IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS

Happy Friday, Families -

Just a few things to share as we go into a 3-day weekend... (remember there is no school for students on Monday) -

1) All student forms need to be returned by Tuesday, 8/22. Your child will miss a portion of recess as a consequence for not having the following forms turned in to their homeroom teacher:

• Food Allergy Letter
• Code of Conduct Student/Parent Signature Page

2) The green Dress Code letter that went home last week is due by Friday, 8/25. This will also be the day that all dress code requirements will begin being enforced regularly - including the mesh/clear backpacks. 

3) PICTURE DAY IS FRIDAY, 8/25. IT WILL BE A FREE DRESS DOWN DAY FOR STUDENTS.

4) When students return on Tuesday, Aug. 22, it will be an A day for classes as well as an A day for Explorations. Please help your child to remember this so they can be prepared.

5) Thursday, Aug. 24 is an important day for 7th grade families. Ms. Laura will distribute information regarding the use of Chromebooks for our seventh grade students. In order for your child to be issued a Chromebook, you must attend one of the meetings: 8:15 am or 5:30 pm. As all Erdkinder teachers are utilizing Google Classroom, it is imperative that students have access to the appropriate technology. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

6) Our first PTA meeting will be taking place Thursday, 8/24 as well and will begin at 6:30. Dues are $7.00. We look forward to seeing you there :) Also, our PTA now has a link to Amazon Smiles, so every purchase you make through Amazon using the following link will support our PTA:
 The PTA will receive .5% back on all purchases using the below link.  Thanks!!  

 https://smile.amazon.com/ch/20-4865066

7) Sports physicals:

There is also a $10 Physical day on September 27 at Savannah High School.  Transportation will be provided for students that turn in their forms and money by Monday,  September 25.   

http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/schools/Ellis/athletics/default.aspx

8)Please check your child's Google Classroom accounts to help them manage their time and get assignments turned in on time. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Ms. Susan

Week of August 14, 2017

Week of August 14:

Just a few reminders for now:
Bobcat Bulletin News -

This Week at Ellis

A dress code letter was sent home yesterday with students (bright green). Here is a copy to that for your convenience:

Dress Code


Google Classroom Codes for ELA (Ms. Susan)
Google Classroom

Please log in to your child's Google Classroom regularly as well as checking in to PowerSchool - these are the best resources for you to keep track of what is happening with your child at school. 

There will information forthcoming regarding Cross Country as the parent meeting was cancelled yesterday due to weather. Interested students will receive a letter with pertinent dates as well as a district-wide date for school physicals if your child needs one.

Regarding dismissal:
If your child is a walker and inclement weather occurs (lightning, for example), your child will either have to picked up in the car rider line or wait inside the building until the weather clears up. We appreciate your support.

Forms that were sent home that need to be returned (Hint: Check your kiddo's bookbag):

• Food Allergy
• Code of Conduct
• Dress Code (green)
• 8th Grade Technology Letter for Chromebooks

*Two 7th grade parent meetings will be held regarding Chromebooks are our 1-to-1 initiative. Both will be held on Thursday, August 24. The first meeting is at 8:15 am in the media center. If you are unable to attend that meeting, please plan to attend the 5:30 pm meeting in the media center prior to PTA.

Have a great week :)

Ms. Susan

As we begin ...

Happy 1st Full Week of School :)

I hope all of you are doing well and hearing wonderful things from your children. We are pleased with how quickly they are getting in to a routine and the work they are starting.

Here's a quick note from our Information Specialist, Ms. Jade':

WHAT IS PARENT ACCESS?

Be a Part of Your Child's Education Every Step of the WayFind out what’s going on at your child’s school anytime, anywhere! With PowerSchool’s Parent Access you can read announcements, catch up on your students’ class assignments, checkout grades, attendance and discipline. New this year, Parents can complete their yearly Verification Form!

How Parents start to use Parent Access?
Let your school know you are interested in seeing your child's information online. Once you are properly identified, an access ID and password will be provided. Each child will have a separate access ID. You will need to create an account before using Parent Access. Instructions for using the Parent Access portal will be posted on this website. Your school will be the point of contact for support. Issues that require escalation will be handled by the school and central support.

Need help?
Please contact the Parent Access Representative at your child's school (Information Specialist).

In ELA, we have started talking about genres of literature. It is my goal that students expand their love of reading to genres with which they may have little to no experience. By Friday, 8/11, all students should have a book/novel to read for reading and writing workshop.

We will be meeting with Ms. Laura to schedule the roll-out for Chromebooks for students this week and will get back to you as soon as we have specific information.

