12/18/17

Reminders:

As winter break nears, we would like to celebrate the conclusion of several projects and tests with a student breakfast.  We would like to ask each student to bring in a little something to share on Friday, December 22.  Students will sign up in Ms. Johnson's room.  You can also respond to this email, or contact ajohnson@mymtsd-vt.org

In addition to the breakfast, students will have a variety of activities in which they can choose to participate. If you or your child has a board game they can bring in, this would be a great help.

Outdoor clothing needed for Wednesday advisory time (coats, gloves, boots)

Math: Module 1 Test Wednesday and Practice fractions over break

Language Arts:  Students are expected to hand in their explorer essay today.  Students that are not prepared to meet the deadline are welcome to stay after school today (Monday) and Wednesday 12/20/17.  

Science- Kids are working on creating testable questions. Science Fair will be February 8th

Social Studies:  There are quite a few students who did not complete their "The Things They Carried" project, so Monday will be used for those students who need to complete their work.  For those who have finished, I introduced an opportunity for our students to communicate with a 6th grade class in a public school in India. My son is working their for the year as part of a "gap year" program and has connected us with the classroom.  Some students are make a video, and many others are writing letters.  This will be the focus for part of our week. Here is a link if you would like to see the classroom:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8yovO56diA

We will also be viewing the movie Apollo 13 as it relates to modern day exploration.

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video The school I volunteer at in India

The school I volunteer at in Indi

12/11/17 Weekly Parent Email

Hello to All!

• As I am sure you are aware, report cards have been delayed due to a systems error.  They should be out this week!

• Please Note- the STAR Math and STAR reading assessments have been moved to February.

Math students have been filling out their planners daily and are expected to show their parents.  This week, students should have at least 3 nights of math homework.  Next week there will be a Module 1 test on rates and ratios.

Social Studies:  Last week, students finished their research on their "modern day" explorer using a graphic organizer.  This week they will take their research and put it together into a "journal" like project called: The Things They Carried.  This will be due at the end of the class Friday.  They can bring them home during the week to work on them and to show you their progress.

Language Arts:  Using the research compiled in this class as well as in Social Studies, students will write a 2-4 page informational essay.  The first day of essay writing is today, and all essay writing will be completed by Friday.  Several students still owe a Dead Man at Indian Creek summary, as well as a two paragraph written piece on Columbus.  These should be finished for homework and turned in before Friday. Students are welcome to stay after today, Wednesday or Thursday if they need assistance.

As always, students are expected to read a minimum of 20 minutes per night for their literacy class. There are still many overdue storyboard projects that need to be completed.  Arrangements can be made to stay after school with Miss Baldwin if the project cannot be completed for homework.

Language Arts Homework 12/4

For Language Arts class, students need to complete their book summary for Dead Man In Indian Creek.  The summary should be 2-3 paragraphs in length, focusing on the first half, then the second half (2 paragraphs) or the beginning, middle and end of the book (3 paragraphs).

Weekly Team News 12/4

Good Morning Team Independence Families!

Announcements:

Report cards can be expected in the mail any day now!

12/5/17-MMS Concert 6:30-8:00

12/7/17-PTO meeting immediately after school; all are invited to join

There is a middle school dance on Friday, December 8, from 7-9pm with a glow in the dark/black light theme.  Students can wear neoen, white or glow in the dark clothing.

Social Studies:  Last week was great to see all of the presentations.  Students presented a minimum of 3 times to small groups and it was easy to see the improvements made each time.  I opened it up to students to present in front of the whole class.  I was amazed to see all of the volunteers step up to present.  We are beginning the final phase of our exploration unit.  Students will focus on modern day exploration.  Ms Endres and I put together a list of explorers from the modern age for students to choose from.  By Tuesday, all students should have chosen an explorer to research.  Research will only be done through our MMS online library resources (students all have a packet entitled "Exploration: Research Paper and Project" with the instructions).  By Friday, all of the research should be complete.  They will have a graphic organizer to complete during the week for their notes.  Please check in with your son/daughter on their progress.  Thanks.

Language Arts: As noted above, students will be researching beginning in their social studies class and continuing in LA class.  An informational essay requirement will follow the research with a deadline set for December 15. On December 18, the STAR Reading assessment will occur.

Math students should be gearing up for the STAR Math assessment by reviewing their math facts.  The assessment will be held on December 11.

For Literacy class, students should continue to read a minimum of 20 minutes per night

Science students will continue their study of ecosystems and prep for the Science Fair.

We hope you have a great week!

Team Independence