March 31st News

Information and Announcements

• Monday, April 3: No School
• Thursday, April 6 (3:20-4:30): Stations of the Cross practice
• Friday, April 7:  Human Growth and Development discussion
• Friday, April 14 (2:30-3:15): Stations of the Cross Prayer Service

Religion:

This week in religion, students learned about the period of Judges. They were assessed over some of the most famous judges (Samson, Gideon, and Deborah). Later in the week, they learned about the greatest judge Samual and Saul the first king.

Next Wednesday, we will have a quiz over Chapter 18. This 19 point quiz will ask students to describe the leaders we discussed in the chapter, include a multiple choice section over key terms, and have them reflect on a Bible passage.

Social Studies:

The students did a great job with their presentations and visual images of Muslim beliefs and practices. On Friday, we had an assessment over this material. The tests will come home after everyone has taken them. 

Next week, we will start learning about Muslim inventions and discoveries. On Friday the 7th, your child will be asked to bring his or her smart phone. We will be using Google Expeditions to take a 3D tour of a mosque.

Reading: 

We continue to learn about the hardships of the Great Depression in our class novel, Out of the Dust. Students will take a quiz over Winter/Spring 1934 on Wednesday of next week. It will be 14 points: 10 multiple choice questions, and 2 short answer questions. Students should review their study guide to prepare for the quiz.

Language Arts:  

We continue to learn about poetry and poets in language arts. Students will be making a poetry collection, containing all the poems they will compose during this unit. They will also take a final test over all the terms and forms of poetry at the end of the unit.

On Wednesday, April 5 all students will be reciting their memorized poems. Ask your student to share their poem with you, and also ask them, "What the heck is it about?" (they will know what you mean!)

Math Period 1:

The students continue to work on problem-solving.  We have used various strategies including graphic organizers and diagrams to help solve the problems. I will post the class examples in Google Classroom for students to use to prepare for the assessment.  The problem-solving assessment will be Thursday, April 6th.  There are several students that have other activities during the school day on Thursday, if these activities are during math class the test will need to be completed before school that day. 

Math Period 4:   

The students completed a quiz over adding and subtracting fractions.  The students are demonstrating an understanding of the skill, but need to continue to work on basic facts in order to simplify.  We are currently working on multiplying fractions.   The students should understand that multiplying fractions means repeated addition or part of.  I put a couple short videos in Google Classroom to explain this skill.  Our focus is not only on the algorithm but also the understanding.  There will be a quiz on adding, subtracting, and multiplying fractions tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 7th.  

Math Period 5:    

The students continue to work on problem-solving.  We have used various strategies including graphic organizers and diagrams to help solve the problems.  I will post the class examples in Google Classroom for students to use to prepare for the assessment.  The problem-solving assessment will be Thursday, April 6th.  There are several students that have other activities during the school day on Thursday, if these activities are during math class the test will need to be completed before school that day. 

Science:

The students should be able to identify the characteristics of a mineral and the tests used to identify minerals.  We spent time identifying "mystery" minerals using several tests such as streak and hardness.  Next week we will discuss different processes of crystallization.  We will make crystals from the cooling of hot water solutions.  

March 24th Post

Information and Announcements

• Monday, March 27 (8:40): Lent prayer service
• Monday, March 27 (3:20-4:15): Stations of the Cross practice
• Thursday, March 30 (3:20-4:15): Stations of the Cross practice
• Friday, March 31: Mission Awareness Jeans Day
• Friday, April 14 (2:30-3:15): Stations of the Cross Prayer Service

Religion:

This week students began learning about the period of Judges and Kings. There will be a quiz over chapter 17 on Wednesday. This 26-point quiz will include ten questions that are matching and four short answer questions worth two points each and one short answer question worth eight points. Beginning Thursday, we will learn about Samuel and Saul. Samuel was the last and the greatest Judge and Saul was the first Israelite King.

Stations of the Cross practice has been coming along great. I am also grateful for those individuals that agreed to join the choir. 

Social Studies:

This week students enjoyed teaching their classmates about different Muslim beliefs. Working in groups, they studied the material and then prepared a Google slides document and other visual images. The information they shared, along with my notes will help prepare them for the test.

