May 2013

May 24th

L. Arts - The class took a Spelling test on words from "Esperanza Rising".  After that I handed out Progress Reports.  They are to be brought home and shown today to parents.

Math - The B Day classes were introduced to Probability. One of the skill sets that students need was taught earlier this year: changing fractions, into decimals, and percents. We had an assessment on this. Also, a Final Exam Outline for Math was sent home today with students. Want a head start to finals? Go through the outline as it tells you the topics that we are requesting that students study for the test. Next week the practice packets come home!  Students...don't wait for me to tell you to study!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend.  God bless all those who have given of themselves so we can live in freedom.

May 23rd

Business:  Still waiting on parent signatures from a few folks pertaining to the letter about final exams.  Also, still waiting on donation money for your child for Field Day BBQ next Friday.

PROGRESS REPORTS WILL BE SENT HOME WITH STUDENTS TOMORROW.

L. Arts - We started our class by reviewing the spelling word list for the spelling test tomorrow.  We also read more of "Esperanza" today.  This "close read" method is thought provoking and we are getting into depth.  Students seem to be having some, "aha!", moments and are making strong connections toward the content in one chapter to that of the next.  Students also had some time to read silently and/or work on their Esperanza Poster.

Math - The A Day class was introduced to Probability.  One of the skill sets that students need was taught earlier this year:  changing fractions, into decimals, and percents. We had an assessment on this.  Also, a Final Exam Outline for Math was sent home today with students.  Want a head start to finals?  Go through the outline as it tells you the topics that we are requesting that students study for the test.  Next week the practice packets come home!

Good car wash weather!

May 22nd

Business: Parents: A Final Exam Schedule for my homeroom class was sent home with students yesterday. Please sign it and cut off the little strip on the bottom and have your child return it to school if you haven't yet done so. Thanks very much!

L. Arts - We read Esperanza aloud and did a close read - very close - and found out some interesting info. that students didn't know, or realize, when they read silently.  Good stuff!

Math - The B Day classes practiced working with Mean, Median, Mode, and Range from one particular data set. The other day we worked with different set of numbers, or data. Today we practiced with one data set. The class had an assessment on this concept.

Thunderstorms coming...be safe!!

May 21st

Business: Parents: A Final Exam Schedule for my homeroom class was sent home with students yesterday. Please sign it and cut off the little strip on the bottom and have your child return it to school if you haven't yet done so. Thanks very much!

L. Arts - We did a guided read today whereby students read a few pages at a time and were asked questions about what they read.  They wrote short responses for answers.  Homework tonight is to read pgs. 65-99.  They may have already had a head-start reading these pgs. in school if they chose to.  Tomorrow they will be asked about what they read.  Also, students have a Spelling Test this Friday on their most recent word list.

Math - The A Day class practiced working with Mean, Median, Mode, and Range from one particular data set.  The other day we worked with different set of numbers, or data.  Today we practiced with one data set.  The class had an assessment on this concept.

Enjoy the day!

May 20th

Business:  Parents: A Final Exam Schedule for my homeroom class was sent home with students today.  Please sign it and cut off the little strip on the bottom and have your child return it to school.  Thanks very much!

L. Arts - Students continued last Friday's work - to illustrate with a caption a key part of,"Esperanza Rising".

Math - We are learning the basics about statistics with Mean, Median, Mode, and Range. There was a small assessment today on mode and range.

Enjoy your day.

May 17th

L. Arts - We read another portion of Esperanza today.  Then, students had to pick an event from the novel and illustrate it with a caption. 

Math - We are learning the basics about statistics with Mean, Median, Mode, and Range.  There was a small assessment today on mode and range. 

Have a nice weekend.

May 16th

L. Arts - We read a short portion of, "Esperanza Rising", today.

Math The B Day Classes got back three recent assessments. They all need to be signed by parents. Anyone who failed the two Index Card Assessments (they were a part of the 3) were asked to come after school to try to improve their grades. We discussed the end of the year timetable and assured everyone that they'll have future opportunities to be assessed and to hopefully score well. Concerning today's topic, we started to learn about Mean, Median, Mode, and Range. We had a small assessment on Mean and Median.

Math Business:  Due tomorrow is the worksheet I created on Circumference and Area of a Circle, Area of a Triangle, and Area of a Trapezoid.

Wow!  Beautiful day!  Enjoy!

May 15th

Business:  A letter went home today about the BBQ we'll have at our Field Day on May 31st.

L. Arts - The class and I worked on Chapter 3 of "Esperanza Rising".  We tried to get deeper into the meaning of some of the words and content.  Also, another set of spelling words, taken from the novel, were copied by students.  Those words will be used for a Spelling/Vocabulary Test that will be given sometime next week.

Math - The A Day Class got back three recent assessments.  They all need to be signed by parents.  Anyone who failed the two Index Card Assessments (they were a part of the 3) were asked to come after school to try to improve their grades.  We discussed the end of the year timetable and assured everyone that they'll have  future opportunities to be assessed and to hopefully score well.  Concerning today's topic, we started to learn about Mean, Median, Mode, and Range.  We had a small assessment on Mean and Median.

Enjoy the day!

May 14th

The archaeolgical dig for my homeroom class was today.  Students were excited, actively involved, and engaged in the dig.  "Big Dog", our archaeologist, did a fine job guiding us!

Since I didn't see Mrs. Nelsen's and Mrs. Rashford's classes for Math I left work for them.  Many students finished.  For the rest, the work is due no later than Friday.  I am grading this work so I expect it to be turned in on time.  The last time I let work go home that was being graded, twelve students didn't complete the assignment at all.  They had four days to complete the work...nothing.  They received zeros.  I do not expect this to happen again.  Students, you need to stay in the game.

Have a nice afternoon.

May 13th

Today's entry a little different...

My Homeroom Class stayed in my room for all of our "on team" time today because Mrs. Rashford's class and Mrs. Nelsen's class were busy participating in the archaeological dig.  Work from both Mrs. Nelsen and Mrs. Rashford was given to me to be completed by my class, who worked hard all day long.  Also, due to the dig, I did not have my A Day Class for Math. They will be completing work that I am leaving for them tomorrow.  Mrs. Nelsen's class will have math work as well.

Pertaining to the dig, there was a letter sent home about it last week.  Please review it.  Students - we talked about this today.  You know that you are responsible for wearing the proper clothing, etc...  It's all in the letter!!!  Lastly, we dig with Mr. Grodin's class tomorrow.

Have a nice day!

May 10th

L. Arts - The class was asked to write a paragraph about how they can change their behavior for the better.  This brief assignment was given for two reasons:  1) Excessively loud talking in our hallway when we temporarily got locked out of our room after the fire drill that we had today.  I asked the class to settle down multiple times and they chose not to.  2) The Pride Team meeting this morning.  We teachers spoke to the students about the end of the year.  Included in this discussion was the topic of behavior and how to better it.  I'm truly hoping for better next week.

Math - The class worked on a problem to determine a number pattern - and language to describe it.  Following that we worked with centimeter cubes to determine the volume of rectangular prisms.  We also did a paper and pencil version of this.  Good stuff!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

May 9th

L. Arts - In our morning session we read silently and then read more "Esperanza". In the afternoon we had our final session of MAPS Testing in the computer lab.

Math - The A Day Class practiced finding the Area of a Trapezoid. There was a small assessment on this skill.

Challenge Problem:

On the floor you lay out popsicle sticks to make squares.  You join each square together in such a way that the right side of one square is also the left side of the next.  You decide to make 7 squares.  How many popsicle sticks did you use?  Draw this configuration and give the answer.

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Dum-Dum Pop (and NO...YOU ARE NOT a dum-dum!!!) These problems are optional.

Have a great day everyone!

May 8th

L. Arts - No classes today due to MAPS Testing.

Math - The B Day Classses practiced finding the Area of a Trapezoid.  There was a small assessment on this skill.

Challenge Problem:

What are the next three numbers in the pattern?  What is the rule? 

640, 321, 162, 83, ____, ____, ____

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Dum-Dum Pop (and NO...YOU ARE NOT a dum-dum!!!) These problems are optional.

Rain!  We need it!  Have a great day!

May 7th

L. Arts - In our morning session we read silently and then read more "Esperanza".  In the afternoon we had MAPS Testing in the computer lab.

Math - The A Day Class practiced finding the Area of a Triangle.  There was a small assessment on this skill.

Have a productive day!

May 6th

L. Arts - Students read silently from their own novel and then from, "Esperanza Rising". Absentees completed questions from Friday pertaining to Chapter 3.

Math - B Day Classes practiced finding the Area of a Triangle.  There was a small assessment on this skill. 

Enjoy the day everyone!

May 3rd

L. Arts - Students read silently.  We then continued yesterday's work with Ch. 2 of "Esperanza".  When that was done students were given Ch. 3 Q's to answer.  Most of the class finished except for musicians who had to leave for music lessons.  They will answer these questions over the weekend and return them to me on Monday.

Math - Today was the last day for our A Day class to work with Circumference and Area.  We practiced for more than half of our time.  Students were given an ICA to take home on these topics.  It must be returned no later than Tuesday.  We also did some problem solving pertaining to money.

Back by request...I'll be writing some Math challenge problems from time to time here on my page. Here's the deal: The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Dum-Dum Pop (and NO...YOU ARE NOT a dum-dum!!!) These problems are optional. Here's today's problem:

Your parents give you a choice of how you want your allowance for one full week:

Choice A: Starting on May 1st you get a nickel. Each following day the amount triples from the day before.

Choice B: You get nothing from May 1st to 3rd but starting on May 4th you get $3, which will double each day until May 7th.

Which allowance deal yields the most cashola for your wallet?!

Have a terrific weekend!

May 2nd

L. Arts - The class did some silent reading and then we took a look at some of the answers that students gave for a series of questions on Ch. 2 of "Esperanza Rising".  We'll continue with more of that tomorrow and begin to answer more questions, this time pertaining to Ch. 3.

Math - We reviewed Math homework after asking students to write a set of directions for how to find the Circumference and Area of a circle.  We practiced with this skill and then did a short activity using string and circular objects like paper plates to find the connection between diameter, pi, and circumference.  Students were given an ICA to take home with them.  For today's classes - B Day students - this work is due no later than Monday.

Back by request...I'll be writing some Math challenge problems from time to time here on my page.  Here's the deal: The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Dum-Dum Pop (and NO...YOU ARE NOT a dum-dum!!!)  These problems are optional.  Here's today's problem:

Your parents give you a choice of how you want your allowance for one full week:

Choice A:  Starting on May 1st you get a nickel.  Each following day the amount triples from the day before. 

Choice B:  You get nothing from May 1st to 3rd but starting on May 4th you get $3, which will double each day until May 7th.

Which allowance deal yields the most cashola for your wallet?!

Have a wonderful rest of the day!

May 1st - Sub Teacher

April 2013

April 30th

L. Arts - The class read silently from their own books.  Following that we changed seats and talked about our plans concerning testing for the remainder of the year.  Tomorrow we'll return to "Esperanza Rising".

Math -The B Day Classes were taught how to find the Circumference and Area of a Circle. For homework students will answer a worksheet that was given to them on Circumference and Area.

Enjoy the day! 

April 29th

L. Arts - In our morning session, the class read silently from their own book for a little while, then we continued reading, "Esperanza Rising".  In the afternoon we continued reading from, "Esperanza", and we got together in groups of 4 to read aloud a reaction that we wrote to part of the story.  This was geared to stimulate questions from the students in the group.  Hopefully we can get more into the depth of the book due to this.

Math - The A Day Class was taught how to find the Circumference and Area of a Circle.  For homework students will answer a worksheet that was given to them on Circumference and Area. 

Enjoy your day.

April 26th

L. Arts - Since class was shortly after state testing I gave the students a break to read, chat quietly, assemble a tangram ( 7 piece puzzle), or play brain teaser puzzle games.

Math - Session 3 of the NYS Math Exam was given.  The test concluded today except for absentees who need to make it up.

Later on, in Math class, I gave the class some different options.  They were able to read silently, chat quietly, play brain easer puzzle games, or assemble a tangram ( 7 piece puzzle).  In my afternoon Math class, my homeroom students changed the arrangement of seats based upon a seating plan that two of my students made.  These two students planned carefully and considerately and therefore came up with a seating plan and desk arrangement that is one of the best we've had.  Students were receptive to the arrangement and were considerate in return.  I really am blesssed with a wonderful homeroom class - the team for that matter!

Have a happy weekend everyone!

April 25th

L. Arts - We combined a little bit of Math, Silent Reading, and Study Hall into L. Arts today.  This was due to our shortened classes because of state testing.

Math - Session 2 of the NYS Math Exam was given.  The test concludes tomorrow with Session 3.

Have a great day!

April 24th

L. Arts - With the shortened schedule due to state testing, the class read silently.

Math - Session 1 of the NYS Math Exam was given.

Is Spring finally springing?

April 23rd

L. Arts - The class got their own copies of, "Esperanza Rising", and reread the parts I read aloud to them prior to today's class.  Also, the class copied 11 words from this novel that we are going to use as Spelling/Vocabulary words for future assessment.  There are going to be more words given as time progresses.  No hmwk. tonight.

