April
Upcoming Dates to Remember
These dates may change; please check the Fast Direct calendar regularly for updates!
Thursday, April 14: Social Test Monday, April 18: Math Test Wednesday, April 20: Horizon Health Friday, April 22: Camp Foley paperwork due Monday, April 25: Science Test Thursday, April 28: Social Test Monday, May 16-Friday, May 20: Camp Foley Tuesday, May 31: Track and Field Tuesday, May 21: Graduation Mass MathDuring the past month, the sixth graders finished up their study of proportions and moved on to algebraic equations. When working with ratios, the students had to be able to place the correct labels in the problem and then cross multiply and divide. This proved to be one of the more challenging concepts they have encountered so far this year.
While algebraic equations were introduced earlier in the year, the past few weeks have taken them to a new, more complicated level. Using the distributive property, the class had to work to solve the equations. At first it was rather frustrating, but after only a few days' work, the majority of the class has an excellent handle on the steps involved. |
End of the Year InfoIt's hard to believe, but the end of the year is fast approaching!
Information regarding Camp Foley came home today. Please make sure you have the paperwork turned in by April 22. I need to gather everything and get it to Camp Foley by May 1st. Graduation mass is on Tuesday, May 31 at 7:00 P.M. Look for more information coming home soon. Information will be coming home for a few end of the year projects. Please help your child stay on top of due dates. |
Language Arts
ReadingFor the past few weeks, the sixth graders have been split into two reading groups. Each group was assigned a book to read that relates to our upcoming Minnesota History unit. Both of the books tell the story of a young adolescent and their experiences during one of the major wars that took place in our country's history. After reading each chapter, the class was assigned a literature circle job to complete. They then had the opportunity to share their work with the rest of their group to discuss the book.
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EnglishOur focus this month has been on pronouns. Students worked on identifying pronouns, combining them, and using possessive pronouns.
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WritingStudents have been working on drafting and writing a book review. They selected a book that they have read to critique. After a brief study of book reviews, each sixth grader wrote their own book review for classmates to read. Once they are completed, no one should have the excuse that they don't know what book to read; their classmates have given them a long list of great books!
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Minnesota History
How would you feel if you were left out, teased, or kicked out of a place all because you were black, or a woman, or Native American? The sixth graders put themselves into the roles of some of the famous civil rights activists of our time. Each student partnered with another sixth grader and hosted a talk show. Their special guests included Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Kathy Streibel, Ghandi, and Bob Dylan, among others. Their job was to find out exactly what that would have felt like and how they fought back against this discrimination.
We also spent some time discussing the "good times" of the early 1900's, followed by the more difficult years of the Great Depression. We had a great dissuasion about what makes life "good" and what makes it "hard." Everybody was able to make a list of what's ben good in their lives so far and what good events they look forward to in the future. Students had the opportunity to interview a grandparent, hoping to get some insight into this time period. The students loved this project and really enjoyed sharing stories about their family.
We also spent some time discussing the "good times" of the early 1900's, followed by the more difficult years of the Great Depression. We had a great dissuasion about what makes life "good" and what makes it "hard." Everybody was able to make a list of what's ben good in their lives so far and what good events they look forward to in the future. Students had the opportunity to interview a grandparent, hoping to get some insight into this time period. The students loved this project and really enjoyed sharing stories about their family.