The chapter 8 test is scheduled for next Friday. The format of the 44 point test is - 
- Explain the vocab term - 7 questions/14 points (I provide the word, you define)

- Multiple choice -  15 questions/15 points

- Essay -  1 question/15 points

Reading: 

This week the students made a Poetic Portrait - a description of themselves using poetic words. They included a baby picture of themselves, and it was so fun to see how much they have changed (or not). We used our main character from the novel, Billie Jo, as a model for the writing.

We continue with weekly vocab quizzes, and communal reading of the novel Out of the Dust.

Language Arts:  

We are poets! Students started a poetry unit this week. We will be looking in-depth at forms of poetry, different poets, and figurative language. Students will be reading and composing several poems in the next couple of weeks, as well as memorizing a famous poem from a list they will receive next week. At the end of the poetry unit, they will take a final test over the terms and forms of poetry we learn. This grade will be factored into the overall poetry grade, which will also include the writing they do as well.

Math Period 1:

The students continue to work on problem solving strategies such as number sentences and diagrams.  Next week we will introduce a few new strategies and then practice mixing the strategies together.  I will put copies of the examples that we do in class on Google Classroom so the students can refer back to the problems, as needed.  There will be a problem solving assessment tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 4th.  

Math Period 4:   

The students practiced simplifying fractions and adding mixed numbers.  On Friday we began to subtract fractions with regrouping.  Next week we will practice adding and subtracting fractions on Monday and Tuesday, and there will be a quiz on Wednesday, March 29th.  We will then begin to multiply fractions with the focus on understanding that multiplication means finding part of a number or repeated addition.  Manipulative and diagrams will be used prior to teaching the algorithm. It is important that the students discover the meaning before teaching the shortcuts of algorithms. 

Math Period 5:    

The students continue to work on problem solving strategies such as number sentences and diagrams.  Next week we will introduce a few new strategies and then practice mixing the strategies together.  I will put copies of the examples that we do in class on Google Classroom so the students can refer back to the problems, as needed.  There will be a problem solving assessment tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 4th.  

Science:

The students are bringing home their chapter 3 test over the weekend for you to review and sign.  We are beginning a chapter on minerals.  During this chapter we will be making crystals.  Your child will need a glass jar, without the lid,  by the end of next week.  Please wash out the jar.  I did show your child good sizes such as a jelly jar, spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or a mason jar.  If this is a problem, please let me know.  Next week we will be identifying minerals and there will be a quiz at the end of the week over the properties of minerals and identifying minerals.  

March 9th News

Information and Announcements

• Monday, March 20 (3:20-4:15): Stations of the Cross Practice 
• Monday, March 20: National History Bee (Omaha, NE)
• Wednesday, March 22: Math CRS Diocesan Problem Solving Assessment
• Thursday, March 23 (3:20-4:15): Stations of the Cross Practice 

Religion:

The students did a great job with the Unit 3 games. It was fun for the students to have an opportunity to play the games. We will do that again the Monday after spring break. Our next unit in religion is about the leaders of God's chosen people - Judges and Kings. We will start this three chapter unit after spring break. The chapter 17 quiz will not be until March 29th.

Social Studies:

This week the students finished up their study of the origins and spread of Islam. The tests will come home after everyone has had a chance to take the test. The students then watched a video about the Hajj or the pilgrimage to Makkah. After spring break we iwl begin Chapter 8 where hte students will study how the beliefs and practices of Islam shape Muslims' lives.

Reading: 

We started our new class novel this week, Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse. This novel will cover the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era of the 1930's. We had our first vocab quiz today, and they will continue every Friday.

Students will do a Poetic Portrait based on the novel starting Monday. They will need access to a photo of themselves from early childhood. It can be an actual photo, or they can take a picture of the photo and email that to themselves to use. They may ask you a few questions about the day of their birth as well.

Language Arts:  

The Greek Museum was a huge success! The students did such an amazing job with their Greek characters - I am so proud of them. Thanks to all the parents and grandparents who were able to attend! Also, thank you parents for helping your students get their costumes prepared - I know that can be a struggle. Well done everyone!

After break, we will begin our Poetry unit.

Math Period 1:

The students completed Chapter 4 with a test this week.  The students were able to make test corrections on Thursday, but the test will come home for you to review and sign after break.  We will spend a couple of weeks on problem-solving, focusing on a different strategy each day.  On Wednesday, March 22nd the students will be taking a problem-solving assessment required by the Diocese to be given to all 6th graders as a second reportable standardized assessment.  