Math - We are still prepping for the NYS Exam. Today we checked answers from the NYS Practice Exam Packet. We also worked on Net Geometry. For hmwk. I gave the class a small packet of geometry formulas without dimensions or units of measurement.  All they can do with that small packet is to look up and research the formulas given, from the text, or online, so they have an introductory level understanding of what the formulas are about.  We'll do more with that in class next time.

THE NYS MATH EXAM BEGINS TOMORROW!!!!

April 22nd

L. Arts - After the class did some silent reading I read a portion of, "Esperanza Rising", to them.  More of this award winning novel coming tomorrow.

Math - We are still prepping for the NYS Exam.  Today we checked answers from the NYS Practice Exam Packet.  We also worked on Net Geometry.  For hmwk. I gave the class a small packet of geometry problems, however, there are no numbers or units of measurement to go along with the problems.  I forgot to give that information to the students in class.  So, all they can really do with that small geometry packet is to look over the formulas and coordinate that information with the text.  In plain words, look over the formulas given there, find them in the geometry section of the text and try to make sense out of them as best possible.  We'll go over that info. on Wednesday.  My apologies for any confusion...my fault!

The NYS Math Exam starts this Wednesday.

Happy Earth Day!

April 19th

L. Arts - I changed our plans so we could take a break from the routine.  We did a few different activities in L. Arts pertaining to the English Language and how complex it can be - I will desert my dessert in the desert -  an extreme example, but one that does show the complexity our language can present. I read a tall tale, Davy Crockett, to the class to expose them to this type of exaggerated storytelling .  Finally, the students had to complete a story starter by speaking in front of the class and setting the next scene(s) in the story they had heard.  It was nice to see the kids energized even on the latter part of Friday!

Math - The A Day class practiced more of the Daily Do Now packet problems as well as the NYS Practice Exam problems.  I also taught and showed video on Net Geometry.  Hmwk. this weekend is for students to go online and search for "Net Geometry".  They should try to learn as much as they can about it to help reinforce the lesson I taught today.

Have a happy and safe weekend.  Keep a good thought for Boston.

April 18th

L. Arts - NYS ELA Exam, Session 3.  The test has concluded except for make-ups which start tomorrow.

Math - The B Day classes worked on Daily Do Now problems which are serving as excellent NYS Math Exam practice. The class should finish as much of those problems that they know from what was left over from today. They should do the same with the NYS Exam Practice that I gave them a few weeks ago.

Enjoy your day! 

April 17th

L. Arts - NYS ELA Exam, Session 2.

Math - The A Day class worked on Daily Do Now problems which are serving to be excellent NYS Math Exam practice.  The class should finish as much of those problems that they know from what was left over from today.  They should do the same with the NYS Exam Practice that I gave them a few weeks ago.

Enjoy the beautiful weather!

April 16th

L. Arts - NYS ELA Exam, Session 1.

Math - The B day classes worked on various Do Now problems.  I also introduced the idea of a "net".  It's geometry related.  Ask your child if they can explain it to you. 

For hmwk. students should complete the State Exam Practice Packet and do as many of the remaining "Do Now" problems  that they know how to do from the 2 "Daily Do Now" packets that they have. (That's a mouthful!)

Prayers for Boston and the victims.

Due to Internet troubles yesterday, April 15th, I was not able to post.

April 12th - Last day of Third Quarter.

Business:  The NYS ELA Exam begins on Tuesday, April 16th.  The NYS Math Exam begins on Wednesday, April 24th.

L. Arts - The class read silently and then I read some of "Esperanza Rising" to them.  More coming next week.

Math - The B Day Math students did make-up work today.  Meanwhile, the class worked independently, and then in groups, to solve more, "Daily Do Now", problems from the first packet.  Another  "Do Now" packet was handed out today as well.  For hmwk. the students need to complete Pgs. 8-11 in the State Exam Practice Packet.

Enjoy a happy weekend!  Students should be reviewing work to prepare for the NYS Exams starting next week.

April 11th - Sub Teacher

April 10th

Business:  Thanks so very much to all the parents and students who volunteered to bake and work at the Pride Team Bake Sale today!  Literally couldn't have done it without you!

L. Arts - The class read silently and then settled in to listen to the opening of, "Esperanza Rising".  We focused on key words, phrases, and context to help us to understand what we heard.  More coming on Friday.

Math - The B Day classes worked on skills to help prep for the NYS Math Exam which begins two weeks from today.  For hmwk. students should complete Pgs. 6&7 of the State Exam Practice packet.  Collectively, when done, pgs. 1-7 will be completely finished.

It's double digits now for April.  Time is flying!

April 9th

Business:  Pride Team Bake Sale tomorrow in support of our May 31st Field Day.

L. Arts - The class had some extended silent reading time today.  Then we did some writing about human rights.  We also introduced the book, "Esperanza Rising", which we'll delve into a bit more tomorrow.

Math - The A Day Class took an ICA on Percent of a Number after repeated practice of the skill.  Following that we worked on skills that relate to conversion of decimals, fractions, and percents. Separate from what we did today, hmwk. will be to complete pgs. 4 and 5 of the State Exam Practice packet. This means that by this Thursday, Pgs. 1-5 should be done.

Enjoy the day!

April 8th

Business:  I'll still be collecting Bake Sale slips tomorrow.  Our Bake Sale - in support of our Field Day on May 31st - will be this Wednesday.

L. Arts - The class read silently and then revised their written answers to the story that we were working on last week for the UDHR.  No hmwk.

Math - The B Day Classes practiced an entire period with Percent of a Number.  We then had an ICA on that skill.  Following that we worked on skills that relate to conversion of decimals, fractions, and percents.  Separate from what we did today, hmwk. will be to complete pgs. 4 and 5 of the State Exam Practice packet.  This means that by Wednesday, Pgs. 1-5 should be done.

Have a great day all!

April 5th

Business:  A letter was sent home today about a Bake Sale to support our Field Day costs.  Students should be giving that to parents/guardians today.

L. Arts - The UDHR related work continues!  We checked homework by asking for some students to read their written answers aloud while we applied the new 2 Pt. Rubric Response Features to the writing.  Plainly put, we tried to rate our writing with a score of 0, 1, or 2.  Students were then put in groups to do the same - they heard an answer and rated it.  All answers come from questions asked on a response sheet related to a short story that I handed out to students this week.  Students ended class today by writing answers (responses) to #'s 3, 4, and 5.  They need completion by Monday.

Math - The A Day Class practiced finding the percent of a number today.  We also checked hmwk. from pg. 192.  I'll be assessing this skill next week.

NYS MATH TEST PREP: Given out today were two packets of work that students will use in the next few weeks to help them prepare for the upcoming state math test. One packet is entitled, " State Exam Practice". The other is called,"Daily Do Now". It is the responsibility of the student to keep the packets and have them ready in class when we need them. HMWK: By Tuesday the A Day Classes need to have pages 1-3 completed in the State Exam Practice packet.

Have a happy and safe weekend!

April 4th

L. Arts - We did a close read today of the story called, "Teaching Nepalis to Read, Plant, and Vote".  For tonight, students need to answer questions 1 & 2 about the story from the short answer response sheet.  They should also base their writing on the rubric that they were given yesterday - the part of the rubric that tells how to get two points.  So, just to be clear, students need the story itself, the questions that go with it (given out today), and the rubric.

Math - The B Day Classes and I checked homework together from pg. 387. We also did some more work from that page practicing conversions and seeing if certain percents, decimals, and fractions were lower or higher in value compared to others. We then launched into how to find the percent of a number. Homework relates: Pg. 392, #'s 19-29, odd only.

NYS MATH TEST PREP: Given out today were two packets of work that students will use in the next few weeks to help them prepare for the upcoming state math test.  One packet is entitled, " State Exam Practice".  The other is called,"Daily Do Now".  It is the responsibility of the student to keep the packets and have them ready in class when we need them.   HMWK:  By Monday the B Day Classes need to have pages 1-3 completed in the State Exam Practice packet.

Students...stay productive, stay organized.

April 3rd

L. Arts - The class read silently and then students were given a list of all the Articles from the UDHR broken down into plain words. This helped us to clarify our thoughts about the meaning of each article. It also helped us to see if we were on track when we wrote in our own words what each article meant when we first studied them.  Later in the afternoon we took a look at the new 2 point rubric that will be used to score short written responses for the upcoming NYS ELA Test (which we'll be taking in two weeks).  After that, the students read a story, which tonight, for homework, they have to annotate.  Tomorrow we'll go through that story again - with a close read -and then begin to write short answers from questions that will be supplied to students.  The 2 pt. rubric will be applied to the writing to see how well students can score.  This activity is excellent practice for the upcoming state test.

Math - The A Day Class and I checked homework together from pg. 387. We also did some more work from that page practicing conversions and seeing if certain percents, decimals, and fractions were lower or higher in value compared to others. We then launched into how to find the percent of a number. Homework relates: Pg. 392, #'s 19-29, odd only.

Hoping your day has been productive so far!

April 2nd

L. Arts - The class read silently from a book of their choosing.  Following that students did a "Skim and Scan" activity whereby they, in groups, skimmed through all 30 articles of the UDHR in 3 minutes and wrote down important words that repeated.  Then they needed to write a reason or two as to why these words were repeated.  We wrote an abbreviated list of those words and then discussed their reasons.

Math - The B Day classes worked on a ratio problem and then, in a related lesson, learned how to convert a fraction into a decimal and then into a percent.  Hmwk. tonight is on pg. 387, #'s 27-36.

Have a nice day!

April 1st

L. Arts - The class and I discussed more UDHR Articles that related to education, jobs, and marriage.  Relating to jobs/professions I asked the students to choose their top 3 professions.  We have future doctors, teachers, vets, and engineers, to name a few!

Math - The A Day Class learned how to convert a fraction into a decimal and then into a percent.  Hmwk. tonight is on pg. 387, #'s 27-36.

Have a great day everyone!

March 2013

March 22nd

Business:  Directly above this section of the page is information about State Tests.

L. Arts - The class read silently for a bit.  Then we looked at various UDHR Articles and talked about the meanings of particular words and phrases.  Students are showing that they can transfer and interpret - through writing - Articles from the UDHR.  As we progress, they are doing this on a more consistent basis!

Math - The Period 2 & 3 B Day class took an assessment on Proportions after we reviewed that skill through practice with word problems and homework.

The Period 8-10 B Day class did a variety of Do Now problems and then we worked on percent.  This percent work will continue in April.

Have an absolutely wonderful Spring break!!!

March 21st

L. Arts - We concluded our rewriting/sketching of UDHR Articles. Students were put into groups to share this information.  Then, a few classmates shared with the entire class.  This type of reading activity can help a student to analyze and understand what they have read.  Then, the goal would be utilize that information.  We encourage all students to use these close reading strategies whenever they need to.

When vacation is over we are going to concentrate even more intensely on the upcoming NYS ELA Test.

Math - The A Day class reviewed and practiced solving proportions - in a variety of ways - and then took an ICA on that skill. 

When vacation is over we are going to concentrate even more intensely on the upcoming NYS Math Test.

Have a great day!

March 20th

L. Arts - We had a mature discussion about Lockdown/Lockout Drills because we had a drill today and kids were curious about those types of situations.  We also continued UDHR work that we started yesterday.  More UDHR tomorrow.

Math - There was a Chorus Rehearsal today so massive amounts of Chorus kids attended that.  This reduced our Period 2&3 class size to 12 students.  So, because of that, we postponed our ICA until Friday.  The Assessment will still be on Proportions.  We used today's class to go over this skill with the students who were there.  Our time was divided, however, because we had a Lockdown Drill.  The students did a superb job and were complimented by the principal when she came in.  Great job students!

The Chorus Rehearsal being early in the day did not affect my Period 8-10 class, so we had our block of time to work on Proportions and then to take an ICA.  No hmwk.

Happy first day of Spring!

March 19th - 3 hour delay due to snow/ice/rain.

L. Arts - The class assignment for today was for students to rewrite each of a list of UDHR Articles in their own terms.  They also had to do some sketching about keeping and breaking the promise of the article.

The A Day class continued practicing with proportions today.  We checked last week's homework as well. There will be an assessment on Thursday on this skill. It will come from Lesson 7-3 in the text. So, students should review pgs. 362 and 363 in the text for help besides any examples and notes that they took in class. Hmwk. tonight is from pg. 726, #'s 9-13.

Enjoy the last day of Winter!

March 18th

L. Arts - As a warm-up, students wrote a 4 line poem about the UDHR.  Then we did a close read of Article #2 whereby students highlighted or circled/underlined important words and phrases from the Article.  This helped us to decipher the meaning of the Article.  Then students had to write in their own words what they thought Article 2 meant.  They also had to sketch what keeping/breaking the promise of the article looked like.  More coming tomorrow.

Math - The B Day classes practiced working with proportions today by setting them up from word/non-word problems.  There will be an assessment on Wednesday on this skill.  It will come from Lesson 7-3 in the text.  So, students should review pgs. 362 and 363 in the text for help besides any examples and notes that they took in class.  Hmwk. tonight is from pg. 726, #'s 9-13.

