To all of my students and families:
Thank you for making my last year at Maple Street wonderful! I'm so sorry that I couldn't be with you last night at the celebration. Unfortunately, there was a tragic accident and we lost my husband's brother. I needed to leave suddenly to be home with my family. I apologize and I hope to see you around town this summer.
It's been a wonderful year. Let me know if you need anything in the future!
Sincerely,
Joan Follansbee
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Winding Down
Today seemed like a quiet day since fifth grade was out of the building. This morning, my class played Language Arts Jeopardy. We had our snack outside and then went to math.
We also spent some time in the computer lab working on the Jason Project, increasing our knowledge about weather.
This afternoon was spent doing Greek Olympics! Fun!
Have a fabulous weekend! Please remember to sign the permission slip for the movie The Mighty for Tuesday's trip.
Field Day is Monday
Red River trip is Tuesday
Last day is Wednesday (Early Release)
We also spent some time in the computer lab working on the Jason Project, increasing our knowledge about weather.
This afternoon was spent doing Greek Olympics! Fun!
Have a fabulous weekend! Please remember to sign the permission slip for the movie The Mighty for Tuesday's trip.
Field Day is Monday
Red River trip is Tuesday
Last day is Wednesday (Early Release)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday and Thursday
Wednesday was a "normal" day with the exception of the band leaving for HMS in the afternoon. We worked on the Jason Project for science. This is a website that brings each student through a series of activities about weather. There are games, videos and text to read about this topic.
Students were given time to finish up those portfolios as well if they needed it.
Today, we had our portfolio share time. It was nice to see so many of you here. If you didn't get to come, the portfolios are coming home tonight so that you can look at your leisure.
In reading, we played a game where students looked at copies of book jackets with the titles whited-out and tried to figure out which titles they knew. Some of the book came from their younger years and some were from their time at MSS. It was fun to see their reactions.
We had the Middle High School's reading specialist and librarian come down to talk with us about books! They put together a nice hand-out for the students. Please ask your child for that. Also, this afternoon the Interact Club came down to talk with us about their trip to Honduras.
Don't forget about the permission slip for Red River Theater. The movie that we will see is "The Mighty". It is rated PG-13 for mild profanity. Please sign that you give permission for your child to watch that as well.
Students were given time to finish up those portfolios as well if they needed it.
Today, we had our portfolio share time. It was nice to see so many of you here. If you didn't get to come, the portfolios are coming home tonight so that you can look at your leisure.
In reading, we played a game where students looked at copies of book jackets with the titles whited-out and tried to figure out which titles they knew. Some of the book came from their younger years and some were from their time at MSS. It was fun to see their reactions.
We had the Middle High School's reading specialist and librarian come down to talk with us about books! They put together a nice hand-out for the students. Please ask your child for that. Also, this afternoon the Interact Club came down to talk with us about their trip to Honduras.
Don't forget about the permission slip for Red River Theater. The movie that we will see is "The Mighty". It is rated PG-13 for mild profanity. Please sign that you give permission for your child to watch that as well.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Tuesday
We started our day at the high school for an outstanding talent show! The Student Council did an amazing job organizing this fun event!
We read aloud when we got back. We are almost done Something Upstairs.
This afternoon 6S had time to work on their portfolios and finish up the reading stations. Portfolios are due on Thursday for our Portfolio Share (7:30 to 9:15).
We played outside with our 4th grade buddies this afternoon as well.
Please remember the permission slips for Red River Theater. The cost is $8.00 for the bus and movie. It is $2.00 per slice of pizza. I need these by Friday. Thank you!
We read aloud when we got back. We are almost done Something Upstairs.
This afternoon 6S had time to work on their portfolios and finish up the reading stations. Portfolios are due on Thursday for our Portfolio Share (7:30 to 9:15).
We played outside with our 4th grade buddies this afternoon as well.
