ABC BOOK REPORTS DUE!!!!!

NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY.  WATER PIPES BROKEN--SCHOOL BACK IN SESSION ON TUESDAY!!

UPDATE-All ABC Book Reports are due TUESDAY!!!



6C will be giving oral presentations on Tuesday.  Each student has a rubric so they should know what is expected. 

Week of 12/9

Sometime this week, I will be giving each student an assessment/Practice Common Core EOG.

I say "sometime" because right now I cannot make any copies.  One is out of toner and the other keeps jamming.  As soon as I can get the rest copied-we'll be ready to go.

These tests do not count for a grade but I will send scores home for you to see.  They are simply a way for me to see where your child is at the mid-year mark. 

6A and 6B will continue working on CENTERS.  There is no Vocabulary Test because they are working on Unit 2 in their Purple Vocabulary Books.  I am grading 4 of those pages and using them as classwork grades.

Last week, we also did an Internet Scavenger Hunt on Emily Dickinson and Winter Weather.  Students who did not finish those will do so on Monday.  Each of those Scavenger Hunts also count for a classwork grade.

PLEASE REMEMBER NONFICTION BOOK REPORTS ARE DUE DECEMBER 16TH.  EACH STUDENT MUST PRESENT AN ABC BOOK.






Students have had time to work on these in class over the past few weeks and will have time this week as well.  However, students  need to be working on these at home also.


CONTINUE CHECKING YOUR CHILD'S READING LOG EVERY NIGHT!!!!





6C will continue a unit on Mythology.  They have a project due on December 13th.  Please ask your student about this.  Each 6C student has a packet of directions.

There is no Vocabulary Test this week.  Students were given a long list of  Mythology Vocabulary Words last week and we will continue to do activities with those words.  The activities will be used for classwork grades.

In class, we will continue reading myths, write a Greek god/goddess BioPoem, take a quiz on god/goddess characteristics, and work on a group assignment that ties in our previous lessons on propaganda and advertising with mythology in modern day.

Welcome Back...

Time to get back to work...

All classes will be bringing home lots of graded work to be signed.  Please make sure you ask to see it and sign it- Thanks.

Also 6A and 6B are still doing READING LOGS- EVERY night.  Please check and sign those as well.

6A and 6B will be doing CENTERS this entire week.  I have put together several different centers that the students will rotate through.  We will be doing HOT DOTS, Vocabulary, Guinness Book Writing Prompt Cards and several other skill building activities.  PLEASE make sure your child brings their Purple Vocabulary Book with them on Monday and every day this week.  Students also need pencils, lined paper and their NONfiction Book everyday.

 

6C will begin a Mythology Unit.  We will start with Ancient Greece.  Students will learn about the daily lives and special events of Ancient Greeks.  Students will also learn about Greek architecture, do map activities and vocabulary exercises.  There will be a vocabulary list but no test.  Instead, students will have vocabulary activities for grades.

 

Next, we will begin a review of the Greek gods. Students will create Mythology biographical poems, and be quizzed on information about each god/goddess.  We will read a few myths from our Literature books. 

6C students will be given their next project on Monday or Tuesday of this week.  It is called Mythology All Around Us.  Rubrics and instructions will come home by Tuesday.  The due date for this project is December 16th.

 

Only 2 days this week BUT lots to do...

On Monday- 6A and 6B will have a Vocabulary Quiz on the Propaganda words they got last week. 

We will also finish our cut and paste project where students have to find examples of the 6 types of propaganda techniques and explain them.

For Example:
This advertisement uses the TESTIMONIAL TECHNIQUE- that is when a  celebrity endorses a product.  We think if Jessica Simpson uses Proactiv maybe I should too. 

6A and 6B students will be required to fill out their Reading Log for Monday night and Tuesday night.  A parent signature is required for each night.  I am checking these each week and students are getting a grade for this so please make sure your student is reading and recording it on their log. 

