New Year and Back to Blogging

Hello,

Okay, I am going to give this blog thing a go again! I will try my best to send out some info on what is going on every now and then. For immediate information on daily activities please check over your child's planner. If they are filling it out as I have practiced with them there should be something written in every category. If there is homework due the next day they should also have a circled "H." If they already completed the assignment and handed it in there should be a line drawn through the circled "H." If there is some work needed to have been done, but it will NOT be handed in first thing the morning, there should be a star. That is the quick and dirty on our planners. Feel free to send me a note or an email if you have any questions about this. Although I do not require my students to have their planner signed by you, I do require them to fill them out and give them time to fill it out at the end of every day. Of course, you can require that it be brought home daily as part of your own expectations.

READING
We are approaching the halfway point of our sci-fi novels. The kids are doing a great job of creating thoughtful response note cards twice a week to share in their literature circles. Most of us are remembering to have our weekly charts completed and signed over the weekends. Thanks with your help on these things. I think the weekly chart is useful for helping your child with organization, practice summarizing, reflection, and I mean for it to be a communication tool for YOU to know what your kiddo is doing too.

MATH
The past week, since the Ch. 1 test, we have been getting into pre-algebra. This has been exciting for some and overwhelming for others. You are free to help out your child with math homework. There are lots of resources from the textbook to help out. Let me know if you are looking for ways to help your child understand their work after arriving home.

SOCIAL STUDIES
We just recieved our first tests back today to bring home. Students who scored below a 70% have a note stapled to their test. I require a signature on these and offer the opportunity to make corrections for a little extra credit. We will be studying Mesopotamia next. A few days before the test, we will have 6 more students selected as posterboard makers.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
The sign up sheet for conferences were not up yet when 6th grade had Parent Night. I have the sign up sheet hanging up outside of my door now. Please come by and select a time that works for you or email me your preferences about specific days/times and we can get one set up.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
Wed. Sept. 8th - MATH MAP TESTING!!!! Your child doesnt need to prepare for these test, but please send them to school well rested and with a great breakfast!

The year is starting off great! Please feel free to contact me anytime with thoughts/questions via email.