Have a great Tuesday and, as always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Ms. Susan

WELCOME BACK :)

Welcome back, students and families :)

We are so happy to have you all in our Erdkinder program at Ellis. 

Just a few reminders as we start another fabulous year:

Our school day begins at 7:50.  It is important to arrive on time.  If you are late, parents must walk into the school to sign their child in.  Dismissal begins at 2:40.

Our school uniform policy can be found on our website.  Please review so that your child is in compliance with district expectations.  This includes the use of a clear or mesh book bag.  

For Art, students in grades 4th through 8th need to have a black Sharpie and a sketch pad.  For Technology, students in grades fourth through eighth, technology students may only use earbuds.  
Band students in 6th-8th grade will need a small, black three-ring binder, dividers, sheet protectors, and a pencil. 

We hope everyone is looking forward to our first full week.  Please let us know if you have any questions.  And be sure to visit our website!
http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/schools/Ellis/default.aspx

Chromebooks: 8th grade students will receive Chromebooks on loan with accompanying paperwork in which the parent and child assume responsibility for the care of the laptops.
7th grade students will be invited to attend an  information session during an upcoming date (to be announced) in which the procedures and policies concerning the Chromebooks will be explained.

Let us know if you have any questions,
Ms. Susan

Last Week of School

Good morning, families :)

As you know, this is our last week of school for students. Students have a free dress-down day Friday, May 19. 

If your child is attending the Bridging Ceremony for 8th grade siblings, and you wish to take them home, please remember to sign them out in the classroom.

You can look forward to receiving a Welcome Letter and School Supply List in the next week or so. If your address has changed, or will be changing in that time, please call Ms. Jade', our Information Specialist, to give her that information so that final report cards can be mailed to the correct address.

Summer Reading:
Your child was given a reading log to complete over the summer. They need to read 3 books over the summer and log their reading time. This will be counted as 3 Homework grades - so why not start the year off strong :)

News:
I will be moving up with the 6th graders to teach 7th/8th Language Arts and couldn't be happier to have this additional time with your wonderful children. I look forward to watching them continue to grow and succeed. Your students will have the great opportunity to work with great teachers: Mr. Denny (Social Studies), Mr. Sean (Science), and Mr. Joel (Math).

Additionally, your child will be eligible to participate in the 1-to-1 Chromebook Initiative in which each child will have (and be responsible for) their own Chromebooks. Class instruction will continue to be a blend of traditional Montessori lessons as well as incorporating the use of technology. 

Summer Sports Camp Opportunities: Here



I wish you all a wonderful summer. It has truly been a blessing to be a part of your child's life during such a memorable time.

Thank you,
Ms. Susan

Week of May 8 - 12, 2017

Welcome to the last two weeks of school...
There are a few things that I'd like to share with you:

• Yes, your child is still working on assignments. We are focusing on grammar lessons and fine tuning our writing. Our final ELA assignment will be a 5-Paragraph essay based on the Outsiders. All work in Social Studies has been completed.
•  You can find your child's work plan here
• Your child was given a conference form yesterday for you to sign and return as soon as possible. This will be for our final 6th grade conferences to discuss your child's progress throughout the year. That being said, if we have recently met or had a phone conference, it is not necessary for you to schedule another conference. However, if you would like to do so, I am happy to meet with you.
• Field trip forms to Tybee for this Friday, May 12, were sent home yesterday as well. One or both of these papers may have been pink to catch your eye. My cousin owns an ice cream truck and will be meeting us at Tybee at 11:30. If your child is interested in getting an ice cream, they are between $1 - 3.
• Your child is coming home today with information about electives for next year. You will need to log on with your PowerSchool code. If you do not have that information or have trouble accessing the site, please call the school (395-5470) and ask to speak to our Information Specialist, Ms. Jade'.
• As you know, our building is preparing to be renovated. That being said, we'll be packing up our room the last week of school. If 5 of you can graciously volunteer your time after school or on that Saturday (May 20), I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you so much :).
• I'll do my best to keep you updated to any changes as we approach the next school year. It has been my pleasure to serve your children.

Ms. Susan

Charles Ellis Presents and Other Information

Good afternoon, families -

I apologize for not posting in a couple of weeks, but we have all been very busy trying to prepare for assessments, finish our novel, and now, work on Charles Ellis Presents: The Story of Language.

Charles Ellis Presents will occur on Thursday, May 4 at 6:30 in the MPR due to the chance of rain. You are strongly encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, etc. to sit on as we will have the tables moved out of the way in order to provide optimal space for our families.

For our part of the production, we have archaeologists, cavemen, singers, and dancers.

