February 9, 2010
For the new unit (Persuasive Text), students will choose a contemporary social issue, e.g. bullying, global warming, world hunger, drug abuse, animal rights, etc. They will be expected to research the topic for facts and information supporting their personal viewpoint. Using their research notes, they will write and deliver a 3-minute speech persuading the audience to adopt their beliefs. The speech should target a specific audience and incorporate at least 3 propaganda techniques. Students must include their choice of a visual aid, i.e. a poster or a 3-slide PowerPoint. Students will not be using notes during their speech, but will be able to use the poster or 3-slide PowerPoint for help.
The Persuasive Text project is due on March 5. Students have received several handouts to help them plan and organize the project: Persuasive Text Vocabulary, Transition Words, Definitions of Propaganda, and are currently taking notes on the Discovery Education video "Viewing."
Parents, I encourage you to check i-Parent on a regular basis. It will help you keep up with your child's progress. If you need help getting into i-Parent, please contact Ms. Cross in the Media Center for help.
I am offering you an extra credit opportunity for Study Island > Reading > Author's Purpose. Your score will be added as extra credit under the "Homework" category in my gradebook. You may take it as often as you wish to earn the best possible score. This opportunity expires Feb. 17.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
February 6, 2010
There will be no spelling homework or test this week.
Early Release Day will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11. Conference Request Forms were sent home with the students' Progress Reports and portfolios. Students, I hope you've been able to sit down with your folks and present your portfolio for their review. Remember to have them grade it and together fill out all the required paperwork. Portfolios should be returned to Ms. Barefoot. Progress Reports should also be signed and returned to your homeroom teacher.
I am offering you an extra credit opportunity for Study Island > Reading > Author's Purpose. Your score will be added as extra credit under the "Homework" category in my gradebook. You may take it as often as you wish to earn the best possible score. This opportunity expires Feb. 17.
I will be introducing our next unit on Monday: Persuasive Text. Students will need to choose a current social issue and research t. Students will be required to prepare and deliver a speech supporting one side or the other of the issue. Students will need to have one visual aid to display during their speech and may choose to do either a poster or a 3-slide PowerPoint. The emphasis is on public speaking with attention paid to tone, body language, and delivery in addition to content. A rubric will be snet home this week.
Have a great week.
Dr. H
February 1, 2010
No Spelling homeowrk this week, although there will be workbook pages and a test on Friday. Students' main focus should be on completing the Webquest which is due tomorrow (Feb. 2).
SP-20
slogan
citizen
forgotten
propeller
collector
level
tunnel
double
single
example
urban
orphan
kindergarten
encounter
conquer
appetizer
dishonor
tractor
easel
recycle
Student-led conferences will be held Friday. I hope many parents will be able to come.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
January 9, 2010
Happy New Year, Everyone! I hope it brings many blessings and wishes come true.
I will begin posting the spelling words on this Web site again for your convenience. However, I do expect the students to copy the words on Monday as instructed. Writing them is one more way students become familiar with spelling patterns.
SP-17 Related Words I (test Friday)
human
humane
clean
cleanse
nature
natural
major
majority
poem
poetic
equal
equation
unite
unity
b-mb (Schoolnotes.com won't allow this word. It's posted correctly on the board in the classroom.)
b-mbard (Schoolnotes.com won't allow this word. It's posted correctly on the board in the classroom.)
muscle
muscular
resign
resignation
Monday night's homework (due Wednesday) will be definitions, parts of speech, and synonyms for SP-17.
We started our research unit this week. Students were be given packets of information and suggestions on how to conduct research effectively. I have arranged for the Media Specialist to teach a class on Thursday on plagiarism, so that the students will have the knowledge they need to complete the unit project. Students will be required to conduct their research in a highly organized manner. Since we're halfway through the school year, we must look ahead to the demands of 7th grade and lay the foundation for good research techniques.
Students spent time in the Writing Lab and in the Media Center's Wireless lab beginning their research. I will also be taking my classes back to the Media Center on Monday to continue working on the project. Students brought home information with project guidelines for parents/guardians to see. Students will have several weeks to complete the project.
Report cards were sent home on Friday and should be returned to the homeroom teacher with a parent signature. Any letter or documentation that was attached to the report card should also be signed and returned. Homeroom teachers will provide copies at parent request.
Would you like to earn extra credit this week? Then write me a brief note (2 or 3 sentences) telling me how your holiday was. Don't forget to date it, start it Dear . . ., and sign your name -- parts of a letter. If you put it next to my computer, I'll be sure to see and read it. :)
Keep warm in this cold weather and enjoy the week.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
November 18, 2009
Update: There will be NO spelling test on Friday - a well-deserved reward for a week of hard work!
My classes will be going to the Media Center Friday (Nov. 20) to make sure everyone has a book to read over the break. :)
Have a wonderful vacation. Get lots of rest, eat "tons" of food (hyperbole), visit with family, and, of course, read a book. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
November 13, 2009
Thank you for a wonderful turnout for student-led conferences! We hope you found the experience meaningful. We look forward to your participation at the next round of student-led conferences to be held during the third nine-week grading period.
Reading Counts tests timetable: RC #1 (due Oct. 15), RC #2 (due Oct. 29), RC #3 (due Nov. 12), RC #4 (due Dec. 3).
The spelling words for the upcoming spelling test next Friday were posted on the Board today (Friday) and will remain there until next Thursday as usual. Because students are ignoring directions to copy the spelling words (giving them extra practice), I will not be posting them to this Web site until further notice. Copying the words manually imprints them on the brain and makes it easier for the students to recall.
Students will not have written homework on Monday night because of the Poetry Coffeehouse being held on Tuesday. Students will need to bring a hat to school Tuesday and be prepared to read their 3 poems in front of an audience.
Hope to see you on Tuesday.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
November 6, 2009
Reading Counts tests timetable: RC #1 (due Oct. 15), RC #2 (due Oct. 29), RC #3 (due Nov. 12), RC #4 (due Dec. 3).
SP-13 (test Friday)
social
precious
commercial
especially
national
dictionary
motion
position
population
question
artificial
financial
gracious
glacier
suggestion
cautious
mention
fraction
exhaustion
digestion
Monday night homework: SP-13 definitions, parts of speech, and synonyms
See important dates at the top of this page. Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
October 25, 2009
Reading Counts tests timetable: RC #1 (due Oct. 15), RC #2 (due Oct. 29), RC #3 (due Nov. 12), RC #4 (due Dec. 3).
Oct. 26 Homework: Students are to use each SP-11 spelling word in a sentence of at least 7 words (20 sentences in all). Each sentence should also contain a prepositional phrase. Students should review prepositional phrases in their DGP folders to avoid confusion between prep. phrases and verb forms such as infinitives.
SP-11 (test Fri.) Compound Words I
myself
themselves
hallway
homeroom
everything
ice cream
locker room
tape recorder
root beer
dead end
teenage
teammate
skateboard
everybody
doughnut
air conditioner
polka dot
roller coaster
ice pack
solar system
Upcoming events: Nov. 11 Student-led conferences (Parents, please mark your calendars.)
Poetry Coffeehouse (Date to be announced)
Congratulations to all performers -- your biography interviews were great!!!!!!!!!! We start Unit 3 Poetry on Monday.
Enjoy your week.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
October 16, 2009
Oct. 19 Homework: Students are to use each SP-10 spelling word in a sentence of at least 7 words (20 sentences in all). Each sentence should also contain a prepositional phrase.
Oct. 20 Biography Presentations/Interviews
4 Reading Counts tests are required this quarter. Students should already have taken Reading Counts #1 for this nine-week grading period.
SP-10 (test Fri.) "Using Apostrophes"
it's
let's
that's
we'd
don't
there's
coach's
coaches'
man's
men's
you're
she'd
mustn't
o'clock
guide's
guides'
director's
directors'
city's
cities'
For Monday night's homework, students will use each word in a sentence that is at least 7 words long and contains a prep. phrase. Be very careful about proper usage -- apostrophes can be tricky!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
October 11, 2009
Oct. 16 Unit 2 (Instructional Text) exam
Oct. 16 Report cards
Oct. 20 Biography Presentations/Interviews
Oct. 12 Homework: Students are to use each SP-9 spelling word in a sentence of at least 7 words (20 sentences in all). Each sentence should also contain a prepositional phrase.
Textbook login information has been posted to this site previously. If you missed it, check my Sept. 11 posting.
SP-9
connect
command
mirror
accomplish
according
allowance
college
address
Mississippi
recess
committee
immediate
barricade
interrupt
broccoli
collect
afford
possess
Tennessee
announce
October 5, 2009
SP-8 Unexpected Consonant Spellings
doubt
fascinate
science
scenic
autumn
column
guilty
league
guardian
disguise
subtle
debt
reminiscent
descend
condemn
solemn
guidance
vague
fatigue
intrigue
Our standing Monday night assignments involves locating definitions, parts of speech, and synonyms for the weekly spelling/vocabulary list. Students already know that the information can be found in the back of the spelling book, in a dictionary, or in a Thesaurus. Some students, however, prefer to use modern technology in place of the old "look it up in a book" system, so here is a link to an additional resource that can help students with synonyms and antonyms. http://www.synonym.com/synonym/
A word of caution: students should only access Internet Web sites under parental supervision.
Students will take the District Benchmark Exam on Wednesday, October 7. They should bring a #2 pencil when they come to school that day.
