The Latest from Grade 6!

I hope you are enjoying the signs of spring!  I can’t wait to get back out on those tennis courts!  Here’s an update on the latest in Grade 6:

Progress Reports- Please sign and return the folders.  Also, please return the blue conference slip confirming your conference time.  I look forward to connecting with you and your son and daughter on Friday.

     Math- We are finishing up our Unit on Fractions, Decimals, and Percent.  I have attached Extra Practice sheets to this email- feel free to use them as you like.  We will work on finishing this Unit by the end of the week, and plan to have our Unit Test next Tuesday, March 27.

      Science- We are still studying Electricity.  In support of our learning, Thursday has been declared “ONE DAY UNPLUGGED”.  At school, we will be doing our best to NOT use electricity.  This will require some flexibility and creative use of space, but I think it will be a very good learning experience.  As long as the weather is okay, we will do some of our learning outside.  I would like students to bring a “sit-upon” so that if it is not too wet, we can sit on the ground.  There is an “outdoor classroom” area on the playground with benches, so that will be our first option!  Students will complete a log book throughout the day and the night, recording their experiences and thoughts about the simulation.  I have challenged students (and myself!!) to extend the experiment as much as possible at home.   Even having kids “unplug” their electronic games, gadgets and the television for a day would be useful for this simulation. 

      Lunchroom- I have spoken with both Grade 6 classes about lunchroom procedures and rules.  “Regular” lunchroom students must inform the lunchroom supervisor (in our room’s case, that’s me) about any alternate lunch plans and receive permission from parents for any changes.  “Casual” students have been reminded that they need to communicate and receive permission from parents before carrying out alternate lunch plans, such as walks to Dairy Queen.  Thanks for helping us make sure everyone is safe during our lunch hour.

Thanks, everyone!

Green Links Continued

Question:  What impact does electricity consumption have on the environment?

Sustainable Energy for All
Alberta's Tar Sands
Australia's Great Barrier Reef at Risk
David Suzuki: Climate Change
CBC: Climate Change
National Geographic: The Great Energy Challenge

A couple pics...

Here is a pic of just a handful of the Book Extravaganza Projects earlier this year!  As you can see, The Hunger Games came out as a popular selection!

We have been continuing to explore circuits in Science!  Here we are working with wires, batteries, switches and light bulbs!

Math Help

Looking for some help with fractions?  Check out this site, which is directly related to our learning!

Grade 6 Lights Up!

On Friday, we had an awesome learning experience!  Students learned how to wire a lamp!  My Dad, Mr. McMillan, came to lead us through the exercise, and Mr. Wilkes stopped by to help out, too.

The Latest in Grade 6

Welcome to a new week!  Just a few things to update you on today from the Grade 6 world..

-I will be checking in with kids about their rough drafts for their speeches today.  The final draft is due Friday.  I have told the class that if they have a major time issue with getting the final draft done by this date, to come and speak with me early this week.

-We are having a Science quiz on Friday. Students are welcome to take home textbooks to study but please ensure that they return them to school as they are costly.  There are about 20 terms to study in preparation for this quiz.

-We rocked the Unit 4 Math Test!  The class average was 89%.  Students should have their tests signed.  I have also included an overall summary of their current mark in Math.

-We are going on our second cross-country skiing trip on Wednesday morning.  Please send $3 for the bus (this covers our trip last Monday). 

-It would be great to have all of the Mission Ridge money in by Thursday if possible, as I am leaving for Hong Kong on Friday!

-Tomorrow is Red, White, and Purple Day, as well as the Valentine’s Day dance.  Should be fun!

X-Country Skiing- Day One!