Canoe Trip Directions and Map

Here is a link to the directions and map to the canoe rental from our school from Mapquest.  In the event any of you need to drive yourselves, please let me know via e-mail in advance at: scottj@wwcsd.net

Link to Map

Heavner Canoe Rental Link

Extra Credit Opportunities for 4th Quarter

Here is the extra credit chances for this quarter.  All work is due by Friday, May 31st, and must be labelled 'Extra Credit'.  This is open to anyone in the classroom.

Reading
Read over the weekend and log in your mintues and the date on a piece of paper.  Sign the sheet.  (1 point per minute)

Writing
Download any worksheet from the web that is grammar related.  1 point per problem.  Write a 3 page narrative story.  20 points per story.  Write a 2 page paper on "What I Hope to do in the Future"; 20 points per paper.

Math
Download any proportions, percents, or fractions worksheet from online.  1 point per problem

Do any even problems from assignments that were odd problems only.  1 point per problem.

Do the chapter and mid chapter reviews from chapters 2, 5, 6, 7, or 8.  1 point per problem

Science

Do any lab of your choice that we have not done and complete a lab report with an observation, hypothesis, data, and conclusion.  Please put the experiment name at the top of the report.  25 points per lab.

Download any science worksheet on ecosystems, energy and force, geology, or plate tectonics.  1 point per problem

Social Studies
Do any section review questions from chapter 7, 8, 9, or 10.  1 point per problem or subquestion.
Download any worksheet on Latin America, 1 point per problem.

Important Info and Dates!

We have rescheduled the canoe trip to go on Tuesday, May 28th.  If anyone who offered to chaperone before cannot make this date, please let me know as soon as you can.  A reminder note has been sent home today to help you remember.  There is no spelling list this week but there is a reading log.  Progress reports went out on Monday of this week, a new one will be issued on Monday, May 20th.  Grades will be finalized at the end of this month to be done in time for honor assemblies in June.  Please note that this leaves us about three weeks to help your child get scores up.  Please locate missing work and turn it in for partial credit, and please have your child make corrections on graded work, sign the paper, and turn it in for a higher score.  This offer is good for all graded assignments, test, and projects.

The Week of 5-13-13

I am terribly sorry to have cancelled the canoe trip, but being on the river during a thunderstorm is dangerous, and since they were calling for scattered storms and a 90% chance of rain for Friday, I felt it was best to call it off the day before so people had a chance to make arrangements if they took a day off work to chaperone.  We have rescheduled our trip for May 28th with two other classes.  On Monday, May 13th, the students will be going to Stevenson Middle School for a tour.  We sent home bright green permission slips for this trip that must be signed if your child is to go with the other 6th graders to Stevenson.  Please get these into me first thing Monday morning if you have not turned them into me yet.  Library books that are late need to be turned in by May 29th if your child is going to participate in Field Day.  Late notices have been sent home on Friday, May 10th.  Progress reports will come out again on Monday, May 13th.  We are at the half way mark for this quarter, so please be sure to keep up on your child's scores weekly.  Late work this quarter will receive half credit and no missing/ late work will be recopied unless your child is absent.

Reading News
This week we took the district reading assessment which needed to be done by Friday, May 10th.  Next week we will look at poetry and poetry techniques.

Math News
This week we calculated percents of a whole number.  Next week we will take the district math test, calculate discounted prices, and sales tax.  Students have also started their Home Improvement Project where they will have to develop a budget and plans for remodelling a basement.

Writing News
This week we completed the district writing exam and took a break from writing our persuasive essays.  Next week we will start back into the persuasive essays complete our first draft.  We postponed this week's spelling/ vocabulary test to Monday, May 13th due to the testing the previous week.

Science News
This week we took our unit exam on energy, force, and motion.  Many students scored low on this test, so please be sure to have your child make corrections on the items he/ she got wrong to get a higher score and raise his/ her overall grade.  The next unit is ecosystems and ecological relationships.

S. Studies News
Due to the testing this week, we have postoponed our Chapter 8 test to Monday, May 13th.  The next chapter will cover South America and more specifically Brazil.

No Canoe Trip This Friday, May 10th!

Due to the inevitability of rain and possible thunderstorms tomorrow, we have to cancel the canoe trip that was scheduled and reschedule it for a date to be determined later this week or early next week.  Please note this, especially if you are a chaperone for this event.

