Ms. McD's Neighbourhood

What an amazing day!

2012-01-25T19:12:00.000-08:00

We had the most wonderful end to our day: sunshine, snow, and cross-country skiing. THIS CLASS CAN SKI! It doesn't look like our snow is going to last, but hopefully we can get out another time.

Expect off-campass permission slips to come home today. This covers a variety of activities that are within walking distance of the school: hiking in Little Mountain, pond studies at local ponds, cross country skiing at Field of Dreams.

A reminder that I am out of the building on Friday.

UPDATED

2012-01-23T07:13:00.001-08:00

I updated the engrade pages last night. In doing so, I see that three students have registered. Hopefully more will follow this week.

First FSA write was today at 9:15, next one is Wednesday at 9:15 and then again on Friday at 9:15.

Permission slip for skating arrives home today. Students need a helmet, skate rentals can be arranged at Chevy's (please do this in advance of the skating day - in the past he has had some helmets for rent but not many) and the cost for skating is $2. Please return $2 and permission slip by FRIDAY.

Hope you all had an enjoyable weekend. Love the snow!

Frustrated?

2012-01-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a little more information to help you with Engrade. Note: this is the third BLOG with ENGRADE information in it.
When I indicated what E, M, Ab, done, fix, and ? meant, I neglected to explain a blank or nothing being reported. If there is nothing indicated that means that either I have not collected the assignment yet, or it is a work in progress, or I have not recorded it at this time. A blank is not cause for concern or worry.

Please contact me if you are having difficulties. Together we will make this a workable tool.

Engrade help, at your service.

2012-01-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

When you get to engrade.ca (make sure you see a Canadian flag at the top of the screen), look at the top of the screen and click on signin. This will give you the space to write: hmcd- and whatever your numbers are. Then a screen where you give your name, email, etc. comes up. Here you can set your own password. Remember check things out and come to school on Monday ready to ask questions or let me know if I have made an error.

I hope this relieves some of the frustration.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Life is a balancing act.

2012-01-19T17:08:00.000-08:00

My apologies for the time lag in blogs. Time seems to be scarce these days.
Engrade login and passwords: these will arrive home with your child on Friday; I am quite sure this is set up and will work. I have listed assignments and whether they are: done, M = missing, E = excused, Ab = absent, ? = I have a question, fix = I have given feedback and need follow through; hope this works
Please email me if you find any glitches.
Classroom News: We had a new student in December, a new student on Jan. 3 from Carlin, and last week a student left our class for Carlin. Tomorrow or Monday we will have a new student arriving from Christina Lake.
Grade 7: FSA tests begin next week. Your grade 7 child's schedule is as follows: 9:15 on Monday, Jan. 23, 9:15 Wednesday, January 25, 9:15 Friday, January 27, 9:15 Monday, January 30, 8:15 Tuesday, January 31.
We have been busy the past two weeks, check it out.
P.E. We are rotating through three stations: badminton, juggling/fitness, bouldering / fitness. P.E. strip is necessary for all three stations. If we get some decent snow this weekend, perhaps we can begin cross country skiing.
Math: Grade 6 - we are nearing the end of our work with fractions; students are using the following vocabulary: proper fraction, improper fraction, mixed number, numerator, denominator; can write mixed numbers as improper fractions and vice versa; can find equivalent fractions; can compare and order fractions using bench marks and a numberline. Students are finishing p. 168 and a review sheet.
Math: Grade 7 - vocabulary includes: proper fractions, improper fractions, mixed numbers, common denominators; grade 7 mathematicians are adding fractions with like and unlike denominators - this is slow going for some, students with a strong work ethic are seeing gains; students are working on p. 188 and will complete that tomorrow.
English: novel - Iqbal; free verse poetry
Science: presentations of animal adaptation projects; we have a few to finish up on Monday (NOTE: some students have not completed this)
Socials: Children's Rights posters - will be completed Friday
H and C: Happy pages - will be finished Friday 20th

AGENDAS

2012-01-12T07:21:00.001-08:00

Daily use of the agenda is a work habit expectation at SMS. In our class, there are 6 or 7 students who use their agendas consistently. Consistency = a G for work habits. We have discussed this as a class numerous times. Each afternoon, time is spent reviewing homework assignments and time is given for students to complete agendas and ask questions regarding assignments. Know that if you are not seeing your child's agenda daily, your child is likely earning an N for work habits, or at most an S. In addition, the agenda is represented in Health and Careers as the following learning outcomes: following classroom routines, and demonstrating time management and planning strategies. If your child is not using his or her agenda daily, these outcomes will not be met. Time management, planning, and organization are life skills. Please support your child in daily agenda use. Note: SMS is open most evenings until 6:00 p.m.

Happy Friday!

2012-01-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

Important for next week:
- come prepared for your job as a student: have the materials you need, come prepared to participate
- P.E. - you need shorts, T-shirt and shoes in order to take part
- Agenda - at SMS, it is a work habit expectation that you use your agenda daily

Science: Started a project on the adaptations of living things. Two more computer classes to complete this. Many students were unable to begin this assignment because the necessary homework from Wednesday was not done. Those students are now one hour behind.