Have a sensational day!

March 15th

L. Arts - We did some improvisational on-demand type skits today where students were given a verbal situation about the UDHR that they had to act out.  This was geared to get the students to think quickly and creatively.  They did a good job and had some fun with it too.  Later in our day we read silently for a time and then went back to the UDHR with an activity whereby students had to brainstorm some rights that we as human beings are entitled to, and then write their reasons for those rights.  We also sought ideas from our peers about this and wrote those down.  We then analyzed other Articles from the UDHR and broke them down through writing and sketching to help us to understand them better.  More coming next week.

Math - We started a brand new lesson on Percent today in the A Day Class. Students can tell parents about it. Homework is not in the text this time. It is a separate sheet of paper entitled, "Reading Strategies", Lesson 7-7.  It's about using graphic aids. It's short, and should take students only a few minutes to complete, but it is good support for what we started today. It is due on Tuesday of next week. A reminder: The homework given to A Day classes this past Wednesday will be checked next week.

Happy St. Patrick's Day weekend! 

March 14th

Business;  Yesterday each student was given a Progress Report to take home.  Parents, by now you should have seen it.

L. Arts - Students finished the assessment on the UDHR.  Moving onto the next lesson tomorrow.

Math - We started a brand new lesson on Percent today in both B Day Classes.  Students can tell parents about it.  Homework is not in the text this time.  It is a separate sheet of paper entitled, "Reading Strategies", Lesson 7-7.  It's about using graphic aids.  It's short, and should take students only a few minutes to complete, but it is good support for what we started today.  It is due on Monday of next week.  A reminder:  The homework given to B Day classes this past Tuesday will be checked next week.

Bye!

March 13th

L. Arts - In our first class today we discussed some school business about where we are heading in the near future.  One topic was about improving our homework return rate and improving those areas of "studenthood" that need improving, such as studying more.  After that discussion progress reports were handed out to all students.  During all this, a few 5th grade students from Round Hill stopped by to visit us as they were on a tour of our building.  Later in the afternoon when we resumed L. Arts, I gave the students a thorough review of the work that they needed to know for our On-Demand Task today, which was an assessment on the UDHR.  After the review students completed the assessment.

Math - The A Day Class and I went over Proportion homework and then worked exclusively on solving Proportion problems using a 3 step process.  For homework tonight that 3 step process needs to be used.  Hmwk. is from text...Pg. 364, #'s 13-20 (all).  SHOW ALL WORK!!!

Enjoy the nice weather!

March 12th

Business:  I have an issue!  There have been too many students not completing homework lately.  We as teachers expect homework to be completed thoroughly and with the quality you are capable of giving it.

L. Arts - Students worked in groups today to sketch a representation of a statement given to them about the UDHR.  Students, explain to parents what this means.

Math - The B Day classes worked with Proportions again using the method from pg. 363 in their text.  This is what I taught so that particular method needs to be applied to homework tonight.  Hmwk:  Pg. 364, #'s 13-20.

Have a productive day.

March 11th

L. Arts - Students had a chance to read silently today from a book of their choosing.  Also, we continued with our UDHR work by taking a look back at what we have done since we started back in February.  More of that looking back tomorrow.

Math - The A Day class was introduced to Proportions.  We practiced. Hmwk. is on Pg. 364, #'s 7-11.

Have a good day.

March 8th - Snow Day - No School

March 7th - Career Day and Parent-Teacher Conferences

March 6th - No school for students - Teacher Conference

March 5th

Business:  Just a reminder that there is no school for students tomorrow.  The teachers have a conference. 

Also, students should be giving parents a letter from our Superintendent pertaining to possible inclement weather coming this Thursday morning.  Besides that, a notice went home with students - on a thin strip of paper - about our Pride Team Conferences this Thursday.  Due to unfortunate circumstances, neither myself, nor Mrs. Nelsen, can attend Parent Teacher Conferences this Thursday.  Very sorry if this causes any inconvenience.  Please read the notice for more information.

L. Arts - Students worked independently to choose key words and write the main ideas for 3 paragraphs that serve as an introduction to the UDHR.  We compared/contrasted this information.

Math - The B Day classes were introduced to Proportions.  We practiced.  Hmwk. is on Pg. 364, #'s 7-11. 

Have a nice day.

March 4th

L. Arts - We continued our UDHR work with new vocabulary and a close read of an introduction to the UDHR.  We used strategies that close readers use - such as breaking the words down into parts and finding synonyms for words - to name a few.  Students paired together to do some of this work.  Some was done independently.

Math - The A Day class worked on rate problems and then took an In-Class-Assessment based upon their learning from today and last week. Results coming next week.  No hmwk.

Have a nice day. 

March 1st

L. Arts - The class took a Spelling and Vocabulary Assessment.  Results coming next week.

Math - We spent our time on Ratios and Rates today.  The B Day classes took and In-Class-Assessment on Rate.  Results coming next week.

Have a terrific weekend!

February 2013

February 28th - First day of PT Conferences.  They resume on March 7th (next Thursday).

L. Arts - The class watched a short video about the UDHR.  Their task was to see how many words in the video matched words on the spelling/vocab. list that we've been working with.  Also, a spelling/vocabulary assessment will be given tomorrow.  Today, students copied down the definitions for the words.  At this point they have spoken about them, taken notes on them, and copied today's definitions.  Naturally, they should study tonight.

Math - We reviewed rate today.  Homework that was assigned on Tuesday we'll take a look at tomorrow.

Due to today's early dismissal, which caused a schedule change, students had some extra time to read silently, catch up on some work, and if possible - go to the library to work on projects due for other teachers.

Enjoy the day!

February 27th

L. Arts - Today we delved into the next Lesson for the UDHR and did an introductory reading of the Preamble.  There are many words in the Preamble that students did not know so we used context clues to try to figure out just a few.  The idea was to get the gist of some of the sections of the Preamble.  In that way we could start to formulate what we think the main idea is for the entire Preamble.  This was interesting because it springboarded into raising our awareness of the words to The Pledge of Allegiance and other recitations that sometimes lose their meaning because we are so used to saying them over and over.

There is an assessment on Spelling and Vocabulary this Friday so we also reviewed the spellings and meaning of the words that were designated this past Monday for the assessment.

Math - The A Day class started with a few problems from our recent past - rate problems -  and then checked homework and practiced more with rate problems.  Finally, we watched a few videos from the text which introduced the idea of Proportions.

Have a nice day.

February 26th

L. Arts - The students and I did some concept mapping with vocabulary words today.  We tried to show connections between the words that we are using to stretch our thinking a bit.  Of course this work all leads back to the UDHR and what it is all about.  Assessment coming on Friday in Vocabulary in and in Spelling from the 22 word list given yesterday.

Math - Students got back two graded/regraded assessments today.  They should be sharing them with parents.  Some students completed the Benchmark Test while others worked on various problems that I created.  Besides this, we did a mini-lesson on Rate.  Homework is on pg. 378, #'s 1-3.

Enjoy the day everyone!

February 25th

L. Arts - Today we read the history of the UDHR.  We did a close read on this very small passage by zooming in on key words and concepts.  From that we made vocab. cards from some of the key words in that document and from words we've already used in past lessons.  On this Friday there will be a Spelling/Vocabulary assessment on words that we designated today.

Math - The A Day class got back some graded/regraded assessment work.  They should be showing that to parents/guardians.  Today we reviewed how to divide mixed numbers since one of the assessments that I gave back was about that skill.  Then we went on with some problems relating to ratio and rate.  Tonight for hmwk. students need to complete #'s 1-3 on pg. 378.

Enjoy your day.

February 22nd

Business:  The Guidance Dept. is still seeking parents who'd like to be  a part of our upcoming Career Day on March 7th.  Scroll down to the February 7th entry for information.

L. Arts - Students copied 15 more Spelling/Vocabulary UDHR words into their notebooks today.  This gives them a grand total of 35 words up to this point.  Many more to come.  Next week we'll be assessing students on some of these words, yet to be determined.  We also broke down the wording in out new learning targets (objectives) so students would know what they are going to learn.  For example, one learning target says, "I can use context clues to determine the meanings of words."  We spoke of the word, "use", in that statement because it's a verb.  So, what does it really mean to use context clues?  Yesterday, we did an activity with this concept.  Finally, we heard from some students about the interview that they participated in last night with family members about the UDHR.  I also collected all responses.  Those that did not do this homework have to complete it by Monday.

Math - The B Day classes took a Math Benchmark Test today.  Any homework that was assigned this past Wednesday is now due this coming Tuesday.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend planned!

February 21st

L. Arts - In today's UDHR study we made a human timeline pertaining to the build up, creation, and implementation of the document.  Tonight students are coming home to create three questions about human rights that they can ask to family members.  That is due tomorrow.

Math - The A Day class took a Benchmark Test today.  Homework assigned to this class this past Tuesday is due next Monday.

Bye!

February 20th

L. Arts - The class received a list of Spelling/Vocabulary Words for the 1st two lessons of our study of the UDHR.  They should study those words tonight for Spelling.  We'll do more here at school with the definitions as we progress.

Math - Today the class was taught how to cross cancel fractions while multiplying. We practiced this skill. We also went back to our work with ratios by creating equivalent ratios from a given one. Tonight's hmwk. is on that last skill: Pg. 358, #'s 10-17 (all).

Have a terrific day!

February 19th

L. Arts - The class did a sentence writing activity geared to get them to think quickly and efficiently.  We also continued with our study of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Math - Today the class was taught how to cross cancel fractions while multiplying.  We practiced this skill.  We also went back to our work with ratios by creating equivalent ratios from a given one.  Tonight's hmwk. is on that last skill:  Pg. 358, #'s 10-17 (all).

Enjoy the day!

February 14th

Business:  Next week I will be in touch with parents who need conference rescheduling and/or phone calls.  As of today most of the conference slips came back, so I'm hopeful that by Tuesday I'll have them ALL back .  In this way I can start the pre-conference communication (email, phone calls, etc...).  Also, FYI...there are no evening conferences.  Those only happen at the first set of conferences in October.  All other conference dates, schoolwide, are in the day.

L. Arts - No classes today - Pride Team Breakfast

Math - The B Day classes took an In-Class-Assessment on Divisibility Rules after reviewing and practicing the skill.  Results coming next week.

Please honor the memory of Washington and Lincoln this weekend.  I'm sure we can all do better than just remember these great men through tv car and mattress sales ads.

Have a wonderful loooooong weekend! 

Happy Valentine's Day!

February 13th

Business:  Tomorrow is the Pride Team Breakfast beginning Period 2.  Should be fun!  Also, I am looking for more PT Conference slips to be returned tomorrow.  Thanks.

L. Arts - The class and I discussed their behavior concerning too much talking and lack of focus.  We also read through parts of the essay that students wrote about talking.  The class handled themselves better in the latter part of the day today as compared to yesterday.  This, of course, is a positive improvement.  Now, consistency is needed.

In the afternoon we worked on the UDHR and students tried to interpret the first Article of that document.  We did a close read of it, paraphrased it, drew a few sketches related to it, and worked in groups to pool our ideas.  Students indicated through the Fist to Five Method that they had a better understanding of what Article 1 meant today than yesterday.

Math - The A Day Class and I reviewed Divisibility and then the class took an ICA on that skill.  Results coming next week.

Also, students got back their most recent quiz and we talked about it and how corrections are to be done.  Corrections are due tomorrow morning during homeroom class.  The quizzes also need to be signed by a parent.

The other day, on the February 11th entry (below),  I wrote the incorrect hmwk. assignment for the class.  Today, there was another hmwk. assignment given.  So, here's how we'll cover both so there is no confusion:  By Tuesday, Feb. 19th, when the A Day Classes return to Math, they'll need to have Pg. 354, #'s 6-9 and #'s 12-19 completed.  This will cover both homework assignments that I mixed up. Thanks for your understanding.

Have a great day!!!

February 12th

L. Arts - Students read silently for 15 minutes.  Then, we watched a few videos from YouTube about the real Ruby Bridges, not just the movie version of her.  For those of you who don't know her story, Ruby was the first African American student who integrated into an all white school.  This happened in Little Rock, Arkansas back in 1960.  This ties in directly with our study of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Math - The B Day classes got back their most recent quiz.  It needs to be signed, corrected on looseleaf, and returned by Thursday (earlier if students choose to).

Today we practiced and applied the Rules for Divisibility to various numbers.  After that we checked homework on the same topic.  Finally, I introduced the next concept/skill which comes from Lesson 7-1, Ratios.  Tonight students have hmwk. relating to that:  Pg. 354, #'s 6-9.

Aside from this my homeroom class has a 2 paragraph writing assignment, 4-7 sentences for each paragraph, on looseleaf,  about how they are going to control their talking during classtime.  The reason for this was that today, in Math, there was a great amount of unnecessary conversation.  So much so that I had to give this assignment.  Parents need to sign this assignment.  Students need to return it to school during homeroom time tomorrow.  (It is okay to do a computer version of this.)

Enjoy the day.