The Week of 5-6-13

We have a busy week this week!  On Thursday, May 9th, from 5-6:00 p.m., there will be a parent visitation night at Stevenson Middle School.  Also at Stevenson at the same time as the parent tour and meeting is taking place, there will be a dance for the 6th graders who will attending Stevenson next year.  Please bring your child and yourselves to this fun and worthwhile night.  Our canoe trip will be happening on Friday, May 10th.  We will leave school at 9:00 a.m. sharp and will return by 1:30 p.m.  If the day is going to be called because of weather, I will personally call any chaperones the night before the event.  On Friday, May 3rd and Monday, May 6th, I will be out for surgery and recovery.  It is nothing major, and hopefully the last one I need to have, so please do not panic, but prayers are accepted!  Please remind your child of the behavior expectations before school each of these days.  A spelling list and new reading log will go home on Friday, May 3rd.  Also, there will be no progress reports next week, the next report will come out on Monday, May 13th.  On May13th, the students will be touring Stevenson Middle School during the school day.  Look for permission slips to be sent home for you to sign and return by Friday, May 10th.

Math News
This week we converted fractions into percents, and percents into fractions.  We also worked on solving proportions and calculating area.  The students have designed their floor plans for the home improvement project they are working on, and will buy flooring for a bathroom and their recreation rooms next week. 

Reading News
We worked on test skills this week.  Next week, we will work on comparing and contrasting stories, and taking notes from a text book.

Writing News
This week we completed our outlines for our persuasive papers.  Next week we will do some peer reviewing of these outlines, and write our rough drafts.

Science News
Congrats to our teams that won the three competitions for the balloon car race.  Angry Man won the race for fastest car, Spongestache won the race for distance, and All Mixed Up won for most creative looking car design.  We will be taking a test on May 3rd and beginning our ecosystem unit next week.

S. Studies News
We completed our look at Guatemala this week which is the last section of chapter 8.  Next week on Tuesday, we will take our test and begin our next unit on South America.

The Week of 4-29-13

Next week by Monday, we will be collecting $5.00 per person for the bus fee for the field trip on May 10th.  We had low enough numbers to reduce the total number of buses down to just 1 to help keep costs down.  Chaperones will also need to pay for the bus fee but not for the canoe.  We could still use a couple more chaperones if you are interested, please let me know by next Thursday, May 2nd.  With warmer weather comes issues with dress code, so I want to make sure we are all on the same page and no dress code issues arise in my class.  Shorts can be worn but must be longer than the child's fingertips when his/ her arms are at the side.  Shoes need to be worn at all times outside with a closed toe.  Open toe sandals, flip flops, etc. are not permitted outside for safety reasons, and if they are worn inside, the child also needs to be wearing socks for health reasons.  Spaghetti straps, halter tops, and mesh shirts are not to be worn.  Hope this helps and alleviates any student having to call home for a change of clothing.  I will be out Friday, May 3rd and at least Monday, May 6th for another round of surgeries.  Please remind your children to be respectful to the sub on each of these days.  There will be no spelling or vocabulary tests next week due to my absence.  There will be a reading log due Friday, May 3rd.  Progress reports will come out on Monday, April 29th, but will not be issued out on Monday, May 6th. 

Reading News
We reviewed strategies for taking reading comprehension tests.  Students had to identify if a question is implicit or explicit, locate key words and phrases in the questions, then scan for them in the text.  We will continue other reading test strategies next week, and work on taking notes from informational text.

Writing News
This week, we created an outline for our persuasive papers.  These papers will be 5 paragraphs long and the student positions will be supported by three main reasons.  Next week, we will write our first rough drafts of this paper and critique them.

Math News
This week we worked on rate and comparing them.  Next week we will find percentage of a whole number, discount prices, and calculate sales tax.  We will also be starting our Math Project where students need to finish off a basement on a $10,000.00 budget.  Go to http://wwcsd.net/groups/homeimprovement/  to preview it.  the user name is: scottj  password: jason2011.

Science News
Next week on Monday, we will have our big race for the balloon car project.  We will also be covering heat transfer and wrapping up our unit on energy, force, and motion.  The test will be on Thursday, May 2nd.

Social Studies News
We looked at Cuba this week, and saw how Cuba is today culturally.  Next week, we will briefly cover Guatemala and wrap up chapter 8.  Look for that test on Wednesday, May 1st. 

