For Tuesday, April 30th

Dear Parents/Guardians,

On Friday, 7th grade students attended a presentation from Southwest Center focusing on recognizing depression and suicide prevention.  Students watch a YouTube clip where a teen girl showed her 100 reasons to live (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzFrIRDsVeI&safe=active).  To reinforce this idea, all students wrote 24 reasons to live on a page with a blank space for their picture.  We are asking each student to bring a 4 x 6 photo that they are in so we can create a nice piece of writing that they can keep.

Please remind your student to bring a picture tomorrow for this writing assignment.  I appreciate your support--it's been pretty amazing to see what the students are writing.  Please email me with any questions.

Week 37 Update and Schedule

It's been a difficult week with the passing of Olivia Hansen (a student in 3rd period) and the end-of-level testing.  I know that your children have struggled too.  Whether or not they were friends with Ashley Rubio or Olivia Hansen, having classmates pass away is painful.  Please be assured that myself and all the staff and faculty of Lava Ridge are very aware of your child and are working hard to make sure they they are comfortable and have trusted adults to talk to at school if they are having a hard day.  I've told the students countless times, but please know how much I love all my students and I enjoy every day with them.

We did have an assembly for all 7th graders on Friday from Southwest Center which focused on coping skills and recognizing depression. Please ask your child about what they have learned.  This would be a great starting point for important conversations we need to have with our children. As many of you know, my oldest is 12 years old in 6th grade at Tonaquint, and these recent events have spurred conversations in my own home about how to handle stress and what to do if you need help or have a friend who is struggling.  I've been touched by the outpouring of concern for me as a teacher from both students and parents.  Thank you for your kind words, hugs and prayers.  Please know that I am doing all I can to be the best teacher possible for your child.

On a brighter note, I am thrilled to let you know that my students were overwhelmingly successful on CRT scores.  All the practice they did at home and school, the positive thinking and test-taking tips totally paid off in spades!  Students have been informed of their individual scores (unless they attended the assembly during class--they will find out Monday) and 97% of students are proficient!!  I could not be more pleased. The students who showed growth by reaching their individual goals will be rewarded on Monday with candy bars.  It was the bright spot in a dark week to meet with students on a one-on-one basis and let them see how they scored.  Please give your child a big hug and pat on the back for a job well done!

For the rest of the school year, we will be focusing on writing (including more Monday-writes & poetry), creating a poetry chapbook, and reading Will Hobbs novel, "The Maze".  I am so excited--the students are going to really enjoy our last few weeks together.  I will not be teaching new concepts, but we'll be practicing   the skills we have learned.  Keep an eye on PowerSchool and encourage your student to keep their grades up (no "I"s or "U"s) so they can attend the fabulously fun 7th grade party on May 22nd.  Also, I will be posting chapters on the blog--students need to keep-up on their reading so we can finish the novel in time.  May 3rd is the due date for Book Reports as well--our last one!  Here is the plan for our week:

Monday, April 29th:  Monday-Write ("Reasons to Live" Wordle), Planner/Reading Check, Introduce "The Maze", Candy Bar Rewards  (*Doughnut Part for 2nd period for winning our Commonly Confused Words Competition)

Tuesday, April 30th:  Poetry Bellwork, "The Maze" Ch. 1-2  Read Chapters 3-5 at home

Wednesday, May 1st:  Finish the Wordle, Library Day  *be sure to pay fines

Thursday, May 2nd:  "The Maze" Chapters 1-4 quiz, Chapter 5 "The Maze"  Read Chapters 6 & 7 at home for Monday.

Friday, May 3rd: Random Student, Utah-in-the-News, Gecko Enrichment/Homework Hall  *Book Reports Are Due!!

