Archives

Thank You!

Feb12

I wanted to thank all of they parents who were able to make it to parent student teacher conference (whew, a mouthful).  It was so nice meeting some of you for the first time and seeing those of you again whom I’ve met with in the past.

I also wanted to thank everyone for the thoughtful Valentine gifts.  Ms. Kari and I are always appreciative of the kindness.

Important reminder: Science fair is next week.  4/5 grade science fair is on Wednesday, February 18 and middle school (6-8 grade) science fair is on Thursday, February 19.  If students bring in their posters on Tuesday, they will have time to rehearse with their friends and we can also check to make sure they have everything they need on the board.

We will have weekly IXL assignments and Utah Compose assignments beginning next week.

Thanks again for all you do to support your child’s education.

Have a wonderful long weekend.

 

SAGE, IXL, Utah Compose Updates

Dec10

I know there has been a bit of confusion regarding the online homework lately.  For that I apologize.  I am still trying to sort out the best way to utilize all of our resources without overwhelming your children and your families.  I know some of you have several children at MMA and the expected work from each class varies.

Last week the first SAGE assignment was given.  I set a one week due date for this assignment (it was due on Monday, December 8).  Very few students completed, or even began, the assignment.  This could have been poor communication on my part, or a misunderstanding on your child’s part.   I have extended the due date to Friday, December 12.  This will give your child a couple of extra days to log on and do the assignment.  Again, you can access these assignments with your child’s log in that is recorded in the back of their planner.

The web address is www.sageportal.org  Once there you must choose students and families and then SAGE Formative.  At this point you can enter your child’s login information.

On Monday, December 15 there will be a new IXL assignment given which will also be available on the blog sometime over the weekend.

We have been working hard in the classroom learning about different types of essays.  I have two learning groups at this time, argumentative essays and informative (or expository) essays.  As such, there has been no Utah Compose updates because we are working with a couple of specific articles and infographics that are not a part of the Utah Compose curriculum.  I’m really excited about the progress your children are making with their outlines.  Our first rough drafts will be turned in this Friday, and from those your students will edit, revise and make a final draft.   It is my desire that these face to face lessons will enable your children to make the most of Utah Compose when we pick it up full swing after the holiday break.

As a reminder, our International Festival is next week.  Your children should be well on their way to a completed project.  If your child has lost their note packet, you can print another one from the PDF page.  Due date for this project is Wednesday, December 16.

And finally, we have our class pancake breakfast on Friday, December 19th.  Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to help and donate supplies and food.   Please let me know no later than Monday, December 15 if you plan on having breakfast with us that morning so we can plan accordingly.

~Cheers

It’s Nearly December?!?!

Nov28

I know I say it often, but I can’t believe this school year is flying by so quickly!  Several of your children have commented that they can’t believe the year is moving so quickly.  If they think it is speeding by, it must be true!

I hope you all have had a peaceful and relaxing Thanksgiving week.  I was able to get some much needed (minor) home improvements taken care of and made it through the piles of laundry that seem to multiply like Mogwai that have been exposed to water.

Important dates to consider as we enter December.

  • December 5th  – Movie Night – Come support our 6th grade students, and enjoy a night out alone, or with your significant other.   This is a great opportunity to have a night free of the little ones and get some holiday shopping done, or just enjoy the company of other adults.
  • December 17th  – International Festival for Upper Elementary classes.  Join us from 9-11am for a tour around the world.  Your children will be presenting their first country study projects.
  • December 19th – Our class is hosting a pre-holiday pancake breakfast.  If you are planning on joining us for the breakfast, please let me know, no later than December 5th so we can be sure to have enough food for everyone.

As a reminder, there is no December book report; however, the January book report is posted.  The genre is biography and the book report style is a timeline.  I will post the requirements and rubric shortly.

The holiday season is upon us and as such, things tend to become hectic relatively quickly. Enjoy the last few days of November and the unseasonably warm weather!

~Cheers

 

Parent Night Out

Nov19

Hello MMA Parents!

Are you ready for a night out?  Great news!  Our 6th graders will be putting on a Movie Night at Maria Montessori on December 5 from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.  Babysitting at a very affordable rate of $3/3 hours will be provided (with additional adult supervision).  The 6th graders will be showing Mr. Peabody and Sherman from 5:30 – 7:00 and Arthur’s Christmas from 7:00 – 8:30 in the gymnasium.  Games and other activities will take place in the kivas.  Pizza, cookies, chips, popcorn and water will all be available for purchase.  So make plans to take a little time for yourself, maybe do some holiday shopping, or have dinner out and bring your children to Maria Montessori for movies, game, dinner and other concessions.

This event is open to children ages 4 & up.  Children 3 & younger may attend but ONLY if you wish to stay at the event with them.  If you are staying with your children there will be no babysitting fee.

We will be PRE-SELLING pizza and babysitting before and after school beginning Wednesday, November 19 from 8:15 – 8:30 and after school from 3:00 – 3:15.  To make it even easier, you may go online to pay.

https://secureinstantpayments.com/sip/cart/event.php?EID=1529

We recommend all pizza orders be made in advance.  A limited number of slices will be available to purchase the night of the event – first come, first serve, but availability is not guaranteed unless you order in advance.

Registering ahead of time for babysitting is also recommended to speed up the check-in process which will give you and the kids more time for fun.

Pre-pay for pizza closes on December 3rd.

You may pre-pay for babysitting up until the event.

Pre-Holiday Pancake Breakfast

Nov15

Good Morning!

Our class will be having a pancake breakfast on Friday, December 19th.    This is a great way to end our year before coming back in January.

Please sign up to support our pancake breakfast if you are able.  We will need donations of food, electric griddles and time in order for this breakfast to be a success.

You can sign up at the wejoinin link here, or in the sidebar.  http://www.wejoinin.com/sheets/ztliu

~Cheers