Friday 6-16-17 Summer Reading

Greetings parents of legend students,

Our marvelous 7/8 teacher Janette Roberts sent this letter to home with her students. It is EXACTLY what I want to say, so she is allowing me to share it with you. We also have a three book expectation for summer reading.

Students are allowed to check out up to 10 books from our Legend library for the summer. I just ask that they sign them out on a paper (in the front of my room) and return them in August at the start of next year. I also set up a seesaw.com page for everyone to share their reading (and other activities) on. It is https://app.seesaw.me/#/class/class.1b6285d7-743f-44c7-8f3a-04b400147eb5. It is called Legend Summer Reading. Students log in with their school google credentials. I have emailed students directions and will reply to them with any questions they email to me. Have a great summer.

Summer Reading

 

This is what I’ve heard over the last few weeks—

• Do we have to read over the summer?
• Why do we have to read this summer?
• It’s our break. We shouldn’t have to do any school work.

Hopefully, these images from summerlearning.org and firstbook.org address the importance of reading. Studies show that kids who don’t read during the summer lose ground and fall behind the kids who do read. Studies also show that kids’ reading skills improve when they have access to books over the summer.

According to Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), students who lose reading ability over the summer rarely catch up. Over time, the summer learning slide can add up to the equivalent of three years of reading loss by the end of fifth grade, which proves the saying “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

 

In order to continue to grow as readers, Team Journey students are expected to read at least three books over the summer.

Where to get books?

• Borrow books from

 our classroom library.

• See Ms. Babbitt to borrow library books for the summer.
• Visit your town library.

In addition, you might consider the following opportunities:

• The Summer Book Nook Club -- BRMS students have the opportunity to borrow a Nook for the summer from our library. Each week, Ms. Babbitt will share a new book, and via email you may share your thoughts about the books.
• Phoenix Books Bingo Card -- Take part in this reading challenge, and you might win a gift certificate.

Thursday 6-15-17

We finished almost all of the presentations tomorrow. Just a few to do tomorrow.

Tomorrow is clean out the classroom day. Bring an empty bag or backpack.

A few people need to finish bio cards. These are due at the beginning of Friday. I will be keeping some people from some fun if they don't have it done. (Hey, that rhymes!)

Math test tomorrow: formulas and charts and tables review the first 20 pages of unit 8 on creating tables and graphs

Wednesday 6-14-17

Today we began our end of the year presentations. They are great so far.  We had a lot of work time for projects and bio cards.

Projects are all due tomorrow (unless you presented today.)

Bio cards are due Friday

There is a science article to read tonight.

Monday 6-12-17

We are teaching all the way through this week. Kids are hanging in and we appreciate it.

On the plan for the week:

A mini research project bio card on one other explorer (besides Columbus) that came from Europe to the Americans in the "Age of Exploration."  We chose from 13 explorers today and were given a one page biography and the directions for the card, which we will start tomorrow.

ALSO, our end of the year project presentations will begin on Wednesday. We will sign up for slots tomorrow and continue with the presentations through Friday if need be.  These are also mini research projects, but we are using the model of National History Day and presenting in a tri-fold, digital format (which we are allowed to do slide shows even though NHD does not allow), or a live performance.  We will have time in class Tuesday to work on this.

I hear in math they are working towards a test on Friday morning.

In science they continue with water studies.

Tonight's homework:

LA - finish the one page reading and note-taking for your explorer
Prepare for your end of year presentation

Read your novel for 20 minutes

Math: Finish page 15 and 16 to hand in tomorrow

Friday 6-9-16

I have been a poor blogger lately. I need to reestablish my good habits and blog at the end of each day.

We have been a little light on homework this week. Students should have been catching up on reading.

Today we finished our post assessment arguments and science posters. Student also took the final star math assessment for this year.

Next week will have some time to organize our end of year projects to present on Wednesday.  We will also be completing a bio-card for an explorer (a mini-research/art project).

Mr. Wills will be coming to our CPR today. He asked me to post and email this letter of introduction.

Hello Team Legend Families!

My name is Justin Wills and I'm excited to return to BRMS this fall to fill in for Jay Meadows as your student's 6th grade math and science teacher.  For some of you I am already a familiar face.  From 2012 to 2015 I taught seventh grade along with Maria Germano at BRMS.  In the fall of 2015 I returned to graduate school in Montreal to pursue studies in philosophy.  Having now completed my MA, I am taking a year to apply to PhD programs which allows me the great opportunity to spend a year on Team Legend.  

I live in Fairfax with my wife Emily, also a middle school teacher, and our quite spoiled golden retriever, Posey.  I spend a lot of my time reading and I love to learn new things, but when I am not buried in a good book I also love to cook and play guitar.  

I will be working closely with Mr. Meadows to make sure that we have a smooth transition as I continue with the great work he has done with students this year.  I'll be making a few appearances on the team over the next few weeks so that students can get to know me and I look forward to getting started with everyone in the fall.  

Justin Wills

Monday June 5

Homework:
Columbus essay
Read

More later....