Week 32 Update and Schedule

Spring is in the air and we've been moving forward in Language Arts and having some fun with learning along the way!  We had a great week learning about process when students were asked to write an informational process 3-paragraph paper on how to make a paper airplane. The students who finished their work were able to participate in a very fun Gecko Day where students swapped process papers and made airplanes based on another's instructions, then raced the planes. It was a blast!

Airplane Racing Fun during 6th period with Mr. Rarick running Gecko Time (Mrs. Leany is back there too).  It's awesome to work with teachers who can have just as much fun as our students!

The most interesting landing of the day...

See?  Teachers have fun too!

This upcoming week will begin our CRT-prep unit where I will focus on preparing students for the test by reviewing important concepts, practicing test questions, and learning valuable test-taking skills & brain-stimulating exercises.  As always, I will try to present the material in an engaging, fun way.  I'm excited for this unit and know that my students will receive the support and preparation to test well.

Our CRT testing has been moved to April 22-24.  Please mark this on your calendar and make sure your student is in attendance.  Another important calendar item is that April 3rd will be the due date for the next Book Report.  Students must select a book report type they have NOT picked yet and need to choose a book over 150 pages that they have never read before.  I'm putting a hold on all "Diary of a Wimpy Kid"/"Dork Diary"/"Captain Underpants"/"Goosebumps" books for book report books.  Although these books help to encourage reading in reluctant readers, they will not push your child to read better, and as 7th graders--they need to branch-out.  I have a ton of great books in my classroom available for check-out, as does our impressive school library.

Please check PowerSchool--grades will be updated by the end of the weekend and I am worried because some students are missing multiple assignments, which is driving-down their grades.  I am available before and after school and I'm happy to help your student catch-up but they need to be proactive and talk to me.  Please encourage your student to work hard and hand in work on time.  Also, students need to talk to me before or after missing a day of school as soon as they can so they don't fall behind.

Here is how our schedule looks this week--No Utah-in-the-News this week.

Monday, March 25th:  Wk. 31 Planner/Reading Check, Poetry Analysis, Grammar Hunt (oh, this is going to be a FUN one!)

Tuesday, March 26th: STAR Reading Test (Benchmark)

Wednesday, March 27th: Reading Comprehension, Library Day

*AM/PM Reading Club*

Thursday, March 28th: Reading Comprehension, "African Killer Bees"

School Assembly

Friday, March 29th & Monday, April 1st: NO SCHOOL   

Enjoy your Easter Break ;)