Have a great weekend and enjoy the weather!

The Week of 4-22-13

Next Thursday, April 25th, the kids will not be in school due to teacher in services.  Please plan on your child being home that day.  The canoe trip has been officially slated for May 10th.  This will be the second Friday of May.  Chaperones are asked to be at the school by 8:30, the bus will leave around 9:00, and we should be back by 1:30 p.m.  Look for slips to go home with the kids for bus fares next week.  We wanted to hold off on charging for the buses until we knew if we needed two of them or just one.  It looks like we'll need the two we reserved from the district.  Progress reports will go out again on either Monday or Tuesday of next week.  One change to the late work policy this quarter is that no copies will be made for missing work.  Late work will be accepted, but for half credit except in the event of an absence.  The book fair is coming to Marshall!  Hopefully you have received information on this already.  If not, a second announcement is going home on Friday, April 19th. 

Reading News

This week, we looked at making inferences and decoding the meaning of new words using context cues.  Students also learned a new method to take notes from informational text.  Look for more note taking skills next week!  We will also be working on reading test strategies as the students prepare for the second round of District Reading Tests.

Writing News

This week, we worked on the pre write of our persuasive essays.  These essays will be five paragraphs long, with introduction and conclusion paragraphs.  This week, the students selected from a list of 101 topics, selected an effective opening strategy, and outlined their introductory paragraphs.  Next week, we will write the introductory paragraphs and revise them, plus mp out our body paragraphs.

Math News

This week we worked on ratios and started chapter 7.  Next week, we will learn how to calculate rate and work on figuring the percentage of a whole number.

Science News

We have completed all of our testing on the prototypes of the balloon cars.  Students also went on line this week, selected a balloon car design they intend on building, and delegated who is responsible for which supplies.  These supplies need to be in the room by Monday, April 22nd as we will start building the cars next week in time for the big race on Monday, April 29th. 

Social Studies News

We are covering the chapter on Central America and the Caribbean.  We looked at the cultures of both regions, and compared and contrasted them.  Next week, we will look at Cuba and its history, then study Guatemala.  In both countries, the United States played an important role in shaping them and their current government systems.  Both countries were at one time major exporters of sugar, fruit, and other farm goods. 

The Week of 4-15-13

On Monday, April 15th, we will be sending home report cards.  Also going home with the report cards, will be your conference time for those that signed up.  If you receive a report card without a note for conferences and wanted to come to conferences, or if you cannot make the time assigned to you, drop me an e-mail at: scottj@wwcsd.net and I will make arrangements for you.  Book Fair is coming up on the last week of April.  Students will get a preview of what is available prior to that week.  Look for fliers to go home.  We have a teacher in service coming also on the last week of April, check the school calendar for specifics about it, and look for fliers to go home reminding you of the day off.  Progress reports for fourth quarter are beginning again starting with the first one on Monday, April 15th.  The canoe trip is coming up, and we had to change the date to May 10th because I will be in surgery on the 3rd of May, and will be out Monday, May 6th.  Sorry for this, I could not get around it.  I look forward to seeing you at conferences, and have a great weekend!

Reading News
We are now looking more carefully at character traits, and also locating the author's main idea.  A new reading log will go home today, April12th.  This was a huge weekly assignment that cost many kids an 'A' in reading.  So please be sure your child gets these turned in weekly.


Writing News
This week we looked at homophones, homonyms, and homographs.  These are words that are either spelled or sound the same with different meanings.  The word 'bat' for instance is a homonym that sounds and is spelled the same but can have 2 different meanings.  The words 'red' and 'read' would be homophones that sound the same, spelled differently, and have two different meanings.  Look for a new spelling list to come home today, April 15th.

Math News
We just finished chapter 6 this week and will begin chapter 7 on Monday.  This will be a challenging chapter as the lessons involve multi step problems that deal with fractions and percents. 

S. Studies News
We are beginning our chapter on Central America and the Caribbean.  Students will study the countries of Guatemala and Cuba over the course of this chapter. 

Science News
We did the second set of tests for our balloon cars.  We had to test the different positions the straw for the car could point towards (up, down, or straight) to determine which direction gave the cars the best performance.  Next week we will test straws of different widths to see how that factors into a cars ability to go fast/ far.