February 11th

L. Arts - The class finished watching the Ruby Bridges movie and wrote a reflection piece about it.  We also continued our study of Article 1 of The Declaration of Human Rights.

Math - We checked the homework that was due today pertaining to Divisibility.  Students should study the Div. Rules for hmwk.  After that was done we began our study of Ratios and Rates.  Homework for that is on pg. 354, #'s 6-9. 

Safe driving folks!

February 8th - Snow Day

February 7th

Business:  The Guidance Department is looking for parent volunteers for Career Exploration Day on Thursday, March 7^th from 7:15-10:15 am. All types of careers welcome.  If you are interested please complete the form on the following page:

http://tinyurl.com/6thGradeCareerExplore

Visit the Middle School Guidance Page or contact Ms. Cooney for additional information at ext. 21517.

L. Arts - The class watched approx. 30 minutes of the movie, "Ruby Bridges".  This ties in with our Social Studies Curriculum and with Black History Month.  It also relates to our new work pertaining to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Math - Today we worked on skills/concepts that we learned in the first semester, such as balancing a two step equation. We also went over rules for divisibility. Hmwk. tonight relates to divisibility rules: Pg. 166, #'s 13-20 (all). Students, please take the time and effort to be neat and organized when doing homework. 

Have a wonderful day. 

February 6th

Business:  Pride Team Breakfast is next Thursday, Feb. 14th!  Donations due no later than next Monday, February 11th.  I'm hungry already!!!

L. Arts - Today we did some paragraph writing pertaining to Black History Month.  The goal was to write a well constructed short paragraph.  We then read silently in a book of our own choosing.

In the afternoon we started our new lesson from the NYS Ed. Dept. on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Parents, ask your kids about it.  There were many objectives in the lesson, one being for students to monitor classroom norms as they work in groups toward an initial understanding of what human rights are.  More work on that primary source document on Friday.  Students, if you don't remember what a primary source document is...google it!

Math - Today we worked on skills/concepts that we learned in the first semester, such as balancing a two step equation.  We also went over rules for divisibility.  Hmwk. tonight relates to divisibility rules:  Pg. 166, #'s 13-20 (all).  Students, please take the time and effort to be neat and organized when doing homework. 

Let's not forget the goals that we set for ourselves back in January.  Are you progressing toward reaching your goals?

February 5th

L. Arts - We checked homework and then we moved onto another writing assignment.  The idea was for students to structure a paragraph based upon questions that they were asked about on a particular topic.  Their ideas should have been sequenced and well structured so that the paragraph - when written - would be also.  Tonight's hmwk. is to complete that activity from the sheet that I gave them today.

Tomorrow we start our new L. Arts activities wih work that NYS has required teachers to teach.  This is a very new direction for us to take.  Should be interesting!

Math - We used today to do some self assessing and reflection. I gave back to students many of the papers that they worked on in the 2nd Quarter. We looked for consistency in grades - only good if students are consistent with high scores or are improving steadily. All those papers should be shown to parents but do not have to be signed. Parents, you have seen the quizzes already because you have signed them. If you haven't seen the quizzes that means that your child never returned them home to you in the first place (within the last 2 weeks). We also reviewed work - as a keep-up - that we had done in the 1st semester. No hmwk. tonight.

Enjoy the day.

February 4th

L. Arts - The class worked on their listening and writing skills today upon hearing a short, true story about a family's trepidation in relation to moving westward in the 1800's.  Students answered direct questions about the story without the benefit of the text being before them.  This activity was a springboard to us writing a mini-essay about the story.  We then proceeded to start the top half of a worksheet which dealt with relevant/irrelevant sentences in paragraphs.  Hmwk. is for students to complete the entire worksheet by tomorrow.  We took a short time for silent reading as well.

Math - We used today to do some self assessing and reflection.  I gave back to students many of the papers that they worked on in the 2nd Quarter.  We looked for consistency in grades - only good if students are consistent with high scores or are improving steadily.  All those papers should be shown to parents but do not have to be signed.  Parents, you have seen the quizzes already because you have signed them.  If you haven't seen the quizzes that means that your child never returned them home to you in the first place (within the last 2 weeks).  When we were done looking at these papers and taking student questions, we reviewed work - as a keep-up - that we had done in the 1st semester.  No hmwk. tonight.

Enjoy your day.

February 1st

Business:  Yesterday, the classroom seating arrangement was changed therefore placing all students in a new location.  This was done because it was time for change but also because of the elevated level of talking going on in the room lately.  Next week I'll be looking for a positive, noticeable change in this regard. 

Parents:  A few weeks ago an email was sent to you from our Guidance Office pertaining to this year's Career Day on March 7th.  Please consider coming to our school to give a  presentation to our 6th grade students about your career.

L. Arts - Today students took a Spelling Test and a Grammar Test.  Results coming next week.

Math - The B Day classes took a quiz on the Division of Fractions today.  Results coming next week.

Enjoy the Super Bowl and all that comes with it!

January 2013

January 31st

L. Arts - Some students took our scheduled Spelling Assessment today.  The remainder of the class will take it tomorrow.  The entire class will also take a Quiz on Linking and Action Verbs (tomorrow).

Today the class reviewed the spelling list, the grammar rules, and had time for silent reading. 

Math - The A Day class took a quiz on the Division of Fractions.  No hmwk.

How is it that January is over already?!!! Sheeesh!

January 30th

L. Arts - We had a pretest in Spelling to prep for the quiz.  Students have the choice to take the quiz tomorrow or on Friday.  I'll give it on both days to accommodate students.  The Grammar quiz that we are having is on Friday.  We checked over the homework on Linking and Action Verbs to prepare for that.

Math - A thorough review of Division of Fractions and related skills was done today.  Quizzes are being given on that skill tomorrow and on Friday depending upon who has me on those days.  Students, remember to use the outline that I gave you (you copied it from the SB) as your guide to study.  So, how do you actually study Math?  You can review notes that you took from the Lesson 5-9 videos that we watched.  You can watch the videos again.  You can review completed classwork and homework assignments.  You can turn to text pg. 723 and practice the problems in the Lesson 5-9 section.  You can study with a willing friend or relative.  You can google this information.  You can watch YouTube videos on these skills. These are all good suggestions.  Utilize some of them to help you to prep.  Remember that you are accountable for you!  Good luck!

Be careful and prepare for the coming storm.

January 29th

L. Arts - The class and I completed the next page and a half in the grammar packet. Students need to complete the bottom of the last page of the packet for hmwk.

Math - Homework was thoroughly checked and an outline was given to students as a guideline for this week's quiz on the Division of Fractions.  Hmwk. is for students to complete the word problems on pg. 272:  #'s 42, 43, and 52.

Have a terrific rest of the day!

January 28th - Early Dismissal (10 AM) due to inclement weather.

L. Arts - No classes today.

Math - The Period 2 Math class thoroughly reviewed hmwk. that was assigned last Thursday.  I was glad to see a more sturdy understanding of the division of fractions skill. 

Hmwk:  For students that need to turn in the Division paper that is overdue, you have until tomorrow to turn it in.  The other hmwk. is for any student that didn't finish the division of fractions worksheet in class today.  Finish it at home and bring it back on Wednesday when we meet again.

Safe driving everyone!

January 25th - End of 2nd Quarter

L. Arts - I spoke to the class about behavior and expectations.  They can tell you what I said.  Later in the day we completed part of the second page of the grammar packet pertaining to linking  and action verbs.  Then students had an opportunity to do a variety of things:  silent reading, spelling review, motivational poster completion, creative writing, organization of their materials (badly needed by some!). 

Math - The A Day class practiced division of fractions from a practice paper that I gave them.  We worked individually and in groups.  Next week, on Tuesday, this work is due: Pg. 272, odd #'s 15 - 35.  Assessment coming next week. 

Have a great weekend!

January 24th

L. Arts - The class completed the spelling packet with me and then started to go over action and linking verbs for grammar.  For tonight, students should study the 25 spelling words and should also complete the first grammar packet page. Assessment coming next week.

Math - The B Day classes practiced and did a thorough review of homework related to division of fractions.  Tonight's homework is just like last night's:  Pg. 272, odd #'s 15 - 35.  Assessment coming next week.

Have a sensational day!

January 23rd

L. Arts - The class completed their "Dinosaur Ghosts" poster.  They also completed the second page of the spelling packet with the third pg. tonight for homework.  Students that were reading the new story, "A Week in the 1800's", completed their silent reading of the story.  The rest of the classtime was used for creative writing.

Math - The A Day class continued delving into division of fractions with related work: division of fractions by whole numbers and then by mixed numbers. We also went as far as to divide mixed numbers by mixed numbers and mixed numbers by whole numbers. Tonight's homework relates: Pg. 272, even #'s 14-34. There is also other homework. I gave out a worksheet that will serve as a keep-up. There are problems from earlier in the year that students should still keep in their long term memory, so that's why they got the worksheet.

Did you know that the Frisbee was first produced for use on this date back in 1957?  A man named William Frisbie owned a pie company in the 1870's.  There were many students from nearby universities who ate his pies and tossed the empty pie tins to one another yelling, "Frisbie", while doing so.  What we know today as the Frisbee eventually came from that!  How cool!!!

January 22nd

L. Arts - I extended the time a bit for students to complete their "Dinosaur Ghosts" poster.  This is a favor.  Those still working need to step up the pace to get it done by tomorrow.  Really, tomorrow is the last day.

Students got a new Spelling packet.  Tonight they need to complete the first page so they have it ready for tomorrow.

Math - The B Day classes continued delving into division of fractions with related work:  division of fractions by whole numbers and then by mixed numbers.  We also went as far as to divide mixed numbers by mixed numbers and mixed numbers by whole numbers.  Tonight's homework relates:  Pg. 272, even #'s 14-34.  There is also other homework.  I gave out a worksheet that will serve as a keep-up.  There are problems from earlier in the year that students should still keep in their long term memory, so that's  why they got the worksheet.  All this mentioned so far is for both classes I saw today.  Lastly, the final piece of homework is solely for the Period 2 and 3 class.  They got back two recent quizzes today and have to make all corrections on looseleaf and have them signed and returned by this Thursday.

Have a terrific day everyone!

January 18th

L. Arts - The class worked on their Dinosaur Ghosts projects today in all L. Arts classes.

Also, I borrowed some L. Arts time to return some recent Math quizzes (Chapter 2 Quiz and the Division of Decimals Quiz). They need to be signed and corrected.

Math - Students began to learn about how to divide fractions. We worked in groups and then independently. Before I taught this, students tried to figure out the process by themselves.  It was good to see them employing previous strategies and skills from past years pertaining to fractions. 

The division of decimals quiz was returned today.  It needs to be signed and corrected.

Have a wonderful loooong weekend!

January 17th

L. Arts - Students continued to plan and then create a motivational poster to be hung in our room.  Four were completed today and are presently hanging.  Tomorrow we will be completing more of these motivational posters in addition to our Dino Ghosts project.

Math - Students began to learn about how to divide fractions.  We worked in groups and then independently.  It was encouraging to see so many students relying on past strategies associated with fractions to try to figure this out before I taught it.  For hmwk. tonight the students copied two problems, that I gave them, into their ntbks.

Have a great day!

January 16th - Snow Day

January 15th

L. Arts - The class and I finished up the Story Guide Q's for Dinosaur Ghosts.  We've done a few each day since last week and now we are done.  To assess the student's understanding of the story I have assigned a poster project that requires students to write about specific info. concerning parts of the story, include main ideas about the hypothesis in the text, and draw an illustration(s).  This is an in-class project that needs to be completed by Thursday.

Math - The classes finished the quiz from last Friday and then worked on division and addition skills. No hmwk. tonight.

The Flu is out there lurking...the simple act of washing hands can help to keep germs somewhat at bay.  Stay healthy folks!

January 14th

L. Arts - The class and I reviewed Study Guide Q's today.  We'll finish them up tomorrow and also have an assessment on the Dino. story based on those questions and based on what we discussed through the reading during classtime.

Math - The classes finished the quiz from last Thursday and then worked on division and addition skills.  No hmwk. tonight.

Set a goal...see it through!

January 11th

L. Arts - I returned the two tests that the class took yesterday.  We reviewed the Grammar for errors and talked about correct answers.  Spelling corrections need to be done at home 5x each if they weren't finished in class today.  Honestly, the class performed very strongly on both quizzes so not many corrections need to be made.  That's great!

We also answered a few more study guide Q's about the Dinosaur story we are reading about the Coelophysis extinction.  We watched some short videos from Youtube and made a Google search about the Triassic Period to gain more information.

Math - The A Day Math class had a thorough review of Division with decimals, Lessons 3-6 & 3-7. Then, they took a quiz.

"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness." William Arthur Ward

January 10th

L. Arts - The class took a Grammar and a Spelling Test today.  No hmwk.

Math - The B Day Math classes had a thorough review of Division with decimals, Lessons 3-6 & 3-7.  Then they took a quiz.  No hmwk.