• Archaeologists' costumes need to be white shirts with khaki shorts and a tan hat if you have one.
• Cavemen families received their material last week (many thanks to Ms. Fe Riley) for parents to adjust as necessary. It would be best if students were barefoot, but if they are uncomfortable, then they may wear flip-flops or another type of sandal. All cave people should wear something under their costumes. 
• Dancers need to wear all black.
• Singers who are already in another part will keep their costumes on; and the other singers can wear what they feel comfortable in.

REGARDING OUR FIELD TRIP TO TYBEE ON  FRIDAY, 5/5/17:  All students must have all assignments completed in order to attend the field trip. In addition, this field trip will cost $1.00. Permission slips need to be turned in by tomorrow, Wednesday 5/3.

I hope all of you are well and ready for these last few hectic weeks of school. We look forward to seeing you at Charles Ellis Presents :)

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch,

Ms. Susan

Week of April 10, 2017

Happy Monday, Families :)

First, I am happy to say that GMAS has come and gone. I believe our children took their tests seriously and did their very best.

Second, it is a very busy time of year, so please make sure you are keeping up with due dates, events, etc., so we can end the year on a very happy note, knowing our children are ready for the 7th grade.

Important Dates:

• Conference week is happening NOW. If you have not yet signed up for your conference, please make arrangements with your child's homeroom teacher to set up a time to discuss your child's progress during the 3rd nine weeks.
• Progress reports will be coming home Tuesday, 4/11, so be on the lookout for them. Any students not caught up on work will be working during Field Day, so please encourage them to get all of their work turned in asap.
• Field Day is Thursday, 4/13.
• DEEP's last day is also Thursday, 4/13.
• NO SCHOOL on Friday, 4/14 due to a Spring Holiday.
• The 1st-3rd grade students are presenting a Culture Fest (flyers sent home last week) on 4/27 from 6 - 8 pm.
• FIELD TRIPS:
• 4/27: Massie and River Street
• 4/28: Lucas Theatre - Music Field trip for all students
• 5/5: Tybee Island

CHARLES ELLIS PRESENTS:

Parents, 

Please be sure you have signed and returned the permission slip for your child to participate in Charles Ellis Presents. We are doing "The Story of Language" and this will be taking place on Thursday, May 4. 

Be on the lookout for material requests and any other pertinent information that will help us make this a wonderful event for the children and the audience. The students are already off to a great, creative, and organic tone about our topic and I can't wait to see what they come up with in the end - a lot of creative thinking is happening along with work behind the scenes. 

If you have any questions, please be sure to let me know. We look forward to having 100% participation in Field Day, our field trips, and Charles Ellis Presents.

Thank you,

Ms. Susan

Charles Ellis Presents

Good morning,

As we are focused on GMAS preparations, an exciting performance is also headed our way that will need our energy, creativity, excitement, and anything that we can all bring to the table, so to speak. It's Charles Ellis Presents: The Story of Language.

You can find the parent letter here but I will send a hard copy home with your child tomorrow, Friday, 3/31/17.

Week of March 27 - 31, 2017

Good morning, families :)

I'm hoping you all had a restful Spring Break and that your children are ready to show what they know. This nine weeks will go by fast, so please help your child stay organized by checking PowerSchool, checking Google Classroom for upcoming assignments, checking your child's planner and signing up for your 9-weeks conference.
Conference forms are coming home today and need to be returned by Friday, March 31. 

You can find a link to our Weekly Work Plan here.

Other important information:

• Our 4th 9 Weeks Novel Study is The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. It was listed on the school supply list in August, written in planners two weeks before Spring Break, and is now needed in class by Tuesday, March 28. You may purchase the book online or download it to a device. 
• GMAS Testing Schedule - Your child received a letter prior to Spring Break that detailed testing information for your convenience. The 6th grade schedule is also listed on the conference sign-up sheets. 
• Reminder: There will be no tutorial for ELA/SS or Math during this marking period. 
• FIELD DAY: THURSDAY, APRIL 13

Have a wonderful week and gear up for a very busy last quarter of 6th grade :)

Ms. Susan

Additional Announcements - Tutorial, The Outsiders, GMAS, Kiss-a-Pig, etc

There will be NO TUTORIAL offered for the rest of this school  year in ELA/SS. (Mr. Trent will be holding his last math tutorial this Wednesday, 3/15). If, however, your child is falling behind and needs an occasional Thursday to catch up on work (3:00 - 4:00), I will be available as long as you provide 24 hours notice.

NOVEL STUDY - 4th NINE WEEKS
We will begin reading The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton the week we return from Spring Break (Monday, 3/27). It is VERY important that you secure a copy of the book for your child as we write and take notes in the book. You may download it, purchase it, or check it out from the library. If you do check it out from the library, your child will write the notes on paper rather than in the book.