Please remember the permission slips for Red River Theater. The cost is $8.00 for the bus and movie. It is $2.00 per slice of pizza. I need these by Friday. Thank you!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday
Our second grade buddies came over today to visit with us at MSS. It was so fun. This has truly been a highlight of this year for me. My sixth graders do so well with their buddies. We did 3 different activities, had snack and went outside to show them the playground. I think fun was had by all!
The third graders came over to MSS today for their Step Up Day. Some of the sixth graders gave them tours of the building. We welcomed all of them as they came into our room. They seem excited to come to MSS!
The middle and high school chorus came down this afternoon and did a concert for us. They sounded amazing!
We worked the rest of the day on our portfolios and reading stations. Those who finished those were able to get onto a website called the Jason Project. On the website are a variety of different activities having to do with weather.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT OUR DAY STARTS AT THE MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL TOMORROW FOR THE TALENT SHOW!
The third graders came over to MSS today for their Step Up Day. Some of the sixth graders gave them tours of the building. We welcomed all of them as they came into our room. They seem excited to come to MSS!
The middle and high school chorus came down this afternoon and did a concert for us. They sounded amazing!
We worked the rest of the day on our portfolios and reading stations. Those who finished those were able to get onto a website called the Jason Project. On the website are a variety of different activities having to do with weather.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT OUR DAY STARTS AT THE MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL TOMORROW FOR THE TALENT SHOW!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thursday and Friday all in one!
Thursday I was out but here's what went down on that day. Sorry for the late post. We went to HMS for one last time to work with our buddies. Mrs. Perkins has been so great to plan all of our visits there. Students helped their second grade buddies use microscopes to look at insects. From what I understand, they were great. I am not surprised. This group is a keeper!
Also on Thursday, 6S had read aloud to catch them up with 6F. In the afternoon, 6F had a chance to work on their portfolios.
Today, Friday, we worked on finishing up the stations in reading as well as reading our last 60 minutes. In the afternoon, we worked on portfolios. These are due in final form by Thursday.
For the upcoming week:
Monday: our 2nd grade buddies will come to MSS! In the afternoon, the Middle School Chorus will perform a short concert for us.
Tuesday: Talent Show at the High School. All students will start their day at HMHS. We will walk back.
Wednesday: a normal morning. The band will go to HMS in the afternoon to play for them.
Thursday: Portfolio Share in the morning. Parents are welcome to come early. I'll be there at 7:30. Also, Kelly Conley and Donna Zeccha from the Middle High School will come down to talk with us about summer reading. There will be an all school assembly at 2:05 where the Interact Club will tell us about their trip to Honduras.
Friday: Permission Slips and Money is due for our trip to Red River Theater on Tuesday and our pizza luncheon.
Also on Thursday, 6S had read aloud to catch them up with 6F. In the afternoon, 6F had a chance to work on their portfolios.
Today, Friday, we worked on finishing up the stations in reading as well as reading our last 60 minutes. In the afternoon, we worked on portfolios. These are due in final form by Thursday.
For the upcoming week:
Monday: our 2nd grade buddies will come to MSS! In the afternoon, the Middle School Chorus will perform a short concert for us.
Tuesday: Talent Show at the High School. All students will start their day at HMHS. We will walk back.
Wednesday: a normal morning. The band will go to HMS in the afternoon to play for them.
Thursday: Portfolio Share in the morning. Parents are welcome to come early. I'll be there at 7:30. Also, Kelly Conley and Donna Zeccha from the Middle High School will come down to talk with us about summer reading. There will be an all school assembly at 2:05 where the Interact Club will tell us about their trip to Honduras.
Friday: Permission Slips and Money is due for our trip to Red River Theater on Tuesday and our pizza luncheon.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday
Lots and lots going on today as usual! In reading, we worked on the metacognition stations. Students are in good shape with this. There will be more time to work on these coming up this week. I also read aloud to my class today. I will do the same for 6S/B tomorrow.
In the afternoon, we worked on our portfolios. These are coming together nicely.
