Get Your Game On!

All week long, the 6th grade students at N.S.I. will be taking the PSSA tests! We are academic athletes, and our coaches have trained us for this big game all year long. We need to play the game just like we've practiced for it, with determination. The above video was filmed by the 6th grade N.S.I. teachers and put together by Mr. Haddox (Mrs. Haddox's husband) to pump us up for these tests. The lines used are from famous coaches' speeches in some of our favorite sports movies. May they serve as motivation throughout the week!

There will not be any homework assignments made this week! Just remember to get to bed at a reasonable hour, eat a nourishing breakfast, and make it to school on time.

A Close Knit Group

We are loving knitting in Exploratory! Mrs. Haddox introduced a new Exploratory to NSIS this year: knitting! Not only are the girls learning, but the boys are enjoying it also. We have had the creation of scarves, bracelets, and headbands. Not only are we learning a craft, but it is also a great time to sit, relax, and take a break from class.

Officer Cross visited us today for our D.A.R.E. class. He talked to us about the different kinds of peer pressure. There are different ways to be in charge. We can avoid different situations that are bad to help us make good choices. There are strength in numbers. If you hang with people that do not make bad choices, you will stay out of trouble also. We always enjoy when he comes.

We had an afternoon assembly to pump us up for the PSSA tests! The teachers dressed like coaches and acted out some movie scenes depicting some of the most inspirational speeches from coaches. Not only was it motivating...it was funny! Our janitors and secretaries even got into the act.

Remember that the PSSA tests start Monday! Get lots of restful sleep and have a good breakfast! Do your best, that is all we ask for!

The Irish Eyes Were Smiling!

We welcomed the sun today with great big smiles today on St. Patrick's Day. We created shadow boxes in McD's Cafe today to depict scenes from Good Night, Maman. Our teachers are very impressed with the creativity and inventiveness! You can see from the pictures how creative we got with our characters. True teamwork went into these creations!

Math classes reviewed adding, subtracting, multiplying, and diving fractions. We are coming quite close to the end of our review! Tomorrow, we will talk about preparing and using strategies for the PSSA's. Please remember to get a good night's sleep on Sunday and eat a good, hearty breakfast on Monday!


Homework:
Math - PSSA Folder, study for 15 minutes.
Spelling - Study your words! Test tomorrow on this week's list.
Reading - Your boxes must be completed for tomorrow. Also, bring your Good Night, Maman book to turn it in.

How Do You Measure Up?

Math classes today reviewed measurement. In terms of inches, we learned that every inch can be broken into sixteenths. We also learned that 10 millimeters equals one centimeter. We measured using our rulers to find the lengths. In the afternoon, we reviewed using the Buckle Down book and answered questions about taking the test. Mrs. Haddox was impressed with our answers. In the afternoon, we also reviewed Africa's locations using a white board in our groups. In Reading, we read and summarized, "Wilma Unlimited."

Homework:
Math: Read and study your PSSA folder for 15 minutes.
Reading: Read and finish Good Night, Maman. Complete Role.

Reviewing Graphics in Texts

Have you ever heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words?" Graphic features are a part of many of the texts we read. We see graphs, charts, diagrams, time lines, and tables that show us information at a glance that it would take many words to explain. Today, we reviewed the tips for interpreting graphics accurately, and practiced applying the tips to various graphic examples. Graphics are very helpful and can be fun to read, but we need to pay attention to all the details included.

A review of the map of Africa and important vocabulary concepts took place in Social Studies today. We also learned about a few animals who are suited to the climate regions of Africa.

Math classes worked hard today in their review of decimals and fractions. Remember to change the denominators when adding and subtracting fractions. Also, we need to SLOW down and read what the question is asking! Mrs. Haddox is very impressed with how we are studying our PSSA folders. Science classes discussed physical properties and density.

Homework:
Reading - Bring in items for your group's shadowbox! Finish reading Good Night, Maman, and complete your role for Thursday. Study your spelling list for a test on Friday.
Social Studies - Study your two maps and vocabulary. Be ready for your quiz on Thursday.

Decimals!

http://www.linkslearning.org/Teachers/1_Math/6_Learning_Resources/2_SuperMath/content/games/Decimal_Detective.htm

In the above Math Game, you are a math detective and you are to find the criminal using decimals!


http://www.math-play.com/Changing-Fractions-and-Decimals-to-Percents/changing-fractions-and-decimals-to-percents-millionaire.html

Millionaire Math! The above link takes you to a math game where you can try your hand at changing decimals into fractions! Today Math classes reviewed using decimals in all math operations: adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and comparing. Mrs. Haddox gave us some worksheets to help us remember when to line up the decimals and when to move the decimals.

Today, in Social Studies, everyone received a short tour of Africa! Each student presented their chosen country, giving a summary of what they learned during research. We enjoyed hearing about the delicious foods, interesting landmarks, climate, etc. Mrs. Mac is eager to see each journal up-close! Great job, Team!

Good Night, Maman is nearly finished! In addition to completing our discussions from last week in groups, we learned of an interesting final project that will be completed in our groups. We will be creating shadowboxes which depict a scene from the story. We can be creative in our presentation of the scene! Groups were able to plan this out today. Some materials will be available in school, but students are also on the lookout for other interesting items that can make their boxes unique.

Math homework:
Comparing and Ordering decimals worksheet, Decimal Review Worksheet, and page 102, 11-16
Language Arts:
Study new spelling list. The test will be on Friday. Conclude your reading of Good Night, Maman and complete your final role for Thursday. Each group is to bring one shoebox and any materials they'd like to use for their shadowboxes.