Greetings from Sixth grade!
We are off to such a busy start this year.
We had a great time at Camp Winnebago. There were several problem solving activities that we participated in. Sometimes they were very frustrating, but in the end we solved all of them with lots of teamwork!! We hope you talked to your youngster about what they did at camp. Team building is something we work on all year long.
Then we had author, Justin Somper come to Washington to talk to us about his book and the craft of writing. Wonderland Books brought Mr. Somper to town and we enjoyed his storytelling. He spent some time telling us how he organizes his writing, tackles writers' block and where ideas come from. Lots of hands shot up when he asked who wanted to be a writer. Mr. Peterson was excited to see that since he has lots of writing planned for them this year!
Our first Progress Reports went out using the new computer system, and as you can imagine there are some errors. They won't be mailed every time but sixth grade will be sending out progress reports more frequently so we (student, parent, and teacher) can stay on top of your student's progress. Please be patient with us while we figure out this new system.
We are looking forward to the new Careers on Wheels program planned for Friday, October 15. We will be spending the afternoon outside, with a kick-off by Aaron Wilson, broadcasting at noon on CBS. We'll be outside from 12:00 - 2:30, rain or shine, so be sure your student dresses for the weather.
We have a special request: PLEASE check your student's assignment notebook daily. Some children are choosing not to use them and it is causing problems already. This is a habit worth building. As adults most of us rely on planners/calendars to stay on top of our busy lives. We need to help the students develop that habit. Some students need to have their planners signed by each teacher every day. We are happy to accommodate that request. However, it is the youngsters' responsibility to come to us in class (beginning/end) to get our signature. We would, then, ask you to sign each day that you have looked it over with your student.
One more thing: Cleaning out folders/binders with your student is great. Please do NOT throw away papers until the semester. Occasionally students need to refer back to them as reference. Additionally, the new grade system, along with human error, can create the need to verify assignment grades.
Keep an eye out for the following:
Math: just started on new unit on decimals, percents, and fractions
Science: There will be a two day test on the metric system: 10.07.10 - lab portion/10.08.10 - written portion
English: just finished up parts of speech/parts of sentences/beginning expository writing
Humanities: genre quiz 10.04.10/ Book reports are due on 10.08.10
Social Studies: just finished unit on Early Humans - moving on to ancient Mesopotamia