The hurried are not competent; the competent are not hurried.   Unknown author

January 9th

L. Arts - We reviewed for Grammar and Spelling Assessments which are both tomorrow.  We also wrote answers to Study Guide Questions Q's for "Dinosaur Ghosts" and completed a goal setting activity which was an extension of our goal setting activity from the first hour of school this morning.  Busy...a "good" busy!

Math - The A Day class practiced the skill of dividing decimal by decimal after we checked homework that was assigned on Monday.  Hmwk tonight is from pg. 154, #'s 59, 61, 65, 67.  There will be a quiz on Lessons 3-6 & 3-7 this Friday.

"Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement."
Brian Tracy

January 8th

L. Arts - The students and I reviewed pg. 26 from the grammar packet.  For tonight they need to complete pg. 28 - the last pg. of the packet.  There will be a Grammar assessment on Thursday.  There will also be a Spelling assessment on Thursday on the 25 words students were given last week, so studying is necessary.

Math - The B Day classes practiced dividing decimals with whole numbers and then moved into dividing decimals by decimals. Hmwk. Pg. 139, #'s 9-17 (all). In addition to my instruction on this the class watched a video today from the textbook website. Students are always encouraged to login and watch it again to help them. It's from Lesson 3-7.  Quiz on Thursday on Lessons 3-6 and 3-7.

“Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.  Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” Groucho Marx

January 7th

L. Arts - In our 4th period class the students reviewed approximately one half of the spelling list - the tougher words.  The Spelling Test will be this Thursday on all 25 words.  We also worked on pg. 26 in the Grammar packet, turning nouns into possessive nouns.  That page needs to be completed tonight if it wasn't in class today.  Later in the day, for Periods 8-10, the class finished reading, "Dinosuar Ghosts", and continued writing answers to the Study Guide Questions about that story.  Finally, we switched gears and continued our poster project that we began last week. (more info. about the poster project just below in the Jan. 4th entry).

Math - The A Day class practiced dividing decimals with whole numbers and then moved into dividing decimals by decimals.  Hmwk.  Pg. 139, #'s 9-17 (all).  In addition to my instruction on this the class watched a video today from the textbook website.   Students are always encouraged to login and watch it again to help them.  It's from Lesson 3-7.

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."  Oscar Wilde

January 4th

L. Arts - We checked last night's grammar homework.  Students did well in recognizing proper possessive forms for singular and plural nouns.  We then started a poster project.  The goal is for students to create a motivational poster to be hung in our room.  The theme of the poster should relate to how students can be better students.  We are still in the planning phase and are writing phrases/sentences about effort, classwork, homework, and whatever else students feel would be appropriate for this theme.  We'll continue next week with that and our other "normal" work.

Math - We continued practicing division of decimals by whole numbers.  We checked homework too.  We also took a look at some of the weaknesses that we had in the first Benchmark Test and practiced problems based on those weaknesses.

Hoping that the new year has been treating you well so far.  Happy New Year and happy weekend to all!

January 3rd

L. Arts - First, we checked last evening's Spelling homework.  Students were supposed to write each word 3x each - most did.  Any undone homework from last night needs to be completed tonight. Also, students should study.

After Spelling we dove into Grammar and spent a good amount of time learning how to turn singular/plural nouns into possessive ones.  Homework is a follow-up to that work:  Pg. 27 in the new Grammar Packet.

Math - The A Day class reviewed some past concepts/skills as a refresher.  Then they started something new: the division of decimals by whole numbers. Homework tonight is pg. 136, #'s 10-13. All work should be done in the Math ntbk.  Any classwork that we started today - Pg. 135, #'s 1-4 - that wasn't completed is also considered to be a part of tonight's hmwk.

Enjoy the cold weather!

January 2nd

A very "Happy New Year" to all!

L. Arts - The students copied the next list of Spelling words into their L. Arts ntbk.  We went over all spellings so there should not be any errors if students paid attention.  For homework tonight they need to write each of the 25 words 3x each in their L. Arts ntbk. 

Math - The B Day classes eased back in today by reviewing some past skills/concepts.  Then we started something new:  the division of decimals by whole numbers.  Homework tonight is pg. 136, #'s 10-13.  All work should be done in the Math ntbk.

Have a productive beginning to the new year!

December 2012

December 21st

L. Arts - Due to the large amount of absences today we could not proceed with our song writing project so it got scrapped.  The purpose was to think creatively in the planning and writing phase and, at least to that end, we were well on our way to achieving our goal.  So, rather than write and perform our songs, we took our classtime today to join the rest of our team to have hot chocolate and cookies while we watched, "The Polar Express".  Not a bad alternative!

Math - The A Day class received some of their recent Math paperwork back. Parents, look for two Subtraction worksheets - one was a computation sheet and the other a word problem paper. Also, a 4 Quadrant Graph assessment came home as well.  Absentees...the Chapter 2 Quiz that you may have missed earlier in the week will be given to you when you return to school in January.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

December 20th

L. Arts - Today we continued with our lyric writing based upon a particular topic within a subject.  Read yesterday's entry below for more information.  Tomorrow students will perform their song with their new lyrics and I will be filming them with a Flip Camera so we can watch our performances.  Hopefully we'll be able to watch tomorrow if we can fit it in.

Also, some paperwork in the form of quizzes was handed back today.  Students do not need to get these quizzes signed and returned but they do, of course, need to show their parents the grades they received.  Parents,  look for two grammar papers - Compound and Complex Sentences and Regular and Irregular Plural Nouns.  Also look for a Rd. Comprehension quiz on the Rainforest story from Nov. 20th.  It's looseleaf attached to a print-out of questions about the story.

Math - The B Day classes received some of their recent Math paperwork back.  Parents, look for two Subtraction worksheets - one was a computation sheet and the other a word problem paper.  Also, a 4 Quadrant Graph assessment came home as well.  Some students owed work and some started new work all depending upon their individual progress.  The reason I like to give back papers in a clump like this is for the students benefit.  I ask them to look for consistency in their grades and challenge them to level out their scores in the high range.  In plain words...get high scores consistently.  Students can also get a feel for the amount of effort that they are putting into their work once they see 6 or 7 assessments sitting right in front of them.

Since no one turned in yesterday's optional Problem of the Day this morning it still stands.  Anyone can do it tonight and hand it in tomorrow morning.  Read the bottom of yesterday's entry below for the Problem of the Day.  It's Problem #11.

Have a great day everyone!

December 19th

L. Arts - Since our week is being devoted to writing...we wrote!  Today students shared the poems they began yesterday and finished last evening.  There were some pretty creative ones, that's for sure.  Then they wrote another poem, but this time it had to rhyme and be anywhere between 4 to 8 lines in length.  I was hoping that a sense of rhythm would come through.  These were a little tougher for students to write but they still seemed to benefit from the effort they put in.  Finally, students grouped together to plan to write song lyrics pertaining to information that they learned this year in a particular subject area.  The tune they use needs to be from a song that already exists.  So, in plain words, it would be like writing your own lyrics about cloud formation and then putting them to the tune of, "Frosty the Snowman", or "Happy Birthday".  They were very excited about this!  Tomorrow we'll continue with the 5 stage plan to get this completed by Friday.  THEY HAVE TO PERFORM TOO!  Should be fun!

Math - Today's A Day class took a quiz on concepts from Chapter 2. We devoted an hour to review and then the class had approx. 15-20m to take the quiz. Hopefully, scores will be high.

Today's Optional Math Problem

Problem #11:

You need to know this before you attempt the problem:

There is a 3 hour time difference between NYC and Los Angeles, California.  For example, when it is 1 PM in NYC it is 10 AM in LA. Now here's the problem:

A person takes a 5 hr 30m flight from NYC to LA.  The flight leaves at 9 PM NY time.  At what time does that person arrive in LA?

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.

The answer to yesterday's Problem #10 is: There were 5 pieces of wood that were cut from the board.

Have a wonderful day!

December 18th

Notes:  I am extremely proud of my homeroom class for being so kind and helpful to our new classmate who joined our class/team just this morning!  You are truly one decent and great group of kids and I feel blessed to be able to work with you each day!  Parents, you are raising them right and it shows!!!  Kudos to you!

L. Arts - This entire week is being devoted to writing.  Yesterday we did a sentence building activity.  Today we focused on poetry and it's simple beginnings.  I read some poems to the class and then asked them to write one together.  Whoever didn't finish their poem today has to finish it tonight.  We'll take it from there tomorrow.

Math  - The B Day classes took a quiz today on concepts from Chapter 2.  We devoted an hour to review and then the class had approx. 15-20m to take the quiz.  Hopefully, scores will be high.

Today's Optional Math Problem

Problem #10:

Tim sawed a 10 foot board into equal pieces.  Each cut took 2.5 minutes and he spent 10 minutes in all sawing.  There was no wood left over.  How many pieces were cut from the board?

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.

The answer to last week's Problem #9 is:  20 envelopes were distributed.

Have a good day everyone.

December 17th

L. Arts - The class read silently from a book of their own choosing.  A few of last week's absentees finished, "The Universe", test.  After that we worked on a sentence building activity to help students to become more aware of what they write contextually and how they write it.  Eventually, with revisions, students write what is hopefully a strong paragraph centered around a topic.  Our topic was the upcoming vacation.  An illustration was also required. 

Math - More practice with two step equations was done.  Also, students copied an outline into their ntbks. for the upcoming Chapter 2 Quiz which will be on Wednesday.  Finally, I am still continuing my ongoing assessment of skills so the boys and girls were practicing multiplication problems for a short time.  I want to see how our Skill & Drill is paying off.  They need to finish the multiplication for hmwk. and return it on Wednesday when they see me again for Math.

Have a pleasant day!

December 14th

L. Arts - Tied up some loose ends today finishing some ongoing assessments.  We are done with The Universe now and next week will proceed with new work.

Math - The classes learned how to solve two step eqations.  Also, students copied an outline about a Chapter 2 Quiz to be given on Tuesday.

Have a safe weekend everyone.

December 13th

L. Arts - The class and I finished our in-depth study of, "The Universe".  Then they started a Rd. Comprehension Test which will conclude tomorrow.  We had a schedule change today and tomorrow so I needed to start the test today rather than tomorrow as I stated in yesterday's entry.  Besides, it was originally planned for today.

Math - We checked hmwk. and then did a lot of practice -independently and in groups - on how to balance equations. At the end of class students completed an ICA (In-Class-Assessment) on this topic.

Today's Optional Math Problem:

Problem #9:

During the holidays gifts are given.  If a family has 5 members, and each person gives every other person an envelope as a gift, how many envelopes are exchanged?

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.

The answer to yesterday's Problem #8 is:  The ball travels a vertical distance of 93 feet.

Think of others before you think of yourself today.

December 12th

L. Arts - Students reviewed for and then took a quiz on Plural Noun formation.  Tomorrow's Rd. Comp. Test will be delayed until Friday.  Tomorrow we'll finish our review and in depth analysis of "The Universe".

Math - We checked hmwk. and then did a lot of practice -independently and in groups - on how to balance equations.  At the end of class students started an ICA (In-Class-Assessment) on this topic which they will complete on Friday.

Today's Optional Math Problem:

Problem #8:

A ball is dropped from a height of 32 feet.  On each bounce it rises half the previous height.  It is caught when it bounces exactly 1 foot high.  What was the total vertical distance it traveled?

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.

The correct answer to Monday's problem # 7 is below:

Antonio did 50 sit-ups on the 1st day.

Have a productive day!

December 11th

L. Arts - We completed our Grammar study of how plural nouns are formed from singular ones.  There will be a quiz on that skill tomorrow.

We also began to delve more deeply into, "The Universe" by choosing specific words and phrases that would key us into what Main Idea is.  That is our comprehension skill this time around - Main Idea.  There will be a reading comprehension test this Thursday on, "The Universe".

Math - The A Day class was taught how to balance equations. Tonight's hmwk relates: Pg. 76, even #'s 8-16. The procedure that was taught in class today is what students need to use.  There will be a quiz on this skill on Thursday.

Consider this:  Make life a little easier today for someone by lending them a helping hand.

December 10th

L. Arts - The class and I reviewed rules for how to make a singular noun plural through the practice of using them.  All students should be studying the rules so they become more familiar with them.

Math - The B Day classes were taught how to balance equations.  Tonight's hmwk relates:  Pg. 76, even #'s 8-16.  The procedure that was taught in class today is what students need to use.  There will be a quiz on this skill on Wednesday.

Today's Optional Math Problem:

Problem #7:

Every day Antonio increases the number of sit-ups he does by one.  In six days he has done 315 sit-ups.  How many did he do on the very first day?

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.

The correct answer to Friday's problem # 6 is below:

Find the very next number in each pattern:

A. 12, 24, 72, 288, _____ (1440)

B. 5, 12, 26, 54, _____ (110)

Have a terrific day!

December 7th - Pearl Harbor Day

L. Arts - Various groups finished their 'Universe' project while others corrected their Spelling Test words from the last test which was given back today.  Parents, please sign the test and return it to school with your child on Monday.  All corrections - if they were not completed in class today - need to be turned in with the test on Monday.  Scores indicate that the class could have studied with more effort for this particular test.  I'm looking for more effort on the next Spelling Test.