Utah-in-the-News (to present Friday, May 3rd)

1st period: Nate Awerkamp, Brendan Clarke, Tanaya Corbin, Mallory Richey
2nd period: Vaughn Anderson, Nick Avila, McKenna Dawson, Austin Deming
3rd period: Emilee Campbell, Nate Chatelain, Brandon Claro, Jaden Durham
5th period: Natalie Gunn, Lexi Hamel, William Harrison, Zack Hunt
6th period: Kimber Condie, Kelsey Dangerfield, Corby Fausett, Caleb Goeser

Week 36 Update and Schedule

I'm so excited for next week! After an entire school year of learning, students will have the chance to be tested and demonstrate what they know through the CRT Test.  Okay, getting excited about a test does sound a little nerdy, but what I am really pumped about to see is how the students are going to meet the CRT goals they have set for themselves.

I do have some CRT Practice and Test-taking tips links posted on the far left of the blog.  Please have a look

It's vitally important to be in attendance ALL week.  Our classes will meet in C-Lab on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.  Because of testing, Utah-in-the-News, Wednesday Reading Club and Library Day will be cancelled.  I can't stress the importance enough to make sure your child sleeps well, eats a hearty breakfast and comes to testing with a positive attitude.

Just a reminder as the year winds down, please encourage your student to pay fines and turn in any borrowed books from the school library or our class library.

Thank you again for your continued support and encouragement.  Please email or call me with any questions or concerns.

Remember our class Testing Motto:

I am going to OWN this test. . . 

Monday, April 22nd: CRT Review with memory techniques & test-taking tips                                                                                                

Tuesday, April 23rd: CRT Testing in C-Lab

Wednesday, April 24th: CRT Testing in C-Lab

Thursday, April 25th: CRT Testing in C-Lab

Friday, April 26th: End of Testing Read-A-Thon (students can bring treats)

Week 35 Update and Schedule

I can't believe that there are only 6 weeks left of school!  The upcoming week will be focused on CRT Practice and Test Preparation.  Last week, students saw their CRT score from last year's CRT Language Arts test.  We talked about how tests are scored and what their 4-3-2-1 and raw score mean.  Students then set a goal for their CRT Test and wrote down one thing they can do to meet their goal.  Any student who meets or exceeds their goal will receive a candy bar from me after testing.

I think it's important that students have an awareness and ownership of their test scores to help motivate them to do their very best.  We also have a testing theme: "I am going to OWN this test--like a boss!"  Yes, it's cheesy and light-hearted, but my goal is to de-mystify the test and fill students with confidence, because they are all well-prepared for this test and I know they can do well.

Our testing is April 23-25th.  Please make sure your student gets plenty of sleep and eats right before testing.  There is nothing they really need to review at home.  I do have some practice links on the blog if your student is interested.  Please talk positive to them and build their confidence at home and I'll do the same at school.

Just a reminder, Lava Ridge throws an awesome 7th grade party at the end of the school year.  Only students without "I"s or "U"s can participate.  Please keep checking PowerSchool and encourage your student to complete all their work so they can be part of this fun event.  If any students have an "I" or "U" in my class, I'll send an email home so parents are aware and we can work together to help your student.

I will be out-of-the-class for training on Wednesday & Thursday this week, but please email me with any questions or concerns. I appreciate your ongoing support and I look forward to really enjoying the next 6 weeks of school with your amazing children.

Have a fantastic week,
Mrs. Robins


Monday, April 15th: Early-Out PLC Day (dismissal at 11:15am), Calendar Week/Planner Check, Blow-the-Roof Off CCW, Grammar CRT Practice

Tuesday, April 16th: Poetry D.O.L., Prefix/Suffix Crossword Puzzle-Maker Activity

Wednesday, April 17th: Reading Comprehension, Library Day
*No Reading Club (Mrs. Robins out-of-class for training)

Thursday, April 18th: Author's Purpose Bellwork, Blow-the-Roof-off CCW, Make-Your-Own-Test CCW Activity  (Mrs. Robins out-of-class for training)

Friday, April 19th: Utah-in-the-News, Random Student, Gecko Time (students will be in Enrichment, Reteaching or Homework Hall--please encourage your student to hand-in all their work!).