Non-Fiction books are past due.  Students should have their book with them EVERY day.  Soon we will have reading remediation during club time and students without books will lose points off of their grades.

ABC Projects are DUE DEC 16th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

6C has 2 projects due on MONDAY the 25th.
One is a movie soundtrack and the other is a dictionary.  No extensions will be given!

We will watch the movie THE MIGHTY and compare it to the book FREAK THE MIGHTY.

 

Some students did not have their permission slip turned in by Thursday and some didn't hand in one at all- they will be given an alternate assignment for a grade.

 

Week of November 18-22

SPIRIT WEEK
Monday - PJ
Tuesday - Wacky Tacky
Wednesday - Twin
Thursday - BLACK
Friday - Spirit Wear


6C- Work on those Projects!! They are due Monday 11/25!!!!

We will finish Freak the Mighty this week and watch the movie.  Snacks are allowed on movie day.  Parents, I will send home a permission slip for the movie.  Any student who doesn't bring one back will receive an alternate assignment.

I will also have Ipads a few days this week for students who need to work on projects.  I will  supply paper, markers and colored pencils for students to work on ABC books. 

All students should have Nonfiction books with them every day.

6C will not have a vocabulary test this week.  However, they will have a Final Exam on Freak the Mighty.   On the last test, several students did not do the required reading and thought they would "pull one over on me" because it was an open book test.  Let's not do that again.


6A and 6B
We will finish up our mini-unit on Biometrics and begin Propaganda.
This week's vocabulary is:

1.  Propaganda-
2.  Name-Calling
3.  Glittering Generalities
4.  Testimonial
5.  Plain Folks
6.  Bandwagon
7.  Fear
8.  advertisement
9.  placard
10. commercial
11. slogan
12. jingle
13. product placement
14. copy
15. circulation

TEST will not be Thursday- let's wait until Monday the 25th. 

MAKE SURE ALL STUDENTS HAVE NONFICTION BOOKS WITH THEM EVERYDAY!!!
   

Three Day Weekend- Plenty of time to work on your projects... [lol]

6C
Parents/ Guardians Please look for Take Home Folders this week.  Make sure to sign all  graded papers and return the next day. 
Also Please ask to see the instructions and rubrics for the 2 Freak the Mighty Projects.

On a Quest for Music and Dictionary Project--both projects MUST follow the directions exactly.  I will grade directly from the rubric.

Non-Fiction Book Titles are due.  The 2nd Book Project is an ABC book.  Rubrics were sent home 2 weeks ago.

Vocabulary Homework for the week.  There will be no test this week.  I will grade the homework for Vocabulary grade instead.

Freak the Mighty Vocabulary Assignment

 
Directions:  Make vocabulary flashcards as you read with the word on one side and the definition, the sentence from the book, a picture, and the page number on the other side. 

1.    urgency
2.    gruel
3.    furrowed
4.    dysfunctional
5.    kin
6.    injustice
7.    trussed
8.    accommodations
9.    bloated
10.  tenements




6A and 6B

Students will receive a READING LOG for the week.  They MUST read every night and have someone 'sign off' on it.  I will use this for a grade but more importantly- we simple need to increase the amount of reading some of our 6th graders are currently doing.  Reading is fundamental to all subject areas.  Just like anything else, one needs to practice to get better. 

Please DO NOT forget the 40 BOOK CHALLENGE.  I have had very few students get the chart signed.

Non- Fiction Book Titles are Due.  The Project for the 2nd nine weeks is an ABC book- all students have a rubric.


Take Home Folders are coming home Tuesday.  Please sign and return. 

Students will be studying the field of Biometrics.  One of the activities we will do this week is fingerprinting.  We will study the three main types of fingerprints.  The students will take their own and classify/organize them accordingly.

Welcome November...