Math 7 - two practice sheets are due

Math 6 - Page 182 - questions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 are due

Writing: started to write free verse poetry

2012-01-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

2012 is upon us! Students were eager to see each other yesterday. TIRED pretty much summed up today.

Reading: read 30 minutes each night
Math: we graphed ratios, worked on equivilant ratios
Writing: writing territories brainstorming; heart mapping - students have been asked to think about topics to add to each of these pages
Socials: based on prior knowledge, students are developing rights statements that include the quality of life indicators
Science: adaptations of living things - students who did not complete the note-taking are asked to have that completed for Friday

I am in the process of setting up an online access to your child's work: what is done and what isn't; marks for term 1. I will let you know when I have that up and running.

Happy Holidays To You All

2011-12-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

CLICK ON THE PICTURE

What a wonderful day! The grade seven participation in dance was incredible. Thank you to parents for the snacks.

Best wishes for the holidays and see you all on January 3.

Information of interest for the new year:
P.E. We will be playing badminton, using the climbing wall, or cross country skiing
Reading - we will begin our first book review
Writing - free verse poetry
Socials - Global Ed. project begins
Salmon - should be hatching in early January

ONE MORE SLEEP!

2011-12-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2012.

Well done, grade six students. You were such a delight to be with today.

Writing: any students who have not completed a memoir, will have that for homework over the holiday

Math: students were given a list of missing assignments - those who were not up to date worked on missing work and those who were up to date participated in THE EVENT

P.J. Day tomorrow.

Grade 7 dance tomorrow morning. Remember to bring snacks.

FOOD BANK ITEMS

Couldn't Get Out of First Gear

2011-12-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

It was a first gear type of Monday. Even though we started the morning with an hour of dance, brains were sluggish. Numerous students will have math homework. The SOLVING PROBLEMS WITH FACTORS must be done by all students. Grade sevens need to complete the ACME Tire Company problem sheet. This is an assessment problem, so as little parent input as possible would be appreciated.

English: A memoir from every student is expected on or before Friday.

If you didn't receive a dance day letter, it should arrive home today. Grade seven letters are on blue paper and grade six ones are on purple.

Food bank donations: SMS is collecting food bank donations all week. The Food Bank is in need of: pasta, pasta sauces, canned meat, canned fish, and baby food. Our goal is one food item for every student in the school.

Crepe Day!

2011-12-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

Today was a special day. A student in our class treated us all to crepes. Your child might have been scrambling to bring a plate and cuttlery for this event. Some may have been scrounging for toppings. IT ALL WORKED OUT! Many thanks to our culinary wizard! To wear off the excess calories, our team danced for two hours this afternoon. OUR TEAM CAN DANCE!!!!!!!!

A letter regarding the grade-wide dance days will be arriving home today. Grade six letters are on purple paper and grade seven letters are on blue.

We have been working hard to be ideal students. This is a difficult time of year, with the excitement of the holiday season looming. Students are tired, but we continue to hit the books. Those students who are not using their class time effectively will have homework.

Socials: This is an area where class time MUST be used well. By the end of Tuesday's social's class, students MUST have completed at least five, but hopefully seven, profiles of children who live around the world.

Math: We have been using the following vocabulary: multiples, factors, products, prime numbers, composite numbers. Students have been encouraged to use these terms when they discuss math with a partner and when they write about their thinking in math journals. Many students have not completed the LCM worksheet, grade sevens have a factor package that is due, grade sixes have textbook questions #1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 15. Today we solved problems using factors and practiced using the strategy, making an organized list.

Reading: The end of our novel is near. Hopefully our characters, Raphael, Gardo and Rat will solve the mystery and live a safe and healthy life.

Writing: By the end of next week, every students will have submitted at least one memoir.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone.

Purdy's Orders Have Arrived!

2011-12-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

Our PAC has been busy today handing out the Purdy's orders. If you made an order, it should arrive to you today.

Reminder: Have your child bring back his / her self-assessment with a signature.

Math: Many students will have homework this evening: LCM worksheet, some may need to finish their Math Journal Venn diagram sort.

Many students are borrowing pencils and paper from me. I have almost exhausted my supply. Please check to see if your child needs lined paper, pencils, glue, or other school supplies.

ASSESSMENTS HOME TODAY

2011-12-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

PARENTS PLEASE NOTE that only 3 grade 7 students came in for the math tutorial yesterday at noon hour. It was discussed, at great length, that in order to rewrite the math test, students MUST come in for reteaching. There are many students who will receive a 1, not yet meeting expectations, for the learning outcomes for this unit. This is unfortunate, since every child has had the opportunity for success.

Happy December!

2011-12-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

Day 2 tomorrow.