GMAS:

GMAS will begin one week after we return from Spring Break. Testing dates are from Monday, April 3 - Thursday, April 11. We will be looking for donations of healthy breakfast snacks (fruit, breakfast bars, etc) for our homeroom of 25 students. If you are able to donate, please let me know at your earliest convenience. 

New Google Classroom Policy:

Tomorrow I will be sending home a new policy for Google Classroom assignments. Due to the amount of late work entered, it is quite time consuming to look for assignments once that assignment has already been checked. I will send home a notice with your child this week explaining the policy in more detail and, as always, appreciate your support :).

• St. Patrick's Day items will be for sale in the MPR for students between 7:25 - 7:55. 
• Dress Down - Green Out - Thursday, 3/16, $1.00
• Kiss-A-Pig Dance - $1.00 - During Explorations (3/16)

**All proceeds will be donated to the American Diabetes Association.

Week of March 13 - 17, 2017

Happy Monday :)

Click  here for this week's work plan.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to email me. I'm always happy to help :)

Other announcements:
Today - Spring Picture Day. Remember Group Class Pictures are $10 if your child wishes to purchase one.

Wednesday, 3/15, is the LAST DAY to order t-shirts for Field Day. Your child has been given an additional order form if necessary.

News from our Bobcat Blast:

School -

 *Exciting news! Our school will be undergoing building renovations beginning over spring break and throughout the summer. Stay tuned for more information coming home this week.

*Thursday is one of the most fun days of the year! Our Kiss a Pig Dance will take place!  Students will have an opportunity to dance during their Explorations Time. This event is $1 and its a Dress Down day too for an additional $1, show off your Green attire. If you dress down and go to the dance that will be $2. 

St. Patrick's Day items will be for sale all week in the Multi-Purpose Room before school, as well as the dance.

*Finally, Spring Break begins Friday, March 17.  Students have 10 days to enjoy with their families.  We will return on Monday, March 27.  We hope you are all able to enjoy some family time together!

Weekly Work Plan March 6 - 10

Happy Monday!

With the wonderful assistance of Mr. Trent, I am able to attach the Weekly Work Plan for this week. This is something new I am trying with the students, so any feedback you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Click here to get your weekly work plan.

*One new announcement: Soccer tryouts will begin tomorrow, not today. Students are instructed to bring practice clothes, cleats, a ball, etc. and should plan on attending practice tomorrow at Daffin Park from 3 - 5:30. If you have any questions, please get in contact with Ms. Christy (christy.caughran@sccpss.com)

Week of March 6 - 10, 2017

Happy Last Week of our Third Nine Weeks!

I can't believe how fast time has flown - we are ending our 3rd marking period! Officially, the ending date for this term is Wednesday, March 8, but our grades have to be completed asap so report cards and all of that other fun stuff can be printed in preparation for conferences...so many things going on! Any work that your child wants graded needs to be submitted by Monday, 3/6.

*If your child takes medication for allergies or anything else, please make sure to have some on hand with the school nurse. We are sneezing, coughing, and other unpleasant things that make our learning environment less than optimal.*

On that note, here are other important dates:
Monday, 3/6 -- Soccer tryouts (see yellow papers for more information)
Tuesday, 3/7 -- Canada Map Test (Social Studies)
Friday, 3/10 -- Social Studies Test - Chapter 5 Sections 2 & 3 (Geography and Government)
Monday, 3/13 -- Spring Picture Day (Class Pictures can be purchased for $10)
Wednesday, 3/15 --  Last day to order Field Day tee shirts ($10)
Friday, 3/17 - Friday 3/24 -- SPRING BREAK

**VERY IMPORTANT**

We will begin our second novel study after Spring Break on The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Please have a copy for your child either bought or downloaded by March 27. I will have a few copies that students can use in class but, as we did with Hatchet, we'll be writing notes in them, so it is very beneficial for each child to have their own copy. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Our Week:

Monday, 3/6:

Vocabulary - Unit 3 Words Introduction (Students will receive a copy of this week's work plan with the words on the back of the sheet)

Language/Writing - Students will write a paragraph about a given topic with 10 purposeful errors to allow proofreading practice

Reading - Mini-lesson: Theme. Students will learn how to identify the theme of a story.

Social Studies - Continue study of Canada's Geography

Extra Work/Projects - Various

Google Classroom - Check for assignments

I'm trying a new format for the kids this week that I am going to try to attach to this blog so it will be easier for all of us. If that doesn't work, I'll update the blog tomorrow afternoon (Monday) for the rest of the week.

Happy March-ing into Spring (as the pollen is reminding us!)