Please remember to send in the HMS permission slips for tomorrow. We will be going over there in the morning to work with our second grade buddies.
Also, today, we talked about upcoming events. One thing you should be aware of is a sixth grade special day. This will either take place on June 20 or June 21 (depending on the weather and when field day is). We will be showing students a movie either here or at Red River Theater. Also, we will feed them Sal's pizza for lunch. I asked for their orders today. They have a choice of cheese pizza or pepperoni pizza, 1 or 2 slices. It will cost $2.00 per slice. A slip will be going home with this information soon. Be looking for that.
It is a busy time of year. Please check the blog often to stay up on all events. I'll do my best to remember everything! Also, please let me know of any questions that pop up.
In the afternoon, we worked on our portfolios. These are coming together nicely.
Please remember to send in the HMS permission slips for tomorrow. We will be going over there in the morning to work with our second grade buddies.
Also, today, we talked about upcoming events. One thing you should be aware of is a sixth grade special day. This will either take place on June 20 or June 21 (depending on the weather and when field day is). We will be showing students a movie either here or at Red River Theater. Also, we will feed them Sal's pizza for lunch. I asked for their orders today. They have a choice of cheese pizza or pepperoni pizza, 1 or 2 slices. It will cost $2.00 per slice. A slip will be going home with this information soon. Be looking for that.
It is a busy time of year. Please check the blog often to stay up on all events. I'll do my best to remember everything! Also, please let me know of any questions that pop up.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Tuesday and it's Hot!
Lots and lots going on here in sixth grade! First and foremost, I sent home a permission slip for our last field trip to HMS with our second grade buddies. Please, please, please send that back tomorrow if possible.
Secondly, we will be hosting the second graders on Monday, June 13. We are excited to have them come to MSS and hope to show them around when they are here.
On June 14, we will begin our day at the High School for the annual MSS Talent Show put on by the Student Council. Students will need to be dropped off (or walk) to the high school that morning, just like they did for Step Up Day.
We are finalizing our portfolios in class this week. Parents are invited to come in and see them on June 16 in the morning. I will be here at 7:30 for anyone who wants to come in before work. We will continue to share until approximately 9:15 that day. Put it on your calendars if you would like to come in. It's always fun to see the final product!
June 20 or 21 (depending on the weather) will be our field day. June 21 is sixth grade's celebration with a barbeque and cake. Let me know if you have any questions!
Secondly, we will be hosting the second graders on Monday, June 13. We are excited to have them come to MSS and hope to show them around when they are here.
On June 14, we will begin our day at the High School for the annual MSS Talent Show put on by the Student Council. Students will need to be dropped off (or walk) to the high school that morning, just like they did for Step Up Day.
We are finalizing our portfolios in class this week. Parents are invited to come in and see them on June 16 in the morning. I will be here at 7:30 for anyone who wants to come in before work. We will continue to share until approximately 9:15 that day. Put it on your calendars if you would like to come in. It's always fun to see the final product!
June 20 or 21 (depending on the weather) will be our field day. June 21 is sixth grade's celebration with a barbeque and cake. Let me know if you have any questions!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Friday and Monday
What a whirlwind it has been! Friday was Step Up Day at the middle high school. The comment I heard most when we got back was, "I feel so much better going up there now." We're so happy to ease some of the anxieties of this transition. Please let me know what else I can do to put your or your child's mind at ease. It is a big step, but one for which the majority of students are ready.
Today, I was out at Harold Martin in the morning and the middle high school in the afternoon. Students worked on a couple of fun activities in writing class. The first one was where they put a wordless picture book into the correct order. The book is called Zoom and students needed to use their inferring skills to complete the task. After this, they played Parts of Speech Bingo. We also completed our final CBM for the year.
