Tuesday, October 22nd

Another beautiful day around these parts!

We were so lucky to have an Earthquake drill in the sunshine this afternoon - can't complain about the weather (remind me when it is dark and gloomy!)

Reminders
no school Friday Provincial professional Development day Oct 25th

Spelling is the only thing on the radar right now as we have a bunch of students to get caught up and some have asked to redo - we are at Spelling Unit 4

any Oct book orders for Scholastic due Thurs

new baby brother report "annoying but adorable" Eddie L.

Our day

Band class

Language Arts
after daily French and a review of the expectations for safety during an Earthquake Drill we took more time for Spelling and language
correcting the crossword puzzle and the Editing skills
some were able to start on a left brain/right brain word activity called Trans4mation (others will receive it once current activites are completed).

Math Quiz #5
muliplication and division of decimals

set up the quiz with some reminders for success- and provided the quiz in a booklet format with space for computation.
Some students really struggled- what can I say - no review or preparation for quizzes means that nothing is going to change until something changes!!!

All examples on the quiz are examples we have worked on together and extracted from the resources we use in class which we have been working on for two weeks now. It is disheartening to say the least.

"I am not good at this" is unacceptable to me (a cop out) and tells me that a student has no confidence or idea of how to improve - I want your children to ask -- How can I improve my understanding of this?
- What is it that I don't understand?
- What do I need to do to get 'better' at this skill?
Then, the follow through instead of the excuses. I guarantee if your child prepares by reviewing the school work he/she could improve their personal achievement. I will share the results once I have assessed the quiz.

started an introduction to Order of Operations

read to self
record
Proud to report that a good two thirds of the students are now reading novels and fiction series which makes my heart happy. Great job - more reading in general is very positive.

Computer lab today I asked the students to find a website called Teen Health which is a safe and doctor approved and has a section for parents as well as teens. A couple students found it a little embarrassing that there were questions on many different health and sexuality issues so I directed them to the basic information on nutrition, fitness, cold and flu safety - there is no need or intention to expose students to issues they are not ready to tackle. However, if they are seeking information the idea is that this website is one that you and I as adults and parents would be comfortable with our children using not to mantion the fact that it engages parents too. Today was nothing specific just showing what the website offers and its format.
Check it out if you are interested.

Earthquake Drill
apart from a bit of hollering after the countdown we had a good safety evacuation and drill. Nice in the sunshine too :)
And the best part- no real earthquake- I think today is our municpality Shake Out Day where every one schools, businesses and offices particpiate in a EQ Drill.

Word Nerd (novel) and planners, dismissal after 5 minutes in the sun on the school grounds. :)

HAve a sunny night.
Mrs. J.