We changed the desk configuration in the room today.  Naturally, everyone got a new seating location.

Math - We started with a mental math Skill & Drill and then the A Day class worked primarily on skills relating to the coordinate plane; plotting points when given the coordinates, and determining the coordinates when the points are already given.  We reviewed this skill, then the class took an ICA (In-Class-Assessment) on it.  We also worked on a basic skill - subtraction.  Some students were having trouble borrowing with large numbers so we reviewed and discussed how and WHY it works!

Today's Optional Math Problem:

Problem #6:

Find the very next number in each pattern:

A.  12, 24, 72, 288, _____

B.  5, 12, 26, 54,  _____

Be sure to explain how you got the answer in your work.

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.

The correct answer to Wednesday's problem # 5 is "the 4th floor".

Enjoy the weekend folks!

December 6th

L. Arts - The class took a Spelling Test today on words from, "The Universe".  They also worked independently on the 2nd grammar page - pg. 22 - from the packet I gave them the other day.  That needs completion by tomorrow.  By tomorrow the 1st three pages should be complete in the grammar packet.

Math - The B Day class completed a computation subtraction sheet.  (I gave it to assess basics in this area).  Also, they were retaught  as to how the Coordinate Plane works and then plotted coordinates and  identified points on a 4 Quadrant Graph.  Finally, an introduction was given, through video, to balancing equations.  Only one class saw the vids out of the two.  The other class will see them the next time.

No problem of the day today!

Have a terrific rest of the day everyone!

December 5th

L. Arts - Students received a small grammar packet for the current lesson on Plural Nouns.  We did the first page in class and for tonight's hmwk. students need to complete the 3rd page - page 23.

We also reviewed a portion of the spelling words.  There will be a test tomorrow on the most recent 25 words.  Students got that list last week.  Naturally, students should study tonight for tomorrow's test.

Finally, most of our time was working on our Universe poster based on the story, 'The Universe'.

Math - A Day absentees took the Benchmark Test today.  The class focused their attention today on subtraction skills with word problems and computation of numbers.  The class was also introduced to balancing equations through the videos on the math text website.  More of that coming in the next class.

Today's Optional Math Problem:

Problem #5 :

A person was riding on an elevator.  First he went up 8 floors.  Then he went down 5 floors.  Finally he went up 3 floors to the 10th floor.  So, at what floor did he get on?

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.

The correct answer to yesterday's problem # 4 is 468.

Hope all is well in your world...enjoy the day folks!

December 4th

L. Arts - The students and I went over all of the 25 spelling words for this Thursday's test.  For homework students are to study those words.  After that we continued compiling facts from, "The Universe".

Math - Students completed a Benchmark Test, worked on subtraction word problems for review of that skill, and attempted to complete a 7 piece tangram puzzle.

Today's Optional Math Problem:

Problem #4:

I am a 3 digit number.  My digits are in ascending order.  The sum of my digits is 18 and the product of my digits is 192.  Who am I?

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.

The correct answer to yesterday's problem # 3 is the 150th person.

Enjoy the day.

December 3rd

Business:  The Rachel's Challenge Assembly was today. 

L. Arts - The class finished reading, 'The Universe', and started to list 20 facts from the story for an in-class project that we are creating.

Math - Some of the A Day class finished their Benchmark test.  Some left for music while others left to attend Rachel's Challenge training.  Due to this our class was a bit disjointed.  We'll all be back together on Wednesday.

Today's Optional Math Problem:

Problem #3:

Every third visitor to a new florist receives a rose.  Every tenth visitor receives a plant.  Every twenty-fifth visitor receives a bouquet.  Which visitor is the first one to receive all three gifts?

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.

The correct answer to last week's Problem #2 is 15.

Spring has arrived a bit early!

November 2012

November 30th

L. Arts - The class read a part of, "The Universe" by Seymour Simon.  I remember Mr. Simon coming to Little Britain many years ago to speak to the students about space and galaxies.  Nice man.  Prior to reading, students shared what they knew about the universe itself.  I learned a few things!  After reading we watched a portion of a video about The Universe.  Did you know that if you wanted to travel to the closest star beyond our sun - Alpha Centauri - at a Space shuttle speed of 17,000 mph, it would take you approximately 2500 lifetimes to get there?  That's assuming you live to just 70 years of age.  That's about 175,000 years!  Wow!  I thought driving to Florida took a long time!

Math - Students used a SmartBoard to review graphing on the coordinate plane.  Then they took a Benchmark Test.

Have a happy weekend!

November 29th

L. Arts - Students received the 5 Challenge Words that go along with the list of 20 spelling words given yesterday.  Those 25 words will make up the next Spelling Test coming sometime in the middle of next week.  I did a thorough check of Spelling hmwk. today and many students did a solid job  correctly writing each word 5x each.  We do need to work on handwriting and organization, though.  More of an awareness in those areas would help the overall look of our work as it appears on paper.

Students created a word web for two of our challenge words and then had to stand up and use some of those words in a verbal, coherent sentence.  Mom, Dad... ask your kids about what a word web is.

Students should study their Spelling List tonight starting with what they consider to be the most challenging words first, and then by moving to what they would consider less difficult words.

Math - After our Skill and Drill the last two homework assignments were checked and then students began to take a Benchmark Test.  There is no homework tonight, HOWEVER, students are always welcome to logon to my.hrw.com to peruse the Math text website.  The tutorial videos there are very good.  Students - go visit Dr. Burger on the site!

Today's Optional Math Problem:

Problem #2: 

A snail crawls up a slippery slope at 5 feet per day but then slides back down 4 feet each night.  The slope is 20 feet long.  When will the snail reach the top?

The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.

Scroll down to yesterday's entry to see Problem #1.  The answer is 75.

Have a nice day everyone!

November 28th

L. Arts - This is what we did in the one period that we had today:  Students copied a new list of spelling words.  Their responsibility was to copy them correctly as there was not a separate sheet distributed.  They grouped up after that to check each other's spelling.  However, before all this, I read 10 of the words to the students to see if they could spell them without seeing them first.  For homework tonight, each word needs to be written 5x each in the L. Arts ntbk. If homework is not neatly done and organized it will have to be done over.

Math - Today we checked the hmwk. that was given on Monday pertaining to translation of words and math.  Then the B Day classes worked with Integers, watched videos about them and about the coordinate plane, and finally, set up a 4 Quadrant Graph so as to eventually plot points.  We'll do that in class on Friday.  Hmwk. relates to the graph:  Pg. 612, #'s 10-21. 

Every so often I write math challenge problems here on this web pg.  Today is the start of another series of problems.  Here's the deal:  The first student from each HR that brings the CORRECT WORK & CORRECT ANSWER to me on looseleaf paper- during Homeroom time - will receive a Tootsie Pop.  These problems are optional.

Problem #1

a = 8

(5x7) + (3a) + 2a - 0 x 8 =  ?

Have a good one!

November 27th

L. Arts - Students completed answering questions today about the rainforest story.  I reviewed some of the more detail oriented questions and students got feedback about them.  We tried to distinguish what answers were  correct and detailed as opposed to those that weren't.  We stressed that using the text is key and that outside opinion is not needed within written answers unless requested.  Students were receptive to all improvement ideas but the true test will be when they need to write answers like these again.  Will they use more detail while citing text evidence and will they try to focus on what the text is saying?  We'll see.

Students also had time today to either read silently or to write creatively in some way.  Writing was put into writing folders.

Math - Our focus today for A Day folk was to translate words and math. This means to write expressions or equations based on the data given. Here's an example: If students were given the phrase, "5 times a number plus 4", I'd look for them to write the expression, 5n+4. Vice versa too.  We also took a look at integers and learned how to plot coordinates on a coordiante plane (4 quadrant graph).  Hmwk. tonight relates to the coordinate plane work:  Pg. 612, #'s 10-21.

Snow looks nice out there.  Careful driving everyone.

November 26th

L. Arts - The class did some silent reading and then continued the rainforest assessment that they started last week.  That assessment will be completed tomorrow in class.  Absentees from last week were catching up on this as well as a grammar assessment that they missed.

Math - Our focus today for B Day folk was to translate words and math.  This means to write expressions or equations based on the data given.  Here's an example:  If students were given the phrase, "5 times a number plus 4", I'd look for them to write the expression, 5n+4.  Vice versa too.  Students found this work to be difficult.  Hopefully, tonight's homework won't seem as tough.

Hmwk: - Pg. 60, #'s 2-11.  Remember that students received the username and password for my.hrw.com last week.  This is the Math Text website.  The book is online so if students can rely on a good working computer at home they can find this work online and not have to carry the text home with them.

Enjoy your day!

November 20th

L. Arts - The class reviewed simple, compound, complex, and compound - complex sentences and then completed an In-Class-Assessment on those sentences.  Also, an assessment on Saving the Rain Forests was started after a thorough review of the story.  We'll finish that assessment next week when we return.

Math -  The A Day class furthered their learning of algebraic and numerical expressions and how they are different from equations. We also took a look at terminology in Math that relates to particular concepts and operations. This should aid students when reading word problems and also at times when they speak about math.

Other Math news:

1. Today, each A Day student received their username and password for the Math Text website. It is taped into their planner on the first page where there is a section for login information. Homework is for students to logon and check out the site! The site is: my.hrw.com

2. The A Day class got back their In-Class-Assessment (ICA) today. It needs to be signed and returned. The class as a whole did well.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

November 19th

Business:  An important letter went home today about the Rachel's Challenge Program coming up on December 3rd.  Students should be giving it to parents today.  It is about the Columbine HS shootings from 1999.

L. Arts - In grammar we reviewed simple, compound, and complex sentences for tomorrow's assessment.  We will also be assessing Rd. Comprehension tomorrow for the rainforest story.

Math - Today in class we furthered our learning of algebraic and numerical expressions and how they are different from equations. We also took a look at terminology in Math that relates to particular concepts and operations. This should aid students when reading word problems and also at times when they speak about math. The interactive SmartBoard activities were of great use! Fun too!

Other Math news:

1.  Today, each B Day student received their username and password for the Math Text website.  It is taped into their planner on the first page where there is a section for login information.  Homework is for students to logon and check out the site!  The site is:  my.hrw.com

2. All B Day classes got back their In-Class-Assessment (ICA) today.  It needs to be signed and returned.  The classes as a whole did well.

Congrats to the Washingtonville Girls HS Soccer Team!  State Champs!!!

November 16th

Business:  Just a reminder that students only have school on Monday and Tuesday of next week.  Teachers have a full day program of their own on Wednesday so students do not have school.

L. Arts - The class took a Spelling Assessment today after a Spelling Bee.  I graded them on my break and then gave them back to students later in the day.  All corrections are expected to be 5x each.  Parents, please sign the test and have your child return it to school by no later than Tuesday.

We also reviewed simple, compound, and complex sentences by working in groups.  Next week we'll have an assessment in Grammar on these types of sentences.  We'll also assess Reading Comprehension for the rainforest story.  We also took some time today to do some silent reading.

Math - The A Day class reviewed how to evaluate algebraic expressions.  Then they took an In-Class-Assessment (ICA) on this concept.  We then went on to take a look at some of the terminology that we say and read when certain math operations are used.  For example, when we use subtractraction, phrases like, "how many more", and, "what's the difference", come to mind.  In multiplication, terms like, "factor and product", are used.  Sorting out these terms and phrases can help us better prepare ourselves when we talk and read about math and related topics.

Have a happy weekend everyone!

November 15th

L. Arts - No classes today due to the "Healthy Choices, Healthy Relationships "program.

REMINDER:  Spelling Test tomorrow on the main 20 words from The Rainforest story (see yesterday's L. Arts entry).

Math - The class worked independently and in groups to evaluate algebraic expressions.  An In-Class-Assessment (ICA) was given after we practiced.

Enjoy your day!

November 14th

L. Arts - The class wrote their spelling words today 3 or 4 or 5 times based on the level of personal difficulty the word proposed for them.  There will be a Spelling Test this Friday on the main 20 words in the list.  This time I'm not holding the students accountable for the 5 Challenge Words although we have gone over them and one will definitely be used as a bonus on this Friday's test.  Students should be studying these words for hmwk.

We also did more research to help us to understand simple, compound, and complex sentences.  More on that in another class.

A new packet of work papers for Grammar and Rd. Comp. was distributed today.  The other part of hmwk. will be In that packet; Pgs. 13 and 37 need completion. 

Math - The A Day class began to identify and evaluate algebraic expressions. Homework: Pg. 57, #'s 11-22.  All hmwk. should be done in the Math ntbk.

Planning an awesome day?  Have one!

November 13th

L. Arts - The class completed a few pages in Spelling and began to work in Grammar with simple, compound, and complex sentences.  Homework tonight is to complete the last Spelling pg. in the packet, pg. 16.

Math - The B Day classes began to identify and evaluate algebraic expressions.  Homework:  Pg. 56, #'s 4&5...and...Pg. 57, #'s 11-22.  All hmwk. gets done in Math ntbk.

Enjoy your day everyone.

