-April 10,2012 Well, I did not keep my New Year Resolution of keeping my web site updated. I do apologize.
Happy Spring! As wonderful as the warm (hot) weather was a few weeks ago, let's hope this current cool spring weather continues. It's hard to keep everyone focused when it feels like summer. Students have been working hard in all subject areas. It's amazing to think back to the fall and the difficult time some of them had with organizing and getting to classes with all the necessary materials etc. and now it's like second nature. We are still working with "Ereth's Birthday". Since they are doing less comprehension question and more writing, we are moving more slowly through the book while writing more.They're doing a great job learning to write from the point of view of the characters; they especially love to be Ereth. The journal writing affords them the opportunity to be creative. I continue to encourage them to use "sentence starters" and transition words along with details and feelings. The literary element we are currently working on is alliteration. The main charecter is a master of alliterative "swears" and the students are having fun making up their own. Since they have a strong foundation in fractions, I'm hoping that by pretesting and demonstrating proficiency in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions and that we'll be able to move on to geometry, ratios and percents shortly after vacation. Actually, today we did addition and subtraction and everyone did very well! We just have a few little kinks to work out. They had a test today on the Israelites, the Phoenecians, the Lydians and the Persians. If I get them graded today, I'll post them on engrade- otherwise it'll be tomorrow. After vacation, we move to Greece. They will have a research project. More to follow. As I go to engrade to post grades, I also check to see whether students and/or parents have visited to check progress. It's nice to see that many have been checking on a regular basis. I hope students will keep working to the very best of their ability and that they stay focused during the very busy months to come. January 16, 2012, Happy New Year and welcome back! My New Year Resolution -"I will update web site weekly!" -Both of my reading classes have begun new books. -Grade 6 is reading "Ereth's Birthday", by Avi. This book is the third in a series of five. They can be read in order or not. I do have the entire series in my classroom library- perfect for required reading for their logs. In this book, we will be concentrating on character development and the difference between flat and round characters. They should be able to explain this to you. We'll also concentrate on personification. They'll do more writing in the form of journal writing, taking on the role of various characters. Of course they'll still have some comp. questions and occasional quizzes- both announced and pop. -In History, we've just gotten into Egypt. Note taking is improving for some. Each week, we'll have one pop quiz where they'll be able to use their notebook. We'll be doing a research project and I hope to invite a visitor who will share many interesting items and stories about Egypt. There will be a cost involved- I believe it was about $5 per student. -In Math, we are just finishing the chapter on division. Our mid-term exam which covers all of the first 3 chapters will be Monday the 23rd and a separate section on problem solving on Tuesday. They have been given study guides and practice test to work on and then each day in class, we go over any concepts that they feel weak in. My help night is still Monday from 2-2:45, however this week it will be Wed. again because there's no school Monday and the middle school teachers have a team meeting on Tues. Mr. B. has graciously let me have his Wed. help night since there's no exam in Science. So all are welcome this Wed. Also, for anyone needing a little extra help on a particular concept, I'm trying to keep Tues. and Thurs. at 7:20 open and they can just come down. I'll be here tomorrow AM, but I have a conference on Thurs. AM. Also, next week is my kiss and drop week. Please contact me by e-mail (I do check it every day). I try to check it in the AM now that we have internet in our classroom and then again in the evening, usually around 5:00-6:00. -Don't forget to get your tickets for the "Wine Tasting". That night is always fun! -Grade 7 We are reading "Red Kayak". This is a great book that opens up serious discussion about character issues- honesty, courage and responsibility and consequences.
September 21, 2011 - I have decided to have daily Math homework papers with failing grades sent home to be signed. Some students have been turning in work that has been carelessly done. Please encourage your child to take their time and check their work-and to write their numbers neatly. When I can't read a number (and I really squint and try to figure out the intended number), I have to mark it incorrect. If this doesn't improve, I will be having papers done over. In addition to Monday's help session (which has been increased to 2:00- 2:45) I will be giving extra help during recess on an as needed basis.
-We have finally begun to read "Number the Stars". They seem VERY interested in the historical setting of the story. Lots of questions and they are very anxious to share what they already know! I'm sure they'd like the discuss it with you.
-History is moving along. We're going to begin learning to take good,helpful notes.
-The first interim reports will go home this Friday for students who are having difficulty maintaining passing grades in one or two subjects.
Sept.15,2011-
-Student codes for engrade were sent home today. I have posted all Math and History grades to date. Please encourage your child to attend my after school Math help sessions on Mondays form 2-2:30 (may expand to 2:45 if necessary). All are welcome. This Monday, I plan to go over expanded form using exponents- worksheet #3. They'll be getting those back tomorrow so they'll know if they should attend help session; grade is on engrade.
-We will begin our first novel on Monday, "Number the Stars". This book deals with the Holocaust; we'll actually spend some time first with background building. Normally I do this book at the end of the year however, the the youth group will be having a Holocaust survivor as a guest speaker in November, so I decided to do this book first.
- SOME students need to put more effort into Math homework and ask questions. The homework is an opportunity to practice what was covered in class and to demonstrate their understanding of that concept.
Please contact me with questions/concerns. J. Streeter
September 8,2011
It was so nice to see so many parents last night. What a strong, warm, school community we have! I feel so fortunate to be a part of it. We will continue to work on smoothing out our classroom routine- lockers, desks. Where do we go? When? What do we need? I am confident that it will all fall into place.
Some parents have already indicated a need for me to direct book choice and I will be using our Reading class tomorrow to help those who would like it. It will be trial and error and then hopefully SUCCESS!
Please remember to stay in contact and I'll do the same.
REMINDER: Math help sessions begin Monday-Sept.12th-2-2:30. Please be prompt picking up your child. Thanks
August 29,2011
I hope everyone made it safely through Hurricane Irene. I'm looking forward to the start of the new school year and seeing all my old friends and getting to know my new 6th grade friends.
Be sure to have the following for the first day of school (Aug.31,2011):
Supplies- if you lost your list, all class lists are posted on school web site
Summer packets-All packets must be in on the first day of school to receive full credit.
Be sure to download, read carefully, sign and return the following items from the school website:
-Handbook Signature Form (read carefully as several very important changes have been made, especially in the areas of homework policy and tardiness).
-Student Internet Consent Form
-Photo Consent Form
Also,please watch for the following items to be sent home for a signature:
-Middle School Contract
-Reading Log
Lets get our year off to a great start! Mrs. Streeter |