Biography presentations will begin on October 20. By now, students should have read the biography, planned a costume, chosen an interviewer, completed the outline, and be developing 10 interview questions. I am looking forward to "meeting" all of these characters. :)
Sincerely,
September 26, 2009
I am sending grade printouts home with students on Monday for parent review. Students should be encouraged to set goals for the remainder of the nine-weeks' grading period in order to ensure success. Spelling tests and Reading Counts tests may be made up for full credit as well as work assigned during student absences, so double-check the printout for any zeroes.
On Monday, September 28, my classes will be going to the Media Center. Students should have their ID cards with them for book checkout. If a student wants to change the person for the biography project, Monday would be the day to do it.
On Monday also, my classes will be conducting peer interviews with students from Mrs. Perkins's classes. This activity is designed to encourage awareness of proper interview protocol and the importance of high-quality questioning techniques to gather information.
Online textbook information was posted on September 11th. That entry is still active, and may be found by scrolling down this page.
See my September 23rd entry for details of the biography project due October 20.
SP-7 (test Fri.)
their
there
they're
wring
ring
chili
chilly
scent
cent
sent
overseas
oversees
patients
patience
cereal
serial
coarse
course
counsel
council
Monday night's homework as usual is definitions, parts of speech, and synonyms (due Tuesday). All work for me may be handwritten (in cursive) or typed.
I hope you find this Web site helpful.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
September 23, 2009
Informational Text Unit -- Biography Project
Each student will read a biography from the school Media Center, dress as the character, assume the character’s mannerisms, bring in props the character might carry, and participate in a "talk show-style" interview. The project will require students to prepare an outline highlighting specific facets of the character’s life and, from the outline, will formulate questions to be used in the real-life simulation interview. This five-week project is part of the nonfiction unit we are currently studying and includes lessons from the school Media Specialist, Ms. Cross, on library and Internet research and the Dewey Decimal system.
Biography requirements (for Reading Language Arts):
1. Read biography from GTMS Media Center.
2. Plan costume.
3. Develop outline according to teacher directions (See outline below.)
4. Prepare interview questions.
The oral presentation will be in interview format:
a. In character/costume
b. Partner/interviewer
c. 10 or more interview critical thinking questions for interviewer to ask
Sample Outline: Abraham Lincoln (title centered)
(skip line)
I. Introduction
A. General fact about Lincoln
B. Another general fact about Lincoln
C. Another general fact about Lincoln (and why would anyone want
to know about him)
(skip line)
II. Early life
A. Vital statistics
1. Birthdate
2. Birthplace
3. Interesting fact about his birth
B. Family
1. Mother
2. Father
3. Sibling(s)
a.
b.
C. Residences
1. Location(s)
2. Interesting fact(s) about places Lincoln lived
(skip line)
III. Education
A. Schools
1.
2.
3.
B. Major area of study
C. Diploma/Degree
(skip line)
IV. Achievements
A.
B.
C.
(skip line)
V. Conclusion
A. Another interesting fact
B. Strong statement about his character
The Biography Project due date will be coordinated with the school calendar and activities in other core classes and will be published later this week.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
September 17, 2009
STUDENTS, ALWAYS REMEMBER TO READ THE BOARD AND UPDATE YOUR AGENDA FOR YOUR PARENTS TO SEE. Your parents are interested in your education and like to know what work has been assigned. We want to help you succeed.
Parents, we had a wonderful turnout for parent conferences scheduled on Early Release Day. I hope you found them meaningful. Thank you for your support -- we all want your children to do their very best this year.
SP-5 Adding -ed and -ing (test Friday, September 25, 2009)
FOR FRIDAY'S TEST, I WILL SAY THE ROOT WORD AND EXPECT STUDENTS TO GIVE ME THE -ED AND -ING FORMS OF THE WORD.
answered answering
decided deciding
included including
omitted omitting
satisfied satisfying
delayed delaying
remembered remembering
exercised exercising
interfered interfering
occurred occurring
Our standing Monday night assignments involves locating definitions, parts of speech, and synonyms for the weekly spelling/vocabulary list. Students already know that the information can be found in the back of the spelling book, in a dictionary, or in a Thesaurus. Some students, however, prefer to use modern technology in place of the old "look it up in a book" system, so here is a link to an additional resource that can help students with synonyms and antonyms. http://www.synonym.com/synonym/
FOR MONDAY'S HOMEWORK, USE THE ROOT WORD FOR THE DEFINITIONS, PARTS OF SPEECH, AND SYNONYMS.
A word of caution: students should only access Internet Web sites under parental supervision.
The cereal box projects were great! You can see some of them in the Media Center. Hope you enjoy the display.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
September 11, 2009
Online textbook information: http://www.glencoe.com/ose/
Glencoe Literature: Georgia Treasures Course 1 Online Student Edition
Access code: C461F2FBBC
SP-4 Vowel Sounds in "rule" and "view" (Test Fri.)
reduce
attitude
sewer
New York
review
value
continue
humid
United States
universe
costume
absolutely
assume
renew
viewpoint
interview
preview
rescue
uniform
reunion
Our standing Monday night assignments involves locating definitions, parts of speech, and synonyms for the weekly spelling/vocabulary list. Students already know that the information can be found in the back of the spelling book, in a dictionary, or in a Thesaurus. Some students, however, prefer to use modern technology in place of the old "look it up in a book" system, so here is a link to an additional resource that can help students with synonyms and antonyms. http://www.synonym.com/synonym/
A word of caution: students should only access Internet Web sites under parental supervision.
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
August 31, 2009
SP-3 (test Fri.)
ceiling
receipt
deceive
neither
field
achieve
belief
brief
relief
apiece
leisure
protein
receiver
seize
conceited
shield
niece
diesel
grief
yield
Homework every Monday evening will be to look up the part of speech, definition, and synonym for each spelling word. That assignment will be due the next day. Please check i-Parent frequently to keep up with your child's progress.
Here are the details for the cereal box project that will be due on Sept. 10.
The Short Story Cereal Box Project
Follow these directions carefully, be neat and creative, and you'll earn an A!
1. Read a short story from your Literature book.
2. Get an empty cereal box.
3. Cover the cereal box with plain paper (white paper wrapping paper turned inside out works well or colored paper or even a brown paper bag).
4. On the front of the box, write the story's title, its author, the name of the textbook it comes from, and draw a large, colorful illustration that shows the story's main idea. If this story were in a book all by itself, what picture would appear on the book's cover?
5. On the back of the box, use words and pictures to tell about the story's plot. Be sure to include the conflict! For extra points, you might draw a story map of the plot, including introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion.
6. On the top of the box, tell your story's mood and the author's style.
7. On the bottom of the box, tell your story's setting. Be sure to include both place and time.
8. On one side of the box, list the story's characters. You might want to draw pictures or use words to describe them.
9. On the other side of the box, tell the story's theme (explain why you think this lesson can be learned from the story) and its point of view. For full credit, tell the point of view as specifically as possible: first person by whom? Third person limited to whom? Third person omniscient?
10. Be sure that your box is neat, colorful, thoughtful, and complete. A person looking at it should be able to understand what your story was like, even if he or she has never read it before.
11. Pass in your project by September 10, 2009! If you will be absent on that day, please try to turn in your project the day before or as soon as you return.
Unit exam will be given on Sept. 9. Students have received a vocabulary study sheet and will receive am additional review sheet this week.
We still do not have information regarding logins and passwords for the online textbook. As soon as that information is made available, I will share it with the students.
Have a wonderful week.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
August 22, 2009
Hello everybody,
Homework for Monday night (8/24) is due Tuesday (8/25): Look up the definition, part of speech, and synonym for each of the SP-2 spelling words. You will receive a chart showing you how it should be done every week. It will help you keep the words, parts of speech, definitions, and synonyms organized.
SP-2 "Short Vowels" (test Friday)
admire
canyon
lemonade
method
distance
swimming
modern
comedy
husband
clumsy
magnify
cannon
decorate
strict
injury
tissue
honesty
property
hundredth
dungeon
Cursive handwriting is a must for success in school. It allows you to take notes faster and strengthens eye-hand coordination. Here's a site you might find useful:
http://www.abcteach.com/DNealian/cursivechart1.htm
******Make sure you have parent permission to access any Internet site.******
Keep reading 20 minutes every evening and recording your pages on your reading log. All of you have a library book to read. One of your library books must be a Reading Counts book in your reading range, the other may be anything you choose. Four Reading Counts tests are due every nine-weeks.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
August 14, 2009
Each school day, as soon as you come in, you will copy and answer the Essential Question posted on the board and respond in writing to a daily writing prompt. While the focus in my class is on reading, I always want to know what you think about different things, and your responses will help me get to know you. This activity will be checked weekly FOR A GRADE.
Your outside reading is as important as the reading you do for class. Read everything you can find: the cereal box, the newspaper, the TV listings, Reading Counts books, etc. You are required to read 20 minutes every evening and record your pages on the reading log in your notebook. Reading logs will be checked weekly FOR A GRADE. Four Reading Counts tests are required each nine-weeks grading period. The books you will test on will be at your individual reading level and within your reading range to allow for optimum growth.