LOOK FOR IT: student academic and work habits self-assessment for term 1 arriving at your home Friday, Dec. 2

Reminder: return math and science tests with a signature

Math: present skill is multiples; HOMEWORK: Grade 7 - finish the sheets; Grade 6 - p. 56 and 57 - finish questions 1 to 10
Writing: memoirs continue - students should have one published by now
Reading: TRASH - we will complete this novel prior to the break
Health and Careers: our topic at the moment is self-esteem: what it is, how can you tell if someone has a good self-esteem, when did I feel proud of myself, etc. Students practiced sharing accomplishments for 1 minute: positive bragging.

Catchup Week

2011-11-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

Please have your child return their MATH test and review and study guide with a parent signature, as soon as possible.
Please have your child return their SCIENCE test and the self assessment with a parent signature, as soon as possible.

Noon today:
- students who had not completed the River's At Risk assignment from some weeks ago stayed in at lunch to complete it.
Noon on Thursday:
- grade 7 math students who wish to rewrite the math test will have a tutorial on question #1, Thursday at lunch. This was a condition of rewriting the test.

Socials: Students used their list of quality of life indicators to compare the lives of two children: Emma and Jose. Much deep discussion on the lives of these children took place.

Science test rewrite is tomorrow during Science class.

Writing: 20 minutes of sustained writing on memoirs.

P.E. Dance tomorrow - wear appropriate shoes.

Life Lessons....

2011-11-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

Today was a day of life lessons. One of the important ones was the skill of test writing and focus during instructions. Another lesson was self-regulation, being in charge of yourself, your behaviour, and your learning. Who controls you?
Science: The science tests were returned today. There were numerous long faces when students saw their results. We discussed how important it is to have their eyes on their science test when the teacher is going over the test paper. Reading headings is also necessary if you are looking to be successful. Students have the opportunity to rewrite on Wednesday during class.
Math: Grade 7 students completed their tests today. Some will arrive home with review and study guides, as well as test papers. All grade 6 students will arrive home with tests and study guides. Rewrites can happen next week, but students need to let me know when that will be. New unit begins Monday.

I will be out of the building during the school day on Monday, but I will be available at SMS after 3:00 PM.

Have a great weekend everyone.

We Have BABIES!

2011-11-24T19:28:00.001-08:00

Nothing was written on the homework board today. We couldn't think of anything that needed to be on there.

Neil Brookes came in today and we have our salmon eggs. Most of them have been named and we intend to take good care of them. Students were able to hold the eggs and look them in the "eye". They are expected to hatch in January. How exciting!

Math: Unit 6 test for grade seven students today. Many students have planned to finish the test tomorrow. Those that are done will take them home tomorrow with the review and study guide attached. This needs to be signed by a parent and returned. There is an opportunity for rewrites next week if students make appointments in advance. Grade 6 students completed their Unit 1 test and all of these students will arrive home with their tests and study guides tomorrow for signatures. (they did well)
Socials: We were in the middle of a very serious discussion when Neil arrived. Needless to day, that discussion had to be put on hold. We have created a quality of life indicator list and will be reading about two children from different areas of the world. One child is from the developing world and the other from the developed. Students will compare the lives of these children, using the quality of life indicators.
Red Team Banner: The red team created a banner today. Every child and adult in the red team is featured on this.
Reading: It was our library day. Each student needs to have a book at a 'just right reading level' for next week. A graphic novel is fine. We will begin book reviews as a writing genre.
Science: Chapter 1 tests will arrive home tomorrow, with a self-assessment sheet attached.

Magazine Subscription Deadline Is Tomorrow

2011-11-23T07:21:00.001-08:00

Math: ask about your child's BEDMAS quiz - it was returned today. What you should know: Jeopardy test review today; unit algebra test on Thursday; expect the test to arrive home on Friday with a review and study guide attached; next week we will start Proportional Reasoning, translated means number theory - multiples, factors, fractions, decimals, ratios.

Jelly Beans?

2011-11-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

I have heard from parents that their child is not completing an agenda each day. Please note that time is provided for students to complete agendas daily.

Math: BEDMAS quiz today; some students may have practice homework depending on whether class work was completed. Grade 7 - p. 229, questions - 1, 2, 3, 4 and p. 42, questions - 4, 5, 6, 7. Students who are not finished may come in early in the morning to complete. (7:40)

Socials: landforms and climate of Canada maps started; quality of life indicators - we have started a list and will expand and edit the list on Thursday

English: writing - students are beginning to increase their writing stamina - most should have one memoir completed, others are working on their second

Science: qualities of living things quiz tomorrow; textbook chapter 1, pages 1 to 17

Dance tomorrow - wear appropriate footwear

Thursday is the last day for magazine orders.

Nice end to the week!

2011-11-18T18:48:00.001-08:00

The time spent redefining who we are, was time well spent. The day began with a slide show demonstrating how communities come together in times of crisis. Nickelback's lyrical video, When We Stand Together, helped set the mood. Student partnerships spent 45 minutes analyzing our September's My Job / Your Job list. Rich discussion, debate and compromise followed. Our list is richer.
Our next topic was to work in trios to create a vision of the IDEAL STUDENT. I can't wait to see our final product.