First of all, I just want everyone to know that I am having some medical issues.  I apologize for any school that I have to miss.  I absolutely hate not being at work and have tried to make as many appointments after school as possible.  Unfortunately, doctors don't always see it my way.  I will be out for a few more tests, pokes and prods.  Hopefully, this will all be over soon and I can get back to a normal routine.  I will do everything in my power (in the meantime) to make sure classroom instruction follows our objectives and pacing guide.  There will be no "down time"-we will forge ahead.







6C will begin FREAK THE MIGHTY on Monday.  My goal is to finish this novel before Thanksgiving Break.

Here is the vocabulary for Week #1.
1.   unvanquished
2.   scuttle
3.   perspective
4.   sobriquet
5.   trajectory
6.   postulate
7.   deficiency
8.   converging
9.   evasive
10.   propelled
11.   demeanor
12.   depleted
13.   cretin
14.   quest
15.   invincible
16.   expel
17.   archetype
18.   hunkering
19.  glimpse
20.  bulkhead

Students will also have 2 projects due by the time we finish the book.  Please look for and ask to go over the required elements of these projects.  Directions and rubrics will be coming home this week.

6A and 6B- will begin a unit on Biometrics

1.       buccal swab       

Swab of inner portion of cheek; collected to determine the profile of an individual.

2.       chain of custody                 

A list of all persons who came into possession of an item of evidence.

3.       physical evidence                  

Any object that can establish that a crime has been committed or  can                                          

provide a link between a crime and its victim or between a crime and its perpetrator.

4.       standard/reference sample          

Physical evidence whose origin is known, such as blood or hair from a  suspect, that can be compared to crime-scene evidence.

5.     crime scene   

The place where some form of illegal activity, such as a robbery or a murder,   took place.

6.     fingerprint analysis

The study of fingerprints, which can take the form of a loop, an arc, a whorl, or a combination of these.

7.     forensic science    

The study of evidence discovered at a crime scene and used in a court of law.

8.     BIOMETRICS--biometry -the measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioral characteristics (as fingerprint or voice patterns) especially as a means of verifying personal identity

9.     Substrate Control

Uncontaminated surface material close to an area where physical evidence has been deposited.

10.    

1) Observe/Question

2) Hypothesize

3) Test

4) Conclude

 

 

 

October 29-November 1st

 Well, I went to see a Massage Therapist yesterday and it didn't quite work.  She has agreed to make special arrangements to see me again on her day off- so fingers crossed, I will be in less pain by Tuesday. 

 

6A and 6B should be able to Finish Stargirl this week.  Their vocabulary test will be moved to Friday and spelling counts again this week.

 





Stargirl Vocabulary Chapters 26-29

1. Unconventional - Out of the ordinary; unusual

2. Asphalt - Pavement

3. Sullen - Brooding; gloomy

4. Tentatively - Uncertainly; experimentally

5. Zeal - Enthusiasm

6. Mesa - Flat-topped elevation with one or more cliff-like sides

Stargirl Vocabulary Chapters 30-End



1. Municipal - City

2. Meringue - Fluffy pastry topping made of beaten eggs

3. Vacant - Empty

4. Disparaged - Belittled

5. Mull - Consider mentally

6. Applaud - Express approval by clapping hands

7. Trance - A state of detachment from one’s physical surroundings

8. Confound - To cause to become confused

                                                      6C will begin a unit on Propaganda
Vocabulary Test is moved to Friday.
Terms to know:

1.  Propaganda-
2.  Name-Calling
3.  Glittering Generalities
4.  Testimonial
5.  Plain Folks
6.  Bandwagon
7.  Fear
8.  advertisement
9.  placard
10. commercial
11. slogan
12. jingle
13. product placement
14. copy
15. circulation
    

We have a short week...

Ok, so I'm home all weekend grading One-Pagers...

Overall, they are good.  Some are amazing! Some have completely missed the mark.

Everyone got a packet at the beginning of the year explaining exactly what you were supposed to do.  Hopefully, it will not happen with the 2nd attempt.