Ms. Susan

Week of February 27 - March 3

Welcome to Spring (almost) :)

This week we are working on Canada's geography and writing a quality 5-paragraph essay about Hatchet that is due Friday, March 3. We are doing bits and pieces in class, but please be mindful that students need to do some of this work at home. 
In terms of quality, students need to pay attention to:

• Using text evidence
• Using strong verbs and adverbs
• Paragraphs that focus on their main ideas and are well organized
• Spelling, grammar, and punctuation

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

General School Announcements:

It is International Montessori Week this week :) We will be gathering outside at the Peace Pole Friday morning at 8:00 to sing our school song and the song of peace.

Also - Friday is a paid dress-down in honor of Montessori week. Students are encouraged to dress as their favorite Montessori material.

Thursday: Science and Cosmic Education Night. Student work will be on display at 5:30. A regular PTA meeting will follow at 6:30.

Model UN: Some of our 6th grade students will be participating in the Spring Competition Thursday. Send them happy thoughts as they proudly represent our school.

Friday (busy day): Sidewalk Arts Festival to support the Erdkinder "Going Out" program. Squares and chalk are $10. Drinks and snacks will also be on sale. The event is from 4 - 6pm. 

We look forward to helping one of our own with another Lego Challenge.  We are raising funds for Wyatt, who is battling Leukemia.  The Lego Challenge will be held March 7.  Students may bring in a gallon bag of Legos and participate in a "free build" for $5.  If children would like to participate, but do not have Legos, the school will have some for them to use. Money will be collected the morning of this event. 

Field Day T-Shirts order forms coming home this week.

Finally, we're asking all parents to please answer a brief Parent Resource Survey so that we may gain insight into the many skills and talents of our Ellis community. The link to the survey is on our web site and in the email Blast.

Week of February 20 - 24, 2017

Happy Tuesday :)

I hope everyone's week is off to a great start! I apologize for not posting last week - the stomach bug reared its head and I was just off of my game all week. 

Here's what's happening this week in ELA/SS:
Monday, 2/20
SS: Students continued to study Cuba by completing work in their textbook (Chapter 8 - Section 3).

Tuesday, 2/21
ELA: Students were assigned to read Chapters 16 - 19 to complete Hatchet. We will be discussing and analyzing these chapters in class this week.
SS: Whole group lesson: We will review all sections of Chapter 8 in Social Studies (Cuba) to ensure all students have the correct answers needed for their test on Friday.

Wednesday, 2/22
ELA: Hatchet Vocabulary Quiz - 15 words from Chapters 9 - 12. These can be found on Google Classroom. 
SS: Students will make study aids/flashcards to assist them in studying all of the terms, names, and main ideas from Chapter 8.

Thursday, 2/23
ELA: Students will work to complete graphic organizer that details Brian's changes (mentally, physically, etc) throughout the story.
SS: Students will continue to study for test on Friday.
**PROGRESS REPORTS COME HOME TODAY**

Friday, 2/24
SS: Test on Chapter 8 and Current Event #7 Due (must be an article related to Latin/South America)
ELA/SS: Work Period

Homework for the week:
Any classwork not completed during the day or any work that has not been completed yet needs to be done as soon as possible.

As always, remember your teachers are here for you and look forward to being a part of your child's academic and positive social environment. Please get in touch if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions.

Have a great week,
Ms. Susan

Week of February 6 - 10, 2017

Announcements:

• As a fundraiser for the Athletics Department, Ms. Christy will be selling carnations for $2.00 for Valentine's Day. Your child may purchase these in the MPR prior to coming to homeroom.

• Students will participate in the district-wide Tornado Drill tomorrow, Wednesday, 2/8.

• Dress Down Day - this Friday, 2/10 for $1.00. This money will benefit the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Fund.

• Jump Rope for Heart Activities  are taking place this month to support the American Heart Association.

• Please check the calendar tab on this blog to keep track of any Google Classroom due dates. 

Academics this Week:

Monday: (ELA) - Classwork: We completed the Chapter 12 analysis for Hatchet. Students need to review Chapter 12. Homework: Complete Plot Summary Worksheet for Chapter 12.

Homework: (SS) Current Event #5 Due --> this can be a new current event or a revision of Current Events (#1-4) if they received a grade of 75 or below.

Tuesday: (SS) - Classwork: Students need to complete last week's textbook assignments on Latin America Physical Geography and Ancient Latin America. This week's work is on Modern Mexico and the Mexican Government. 

Homework: Complete late Google Classwork assignments

Wednesday: (ELA) - We will be focusing on vocabulary and writing assignments related to Hatchet this week. Students will use www.vocabulary.com as well as the word list on Google Classroom. Students will find their Hatchet writing prompt on Google Classroom as well. 