Math: Algebra! Students are on fire! Your child can isolate a variable and solve for the unknown, using algebra tiles. Some grade 7 students have taken this a step farther and solve for the unknown without tiles.

P.E. Day 1 of dance! This is a dancing group! Truly amazing!

Good-Bye and thank you to Cheryl, who spent an hour a day with us while completing her CEA practicum.

Whew! Rough week.

2011-11-16T17:23:00.000-08:00

As a learning community, we have lost our way a bit: disrespect towards adults and peers, neglecting to follow through with assignment completion, lack of participation and engagement, questioning reasonable requests, support for inappropriate behaviours are a few of the issues. Tomorrow, we will spend the morning redefining our vision of our class.

Math: YAHOO!! Algebra tiles! We build expressions and equations with the tiles. Students solved for the unknown by isolating the variable while maintaining a balanced equation. New vocabulary: variable, expression, equation, isolating the variable, solving for the unknown.

Science: Worksheet: Needs of Living Things (related to salmon) should be done and has been assigned for homework for Friday. Textbook chapter review p. 17, question 1 to 7: characteristics of living things, living and non-living parts of an eco-system - will be completed Friday during class.

Reading: Chapter 5 - TRASH - double entry journal completed

P.E. time change to begin this Friday and will continue for the duration of the dance unit: Day 1 / block 1; no gym strip is needed for dance, however, proper footwear is necessary. This has been discussed.

Remembrance Day Assembly

2011-11-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Our Remembrance Day Assembly was special. Guest speakers, student speakers, student poems, student videos, Ms. Nau's gorgeous voice, and the band made up the program.

Expect that your child will have a Math test and study guide to share with you. Please sign the study guide or test and have your child bring it back to school. If students wish to rewrite the test or portions of it, I am available Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday noon hours and Wednesday and Friday after school.

Math: On Tuesday students will have a short quiz on order of operations. For the remainder of the week, we will continue with algebra, specifically balancing equations.

WHOOPS!

2011-11-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

Almost mid-week and I have not blogged. I will need to catch you up.

The magazine sales fund raiser has begun. Students can bring their subscriptions into the P.E. office on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The school goal is 1,000 subscriptions. There are prizes to be won for eager sales people.

Monday:
Math: We reviewed order of operations rules and played Order of Operations Bowling.
English: We started a novel: Trash. It is a read-a-loud and students are keeping a double entry journal. As we work through the novel, they will learn several strategies that will be necessary when we begin our Global Citizen unit.
Science: salmon life cycle videos; needs and threats at each stage of development
P.E. basketball continues

Tuesday:
Math: Students worked through the upcoming math test orally in class. This quiz will focus on vocabulary, expressions, equations, and guess my number.
English: chapters 2 and 3 of Trash, publishing memoirs
Heath and Careers: We continue to work through Friends for Life. Today students practiced giving and receiving compliments and set goals for home, school, and socially.

Wednesday: Math quiz as stated above.
Thursday: Math quiz on order of operations. Remembrance Day assembly.

Happy Friday!

2011-11-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Students had an extended lunch hour due to fire alarms going off and the building being evacuated. Something was burning in the building.

Math: review of vocabulary and working backwards; ready to go 'bowling' on Monday

Socials: both maps should be completed and handed in; the Rivers At Risk map is due on Tuesday if not already completed

Writing: published documents due Nov. 10

Health and Careers: Friends For Life program

Kick off to the magazine drive...

2011-11-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

1:30 today - magazine drive assembly

Homework for tomorrow:
Socials - political map of Canada

Homework for Tuesday:
Socials - Rivers At Risk Map

Nov. 1 - CANDY RUSH - we made it!

2011-11-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

I work: deadline was yesterday

As I mentioned yesterday, I was out of the classroom. Miss Shuert was in today and reported that all went well. It was explained to students that the appropriate time to eat candy was before school, during our nutrition break, at lunch or after school. If candy was eaten at other times or wrappers crinkled at other times, sharing of candy was necessary. Miss Shuert did receive candy.

P.E. Basketball and fitness is the focus, making good shoes and gym strip important.

Work Habit Updates and Culture is Cool assessments: please sign and return

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN

2011-10-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

Reminder to sign and return the WORK HABIT UPDATES and the CULTURE IS COOL ASSESSMENT

Monday:
Math - we will review vocabulary and begin working backwards to solve problems

Science - salmon lifecycle and water cycle

Writing - some students will be ready to publish their memoirs - the writer's workshop will focus on So What?, How to End a Memoir, and Polishing a Memoir

Costumes - By all means
Block 5 - dance sponsored by Me to We students

ALL WEEK - Hallowe'en For Hunger - bring non-perishable food items for the food bank or a money donation

Tuesday, Nov. 1 - I will be in the building, but not in the classroom.

