Monday 19 December 2011

Happy Holidays

Blessings and warm greetings to everyone this holiday!








A joke for the season: Why is it so cold at Christmas?

...
Because it's in Decembrrrr

Monday 12 December 2011

Wow & Reminders...

W.O.W.
Worker of the (last) Week!
Congratulations to…

Alex S.  

For:
·       An outstanding week mainly due to his goal-driven attitude; trying his best each day.    
·       His ability to ignore distractions around him, resist impulsive behaviours, and stay focused.
·       His improved story writing and use of the given phrases from “Be A Perfect Person In Just Three Days.”
·       Being helpful and kind in class - always.  
·       Understanding most of the new BAM! and BID! techniques for multiplication and division.
·       Responding positively to feedback from Mr. Bartraw, showing a positive growth mindset.    
·       The poverty poster and his efforts to comprehend a very complex issue in the world.
·       Being a role model for ‘fairness’ in PE classes.
   
Great Work!  Keep it up!


...................................................................

ATTENTION!
The first draft of “Be A Perfect Person In Just Three Days” was due today.
Do your absolute best.
The final draft, printed by hand or by word processor, is due Wednesday, Dec. 14. No excuses, no late stories – just get it done.
…………………………………

Now that you know about D103... get ready for it ... research your country at home, PREPARE FOR WHAT YOU WILL WEAR!
Anticipate and be prepared for Drama 103 next Thursday afternoon. 
…………………………………
Other upcoming events…
*Thursday, Dec 15th we are going to Swan Valley Lodge to create crafts with senior-buddies. We are making snowmen and penguins. (10am)
*Friday, Dec 16th is bowling in the morning at 10:30 to 11:30 (the cost is $4). In the afternoon we will bring board games and snacks and have a class party with Mrs. Walker’s class.

THERE WILL BE A SIGN-UP SHEET FOR APPETIZERS & SNACKS ON THE WHITEBOARD. :)

..........................................................................................................................................................

………………………………….

Thursday 8 December 2011

Milo Crinkley Story Alert!

ATTENTION!
The first draft of “Be A Perfect Person In Just Three Days” is due on Monday, Dec. 12. No Excuses!
Remember to bring home your entire writing book with all your planning pages and the criteria sheet (the green ones).
Do your absolute best.
The final draft, printed by hand or by word processor, is due Wednesday, Dec. 14. Again, no excuses, no late stories – just plan ahead.
…………………………………
Anticipate and be prepared for Drama 103 next Thursday afternoon. We will learn all about it on Monday.
…………………………………
Other upcoming events…
 *On Monday, Dec 12thbring a non-perishable food item and help the food bank when we go to the CPR Railway Holiday Train in Millenium Park in the morning. (9:45am)
*Thursday, Dec 15th we are going to Swan Valley Lodge to create crafts with senior-buddies. We are making snowmen and penguins. (10am)
*Friday, Dec 16th is bowling in the morning at 10:30 to 11:30 (the cost is $4). In the afternoon we will bring board games and snacks and have a class party with Mrs. Walker’s class.
………………………………….

Wednesday 7 December 2011

What's happening...

LA - writing a story about two characters named Milo Crinkley and Dr. K. Pinkerton Silverfish - the first   draft is due on Monday, Dec. 12th and the final draft, hand-printed or typed, by Wednesday, Dec. 14th.
The goal to is include all the specialized vocabulary we've been working on lately.

Math - we are now up to 2d x 3d multiplication using the Distribution Method (Also known as ___ ___ ___ !)

Socials - studying the HDI (H__________   D_____________   I__________) and global poverty; What is it? What are factors of the poverty cycle? How can the cycle of poverty be broken? ... video clips, textbook, poster, discussions.

Science -  new energy sources and conservation strategies we can use/do.

Drama - D103 is coming! Next Wednesday & Thursday - be ready!

PE - floor hockey time! Swimming tomorrow at 1 - 2 pm  ... $3.50.

Art - finished our mosaics; Friday is "Faces of Poverty" - linked to the Socials unit.

