Week 12: Math Website, RRW, and Acting!

Math Website

 Has your child shown you www.pearsonsuccessnet.com?  Each student in 6th grade has a username and password to access supplementary material, including Homework Tutorial Videos.  Currently the virtual textbook is not opening properly, but students can access all workbook pages and activities for reteaching or enrichment.  (Scroll down to student resources).  Check it out!

Currently Transition Math has tested on basic algebraic expressions and is getting into number sense, divisibility, and exponents.  General Math will be applying these rules into simplifying expressions with 2 variables and prepping for FRACTIONS.  We will step out of the textbook a bit to be sure fraction concepts are secure before we tackle operations with fractions.

Red Ribbon Week

Thanks to Student Council for a great Red Ribbon Week.  At assembly on Monday we learned about peer pressure and making healthy, God pleasing choices.  Throughout the week we celebrated our healthy lifestyle with fun dress days and our door decorating contest.  

Literature Drama
 

As we begin our Short Story unit, students are learning about plot analysis and characterization.  What better way to explore direct and indirect characterization that to shove the desks aside and ACT.  Check out these scenes from "Dragon, Dragon."

Advent Reminder

Have you marked your calendar?  Just a reminder that Wednesday, December 2, at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Grades 5 and 6 will lead the first Advent worship services at Zion Church.  We have begun preparations for leading worship including practicing readings, auditioning for drama parts, and learning songs.

       A reminder also for musicians that auditions will be Tuesday, November 17 for preservice and offertory music.  Selections must be sacred music related to the Advent or Christmas seasons of the church year and be memorized.  Interested students may also consider performing in duets.

Week 11 - Reformation and Advent

Happy Reformation!

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 theses on the local church "bulletin board" calling people to debate the truth of the Bible and how the church had strayed from that truth.  Our class is learning about Luther's life as well as the amazing discovery he made:  WE ARE SAVED BY GOD'S GRACE  - not by good works or money or penance.  As part of our study, we will use clips from the Luther Movie made in 2013.  Though there are some fictional details added, the heart of the movie shows Luther's struggle to understand God and share with the world about God's love.  (Note if you watch- the movie is PG-13 for some violence and language.  Sections for class were selected as appropriate for students and our study.) In his motto, we see the heart of Luther's teachings:  Christ Alone, Grace Alone,  Faith Alone, Scripture Alone.

-->

 Hark - The Students Lead Advent Worship!
On Wednesday, December 2, at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m, grades 5 and 6 will lead the first Advent worship services at Zion Church.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our students as they help our congregation prepare for the Lord's coming.  Attendance is expected at both services, so please mark your calendars now and keep the date open.  Let me know of any conflicts right away as parts will be assigned next week. We are eager to begin preparations for leading worship especially since these services are scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving break.

During the coming weeks, all students will learn songs selected to reinforce their message.  Students will also have opportunities to try various roles in the service, such as special drama or music parts.  Part of our Memory Work assignments will shift focus to learning songs and lines.  Students will also have an opportunity to share their special musical talents.  Any student who has had two years of music lessons or is in the Concert Band may offer to play for the services.  Selections must be:
     1)  sacred music related to the Advent or Christmas seasons of the church year
     2)  practiced and ready to audition on Tuesday, Nov. 17

THANKS ...  to all the parents who attended our conferences this year.  It was good to visit with you and set goals for your child!  Don't hesitate to contact me throughout the year with questions or concerns.

...to our room moms for the yummy treats for our Harvest Party!

Muffins for Moms - Nov. 4.  Enjoy a sweet treat with your child before school sometime between 7:00 and 7:45 a.m. in the church basement.  Please join us for chapel if you can stay!If mom is not unable to attend, a special guest is welcome to come with your child.

T.J. Pizza/Cookie/Butter Braid orders  came home this week.  This is a way we offer families to purchase these goodies and benefit the school.  Note - orders with payment to Zion are due back on or before Nov. 4.  Pick up is Nov. 20.

Week 9 End of Quarter, Picture Retakes, Lit, S.S.

End of Quarter

What a blessing it is to get to know your child!  As we have wrapped up the first quarter, I am eager to meet with you on Thursday to discuss progress and goals.  If you have not yet, please complete this quick survey to help me plan our time together.  Take some time to talk with your child and respond to the questions.   I feel so blessed to be part of your child's education and I am eager to team with you as we set goals for the rest of 6th grade!

Picture Retake Day - Oct. 13

Students who did not get a photo taken in July will be photographed on Tuesday along with any retakes.  Please send in the original photo packet if you desire retakes.

Online Discussions in Literature

In Literature this week, we read a story about a girl who was shy and couldn't speak up for herself.  Rather than just a class discussion on the plot and symbolism, we used an etherpad, that allowed everyone to "talk" at once.  Click the links to see examples.  If you select "TimeSlider" you can see the conversation unfold.

GROUP 1  Ryan, Micah, Rebecca, Lauren,

https://titanpad.com/A733ksaE6V

GROUP 2  Lexi, Alex, Sam W., Zoe

https://titanpad.com/F4LD6MVWo1

GROUP 3  Matthew, Jordan, Sam M., Berkley

https://titanpad.com/EGJPVYZQ2V

GROUP 4  Livia, Caleb, Molly, Annelise, Frankie

https://titanpad.com/La3PeYUaSl

Social Studies - Mapping Labs 

Students are working on mapping labs to introduce our first World Region of study - U.S. and Canada. Here you see partners using overlays to compare information found on different thematice maps, a process called Global Information Systems. We are using higher order thinking skills of analysis and synthesis of information.

Week 8: Field Trip Fun

We had a chilly morning but a wonderful experience at the Weldon Spring Site.  Your children learned a ton of local history as well as an awareness of caring for God's creation.  Thank you to all the moms who took of their time to spend the day with us.  Photos give you a glimpse of our day.

Mrs. R. gone Friday/Monday

I am headed out of town Thursday noon to celebrate my brother's wedding in Estes Park, CO.  Mr. Josh Brockmann will be my substitute for that afternoon, Friday and Monday.  He taught at Grace Chapel last year and is currently getting his Masters in Education at MO Baptist.  Students met him Thursday when he subbed for PE. (and yes! That is the name on the gym, the grandson of Zion's former principal Mr. Jim Brockmann).  I'll keep in touch with my email as possible throughout the weekend.

Parent Teacher Conf. Forms

Your child brought home your scheduled time for conferences today.  Parents meet with the homeroom teacher in JH to discuss progress and goals.  Please return the signature slip to confirm our meeting time on Oct. 15. To help me prepare, please complete this Google form prior by Oct. 12.
Parent Conference Survey