Every Monday for homework, you will need to look up the definition, part of speech, and synonym for each of the week's spelling words. Over the course of the week, you will be working with the class set of spelling books IN CLASS to complete a variety of spelling activities FOR A GRADE. There will be a spelling test every Friday. Here is the first week's list so you can get an idea of how I post it on this Web site:
SP-1 "Getting Letters in Correct Order" (test Friday)
poetry
beautiful
thirteen
tongue
pieces
thousand
through
unusual
building
license
remodel
grateful
enemy
instrument
perform
prefer
judged
adjusted
soldier
We have a wonderful, eager, hard-working group of 6th graders, and I welcome each day I spend with them.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
August 5, 2009
Dear Students,
Welcome to the new school year! Old-timers (otherwise known as 7th and 8th graders), don't forget to come by and say, "Hello," when you get back to school. I want to hear all about your vacation and share in your hopes and dreams for the coming year.
6th graders, I'm looking forward to meeting you. If you know someone who has been in one of my classes, he/she will be able to answer some of the questions you may have about lockers or notebooks or special projects. Visit my Web page at the school's Web site (Sixth Grade pull-down menu) for important information. It will help you feel more at home with us.
See you soon!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
May 4, 2009
Grade printouts are being sent home today for student and parent review. Many students have not met their Reading Counts requirements and that's what's keeping their grades down. Students have until May 11 to take their four Reading Counts tests. We have finished reading The Sign of the Beaver and students are being encouraged to take the RC test at their earliest convenience -- it does count toward their 4-book goal.
All reading logs are due May 8. All reading done over the course of the school year should be listed: textbooks, biography, Reading Counts, personal reading choices, etc.
The final exam will be on The Sign of the Beaver. Students will NOT have access to the book during the test but may use the notes they took in their log books for help.
Students did a good job on their weaving projects and should have taken them home. They will be finishing their dreamcatchers this week and may take them home as well.
Our drama unit starts tomorrow with students taking on roles in The Secret Garden (also a Reading Counts book). The focus of this activity will be on interpretation as students follow stage direction and assume the various character's personality. This part of the unit is always fun -- lots of getting up and moving around. There's always a lot of "drama" in 6th grade -- this is where we'll get to see lots of it. :)
Sincerely,
Dr. H
April 14, 2009
Hello and Welcome Back from Spring Break. I hope everyone enjoyed time with friends and family and came back refreshed.
This week's work will be a combination of review for next week's CRCT tests and a continuation of our novel study, The Sign of the Beaver. Monday night's homework was in the Standardized Test Prep. WB on pages 30-43. I'm giving students an extra day to work on it and will check it for a grade on Wednesday.
Wednesday, we will be going to the Media Center. Students should plan on having a book to read with them after they finish the CRCT each day, and our visit tomorrow should help with that.
For the CRCT, students should get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast. A different subject will be tested each day beginning with the Reading portion. Students can reduce test anxiety by practicing at the Georgia OAS Web site:
Georgia OAS: www.georgiaoas.org
**All students have been given their personal login information and should have written it on the Notes pages in their agendas. If they have forgotten their login and password, they may enter under a general Grade 6 login:
Logon: Grade6
Password: Grade6
**BE SURE TO HOLD DOWN THE CONTROL KEY WHILE CLICKING THE LOGIN BUTTON.
The Reading passages on the CRCT are very long and practicing on the CRCT Web site provided by the state will help students manage their test time and devise personal strategies to help them succeed. Students know that they should ALWAYS READ THE QUESTIONS FIRST ON LONG PASSAGES, so they know what they're looking for.
Students have been well-prepared and are ready for the test. Take your time, young folks, and read the questions carefully. Good luck. :)
Sincerely,
Dr. H
March 29, 2009
SP-29 "One Word or Two?" (test Friday)
a lot
want to
all ways
always
away
a way
a little
below
because
together
forget
around
a while
awhile
forever
again
tonight
tomorrow
become
going to
Tricky words like these often appear in CRCT questions. Students should pay very close attention to the exercises on pages 134 through 137 in the Spelling workbook this week to learn how and when to use them correctly.
Speaking of the CRCT, students should be practicing on Study Island Reading and on the Reading practice tests at the Georgia Dept. of Education Web site. Test time is fast approaching, and students will be taking the CRCT very soon after they return from Spring Break. Practicing on these Web sites will give students a chance to preview the types of questions asked and allow me to address any problems students may encounter.
Study Island: www.studyisland.com
Login: First.Last@gtms
Password: Lunch #
Georgia OAS: www.georgiaoas.org
**All students have been given their personal login information and should have written it on the Notes pages in their agendas. If they have forgotten their login and password, they may enter under a general Grade 6 login:
Logon: Grade6
Password: Grade6
**BE SURE TO HOLD DOWN THE CONTROL KEY WHILE CLICKING THE LOGIN BUTTON.
The Reading passages on the CRCT are very long and practicing on the CRCT Web site provided by the state will help students manage their test time and devise personal strategies to help them succeed. Students know that they should ALWAYS READ THE QUESTIONS FIRST ON LONG PASSAGES, so they know what they're looking for.
We're continuing with our novel study of The Sign of the Beaver. Log books have been made, and the weaving project starts this week. Quizzes will be given after certain chapters have been read and may or may not be announced ahead of time. Students need to keep up with the in-class reading in order to be prepared for any quiz. I have announced a quiz after Chapter 4 to get them thinking ahead.
We have a full week ahead and will certainly earn our Spring Break!
Sincerely,
Ellen Hickey
March 20, 2009
SP-28 "Related Words" (test Friday)
direct
direction
history
historical
fact
factual
critic
criticize
produce
production
magic
magician
electric
electrician
distract
distraction
remedy
remedial
origin
original
Monday homework: Write a PLAY (remember the structure of a play) using at least 10 spelling words. Your play must have 2 or more characters. You will be acting it out in class.
Students, please remember to record anything you read on your reading log. We read in class all the time -- those pages count, but not if you don't record them properly on your reading log. There's no reason for anyone to get a zero for a reading log grade. Keep track and stay organized.
As we start our Response to Literature unit with The Sign of the Beaver, students will need to have a sheet of cardboard for our weaving project. Following that project, students will need to bring in dental floss for the dreamcatcher project. I will provide all of the other materials for the projects, but do expect students to be able to bring in a piece of cardboard and some dental floss. That responsibility gives them ownership in the activity.
As you see from the Vocabulary Review Sheet that students have been given, this unit is the culmination of everything we've studied this year. Our analysis of the novel and the play will focus heavily on underlying meaning and will require higher level analytical thinking skills. I'm eager to see what our students can come up with.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
March 13, 2009
SP-27 "Opposite Prefixes" (test Friday)
pretrial
prearrange
postdate
postwar
overcook
overflow
undercover
include
exclude
overlook
premeditated
prehistoric
precaution
postponement
postgraduate
overpopulated
undernourished
underweight
inhale
exhale
Your projects were great!!!! As I told you, there are many that would really sell in the stores. Everyone wants one of Matthew's inventions to help with locker jumble; Alexis's idea, too, has great potential as does Keshon's and Keiyanna's. I hope that some of your will take your ideas further -- you are a multi-talented group of young people.
Our unit on persuasive text wraps up this week with some informal debating. Our next (and last) unit of study is "Response to Literature" and is a culmination of everything we learned this year. Students will be reading heavily and doing several projects related to the content material. It is important at this point that we step back and fill in any of the gaps that may have filtered in over the year. Students enjoy this unit -- not only because it's the last one, but because it focuses their energies on literature that specifically targets young people. I know the students will be amazed at how much they've learned this year as they apply it to new material. I'm looking forward to seeing the fruits of their hard work.
Study Island practice should continue to keep reinforcing strategies needed for success on the CRCT. Parents, please spend some time with your child and their Study Island practice. Coach them with good advice and discourage guessing -- they really DO know how to figure out the right answers.
Just to let you know: The nine-weeks ended today and we will be unable to enter any grades for the new quarter until the system is unlocked after report cards are sent home.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
March 8, 2009
Correction: Project is due Tuesday, March 10 (not Mar. 9). Thanks, Katie, for noticing that.
Dr. H
March 6, 2009
SP-26 "Suffixes -ate, -ive, -ship" (test Friday)
originate
fortunate
activate
attractive
inventive
negative
creative
friendship
championship
leadership
affectionate
considerate
obligate
productive
defective
constructive
ownership
membership
hardship
relationship
Propaganda projects are due Tuesday, March 9. Student presentations MUST include electronic media. Students have been reminded not to bring cameras, etc. to school. The work must be on Big Save or a flash drive or some other storage device that will work in my teacher computer for projecting onto the big screen. (See earlier entries below for more specific details.)
Students should be working in Study Island. Study Island assignments are posted on the board and listed on the student menu in the program. They can, of course, go back and complete unfinished assignments in the program for practice (not for credit). We will be going to the Computer Lab on Monday for Study Island practice and project finalization.
We are wrapping up the 3rd nine-week marking period and students should be taking a serious look at their progress so far. We want to encourage them to look ahead and plan for success.
Enjoy the beautiful weather that is just around the corner.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
March 1, 2009
SP-25 "Including All the Letters" (test Fri.)
probably
cabinet
separate
wondering
clothes
temperature
average
beginning
restaurant
promise
aspirin
desperate
awfully
fishhook
twelfth
skiing
unwritten
roughly
schedule
overrule
Unit 6 project due March 10. *** UNIT PROJECT: Students have received a project sheet with the information below and a list of propaganda strategies they are expected to use. The final product MUST use electronic media. Students know that, if they need computer time, they should finish their classwork and use a classroom computer, or use a line in the Hall Pass to go to the Media Center, and/or ask me for a Before-School Media Center pass.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS: Design a new product. Create an advertisement or commercial to persuade consumers to purchase the product. It must be in the form of electronic media.