......................
Fill in the blanks above for 4 house team points.

Saturday 3 December 2011

WOW

W.O.W.
Worker of the Week!
Congratulations to…

Mark A.  

For:
·       Showing an outstanding work ethic day after day; (he personifies… Mr. Consistency!).    
·       The success shown when working at our goal of ‘communicating with clarity and precision.’
·       His fast play-making skills and shooting skills in lacrosse.  
·       Understanding general themes and specific cause-and-effect details in our novel study, Among The Hidden... and …he wrote a logical prediction for the next book, Among The Imposters.    
·       Nearly flawless work at understanding the weekly vocabulary words & most of the math studied.
·       Being a great role model and displaying leadership skills in the class.
   
Great Work!  Keep it going!

Wednesday 30 November 2011

It's December already!

So, we've just finished our novel, but there are extentions - a quiz and a drama activity. We are looking forward to Among The Imposters in January.

WE all discovered or rediscovered the importance of doing our homework. Five people out of twenty-one completed the math homework. Everyone else had to stay in at lunch to finish it.

Please have a discussion with your child about completing all homework on time and with the BEST quality possible. All the letter grades for each subject are calculated if you are interested. Although, an official written report card will not be sent out, due to job action - phase I, as you know. Furthermore, term two has commenced as of Monday, November 28th. 

FYI:  Mrs. Walker and I had to change skating to swimming due to many students who have no access to skates and there is not a skate rental option this year at the Rec. Centre. The cost of swimming is $3.50 or use your swim pass if you have one. When... Dec. 8th from 1pm to 2pm.

Monday 28 November 2011

What a twist of events...

... in Among The Hidden. Ask your child what happened in our novel today. Interesting!


QUIZ TOMORROW! (  /10)


FYI - we are skating on Thursday, December 8th at 1:15pm - 2:15pm.

       - we'll wrap up 2011 with bowling on Friday, December 16th @ 10:30am - 11:30am

       - we are waiting for a reply from Kimberley Alpine Resort to go skiing / snowboarding 2 or 3 times in
          the new year

       - the cost of each will be announced closer to the events.
.............................................................................................

Friday 25 November 2011

Congrats!

W.O.W.
Worker of the Week!
Congratulations to…

Elizabeth M.  

For:
·      Excellence on her science – electricity test.    
·      Paying attention to details in her ‘Area’ and ‘Perimeter’ math work; especially the Dream Room project.
·      Showing some good lacrosse skills – shooting and ball control.  
·      Being very focused during our novel study, Among The Hidden – offering to read & answering comprehension questions.    
·      Working well at understanding the weekly vocabulary words.
·      Showing great determination when working at any reading and writing activity.
·      Demonstrating maturity and a positive willingness every day.
   
Great Work!  Keep working well!

Thursday 24 November 2011

Friday, Nov. 25...

LA - we are reading Among The Hidden - a thrilling novel about a boy named Luke who is a 'shadow child' (ask your child about this).

      - writing lots of reading responses to the novel & discussions are rich!

      - word work is vocabulary - 6 words per week and know the meaning. Test Friday, of course.

Math - just completed perimeter and area concepts with a 'dream room' wrap-up assignment - Caytlyn and Jessie are the last two to present.


Science - electricity test was today - expect the results tomorrow - one more component to go - "The Future of Electricity" - finished a mini-booklet on "Where does electricity come from?"

Socials - read a bio. on a man who changed the world - ______________  ______________ . Fill in the blank for a house team point.

PE - lacrosse unit is a hit!

