Johnson's Journal October 26, 2014

After three days of MAP testing last week, it was nice to get back to a "regular" routine.  The kids did an awesome job of focusing on their testing and did a nice job adapting to all the changes that were made to the schedule.  The results of the testing will help us monitor your learner's progress and give us information to guide our programming.

This week we will take our first Mid-Module Assessment in math.  Mid Module Assessment is just a fancy name for a chapter test!  Our classwork on Monday and Tuesday will help us prepare for the assessment.  The lime green study guide which we will work on in class on Tuesday provides a good review of the type of questions which will be on the test.  If all goes as planned, the test will be on Wednesday.  We have worked very hard up to this point, and I am anxious for the students to show off what they have learned!

We have wrapped up our science unit on cells and genetics and have begun a social studies unit which focuses on early man and their technology.  Ask your sixth grader about the two most important pieces of technology early man had;  I'll give you a hint--it was not an iPhone 6!
We will also begin working on a dialogue writing project in which the students will apply the skills learned in Ms. Halfpop's language arts classes with the knowledge gained from our work in social studies.  I'm looking forward to the kids showing what they have learned in a fun and creative format!

On Friday, the sixth graders will celebrate Halloween with a movie and treats.  Ms. Halfpop and I will select a movie we feel is appropriate for the students.  We try to find movies they may not have seen, and we tend to like movies that can be termed as "feel good."  The kids can bring a treat and drink to enjoy during the movie.  Sixth graders do not wear costumes for Halloween, but we will watch the younger students as they parade around Jacobson.

By this time, you should have received your student's first quarter report card.  If you have questions about their progress, please feel free to contact me.