SORRY!

2011-10-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

Parents, I forgot to send home the work habit updates today. My humblest apologies. Expect them tomorrow.

Red Day was a BLAST! Many students remembered and things were rockin' red upstairs. Our class sang in the hallways to let other teams know we were glad to be red.

Writing: Students are putting into practice the tools we are learning. I continue to conference with students each writing period. Students are able to focus for longer and longer periods of time.

Math: Growing Animals are done! Many students stayed in at lunch and finished off the unfinished homework.

Socials: Map of Canada

Health and Careers: Students started a visual journal page called: The me I want to be ..........

Monday Oct. 31 - Costumes if you like. Dance in block 5.

Brrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RED DAY TOMORROW

2011-10-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

Winter decided to give us a visit on fire drill day. It was a wee bit chilly.

Remember to bring in those toonies. TOONEY TUES-WEEK CONTINUES.

Thursday: Expect a work habit update and an assessment for the Culture is Cool project. Please sign each of these and return them to the school. Many students have not completed the assignment and will have received an (I). This means the work is either incomplete or in-progress. The deadline for these assignments is October 31. If not received, your child will not receive credit for this project.

Math: Students had math homework last night. Grade 7 - p. 34 #6, #7, #8.
Grade 6 - practice page 6. If students didn't complete it last night, they were to have it done for tomorrow. Students with incomplete work will stay in with me at lunch. Today we built "GROWING ANIMALS".

Science: Salmon Lifecycle and three-word notes.

P.E. Today was our last rugby day. Friday is the beginning of our basketball unit. Students need to come with gym strip and proper gym footwear.

October 31: students may wear costumes to school or bring costumes to school and change at lunch. The Me to We group is sponsoring a dance during the last block of the day. All next week, the Me to We group is collecting non-perishable good items for the foodbank in support of "Hallowe'en For Hunger".

Tooney Tues-week!

2011-10-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Through the power of youth in our school district, SD83 has sponsored and completed an adopt a village program in Sierra Leonne and are continuing the project in Kenya. The goal is to collect a tooney from every student in the district. SD 83 Central Staff will be considering a trip to Kenya for student leaders in 2013.

Math: The purpose of today's lesson was to remind students of how we in want to be together in our learning community. Key points were: respect, participating, working to capacity, and so on.

Science: The theme is salmonids in the classroom, since our aquarium will be going soon. Salmon eggs will arrive in November.

Writing: 'Making a Movie Behind Your Eyelids', was the purpose of today's workshop.

P.E. We are outside for P.E. Students need to come with gym strip and prepared for the weather. If the weather is too cold for shorts, sweats are fine.

Another Week Gone!

2011-10-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

This week has flown by. Granted, I did attend a writer's workshop on Wednesday, leaving only one more day this week.

Agenda expectations: Just a note to remind you that class time is given for students to complete their agendas. Expect that your child will arrive home with an agenda, have you sign it, and return with it to school the next day.

Supplies: Numerous students are without pencils. My supply is running low, so please ask your child if he or she has the following: lined paper, pencil, glue stick, eraser.

Socials: The project is due Monday.

Work Habits update: Once students complete their self-assessment for the term, I can complete my portion. Expect them on Tuesday.

TOONEY TUESDAY WEEK

Spencer West at SMS!

2011-10-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

What an exciting day! Students who attended We Day met Spencer West. Today, all SMS students met him. Check his video on My Favourite Sites.

INSPIRATION!

2011-10-14T18:51:00.001-07:00

We Day was inspirational!

Students continued with regular class activities under the guidance of Miss Shuert.

Socials: Be ready to put together good copies on Tuesday. ALL materials must be at school.
Visual Journal: students are creating an anti-smoking page related to research and reading
Math: We continue to add to our Math vocabulary: variables, expressions, T-charts, and the list will be extended next week.

Tuesday, October 18 - SMS is fortunate to have Spencer West visit us. Students watched a video that introduces Spencer. He is an inspiring individual with his own vision of how to change the world. Check out the link on "My Favourite Sites".

Fall is here!

2011-10-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Socials: The countdown is on. Students have only one rough copy left to complete and are to come prepared to complete their assignment that day. Next week will be spent on good copy.
Math: Students worked with partners to solve patterns, create relations, and make a chart and then chose a journal entry to explain.
Health and Careers: People are nearing completion.

Reminder: I'll be out of the building on Thursday. Miss Shuert, a TOC students know, will be in that day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

Heath and Careers: Our focus has been organization, one binder, creating a learning community, routines, and learning about ourselves. Students have been creating little people based on their strengths and challenges. We will have these finished next Tuesday. We read 'Stone Soup'. This story is an analogy for what we are trying to create in our class. With that in mind, ROCKTOBER begins.
Socials: Students worked hard today and we are on track to have all sections finished by Thursday next week.
Math: review and game - Guess my Rule
Writing: students continued to experiment with narrative leads

I will be out of the building October 13, as I am attending the We Day in Vancouver with the SMS group.

