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Miss Schaeffer's Class (Main Page)
Joanna Schaeffer
CHARLES C ERWIN MIDDLE
Contact Joanna Schaeffer

Page Last Updated Nov 18, 2009
Number of Visits: 280

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The Tree Frog Team
Ms. Schaeffer's Class
(Updated Nov. 17th, 2009)



Dear Students and Parents,

    1st quarter report card pick-up was on Tuesday, Nov. 10th. If you were unable to make it, your child's report card was sent home with him/her on Thursday, Nov. 12th. Please sign and return the top copy to school ASAP. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about grades, behavior, or general Erwin business, please feel free to contact me by e-mail (schaefferjl@rss.k12.nc.us) or by phone at the school between 7:30-8:00, 11:00-12:30 or 3:30-4:00.

     So far in science, we've learned about different types of scientists and all of the many things they can study. We've learned about archaeologists and about the scientific process through modeling a mini archaeological dig.  We designed and conducted an experiment around a common scientific "problem" and learned about all of the different types of energy. Finally, at the end of the quarter, we tackled a unit on sound, during which students rotated around to four different "stations" involving sound exploration. Click Here to check out some great pictures from all of the labs we've participated in so far!

     We will begin second quarter with a seminar on radiant (light) energy, which will take us through Thanksgiving break. Light is one of my favorite units, so I'm really looking forward to exploring it with old and new students alike!


Reminders and Up-and-Coming Events:

* Students will be participating in a light lab this week! Each group will conduct a different experiment related to light and then present their experiment as a demonstration to the class at the end of the week. The individal write-up for the lab will be due on Monday, Nov. 16th!

* The next set up warm-ups were due on Friday (Nov. 13). Students have been reminded in class and on the homework hotline that they need to make up any missed warm-ups (either by borrowing them from a friend or by checking the classroom binder) before Friday. These grades should ALL be 100%!!

* Next week we'll be wrapping up our unit on light. The Chapter 20 test will be on Friday and Monday (11/20 and 11/23). The first section (Friday) will be a timed open-notes multiple choice section using ActiVotes. The second section (Monday) will consist of short answer/essay questions and students will have the entire period to answer 4 detailed questions. It will also be open notes, however, students are STRONGLY encouraged to study their notes ahead of time!! Students are also welcome to make a study aid (a flip book or flashcards, etc.) ahead of time and if they show it to me before Friday, I will probably allow them to use it for the test as well. They must show me ahead of time, however!

* 2nd quarter weekly conduct reports were given out on Friday, October 23. For second quarter they are pink and need to be signed every Thursday. Students who have ten or less marks by the end of the quarter will get to participate in a fun reward, and each unsigned week counts as a mark-- so please try to keep up with it!

* Please make sure your binders are organized and stay that way! If you need an example for setting up your binder, you can check the classroom binder on Ms. Schaeffer's bookshelf. The binder is also the place to turn if you are absent on a day we take notes and need to make them up!

Don't let this happen to your binder!*:

  

(*No binders were harmed in the making of this website.)

Remember that weekly grade sheets go home for science every Friday. Except for certain occasions (first one sent home, midterms, end of quarter) you do not need to sign them and return them UNLESS your student has an average less than 70%. Please check them regularly though so you will always know where your student stands in my class!


Recent Assignments

Assignment               Last day to turn in for late credit
                                 (one week after the original due date)


p. 588 #1-5 (HWK)                               Mon. 11/16                

p. 594 #1-7 (HWK)                              Thurs. 11/19              

Warm-ups                                       Fri. 11/20          
(10/26-11/12)                                                             
 

Light Lab                                       Mon. 11/23         

       Sincerely,
                     Ms. Schaeffer


A Pictorial Tour of the Classroom
(i.e. "Where Am I Supposed to Find That?!?" and "How do I...?")

             Materials for Class Sign                           Turn-In Bins

  
Purpose: To let you know what you need to bring     Purpose: This is where completed work is turned in
to class everyday!                                                  When to use it: Whenever an assignment is due!
When to use it: Look at it before locker breaks!


            Extra Papers Wall                    Homeless Papers Wall

  

Purpose: To replace lost papers and to provide              Purpose: Papers without a proper heading go on
extra copies for absent students                                    this wall
When to use it: If you lose something or you're            When to use it: Never! Always remember         
absent                                                                          your name on your paper, especially since                                                                                                                    it's 10% off each time you forget.

              Classroom Binder                                           Supplies

    

Purpose: To give an example of a "perfect" binder       Purpose: Extra supplies (paper, crayons, rulers, etc.) 
When to use it: If you need help organizing your           are in the bins
binder or you are absent and need to make up             
When to use it:  Supplies may be used as needed, but make                                                                                     sure things are returned!

                      Assignments                                              Calendar 


   

Purpose: To tell you what is due that day and what         Purpose: To keep track of assignments for the
homework you need to complete for tomorrow!              month           
When to use it: Everyday!
                                            When to use it: When you're absent
                                                                        
              SSR Library                                                General Info

       

Purpose: To provide some "emergency" books for         Purpose: To update you on general information
SSR                                                                            When to use it: Check it out at the beginning of
When to use it: If you forget your SSR book    
            the week to see what major events are planned

                                                                 Frog!
    
Purpose: To be our adorable Tree Frog mascot!
When to use it: Whenever you want to remind yourself
what team you're on, go say "hi" to Sticky Fingers!



And lastly...

.....

...

"Please take out your agendas. I have a question for you..."

 

Purpose: Ms. Schaeffer ends each class by saying, "Nous avons des devoirs?" as students write
their homework assignment in their agendas. Remember, your completed agenda
is your ticket out of my classroom!
When to use it: Everyday! :)



I hope you enjoyed learning where many of the important things in my classroom can be found. There are lots of tools around the room to help you succeed in 6th grade. I hope you will continue to make use of them throughout the year!




















Web Credits

Frog animation from:












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