Homework: Work on Hatchet vocabulary activities and the Narrative Writing Prompt - both due Friday, 2/10.

Thursday: (SS) - Students will continue working on textbook assignments related to Mexico. 

Homework: Complete textbook assignments; study for test Friday (Chapter 6 Sections 1 and 2 only).

Friday: (ELA/SS) -  TEST: Social Studies - Chapter 6 Sections 1 and 2 (these have already been returned to students to use for studying). Work Period: Students will have an opportunity to complete any ELA/SS work not completed in class. 

Due today: Hatchet Vocabulary activities and Narrative Writing Prompt

Week of January 30 - Feb 1

Happy Wacky Wednesday :)

I apologize for the late entry into our week, but we took off with a bang and haven't slowed down a bit :)
Announcements:

• There is no Current Event assigned for this week.
• We will be having a Valentine Exchange for Valentine's Day on Tuesday, 2/14. We will be celebrating our friendships by exchanging Valentine's Day cards with our homeroom. Cards can be bought or homemade. This is an optional activity. If your child chooses to participate, please have them prepare a valentine for all of their homeroom classmates. Your child is coming home with a class list this afternoon. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Monday - ELA Focus
     The students worked on completing summary plot worksheets for Chapters 9 - 11 in Hatchet.

Tuesday - SS Focus
     We worked on the location, climate, natural resources, and population of Mexico and Brazil. We completed textbook book as well that further highlighted the physical geography of Latin America.

Wednesday - ELA Focus
      The students worked in small groups further analyzing Chapters 1 - 11in Hatchet in order to remind us of our Essential Question: What happens to Brian from a dependent city boy to a self-reliant young man? This will be answered at the end of the novel in a 5-paragraph essay.
      We also returned to a practice essay in which we compared Skittles to Hershey Kisses and are working as a class to compose a compare/contrast essay.  This will be a practice piece that will help the students with their Hatchet essays.

Thursday - SS Focus
     We worked on the location, climate, natural resources, and population of Brazil and Cuba. Students will complete a compare/contrast chart on the three countries in the areas we studied.

Friday - ELA Focus
     The students will take a quiz on Chapters 9 - 11.  We will continue working on the compare/contrast essay on Skittles and Hershey Kisses as a class. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

This is a short little note to congratulate the following students:

Chesley Strain - 1st place in the Geography Bee

and the following students have been chosen to read out loud at DEEP Speaks event on February 13th:

Elle Cookson
Nadia Redman
Robin Leske
Ashlyn Banks

To put that in perspective, one reader per school is chosen to read at this event and we have FOUR! Woot! Woot!

Celebrate your young person and be sure that they are all doing good work :)

Notes Regarding Hatchet Test for Mr. Trent's Homeroom

Parents & Families,

We were unable to take the test today due to the extended time used for the Scoliosis Screening. Please make sure your child is prepared to take the test tomorrow.

Thank you. And, as always, please feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

Ms. Susan

Additional Information Week of Jan 23

General Reminders:

• Tutorial resumes this week 
• Math - Wednesday
• ELA - Thursday
• Conferences began the week of Jan. 16. If you have not yet had your child's conference, please get in touch with your child's homeroom teacher to schedule one at your earliest convenience.

*Our 6th and 8th grade students will have scoliosis screening Tuesday.  Your child should have shared information from Nurse Chris concerning this event.

*We have our school-wide National Geographic Geography Bee scheduled for Friday.  Good luck to our student participants. 

*Friday is a Dress Down Day to benefit the Red Cross Dollars for Disasters program.  Please remember to donate $1 in order to dress down. 

AND -

Lego Club resumes this week Mondays and Wednesdays.  See Ms. Olivia if you have any questions.

The DEEP writing program also starts up Thursday.  See Ms. Susan T. if you have any questions. 

Tuesday is the first Basketball game at Oglethorpe, come out and support our Bobcats!

Week of January 23-27

January rain brings creative thoughts...
I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend indoors as the rain provides us with the opportunity to spend time with our families and to read, of course. And on that note, please make sure your wonderful child is reading Hatchet. We are currently reading Chapters 5-8. If you have not yet purchased the book, it is available online through a Google search, audible.com, and youtube.com. It is really important for your child to have access to Hatchet at home as there are homework assignments to complete.

I am excited to announce that the DEEP Writing Program begins this week on Thursday afternoon from 3 - 4:15. We have a lovely group of students who are participating this semester and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish. 
On that note, I am finally starting Writing Workshop on Wednesday - I am so excited to introduce the students to this wonderful teaching method and hope to encourage them to embrace their creative side. The Writing Workshop method also prepares students to write more thoughtfully and academically.