3-Day Weekend in One More Sleep

2011-10-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day! Imagine if we had been on the beach! Hmmmmmmmm......

We worked hard today.

Writing: Students are in the process of trying three different leads for their personal narrative. Several students shared their leads and wowed us. We will continue with this tomorrow, students will choose a lead that inspires them and continue to write, write, write, and so on.
Socials: A lot of class time is being given for this project and students need to come to class with work to do. At this time the following assignments should be complete in rough form at least: family trees, shelter / home, student menus for a typical day and a celebration or special meal, seasonal activities / recreation. As I mentioned, interviews with elderly friends or relatives can happen on the long weekend. This leaves the following items to complete next week: world map (they are available in the classroom), Part B (choose a topic) and the future (choose a topic). By the end of Thursday, students will be ready to fine tune their project.
Math: students prepared for a "guess my rule" game

Thursday, Oct. 6 - DAY AS USUAL

2011-10-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I had to cancel our bus to Raven Subdivision. Only sixteen permission slips were returned. The cost of the bus, plus providing a program for ten students who would not be attending is an impossible task.

Math: What an amazing math class today. Students were definitely thinking like mathematicians, creating perimeter patterns, making charts, and finding rules. We will have a carousel tomorrow to checkout what everyone accomplished.

Writing: Students received questions for memoirists and spent time thinking about their personal memories as they related to the questions given. Tomorrow we are going to work on leads.

Science: Since the beach cleanup didn't happen, I've had to change the science focus from water and global citizenry to living things. We will spend time in the text, finding key ideas, creating notes, and writing paragraphs. In the process we will learn about the characteristics of living things and perhaps take our learning to the outdoors.

Socials: Students are to find information as it relates to a family tree. Students will work on another aspect of the project and we will discuss ideas for their final presentation.

Roctober has arrived!!!!

2011-10-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

STRUGGLES that require parental support:
* consistent use of the agenda - expect that your child will arrive home with an agenda filled in; your child is to have the agenda signed and then return with it to school. Class time is spent each day going over what is to be written in the agenda. It is written on the board, it is read aloud and it is discussed each day.
* P.E. strip - this is an expectation for participation in P.E. If your child does not have SMS gym strip, a change of shirt and shorts works well.
* Paper work - Having students return paperwork has been a HUGE struggle.
* Completing assignments - if your child is falling behind, I will be making calls next week and we can set up a plan. Things to consider are: 1. Academic Intervention, which is an after school homework hour twice a week. This time is supported by teaching staff and is a quiet work environment. 2. An agenda note or email from me to indicate work needing to be completed.

What have we been up to so far this week?

We are preparing for the field trip on Thursday. A letter regarding the trip should have arrived home today. It is on lilac coloured paper. Today was the due date for returning the forms. I have 50% of the permission slips back. Students have been told that if I do not receive permission slips tomorrow, the trip will be cancelled. I enjoy teaching learning outcomes through real life experiences and field trips are a wonderful way to achieve them. Without the necessary paper work handed in, with the cost of bussing and the potential of half the class not attending it is hard to justify being out of the building.

Math: We are continuing to work on input and output tables. Most students are able to find the patterns in the output column and apply that pattern to solving the relation or the rule for the table. Most students have completed the text assignments and those who have not will spend class time tomorrow working with me, while others move onto working with pattern blocks and math games.

Socials: More family and self assignments have been handed in, but at least 1/2 of the class has not completed this work. Today students chose to work on either a personal menu or a drawing for shelter. Considerable time was spent discussing how this information could be presented. A family tree graphic organizer was also chosen and will arrive home Friday. It has been suggested that students use this long weekend to interview older (elderly) relatives or friends regarding a typical day's menu when the individual was a child, as well as a special meal. (birthday, special family occasion, Christmas, or other celebration) Conversation about seasonal activities, games, and sports would be advisable at this time too.

Science: Students visited the Ocean Conservancy and Vancouver Aquarium websites and completed an assignment related to their research.

Writing: We continue to work on the memoir. Students have a checklist of what makes a good memoir and many examples have been shared; both good and bad. Tomorrow the focus will be on 'Questions For Memoirists'.

Happy Friday!

2011-09-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that September is over and we will be entering our ROCKTOBER celebrations. Towards the end of next week, have your child tell you about it.

Next week our focus will be the beach cleanup. We will be looking at shoreline debris, what activities contribute to debris, how to tally what we find, ways to graph our data and teamwork. Although we are a couple of weeks behind the actual cleanup dates set aside by the Vancouver Aquarium, our data will be entered on time. I have added the Vancouver Aquarium to my favorite sites to make it easier to find. You will notice that I have booked a school but to take us to our cleanup site. On the permission slip, I have also indicated a $2 fee. This fee will help cover the bus costs and allow us the opportunity to book another bus later in the year.