Your advertisement should:
Target a specific audience and
Use at least three propaganda techniques.
These techniques should:
grab your attention and hold it
give new information
demonstrate why the product is perfect for you
persuade you to purchase the product
(Ray, Debbie (1999). Retrieved Feb. 21, 2009 from http://www.aacps.org/aacps/boe/INSTR/CURR/comed/es/webquest/Persuade/Pers3.HTM)
The Propaganda Definitions may be accessed at http://www.aacps.org/aacps/boe/INSTR/CURR/comed/es/webquest/Persuade/PER2.html
Students have known about the project since Feb. 12 and have been brainstorming with their peers as to type of product and method of advertising.
Reading Counts #4 was due on Friday (Feb. 27). Students received a grade printout Friday with their current average. Students were able to check the grade printout to see whether or not they had competed the 4-Reading Counts test requirement for this quarter. Students are still able to take RC tests for credit if they have not met the 4-test requirement yet.
This week the class will continue to debate and "argue" in a constructive way. :) We'll also begin role playing as a way of interpreting literary characterization.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
February 21, 2009
SP-23 "Words from Many Cultures" (test Friday)
moose
cobra
alligator
vanilla
banana
tomato
mustard
hula
picnic
barbecue
crocodile
coyote
koala
macaroni
catsup
polka
ballet
waltz
banquet
buffet
Monday homework: Write a persuasive essay convincing your audience that one of the animals on the spelling list should be protected and placed on the endangered species list. Since you are trying to persuade someone that this is an important animal, you will want to include only positive statements.
*** UNIT PROJECT: Students have received a project sheet with the information below and a list of propaganda strategies they are expected to use. The final product MUST use electronic media. Students know that, if they need computer time,they should finish their classwork and use a classroom computer, or use a line in the Hall Pass to go to the Media Center, and/or ask me for a Before-School Media Center pass.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS: Design a new product. Create an advertisement or commercial to persuade consumers to purchase the product. It must be in the form of electronic media.
Your advertisement should:
Target a specific audience and
Use at least three propaganda techniques.
These techniques should:
grab your attention and hold it
give new information
demonstrate why the product is perfect for you
persuade you to purchase the product
(Ray, Debbie (1999). Retrieved Feb. 21, 2009 from http://www.aacps.org/aacps/boe/INSTR/CURR/comed/es/webquest/Persuade/Pers3.HTM)
The Propaganda Definitions may be accessed at http://www.aacps.org/aacps/boe/INSTR/CURR/comed/es/webquest/Persuade/PER2.html
Students have known about the project since Feb. 12 and have been brainstorming with their peers as to type of product and method of advertising. The exact due date will be published this week.
Have a wonderful week.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
February 7, 2009
Thank you to everyone who participated in our student-led conferences. The day was a rousing success! We're in the process of responding to your questions, concerns, and greatly appreciate the many compliments we received for our work with the students.
Notices were sent home with Progress Reports about Early Release Day. Parents, if you would like to schedule a conference, please fill out the request form and send it back to your child's homeroom teacher.
Students have been working in their Vocabulary workbooks on prefixes, suffixes, and base (root) words. Testing and assessment has revealed that vocabulary acquisition is a weak area for most of our students, hence the contentrated effort on vocabulary. This week's spelling list is a continuation of that practice.
SP-22 "Suffixes -ation, -ion, -tion" (test Friday)
relaxation
exploration
occupation
destination
infection
collection
reaction
situation
television
convention
orientation
recommendation
determination
generation
reflection
destruction
attention
deduction
reception
solution
Students, remember to keep reading. Reading Counts #3 is due soon (check the grade printout in your student portfolio for the exact date).
Enjoy the beautiful weather this week.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
February 2, 2009
Important dates to remember:
Feb. 3 Student Presentations: "The Day I Was Born" Project
Feb. 5 Progress Report Day and Student-led Conferences: Parents, we hope you will be able to come and conference with your child. We know you'll find it a very meaningful experience.
Feb. 6 SP-21 test (word list below)
SP-21 "Vowel Sounds with 'r'"
report
order
explore
ignore
expert
service
research
worth
worst
disturb
sword
forty
enormous
therefore
determine
permanent
earning
thorough
attorney
purchase
January 22, 2009
Student-led conferences will be held on February 5th. See information below.
SP-20 (test Friday)
slogan
citizen
forgotten
propeller
collector
level
tunnel
double
single
example
urban
orphan
kindergarten
encounter
conquer
appetizer
dishonor
tractor
easel
recycle
Vocabulary workbook: pp. 19-29 due Friday
Research project will be due on February 3, 2009. Topic: The Day I Was Born. Project: PowerPoint or poster or scrapbook (student choice)
Web addresses for handouts are posted in the January 19 entry.
Mark your calendars! Student-led conferences will be held on February 5th. This is an opportunity for students and parents to meet together, discuss student progress, and set goals for the remainder of the marking period. Parents, we know you will enjoy the time spent with your child reviewing their hard work and our students really look forward to having you there. See you on the 5th!
January 19, 2009
Because of the short week, there will be no spelling test this week. As time permits, in-class spelling and reading activities this week will focus on comprehension and interpretation of written text in other curricular areas, i.e. social studies, science, health, etc. Students should also continue to practice in Study Island (currently listed on the student menu as Unit 5).
This week's Vocabulary workbook assignment is pp. 11-18 and is due Friday. These very short activities build on lessons learned in elementary school and allow students to read and understand increasingly-complex middle school material.
Our research unit will continue with online and book research in the Media Center on Tuesday. In addition to in-school research, students are expected to work on the unit for homework throughout the next week. I have listed the Web addresses for the research handouts below (copy and paste into Web browser) in case they have been lost or misplaced.
Parents and students, I hope you will take time to watch and discuss the historic events taking place in our country this week. No matter what your political affiliation, the process of government is something that affects us all and informs future decision-making.
The Day I Was Born project handouts:
(Copy and paste into Web browser)
http://www.create.cett.msstate.edu/create/classroom/handouts/Hurt_CD1_Set7_Self-Discovery_Peer_Introduction_Handout5_Revised.doc
http://www.create.cett.msstate.edu/create/classroom/handouts/Hurt_CD1_Set7_Self-Discovery_Peer_Introduction_Handout3_Revised.doc
http://www.create.cett.msstate.edu/create/classroom/handouts/Hurt_CD1_Set7_Self-Discovery_Peer_Introduction_Handout4_Revised.doc
http://www.create.cett.msstate.edu/create/classroom/handouts/Hurt_CD1_Set1_FYI_Book_Fact_Finding.doc
http://www.create.cett.msstate.edu/create/classroom/handouts/Hurt_CD1_Set1_FYI_Encyclopedia_Fact_Finding.doc
http://www.create.cett.msstate.edu/create/classroom/handouts/Hurt_CD1_Set1_FYI_Internet_Fact_Finding.doc
http://www.create.cett.msstate.edu/create/classroom/handouts/Hurt_CD1_Set1_FYI_Web_Site_Checklist.doc
January 9, 2009
SP-19 "Vowels in Unstressed Syllables" (test Fri.)
different
register
carnival
variety
atmosphere
favorite
pattern
understand
sentence
instance
elegant
aquarium
communicate
gasoline
factory
definite
Chicago
heavily
garage
illustrate
Homework for Monday night will be in the Vocabulary and Spelling book pp. 7-10. The assignment should take students approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Both the students and I were disappointed with the results of the recent S.T.A.R. tests. Student progress not only slowed down during the last nine-weeks, it has fallen into decline and we all need to do everything we can to reverse that trend. Parents, you can help by monitoring your child's reading every evening and sharing your reading experiences with them. As you pick up a book or magazine to read, encourage your child to do so as well. Over the next week, I will give students their new reading ranges and hope that their dedication will bring those reading scores back up.
We are currently in the research phase of our "The Day I Was Born" project. Students have received several handouts (I've put the links below in case anyone has lost them), classroom instruction, and a research class conducted by the Media Specialist. "Before school" Media Center passes are always available from me the day before they're needed. Students have only to ask for one. :)
http://www.create.cett.msstate.edu/create/classroom/handouts/Hurt_CD1_Set7_Self-Discovery_Peer_Introduction_Handout5_Revised.doc
http://www.create.cett.msstate.edu/create/classroom/handouts/Hurt_CD1_Set7_Self-Discovery_Peer_Introduction_Handout3_Revised.doc
Parents, your children have really enjoyed interviewing you and I hope that as the project progress, you'll have the opportunity to help them again. I look forward to seeing the final products (scrapbook or PowerPoint or poster).
Enjoy the weekend.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
January 1, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Everyone!
I hope you welcomed in 2009 with friends and family. I was fortunate to have both of my sons visit over the holidays and have thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with them. As the students know, both of my sons work in the D.C. area and don't get to come South too often, so it's been delightful having them around and doing "Mom" things for them.
SP-17 Related Words I (test Friday)
human
humane
clean
cleanse
nature
natural
major
majority
poem
poetic
equal
equation
unite
unity
b-mb (Schoolnotes.com won't allow this word. It's posted correctly on the board in the classroom.)
b-mbard (Schoolnotes.com won't allow this word. It's posted correctly on the board in the classroom.)
muscle
muscular
resign
resignation
We start our research unit this week. Students will be given packets of information and suggestions on how to conduct research effectively. I have arranged for the Media Specialist to teach a class on Tuesday on research skills, so that the students will have the knowledge they need to complete the unit project, "The Day I Was Born." Homework for Monday night will be to conduct an interview (in person or by telephone) with someone who was around when the student was born and get as much factual and anecdotal data as possible. Students should start collecting personal data surrounding the events of their birth. (Work submitted earlier this year for Ms. Nash's class may NOT be resubmitted for this project.) Students will be given specific guidelines and will be required to conduct their research in a highly organized manner. Since we're halfway through the school year, we must look ahead to the demands of 7th grade and lay the foundation for good research techniques.