November 12th - Veteran's Day Holiday

November 9th

L. Arts - The class did a myriad of activies today.  First, we wrote a three paragraph essay on our experience here so far at the MS.  This assignment was given because today is the last day of the quarter.  Then, a select number of students completed a reading assignment for "Viva NJ".  Silent reading followed.  We also took a look at today's Times Herald Record and talked about some of the articles in there.  The reason is that we should all have some knowledge of what is happening in the world around us, locally, at the very least.  I encouraged students to talk to their families about helping a community in need since the newspaper gave a list of flood relief destinations.  Finally, we started to research and complete a small packet of spelling and grammar work for the rainforest story that students read earlier in the week.  We'll continue with that particular work next week.  Students are NOT to complete the four page packet for homework...there's no homework.

Math - We took a good amount of time to work on mental math.  We've got to build those brain cells!  The mental math activity is to help us to determine an appropriate strategy to apply to each particular problem.  Ask your child what we did.

Following that we worked on evaluating expressions with variables.  Here is an example:

y=5

5(y) + 6x2 - 2y -1

Answer choices:  21,  25,  27,  26, 

Know the answer?  I'm not telling!  First student who shows up at my door Tuesday morning with the work proving the correct answer gets a Tootsie Pop! 

This is our new topic.  More to come on that next week.

Have a happy and safe weekend.  Thank a veteran!

November 8th

L. Arts - Students read five essays that were written by five Pride Team student candidates who are running for Student Council here at school.  Students voted on the candidate they deem best fits the job of Student Council Rep. Each candidate's qualifications were written in the essays.  All candidates were anonymous.  Tomorrow, the results will be revealed.

Students also had some time to revise their Rd. Comprehension written answers for the Viva NJ story.

Math - Since the first quarter ends tomorrow, today was the last day that I'd see my B Day classes for the quarter so I handed back paperwork to students - quizzes that were corrected and possibly regraded based on those corrections.  We took time to thoroughly review those papers.  We also went through a thorough explanation as to why it is vital to correct Math quizzes and return them to school to be regraded.  That's an area where students need to be more responsible.  After that, students solved word problems based on Rate and Unit Price and also on Rounding and Estimating.

Hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of the quarter!

November 7th

L. Arts - We discussed end of the quarter procedures and Honor Roll just to be sure that students are aware of how things work here at the WMS.  The students were then read to, and followed up on their own with silent reading of the next story in the anthology about rainforests.  We ended with a video, also about rainforests.

Math - The A Day class started with 5 mental math problems.  This is still a challenge for them as it should be.  They are coming along though!  Since this is one of our last classes for the quarter I returned some former quizzes that were already signed and corrected.  Also, the latest quiz was regraded and sent home.  If they haven't been signed yet please sign them and return them to school with your child.  Thanks.

We then settled in to solve some multi-step word problems in groups. 

Oh' brother...another storm?!!!  Be safe everyone!

November 6th - Election Day - No School

November 5th

L. Arts - We used the one period that we had today to complete the In-Class-Assessment for Viva, NJ.

Math - Today the B Day classes tied up a few loose ends due to losing three days last week from the Hurricane.  After our mental math skill and drill some students needed time to complete quizzes that were given last week.  Students also did some problem solving with time conversion for seconds, hours, minutes, days, and weeks.

Get out and vote tomorrow!  It is your right!

November 2nd

L. Arts - An In-Class-Assessment (ICA) was given in Grmr. and started in Rd. Comp. for the Viva NJ story.  The Rd. Comp will be completed on Monday.

Math - The A Day class started a quiz last week on Properties.  They finished it today.  Next week we'll start a new topic.

Hoping that all of you are coping well in light of Sandy's influence.

November 1st

Business:  I sincerely hope that all of you are safe and are coping well in the aftermath of the storm.  It was nice to get back to school today to resume some sense of normalcy.  The kids seemed fine based on what I observed.  Since we have lost 3 days of school I've had to amend and expediate some plans that I had.  I explained more about that below.  The marking period does end next week on Friday, November 9th.

L. Arts - The class continued their study of Independent and Dependent Clauses today.  There will be an In-Class-Assessment (ICA) tomorrow on that topic.  There will also be one for the Viva NJ story.  The Viva NJ Selection Test that I was planning on giving has been cancelled, so the ICA for that will replace it.  I need to finish this story so we are not behind on the others that follow.

Math - B Day classes were scheduled for a quiz this past Monday on Properties. Those classes took it today after a thorough review of the material.  I realize that you may be asking yourself, "Why in the world would he give a quiz after a three day layoff when there was a Hurricane?!"  Good question.  Losing three class days is a lot.  I wouldn't do this unless there was ample time for review.  I felt that it best served students to at least start the quiz today, which is what they did.  Waiting until next week to start would be too long because there wouldn't be time to grade it, give it back for corrections, collect it again and then regrade it.  I want to do all that before the marking period is over next Friday.  Now, no one finished the quiz so they will receive it back during the next Math class and make any revisions they want to, finish it, and then hand it in.  I hope that explains my thinking.

All the best with storm recovery.

October 2012

October 26th

L. Arts - We checked homework and then reviewed for and took a Spelling Test .  I had a chance to grade the Spelling Test so I already gave it back to students.  They did corrections in class and therefore should be bringing it home to get it signed. 

We also did some silent reading from a book of choice.  From our work packet we checked homework in Grammar and then delved into the story, "Viva NJ", keeping in mind the Rd. Comp. skill, Compare and Contrast.

Math - The A Day class reviewed for and took a quiz on Properties. 

Prep for the storm and be safe this weekend.

October 25th

Business:  Today we concluded PT Conferences, except for a few that needed rescheduling.  It was a pleasure to meet so many involved parents!  Thank you for taking the time to come in and meet with me about your child.

L. Arts - Today we checked Spelling and Grammar homework.  There will be a Spelling Test tomorrow on all 25 words from the list given as part of the packet students received a few days ago.  Also, students had a chance to silently read the next story in the Rd. Anthology.  Testing in Grammar and in Rd. Comp coming next week. 

Math - No class today due to PT Conferences.  Tomorrow is an "A" Day here at school, so the A Day class will have a quiz on Properties and on Mental Math.  We will review thoroughly before the quiz and then ace it!  The B Day classes will have their quiz on Monday.

Have a productive day!

October 24th

L. Arts - We checked Spelling homework today that was given yesterday.  We also started the Grammar lesson on Independent/Dependent Clauses.

For Hmwk:  The class needs to complete Pg. 11 in the Spelling part of the packet.  They also need to complete the bottom of Pg. 9 - a Grammar page - in the packet.  For any student who did not complete the acrostic of their name, that is due tomorrow as well.

There will be a Spelling Test this Friday on the 25 words listed.  You can find them on the first page of the packet.

Math -  The B Day classes did group and independent work on properties today.  We particularly focused on The Distributive Property and students took an in-class assessment on that and on a few mental math problems.  We also delved into some higher level thinking by giving a more rigorous problem.  Parents - I don't believe that you had problems like this when you were in 6th grade:  (this was today's "Do Now")

A candy store owner made a sign for his store that stated that 6 pieces of chocolate candy were selling for $1.50. Another sign by the large tootsie roll pops stated that 5 large tootsie roll pops were selling 5 for $3.00. Find the total cost of buying 2 pieces of chocolate candy and 2 large tootsie pops.

We will continue to work on more rigorous problem solving as the year progresses.  This will help students to prep for state tests as well as to help them in regular class.

Have a good day, folks.

October 23rd

L. Arts - Students made a lot of progress on their character sketch and analysis today.  Many finished and the rest should finish tomorrow or they'll stay after school tomorrow to do so.  We are also working on an acrostic poem for our name.

Finally, a 12 page packet was given out today with spelling, grammar, and rd. comp. information for the next story.  Tonight students are to complete the 2nd page in that packet.  It's a spelling pg. whereby students need to write the spelling word that matches the definitions/meanings given.

Math - The A Day class and I went through a review of Properties and started to study at number patterns.  Also, this class took an assessment on the Distributive Property and on some mental math problems.  This coming Friday this group will take a quiz on Properties, Mental math, and Number Patterns.

Enjoy the day.

October 22nd

L. Arts - Students began to illustrate a character from the Mother Fletcher story for a character analysis/study.  We will finish that tomorrow as we add information pertaining to character traits and character-plot relationship.

Math - We are formulating strategies and using various properties in math to make it easier for us to do mental math problems. We practiced using the Distributive Property and homework is based on that: Pg. 28, #'s 26-30 (all). 

Enjoy the day.

October 19th

Team Building Day for our team.  Ask your kids about it.  Regular work will resume on Monday.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

October 18th

FYI:  For those of you that read this web page, my computer was down yesterday afternoon so that's why there was no entry for yesterday.  However, I wrote yesterday's entry just this morning.  Thanks.

L. Arts - Today the class progressed in the planning of their character study for Mother Fletcher's Gift.  We'll work more on that on Monday and perhaps Tuesday since tomorrow is our Team Building Day.

Math - We are formulating strategies and using various properties in math to make it easier for us to do mental math problems.  We practiced using the Distributive Property and homework is based on that:  Pg. 28, #'s 26-30. 

Have a nice night everyone.

October 17th

L. Arts - We began planning for our Mother Fletcher's Gift activity that will continue into Thursday.

Math - The B Day students took notes on certain mathematical properties and then practiced using them. We had the option to work in groups or individually at certain times. 

Have a good day!

October 16th

Business - Every child received their Progress Report today and were instructed to bring it home to show to their parents/guardians.  Each student also received a fundraiser packet that should be brought home as well.

L. Arts - We read, Mother Fletcher's Gift , together and tried to recognize, very specifically, the traits of the characters.  Tomorrow we will begin an activity that will lead us to an assessment about the characters in that story.  It will end on Thursday.

Students got back their latest Spelling test and Grammar test .  They need to be signed and returned.  Students know the specifics about corrections.

Math -  The A Day students took notes on certain mathematical properties and then practiced using them.  We had the option to work in groups or individually at certain times.

Hmwk: Pg. 28, #'s 15-20, then #'s 21 and 22.

The A Day students got back their Exponents/Order of Operations quiz today.  They need to be signed and corrected by Thursday...tomorrow even better!

Go Yanks...HIT the baseball, please!

October 15th

L. Arts - Students worked together in groups today to complete as many Study Guide Q's as they could for the "Mother Fletcher" story.  An assessment for that story will be this Wednesday.

Math - The B Day classes began their discovery of Properties today. They worked in groups and independently to do some problem solving, to take notes, and to hopefully begin to understand the commutative property.

Have a nice day.

October 12th

L. Arts - We had a Spelling Bee to review for the Spelling Test. We also reviewed Subject-Predicate for the Grammar Test.  We ended class with a short video on Harlem because that's the setting of the Mother Fletcher story.  Next week we'll complete Mother Fletcher's Gift" with an assessment.  More about that on Monday.

Math - The A Day class began their discovery of Properties today.  We worked in groups and independently to do some problem solving, to take notes, and to hopefully begin to understand the commutative property.

Have a great weekend!  Go Yanks...hit the baseball!

October 11th

L. Arts - We reviewed Subject and Predicate today during the one period that we had.  There will be a test on that tomorrow and on the latest Spelling list for the "Mother Fletcher" story.  Students should study of course!

Math - The class took a quiz today on Exponents and on The Order of Operations.  We reviewed thoroughly prior to the quiz.  Results coming next week.

Go Yanks!!!

October 10th

Business:  Some PT Conference slips have gone home with newly scheduled times.  Parents ask your kids about that.

L. Arts - Students got back their Rd. Comp. Test for Old Yeller.  It is to be signed and returned by Friday.  The class did a nice job on this first Rd. Comp. test!

The class studied their spelling words together for a brief period of time.  We also delved into Subject and Predicate some more.  Tests in Spelling and in Grammar will be this Friday.

Hmwk:  Students should study their Spelling words and fill out a worksheet on Subject and Predicate. 

Concerning Rd. Comp, we applied new vocab. words, read a short passage to help determine how characters in a story affect other characters in a story.  Finally students grouped up to continue to answer Study Guide Q's about "Mother Fletcher's Gift".  The Rd. Comp. Test will be next week (date yet to be announced).

Math - The A Day class took a quiz today on Exponents and Order of Operations.  The block schedule permitted us to take time to review prior to the quiz.  No hmwk. tonight.

A quiz on Exponents and The Order of Ops will be taken tomorrow by all B Day math classes.

Go Yanks!!!

October 9th

Business - Please turn in Parent Teacher Conference slips ASAP.  Thank you.

L. Arts - No class today due to school pictures being taken.

Math - Today's B Day classes work independently and in groups on some higher level Order of Ops problems.  There will be a quiz this Thursday on this material and on Exponents.

Hmwk - Pg. 24, even #'s 22-32.

Enjoy the day everyone.

October 8th - Columbus Day Holiday

October 5th

Business - Parent Teacher Conference Letters were sent home today with students and should be shared with parents today.  Conferences are on the 18th and the 25th of this month.  Parents will be meeting with their child's homeroom teacher only.

