The Next Few Weeks

Thank you to all the families who sent in extra pencils and snacks. It has helped the classroom tremendously and seeing the outside donations has helped slow food requests from students with packed lunches. I really appreciate the support!

This week, we are continuing our state test adventures with the Language Arts performance task. Students are asked to read a series of articles on the same topic, reflect on the information within the reading, and then use the information to write an expository, narrative, or persuasive piece. It is a very demanding task, but the students are working hard. 

Next week, we will begin math testing. First we will have a week of multiple choice items, followed by a week off. Then, May 15-19, we will conclude state testing with the completion of the math performance task. I can't wait!

On May 10th, the sixth grade team will be heading to Portland for our annual Timbers soccer game field trip. More information will follow soon. I have room for five chaperones, but tickets are not free. If you would like to join us, please let me know. The cost is $10.

A Few Quick Notes for the Week

This week's writing homework has to do with executive functioning skills. I had students complete a short survey to help them reflect on their strengths and weakness in the classroom environment. If you have an opportunity, please take a minute to look through the survey with your child. It is interesting to see how they think they perform in the different areas. Some kids seem very in touch with their performance, some are very hard on themselves, while others appear pretty satisfied with their skills. Enjoy!

A helpful chart from Mrs. White

I also have a special plea: we are running out of pencils, tissues, and boy are these kids hungry! For most of the year, I have tried to have a few snacks available to students that do not pack lunches. But, in the last few weeks, I have a number of students asking for food. I do not mind sharing, but I also am spending quite a bit of money at Grocery Outlet supplying these snacks. If you would like to make a small donation (think granola bars, string cheese, crackers), it would be much appreciated. If you are a cold lunch packer, please take a moment to check with you child to see if they are feeling hungry throughout the day. Some students are eating their whole lunch at snack time! Any pencils or tissues are also welcome!

Finally, report cards will be coming home with your student on Thursday afternoon. Please look for the envelope. I will also include a small slip of paper for the parents to sign indicating you have reviewed the report card. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail or telephone call. 

It's Spring!

State Testing

I hope all of you had a relaxing and refreshing spring break. In the last week, we have fully gotten back into the "spring" of things with the start of state testing. This week, your students will be finishing the first section of the language arts test. In two weeks, we will begin the essay portion of the exam. All of the kids are working very hard, taking their time, and being exceptionally respectful in the testing environment. 

You may have also noted the lack of writing homework last week; as a gift to the class, I do not assign writing homework on the weeks we have state testing. I hope the students are taking the opportunity to get outside and get some fresh air every afternoon. As we approach math testing, I may assign short writing assignments. More information will follow.

Human Growth and Development

This afternoon your student will be bringing home information about our human growth and reproduction unit. We will begin instruction next week. If you would like to look over the curriculum, or if you have any questions, please feel free send me an email. All of the materials we cover in class are available in the main office for you to preview. 

Please also take a moment to remind your student of your behavior expectations while covering this material. I have a very strict "zero-tolerance" policy for inappropriate call-outs and/or language. Students who cannot self-manage during this unit will be asked to leave class, will receive a referral, and may possibly not return to class until we are done with the unit. 

Science

Ms. C wanted me to let you know that catapults will be due on May 3rd, and the yellow folder and catapult packet are due by May 5th. The catapult project is an at-home assignment. If you have questions, please feel free to send Ms. C any queries. She is excited to see what the students create. 

Crazy Hair, Book Fair, and our Looming Spring Break

Upcoming Events

We have a few fun upcoming events. Tomorrow is crazy hair day! I am super excited to see the awesome hair arrangements this class creates. Next week, our PTO is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair. Students will be able to make purchases during our regularly scheduled library time, Monday and Thursday morning. In addition, the fair will be open during recess on Tuesday and Thursday. If after school times become available, I will let the students know.

Spring Break

Next week, we will have a half-day on the March 24, marking the start of spring break. As we move into this time of year, you might notice your student's behavior shifting at home or at school. With middle school just around the corner, the kids become increasingly excited for the end of the year. When we return from break, we will spend some time reviewing classroom expectations and start discussing study skills and habits for middle school. 

Maybe it was my years away from teaching sixth grade, but last year I noticed a sharp decline in performance after spring break. It also doesn't help that state testing takes place immediately after the break, creating an artificial sense of, "Okay, I've learned everything I need to know for the test, so now I'm done!" As as result, students do become more restless. I have some engaging activities planned for the spring and still a lot of material to cover. Any support families can offer at home, in terms of reviewing expectations, maintaining conversations about grades, etc. is welcome. I am always here to answer questions and offer help. 