Students should be working on Unit 5 on their Study Island Reading menu. The activities that I've assigned in Study Island support each of the units and may always be practiced as preparation for the upcoming CRCT in the spring. ***Extra credit opportunity: Send me an email through your Study Island account and earn 50 points of extra credit as a bonus for your hard work in Study Island. Remind me to check my Study Island email so I can give you your extra credit.
I look forward to seeing you next week.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
December 11, 2008
SP-16 "Irregular Verbs"
scarfs
staffs
shelves
wolves
ourselves
solos
stereos
volcanoes
quizzes
pants
sheriffs
reefs
chiefs
knives
thieves
studios
dominoes
buffaloes
scissors
measles
Monday: End-of-Semester Exam (Review Study Island "Sound, Fig. Lang. Graphics" and "Trad. Lit. and Myth.")
Monday HW: Rehearse folktale in front of an audience at home.
Tuesday: Media Center
Thinking Cap Day
Enjoy the week!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
December 5, 2008
SP-15 "Using Just Enough Letters"
similar
doesn't
experience
forward
exactly
partner
drawer
expensive
develop
familiar
pigeon
tickling
penalty
frustrated
athletic
celebration
circling
helicopter
trembling
sparkling
Monday homework due Tuesday, Dec. 9: Write a summary of a recent TV show you have seen. Your summary should have at least 5 paragraphs: (1) opening sequence/setting, (2) characterization, (3) significant events/rising action, (4) climax, and (5) conclusion. Proofread your work and make sure any errors have been corrected.
End-of-semester exam will be on December 15. Students should study the Review Sheets given to them over the course of the semester. Working on Study Island will also help students review for the exam.
Enjoy this exciting weekend full of parades and community events.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
November 24, 2008
SP-14 "Easily Confused Words" (test Fri., Dec. 5)
since
sense
choose
chose
finally
finely
except
accept
beside
besides
recent
resent
access
excess
later
latter
metal
medal
personal
personnel
Homework for Monday, Dec. 1: SP-14 definitions, parts of speech, and synonyms (due Dec. 2)
Students should create a Flow Map for Sequencing charting the major events in the folktale they plan to retell. Students may use puppets, flannel board, 3 to 5 PowerPoint slides, hand movements, expressive voice inflection, and/or creative pacing to maintain listener interest as they assume the traditional role of storyteller.
The End-of-Semester Exam is scheduled for Dec. 15. Students have received a review sheet and should be practicing in Study Island. Extra credit has been offered in Study Island this quarter, specifically "Sound, Figurative Language, and Graphics" and "Traditional Literature and Mythology" to give students practice in the targeted areas of study.
Our students will also be taking county-wide assessments in Writing, Reading, and Math when they return from the Thanksgiving holiday. If students have been keeping up with assigned work, they should have no problem performing well on these tests that have been aligned with the curriculum.
Enjoy your holidays!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
November 20, 2008
Hello, Everyone,
As Thanksgiving approaches, let's take a moment to stop and give thanks to the troops who are serving away from their families, so that we can be free to be with ours.
Go to www.LetsSayThanks.com and send a postcard to a servicemember stationed in Iraq. Xerox will print the cards and send them overseas for distribution. You can't choose who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services.
Think how amazing it would be if everyone we knew sent a card! It is FREE and it only takes a second. Whether you are for or against the war, our guys and gals over there need to know we are behind them.
May your Thanksgiving be blessed with the warmth of family and friends.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
November 19, 2008
Students have been given a Review Sheet for the Oral Tradition unit we are starting today. They have been instructed to store it in the Projects section of their notebooks. On the back of this Review Sheet, students have been directed to write the instructions for the major project for this unit: Storytelling.
Students are to:
1. Choose a folktale to relate. It may be one from home, or it may be one from the Media Center/public library (398 section).
2. Decide on a presentation -- nothing written down. It may be a 3-5 slide PowerPoint, flannel board, etc.
3. Practice.
4. Try it out on a friend to get constructive feedback.
The due date has not been set yet (depends on the school events calendar), but it should be in about 3 weeks.
In the meantime, students will be exposed to and analyzing folktales, myths, and legends for comparison (similarities) and contrast (differences) among various cultures.
Thank you again, everybody, for your support of our Poetry Coffeehouse. It was wonderful!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
November 14, 2008
SP-13 "Words with 'ci' and 'ti'" (test Friday)
social
precious
commercial
especially
national
dictionary
motion
position
population
question
artificial
financial
gracious
glacier
suggestion
cautious
mention
fraction
exhaustion
digestion
Homework for Monday night (11/17) will be to use 10 of the spelling words in a narrative story. Students will have some class time on Monday to start it. A minimum of 5 paragraphs is expected.
Students will be going to the Media Center on Monday, November 17 and taking the Poetry unit exam on Tuesday, November 18. Students should have memorized the terms on the review sheet that was handed out 4 weeks ago. The unit test is not a long one, but it is very specific and taken directly from the review sheet information.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the students and parents who made our Poetry Coffeehouse such a success. Everyone involved found it to be a meaningful experience, and all of our adult guests had nothing but praise for the talent of our young people. We will begin our next unit, Oral Traditon, on Monday.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
November 7, 2008
SP-11 "Compound Words 1" (test Friday)
myself
themselves
hallway
homeroom
everything
ice cream
locker room
tape recorder
root beer
dead end
teenage
teammate
skateboard
everybody
doughnut
air conditioner
polka dot
roller coaster
ice pack
solar system
Homework for Monday night (11/10) is due Tuesday (11/11): Look up the definition, part of speech, and synonym for each of the SP-11 spelling words.
Students should be completing final drafts for their "I Am" and "In Honor of . . ." poems. They should also have memorized a published poem, know its author, and be able to explain the poem's meaning and significance. Students will be reading/reciting these poems on Thursday, November 13, at our Poetry Coffeehouse. Students must be sure to bring a hat to wear -- it is their "ticket" to the performance. Information was sent home with the students on November 6.
Students have been given a review sheet for the unit test and should be memorizing the definitions of the poetic devices and literary terms that we have been using in class. The Poetry Unit test will be on November 18.
We hope to see you all on Thursday.
sincerely,
Dr. H
***Date change for Poetry Coffeehouse***
New date: November 13.
I apologize for the inconvenience, but the original date conflicted with Student-led Conferences and Progress Report Day.
October 24, 2008
SP-10 "Using Apostrophes" (test Friday)
it's
let's
that's
we'd
don't
there's
coach's
coaches'
man's
men's
you're
she'd
mustn't
o'clock
guide's
guides'
director's
directors'
city's
cities'
HW Monday night (due Tuesday): Rough draft of "I Am" poem. Instructions will be handed out on Monday, and students will start on it in class. My specific instructions will include additions to the standard model, so students should be sure to take notes.
The Poetry Coffeehouse will be held on November 14 during each student's Reading class period. Students are responsible for writing two poems (very specific and according to my directions) and memorizing a published poem. They will present their original poetry and their interpretation of the published work using their public speaking skills. It's sure to be a wonderful experience for their audiences!
Have a wonderful week.
sincerely,
Dr. H
October 20, 2008
Wow! We met some very interesting "people" this week: Madam C.J. Walker, Patrick Henry, Douglas MacArthur, Rosa Parks, Clara Barton, and many others. Students, you did a wonderful job of presenting your character's life story. We heard about your character's childhood, education, and many accomplishments. Congratulations on a job well done. Our poetry unit starts this week and I'm looking forward to reading about your thoughts, your hopes, and your dreams.
Homework for Monday night (10/20) is due Tuesday (10/21): Look up the definition, part of speech, and synonym for each of the SP-9 spelling words.
SP-9 "One Consonant or Two?"
connect
command
mirror
accomplish
according
allowance
college
address
Mississippi (Remember to capitalize; it's the name of a state.)
recess
committee
immediate
barricade
interrupt
broccoli
collect
afford
possess
Tennessee (Remember to capitalize; it's the name of a state.)
announce
We will be going to the Media Center on Tuesday and, of course, you may always get a "Before School" Media Center pass from me if you'd like to go on another day.
I will no longer be posting to Bloust. Students and parents have told me that they find the www.schoolnotes.com format much simpler to use. I will announce this in class, so everyone will know to check schoolnotes only for class information.
Have a wonderful Fall Break.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
October 13, 2008
There will be no spelling this week and no homework over the Fall Break. We want all of our students to get a good rest and be re-energized as we start the second quarter.
Tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 14), students will be holding their biography interviews. For this project, students had to read a biography from the school Media Center, prepare a script for the interview, develop a costume that would represent their character, and construct an outline. Final rehearsal is today and students are practicing with their partners.
