Our Week: Ending October 1, 2010

Science:  5th, 6th and 7th Graders were tested this week on the anatomy of the cell.  Class time was given for studying.  Study skills were taught during this time.   The seventh graders ran a test on a cell membrane using eggs, water, vinegar, and vegetable oil.  All students had notebook checks this week. About 95% of the students had everything organized and came to class prepared to learn.  The students are also watching a developing embryo on graph paper, and with my selection of You Tube clips and educational videos.

Writing:  5th and 6th grade students are working on writing pieces that can be entered into a school contest.  Karen Kennedy hosts this contest each month.  This month, students are going to write about an invented item and the story behind it.  This piece is based on fiction and your child's imagination.  I am teaching students to ask questions about their own writing pieces and conference with other students to find more ideas, then condense their stories if they are too long, or crack open the story and add more details if they are shorter than what students want. This process allows students to experience how author's write, revise, and mold a story into a published piece.

NECAPS:  Next week we will begin testing in the mornings.  Please try to get students to bed on time, have good breakfasts before they leave for school and come with a prideful attitude toward testing.  I will be encouraging each student to do their very best and keep them on a schedule that feels comfortable. Our team is only testing students in the mornings without excessive testing into the afternoon.  Students should come to school on time, as not to miss the testing.  Make-up days are scheduled if your student is sick.

WIT ( Whatever It Takes) Groups have been established.  Students in my group are working on advanced math on the SmartBoard. Other groups are working on extra reading comprehension, math facts, spelling (beginner and advanced) and keyboarding.  This year, even if your student is in band, she or he will be able to be in a WIT group during the week. These groups are great and mean extra learning for your child in a fun, skills advancing program.  These groups meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00-8:35.

We are off to a great year.  If you have questions about your student or the program please email me: cmrapoza@danvillek12vt.us  Please do not post information on this Blog about your child, it is a public forum.  I do review any posts before publishing them and I will not post anything but positive comments on this Blog.  Thank you in advance, for keeping information confidential.

Sincerely,
Christine Rapoza