Art - starting paper mosaics with emphasis on colour - hue, tone, cool, warm, complimentary, contrast,...


~~~~~~*****NOTE: All the volleyball players must get caught up on Monday - lunch - in classroom.

Monday 21 November 2011

Among The Hidden...

For 5 house team points...

In your agenda, on Tuesday's date (November 22), write a 3 or 4 sentence prediction on what will happen next in our novel. You must show Mr. Bartraw by Tuesday at 2pm - before early dismissal time!

Think critically & carefully!

Sunday 20 November 2011

Health Note...

Health Beat
November 2011
Louise Poole
Health Promoting Schools
Coordinator for sd#8

Regularly consuming drinks that are high in sugar and low in nutrients can be associated with weight gain, obesity and increased risk for tooth decay. Research indicates that children and youth who regularly consume large amounts of sugary beverages tend not to consume enough healthy beverages such as milk and may miss out on key nutrients required for healthy growth and development.
Eating fruits instead of drinking juice provides the same nutrients, plus fibre, which keeps us full longer and is good for our bodies. When choosing fruit juices, make sure the label says "
It is recommended to have only 125 mL of juice a day.
100% fruit juice"; juices that say "fruit drink" on the label often have added sugar and are equivalent to drinking pop. Maximum recommended amount of added sugar per student per day: 13 sugar cubes = 13 teaspoons One important step towards better health and a healthy body weight is to follow Canada’s Food Guide, limiting foods and beverages high in calories, fat, sugar or salt. Pop and many other drinks are high in calories and sugar.
Thirsty? Drink Water!
http://www.interiorhealth.ca/choose-health.aspx?id=13000 for more information.

Beverage                                         Sugar Content

Double Gulp 1.8L                             54 teaspoons
Coke 591 ml                                      18 teaspoons
Powerade Sports Drink 710 mL       16 teaspoons
Fruitopia 473 ml                            14.5 teaspoons
Apple Juice Bottle 473 ml                13 teaspoons
Milk 2% 500 ml                                    6 teaspoons
Diet Coke 591 ml                      0 teaspoons - Aspartame
Water 500 ml                                       0 teaspoons

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Tonight's Homework

Word Work - finish the six vocab. words

Math - 4 page perimeter assignment

Writing - Pro/Con - the plan - 3 powerful examples & finish the introduction.

French - finish your page.

Monday 14 November 2011

Be prepared

... for a very busy week of work!

Welcome to the blog, Megan!

Tuesday 8 November 2011

Quick notes...

- hand in The Cliffhanger ending on Wednesday

- have your video project ready to present on Wed & Thurs

- last debates; this round, on Wed.

- return all 'Operation Christmas Child' boxes with items + min. $7.

- Remembrance Day Assembly Thurs., @ 10am

- work on your math facts daily and perimeter questions.

Tuesday 1 November 2011

Current projects...

We are working on:

  • Reading: chunk#5 of our novel - the last chunk. Students will create a 7 minute (approx.) video or live performance of their understanding & interpretation of the last chunk.

  • Writing / Speaking:  we are working on our debating skills; written 'pro' & 'con' plans and then we must adapt to the reasons of our debate partner = verbal spontaneity!
  • Word Work:  *we are typing out our words and using specific formatting.
                                *study your words all week and practice saying them & spelling them, too.

  • Math: finishing-up integers and how to + , - , x, and /.  TEST ON PATTERNS, EXPRESSIONS, EQUATIONS, AND INTEGERS ON THURSDAY, NOV. 3.

  • Socials / drama:  group work on basic human rights PART II.  Next, we will learn about the UN and its role in the world.

  • Science:  electromagnetism is next.

  • Art:  finishing the mod podge art on hats and pencil cases.  The skeletons turned out to be extremely detailed in design of the eyes and mouth - effective with all the cobwebs, too.

  • PE:  volleyball skills are progressing - serving has improved. 

  • French: finish your french for next Tues.
....................................................
EXTRAS!

~ Samaritan's Purse (Christmas Boxes) can be brought back to the class anytime before Nov. 14th. Thanks for making a difference as a 'global citizen.'

~ Brainology starts tomorrow!

~ Work to the best of your ability everyday & then push yourself to do even better, somehow.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Busy Thursday & Friday

More family conversations starters...


  • Novel Study is going well - finish reading chunk # 4 by Monday.  Chunk #3 conferences Thurs.

  • Debate topic # 2 - "Should students use cell phones at school?"

  • Math - integers - learning how to add & subtract  - finish your practice pages, students.

  • Drama part 2 begins Thurs.

  • New "Brainology" in the computer lab.

  • