This week student are taking grammar quizzes based off of the recent grammar packet. They also turned in a new vocabulary story on Wednesday. Today we had a chance to revisit the "seven minute vacation" story from a week ago. Students were encouraged to go back to that "place" and to add more detail using all of their senses. These stories were truly different from other writing many students have done in class so far. Ask your student where he/she went during this vacation, and how the writing was different when revisted a week later.
Today it was announced that Brooks Middle School students will be allowed to wear costumes on Friday if they wish. Please remind your student that there is a specific list of what to avoid. There may be NO masks, alcohol/drug/gang references, "demons", blood, baby bottles/pacifiers, and definitely NO weapons of any kind. This is the first time in about ten years that costumes have been allowed, so please encourage your student to enjoy the day in an appropriate manner. Yes, they still have a grammar packet test on Friday. :)
Thank you for all of your continued support for your student and the LA/LS activities. I appreciate your questions and comments by email. Please let me know if you have not been receiving emails, as there may be a glitch in the email system on occasion.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Progress Reports and Conferences
Today your student will receive a current progress report for my language arts and literacy skills classes. Please note that the overall grade is divided into three categories, and your child may have more success in one category than the others. I have been sending home progress reports with your student every 2-3 weeks for you to view and return.
Even though you have access to MyGradebook through the Internet, I find it helpful for a hard copy to be sent home. Your student had another opportunity to look it over in class. Please sign and return EACH progress report to me. Please also share with your student how he/she can access his/her own grades online through the MyGradebook password.
Today in LA students are having a notebook check and in LS a reading journal check. It is extremely helpful for students to have their materials organized in a binder and brought to class each day. Your student should have most of the activities in his/her LA binder, since they have been passed out in class. Please view these quizzes and other activities with your student before conferences. Student writing projects are in individual student folders in my room, which you may view during conferences.
I look forward to seeing you at conferences. I wish we will have a longer time to discuss how to help your student succeed, but please understand the time constraints since we have about 130 students on our core. If you need more time, please contact me next week to schedule an additional appointment.
Thank you for your continued support.
Even though you have access to MyGradebook through the Internet, I find it helpful for a hard copy to be sent home. Your student had another opportunity to look it over in class. Please sign and return EACH progress report to me. Please also share with your student how he/she can access his/her own grades online through the MyGradebook password.
Today in LA students are having a notebook check and in LS a reading journal check. It is extremely helpful for students to have their materials organized in a binder and brought to class each day. Your student should have most of the activities in his/her LA binder, since they have been passed out in class. Please view these quizzes and other activities with your student before conferences. Student writing projects are in individual student folders in my room, which you may view during conferences.
I look forward to seeing you at conferences. I wish we will have a longer time to discuss how to help your student succeed, but please understand the time constraints since we have about 130 students on our core. If you need more time, please contact me next week to schedule an additional appointment.
Thank you for your continued support.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Conferences, Vocabulary and Adverbs, oh my!
Today in Advisory your student was given a yellow slip that lists your conference appointment. If your student did not bring one home to you, please check with his/her Advisory teacher.
I hope you had a chance to listen to your student's vocabulary story this week. Students were given a picture of a "character" in class. They then had class time to develop their character's description, before adding plot and details using their vocabulary words. (The "seven minute vacation" has been moved to next week to allow them more class time to write and ask questions.)
Today students shared their stories and searched for adverbs, which is a continuation of the grammar activities this week. One of the best ways for your student to develop as a writer is to read his/her work out loud, so please encourage your student by listening.
I hope you had a chance to listen to your student's vocabulary story this week. Students were given a picture of a "character" in class. They then had class time to develop their character's description, before adding plot and details using their vocabulary words. (The "seven minute vacation" has been moved to next week to allow them more class time to write and ask questions.)
Today students shared their stories and searched for adverbs, which is a continuation of the grammar activities this week. One of the best ways for your student to develop as a writer is to read his/her work out loud, so please encourage your student by listening.
PLEASE encourage your student to continue reading at home for Literacy Skills (and for FUN), in addition to completing AR tests at school.
I look forward to meeting with you during conferences next Thursday.
I look forward to meeting with you during conferences next Thursday.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Oct. 6th Update - Conferences and Progress Reports
Today your student received a letter about Conferences which will be held on Thursday, October 23. I have attached a copy of the letter under the Handouts section to the right of this blog. It is important for us to hear from each student's family, whether you will be attending or not. Please understand that since there are over a hundred and twenty students on our core, we have only 5 minutes to meet with you individually. It will be easiest to schedule an appointment block earlier in the afternoon. Conferences will be on a "first come, first served" basis.
In Language Arts this week students are reviewing grammar packets for quizzes on Wednesday and Friday. Students are also re-working/proofreading/adding detail to a previous vocabulary activity. The new/final draft should be stapled to the original and is due Thursday. It should be typed and double spaced.
Friday you will receive a midterm progress report that lists all classes. I will send home a specific progress report on Wednesday for my LA/LS classes. As always, please sign and return it.
In Language Arts this week students are reviewing grammar packets for quizzes on Wednesday and Friday. Students are also re-working/proofreading/adding detail to a previous vocabulary activity. The new/final draft should be stapled to the original and is due Thursday. It should be typed and double spaced.
Friday you will receive a midterm progress report that lists all classes. I will send home a specific progress report on Wednesday for my LA/LS classes. As always, please sign and return it.
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