Big Announcements For Next Week 3-25-13 to 3-29-13

Due to a surprise meeting this morning, I was unable to get the progress reports printed off.  However, They will be out on Monday, and I will extend the day to have all late work in to Wednesday.  Next Tuesday, we have a half day of school with the kids attending the afternoon only.  Also next week, we will not have school on Friday, March 29th as this is the first day of Spring Break.  Conference forms have been sent home on Friday, March 22nd.  Please look for these and fill them out to return to school as soon as possible.  The Mobile Dentist is coming to our school.  Notifications and sign up forms have been sent home on Friday, March 22nd.  Next week we will not have a reading log or spelling list due to the short week.  Have a great weekend and I'll talk to you soon with the last newsletter before break!

A Few Important Details This Week!

On Monday, reading logs and spelling lists went home for this week.  We will have the second round of Smarter Balance Testing tomorrow, so please make sure your child is in bed early, well fed, and remind him/her to behave and try his/ her best.  Testing will take place in the afternoon Wednesday.  Progress reports went home today, Tuesday.  Students have until Friday for requests for missing work.  All work is due to me by next Tuesday.  An additional progress report will go home on Friday of this week.  Monday will be the last day to request missing work from that progress report.  Any work turned in after March 26th will not be reflected in the report card for third quarter as it will be too late.  Hope this helps everyone and have a good rest of the week!

The Week of 3-18-13

Today, Friday, we had to postpone our scheduled spelling and vocabulary tests to do the Smarter Balance Computer Practice Test.  The spelling and vocabulary tests will take place on Monday, March 18th.  Wayne Westland Schools have been chosen to do the Smarter Balance Tests next week as a pilot program for the real tests coming up.  We needed to go into the test system to work out any bugs we might have run into on the official test date Friday.  Students will be taking the Smarter Balance ELA Tests on Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon.  It is imperative that your children are at school on time Tuesday, March 19th as we will begin testing at 8:45 a.m., and the test will take the entire morning.  We have a book swap going on at school.  Students can donate as many lightly used books as they want, and in exchange, get a ticket to pick out a new donated book for each book the student brought in up to ten books maximum.  We will have a half day the week before Spring Break for teacher records day, a lettter will be sent home regarding this.  This day will also mark the end of the marking period.  This means that students have a week and a half roughly to get all of the work turned in to me to get counted on the third quarter grades.  Progress reports will go out on Monday or Tuesday afternoon.  Students have until Friday to turn them back into me for missing work, but all the work will be due by Tuesday, March 26th. 

Reading News
Students will receive a new reading log on Monday at the latest.  This week, we looked at genre, and also mastered identifying Author's Point of View.  Next week we will master identifying the genre and move onto recording notes in the margins of informational text.

Math News
On Friday, March 15th, the kids took the mid chapter test for chapter 6.  This week, we also mastered dividing fractions and mixed numbers, and solving algebraic equations with fractions.  Next week we will do measurement conversion, perimeter, and circumference of a circle.  Look for a web quest project coming up as we move further into geometry.

Writing News
This week, we studied single word modifiers and modifier phrases.  Modifiers are adjectives or adverbs that modify a noun, verb, or another adjective or adverb.  Next week, we will continue working with this, but the week will be shortened for writing due to Smarter Balance Testing.

Science News
This week the kids did experiments on momentum, force, and motion.  Students studied pendulums and did an experiment on roller coasters.  Next week, the kids will do an experiment on inertia using raw eggs, and begin building prototypes for the balloon car experiments.

S. Studies News
The students will wrap up their study of Mexico next week and take a test on Thursday or Friday.  We have a few craft projects to get through before the test as we study Mexican culture.  This week, students learned common Spanish words, did a Mexican Hat Dance contest, and wrapped up their study of Mexico's history of revolution and reform.

New Wiz IQ Tutoring Tonight 3-14-13

There will be a new tutoring sesssion tonight for Wiz IQ!  The session will start at 7:30 p.m., and last until 9:00 p.m.  We will be covering all of the first five lessons in chapter 6 to prepare for the mid chapter test in math on Friday, 3-15-13.  Hope to see you there!  Here's a link to the sign in: http://www.wiziq.com/online-class/1167560-chapter-6-mid-chapter-test-for-math

Week of 2/25/13 updates

There will be no progress reports today due to a variety of factors.  Progress reports will come home on Thursday of this week, students will have until Friday, March 8th to resubmit them back to me for missing and late work, and will have until March 15th to get them into me for credit.   Extra credit reading logs were printed, but due to the craziness of the Friday before break, we were not able to get them out.  If your child did any reading last week and would like extra credit, I'll hand those out today for you to fill out and turn into me at your leisure.  I will be out this Friday and next Monday due to a surgery I am having.  This could not be avoided due to the availability of the doctor.  Please remind your child Friday and Monday morning to be extra good for the sub.  Have an excellent week!