**Girls' and Boys' Basketball games start this week - please check the school website for details.

*Reminder: Friday, 1/27, is a dress-down day for students for $1.00 to go to Dollars for Disaster.
*Please check Google Classroom for any other assignment details/dates.

Here's what is happening in class this week:
Monday, 1/23
ELA: Students will complete Plot Summary Worksheets for Hatchet Chapters 7 & 8 and begin completing a cause and effect worksheet that explains how Brian changes at the end of Chapter 7.
SS: Students will label water, land features, and countries of Latin America.
HW: Study Plot Summary Sheets for Chapters 5-8 - TEST on Tuesday over these chapters.

Tuesday, 1/24
ELA: TEST on Hatchet Chapters 5-8 - short answer
SS: Lesson on location, climate, population, and natural resources of Latin America
HW: Read Chapters 9-11 in Hatchet and begin studying for Latin America Map Test (Thursday)

Wednesday, 1/25
ELA: Writing Workshop Introductory Lesson: Compare and Contrast
SS: Continue lesson from Tuesday
HW: Complete Plot Summary Worksheets for Chapters 9-11; study for Latin America Map Test (Thursday)

Thursday, 1/26
ELA: Review Plot Summary Worksheets for Chapters 9-11; begin writing rough draft of Compare and Contrast work from Writing Workshop
SS: Latin America Map Test
HW: Continue reading Hatchet chapters and complete cause-and-effect graphic organizer for Hatchet; continue work on WW compare/contrast rough draft. SS: Complete current event.

Friday, 1/27
ELA: Complete Cause-and-Effect graphic organizer for Hatchet
SS: Lesson on the impact of slavery on the development of the Americas
HW: Complete any work not finished during the week.

Have a wonderful week :)
Ms. Susan

WEEK of JAN 17 - 20, 2017

Happy Tuesday, Families :)

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend and had time to reflect on the peace that Martin Luther King, Jr. wished for our world. It is with great joy that I come to work to a place that honors the grace and courtesy of the adults and the children so that we can grow in all ways - not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. 

This is going to be a "follow the child" week as I have classes and students in very different parts of our work this week. It's a bit chaotic but I think we'll manage it and find our way back together by Friday. This is a positive thing as many students are getting the small group attention that they need to be successful. 

Here are the things that we are working on completing:
Hatchet Assignments

• Test tomorrow (1/18) for Mr. Trent's class on Chapters 1 - 4. (Ms. Susan's class took the test on Friday.)
• Four (4) journal assignments that are to be handwritten and submitted or typed, printed, and submitted.
• Lesson on Figurative Language (Tues, 1/18)
• Google Classroom Assignment: Figurative Language (finding examples in Hatchet).
• Students should read Chapters 5 and 6 by Wednesday and complete the Hatchet Plot Worksheet (Google Classroom). I have plenty of paper copies if students would rather do the assignment on paper.

Social Studies

• Complete biome map of South America by Wednesday.
• Complete Google Classroom Biome Worksheet by Wednesday.
• Current Events #1-3 are due by Friday. Whatever is not submitted by this Friday will be graded as a 0 and will not be accepted. Please understand that this is an assignment that is due every Friday.
• Biome research - students need to research and write 1 paragraph about the following South American biomes: oceans, temperate forests, grasslands, and wetlands. This needs to be completed by Friday.

As always, your comments and suggestions are greatly welcomed and appreciated.

Ms. Susan

Week of January 9 - 13, 2017

Happy January, Parents and Families:
       Just a few things to note for this week -

•        Conference forms were sent home Wednesday. 1/4/17 and were due back by Friday. If you have not reserved a time for your child's 2nd nine weeks conference, please do so at your earliest convenience and return the form to school.
•      These conferences will be held with your child's homeroom teacher only. If you have concerns regarding other academic areas, please email that teacher to set up a separate conference time.
•       Re: Current Events - this is an ongoing assignment for Social Studies and is due every Friday. Each child received a guideline for the format with which it is to be completed as well as having access to it on Google Classroom. Our classroom policy is that assignments given on Google Classroom are to be submitted on Google Classroom. This has been the policy since the beginning of the year but needs restating as many students are not completing this assignment on a weekly basis. Thank you in advance for your support.
•       Please check your child's planner daily and go on to his/her Google Classroom to be aware of the work that is due this week.
•      Report cards will be sent home this week. They do not need to be signed and returned.

Assignments for this week:

Monday, 1/9:

ELA: We are reading the book, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen this week. Your child should have their own copy (physical or downloaded). We will read Chapters 1 - 4 this week (one chapter per day) with journal questions and have a QUIZ Friday over these chapters.

