Where in the World is Suriname?
Hello Everyone,
It has been awhile since my last post. I have a lot to share!
Raviel Morris
(Foreign exchange student from South America)
Yesterday we had a great presentation by a young man from Suriname which is one of the Caribbean South American countries we just finished learning about. This country's southern border is part of the Amazon rain forest. The pictures of his homeland that he shared with us are posted on the Caribbean S.A. tab of the Weebly. Additionally, you will find the photos I shot during his presentation and some video clips of him teaching the kids a series of dances that represent each of the five cultures in Suriname. This was a truly wonderful experience for all. The highlight, other than the dance lesson was listening to him speak of the anaconda and boa constrictors he encounters on a regular basis. One even ate his family's goat. YIKES!
AR Goals (Vogel)
As we begin our sprint for the end of the school year finish line, it is very important that the students continue to develop their stamina as readers by reading at least 30 min. each night and pushing to make AR goals. From this point forward, students will be expected to do a tremendous amount of reading online and off. Just like a sprinter who has never trained for a marathon, students who have not developed the ability to attend to a text for more than a short time will find themselves struggling. The majority of the kids have read more this year than ever before - a personal goal for my students. I have seen some dramatic gains in vocabulary acquisition and comprehension, but most importantly, an increased passion for reading (YAY!!).
Read- A-Thon Participants
Thanks again to all who supported this activity. We were able to get some great books. It was like Christmas when I put them out for viewing. More pics are in the photo gallery.
U s (Missing work in Vogel SS and ELA)
All missing work (U s on HAC) are due by the end of the week they are assigned.) Any outstanding assignments will remain as U s at that time. No retakes on tests will be offered unless all prerequisite assignments have been turned in. Additionally, an oral test will be given as a retake rather than an online version.
Bedford Public Library
Please be aware that the library has had issues with students loitering after school hours, resulting in the liaison officer being notified. Last year Mr. Hurley began making announcements that parents of students who were involved in this would be charged a fine of $500 (according to the sheriff's dept). If you are allowing your child to go to the library after school, please be advised that they are unsupervised and may be exposed to activities unsafe for eleven and twelve year olds.
M-STEP (New on-line MEAP Test)
The kids have probably told you of the many schedule changes they have experienced as a result of the testing going on in the building the last several weeks. 6th Grade testing (math and ELA) will be May 18th - 28th. All students will need earbuds or headphones to take the test. Four of the eight pairs I purchased for my classroom have been broken, so I am no longer willing to loan these out. A listening device is mandatory for participation in a 1 to 1 classroom. Earbuds can be purchased at the Dollar Store for $1 or in the office for $2.
AhhhhhChoooooo!!!!
Allergy season is here and we are out of tissues. Any donations are appreciated.
Thanks for reading to the end. Let your child know they may have a piece of gum from my football dish as a reward.
Mrs. Vogel
It has been awhile since my last post. I have a lot to share!
Raviel Morris
(Foreign exchange student from South America)
Yesterday we had a great presentation by a young man from Suriname which is one of the Caribbean South American countries we just finished learning about. This country's southern border is part of the Amazon rain forest. The pictures of his homeland that he shared with us are posted on the Caribbean S.A. tab of the Weebly. Additionally, you will find the photos I shot during his presentation and some video clips of him teaching the kids a series of dances that represent each of the five cultures in Suriname. This was a truly wonderful experience for all. The highlight, other than the dance lesson was listening to him speak of the anaconda and boa constrictors he encounters on a regular basis. One even ate his family's goat. YIKES!
AR Goals (Vogel)
As we begin our sprint for the end of the school year finish line, it is very important that the students continue to develop their stamina as readers by reading at least 30 min. each night and pushing to make AR goals. From this point forward, students will be expected to do a tremendous amount of reading online and off. Just like a sprinter who has never trained for a marathon, students who have not developed the ability to attend to a text for more than a short time will find themselves struggling. The majority of the kids have read more this year than ever before - a personal goal for my students. I have seen some dramatic gains in vocabulary acquisition and comprehension, but most importantly, an increased passion for reading (YAY!!).
Read- A-Thon Participants
Thanks again to all who supported this activity. We were able to get some great books. It was like Christmas when I put them out for viewing. More pics are in the photo gallery.
U s (Missing work in Vogel SS and ELA)
All missing work (U s on HAC) are due by the end of the week they are assigned.) Any outstanding assignments will remain as U s at that time. No retakes on tests will be offered unless all prerequisite assignments have been turned in. Additionally, an oral test will be given as a retake rather than an online version.
Bedford Public Library
Please be aware that the library has had issues with students loitering after school hours, resulting in the liaison officer being notified. Last year Mr. Hurley began making announcements that parents of students who were involved in this would be charged a fine of $500 (according to the sheriff's dept). If you are allowing your child to go to the library after school, please be advised that they are unsupervised and may be exposed to activities unsafe for eleven and twelve year olds.
M-STEP (New on-line MEAP Test)
The kids have probably told you of the many schedule changes they have experienced as a result of the testing going on in the building the last several weeks. 6th Grade testing (math and ELA) will be May 18th - 28th. All students will need earbuds or headphones to take the test. Four of the eight pairs I purchased for my classroom have been broken, so I am no longer willing to loan these out. A listening device is mandatory for participation in a 1 to 1 classroom. Earbuds can be purchased at the Dollar Store for $1 or in the office for $2.
AhhhhhChoooooo!!!!
Allergy season is here and we are out of tissues. Any donations are appreciated.
Thanks for reading to the end. Let your child know they may have a piece of gum from my football dish as a reward.
Mrs. Vogel