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11/17/2009 - Parent Info Night 6-7pm
11/18/2009 - Early Dismissal (2:45)
11/25/2009 - Thanksgiving Holiday--NO SCHOOL
11/26/2009 - Thanksgiving Holiday--NO SCHOOL
11/27/2009 - Thanksgiving Holiday--NO SCHOOL
Page Last Updated Nov 07, 2009
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Week of Nov. 9-13 Oncourse is now open to parents--please come to the main office next week during school hours to get your login and password. I have entered in several grades, so "bosses" should be able to see them. I am still learning about the extra things I can do with Oncourse; please be patient with me! I will start communicating through Oncourse as I become more versed with it, but I'm keeping this site going for at least one more quarter. I want to thank my 1st period class for bringing in almost 30 items for BEAM! I don't think we won, but the effort was much-appreciated by myself and the recipient families. This week will be a bit odd as we have a day off in the middle of the week. I hope you have the opportunity to celebrate Veteran's Day with friends and family. With all the great planes flying above us last week, we surely had the military in the forefront of our thoughts in class! Let's have a great week! Mrs. Strickland 11/9 (Mon.) Sibling Pledge Poem (to be completed in class-due at the beginning of class Tuesday if not finished at school) 11/10 (Tue.) Poem presentations for those wanting extra credit Text Opener, "Bad Characters" (set during the Depression--a story of two unlikely friends) 11/11 (Wed.) Happy Veteran's Day! No school 11/12 (Thu.) Library Visit Begin 1st Reading, "Bad Characters" 11/13 (Fri.) Complete 1st Reading, "BC" Week of Nov. 2-6 END-OF-WEEK NEWS!!! The parent portal for Oncourse is now open! Parents, you must stop by the main office to get your login and password. Also, if there are two parents, each must come in and sign for his/her unique login and password. Please bring a photo ID when you drop by. I have been so pleased with the ambition posters and have enjoyed learning a bit more about everyone. I will try to put up as many as I can for display this upcoming week. Report cards will be sent home Tuesday, Nov. 3, so please look for those. They do need to be signed and returned. Oncourse should be opening for parents soon--look for information on that as well. Also, this week will be the book swap in the library--great way to get rid of books students have read for new-to-them books! Good news--donations for BEAM will be accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 4; please continue to send those items in (see previous week for list of items). I would love to be the 6th grade winning class two years in a row! Lastly, we are going through hand sanitizer like crazy and donations would be greatly appreciated. :-) Mrs. Strickland 11/2 (Mon.) IR Words/questions/word map "TMOTC" 11/3 (Tue.) **Report Cards come home** Begin 2nd Reading "TMOTC" (learning the S.E.E. method and using it to note places where the narrator finds something mysterious) 11/4 (Wed.) **Early Dismissal--2:45** Complete 2nd Reading--present findings 11/5 (Thu.) SID "TMOTC" 11/6 (Fri.) IR "TMOC" Notebooks due Fun "Mysteries of. . ." poem written during class Week of Oct. 26-30 **Added Info** This is Red Ribbon Week and our school is collecting items for BEAM. Students may bring in items such as paper towels, tissues, soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, toilet paper, tooth brushes, cleaning supplies, etc. to their 1st period teachers. The class (for each grade level) who fills the most bags wins juice and doughnuts! Just for a little pressure, my 1st period won last year. . . One quarter down, one to go! Overall, I was pleased with the grades and effort I have seen. Let's keep up the good work! This week will be a bit crazy as we start off with an in-school game Tuesday, work in a library visit and continue with our "Greatest Ambition" posters. Over the weekend, I asked students to look for pictures on the internet, in magazines or newspapers or actual photos depicting their ambition in life. Students are to bring those in Tuesday to place on the posters. I also included a rubric and planning organizer that I've included in the downloads section of this site. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's ambitions! Mrs. H. Strickland 10/26 (Mon.) Teacher Work Day!! No school for you--I'll be there, though. . . 