Start looking for your 2nd book now.  DO NOT WAIT!  The 2nd book will be a nonfiction book on the SAME theme.  You all have until November 1st to show me your book.  We will discuss the project in class and then I will send home a rubric for everyone.

THE ACTUAL BOOK REPORT AND PROJECT WILL BE DUE DECEMBER 16TH!!!!!


Monday- Students will get new vocabulary lists.  TEST ON THURSDAY!

6A and 6B-  Since there are only 10 words- students will need to know how to spell this week.

1. Revel - To take great pleasure or delight

2. Facetiously - In fun; as a joke

3. Rapture - the state of being transported by a lofty emotion

4. Shun - To avoid deliberately and consistently

5. Paranoid - Showing unreasonable distrust or suspicion

6. Persisted - Held firmly to some purpose or undertaking despite obstacles or setbacks

7. Curious - Eager to acquire knowledge

8. Swoon - Faint

9. Impulse - Urge

10. Appreciate - To be thankful or show gratitude for

We will continue reading Stargirl. 

6C-VOCABULARY
  

“THE MONKEY'S PAW" Vocabulary

1.  placid adv.– pleasantly calm or peaceful; unruffled; tranquil;

2.  amiably adv. – having or showing pleasant, good-natured personal qualities;
3.  condoled v.t. – to express sympathy with a person who is suffering sorrow
4.  rubicund adj. – red or reddish; ruddy: a rubicund complexion.

5.  fakir n. – a Muslim or Hindu religious person or monk commonly considered a wonder-worker.

6.  jarred v.i. – to have a harshly unpleasant or perturbing effect on one's nerves,
7.  talisman n. – anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.
8.  enthralled v.t. – to captivate or charm:
9.  maligned v.t. – to speak harmful untruths about; speak evil of; slander; defame:
10. frivolous adj. – characterized by lack of seriousness or sense:
11. scurrying v.i. – to go or move quickly or in haste.
12.  apparel n. – clothing, esp. outerwear; garments; attire;
13.  broach to mention or suggest for the first time:
14.  apathy n. – absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
15.  audible adj. – capable of being heard; loud enough to be heard; actually heard.
16.  reverberated v.i. – to reecho or resound:

 

 

 

   

What to look for this week...

Every student will write down their current grade for Language Arts in their agenda on Monday.  It must be signed by a parent/guardian and checked by me before Wednesday.



Graded papers will also come home in Take Home Folders on Monday.  Please sign and return before Wednesday.





Technology Seminar will continue with the study of Commercials.  We have discussed target audience, what techniques attract that target audience, product placement, and jingles/slogans.  Students are working in groups of 3 to design a new product and write a 30 minute commercial for it.  They can choose shoes, a drink, a cereal, or a toy/game.  They are completing storyboards with script.  The final product will be made on the IPADS complete with sound and special effects.








6A and 6B will continue reading Stargirl.  We are currently on Chapter 10.  Overall, everyone is doing a great job on filling out their study guides and taking chapter quizzes.

Here is a link to a free download-
http://www.epubbud.com/book.php?g=S7TW8KUP

Vocabulary for this week:

Stargirl Vocabulary Chapters 10-13

1. Massacre - Slaughter

2. Allegiance - Loyalty

3. Hesitate - Hold back in uncertainty

4. Fanatics - People obsessed by an excessive enthusiasm for something

5. Oblivious - Unaware

6. Mania - Craze; excessively popular thing to do
 Stargirl Vocabulary Chapters 14-17

1. Devastation - Destruction
2. Raucous - Noisy; boisterous
3. Barren - Without vegetation

4. Merge - Join together
5. Lotus - Sitting cross-legged with the feet above the thighs
6. Prone - Lying face down
7. Interrogate - Question
8. Cacti - Plural of cactus
9. Subdued - Calmed; quieted

