March 22nd, 2013

ALL GRADING FOR TERM 3 WILL BE COMPLETED TOMORROW AND "PUSHED" THROUGH TO THE INTERNET FOR PARENTS TO SEE.  PLEASE CHECK THE MERI.ACHIEVE WEBSITE FOR GRADES.

MYSTERY BOARDS AND TEACHER ESSAYS ARE DUE MONDAY!!!(SEE BELOW)

Sorry, but this Friday we just didn't have time for the Language Arts Test.  We will get to it next week.

This morning we learned about conventions: Punctuation, Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling, Capitalization, etc.  We learned that building each other up in ideas with the strategy, "Yes, and..." helps story ideas grow.  It is fun to have different workshops from different teachers during our annual Writing Rally.  Our topic this year has been: Inventions Make the World Go Round.

After a very productive recess, where most of the students worked on catch up items or Mystery Boards, we had a lesson from Miss Sherman.  We brainstormed ideas for our invention story we will be publishing in May.

MATH HOMEWORK IS THE REVIEW #10.  Students worked while I pulled them aside individually to review their grades.  Please know that they have had the last two weeks to do any catch-up work that was required.

Also, please note that it is extremely difficult to get an A in Math.  The cumulative tests are very difficult, requiring students to show proficiency in any past concept.  Also, they have 2-4 points per test allotted to using the new concept in a new way, to see if the student is able to apply it across the different math strains.  Some are very difficult indeed.  It is graded on the British system: 60-70% shows the student has a grasp on the concept.  By 80%, mastery is developing.

After lunch students worked more on teacher essays and Mystery Boards.  TEACHER ESSAYS ARE DUE MONDAY.  THEY SHOULD BE TYPED OUT ACCORDING TO THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE BLOG YESTERDAY.  PLEASE FOLLOW THE BLOG!

Chad Morris, author of the new book, The Inventor's Secret, entertained and inspired us to greater heights today.  He urged the kids to 1. Feed your mind 2. Imagine 3. Do 4. Never give up.  He had some fun presentations. I was pleased that two of our class were brave enough to go  up and participate.  The top Jazz readers had some extra time with Mr. Morris after the all-school assembly.

After a music practice, we attended very popular mini-courses.  It was a good day.