10/27 (Tue.) In-school Football Game (Schedule--7, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, HR, Game) Remember to wear your spirit beads! Library check out; work on poster if we have time (classes will be truncated due to game) 10/28 (Wed.) Complete Ambition Poster in class 10/29 (Thu.) Text Opener, 1st Reading, "Mysteries of the Cabala" (Thinking about why we make up stories and try to impress) 10/30 (Fri.) Go over words/questions "MOTC" and create one word map Week of Oct. 19-23 The monologues were great! Many students came up with creative solutions to things about school that bugged them as well as some solid supports for their opinions. This assignment counts as the 9 weeks project, so there will be no exam this quarter for my class. Although I did not have all papers graded Friday, I did enter a grade of 0 for those who did not turn in a paper and showed those students how it impacted their grade for the quarter. For those students with a low C, D, or F, I ran progress reports and sent them home. This Friday (10/23), is the last day of the quarter. While all missing assignments that appeared on the mid-term progress report are now zeros, missing assignments from that point can still be turned in for a maximum of 60% (unless the student was ill--those students have one day for each day missed to make up the work for full credit). Note that this Wednesday, 10/21, will be a reward day for those with no missing assignments and a work day for those still needing to turn in work. That is also the last day I'll accept missing work. I appreciate "boss" support as students need to learn responsibility. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions! One last thing, we will be working on a "greatest ambition" poster at the end of the week. Your student may want to bring in pictures depicting his/her greatest ambition from magazines, the internet, newspapers or actual pictures. Mrs. H. Strickland 10/19 (Mon.) IR Complete Word Study from Friday on "MGA" and turn in Begin 2nd reading "MGA" (t-chart in NB noting places where Morris shows determination and does not show determination) 10/20 (Tue.) Complete 2nd Reading "MGA" and review with class 10/21(Wed.) **Early Dismissal--2:45** Reward Day!! Those with all assignments complete for the quarter will be allowed to play board games. Students may bring them from home (no electronic or inappropriate games, please), but be sure to label them. Other students will use the time to complete assignments. This is the last day to turn in missing work since mid-term progress reports. 10/22 (Thu.) Shared Inquiry Discussion, "My Greatest Ambition" 10/23 (Fri.) Greatest Ambition Poster Project **There will be a Teacher Work Day on Monday, October 26. Enjoy your day!** Week of Oct. 12-16 I can't wait to see the finished products this week when monologues are completed! We have been working on them and I've been going around to each student to make sure everyone is on the right track. I love some of the creative solutions students propose to solve the issues at school! Take a minute to ask your student what his/her topic is. I think that after Monday, all students will have attended the science field trip, so I hope life will be back to normal! Please continue to encourage your child to do his/her best and come prepared to learn each day. Also, donations of hand sanitizer would be appreciated. :-) One final note, I added the organizer as well as the rubric for the monologue to the downloads section of this page (see top of page). Mrs. H. Strickland 10/12 (Mon.) Happy Columbus Day! Work on final draft in class. Final draft will be due at beginning of class Tuesday for all except those on Challenger Field Trip (they will have until Wednesday). Final draft may be typed (at home), but DOES NOT have to be. All final drafts should be approximately 1 page in length (handwritten) and written on the front side of the paper only. **Please note: 2nd period has until Wednesday at the beginning of class to turn in final draft due to so many interruptions last week. :-) Sign up for extra-credit presentation. 10/13 (Tue.) **Final Draft of monologue due!!