Today ends the nine-week grading period, and I want to commend our sixth-graders for their hard work. You are well on your way to a successful year.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
October 3, 2008
SP-8 "Unexpected Consonant Spellings" (test Friday)
doubt
fascinate
science
scenic
autumn
column
guilty
league
guardian
disguise
subtle
debt
reminiscent
descend
condemn
solemn
guidance
vague
fatigue
intrigue
There will be NO homework this week except for the daily outside reading requirement. Students will be taking End-of-the-Quarter exams all week and will need their evening time to study. The exam for my class (Language Arts/Reading) will be Monday, October 6. Students should study the "Literary Terms Review Sheet" they received 4 weeks ago (the same terms had also been posted on the desks in my room since August 11). Students should be able to draw and explain a plotline. (A plotline was posted on the Word Wall in my room for 7 weeks, and students should have copied it and stored it in their notebooks.)
Grade printouts will be sent home Monday for parent review. Students will earn extra credit if the printout is returned the next day with a parent signature.
Students received 3 handouts regarding the biography project that we are currently working on. The biography outline and interview presentation are due Oct. 14. Interview rehearsal will be on Oct. 13; however, students should have written their questions, chosen their peer interviewer, and assembled their costume well before that. Parents, you might want to go over each handout with your child to see what support they will need with interview questions, costume, and props. PLEASE DON'T PURCHASE ANYTHING FOR THIS PROJECT. Students have been told to use their creativity and create, design, and borrow whatever they need to portray their character. Body language will be an important element.
Thanks, everyone, for a wonderful week. You guys were nerdy, spirited, and tacky to the max!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
September 26, 2008
SP-7 "Homophones"
their
there
they're
wring
ring
chili
chilly
scent
sent
cent
oversees
overseas
patients
patience
cereal
serial
coarse
course
counsel
council
Homework for Monday night (9/29) is due Tuesday (9/30): Look up the definition, part of speech, and synonym for each of the SP-7 spelling words.
Congratulations, students! Your cereal box projects were great. I know your classmates enjoyed evaluating them and seeing your best effort.
On Monday, we will begin our study of nonfiction. Students should be reading a biography from the school Media Center, taking notes, and preparing to portray the character in a classroom interview session. Students will receive the presentation rubric on Monday, so they know how they will be graded. The focus of the presentation will be listening, speaking, and viewing demonstrated by comprehension of biography material, attire, props, preparedness, and body language (posture and eye contact). Students have known about the project for 2 weeks and should be ready to write their interview questions about their character's life.
As always, students will be shown a model of what is expected of them for the project.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
September 18, 2008
Cereal box project is due Monday, September 22. See handout for requirements.
SP-5 "Adding '-ed' and '-ing'"
answered
decided
included
omitted
satisfied
answering
deciding
including
omitting
satisfying
delayed
remembered
exercised
interfered
occurred
delaying
remembering
exercising
interfering
occurring
Monday night homework (due 9/23): Use 10 of the SP-5 words in a narrative story.
Have grade printout signed and returned on Tuesday (9/23) for extra credit.
September 12, 2008
SP-4 "Vowel sounds in 'rule' and 'view'" (test Friday)
reduce
attitude
sewer
New York
review
value
continue
humid
United States
universe
costume
absolutely
assume
renew
viewpoint
interview
preview
rescue
uniform
reunion
Homework for Monday night (9/15) is due Tuesday (9/16): Look up the definition, part of speech, and synonym for each of the SP-4 spelling words.
The cereal box project is due Sept. 22. Students have received a handout and a rubric with all the information needed. Students have also received a Literary Terms review sheet as a resource for the project and as a study guide for the End-of-the-Nine Weeks Exam (in 4 weeks).
Thanks to everyone who participated in the student-led conferences this past Wednesday, whether at home or at school. Your interest in our program is greatly appreciated.
A notice about Early Release Day next week was sent home with the students, and the school is asking that all students return the form whether a conference is requested or not. We want to make sure that everyone has received the information.
Progress report grades looked great. Students, keep up the good work. Parents, if your 6th grader has gotten off to a slow start, ask to see the agenda every evening. It will help your child review assignment due dates and deadlines and keep you "in the know."
Sincerely,
Dr. H
September 5, 2008
SP-3 "Words with ei and ie" (test Friday)
Homework for Monday night (9/8) is due Tuesday (9/9): Look up the definition, part of speech, and synonym for each of the SP-3 spelling words.
ceiling
receipt
deceive
neither
field
achieve
belief
brief
relief
apiece
leisure
protein
receiver
seize
conceited
shield
niece
diesel
grief
yield
The cereal box project is due Sept. 22. Students have received a handout and a rubric with all the information needed. Students have also received a Literary Terms review sheet as a resource for the project and as a study guide for the End-of-the-Nine Weeks Exam (in 4 weeks).
Student-led conferences will be held on Wednesday. Hope you can attend.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
August 21, 2008
Hello everybody,
Homework for Monday night (8/25) is due Tuesday (8/26): Look up the definition, part of speech, and synonym for each of the SP-2 spelling words. Remember to create a chart similar to the one I showed you in class. It will help you keep the words, parts of speech, definitions, and synonyms organized.
SP-2 "Short Vowels" (test Friday -- 8/29)
admire
canyon
lemonade
method
distance
swimming
modern
comedy
husband
clumsy
magnify
cannon
decorate
strict
injury
tissue
honesty
property
hundredth
dungeon
Cursive handwriting is a must for success in school. It allows you to take notes faster and strengthens eye-hand coordination. Here's a site you might find useful:
http://www.abcteach.com/DNealian/cursivechart1.htm
******Make sure you have parent permission to access any Internet site.******
Keep reading 20 minutes every evening and recording your pages on your reading log. After our visit to the Media Center tomorrow (8/22), all of you will have a library book to read. One of your library books must be a Reading Counts book in your reading range, the other may be anything you choose. Four Reading Counts tests are due every nine-weeks.
Thank you for a wonderful start to the school year. Your target is 851 or higher!!!!!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
August 1, 2008
Each school day, as soon as you come in, you will copy and answer the Essential Question posted on the board and respond in writing to a daily writing prompt. While the focus in my class is on reading, I always want to know what you think about different things, and your responses will help me get to know you. Both of these activities will be checked every Friday FOR A GRADE.
Your outside reading is as important as the reading you do for class. Read everything you can find: the cereal box, the newspaper, the TV listings, Reading Counts books, etc. You are required to read 20 minutes every evening and record your pages on the reading log in your notebook. Reading logs will be checked on Fridays FOR A GRADE. Four Reading Counts tests are required each nine-weeks grading period. The books you will test on will be at your individual reading level and within your reading range to allow for optimum growth.
Every Monday for homework, you will need to look up the definition, part of speech, and synonym for each of the week's spelling words. Over the course of the week, you will be working with the class set of spelling books IN CLASS to complete a variety of spelling activities FOR A GRADE. There will be a spelling test every Friday. Here is the first week's list so you can get an idea of how I post it on this Web site:
SP-1 "Getting Letters in Correct Order" (test Friday)
poetry
beautiful
thirteen
tongue
pieces
neighborhoodHello everybody,
Welcome to the new school year! It is sure to be a good one. I hope you find the information I post on this Web site helpful. Remember to check it regularly for spelling lists, major project announcements, and upcoming events.
thousand
through
unusual
building
license
remodel
grateful
enemy
instrument
perform
prefer
judged
adjusted
soldier
Again, welcome to 6th grade Language Arts -- I look forward to working with you. Please feel free to contact me via the email link at the top of this page.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
May 12, 2008
SP-31 (test Friday)
interested
usually
American
toward
business
vegetable
really
opposite
difficult
Christmas
magazine
apologize
multiply
jealousy
elementary
oxygen
Maryland
sensitive
laughter
disease
Monday homework: SP-31 definitions, parts of speech, syn.
Final exams: Writing May 19
Language Arts May 20
May 5, 2008
SP-29 (test Friday)
a lot
want to
all ways
always
away
a way
a little
below
because
together
forget
around
a while
awhile
forever
again
tonight
tomorrow
become
going to
Monday night's homework is to create an original puzzle (word search, crossword, etc.) using 10 of this week's spelling words. It will be due on Wednesday. Friday's spelling test will be on all 20 words.
March 28, 2008
direct
direction
history
historical
fact
factual
critic
criticize
produce
production
magic
magician
electric
electrician
distract
distraction
remedy
remedial
origin
original
Monday Homework: SP-28 definitions, parts of speech, and synonyms
SP-28 test Friday
Congratulations to all those students who have earned tickets to the Study Island party. I know you'll have a great time!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
SP-27 Opposite Prefixes
pretrial
prearrange
postdate
postwar
overcook
overlook
overflow
undercover
include
exclude
premeditated
prehistoric
precaution
postponement
postgraduate
overpopulated
undernourished
underweight
inhale
exhale
Mon. HW: Use 10 of the spelling words in a narrative story.
Remember to keep up with your Sign of the Beaver assignments. You will need to produce your packet of work at the end of the unit.
You will need to have your cardboard on Monday to start your weaving project.
Congratulations to our Honor Roll and Citizenship students. You can be very proud of all you've accomplished this year.
sincerely,
Dr. H
March 24, 2008
SP-26 Suffixes -ate, -ive, -ship
originate
fortunate
activate
attractive
inventive
negative
creative
friendship
championship
leadership
affectionate
considerate
obligate
productive
defective
constructive
ownership
membership
hardship
relationship
Mon. HW: Use 10 of the spelling words in a narrative story.
Remember to keep up with your Sign of the Beaver assignments. You will need to produce your packet of work at the end of the unit.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
March 17, 2008
SP-25 Including All the Letters (test Fri.)
probably
cabinet
separate
wondering
clothes
temperature
average
beginning
restaurant
promise
aspirin
desperate
awfully
fishhook
twelfth
skiing
unwritten
roughly
schedule
overrule
Mon. HW: Use 10 of the spelling words in a narrative story.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORLD!!! Go to freerice.com, practice/learn vocabulary, and donate grains of rice to needy people. For every word you get correct, 20 grains of rice will be donated to the United Nations World Food Program. Your efforts can save a life.