The Week of 2-25-13

Whew!  We are finally at break and the kids really need it.  When the students return from break on the 25th, they will receive their progress reports.  The progress reports will include new work graded this week and any late or missing work turned in by Friday, February 15th.  Any work turned in on the 25th with not be reflected in this progress report, but it will be in the following week's report on March 4th.  We are at the half way mark of the marking period, and thanks to all of you who have working with me to keep up on the missing work and grades.  This Friday, we rewarded those students who successfully improved their District Math Test score.  On March 1st, when I was assured the mid year writing and reading tests would be in the system by, we will reward those who improved on those two district tests.  We are in great need of supplies still if anyone is willing to donate them.  Your child should have a pair of scissors and glue, which will be necessary for the upcoming science project.  Pencils are always in demand, and I am noticing the kids have used up their notebooks.  If you could restock your child over break, that would be appreciated.  Have a great week and I'll talk to you all soon!

Reading News
I apologize for not getting Book It forms out sooner, these will come out today.  We are currently in our nonfiction unit learning how to develop the ability to filter through information and document the key ideas and details.  This unit will continue until Spring Break.  An extra credit Reading Log for break will come home today.  If your child is scoring low in reading, take advantage of this opportunity.

Writing News
This week we worked on comparative and superlative forms of adverbs and adjectives.  When we come back, we will do another quick refresher on commas and their uses.

Math News
This week we worked on subtracting mixed numbers and fractions.  When we return, we will learn about multiplying and dividing fractions, and we'll cover multiplying mixed numbers.

Science News
Two new projects will occur during March, students will be designing and creating their own roller coaster to enter in the K'NEX/ Cedar Point Roller Coaster Challenge, and they will work in teams to construct a balloon car to race in April.  The current unit is on matter, energy and force, and motion.  This week we worked on using the formula from Newton's Second Law of motion, and discussed inertia.

S. Studies News
This week we wrapped up our chapter on Latin American Geography and early Cultures.  When we come back from break, we will work on chapter 7 which is all about Mexico.

No Sledding Today Due to Rain!

In this area, they're calling for rain by the afternoon, so we'll have to call off sledding today.  Keep your fingers crossed for another good snow, and maybe we can do this in the future.  Hope you enjoyed your long weekend, and I'll see you all tomorrow!       -Mr. Scott

No Wiz IQ!

No Wiz IQ tonight!  It is mu wife's birthday and she kind of gave me a look when I asked her if it would be alright to do online tutoring.  No "yes" or "no", just a look, so I am betting that meant "no".  The Social Studies test is postponed to next week, Monday if we have school tomorrow, Tuesday if not.  If we get ample snow, we were thinking of planning a sledding outing this Sunday, February 10th, @ 2:00 p.m. at Kensington Metro Park.  If you are interested, check the class web site at: http://up2dategrade6.blogspot.com on Sunday morning for details and information on how to get there.  We are not coordinating rides or anything, just meet up at the park at the sledding hills.  Take care! 

The Week of 2-4-13

We have two weeks to go before the mid winter break which is the week of 2-18-2013.  It is important that the students get off to a strong start in the first three weeks of the marking period leading up to the break, so I want to ensure that you will be informed if your child is scoring below a 'C'.  In addition to communicating with you using the usual progress reports each week, I will also be making phone calls and sending e-mails to you the parents as well.  This should help keep the students on top of their work, and in getting late work in on time.  We have a one week window from the time progress reports come out to get missing work done, and requests for missing work need to be in to me by the Friday of the week the progress report came out.  Any work turned in beyond the one week window will not be counted.  So far, after week one, many parents have requested work, and many students have turned in their late work to help keep their grades up.  Thanks for your efforts in this process, I think it will be a definite improvement upon the old system, and will yield more positive results.  I had to postpone the party celebrating the success of students who improved upon the fall scores for the district tests.  I had questions on the answer sheets that I am awaiting responses on before scanning the results for the writing and reading tests.  Therefore, I have scheduled the party to occur on February 15th, the last day before break.  We are still in need of classroom supplies, and many students are really in need of school supplies.  Many students are in desperate need of a dry erase marker, calculator, pencils, new notebooks, and crayons.  Please check with your child on what he/ she needs.  At the start of this year, I had 30 scissors, and now I'm down to less than 10, my glue sticks are completely used up, my boxes of crayons have been reduced from 32 to less than 20, my pencils are completely gone, and I only have a handful of dry erase markers.  Once my materials are used up, I will not buy more as the school does not provide additional funds for it, and I cannot afford it on top of supplies for science labs, social studies projects, and other instructional supplies.  Every day, many kids are requesting pencils, usually the same kids, and all I can offer them is what I find on the floor at the end of the previous day.  Our pencil sharpeners are also broken, so if you could purchase a pencil sharpener for your child, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks for attending to this as soon as you could.