Socials rough copies of self and family: These were due yesterday, I have 6 rough copies submitted. Next week the focus will be shelter/home and food. The deadline for these (rough copies) will be next Friday, October 7.

What a Wonderful Day!

2011-09-29T17:12:00.001-07:00

Gardom Lake was a blast! We live in such an amazing part of the world. The day was spent being active: playing, laughing, running, cooperating, singing, and getting to know each other. Thank you again to the parent drivers and a HUGE thank you to the staff at Gardom.

Permission slips for our Beach Cleanup will reach home today or tomorrow. I managed to get a school bus which aleviates the pressure for parent drivers. Parents are welcome to join us for the day, however. A letter giving more information will arrive home next week. If you'd like to know more about the cleanup, check out the website at: www.shorelinecleanup.ca

Socials rough copies were due today. Our next socials class in Tuesday. If students want feedback on their rough draft, I suggest they complete it by Monday.

School Terry Fox Run Day

2011-09-28T16:58:00.001-07:00

Homework: Socials rough drafts are due tomorrow - self and family.

The Terry Fox run was a spectacular event! The sea of grey T-shirts and orange shorts crossing our field warmed the heart. Now let's get those donations in.

Gardom Lake field trip tomorrow. Bring a healthy lunch, dress for the weather, and look to have a full day of team building.

What a glorious fall day!

2011-09-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

Students did not complete their shoreline foldables yesterday, as I indicated, due to the length of the Terry Fox movie. We will complete the booklets on Wednesday.

Gardom Lake letters should arrive home today. We will have enough seatbelts for all students.

Homework:Socials for Thursday: Students are to have a rough draft (15 sentences minimum) for the self and family section. Time was spent discussing what that might look like and I demonstrated an idea.

Terry Fox run tomorrow.

Happy Monday!

2011-09-26T11:01:00.001-07:00

This is a big week for us: Terry Fox Run, Gardom Lake

We watched the new Terry Fox video this afternoon. Terry Fox letters and brochures will arrive home today. Our school goal is to raise the equivalent of a looney for every student in the school: that is $583.00. We can do it! Our run is at 10:15 on Wednesday, September 28. Look for us!

Math: today I worked on getting half the class caught up; this included making patterns, drawing them, making a rule, creating a riddle for a classmate and completing a journal write. I believe everyone is caught up and we will move on tomorrow. While the group was catching up, other students worked on SUDOKOs and TANGRAMs.

Science: students completed their shoreline foldables today

HOMEWORK for tomorrow:
Be ready to write about yourself and your family tomorrow. Have a written plan or a plan in your head.

SHORELINE CLEANUP: This is scheduled for October 6. I hope we will be able to call on parent drivers again. We do appreciate this service.

Enjoy the Weekend!

2011-09-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

Math: Most students have completed drawing a pattern, writing a rule for the pattern, and creating riddles for a partner to solve. Those who have not completed this assignment will work with me on Monday.
Socials: Be prepared to write about yourself and your family on Tuesday.
P.E. Remember your gym strip.

Justice Theatre Today

2011-09-22T18:51:00.001-07:00

The Justice Theatre performance certainly presented students with a lot to think about.

Math: we continued working on 'predicting down the line' and actually used beginning algebra to write rules for patterns; students are working on creating patterns, writing rules for them, and writing riddles for classmates to solve
Library: today was book exchange day; our class is participating in the SMS BOOK CHALLENGE; thirteen classes are working towards our goal of reading 8 000 books
Writing: Writer's workshop - we discussed four misconceptions or confusions about capital letters
Socials: we looked at the big picture of our C is C project for planning purposes; we shared stories and didn't get to writing as planned; as a result homework for Tuesday has changed to thinking about what information to share about self and family - students need to be ready to write on Tuesday.

September 29th is our Gardom Lake trip. I will email or call parent drivers to confirm your availability. Students will be given a list of what to bring.

Wednesday! Already!

2011-09-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

Today our class said good-bye to Zoe, who is moving to Carlin. All the best in your new school, Zoe.

Math: today we reviewed the rules for multiples and started learning about patterns and 'predicting down the line'- we will continue this concept tomorrow
Science: shorelines was our focus and students created a foldable which is being filled with information about shorelines, their importance, necessity for shoreline health, and shoreline ambassadorship
English: writing, writing, writing based on personal narrative
Socials: tomorrow we will begin planning our Culture Is Cool project; students will brainstorm ideas for the self and family section. relating the information to culture; begin writing paragraphs; rough drafts will be due Tuesday

A Successful Week!

2011-09-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

We continue to work on the learning community we want to be. Today students looked at all the things they said yesterday, put ideas into categories and then tried to frame the ideas into words. We will decide on the wording Tuesday.
Who Am I? What a diverse group we are! Yet students were able to see similarities as well. During the sharing, classmates were supportive and encouraging of each other. Every artifact presented was interesting and representative of the individual.
Library: We have had a library orientation and a book sign out
Math: Multiple posters should be done
Socials: Culture is Cool starts next week. We'll begin with writing about family.