Math Period 4:   

This class completed Chapter 3 with a test on Thursday.  This test will be sent home on Monday after break for you to review and sign.  Next, we will begin Chapter 4 Fractions.  For each skill, we will be using manipulatives before using the algorithm to develop understanding.  There will also be a lot of focus on estimating.  On Wednesday, March 22nd the students will be taking a problem-solving assessment required by the Diocese to be given to all 6th graders as a second reportable standardized assessment.  

Math Period 5:    

The students completed Chapter 4 with a test this week.  The students were able to make test corrections on Thursday, but the test will come home for you to review and sign after break.  We will spend a couple of weeks on problem-solving, focusing on a different strategy each day.  On Wednesday, March 22nd the students will be taking a problem-solving assessment required by the Diocese to be given to all 6th graders as a second reportable standardized assessment.  

Science:

This week the students learned the differences between the three main types of volcanoes and other landforms formed from magma.  We will spend two days reviewing after break and the chapter test will be Wednesday, March 22nd. 

March 3rd News

Information and Announcements

• Thursday, March 9: Greek Living Museum! 2-3 pm in the Parish Hall
• Friday, March 10 - Friday, March 17: Spring Break

Religion:

This week the students studied how the Israelites defeated the Canaanites with the help of  God’s awesome power. They took a quiz over this information. Quizzes will be returned next week after everyone has had an opportunity to take it. Then they started the Unit 3 game. Most of the points for this project come from student created game questions and answers. However students also use their creativity by making fun games their classmates will play. This project is due at the start of class on Thursday or, if you are leaving early for spring break, prior to leaving. I am excited to see what they come up with and to play the games next week.

Don’t forget, Stations of the Cross Practice begins next week. The first practice is for Jesus, Mary, Pontius Pilate, Mary Magdalene, Salome, Veronica, Simon of Cyrene, Joseph of Arimathea, Roman Soldiers

Social Studies:

We continue to learn about the beginnings of the Islamic faith. There will be a test over this information on Tuesday. The format of the test is-

• Explain the vocab term - 8 questions/8 points (wordbank)
• Multiple choice -  14 questions/ 14 points
• Short Answer -  5 question/ 15 points

This week we also completed the JA program. Thank you to Steve McLuen, Ryan Osborn, and Brenda Pedersen for all of your time and efforts. They did a wonderful job and the students had a great time.

Reading: 

We wrapped up book talks this week - students are reading some amazing books!
We will be starting our last class novel of the year on Monday. Vocabulary will start again next week, with the quiz on Thursday (short week). They will have 15 words each week, versus 8 last trimester. If your child is leaving early for spring break, they will need to take the quiz before they leave.

Language Arts:  

Students took a quiz over the Olympian gods and goddesses on Friday. That will come home on Monday for your signature.

We continue to work on our Greek speeches in preparation for the Greek Living Museum on Thursday! I will do a toga demonstration on Monday for the students. I asked students to have their speeches memorized by this Monday, so we can practice this coming week. For the museum, all students will need: their speech memorized, their costume, one prop, and something to stand on for a pedestal. This can be a step-stool, a crate, anything at all. It looks nice if the pedestal is covered with a sheet or towel to look more "Greek".

Let me know if you have any questions, and I hope to see everyone on Thursday!

Math Period 1: 

The students practiced computing integers and then applied this skill to algebraic equations. We will review Chapter 4 skills on Monday and Tuesday and the test will be Wednesday, March 8th. If your child is leaving early for Spring Break, the expectation will be for the test to be completed before leaving.

Math Period 4:   

This week the students practiced using the distributive property to write equivalent expressions. We are currently working on simplifying expressions. The students will spend Tuesday and Wednesday reviewing for the test on Thursday, March 9th. The review will have scan codes, so if your child has a phone with a scan code reader he/she can bring to class on Wednesday. If your child is leaving early for Spring Break, the expectation is that the test be completed before leaving.

Math Period 5:    

The students practiced computing integers and then applied this skill to algebraic equations. We will review Chapter 4 skills on Monday and Tuesday and the test will be Wednesday, March 8th. If your child is leaving early for Spring Break, the expectation will be for the test to be completed before leaving.

Science:

The students had fun discovering that when gas bubbles are trapped it will cause an explosive eruption. We discussed that the viscosity of the magma will affect whether it is a quiet or explosive eruption. We currently are discussing the three main types of volcanoes and the type of eruptions that occur at each. The students will be assessed over Chapter 3 sections 1-3 on Monday. The chapter test is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, March 22nd.