March 10, 2008
SP-23 Words from Many Cultures (test Fri.)
moose
cobra
alligator
vanilla
banana
tomato
mustard
hula
picnic
barbecue
crocodile
coyote
koala
macaroni
catsup
polka
ballet
waltz
banquet
buffet
February 29, 2008
SP-22 (test Fri.)
relaxation
exploration
occupation
destination
infection
collection
reaction
situation
television
convention
orientation
recommendation
determination
generation
reflection
destruction
attention
deduction
reception
solution
Mon. homework: SP-22 definitions, parts of speech, synonyms
Major projects: Per. 1, 2, 3, and 6: Public awareness campaign -- speech and poster
Per. 7: Public awareness brochure (trifold-style with 6 sections)
February 26, 2008
Hello, Everyone,
We all have aspirations about changing the world Well, today you should be thinking about how you can do that. Think of a topic for a public awareness campaign aimed at changing something you feel strongly about. You will need to research the topic and come up with facts and figures to support your opinion about the topic. Remember ANY TIME you visit a Web site or look in a book to find research, you MUST write down the reference citation. Use your Writing and Grammar textbook to help you with MLA format or go to citationmachine.net for help with reference citations. "Google" is NOT a reference cource; it is a search engine. All of your references need the title, author's name if available, place of publication, date of publication, and publisher or Web address. You will need specific facts and figures if you hope to persuade people to work for your cause. You will give a persuasive speech (you may use a few note cards) and create a poster advertising your public awareness campaign. You should focus on a real-life problem and come up with ways to solve it. Students may gather support for their argument through research, surveys, and/or interviews.
It will be due on or around March 10 (depending on school activities). My Writing class (7th period) will use the same research to create a brochure encouraging people to work towards solution.
We will be practicing persuasive speaking in class, so begin your research early.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
February 25, 2008
SP-21 (test Friday)
report
order
explore
ignore
expert
service
research
worth
worst
disturb
sword
forty
enormous
therefore
determine
permanent
earning
thorough
attorney
purchase
Mon. homework: SP-21 definitions, parts of speech, synonyms
Advertising posters will be presented this week. Students should start planning their public awareness campaigns using various forms of media research. All research MUST be documented and referenced according to MLA style format. (Students can get help with that through citationmachine.net). Presentations will be made on or around March 10 (depending on other school activities). Students will recieve specific information regarding that project later this week.
Students should be using Study Island at home on a regular basis to reinforce their Reading and English/Language Arts skills. This is a program that our school subscribes to in order to give students practice in a student-friendly format. Parents, please encourage your child to use Study Island -- "Game Mode" will keep them interested and motivated. :)
Have a wonderful week.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
February 8, 2008
tunnel double
single example
urban orphan
kindergarten encounter SP-20 (test Friday)
slogan citizen
forgotten propeller
collector level
conquer appetizer
dishonest tractor
easel recycle
Monday HW: SP-20 definitions, parts of speech, synonyms
Writing class (my 7th per.): Persuasive essay
Imagine that your class is voting on the best school subject of the year. What subject do you think is the best? Write an essay to convince your classmates to vote for the subject you like best. Give strong reasons to support your opinion.
January 24, 2008
There sure are lots of things going on in my classroom over the next couple of weeks!!!!
On Friday, January 25, 2008, students will participate in an Interpretive Poetry Recital where they will recite a poem and interpret it for the audience. Students have had 3 weeks to prepare for this event.
On Thursday, January 31, 2008, my Writing class (Per. 7) will read their original poetry in a coffeehouse-style simulation in the classroom. Students will need to wear a silly hat to take us "out of the classroom and into the creative mood." They have been preparing for 3 weeks and should have brought invitations home to parents over the last week.
Students will take the Poetry Unit Test on Friday, February 1. Test questions will come from the Literary Terms Review Sheet that each student has in the Language Arts notebook. In addition, I have created online flash cards as a study aid. Copy and paste this link into your Web browser and "start session."
http://www.flashcardmachine.com/187000/9gd3
Students should continue to work through their Standardized Test Prep WB concentrating on accuracy. They should also work on Study Island Reading (and ELA if they are in my Writing class) and the Georgia CRCT Practice Test Web site. For the CRCT Practice site, students need their login # (written in the agenda) and the password is "pass." They may take any of the tests I have created for them or may click on "Student Tests."
I hope you all find this information helpful.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
January 6, 2008
Students will need to have a pencil and a pen (dark blue or black ink) with them on Tuesday for the schoolwide Mock Writing Test. Students will take the test in Homeroom Tuesday morning. The Daily Schedule will be changed to allow adequate time for testing.
Homework for Reading/Language Arts for the month of January will be found in the Standardized Test Prep. WB that each student has and may write in. The nightly homework pages should take about 10 minutes to complete, leaving time for the daily outside reading requirement.
Homework:
Jan. 3 -- WB pp. 1-5 (p. 1 done in class)
Jan. 4 -- WB pp. 6-8 (p. 6 done in class)
Jan. 7 -- WB pp. 9-12
For the current unit (Poetry), students in my Reading/Language Arts classes (Periods 1, 2, 3, and 6) will need to choose a published poem, memorize it, recite it aloud, and interpret it for the class. Students will be given a guide sheet and rubric to help them design their presentations. Students may use poems from the Media Center, the Literature book, the Internet, or their personal bookshelves. The poem should not be anything that has been used before -- the goal is to explore unfamiliar literature.
My Writing students (Period 7) will be creating a Poetry Notebook using original poetry written in genre-specific format. They will be given directions and samples to guide them to success and have already completed the final draft of the first poem, the Acrostic poem. My students (Period 7) will present their original poetry in a simulated coffeehouse-style setting. Students will receive more information about that and will be bringing home the invitation in about two weeks. The Poetry unit is designed to give middle school students another opportunity to express inner feelings. I look forward to learning more about each student through their poetry.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
January 1, 2008
Happy New Year! You're well on your way to 7th grade. How the year has flown!
Congratulations to all of you for coming this far. Entering and succeeding in middle school is a new and challenging experience. As you start the new semester, take time to reflect on your performance so far this year. Congratulations to those of you who have earned a place on the Honor Roll. You'll find out officially when report cards come out, but, in your heart, I think you know who you are. If some of you need help to reach your goal of promotion, please let me know what you need help with. Don't let the difficulties you may have experienced over the first semester continue. Reach out for help.
Homework all this month will be in your standardized test prep book (the very thin workbook). Make sure you know where yours is. You cleaned out your lockers before the vacation, so it should be easy to find. Also don't forget the Study Island assignments that are due on January 7. Most of you had enough time in the Computer Lab before we left, but you have a few more days just in case.
Enjoy the rest of your vacation.
Regards,
Dr. H
December 21, 2007
The shortest day of the year and darkness has already set in. I hope you're all warm and safe in the heart of your families. I'm with my sons in Washington, D.C., and we'll be traveling to New York tomorrow to see my mother and the rest of my family. As we drove further and further north, the outside temperature dropped. While most of you are seeing rain, I may get to see snow this week.
Thank you for my wonderful gifts and holiday wishes. I've eaten your cookies and candy, sipped your cocoa, nestled under your blanket, and hung up your ornaments. You have taken very good care of me. Your real gift, though, is the way you spend each school day with me and share your knowledge and talent with one another. You have much to give!
I hope you have a wonderful holiday. See you next year.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
December 10, 2007
Dear Students and Parents,
SP-15 (Using Just Enough Letters)
similar
doesn't
experience
forward
exactly
partner
drawer
expensive
develop
familiar
pigeon
tickling
penalty
frustrated
athletic
celebration
circling
helicopter
trembling
sparkling
Homework Monday (12/10): Use each spelling word in a 6th grade-level sentence or above. Please include a prep. phrase in each sentence.
Spell. WB pages 75-77 are due Thursday.
Storytelling will conclude today (Monday) for my Reading/Language Arts classes. Original folktales for my Writing students are due tomorrow (12/11).
The nine-weeks' exams for both Reading/Language Arts and Writing classes are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 17, as per Ms. Fries, and will cover informational text and the folktale genre. Part of each day this week will be devoted to review for the exams. After the holidays, we will begin the Poetry unit.
Make sure you read my Dec. 9 entry.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
December 9, 2007
Dear Students,
Many of you check this Web site frequently to get updates on class information. I know it takes extra time for you to do that, so I think you should be rewarded. If you are on my "Notify Me" list (there's a link at the top of the page) and write me a note saying that you are on my schoolnotes list, I'll give you 25 points of extra credit. Put your name on the note and drop it into the box next to my computer. Easy extra credit, huh? See you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
November 9, 2007
SP-11 (test Fri.) Compound Words I
myself
themselves
hallway
homeroom
everything
ice cream
locker room
tape recorder
root beer
dead end
teenage
teammate
skateboard
everybody
doughnut
air conditioner
polka dot
roller coaster
ice pack
solar system
Monday night's assignment involves locating definitions, parts of speech, and synonyms for the weekly spelling/vocabulary list. Students already know that the information can be found in the back of the spelling book, in a dictionary, or in a Thesaurus. Some students, however, prefer to use modern technology in place of the old "look it up in a book" system, so here is a link to an additional resource that can help students with synonyms and antonyms. http://www.synonym.com/synonym/
Biography projects are due on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Requirements have been posted on the board for two weeks and are reviewed with the students daily. Students will do the required outline in class on Monday, but I'm posting it here for those students who may be absent Monday. I'll use Abraham Lincoln as my model.