The week of September 26th is a very busy one, because of this I am changing the date of the Beach Clean up to October 6. I hope this work for drivers.

Have an enjoyable weekend. Remember Monday is a Professional Development Day.

Teachable Moments

2011-09-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Now that we have defined our roles as students and adults in our classroom, the next priority is to create a vision of how we want to be together. Based on some issues that have surfaced within the group, today was the day of teachable moments. The vision is coming together, as are we. When it is complete, I will post it.
Science: we learned how to make a foldable and watched a healthy shorelines YOUTUBE video
English and Math were put on hold as we created our vision

For Friday: Who Am I? Brown bags went home today. Students are to bring a minimum of 3 artifacts that represent who they are.

EVENTS AT SMS:
Many extra-curricular activities are getting underway. It is important for students to check the announcements.
Me to We meeting today for returning 7/8 students only.
6/7 volleyball meeting tomorrow at lunch.
Yearbook meeting tomorrow at lunch.

LOCKERS! Finally.....

2011-09-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

No doubt you will hear about lockers. I'll let your child tell that story.
Thank you parents for your agenda support. It truly makes a difference for your child, when we work as a team.
THE DAY OF THE PHOENIX is postponed. Look for this to happen next week.
Culture is Cool: Today we started the 'work' portion of this mini-project. We read a book, Westlandia, together and students made notes about the culture Wesley created. Next day we will discuss this more. By the end of the week, students will be gathering information about their personal culture. Family support will be helpful during this research phase. After our ProD on Monday, I will know how to add attachments to this blog. When I have that knowledge, I will attached the criteria for the project. NOTE: My hope is that most of this project will be completed at school.
Math: Multiple Madness continues, tomorrow we sing: Digital Root
English: Writer's Handbooks are being set up and hopefully tomorrow we will WRITE.
WHO AM I? Due Friday. Students are to collect at least 3 artifacts that represent who they are. I will provide the brown paper bags for this assignment.

Week 2 - we're on a roll!

2011-09-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

Please have your child share his / her agenda with you. Hopefully there is a request for your signature, as well. This is a routine that will take a bit of work.
Permission slip: September 29, RED TEAM will be team building and getting to know each other at Gardom Lake. Cost for this day is $10. Permission slips are to be returned to the school by Friday and when it is convenient for you, the $10 can be paid at the office. If you are feeling the crunch of back to school, and this fee is a hardship for your family, please email or phone me to let me know and we can support your child.
Math: Multiple Madness is our focus. Students will be finding patterns, writing rules, and making generalizations about multiples. A mini-poster project will follow.
Writing: this week students will be writing, writing, writing.
Science: Life Science - we are prepping for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup; today we discussed ways we use our local waterways, the importance of protecting fresh water, learned the vocabulary word ' watershed ', and discussed what we can do to protect our fresh water. The date for the Shoreline Cleanup is undecided at this time, but a decision will be made by the end of the week.

What a great week!

2011-09-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

We are on our way to developing class routines and getting to know each other. Thursday we defined our roles in the classroom. Each of us has a clearer picture of what our job is as a student or an adult in our class. As a group, we have a clearer picture or what it means to SOAR like a PHOENIX. Your child can share this information with you. Students now have textbooks and an understanding of their responsibility as it applies to them.
Explorations started today: art, wood shop, cooking or sewing, and synth lab.
Next week students will be gathering artifacts that illustrate who they are. As well, Culture is Cool will be a focus. Your child may need some support with this.

If at all possible, could your child have a visual journal for Tuesday. I'd like to get working on these. If you wish to purchase one from me, but prefer to pay at a later date, indicate this in your child's agenda.

First Full Day

2011-09-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Our day seemed to fly by. Our morning began with a daily routine: group check in with a quality chart. This was followed by brain gym. Students have their binders organized. Tabs are colour coordinated and assignment logs are in place. Students who do not have binders at this time, will be supported in setting up their binders when they arrive at school.

Homework for today:
* Paper work coming home - the School District Calendar and school fees
* water bottle for tomorrow
* yellow sheet (verification) signed and returned (both sides)
* parents are to sign the agenda each day for the month of September

Welcome STUDENTS and PARENTS to the 2011 / 2012 school year!

2011-09-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

Paperwork and agenda book arrive home today.
* Complete both sides of the yellow verification sheet and return it to school.
* Letter on purple from me to you. Note the Visual Journal information.

Homework:
Your child is to:
* have you sign his or her agenda book and answer the question regarding driving for field trips
* bring a water bottle

Heads Up!

2011-08-24T13:19:00.001-07:00

September's focus:
- creating a safe and respectful learning community. In doing so, students may have discussion topics to share with you at home
- Culture is Cool - researching personal culture. Students will require home support for this journey into family culture.

We are the PHOENIX!

2011-07-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kyara Annala from our class for her winning design of the SMS new Pheonix logo. Look for it on your new agendas for the 2011 / 2012 school year.