Reading News
Book It sheets are due ASAP.  New Book It sheets will go out on Friday, February1st.  Missing reading logs are the number one reason why kids struggle to get good grades for this subject.  I put the reading logs on the class web site for people to print off if the kids misplace them.  I can replace them on a limited basis right away, otherwise it may take a day for me to print new ones off.  The logs usually come out on Friday or Monday, so please try to keep up on these.

Math News
On Thursday, we had just under half the class participate in the online tutoring covering chapter 5.  The test for chapter 5 will be on Monday.  I encourage your child to do the practice test at the end of the chapter to help him/ her study.  I also encourage all of the students to click on the link for the recording of the tutoring session which will be available on the class web site.  Watch over and review prior to Monday to ensure your child scores the targeted 80% or higher on the test.

Writing News
This week, we looked over sentence parts and distinguished between sentence fragments and complete sentences.  Next week, we will look over verb tense and past participles.  Our paper will be a nonfiction piece using the text structure 'Cause and Effect'.

Science News
Students are beginning their unit on Force, Energy, and Motion.  I am still awaiting on the contest information to be released for the K'NEX/ Cedar Point Thrill Ride Build off where kids have to design a roller coaster out K'NEX Toys.  Students will also begin in the next 2 weeks to build their balloon cars for the big race in March.

S. Studies News
We are about to wrap up our study on the Mesoamerican Native American empires.  Next week we will wrap the chapter with a test on Thursday, and a debate on Friday.  Some of the kids had to develop a case that these Native Americans were savages as the Spanish believed them to be.  Other kids will have to argue that these were highly civilized and sophisticated people.  We'll let you know how it turns out!  We are in need of helpers for our Fiesta Day coming up on the last Thursday of March.  IF you are willing to help, please let me know.

Hopefully the ground hog will give us good news this weekend!  Stay warm and have a great week!

WIZ IQ Tutoring Session Thursday, 1-31-13!

We have a test on chapter 5 in math coming up next week on Monday!  If your child has struggled over the lessons of chapter 5, he/ she should definitely log into tomorrow's online tutoring session at 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.  We will cover all of the topics, do sample problems, and answer any and all questions to get your child prepared for the big test.  Just go to the class web site at: http//up2dategrade6.blogspot.com, click on the link under the section on the right titled, "WIZ IQ" for Thursday's lesson.  WIZ IQ accounts are free and only require an e-mail for your child to sign for the lesson.  Take advantage of this opportunity and your child will get a homework pass!!

The Week of 1-27-13

Next week, the temperatures should be warm enough for outdoor recess, so please make sure your child has appropriate outdoor wear.  On February 1st, we have a busy day planned, we will be having our PBS party for those who stayed on green or got less than 3 yellow cards during January.  It will be a movie showing for about 30 minutes along with popcorn.  We will also be having our Honor Roll Open House in the afternoon.  Those parents whose children earned a spot on the Honor Roll should have received their invitations already this week.  On Monday, January 28th, report cards will be sent home with the students.  If you have any questions, please contact me via e-mail or phone.  Also on Monday, the first progress reports for the third quarter will be sent home as well.  Please do not confuse these scores with the ones on the report card.  Students will have until Monday, February 4th to get any missing or late work into me that is listed on the progress report.  After the 4th, it will not be counted.  This applies to late or missing work only; corrected work can be turned in at any time.  We have a lot of flu and cold germs going around the school.  Our class is in need of hand sanitizer if anyone would be willing to donate it.  We also need Kleenex and multi colored construction paper if anyone is willing to donate.  Have a great week, and stay warm!