Utah-in-the-News
The following students will present Utah-in-the-News this week. Remember to cut-out & staple or print & staple the article to the back.  Students need to fill out the form completely and summarize the article in their own words.

1st: Cricket G., Wyatt H., Alex K.
2nd: Amanda H., Parker H., Tyler H.
3rd: Sarah A., Todd B., Gavyn B. (*Matt K.)
5th: Tori F., Anthony G., Kay G. (*Baylie D. & *Braden B.)
6th: Shayler B., Caity B., Mckenna C.

Week 34 Update and Schedule

Last week was a lot of fun as we learned about suffix/prefix by practicing the "Blow the Roof Off" game and created a foldable to help students become familiar with and memorize these prefixes & suffixes.  This game calls for the class to rehearse a list of prefixes & suffixes where they pair a prefix or suffix with an action and they are timed as they run through the list.  This helps students to memorize the list.  We had a competition between classes for the fastest time and a huge congrats goes to 6th period with the best time of 2:03!!  WOW!!  They will receive a doughnut party on Monday.  2nd period was a very close second place with 2:08. They will receive a treat as well on Monday for working so hard.  I've asked students to read through their foldable once a day to help them prepare for testing.

We also practiced Reading Comprehension from Scope Magazine in preparation for the upcoming CRT tests.  The article was about 3 courageous boys who fought against Hitler in WW II.  Ask your student to share their amazing story. To top it all off, book reports were also due and I have been very pleased with the high quality of work that students are creating.  It's really cool to see how students have improved throughout the year.  Check out my YouTube channel (click a specific video on the left side of the blog or go to MrsRobinsLavaRidge YouTube Channel ) to see the projects of students who have created book or movie trailers as novel projects or book reports.  They are a lot of fun to watch!

CRT Testing will be on April 23, 24 and 25.  Please make sure your student is at school and has had breakfast & slept well.  I really want students to own the test, to set a goal and work hard to achieve it.  On Monday this week, students will look at their CRT Language Arts score (available on PowerSchool) and set a goal for what they want to achieve.  If they meet that goal, they will receive a prize from me.  I know that some of my students struggle, so their goals might just be a few points higher and that is ok.  My overarching intent is to help the students try to improve themselves and take more of an interest/ownership in their academic success.  Along with practicing content for the test, I'm also focusing on test-taking skills.  Testing is part of academic life and I want to give students all the tools they need to do well and be successful.  I want them to go into testing full of confidence and positive energy.  At home, please be positive and encouraging to your student.  If you feel your student would test better at a different time of day or in a small group, please let me know as soon as you can.  I'm putting together a list of students who I may want to test at different times to help them do better.

Please keep an eye on PowerSchool and encourage your student to have 100% of all their work handed in.  As you know, Lava Ridge holds a huge 7th party at the end of the school year and only students without an "I" or "U" are allowed to attend.  Trust me, it's going to be awesome and I want to see all of my 140 students there!  Remember that Planner/Reading Checks make up a huge part of your student's effort grade.  Make sure they do their at-home reading and fill-out and bring their planner to school on Monday.  I'll have bonus effort assignments available on Monday as well. Please email or call me if you have questions or concerns about your student's grade.  Progress Reports are coming home tomorrow as well.  Please review them with your student, sign and return.


Monday, April 8th: Planner/Reading Wk. 33 check, Test Prediction, Commonly Confused Words Powerpoint w/ note-taking, Progress Reports Home Today

Tuesday, April 9th: Poetry Analysis Bellwork, Prefix/Suffix Game Day ("Post-it-on-the-Back", Matching Game & Crossword Puzzles)

Wednesday, April 10th: Scope Reading Comprehension, Library Day  AM/PM Reading Club (anyone can attend this week who wants extra practice with reading comprehension/fluency). **Progress Reports due back with a parent/guardian signature

Thursday, April 11th: CRT Grammar Bellwork, Blow-the-Roof-Off Commonly Confused Words Game/Review, CCW Test-Creation Activity

Friday, April 12th: Random Student, Utah-in-the-News, Gecko Day!
*Just a note, Gecko Day allows students who are caught-up on their work to do an enrichment activity, students who are behind go to Homework Hall & students who struggle with concepts attending Re-Teaching.  This is such an important program that Lava Ridge does.

