6th Grade Newsletter: Week of November 19, 2007

 

Hi Parents,

 

Phew, we made it through ITBS testing!  It’s nice to have a short week to recoup from testing.  Last week I sent home a permission slip for our visit to the nursing care and rehabilitation center in Bothell.  If you haven’t already, please fill this out and return in as soon as possible.  Here’s what is on the agenda for the week:

 

Important Dates:

Ø     Tuesday, November 20th:  Vocabulary test

Ø     Wednesday, November 21st: Thanksgiving assembly at 10:30 in gym, feel free to join us if you can; Noon dismissal

Ø     Thursday, November 22nd -Friday, November 23rd: No School, Thanksgiving Holiday

Ø     Tuesday, November 27th: Egypt note cards due to Mrs. Schwartz; Religion test

 

Subject Update:

Language Arts/Social Studies:  The students have begun their research for the Egypt reports.  I am working with Mrs. Conrow to support the writing aspects of this project.  The students will receive a Social Studies grade (based on the grading handout Mrs. Conrow gave to the students last week) and a writing grade from me (based on the requirements laid out on the rubric I gave them today). 

 

Last week, the student’s learned how to use their research folder to take notes and cite their sources.  We practiced how to record information in their own words, not just copying from their source.  Mrs. Carlson gave a lesson on how to use the correct format for source citing so that the students will be able to construct a bibliography for their report.  Like last week, I will be giving the students additional time (on top of their daily Social Studies period) during Language Arts to conduct their research and take notes.  On Tuesday, Mrs. Carlson will be giving a short internet safety lesson, and the students will get additional time to conduct research on-line.  Mrs. Conrow has reserved the lab several other times.  Please note: The students had two 45 minute periods each day last week and the same on Monday & Tuesday of this week.  The students who use their time well should have no problem finishing their note cards by next Tuesday (they will also get 2 more periods next Monday).  Please be sure to check your student’s progress on his/her note cards.  We are not requiring them to do research at home, but they may find they need to if they haven’t used their class time efficiently.  Students need enough information on their note cards for:

Ø     A one page report on each Egyptian ruler (3 rulers)

Ø     A ½ page report on each Egyptian topic (2 topics)

Ø     Entire report totals 4 pages (more is OK)

Ø     The report should be typed in 14 pt. and double spaced

 

The students note cards will be due to me on Tuesday, November 27th.  This deadline is to ensure that students have adequate time to write their report.  I will look over their note cards to be sure that each student has enough information to begin their written report, that the information has been written/summarized in their own words, and that they have correctly cited their sources. 

 

Next Tuesday, Mrs. Carlson will instruct the students in how to prepare an outline from their note cards.  Due dates to keep in mind:

November 27th: Note cards due to Mrs. Schwartz

November 30th: Outlines due to Mrs. Conrow

December 7th: Final report due (two copies – one for Mrs. Conrow and one for Mrs. Schwartz)

 

Literature:  The students were given the class period today to study for tomorrow’s vocabulary test.

 

Math: The 6th graders will be finishing up their ITBS this week.  They will, also, be taking a short quiz on Tuesday.

 

I wish everyone a great Thanksgiving.

Mary Riley

 

Religion: Today during our daily written reflection time, I asked the students to write a Thanksgiving prayer to share with their families on the holiday.  Please be sure to ask your student to share this with you.  We are finishing Chapter 3 this week.  The students will receive a study guide on Tuesday for the test, which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 27th. 

 

On another note, thank you to the 6th grade families who have donated to the food drive.  Each student is asked to bring 1-2 items from our list each month.  Our class has been assigned beverages for the food drive (i.e. juices, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, etc.). 

 

Science: This short week in science we are wrapping up our study of the plants vascular system.

 

I wish all of your families a safe and restful Thanksgiving holiday!  I am so thankful for the gift of all of your wonderful children and this job that I love!  J

 

~ God Bless,

Pam Schwartz