L. Arts - We reviewed our Spelling homework today on Short Vowels as well as our Rd. Comp. homework about characters in a story.  We also started to learn about Subject/Predicate in Grammar by playing a modified game of charades.  Finally, we touched upon the story, Mother Fletcher's Gift, by beginning to answer the Study Guide Questions.

Math - We practiced many problems today, individually and in groups, for the Order of Operations. A quiz on this information and on Exponents will be coming next Wednesday!

Hmwk. -  Today, the math quiz on the addition, subtraction, and multiplication of decimals was returned to the A Day math class. All corrections need to be done on looseleaf paper and returned to me on Tuesday morning during homeroom time.

Enjoy a happy loooonng weekend everyone!

October 4th

L. Arts - No class today due to an administrative assembly.  See yesterday's entry below about homework due tomorrow.

Math - We practiced many problems today, individually and in groups, for the Order of Operations. A quiz on this information and on Exponents will be coming next week!

Hmwk - Text Pg. 24, even #'s 8-18. Complete those problems in the Math ntbk.

Today, the math quiz on the addition, subtraction, and multiplication of decimals was returned to the B Day math classes.  Tomorrow the A Day folk will receive them.  All corrections need to be done on looseleaf paper and returned by TOMORROW (Friday) by the B Day math classes.

Enjoy the day everyone!

October 3rd

L. Arts - We finished watching the Disney version of Old Yeller and then talked about the likenesses and differences from the film and the book.  Students then silently read, Mother Fletcher's Gift - the next story in our Rd. Anthology.  Following that they read silently from their own book.

Hmwk - The students have a worksheet to complete on "Character" that is due Friday.  A reminder that Spelling homework from yesterday is also due Friday.  Originally these homework assignments were due tomorrow but that has now changed as of this writing.

Math - We practiced many problems today, individually and in groups, for the Order of Operations.  A quiz on this information and on Exponents will be coming next week!

Hmwk - Text Pg. 24, even #'s 8-18.  Complete those problems in the Math ntbk. 

Go Yanks!!! 

October 2nd

L. Arts - I collected Spelling and Grammar Tests from students who had them.  I'll give one more day for students to get their tests signed and corrected.

Today we continued watching Old Yeller.  We'd eventually like to zoom in on some likenesses and differences to the story version in our Reading Street Anthology.

For homework students received a worksheet which contains the next spelling list.  That worksheet should be completed for class tomorrow.

Math - We started a new lesson today with the B Day math classes - Order of Operations. We did group work and then independent practice work. Students were given a homework sheet to complete by Thursday which is when I see the B Day math classes again.

"But there are advantages to being elected President. The day after I was elected, I had my high school grades classified Top Secret."
Ronald Reagan

October 1st

L. Arts - During our L. Arts time we had Library Orientation.  We also had a team meeting - all students and teachers.  Spelling and Grammar Tests from Old Yeller were returned and we talked about corrections and parents signing the tests.  We began to watch the Disney version of Old Yeller from 1955.  Parents, were you even alive then?!!!

Parents, please sign both the Spelling and Grammar Tests and have your child return them tomorrow to school.  They know about corrections as we discussed that today in class.

Math - We started a new lesson today with the A Day math class - Order of Operations.  We did group work and then independent practice work. Students were given a homework sheet to complete by Wednesday which is when I see the A Day math class again.

Enjoy October everyone!

September 2012

September 28th

L. Arts - The class will be finishing their Reading Comprehension Test today.  Next week, as a follow-up, we are going to watch the Disney movie, "Old Yeller".  It would be interesting to see the comparisons between the story and the movie.

Math - The B Day classes continued their study of exponents. They did a "Powering Up" activity with adding machine tape to help them gain a general understanding of what exponents mean. They also checked homework and did more practice problems. To reinforce all this, homework was assigned: Math Text - Pg. 16, #'s 22-31. For B Day classes, this homework is due on Tuesday, October 2nd.

Have a safe and happy weekend!

September 27th

L. Arts - The class took their first Reading Comprehension Test today for the "Old Yeller" story.  The test focused strictly on the setting of "Old Yeller".  Thorough prepping was done prior to testing.  Students were allowed to use their notes, Study Guide Q's, and their Reading Anthology to work on the test.  We will finish tomorrow since many of the students didn't finish today.

Math - The A Day class continued their study of exponents. They did a "Powering Up" activity with adding machine tape to help them gain a general understanding of what exponents mean. They also checked homework and did more practice problems.  To follow-up on all this, homework was assigned:  Math Text - Pg. 16, #'s 22-31.  For this class, homework is due on Monday, October 1st.

Have a pleasant day.

September 26th - Yom Kippur - No School

September 25th

L. Arts - We reviewed for the Old Yeller Reading Comprehension Test that we are going to have on Thursday.  More review coming on Thursday before the test.  About half the class signed out their Reading Street Anthology so they will have to remember to bring it back on Thursday for the test since the test is open-book style.

Math - Today's classes took a short quiz on the addition, subtraction, and multiplication of decimals.  They also began the next lesson on exponents.  Homework is for those classes - the B Day classes - to complete the exponent worksheet that was distributed.

Enjoy a productive day!

September 24th

L. Arts - Classes resumed with group work today and completed the Study Guide Q's for Old Yeller.  Together, we went through them.  Students should have a sheet of all the questions as well as the questions and answers in their notebooks.  Homework is for students to study them.  Students were informed that they had the option to take home their Reading Anthology as long as they signed it out.  No one did.  The Reading Comprehension test for Old Yeller will be this Thursday.

Math - Tomorrow's B Day classes have a quiz on the addition, subtraction, and multiplication of decimals.  We'll review before assessments are given.

Today's class started to discover/work with exponents.  They have an exponent worksheet for homework that is due on Thursday.

Have a good day everyone!

September 21st

L. Arts - Students got into groups today to work on Study Guide Q's for Old Yeller.  Next week we'll continue with those and prep for our reading comprehension test which is scheduled for Thursday the 27th.

Math - Due to MAPS Testing and a schedule change in classes the Math Quiz for today was postponed until next Tuesday.  It will be on the addition, subtraction, and multiplication of decimals.

Have a relaxing weekend.

September 20th

Business: Parents/Guardians: By tomorrow please send back the Pride Team packet slip that you and your child need to sign after reading over the packet. Thanks. (I gave this to students last Thursday)

L. Arts - After a thorough lesson and then review this morning in Grammar and Spelling, the students took their first set of tests in these subject areas.  Results coming next week.  Tomorrow we will continue our Reading Comprehension study of Old Yeller.  The Rd. Comp. Test for Old Yeller will be next week.

Math - Today we concluded our lesson on the multiplication of decimals.  We followed that with a review of the addition and subtraction of decimals.  Then the A Day class took a quiz on these concepts.  Results coming next week.

Have a terrific day!

September 19th

Business: Parents/Guardians: At some point this week please send back the Pride Team packet slip that you and your child need to sign after reading over the packet. Thanks. (I gave this to students last Thursday)

L. Arts - I have revised the Old Yeller testing schedule for students.  We WILL have a Spelling and Grammar Test tomorrow.  We will be doing more work on these concepts in class before quizzes are taken by students.  We WILL NOT have the Rd. Comp. test until later next week. 

Math - The B Day classes started to learn multiplication with decimals today.  We'll carry that into our next block also.  The A Day class will continue with that work tomorrow and will quiz on it as well as quiz on the concepts of addition and subtraction of decimals.  We will be doing more work on these concepts in class before quizzes are taken by students.

Enjoy the calmer weather!

September 18th

Business: Parents/Guardians: At some point this week please send back the Pride Team packet slip that you and your child need to sign after reading over the packet. Thanks.  (I gave this to students last Thursday)

L. Arts - We got into our reading groups for the first time and worked together on "setting", which is the Rd. Comp. skill that we are learning this week.  We also started to answer some Rd. Comp. questions in our notebooks about, Old Yeller.  For homework the class needs to complete a worksheet entitled, "Four Kinds of Sentences".  It's due tomorrow.  They should also still be studying their Spelling words.

I announced our first battery of tests (Spelling, Grammar, and Rd. Comp) for this Thursday.  This is wishful thinking on my part.  I have a feeling we are going to have to push into Friday or even perhaps next week with other things going on here at school.  I told the students this.  Thursday is our best scenario at this point.  Either way, we'll try our best to be ready. 

Math - Today's A Day class will be having a quiz on Thursday on the additon, subtraction, and multiplication of decimals.  Today we concluded our work with adding and subtracting and then moved into the multiplication concept.  Tomorrow's class (B Day) will start with the multiplication concept since we are already done with adding and subtracting.  Their quiz will be on Friday.  No written homework.

Supposed to be windy later...be safe!

September 14th

Business:  Parents/Guardians:  At some point next week please send back the Pride Team packet slip that you and your child need to sign after reading over the packet.  Thanks.

L. Arts - Today the students and I worked on the four types of sentences, again in worksheet form.  Also, students read the rest of Old Yeller.  Next week we'll get into our reading groups and break down the story.

Math - We continued to work on addition and subtraction of decimals.  Students also completed a real life problem about what supplies they would buy if they were going on a camping trip.  The sense I am getting is that students have a fairly good grasp of the concept of lining up the decimal and then adding or subtracting.  Next week we will delve into the multiplication of decimals and we'll identify the differences in the processes that we went through this week with that of multiplication. 

Quiz next week!  The A Day class will have their quiz on Thursday, April 20th.  The B Day class will have their quiz on Friday, April 21st.  More info. to come to students next week.

Happy Rosh Hashanah!  Happy Loooong weekend!

September 13th

Business:  To Parents/Guardians of my homeroom students:  A Pride Team packet (4 pages) came home today for you to read over with your child.  Please sign - along with your child - the little tear off section on the bottom of the last page and return it to school with your child by next week.  Thanks.

L. Arts - Today in Spelling we picked out what words were base words from the list that we are studying.  Students wrote them on their spelling list paper.  They need to continue to study those words for a test that we'll have later next week.  The testing date is yet to be determined.

In Grammar we identified 4 sentence types and the students filled out a  worksheet related to that.  They also wrote a few sentences of their own.

All students received a file folder today that we'll use as a writing folder.  Today's assignment was to write a few paragraphs.  There was no particular topic.  Students wrote about whatever was on their mind.

Students also read silently from a book of their own, and, we began reading,   Old Yeller, the first story in the Reading Street Anthology.

Math - Today's A Day class and I continued our lesson pertaining to addition and subtraction of decimals.  Homework due next Tuesday is from Pg. 120, #'s 30-34. There will be a quiz later next week.  I haven't determined the date yet.

Enjoy your day folks!

September 12th

Business:  My sincere thanks and appreciation to all the Parents/Guardians who came to our Open House last night.  I hope that you got a taste of what your child is expected to do here at the WMS.  Please contact me via email with any questions/comments.  For parents/guardians who were not in attendance last night, today I have given your children the papers that I handed out last evening.  Amongst those papers is an email form.  Please fill it out and have your child return it to me at school.  Thank you.

L. Arts - No classes today due to MAPS Testing.  Students should continue to study the Spelling list that they were given yesterday.

Math - We continued our lesson on the addition/subtraction of decimals.  Homework due on Friday will be Pg. 120, #'s 30-34.  Homework should be done in the Math ntbk.

Have a terrific day everyone!

September 11th

Business:  Open House for parents is tonight.  At 6 PM there will be a presentation in the auditorium from WMS administration.  At 6:30 parents can move to classrooms to hear from teachers.

L. Arts - The class received their first Spelling List today.  The words relate to the story, Old Yeller, which we will start to read this week.  The class also worked on a creative project called, "All About Me".

Math - By the next 'A Day', the Math group that I taught today needs to complete Math text pg. 120, #'s 14-21. This homework can be continued in the notebook from where we started in class.

Never Forget.

September 10th

Business:  Open House is tomorrow night.  A letter about this should have been given to parents this past weekend.

L. Arts - Today we began rough copy work for, "All About Me".  Students generated some ideas for their project.  Students need to bring in a maximum of three photos. We'll work on this tomorrow.

Math - By the next 'B Day', the Math groups that I taught today need to complete Math text pg. 120, #'s 14-21.  This homework can be continued in the notebook from where we started in class.

Have a great day!!!

September 7th

Business: A letter about Open House was sent home with students. They should be giving that to parents today.

L. Arts - Students took a Baseline Test in Reading today.  I'll grade it to help me determine a reading level.

By this Monday students need to have a maximum of three photos of themselves for an in-class project we'll be creating called, "All About Me".  One of those photos should be fairly recent.

Also by Monday, students need to bring a book to school that they can read for silent reading time.

Math - All classes for the past few days have been introduced to Place Value.  We'll play a game in the next few class days to give us more of a sense of what it is.  Our specific goal is to be able to add/subtract decimal amounts.  From there we'll do some classwork and wrap up that lesson.

Happy Weekend to all!

September 6th

Greetings parents and students!  Nice to be back for another school year!  Please visit my webpage (this one) often to find out information related to my subjects and the Pride Team!  I write this page every day.

This week we are adjusting to the new block scheduling, helping students find their way around, going over rules and regs, and distributing books.  Mostly, the usual fare for the beginning of school.  So far, so good!!!

Enjoy your day!

.