6th Grade Families – Expert Project

Jul19

I wanted to remind the 6th grade families (and introduce new families) of the Expert Project summer assignment.   At the end of the school year your child was introduced to a year long project we are piloting in our classroom this coming school year.  With the introduction, the initial assignment was given.

I am so excited about the opportunity to pilot this project in our classroom this year.  In order for your child to have a good experience, it is imperative that they stay on top of the deadlines for this project.  The introduction letter and first assignments can be found here.

This project is broken into weekly mini-lessons (the first of which is scheduled September 1) and follow-up assignments.  Because this is ultimately a home-project, the bulk of the work will be completed at home by your child. Throughout this project they will learn skills that will help them succeed in Jr. high, high school and university.

This project is going to be a learning experience for us all.  Ultimately, we will celebrate our success during an evening next spring when your child presents their project to you and other invited guests.

In advance, thank you for supporting your child (and me) in this endeavor!

 

Welcome New and Returning Families

Jul19

It’s hard to believe the start to the new school year is just around the corner!  As such, I want to share some important housekeeping items.

Housekeeping Items

Please be sure to check the specific supplies for our classroom as each teacher requires something different.  You can find the list and guideline for preparation here.   If you choose to deliver supplies (highly recommended) prior to the first day of school, please be sure to put your child’s name and my name (Ms. Amity) on the bag so they make it to the correct classroom.

If you have a sixth grade student, your child will need an additional white 2-inch 3-ring binder for their Expert Project.  I will address this project in a separate post.

The school dress code can be found here .  Providing your child with appropriate options for school reduces the number of dress code reminders that we need to fill out allowing us to focus on education.  Please help Ms. Kari and I do our job effectively by ensuring your child adheres to the school dress code.

Subscribe to the school’s main blog here and read the most recent school newsletter here.

Purchase school spirit shirts at this link.  School spirit shirts can be worn in lieu of collared shirts and proceeds support science at MMA.

Pool Party

Join us for our annual pool party Tuesday, August 2 from 7-9pm at North Shore Aquatic Center across the street from the pool.  You will have an opportunity to purchase shirts, sign up to volunteer, reconnect with friends and chat with Ms. Kari and myself.

School Supplies 2016-17 School Year

Jul5

School supplies are starting to appear in stores so I am posting this year’s list so that you can get the best deals.  If your student is returning from last year, feel free to reuse any non-consumables that are still in good shape (pencil boxes, binders, scissors etc).  If items are falling apart or in poor shape, please replace items as you are able.

Students are required to do some preparation of their school supplies prior to the first day of school.  Please find a PDF of the school supplies and the preparation information here.

In addition to the general school supplies, 6th grade students will need a 2″ 3-ring binder and 2 packages of 3×5 note cards (can be any color – they may need more cards as the year progresses) for their expert project.

 

Wrapping It All Up

May6

I can hardly believe this year is coming to an end.  I blinked, and it was May.  With that being said, it’s not over yet; learning is happening everyday and students are expected to stick with it to the very end.

Please make note of the following dates:

May 9 – SAGE Math

May 12, 6:30 – Redwoods meeting for 5th grade parents and students

May 17 – SAGE Science (changed from May 16)

May 25, 10:30 – 6th grade bridging ceremony

May 24-26, 1:30-7:00 – PTC – Sign up for a time on the side bar (watch for a separate post about these final conferences)

For additional dates regarding end of year school-wide activities please read the newsletter.

With the changing weather, we are spending more time outside with lessons than we have in the past.  Please be sure your child has a water bottle, sunscreen, and even a hat to protect them from the sun.   We have been taking a daily run around the track as we transition from independent work to partner and small group work times.  The students love this activity and Ms. Kari and I benefit from the exercise as well.  We will continue this activity this year and into next year as well.  Next year we plan to join Ms. Shanan’s class for their Wednesday WOD (work out of the day), I can’t wait to include this element into our work cycle.

Our last two SAGE exams are upcoming.  Monday, May 9 we take our Math exam and Tuesday, May 17 we take our Science exam.  Please help your child be prepared by ensuring a good night rest, healthy breakfast and lunch as well as a healthy snack for test day.   Please be sure your child is on time to school on these days.  Arriving on time helps them relax and settle in prior to the assessment.

Finally, thank you for all the kindness during teacher appreciation week!  The flowers, cards, drinks and gifts are all greatly appreciated!