** IR X-tra credit presentations 10/14 (Wed.) IR Text Opener, "My Greatest Ambition" 1st Reading "MGA" **2nd period--final drafts due/x-tra credit presentations 10/15 (Thu.) Continue 1st Reading, "MGA" 10/16 (Fri.) IR Words/Questions, "MGA" Week of Oct. 5-9 This week will need to be flexible as so many students will be going on the science field trip on different days. I am working on an alternate library check-out day for 2nd period as I learned most of those students will be on the field trip Thursday. I appreciate your understanding as we all go with the flow! If students are diligently working and we fall behind with the monologues, time for the assignment may possibly be added. We really stretched our brains this past week with a very challenging Word Play activity as well as our deeper look into "Raymond's Run" during our 2nd reading. With the Word Play, we had to take a look at words' meanings as well as the ways in which they are related to each other. Students did a great job of stretching and working that big brain muscle! I am looking forward to their insights this week during our Shared Inquiry Discussion (that we did not get to Friday!). Let's have another week of progress! Mrs. Strickland 10/5 (Mon.) Shared Inquiry Discussion "Raymond's Run" (for all who are here!) Turn in notebook for "RR" (text opener, 1st reading words/questions/definitions, 2nd reading t-chart with 2 examples with explanations under each column) 10/6 (Tue.) 1st period--SID "RR" for those who were on FT Monday 2nd and 3rd--Begin work on monologue (topic is something about school that you think is unfair). We will talk about what a monologue is and start the planning sheet and brainstorming. Turn in notebook for those who weren't here Monday. 10/7 (Wed.) **Early Dismissal--2:45** PTSA Membership BBQ All classes should be here! 1st Period--Begin work on monologue (topic is something about school that you think is unfair). We will talk about what a monologue is and start the planning sheet and brainstorming. 2nd and 3rd--Continue working on monologue. Planning sheet should be completed by end of class and rough draft should be started. 10/8 (Thu.) Library check-out Continue working on monologue. 10/9 (Fri.) IR Complete monologue (final draft becomes homework if not completed in class). Week of Sept. 28-Oct. 2 Hopefully, all "bosses" (i.e. parents/guardians) have seen progress reports that came home Thursday with a print-out attached. Overall, grades were great. I did caution students about becoming complacent after seeing an A or B on progress reports--the quarter is not over yet! Also, many grades at the beginning of the year are "completion" grades as we learn the Shared Inquiry Process. Now, however, we are kicking it up a notch and expectations will continue to rise. Please encourage your student to come to class prepared, including independent reading material, and ready to learn. We have to use every minute wisely and time wasted on getting materials together or behavior management cuts into academic time. I told students Friday that all make-up work noted on the progress report needs to be turned in completed by Wednesday, Sept. 30, or, like Cinderella, they will turn into pumpkins and become zeros in the grade book. I also told all my classes that they had very important homework over the weekend: drink OJ, get lots of rest, wash hands thoroughly, and stay healthy! I clean the desks in the morning and I always have tissue and hand sanitizer available (we are running low, though, if you would like to contribute), but there is a lot of sniffling and coughing going on in our room. Please help us stay healthy by keeping your student home when he or she is ill. One last housekeeping note--please consider signing up for e-mail notification for this site as I can e-mail you back through it. (Look at the link at the top of this page.) Mrs. H. Strickland 9/28 (Mon.) IR Words/Questions from "Raymond's Run" Vocabulary Activity 9/29 (Tue.) IR Complete Vocab. Activity Write your own interpretive question from "RR" AND give one possible answer with evidence. 9/30 (Wed.) Second Reading, "RR" Note places in the text where Squeaky's attitude(s) help her and places where they hurt her. Use a t-chart and give explanations. 10/1 (Thu.) Continue Second Reading, "RR" 10/2 (Fri.) Picture Day!! Come dressed to impress! SID "RR" Turn in notebooks if ready; all notebooks will be due Monday, Oct. 5. Week of Sept. 21-25 **Mid-week change of plans!! There is an opening at the library Wednesday, Sept. 23, so ALL CLASSES will be going there for check-out time. After that, we will have independent reading time. (We have a short class period due to Early Dismissal).