Monday, September 26, 2011

" When the weather turns cooler and the leaves begin to change, it's apple picking time across the valley." ~from Apple Picking Time by M. Slawson

When Summer's heat gives way to crisper Autumn weather, many of us turn our thoughts to apple picking with family and friends. Local orchards provide a scenic backdrop for treasured memories. How lucky we are to live in a place where we can mark the seasons by traditions such as these.
~
It's hard to believe that we're nearing the end of our first full month of school; it's been a busy time! I think it's fair to say that routines are now fairly well established, and all of us are becoming more familiar with one another. Results of local assessments have helped your child's teachers get a preliminary "read" on their strengths, proclivities, and challenges, allowing us to plan curriculum that is engaging and meaningful to them.


WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Sixth Grade:

Spelling and DOL

Unit 3.
This is kept at school; we do a page each day, some of which is done as a whole class. I will provide spelling lists so everyone can study at home for Friday's test. (Packets are due in the drawer by 8:00 AM Friday.)

Vocabulary

Unit 3
. This is an independent packet that can be taken home to complete. There's a Vocabulary Check aka quiz on Friday.
(Packets are due in the drawer by 8:00 AM Friday.) If students need help, it is there responsibility to ask for it. I'm here!

Language Arts

  • We had Art on Monday, so there was no assignment.
  • Tuesday through Friday we will familiarize ourselves with the format for NECAPS and look at released tasks. By "getting our feet wet" in a relaxed way, we can help allay some of the fears students may have about these upcoming assessments. This will involve practice in short answers and constructed response.
  • We will also begin work on our Mission Statements.
Social Studies

  • Monday's class discussed lines of latitude (parallels) and lines of longitude (meridians), and created a visual to help us remember. We also discussed N., S., E., and W. hemispheres, and labeled them on a map. Assignment: complete map worksheet, "The Dream Team."
  • Wednesday--We will draw a map based on written directions, incorporating the six parts of a map (title, compass rose, grid, scale, legend/key, and symbols). This is a fun activity, and it serves to show what kids remember about maps. it'll be due Friday.

Fifth Grade

Language Arts

  • Monday--we finished up our Autumn poetry project.
  • Tuesday through Friday we will familiarize ourselves with the format for NECAPS and look at released tasks. By "getting our feet wet" in a relaxed way, we can help allay some of the fears students may have about these upcoming assessments. This will involve practice in short answers and constructed response.

Social Studies

Same as grade 6 (see above). Fifth grade classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.



UPCOMING EVENTS

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Pictures will be taken at school on the morning of September 28th. Please make every effort to be at school by 8:00. Hopefully your child has given you the information long before now. . .

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Open House will be held on the evening of September 28th from 6:30 to 7:30. The first half hour is for touring the school. At 7:00, fifth and sixth grades will meet in their respective homerooms for a grade-level meeting. At 7:15, both groups will reconvene in the 6th grade homeroom for a chance to discuss what's in store for this year.