Merry Christmas, Everyone!

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  After our morning of wrapping up tests, we enjoyed a small Christmas celebration in the afternoon.  It was a great time!

Homework:
Reading - Book report due on 1/14/13 and finish novel for our next cafe.
Gym - Test when you return.

Mystery Theatre Winner!

Cody wins a Barnes and Noble Gift Certificate!

During the weeks of reading The Westing Game, some ambitious students checked the blog for opportunities to gain bonus points in Reading and earn chances to win a Barnes and Noble gift certificate.  Today, the name was drawn and Cody is our lucky winner.  He now has some money to buy a book or two of his choice!  Congratulations, Cody!

During cafe today, students discussed many theories about Mr. Westing.  Some believe that he has all the heirs fooled and is truly alive!  When asked for an explanation, they think that it's just for kicks!  Some think that there is a deeper reason, but they're not sure what.  The next assignment is to finish the book, and many students couldn't wait to begin reading the next chapter.  It will be fun finding out what Mr. Westing had or HAS up his sleeve!

Homework:

Math  - Test tomorrow.

Reading - Quizzes tomorrow on vocabulary and comprehension (From a Spark).  Reading and role work is assigned for January 10th.

Spelling - Quiz tomorrow.

Long-Term - Book report is due on 1/14/13

Gym - Shooting test when you return from the holidays.  Practice.

A Visit to the Carnegie Museum!

Today was our field trip to the Carnegie Museum!  Enjoy the video of our adventure!

Homework:
Math - Study guide due tomorrow. Test on Friday.
Reading - Vocabulary quiz tomorrow at the beginning of cafe.  Be prepared with your role!  Test on Friday.
Spelling - Study.  Test on Friday.
Social Studies - Finish your Christmas Around the World project.  Present tomorrow.
Long-Term - Book Report due 1-14-13

Look What is Decking Our Halls!

The slides above show the Wanted posters that have been submitted and have everyone interested in The Westing Game!  Our cafe is on Thursday, and then we will finish reading the rest of the story.  The class can hardly wait to solve the mystery!

In Social Studies, each student was assigned a country.  The students were given information about their assigned country and asked to create a Venn diagram of information comparing and contrasting Christmas traditions observed in that country compared to Christmas traditions observed in the U.S.  Many had filled their Venn and were drafting a brief essay on the topic.  The information will be presented orally on Thursday afternoon.  We will enjoy learning about Christmas celebrations around the world. 

Tomorrow is our field trip to Pittsburgh!  Please be on time, and don't forget your bag lunch.

Homework:
Math - Study guide is due on Thursday.  Test on Friday.
Reading - Vocabulary quiz (Westing Game) on Thursday.  Complete reading and role for Thursday's cafe.  Your Wanted poster is due on Thursday.  There will be a quiz on From a Spark on Friday.
Spelling - Quiz on Friday.
Social Studies - Finish Christmas Around the World short essay for presentation on Thursday.
Long-Term Assignment - Book Report is due on 1/14/13
Related Arts - Gym - 9 Spot Shooting test on 1/2/13

Terra Nova Testing

The Terra Nova is a standard achievement test.The results help us to learn more about which skills need further development.The students spent a good portion of the day taking their Terra Nova Tests.  Today's testing involved two sections of Reading & Language Arts, and a short section of Math.  We completed Reading & Language Arts in the morning, and the small portion of Math after lunch.  Following our longer Math section tomorrow morning, the students will be finished.

 
In Art, with Mrs. Kelly, the students are beginning to draw still life pictures after finishing working with clay. Mrs. Kelly allowed me to take some pictures during her class today as the students worked.  Enjoy!

Homework:
Math - Dividing Decimals due tomorrow.
Reading - Be prepared with your assigned reading and role for Thursday's Cafe.  Also, your Wanted Poster project is due at that time.
Spelling - Study.  Test on Friday.
Science - Crossword is due tomorrow.