Reading News
We finished our winter district test this week.  Next week, we will be learning the text structures of nonfiction texts.  The reading logs have been sent out for next week and are due on Friday, February 1st.  Also due on Friday are any Book-It forms.  The new forms for February will come out on Friday as well. 

Writing News
This week we looked at verbs and helping verbs for grammar, and we wrote a "How To" paper.  Next week, we will write a "Cause and Effect" paper and work on sentence fragments and compound sentences again.  We want students to use compound sentences more in their writing to make the writing piece flow better for the reader.

Math News
This week we were busy choosing stocks for our stock portfolios, but we did cover the Least Common Multiple.  Next week, we will order rational numbers, buy our stocks, and take the chapter 5 test (Thursday). 

Science News
On Monday, we will take the second test for the Earth Unit.  This conclude the Earth Unit and lead us into our Force and Motion one. 

S. Studies News
This week we covered the Aztec Native American Tribe of Mexico, and began our Native American weaving projects.  If your child has not yet brought a shoe box or shoe box top, please provide one for him/ her for this project.  Next week, we will work on studying the Incas, and take a test on Latin American geography and ancient peoples (Friday).

The Week of 1-21-13

On Monday, we will not have school in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Please make arrangements if needed for your child on this day.  The card marking has ended as of today, January 18th.  All late, missing, and corrected work needed to be into me by this day to count on the report cards.  Report cards will come out on January 28th.  We will be having an Honor Roll Open house for kids who were on the Honor Roll.  Their names will be on display in one of our showcases in the main hallway, and they will receive a certificate of appreciation for their hard work.  Parents are welcome to attend and join their students for refreshments.  More on this will come out soon.  The late work policy for the third card marking is that students have one week from the time late work is given to get it done and turned into me.  Students have two days from receiving the progress report to turn it back into me with a parent/ guardian's signature to receive late work.  Any late work turned in beyond this point will not be counted.  We want to instill in the students accountability and responsibility so that they will be successful at the next level.  I know this is a jump from the past two quarters, so please remind your child to show you the progress reports and to turn in work on time.  Next week, the weather is supposed to be extremely cold.  We will not have outdoor recess during the cold stretches where temps are below 30 degrees and wind chills even worse.  Still, please be sure your child is wearing appropriate outdoor wear to school as they walk to the building or wait at the bus stop.  Being the end of the first semester, I will be attaching a supply list your child will need for the rest of the year.  Most students have used up their notebooks, pencils, crayons, glue, and other items.  Please restock your child over the next week.  for the classroom, we need Kleenex, loose leaf paper, anti-bacteria wipes, hand sanitizer, pencils, and dry erase markers if you would like to donate any thing.

Reading News
This week the students were placed into their new reading groups and received a new group book.  I want to stress with parents the need to turn in reading logs on time.  Reading logs are available on the class web site to the right, in the event your child has lost it.  No reading logs will be accepted beyond a week late in the third quarter.  This was a major reason why many kids were failing reading, please make sure your child reads every night for 20 minutes.  I am also noticing many kids not coming to class with a book for reading.  If you could take your child to the library over the weekend to check out a book, that would be great.

Math News
Due to the writing test and the stock market game, we fell a little behind this week.  Next week, the students will be doing least common multiple, adding and subtracting fractions, and multiplying fractions and mixed numbers.  We are also starting the Stock Market Game.  Students will look up companies that sell stock and purchase the stock with a mock $100,000.  To be sure they diversify their stock portfolio, students will have to purchase stock from 2 Michigan Companies, 2 Alternative Energy Companies, 2 Technology/ Science Companies,  2 Commodities, and 4 companies of their choice.  The objective is to compete against other other 6th grade classrooms to see who can make the most money.

Writing News
We are starting to write nonfiction pieces which include biographies, argumentative/ opinion papers, and how to/ explanatory pieces.  We will also take a strong look at verbs, verb phrases, linking verbs, and helping verbs.

Science News
We will be wrapping up our units on the Earth Sciences, and soon will be moving into the study of Force and Motion.  For this new unit, we will be creating balloon cars and having competitions with them, studying Newton's Laws of Motion, and use these activities to help us develop a roller coaster for a contest out of K'NEX Toys.