Abraham Lincoln (title centered)
(skip line)
I. Introduction
A. General fact about Lincoln
B. Another general fact about Lincoln
C. Another general fact about Lincoln (and why would anyone want
to know about him)
(skip line)
II. Early life
A. Vital statistics
1. Birthdate
2. Birthplace
3. Interesting fact about his birth
B. Family
1. Mother
2. Father
3. Sibling(s)
a.
b.
C. Residences
1. Location(s)
2. Interesting fact(s) about places Lincoln lived
(skip line)
III. Education
A. Schools
1.
2.
3.
B. Major area of study
C. Diploma/Degree
(skip line)
IV. Achievements
A.
B.
C.
(skip line)
V. Conclusion
A. Another interesting fact
B. Strong statement about his character
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
Sincerely,
Dr. H
November 2, 2007
SP-10 (test Fri.) "Using Apostrophes"
it's
let's
that's
we'd
don't
there's
coach's
coaches'
man's
men's
you're
she'd
mustn't
o'clock
guide's
guides'
director's
directors'
city's
cities'
For Monday night's homework, students will use each word in a sentence that is at least 7 words long and contains a prep. phrase. Be very careful about proper usage -- apostrophes can be tricky!
Biography requirements (for Reading Language Arts):
1. Read biography from GTMS Media Center.
2. Plan costume.
3. Prepare interview questions.
4. Develop outline according to teacher directions.
5. Create three-dimensional diorama (consisting of 5 parts according to classroom model):
a. Reference citation (use citationmachine.net MLA format)
b. Scene from early life
c. Symbol representing achievement
d. Writer's choice
e. Picture of subject (8 1/2 inches X 8 1/2 inches exactly)
The oral presentation will be in interview format:
a. In character/costume
b. Partner/interviewer
c. 10 or more interview questions for interviewer to ask
For my Writing class, students will create a 3-panel brochure (front and back -- total of 6 sections):
1. Name of character, title, picture/photo (on front)
2. 3 paragraphs
3. Early life/education
4. Achievements
5. Pictures/photos
6. Bibliography (on back)
Students will practice/model doing all of these things in class next week.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
October 30, 2007
SP-9 (test Fri.)
connect
command
mirror
accomplish
according
allowance
college
address
Mississippi
recess
committee
immediate
barricade
interrupt
broccoli
collect
afford
possess
Tennessee
announce
For Monday night's homework, students were to use each word in a sentence that was at least 7 words long and contained a prep. phrase. Students had ample time in class Monday to copy down both the words and the assignment.
Congratulations to 6A1 for their Door Decorating win!!!! The Main Office will arrange our pizza party this week.
And special congratulations to all the students for their magnificent PowerPoint presentations and research reports. We are learning a great deal about events in history due to your hard work!
Students have received instructions for the next unit project and a rubric. Step 1 is to read a biography from our Media Center and work on developing questions for an in-class "interview." Students will be required to prepare an outline, create a multi-sided diorama, and assume the identity of their character (dress up for the interview). I will teach the students how to do the outline and how to make the diorama. Parents can help by encouraging their child to read the biography and to begin writing the interview questions. The entire project will be due Nov. 14 (students checked the biographies out of the Media Center Oct. 24). Students will receive a handout at the end of this week with very specific directions. In the meantime, they should re-read the rubric to become familiar with the grading requirements. I will also post the requirements on this Web site for reference.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
October 24, 2007
For those who are still looking for information about their birthdate, here's a good Web site: http://brainyhistory.com/
PowerPoint presentations and research papers are due on October 29.
Dr. H
October 17, 2007
SP-8 Unexpected Consonant Spellings
doubt
fascinate
science
scenic
autumn
column
guilty
league
guardian
disguise
subtle
debt
reminiscent
descend
condemn
solemn
guidance
vague
fatigue
intrigue
Our standing Monday night assignments involves locating definitions, parts of speech, and synonyms for the weekly spelling/vocabulary list. Students already know that the information can be found in the back of the spelling book, in a dictionary, or in a Thesaurus. Some students, however, prefer to use modern technology in place of the old "look it up in a book" system, so here is a link to an additional resource that can help students with synonyms and antonyms. http://www.synonym.com/synonym/
A word of caution: students should only access Internet Web sites under parental supervision.
Research projects and presentations are due Oct. 29. Remember I will have the computer lab open every morning next week from 7:00-7:20 AM if you need computer access.
Enjoy the Fall Break.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
October 11, 2007
SP-7 (test WED.)
their
there
they're
wring
ring
chili
chilly
scent
cent
sent
overseas
oversees
patients
patience
cereal
serial
coarse
course
counsel
council
Work continues on the research project. Students will have had 5 1/2 weeks to complete the project from beginning to end. Project due date is Oct. 29. Students have had numerous opportunities to use computers in their research as well as the books in the Media Center. They should be working on the project at home nightly and on the weekends. There are several components to the project and students have worksheets to guide them. Some helpful Web sites include citationmachine.net, dmarie.com/timecap, and The Day I Was Born Project. Students have been instructed on how to develop their bibliography and reminded that ALL of their sources must be cited in the bibliography.
Reminder: Internet safety course for parents is tonight (Oct. 11) here at the school. We want to help keep your child safe as he/she conducts Internet research.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
October 6, 2007
Hello,
Because of the 9-weeks' exams, there will be no spelling test this week. However, students should bring the SP-6 Word Search to class on Monday for spelling review.
On Tuesday, October 9, students will be taking the Reading/Language Arts exam, and on Wednesday, October 10, the Writing exam. Both exams focus on the Narrative genre and students should be studying the review sheet I gave them 2 weeks ago. Students made flash cards over a 2-day period in class and can be using them to study. In my Writing class, we had a True/False quiz and some board exercises as a review. All of our teams' Writing classes should have been using the Daily Grammar Practice notes all along to help them study for the Conventions portion of the test. Students should make sure they have a pencil in class with them for the exams and get a good rest the night before. Results of these tests will help me plan instruction for the rest of the school year.
The due date for the research project is Oct. 29. Students have been given handouts outlining the requirements for the project. For Reading/Language Arts, students need to create and present a PowerPoint presentation with at least one slide for EACH required element (see checklist). For Writing, students must write a formal report containing at least one paragraph for EACH required element. It is recommended, but not required, that students in my Writing class type their work (12 pt. font, Times New Roman). If the report is handwritten, it must be in ink with NO mistakes, crossouts, or erasures, using cursive handwriting. Students have had several opportunities to do research in the computer lab and in the Media Center. Students may also use the computers in the Media Center every morning from 7:00-7:20 AM. I also have 4 computers in my classroom for students to use when they complete assigned classwork.
The research topic is "The Day I Was Born." Students interview parents or family members about the day they were born or, if they are not currently with their birth parents, about the day they came to live with the new family. Birth certificates, baby books, photographs, etc., can help the student as they gather information about themselves. They need to gather information about national and international events, music, sports, etc. Students must identify a hero and write about that person. There are Web sites where they can go to find out how many days old they are, see a picture of what the moon looked like on the night they were born, etc. Any information taken from a book or Web site must be referenced in the bibliography, of course. MLA format is to be used. (I will show the students how to work with citationmachine.net this week.)
http://citationmachine.net/index.php?callstyle=1&all=
There are many Web sites on the Internet that can help students with this project. A great one is The Day I Was Born Project:
http://www.dayiwasborn.net/templates/System/default.asp?id=40333
Another one can be found at:
http://www.woodridge68.org/jefferson/electives/computer/birthdays/birthdays.html
All students should be able to get into and use GTMS Big Save to transfer documents and PowerPoints back and forth between school and home. Students have a handout in the "PW" section of the notebook telling how to use Big Save. This link will get students in to Big Save from home:
http://168.11.164.140/
Parents, please be diligent about monitoring your child on the Internet. You may want to consider activating parental control through your service provider. The school is sponsoring an Internet safety course and information about date and time will be sent home this week. We're working together to keep our students safe.
Enjoy the weekend.
Sincerely,
Dr. H
September 28, 2007
SP-6 Review (test Fri.)
adjusted
beautiful
building
enemy
instrument
judged
neighborhood
perform
pieces
poetry
thirteen
thousand
through
unusual
admire
canyon
comedy
distance
dungeon
lemonade
method
modern
property
swimming
tissue
apiece
brief
grief
leisure
neither
niece
absolutely
assume
continue
humid
New York
rescue
review
uniform
United States
answering
decided
deciding
exercising
included
including
occurred
omitted
remembered
remembering
For this review unit, students will need to write a 250-word (or more) story using as many of the spelling words as possible. The story should be of high quality (6th grade or above writing) and contain dialogue among the characters. The story must have a series of events, a protagonist, an antagonist, and teach an important lesson. This assignment will be due Wednesday, October 3rd.
Students should be working on their research project. They have been given 2 handouts to get them started and will receive more throughout the next week. Students will need to create a PowerPoint presentation and turn in a written report (several pages). The topic is events that occurred on the student's birthdate. It will require library and Internet research. Students may use the computer in the Media Center from 7:00AM -7:20AM every morning. They may also use the computers in my room when their daily work has been completed. I have also arranged for computer lab time over the next couple of weeks.
