Congratulations to the Star Generals for the month of November!

The following students were chosen as

Students of the Month

for their outstanding work and attitude in the classroom.

The Voyagers would like share some useful homework tips from Dr. Jim Fay, of the Love and Logic Institute:

Helping Your Child with Homework

There's no need to battle with your child over homework. Far too many parents feel that it's their job to make their kids do all of their work. As a result, they find themselves in un-winnable power-struggles with their kids. Even sadder, their children begin to see learning as frustrating and a bad thing.

Give yourself a break! Listed below are some guidelines for upping the odds that your child will view you as a homework ally...rather than an educational enemy:

• Help only when your child truly wants it.
• Help only as long as you are enjoying the process. As soon as anger and frustration enters the equation, you run the risk of having your child associate learning with these uncomfortable emotions.
• Avoid creating unhealthy dependency. Tell your child, "I'm going to let you work on your own most of the time so that you will know that you can learn even when I am not sitting next to you."
• Help only as long as your child is working harder than you are.
• Remember that it is far better for a child to get a poor homework grade than to believe that it's their parent's responsibility to force them to do their work.

Mrs. Brown's English classes are currently working on poetry elements, figurative language, and parts of speech.  They are also working on writing different types of poetry.  The test over poetry elements is scheduled for November 19. Reflections entries are due to Mrs. Brown on Nov. 10 or Nov. 11.  Be sure to get your entry form signed by your parent or guardian to earn extra credit! Check out Mrs. Brown's website for detailed information!

Students in Mr. Davis' science classes will be moving into a chapter on the periodic table of the elements.  They will complete a project over an element of their choice that will include a written paper, 3-D model, and a presentation in class.

American History students are beginning their study of the United States Constitution.  They will be working on Chapters 8 and 9 along with the Constitution Handbook in their textbook.  They will also be working on the Alphabet Book Project. 

Mrs. Dorris' math classes are finishing Chapter 3 on operations with rational numbers with a test on November 17 and 18. They will be beginning Chapter 4 on collecting, organizing, and displaying data. The algebra classes have a test on graphing linear equations (Chapter 4) on Monday, November 15. They will be starting Chapter 5 which is on writing linear equations. All students will be working on a portfolio project which is due January 6 and 7. Detailed assignment sheets for classes and the portfolio project instructions are located on Mrs. Dorris' website.

GREEN TEAM

R.E.A.D.

            R.E.A.D. classes are continuing to work on reading and writing! Please make sure your students are completing their five entries and book club assignments for reading weeks.

            The sixth graders are beginning a unit on approaching and navigating text during reading weeks. During writing weeks, we will be finishing up a study of the 6 + 1 traits. The seventh graders are continuing a unit on strategies to help them read and understand fiction stories. They are also working on choosing more complex ideas to write about during writing weeks. Eighth graders are continuing to work on their author studies. Please check to be sure your child is working on this project every week. During writing weeks, eighth graders are focusing on improving the sequencing and pace of their stories.

Christina Burt

523-2604

cjburt@spsmail.org