October 31, 2011

From 10-27-11

Last week, students began exploring the properties of water molecules. Students observed how water dissolves grains of sugar and learned first hand how energetic H20 molecules can break apart a solid. 6th grade math students are investigating decimal equivalence and on Monday, students will work on their first collaborative project via Google Apps.

Next week, we will begin a Social Studies unit on US states and geography. When we finish the details of the project, I will post it on the class blog.

 At the end of the day on Friday, we said goodbye to Ashlie Grant. Ashlie really appreciated the cards, gifts and refreshments and I have no doubt that we will continue to stay in touch with her.

  On Monday afternoon we have a Harvest Party. There are many interesting activities for students, all around a fall and harvest theme. You can find more details of the afternoon in last week’s newsletter.

This Thursday, November 3rd, there is a Grand Canyon meeting. We are trying to determine how many adults are interested in attending and there are several big changes to discuss. Please try to attend. Thursday, 6PM in the 5/6 room. If you are not able to attend, you can read the minutes on the blog: bes-trip.blogspot.com

October 24, 2011

From Melting Ice 10/18/2011 Last week we had a very nice hike in Acadia. You can find pictures of the hike on the “Our School Day” blog. This Sunday there is a hike to Great Pond. We will meet at the Fish Hatchery at 9:00AM. Need a ride? Give me a call! In science we are continuing to investigate water and this week we will begin some of our first science experiments. The 6thgraders are beginning to study decimals and they will have a quiz at the end of the week. You can follow up on homework by checking the blog: http://besjohns.blogspot.com/ The cover crop we planted, clover, is beginning to sprout and the seedlings are doing well. This week we hope to begin making signs for next springs garden. Can you bake for a Grand Canyon fundraiser? We are having a bake sale on November 8th. Tonyia Peasely is collecting baked items. This Friday is Ashlie Grant's last day. We are having a party for her at the end of the day. Nicole and I are taking care of refreshments.

October 17, 2011

We have reached the mid-trimester. Reports are in the yellow envelopes. If you have questions or concerns, please give me or the teacher involved a call.

This week our big projects are planting our winter crops and making salsa. Last week we cleaned all of the garden beds and some of the greenhouse beds. Now we are planting winter crops such as chard and kale, putting garlic cloves in for spring and sowing clover on the dormant beds.

The 6^thgraders are studying the application of fractions. They had their first quiz today. In science, students are learning about matter and in spelling we are working in a review of the first 5 units.

Marshal is back and while he really liked Las Vegas, he gave the Grand Canyon two thumbs up. Speaking of which, there is a GrandCanyon meeting on October 20^that 6PM. It will be in the 5/6 grade room.

October 3, 2011

From Just For Fun

This is a short week and it will be dominated by our yearly NECAP testing. All students will take 3 sessions of reading tests followed by 3 sessions of math tests. The 5th graders have an additional writing test. The testing takes place in the mornings so getting to school on time will be especially important this week. There are several activities planned for the afternoon. On Monday, the 3rd - 6th graders will spend an hour gathering materials for our new compost pile and on Thursday, the school will spend the afternoon cleaning local beaches. Over the next week, we will begin wrapping up our unit science unit on seeds and germination and begin our next unit on matter and molecules. The 6th graders should be bringing home their math unit tests, please take a look at them. October 6th marks the middle of this term and reports will be sent home in the October 17th envelopes. Remember, no school this Friday and next Monday. Have a nice, long weekend!