In reading, students worked on metacognition stations. There was a station where they listened to a song and used their schema and prior knowledge to make connections. Next, the did some inferring with the text from a Chris VanAllsburg picture book, minus the pictures. Thirdly, they may have listened to a storyteller on tape and drew what they visualized. The next station was one where they read a non-fiction article from a magazine and determined what was important in it. Finally, the last station was one where they read from selected picture books and recorded the questions that arose in their heads as they read. We will work more on these stations this week for those who need the time. Tomorrow we will be reading in class so students should come prepared with a book.
We worked on our portfolios as well this morning. Students are finalizing them all this week. I am holding a portfolio share on June 16 in the morning for parents. There will be more on this in the near future.
In spelling, we worked on a suffix activity.
Despite there only being about 2 weeks left, we are still very busy!
Today, I was out at Harold Martin in the morning and the middle high school in the afternoon. Students worked on a couple of fun activities in writing class. The first one was where they put a wordless picture book into the correct order. The book is called Zoom and students needed to use their inferring skills to complete the task. After this, they played Parts of Speech Bingo. We also completed our final CBM for the year.
In reading, students worked on metacognition stations. There was a station where they listened to a song and used their schema and prior knowledge to make connections. Next, the did some inferring with the text from a Chris VanAllsburg picture book, minus the pictures. Thirdly, they may have listened to a storyteller on tape and drew what they visualized. The next station was one where they read a non-fiction article from a magazine and determined what was important in it. Finally, the last station was one where they read from selected picture books and recorded the questions that arose in their heads as they read. We will work more on these stations this week for those who need the time. Tomorrow we will be reading in class so students should come prepared with a book.
We worked on our portfolios as well this morning. Students are finalizing them all this week. I am holding a portfolio share on June 16 in the morning for parents. There will be more on this in the near future.
In spelling, we worked on a suffix activity.
Despite there only being about 2 weeks left, we are still very busy!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
World's Fair Today!
This morning we worked on writing benchmarks and this afternoon we had the World's Fair~
See you tonight from 6:00 to 7:00!
See you tonight from 6:00 to 7:00!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Wednesday
World's Fair is coming up! We are very excited as we bring our boards into school today! They are looking good. Don't forget that the World's Fair will be tomorrow evening in the gym at MSS. It will run from 6:00 to 7:00. All students are encouraged to be there if possible.
In reading today, we read aloud Something Upstairs and kept track of our metacognition with sticky notes. I will be looking at these thoughts to judge who needs help with which strategy. We will also be classifying the thoughts into different strategies after we make our way through centers next week. We watched an interview with Avi, the author that we've been studying over the past month. An interesting fact is that Avi has symptoms of dyslexia and he talked about that openly.
Students had writing time to work on finalizing their World's Fair Essays. Many of them have passed them into me already. It is important that I get a separate copy of the essay to grade for English. Students may also put a copy with their display board for the Fair.
In science, we watched a Genetics DVD and discussed it. Also, I introduced what they will be doing next week to finalize their portfolios.
Please remember to send in the permission slips for Step Up Day which is Friday! We will start our day at the High School. Please do NOT drop off your child at MSS on Friday. I will be there waiting for them! Let me know if you have any questions!
In reading today, we read aloud Something Upstairs and kept track of our metacognition with sticky notes. I will be looking at these thoughts to judge who needs help with which strategy. We will also be classifying the thoughts into different strategies after we make our way through centers next week. We watched an interview with Avi, the author that we've been studying over the past month. An interesting fact is that Avi has symptoms of dyslexia and he talked about that openly.
Students had writing time to work on finalizing their World's Fair Essays. Many of them have passed them into me already. It is important that I get a separate copy of the essay to grade for English. Students may also put a copy with their display board for the Fair.
In science, we watched a Genetics DVD and discussed it. Also, I introduced what they will be doing next week to finalize their portfolios.
Please remember to send in the permission slips for Step Up Day which is Friday! We will start our day at the High School. Please do NOT drop off your child at MSS on Friday. I will be there waiting for them! Let me know if you have any questions!
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