Utah-in-the-News, to present Friday, April 12th
*Students must use the Utah-in-the-News form (I give it to them in class), attach the article they read and fill out the form completely. . .including summarizing the article in their own words.

1st period: Arik Madrigal, Chance Lopez, Brevin Knude
2nd period: Jenny Ladd, Sophia Jergensmeier, Riley Hughes
3rd period: Tyler Olmstead, Matt Kitchen, Kaylin Kahus
5th period:  Braden Baker, Andy Day, Olivia Olvera
6th period: Mercedes Aguilar, Meadow Alldredge, Emily Bonzo

Week 33 Update and Schedule

I hope you enjoyed Easter break and that everyone is ready to launch back into school and prepare for the CRT test.  The CRT test is vitally important and I want students to go into our end-of-level testing with a great attitude and a desire to succeed.  Please note that our CRT testing has been moved  to April 23-25th.  Parents, please make sure your student is in school on these days and have had a good breakfast and a good night's sleep.  I'm doing all I can to prepare students and get them excited about their success.  I'll be having students set a goal for themselves and I'll be covering not only subject material, but test-taking skills.  It is my goal as a teacher to prepare students so they can be positive and confident about testing.

This is the last year of the CRT test.  Next year, the state of Utah is introducing a new, more accurate end-of-level test that will be adaptive and will cater to individual students by asking them to demonstrate their knowledge.  I'm really excited about this test--watch for more information to be released in our upcoming school year. In the meantime, please do you can to help your student attend school, review subject matter and stay positive and encouraging about their test performance.

Each Wednesday, I have been running a reading group for students who need a little extra help reading.  From now until CRT testing, I'm opening up the Wednesday Reading Group to any student who may desire a little extra practice with reading fluency and reading comprehension.  The morning session goes from 7am-7:30am and the afternoon session runs from 2:00-2:30pm.  Please remind your student to let me know if they can attend.

Also, book reports are due on Wednesday, April 3rd. Students have told me which book they are doing and which book report type.  The book needs to be one they have not read, must be at least 150 pages and I've asked students to step-it-up and challenge themselves by moving beyond: "Dork Diaries", "Diary of a Wimpy Kid", "Goosebumps" series or "Captain Underpants" series.  The book report type must be one they have NOT used before and I have a lot of new, fun options for them to try.

Here is the schedule for our upcoming week; please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.  It's been a wonderful year teaching your students and I'm looking forward to a fun week!

Monday, April 1st:  Easter Break
Tuesday, April 2nd: Calendar Week, Grammar CRT Practice, Prefix/Suffix Activity
Wednesday, April 3rd: Reading Comprehension, Library Day *AM/PM Reading Group
Thursday, April 4th: Poetry Analysis Bellwork, Commonly Confused Words Activity
Friday, April 5th: Random Student, Utah-in-the-News, Gecko Time!  (Enrichment relating to CRT Prep. or Remediation/Homework Hall for students who are struggling with the concepts or behind in their work.)

Utah-in-the-News to present Friday, April 5th
(fill out the form: it's on the blog or students can get a hard copy in class & remember to staple the news article to the back.)

1st: Chase Morgan, Jeffrey Matalolo, Julia Martinez
2nd: Jadyn Latchtowski, Ashlinn McKnight, Kaleb Nielson
3rd: Jared Martinez, Adrianna Lees, Tucker Lamoreaux 
5th: Adan Audelo, Catlyn Allen, Grace Appel
6th: Tristin Mower, Calton Millward, Clayton Martinez