Wednesday, March 1st

Escalation-not because we want to but because we have to.

Tomorrow is a 'normal' classroom/school day "bell to bell".

Homework
I am encouraging the students not yet completed the novels to be ready for literature circles Thursday next week.
Reminders
A school newsletter went home today
On the School District website, a communication from our Superintendent, Lisa McCullough, is available for parents regarding the escalation of teacher's job action
Job Action to defend our right to a free collective bargaining process will result in teacher's services being withdrawn Monday March 5th until Wednesday March 7th.


General Day
Daily French


Spelling # 11 study and test

SRA independent  reading program - the students are beginning to tire of the structure and I think they are looking forward to completing the sessions. I am too but I firmly believe that when we start something we must persevere to see it brought to a proper conclusion.

I find sometimes that my students think that if they complain and whine about structure that they find 'boring' or 'repetitive' that it will be changed to suit them as soon as possible. While it is tempting as a teacher to do the popular thing, I am aware that it is part of my mandate to encourage them to reach quality achievement and not to simply give up because it is challenging or , in their opinion, 'boring'.
My students have been reared in a world with 24-7 (literally) entertainment and it is a reality that not everything in life or learning is going to be as entertaining as they might expect!

 March reading record forms out- with Spring Break right in the middle two weeks of March, there are less silent reading hours in March than there have been in other months.
We discussed the format for the literature circles next week. There are four novels being read by different students. Each novel group will come together for a group discussion for which there are some guide questions and then one assignments will be completed either independently or with a partner from the group.

Math 7
Today we were able to look in depth at the learning we have completed and the learning for Math 7 that is still to be completed in Term 3. We then started on some review worksheets with a bit of a 'kaleidoscope' colouring component. Today we reviewed double digit division (no remainders) and changing mixed fractions into improper and vice versa.

Silent Reading (15-20 minutes)
Brody won the February reading draw. Congratulations, Brody.

group creative art/writing projects for our new candy bar and video games ideas.

Phys. Ed. was a class game of Dr. Dodge ball today with music in the background. The students worked up quite a sweat and had glowing faces by the time we were done. It was a good solid sportsmanlike game today and fun to participate and watch. I was nailed with the ball a couple of times by accident (I'm sure) but I will survive.

after settling down after Phys. Ed and distributing all the newsletters etc. , the students had the remainder of their reading time that we agreed to cut short in order to get the creative projects underway before Phys. Ed.
Sometimes with our P.E. time being in the middle of the afternoon, it seems to interrupt our productiveness before and after!

Thank-you to Ms. Masterson for taking my students for the last 5 minutes to Dismissal.

See everyone tomorrow.
Mrs. J.
P.S. My father has now been moved to the rehab ward on the 5th floor of LGH. His right leg is still paralyzed but he is able to use a wheelchair now and his speech, mind and use of his left arm and hand is good. He has been there three weeks already. It is encouraging to see his progress.