** I have been pleased with the progress I am seeing during our time with "Through the Tunnel." I am adjusting to the shorter class periods, so you will note that we didn't get through everything I had hoped last week. This week, we have an Early Dismissal day and progress reports go home, so it will be busy! Also, don't feel that 1st and 2nd periods are left out for library check-out time. Most students will be spending time in the library with their Language Arts classes this week completing a scavenger hunt. That made it tricky for me to book a time for us to check out. I was able to squeeze in 3rd period, but the others will have to wait until next Monday. Remember that the library opens at 9:20 and students may also check out books then. Thank you for your continued support! Mrs. H. Strickland 9/21 (Mon.) Complete discussion of 2nd reading directed notes, "TTT" Interpreting Words Exercise, "Contrition" *Students may turn in Notebooks at end of class if finished. Notebooks will be due Tuesday for everyone. 9/22 (Tue.) Shared Inquiry Discussion, "TTT" *Notebook check 9/23 (Wed.) **Early Dismissal--2:45** Text Opener, "Raymond's Run" *3rd period--Library check-out 9/24 (Thu.) ♣Progress Reports go home!♣ First Reading, "Raymond's Run" Write unknown words, questions in composition notebook 9/25 (Fri.) IR Go over Words/Questions, "RR" Week of Sept. 14-18 We had our first "real" Shared Inquiry Discussion this week and I think students did very well. We talked about our strengths and weaknesses as a group and have some goals for our next SID. We will start in our textbook Monday with a great story about a boy facing a big challenge, so ask your student about it when you get a chance this week. As we are starting to get more grades, I will be letting students know where they stand this week. As this is not the mid-term progress report, I will write their current grade into their planners to help save paper. I will work on this Monday and hope to get to each student. However, in my larger classes, I may have to run into Tuesday to reach everyone. Always feel free to e-mail me if you require more information! Mr. Nelson is having a Parent Info meeting right before the SAC meeting this Tuesday, Sept. 15, beginning at 6 pm. I try to add school-wide events to my calendar, so be sure to check back frequently! One last note, I always have hand sanitizer and tissues available to my students and we are running low. If you feel so inclined, a box of tissues or hand-sanitizer (refills are wonderful) would be very much appreciated! Let's have a great week! Mrs. H. Strickland 9/14 (Mon.) IR Text Opener (1st Period only) "Through the Tunnel" 1st Reading "TTT" (note unknown words and questions in composition notebook) 9/15 (Tue.) IR Go over words/questions from 1st Reading Create a word map using a vocabulary word 9/16 (Wed.) Second Reading, "TTT" Directed Notes--find places where Jerry acts like a child and places where he acts like an adult 9/17 (Thu.) IR Complete reviewing Directed Notes Interpreting Words Exercise: contrition 9/18 (Fri.) SID for "TTT" *If previous work is not complete, we may have to move this to Monday. Week of Sept. 7-11 Another great week! I enjoyed meeting so many parents at Open House and hope I was able to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact me if you have more! We had our second fire drill of the year (during 1st period again) and I was very pleased with everyone's behavior. It just makes everything run so much more smoothly when students meet or exceed expectations we discuss in class. I really appreciate the help and support from home, too. :-) I did want to mention that I have told students that I will have to "evict" 3-ring binders or anything thicker than the 2-pocket folder I requested this week. We do keep supplies in the classroom, but there is not enough room for these large items. Thank you for supporting me on this issue! We are starting Independent Reading this week and I've included a copy of the reading log under "file attachments" if you need another copy. We will start with IR every day this week (except Wednesday due to shortened class time) to get into the habit, but it will probably end up being about 3 days/week after this. However, students should be prepared EVERY day as IR is their assignment if they finish the class work early. Mrs. H. Strickland 9/7 (Mon.) No School! 