6C will read The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant.  This week's vocabulary is based on that short story.

prospects--

vexation

pauper

adulation

aghast

ruinous

gamut

privation

exorbitant

askew

 

 

prospects--Chances or possibilities, especially for success or profit (Noun)

vexation--Anger or annoyance (Noun)

pauper--A poor person, especially one who depends on public charity (Noun)

adulation--Excessive praise or flattery (Noun)

aghast--Filled with horror or shock (Adjective)

ruinous--Bringing ruin or downfall; disastrous (Adjective)

gamut--The entire range or series of something (Noun)

privation--Lack of basic necessities or comforts of life (Noun)

exorbitant--Much too high; excessive (Adjective)

askew--Crooked to one side (Adjective)

adorn --make more attractive by adding ornament, color, etc.

caste --social status or position conferred by a system based on class

hierarchy --a series of ordered groupings of people or things within a syste

lofty --having or displaying great dignity or nobility

indignant--angered at something unjust or wrong

humble--marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful

desolate--crushed by grief

dwell--think moodily or anxiously about something

vestibule--a large entrance or reception room or area

chagrin --strong feelings of embarrassment

 

usury-- the act of lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest

 

naïve --marked by or showing unaffected simplicity and lack of guile or worldly experience

My mistake...

6A did not get Take Home Folders this week.  There was only one paper to send home so I guess we will just do it next week.  However, vocabulary test is still tomorrow.  Ask your student about the novel we are reading.

October is here...

Last Friday, 6C had a mystery party.  6A and 6B worked diligently on their books.  I have some pictures I would like to post.  Also, the newspaper and yearbook may publish some.  I would like to know if there is anyone who does not wish to have their child's picture posted.  If you do not want any pictures of your child on my blog, please email me personally at gbrindle@neusecharterschool.org.  If I do not hear from you by Wednesday of this week- I will know it's okay to move forward.

On Monday, we will hand back work from last week, go over it, answer questions and place it all in the Take Home Folders.  Please make sure you sign it and return it before Wednesday.

I will give back all the signed work from previous weeks and help students organize their 3 ring binders.  Please DO NOT clean out your child's notebook.  Everything that is in there--needs to be in there.  We will clean them out at school when it is time.


6A and 6B will begin their first novel.  We will read it in class.  Students will read silently, together, and with an audio text.  They will have quizzes throughout the novel.  Vocabulary will be from the book. 

The novel is called Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli.  Please feel free to download or purchase a copy if you like.  I have no problem with students bringing Kindles or Nooks.  However, they cannot use them at any other time and NCS is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Stargirl Vocabulary Chapters Necktie-4

1. Isosceles - Having two equal sides

2. Marquee - Signboard projecting over an entrance to a building

3. Elusive - Can’t be caught

4. Conceived - Thought up; imagined
5. Episode - Incident; event

6. Convinced - Caused to believe something

7. Hoax - Deceitful prank

8. Ukulele - A small four-stringed guitar

9. Perpetual - Lasting for eternity

10. Serenaded - Gave a musical performance (especially one for a sweetheart)

11. Veered - Turned

12. Acquired - Got

13. Absurdity - Something that is ridiculous or unreasonable

14. Nonconformity - Refusing to be bound by the accepted rules or practices of a group

 

Even though students are not using Vocabulary Workbooks this week- they should have them in their book bags every day.

We will also prepare for our fieldtrip in November by reading ...

Edgar Allan Poe

The Raven and Tell Tale Heart

 

 

 

 

 

 

6C will finish fingerprinting this week.  We will also peer edit and revise Biometric essays.  There are a few students who never handed in a paper.

 

6C will tackle "The Raven" this week.  Their vocabulary will come from this very difficult poem.  I have reduced the list from 54 to 20 words (hope that helps).

