skill for now and the future!)

Review and Assessment Week

This is the review and assessment week for the Third Grading Period. I have spoke with the students about responsibility and preparations. The learning activities and assessments this week have a major impact on the grading period.

I have given the students an outline for the week and I instructed them to keep it in their take home folder, it is plan for the week, an assessment schedule and homework for the week.

Parent Thought....Ask your child what they are doing at school and at home to prepare for the assessments.

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study Unit Spelling and Vocabulary List

Math: Math Journal page 195 - Take home and use SRB for help

Week 5 of 6....

We just completed week 5 of the six week grading period....What does this mean? It means that next week is a review and assessment week. The students will have the opportunity to review and be re-taught as needed the main language arts skills for the Unit! This includes areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, writing skills and grammar skills. We will also be assessing Unit 5 Math at the end of next week.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Snowy Day....

I am really looking forward to a day when we can have outdoor recess...the temperatures have just been a bit below the 15 degree mark...(windchill) The students would really benefit from some fresh air! Be sure that they are always prepared to go out in terms of dressing properly for the weather!

Preparing for Friday:
There will the the usual Reading (comprehension and vocabulary) Assessment on Friday as well as the Grammar assessment. I recommend to the students to practice their vocabulary with someone at home. It is also int heir best interest to re-read the story!

HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Reread the story Juan Verdades - Read over and try the reader response questions following the story.

Practice Vocabulary - Use your copy of the Family Times


Math:
Math Journal pg. 182 ***Take home Template!!!

Parent Thought....Ask your child what they have been learning about Geometry....

A Folktale of a week....

This week the class is reading folktales. We are focusing on the passing of stories from one generation to the next. We read Juan Verdades the story of the man who could not tell a lie. The story was originally tough to comprehend but as we worked through it the students understood it much better.

Math: Some students are in different math classes for this unit, their homework is assigned by their Unit 5 math teacher. I focused on the use of planners with the class. If you child has misplaced their planner please send in a note and we can replace their planner!


HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Complete Grammar pg. 55 - Use page 53 for help
Study spelling and vocabulary (I have moved spelling tests to Thursdays)


Math:Math Journal Pg. 181 #8,9,10 (90 degree adn 180 degree sections only)


Parent thought ....are their any "family" stories that you have that have been passed down through generations? If so share them with your child.

Sports Programs

Today the students received information regarding Junior High Wrestling and JIS Girls Basketball. Please look this over and return the forms to school as soon as possible.


HOMEWORK:
Language arts:
Practice Spelling Words ----Try spellingcity.com
Vocabulary Practice-Due Wed.
Practice Book pg. 133


Parent Thought....Ask your child if they clean out their mailbox daily, they should be :)
Have a great day!

Happy New Year....2010

Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope all of your families had a wonderful holiday! It sure went by quickly! The students were tired this morning....no surprise! They woke up some this afternoon....

Learning This Week:
Language Arts: Make generalizations, dealing with tough words, spelling compound words and comprehending by thinking while reading

Math: Coordinate graphs, geometric figures, congruent figures


HOMEWORK: Monday Jan. 4th

Language Arts:
Family Times
Study Spelling and complete spelling pages 54&55
Vocabulary Usage Sheet-DUE Wed.

Math: None Assigned

Parent Thought: Please speak to your child about safety of snowboarding and sledding....There were many students who came to school today with bumps, bruises, and stitches from sledding ....