SS: We are studying the biomes of South America this week. The students are using the newly purchased Waseca Montessori materials to learn more about this continent and will be doing a mix of material and textbook work. Students need to continue working on their Biome Maps during class and, if they are done. complete the South America Biome Worksheet on Google Classroom.

HW: Read Chapters 1 - 4 of Hatchet as well as any work not completed by Friday (Current Event #1, Family Essay, and Poetry Comparison essay (2 paragraphs).

Tuesday, 1/10:

ELA: Read Chapter 2 of Hatchet in class. Lesson given on figurative language (this is a PowerPoint that has already been attached to your child's Google Classroom). 

SS: Continuing our work on the biomes of South America as well as completing a worksheet on Google Classroom about the Atacama Desert, tropical forests. and mountains.

HW: Read Chapters 1 - 4 of Hatchet as well as any work not completed by Friday (Current Event #1, Family Essay, and Poetry Comparison essay (2 paragraphs).

Wednesday, 1/11:

ELA: Read Chapter 3 of Hatchet in class. Review lesson given on author's point of view.

SS: Students should be finishing their Biome Maps. working on the South America Biome Worksheet on Google Classroom, and may begin individual research on the other biomes of South America: ocean, grasslands, wetlands, and temperate forests.

HW: Read Chapters 1 - 4 of Hatchet as well as any work not completed by Friday (Current Event #1, Family Essay, and Poetry Comparison essay (2 paragraphs).

Thursday. 1/12:

ELA: Read Chapter 4 of Hatchet in class.

SS: Biome research continues.

HW: Study for QUIZ Friday on Chapters 1 - 4 of Hatchet and complete all journal questions (4).

Friday, 1/13:

ELA: Quiz on Chapters 1 - 4 of Hatchet.We will being the Writing Workshop program today (so excited)!

SS: Students should be completing their South America Biome Worksheet on Google Classroom and beginning individual biome research on the biomes listed above.

HW: Any work not completed in class.

Week of January 4 - 6, 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope all of you had a wonderful relaxing break and are re-energized for our third marking period. That being said, parent conference forms are being sent home today and need to be returned as soon as possible. Conferences are scheduled for next week (the week of Jan 9).

Studies this week:
In ELA, we are reading and analyzing two poems: 1) Mother to Son by Langston Hughes and 2) If by Rudyard Kipling. These will serve as an introduction to our novel study of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen which begins Monday, Jan. 9. Please make sure your child has access to this book (either a physical or downloaded copy) as they will be assigned homework from the novel. 
Friday, Jan. 6, students will be writing a compare/contrast paragraph regarding the two poems.

*Also, the Family Essay that was previously assigned for the second nine weeks has been extended to this marking period and is due Friday, Jan. 6. It is an assessment grade that references stories we read in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. 

In SS, we are beginning our study of South America and will begin with identifying the biomes of that continent. I am pleased to say that we will be using the Waseca Montessori materials that were bought new this year. I am so excited to introduce these to the children and looking forward to their work as we explore South America in depth.

Due Friday, Jan 6: Current Event #1: This is a recurring assignment that is due every Friday. The format for this assignment has been given to the children to keep in their travel folder and a copy has been placed in Google Classroom for your (and their) convenience. 

Happy New Year :)

*Please note that this page is a work in progress. Please return to my blog later this week for more information about what we'll be doing in class. :)

**REMINDER: Your child needs their own personal copy of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen by Monday, Jan. 9. If you are unable to borrow one from the public library or download one on an electronic device, please let me know at your earliest convenience as we will be working on this book for the entire 3rd marking period. Thank you.

News from SCCPSS:

This is a reminder from Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools that classes resume this Wednesday, January 4, 2017.  We hope all our families had an enjoyable winter break and that students will return to school refreshed and ready to learn!
We’d also like to remind our families to join us at the 8^th annual Student Success Expo taking place this Saturday, January 7^th at the Savannah Mall.  It’s happening from 10:00am to 3:00pm.  In addition to college and career information, attendees will enjoy interactive displays and learn about all public school choices across the district including program pathways like Performing Arts, Engineering, Aviation, Cosmetology, Medical & Allied Health and Automotive Repair - just to name a few. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s Choice Program Application process kicks off at the Expo.  Parents will be able to apply on-site for the choice program their student is interested in for (SY 17-18). 

The Expo will also include student competitions, interactive booth displays and prize giveaways. Admission and parking is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

News from Ellis:
 There will be a Pep Rally, Friday afternoon, to kick off our Jump Rope for Heart activities!  Be on the look out for information about this popular event.