 

Vocabulary for week of 10/7 for 6C-

countenance

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

quaff

to swallow hurriedly or greedily

beguiling

highly attractive

surcease

a stopping

beguile

attract; cause to be enamored

Pallas

(Greek mythology) goddess of wisdom and useful arts and prudent warfare

censer

a container for burning incense (especially one that is swung on a chain in a religious ritual)

respite

a pause from doing something (as work)

dirge

a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person



seraph

an angel; usually portrayed as the winged head of a child

obeisance

bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting

ominous

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

decorum

propriety in manners and conduct

entreat

ask for or request earnestly

tempest

a violent commotion or disturbance

pallid

abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress

mien

dignified manner or conduct

gaunt

very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold

flit

move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

laden

filled with a great quantity

 

Week of September 30th

.

6C has a 5 paragraph essay on the pros/cons of Biometrics due this week.  I must have a "hard copy"- No emails or thumb drives please.  I have been having problems with compatible programs.  It may be typed (size 12 font Times New Roman) or neatly written in pen or ink on unlined paper.  Each student has a rubric if you would like to see what is expected.

On Monday, 6C will have a lesson on fingerprinting.  We will study the three main types of fingerprints.  The students will take their own and classify/organize them accordingly.


We will continue lessons on Biometrics throughout the week.  On Friday, 6C is having a MYSTERY PARTY and BRUNCH.  We need people to bring in breakfast items.  Please let me know if you can bring bagels, muffins, or juices.

All students should be in full costume to portray their assigned character.  Yes, they can change after the party if they want to.  I will ask Mrs. Sweat to send Yearbook Staff to take some pictures.

 

 

All students (6A,B and C)  will get a vocabulary workbook on Monday.  They will be responsible for this book for the rest of the year.   This week's vocabulary list and lessons are in that workbook.



Year Long Book Report One Pager is due October 17th.  I will allow DEAR time every week for students to read.  (DEAR time- Drop Everything and Read)  Every student has been given a packet on what is expected for their ONE PAGER.  Please look over that so there are no surprises.

Today is the first day of Fall!!

PLEASE CHECK PREVIOUS POSTS AS WELL.

Vocabulary for 6C only- 6B and 6A will do these vocabulary words later.

1.       buccal swab       

Swab of inner portion of cheek; collected to determine the profile of an individual.

 

2.       chain of custody                 

A list of all persons who came into possession of an item of evidence.

 

3.       physical evidence                  

Any object that can establish that a crime has been committed or  can                                          

provide a link between a crime and its victim or between a crime and its perpetrator.

 

4.       standard/reference sample          

Physical evidence whose origin is known, such as blood or hair from a  suspect, that can be compared to crime-scene evidence.

5.     crime scene    

The place where some form of illegal activity, such as a robbery or a murder,                                                                     took place.

6.     fingerprint analysis

The study of fingerprints, which can take the form of a loop, an arc, a whorl, or a combination of these.

7.     forensic science    

The study of evidence discovered at a crime scene and used in a court of law.

8.     BIOMETRICS--biometry

 the measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioral characteristics (as fingerprint or voice patterns) especially as a means of verifying personal identity

9.     Substrate Control

Uncontaminated surface material close to an area where physical evidence has been deposited.

10.    

1) Observe/Question

2) Hypothesize

3) Test

4) Conclude

The four steps to the scientific method

 

6A and 6B Vocabulary Words for this week- test on Thursday!

We are going to concentrate on words associated with writing because we are going to begin writing workshops this week.
 

1.     audience

2.     essay

3.     drama

4.     details

5.     narrative

6.     prompt

7.     persuasive

8.     author's purpose

9.     cause and effect

10.    coherence

11.    compare and contrast

12.    transitions

13.    anecdote

14.    edit

15.   etymology

 

Year Long Book Report Fiction Book is overdue for some of you! 
Remember to bring back your signed Take Home Folders by Tuesday.

We will have Drop Everything and Read several times this week- you must have a book with you at ALL times.