9/8 (Tue.) IR "Boar Out There" Putting it all together--this is the last story in our Starting Off Strong series 9/9 (Wed.) Early Release--2:45 Complete "Boar Out There" with a Shared Inquiry Discussion 9/10 (Thu.) IR Begin in our text books with "Through the Tunnel" Text Opener (What is something difficult and challenging you have done and why did you do it?) 1st Reading (note 5 words and 3 questions in notebook as we listen to the story) 9/11 (Fri.) IR Complete 1st Reading "TTT" Week of Aug. 31-Sept. 4 I hope everyone had a great week--I know I did! We got to know each other a bit more and began learning all about the Shared Inquiry Process. I hope to meet parents/guardians at Open House this Tuesday, Sept. 1! (Meet in the cafeteria at 6:15 and then proceed to your child's 1st period classroom at 6:30.) If you have any questions/concerns, please e-mail me and I'll get back with you ASAP. We all need to work together for a successful class. Thank you for your support! Mrs. H. Strickland Aug. 31 (Mon.) Complete notes on Shared Inquiry Process **Materials Due Today!** Sept. 1 (Tue.) "House on Mango Street" Open House--6:15 in cafeteria Sept. 2 (Wed.) "The Moth and the Star" Gathering Evidence Sept. 3 (Thur.) "State Of Affairs" Listening to Others Sept. 4 (Fri.) Catch-up Day! Welcome to Critical Thinking! Hopefully, I have met most of my incoming students at some point and you feel comfortable coming to my class starting August 24. I am leaving my notes from spring semester, 2009, up for a bit in case you want to see a preview of some things we'll be doing this fall. Keep in mind that we will do some things differently, but this will give you a general idea. I've posted plans for the first week of school with some "wiggle room" for things that always seem to pop up at the start of the school year. It would be most helpful if you could try to get supplies (listed below) ASAP so we can get started on the right foot. If you wish to donate items, we can always use printer paper, tissues and hand sanitizer. As some of you may know, all of Duval County will be using ONCOURSE this year as our main communication tool. You will have access to your child's grades, attendance and communication from teachers. As with any new technology, please be patient as everything is brought on-line! It is anticipated that the parent portal will be available towards the end of the first 9 weeks. I have included a link to my web page under "Favorite Links" here and will continue updating this page until the transition is complete. I look forward to a great year! Mrs. Strickland Week of Aug. 24-28 8/24 (Mon.) Seating assignments, introductions/interviews, supply list Pen/pencil 2-pocket folder composition notebook Independent Reading material DAILY Loose-leaf notebook paper Optional: personal pencil sharpener (that catches shavings) markers (non-permanent), colored pencils 8/25 (Tue.) Continue introductions CHAMPs 8/26 (Wed.) Syllabus (bottom portion MUST be returned signed--please include a local telephone #) Chain of Strengths activity 8/27 (Thu.) Types of Questions Shared Inquiry Process 8/28 (Fri.) Finish Shared Inquiry Process What Readers Do 7 Habits of an Effective Reader Critical Thinking Standards IR (Independent Reading): 25book standard, LA.6.1.6--The student uses multiple strategies to develop grade appropriate vocabulary. LA6.1.7: The student uses avariety of strategies to comprehend grade level text. NOTEBOOK: LA.6.1.6--The student uses multiple strategies to develop grade appropriate vocabulary.LA.6.1.7--The student uses a variety of strategies to comprehend grade leveltext. LA.6.2.1--The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledgeof the elements of a variety of fiction and literary texts to develop a thoughtful response to a literary selection. VOCABULARY/INTERPRETING WORDS: LA.6.1.6--The student uses multiple strategies to develop grade appropriate vocabulary. SID(Shared Inquiry Discussion): LA.6.2.1--The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of the elements of a variety of fiction and literary texts todevelop a thoughtful response to a literary selection.LA.6.5.1: The student effectively applies listening and speaking strategies. WRITING: LA.6.3.1: The student will useprewriting strategies to generate ideas and formulate a plan. LA.6.3.2:The student will write a draft appropriate to the topic, audience, andpurpose. LA.6.3.3 The student will revise and refine the draft for clarity and effectiveness. LA.6.3.4: The student will edit and correct the draft for standard language conventions. LA.6.3.5: The student will write a final product for the intended audience. LA.6.4.1: The student develops and demonstrates creative writing. |