What a wild ride! I don't know who's more amazed at how busy we've been: the students or the teachers! I'd like to take a moment to update you on some further CHPCS and 6th Grade topics.
Riggs- Starting up!
Students will receive 6 spelling words a day. These words will be based on commonly misspelled words, vocabulary words from current studies, and words derived from Greek and Latin roots. Students should anticipate having Riggs homework every night! They will be tested on recent Riggs words every morning when they arrive at school!
Science- Experiments galore!
Our first unit of study is the Scientific Method. This will be something we revisit throughout the next several months as we lead into January's science fair. Students are learning to ask questions, conduct experiments, record data, and report results. They will be expected to come to class EVERY MORNING with a question that could be scientifically tested! Two weeks from now they should each have a plethora of starting points for the science fair!
It is also my goal to get students into the science lab at least once a week for a genuine experiment! I need help getting things set up, and the science lab could really use a makeover. Let me know if you're interested in helping me make this a reality!
Social Studies- Ancient Greece
Our ancient Greece unit is off to a wonderful start! We will be going all in this quarter: making Greek snacks, building amphitheaters and wooden horses, creating model cities... Somehow we're also going to fit in some reading and discussion time!
This last week we started reading "The Tale of Troy" as well as some Greek myths that I imagine you'll be hearing about at home, as they are often quite strange and shocking! We also began talking about the structure of the Greek city-state (or polis) and how it resembles cities, kingdoms, and countries today.
Writing / IEW- Off to a slow but steady start
We will be reviewing the basic elements of the writing process, outlines, dress-ups, etc. It is important that students take this time seriously so that we are ready to participate in National Novel Writing Month in November! Visit http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/ to get an idea of how we'll be writing novels this year.
Math- Boot camp's over!
We spent the first week of school practicing our basic math facts, reviewing multiplication, and establishing routines and procedures. Next week we will do some baseline testing to see where students are currently at, then jump into our textbook! This year I am teaching Course 1, which is the 6th-grade level book. Course 2 is the equivalent of 7th grade math. If you have questions about your student's math placement or homework, feel free to contact me!
School Pictures- Reminder
It is that time of year again. Yes it is time for those SPECIAL SCHOOL PICTURES!! All children must wear the school uniform and abide by the dress code (you can find this in the front of the student planner) in their picture.
No picture packets needed and no money needs to be sent to school on picture day.
Every student will have their picture taken even if you do not wish to purchase pictures. We upload student pictures to the district database Synergy, and student pictures will also go into our annual yearbook (which will be on sale in the spring and go home the last day of school).
Once the photographer has completed the editing process she will send us information to send to the families for viewing of the pictures online and to complete purchases online. There will not be retake days because the photographer will take a few shots for you to choose from.
Tuesday, Sept 16
4th -8th grade
8-11
Field Trips / Projects- Quick Update
Mrs. Masterson sent out some important dates and details regarding upcoming projects in 6th grade. I've received a few follow-up questions and will be getting back to you shortly. Please join us to build stuff! It will be
Attendance/Arrival- Let’s all work to be on time for school!
At Cascade Heights , families come from many different areas and getting to school on time can be a challenge. Please plan ahead!
* Lay out uniform and backpack the night before (don’t forget your planner)
*Get a good night’s sleep
* Leave in plenty of time (especially if you cross train tracks or travel with traffic)
Students are to be in their seats ready to learn by 8:00 a.m. Our doors open at 7:45 a.m. each morning and close at 7:55. This gives students plenty of time to walk to class, put backpacks, jackets, and lunch away before taking their seats.
If you do happen to be late:
a. If student is in class but not in their seat- teacher will mark the child tardy but will not send them back to the office.
b. In order to start our day promptly, teachers close their classroom door promptly at 8:00. If a student arrives to school in time, but arrives to a closed classroom door, this may mean they were not efficient getting to class and an office pass will be required to enter class. This is to ensure the safety of all students.
c. If a student arrives at school after 7:55 the student must be signed in by an adult. Park safely, bring your child to the office where they will receive a pass to go right to class while the parent signs the student in under later arrival on the HelpCounter computer located by the door.
Supplies- The "I NEED" Syndrome
With several brand-new additions to our teaching staff (myself included) there have been some questions about supplies and requirements for homeroom and specials. I have had several parents e-mail me with concerns about needing to provide their child with additional binders, notebooks, etc. This is EXACTLY what I want you to do! Chances are that we can work with what you have already purchased. In some instances we can dig up some extra resources in the classroom or elsewhere in the school.
Earlier this week I told students to bring an empty 2-liter bottle if they had one. The "if you have one" piece got lost in translation. If I ask your child to bring something you don't have, shoot me an e-mail and ask if there is an alternative. I will be better at having them include "IF I HAVE IT" in their planners.