I am looking forward to the coming break and getting recharged for the end of the year! Have a wonderful weekend!

Last Minute Announcements!

Twin Day

The KC Club's Kindness and Compassion Week will conclude tomorrow with TWIN DAY. Encourage your student to find a friend to match up with tomorrow. Have fun!

Grade Level Fundraisers

The sixth grade is currently running a fundraiser to help support end-of-year field trips. We are selling Otto Petersen t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other athletic wear. The ordering process is simple: visit the school website, click on the link, and place your order! T-shirts purchased online can be shipped to the school for free. We will also have sales throughout the year. We appreciate your support.

The fourth grade is also currently holding their annual clam chowder sale. Sixth graders are welcome to help support through selling of their own. Or, if you have a favorite fourth grader, give them a call and order a batch. Your purchase helps support the amazing field trips the fourth grade provides.

Middle School Forecasting

Middle school is just around the corner, and that mean spring forecasting. Next Tuesday, March 7, the middle school counselor will be here describing the middle school electives, schedules, and procedures. Your student will be coming home with a form for you to review, sign, and return to the school. Keep a look out for this material next week. 

This is an exciting time of year, but as we move into the spring I want to encourage all the students to remain mindful of their study habits (homework and classwork completion), behavior, and physical well-being. We still have a lot to cover this year, and I am looking forward to the fun!

Persuasive Writing

This week we are starting our first persuasive writing piece. You will be working with a partner to persuade Ms. Kinsman and your class that you and your partner should NOT have writing homework next week. 

Click on the link below to create an outline before you begin your piece. Be sure to print your digital outline before leaving the computer lab. They will not save!

Digital Persuasion Map

Valentines and Basketball

It has been too long since my last blog post! The days we managed to make it to school last month were incredibly productive. In fact, last week I saw the strongest performance on our language arts weekly skills test of the year. Also, student performance on content area work has been stellar. Thank you for sending your students to school ready to learn and work hard!

Hoop-A-Thon

You have hopefully seen the collection envelopes and announcements regarding the upcoming Hoop-A-Thon. This is a great fundraiser for our PTO, and I would like to see all the students participating. If you child has not brought home an envelope, please have them grab an extra from me or the front office. Even a small donation goes a long way to support the field trips, assemblies, and all the extras our PTO helps fund.

Valentine's Day (and the candy)

Oh, boy. Valentine's Day. The most anxiety inducing holiday of the sixth grade year. It has been the sixth grade tradition to hold a team Valentine's Day dance and party for many years. Don't worry: it is very low-key. Mr. Jeremiah puts together a fun playlist of dance music, and the rest of the teachers offer activities and snacks in their classrooms. It is a lot of fun!

I also allow students to pass out Valentine's Day cards in the afternoon. This is not required, but I do ask that if you student brings cards, they bring one for each of their peers. I'll send home a hard copy of our class list with your students soon.

So much candy!!!

 I am also holding a classroom discussion about the staggering volume of candy distributed during this holiday (see image above). While I love candy, and take no issue with small treats in the classroom, I was hoping we could come up with a more creative way of celebrating Valentine's day (without ruining the fun). Do you have any suggestions? Do most parents/families feel like the amount of candy at Valentine's day is okay, and I shouldn't worry so much? Let me know, and I'll take all considerations into account. There is a 'comments' section below. Or, if you would feel more comfortable, please feel free to email me with your concerns or ideas regarding Valentine's day treats. 

Report Cards

Report cards should be coming home this afternoon. There is an insert for parents to sign, indicating you have reviewed your student's report card. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's performance, please do not hesitate to call or email. 

What Else Could I Possibly Have to Share?

I want to give a special thanks to our mystery guest from Wednesday, Jason Nelson. The students loved hearing about his experience as a longshoreman. Congratulations to Daniel and Braden for figuring out his profession.

Next week we will be starting our Maya simulation- one of my favorite units of the year. We are nearly done learning about early human migration and settlements in the Americas. We will also be reading Freedom Walkers, a wonderful non-fiction book about the civil rights movement of the 1950's and 60's and will be working on our first persuasive writing piece. 

I am looking forward to a busy winter. Let's hope we have a bit more school in the coming weeks!