September 26, 2011

From 9-20-11

It was very nice to meet so many of you at last week's conferences. The first parent-teacher meeting of the year sets the tone and example for what you want and expect.

Last week, we finished our first writing piece, worked on reading comprehension strategies, started a germination project, thinned our fall seedlings, and began writing letters to students in all 50 states.

This week, students begin writing a persuasive paper. On Friday , 9/30, the 6^thgraders have a math unit project due and they will have their first unit test. You can find rubrics on the class blog.

It is time to begin our fall harvest. We have picked an untold number of tomatoes and eggplant, now it is time to begin harvesting our root crops. On Monday and Tuesday we hope to gather all of our potatoes, carrots and beets. We will plant our garlic and sow red clover as a cover crop.

This Thursday, 9/29, there is a Grand Canyon meeting. We will meet at 6:00 in the 5^th and 6^th grade room. Please return your interest slips ASAP.

September 19, 2011

From 9-14-11

 

September 17^th marked the beginning of Constitution Week. Your child received a pocket-sized copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. We discussed the first 8 amendments in the Bill of Rights and talked about why that document continues to be so important to Americans. The School Day blog contains a video that students watched.

Speaking of the blog, you can get to it by going to the BES website, or by going directly to http://besjohns.blogspot.com. The blog contains parent letters, a homework calendar, pictures of daily activities, and learning goals.

This Monday, today, we begin our goal setting conferences. I can meet with you on Monday or Tuesday afternoon. If neither of those afternoons are convenient, get in touch and we will set up another time.

This Wednesday, at 5:30 there is a BBQ at the school. At 6:15 of that same evening, I would like to meet with parents that are interested in discussing the possibility of taking some students to the Grand Canyon.

September 12, 2011

From 9-10-11

This will be the first full week of school but already students have taken several tests. The entire class has spelling tests on Friday and 6th graders had their first math quiz today.

6th grade math students are reviewing factors, multiples, prime factorization and applications of these skills. One big change for the 6th graders is the emphasis on explaining math knowledge in complete sentences. 5th graders are studying arrays, multiplication facts, fact families and factor pairs.

Most students began their first writing project, writing to inform. They are writing step-by-step instructions for a process. The focus will be on writing complete sentences and developing topic sentences.

In science, students will be learning about plants, seeds and germination.

Next week, we have goal setting conferences. I am excited to have an opportunity to meet with you and learn about your hopes and dreams for your child. You may schedule an appointment by calling Mrs. Andrews.

Go to the "Our School Day" link to see more pictures.