Need to Know

Stuff you should know:

There is a new WEP field Trip permission form going out for students who were going skiing.  Other WEPs are moving forward as planned.

6th graders!

For Jon, Chow 19 is due friday.

Katie has a Mayan Ball Game compare/contrast due Wednesday.

In Language Arts we are working on "characterizations." These are internal/external traits.

It's a busy time for Joel!  This week an invasive species poster is due.  Also, every Tuesday starting today, Current Event reports are due (see my previous post about the subject).

This week, at various points, students are amplify testing.

Science Current Events

In 6th grade, at Salmon Bay, we are starting Science Current Events in Joel's Science class.  These are recurring weekly reports on a science news article from the last year.

Historically, students have had some trouble with these.  They require self motivation to find an article, read it independently, and write the short report (there is a format sheet students can use).

Unlike most of the 6th grade work, student will have very little class time to work on these.  These are essentially homework or work to be done on the student's own time.

They are due on Tuesdays, and when students fall behind on them, it is very hard to catch up.  There really isn't an excuse to hand them in late either.  Joel already had them write each one in their planners (check your student's planner for this).  Even if a student willfully didn't write it in their planner, they should assume it's due on every Tuesday.  If a student knows he or she will be absent, they can work ahead.  I had a student once who one weekend busted out 10 of them and then sat back for the rest of the quarter.

Here is a handy slide show:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Xev5Wq5tZxEGG4uDTUAdHHVtIPEkN5_itCrS9-b0yL0/edit?usp=sharing

back from mid-winter mini break

Welcome back to school.  We have a short be packed week!

WEP is happening for middle school students.  Since there is not enough snow to ski and snowboard, those students are going to see the acclaimed film, Lincoln.  Other WEP activities will their normally scheduled plans.

6th grade students are taking AMPLIFY testing Thursday the 19th and next week.  This again consists of a computerized test that asks questions that align to 6th grade common core standards.  Some students will take math on Thursday, others Monday.  ELA will be on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Post Super Bowl

After much excitement and buzz, our beloved Seattle Seahawks have lost.  While this is a major blow to the city, life goes on.  In fact, since the 1st Superbowl, in 1967, a team has lost the super bowl 49 times (every time).

Back in school, we are in a new semester and classes have changes slightly.  If you have any questions about your student's schedule or grades, consult your student's homeroom teacher.

In Jon's math class, students are finishing ChOW 17.  It's about dividing fractions.

Kurt is now also teaching a math class for a few students.  We are focusing on targeted skills.  We will have a few different types of homework.  I will keep the parents of those students posted via email.

In science, 6th graders have switched from basic biology to ecology.  Their first reading is about the "miracle fish" the Nile Perch.  There are questions in the text.  If your student doesn't finish in class, Joel can provide them a copy or book to take home (but they need to ask for it!)

Social Studies.  Students are making power points about ancient India or China.  They are due Monday.

LA: Jennifer's students are working on persuasive essays.  They have used graphic organizers to write their ideas, plan their paragraphs, and expand their ideas.  The draft is due Tuesday Feb 10th.  The final is due Feb 13th.