I hope everyone had a great weekend! See you all tomorrow!
Riggs- Starting up!
Students will receive 6 spelling words a day. These words will be based on commonly misspelled words, vocabulary words from current studies, and words derived from Greek and Latin roots. Students should anticipate having Riggs homework every night! They will be tested on recent Riggs words every morning when they arrive at school!
Science- Experiments galore!
Our first unit of study is the Scientific Method. This will be something we revisit throughout the next several months as we lead into January's science fair. Students are learning to ask questions, conduct experiments, record data, and report results. They will be expected to come to class EVERY MORNING with a question that could be scientifically tested! Two weeks from now they should each have a plethora of starting points for the science fair!
It is also my goal to get students into the science lab at least once a week for a genuine experiment! I need help getting things set up, and the science lab could really use a makeover. Let me know if you're interested in helping me make this a reality!
Social Studies- Ancient Greece
Our ancient Greece unit is off to a wonderful start! We will be going all in this quarter: making Greek snacks, building amphitheaters and wooden horses, creating model cities... Somehow we're also going to fit in some reading and discussion time!
This last week we started reading "The Tale of Troy" as well as some Greek myths that I imagine you'll be hearing about at home, as they are often quite strange and shocking! We also began talking about the structure of the Greek city-state (or polis) and how it resembles cities, kingdoms, and countries today.
Writing / IEW- Off to a slow but steady start
We will be reviewing the basic elements of the writing process, outlines, dress-ups, etc. It is important that students take this time seriously so that we are ready to participate in National Novel Writing Month in November! Visit http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/ to get an idea of how we'll be writing novels this year.
Math- Boot camp's over!
We spent the first week of school practicing our basic math facts, reviewing multiplication, and establishing routines and procedures. Next week we will do some baseline testing to see where students are currently at, then jump into our textbook! This year I am teaching Course 1, which is the 6th-grade level book. Course 2 is the equivalent of 7th grade math. If you have questions about your student's math placement or homework, feel free to contact me!
School Pictures- Reminder
It is that time of year again. Yes it is time for those SPECIAL SCHOOL PICTURES!! All children must wear the school uniform and abide by the dress code (you can find this in the front of the student planner) in their picture.
No picture packets needed and no money needs to be sent to school on picture day.
Every student will have their picture taken even if you do not wish to purchase pictures. We upload student pictures to the district database Synergy, and student pictures will also go into our annual yearbook (which will be on sale in the spring and go home the last day of school).
Once the photographer has completed the editing process she will send us information to send to the families for viewing of the pictures online and to complete purchases online. There will not be retake days because the photographer will take a few shots for you to choose from.
Tuesday, Sept 16
4th -8th grade
8-11
Field Trips / Projects- Quick Update
Mrs. Masterson sent out some important dates and details regarding upcoming projects in 6th grade. I've received a few follow-up questions and will be getting back to you shortly. Please join us to build stuff! It will be
Attendance/Arrival- Let’s all work to be on time for school!
At Cascade Heights , families come from many different areas and getting to school on time can be a challenge. Please plan ahead!
* Lay out uniform and backpack the night before (don’t forget your planner)
*Get a good night’s sleep
* Leave in plenty of time (especially if you cross train tracks or travel with traffic)
Students are to be in their seats ready to learn by 8:00 a.m. Our doors open at 7:45 a.m. each morning and close at 7:55. This gives students plenty of time to walk to class, put backpacks, jackets, and lunch away before taking their seats.
If you do happen to be late:
a. If student is in class but not in their seat- teacher will mark the child tardy but will not send them back to the office.
b. In order to start our day promptly, teachers close their classroom door promptly at 8:00. If a student arrives to school in time, but arrives to a closed classroom door, this may mean they were not efficient getting to class and an office pass will be required to enter class. This is to ensure the safety of all students.
c. If a student arrives at school after 7:55 the student must be signed in by an adult. Park safely, bring your child to the office where they will receive a pass to go right to class while the parent signs the student in under later arrival on the HelpCounter computer located by the door.
Supplies- The "I NEED" Syndrome
With several brand-new additions to our teaching staff (myself included) there have been some questions about supplies and requirements for homeroom and specials. I have had several parents e-mail me with concerns about needing to provide their child with additional binders, notebooks, etc. This is EXACTLY what I want you to do! Chances are that we can work with what you have already purchased. In some instances we can dig up some extra resources in the classroom or elsewhere in the school.
Earlier this week I told students to bring an empty 2-liter bottle if they had one. The "if you have one" piece got lost in translation. If I ask your child to bring something you don't have, shoot me an e-mail and ask if there is an alternative. I will be better at having them include "IF I HAVE IT" in their planners.
I hope everyone had a great weekend! See you all tomorrow!