You Are Now Parents of a Middle Schooler!

Thank you so much for the wonderful year. I had such a great time with all your students; they were an absolutely amazing group of kids. I hope you all have an incredible summer. Please be sure to stay in touch in the coming years. Happy Summer!!!!

The Countdown Continues

I'll start with some fun pictures before I get down to business. Here's some shots from our kindergarten visit on Thursday. It looks like we might be headed back on the 19th to help the kinders build space ships! Again, I am so impressed with the sixth graders' patience and coaching when working with these young learners. It is a lot of fun to watch. 

Speeches

We will begin our "How To" speeches tomorrow afternoon. Thank you for helping your student prepare for this final project. If your student would like to bring materials to share with the class, they are welcome. If they are planning on bringing in an animal, please let me know, so I can schedule accordingly.

Field Trip

We will be heading to Oaks Amusement Park on Wednesday. Please make sure your students arrive to school on time. We will depart as close to 8:30 as possible. Please also make sure your child comes with a lunch and beverage. While the concession stands are open, the lines are long. Students will want to make sure they do not waste time waiting in line for food!

The End is Officially Here

I was just telling the students how each year I find myself in a panic in May because I may not have enough material to carry us through to the end of the year. Then, I'll start planning June, and my panic becomes focused on how I don't have nearly enough time to do it all! We have a busy couple of weeks ahead of us! Here's what we have planned so far...

"How To" Speeches

Today, the students and I worked on a lesson to introduce the "How To" speech. This will be a homework assignment for the week. The rough draft of the speech is due on Friday, and we'll begin presentations next Monday, June 12. I found a website with a number of sample topics here. Please encourage your student to have fun with their topic and practice a lot! We don't have much time to deliver the speeches, so I'll have to cut off students who are running too long. I can't wait to see what the kids will teach me this year.

Upcoming Events

Below is a list of fun activities we have planned for the end of the year. I'll try to post updates with pictures and reminders of any materials the students will need for the activities. Please feel free to let me know if you would like to volunteer. We are always looking for extra help. 

June 7: 4th Grade Play, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" at the high school

June 8: Visit to Kindergarten at Watts to help with science experiment 

June 9: Oaks Park permission slips and $5 due; Rough Draft of Speech Due

June 12: Speeches due!

June 14: Oaks Park Visit

June 15: Last day of Math
June 16 or 19: Life tournament (If you have the game of Life, and you are willing to allow your student to bring it to class, please let me know. I would like the students to be able to play in groups of four). This activity is a fun culmination of our recent personal finance unit. Be sure to ask your student to share how they are doing on this activity.
June 16: Grade level awards; Ice Cream Social (2:00)
June 19-20: Art Workshops
June 21: School-Wide Move; Kickball tournament (with a real life, professional kick ball pitcher!)
June 21, 6:00 pm: Art Show, Mural Unveiling and Bake Sale
June 22: Last Day of School- Early Dismissal; Class Awards; Field Day

Yep, We're Still Testing...And Other Interesting Bits from the Week

State Testing

Today we started the "multiple choice" portion of the state math test (many of the questions are fill in the blank, rather than multiple choice), which will continue for the rest of the week. Many students are also still needing to finish their writing performance task. Luckily, we have a break from testing next week before we begin the math performance task.

Timbers Field Trip

If you have not already, please be sure to send your student to school with a signed permission slip and $10 for our upcoming Timbers field trip. I would like to have all permission slips returned by Wednesday. At this time I only have two parent chaperone volunteers. If you would like to join us on the trip, please let me know and I'll add you name to the list. Remember, tickets are also $10 for adults.

Catapult Project

The catapult project for Miss C.'s science class is also due on Wednesday. Your student may bring in their projects tomorrow or Wednesday morning. Any projects not removed from Miss C's room by the end of the week will end up in the garbage. Make sure your child knows how the project is getting home if you would like to save their work.

What Else is Going On?

This week we are also working the rough drafts of our Maya, Aztec, and Inca newspapers, we are starting a new book report, and we have a special Mother's Day project in the works. Despite all the testing, we are trying to maintain our routines and offer engaging relevant instruction for the end of the year.

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.