S. Studies News
We are beginning our study of Latin America with a brief unit on the geography and the Native Americans of the region.  We need your child to bring in a shoe box for some of the activities we will be doing as we study these cultures.  The primary Native American empires of the region we will study are the Aztecs, the Incans, and the Mayans and Olmec.  After this unit, we will move onto to the study of Mexico.

Have a nice weekend, rest up, stay warm, and Go Wings!

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations Sarah B. for being one of the Spelling Bee finalists!  She will compete next week against the district finalists to see who moves on!  Way to go Sarah!

Important Announcements!!!!!

Due to me forgetting to pass out the spelling lists on Friday, the spelling test will be on Tuesday, January 22nd when the students return.  Reading logs are due by Tuesday, January 22nd as well.  Any late or missing work sent home  this week must be in by Friday, January 18th in order to be counted towards the second marking period report card.  There is half day of school this Friday, January 18th.  Students will be here for the morning session only.  There will be no WIZ IQ tutoring this Thursday, January 17th due to people needing to get missing work done and the writing test we are doing this week.  Please make a note of this. We will have our next tutoring sessions next Thursday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m.  Have a restful and relaxing long weekend, and Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

The Week of 1-14-2013

With the weather being what it is, unpredictable, and the flu season as one of the worst in a long time, I am asking parents to please make sure their kids have coats, hats, gloves, and if they want to play in the snow, boots or spare shoes.  I was amazed by the number of kids who came to school not dressed properly for outdoor recess.  We will not go outside on days where the weather is dangerously cold or extremely wet.  Please also help me to remind your children to stay off the ice.  We had a few accidents this week when kids did not follow this direction and slipped, only to hit their heads on the ground.  If kids cannot stay off the ice, or dressed appropriately, we'll have to resort to indoor recesses only, as I cannot divide up my class.  I apologize in advance for any errors on e-mails and other writings.  I broke my finger the Sunday before we came back and the splint makes it difficult to type and write with.  I want to also apologize for not getting extra credit work up for break.  After two busy days of programming leading right into Christmas, I completely forgot.  If your child read over the break, include it on the reading log that went out today for extra credit.  If your child did 28 kind things for extra credit, just send me a list of those items and I'll give your child the extra 50 points for a subject of his/ her choice.  We will have a half day on Friday, January 18th and no school on Monday, January 21st.  The half day will we morning sessions only for the kids.  Thanks to all who helped out for our Ellis Island and World Foods Programs.  We had a great turn out and the kids had a blast.  I'll post pictures of the event later this week.  The card marking ends next week with a little room the week after for me to get late work into the books.  Please request missing work by Monday, January 14th and try to have it in by the 18th of January to be sure it is counted.  For the third quarter, students will have only a week after progress reports come out to get work into me, so requests need to be made prior to the end of that week.  There is an updated January calendar now available on the web site.  Look on the right hand side and scroll down; there should be a link for it.

Science News
This week we learned about the different fossil types and how to determine the 'Relative Age' of rocks.  Next week we will do experiments on both concepts and also learn about soil composition and properties of erosion.  Look for a test to come out the week after.

S. Studies News
We are starting a new unit on Latin America, beginning with a chapter on the geography of the areas in Latin America, and a study of the Native American Tribes in Pre-Columbian America.  Students will study the Olmec and Mayan, Incan, and Aztec Tribes, as well as how they were eventually conquered by the Spanish.

Math News
This week we took our district test for math, and the target goal for each child was to improve upon their scores from the beginning of the year by 5 problems.  We also learned how to make ratios and fractions into percents, and percents into fractions.  Next week, we will jump into least common multiples and how to add and subtract fractions.  Look for a test on these items the week of MLK Day.

Reading News
New Book It forms will come out this week.  We are moving into our nonfiction reading lessons and small groups have been established.  For the nonfiction unit, we will be using our science and social studies textbooks.  Look for a district test in two weeks on reading.

Writing News
Our next tests in spelling and vocabulary will be next week.  The list should have come home on the 11th of January.  We are looking to soon be working on a nonfiction biography piece of a person of their choice.  Students will make a timeline as a pre write piece, then create the rough draft from it.

Yes, my Irish looked like Irish instead of the Fighting Irish.  Alabama was unstoppable as usual, but at least I can say congrats to the team for making it so far when at the start, Notre Dame was not even ranked as far as I know.  Better luck next year!  Have a great week!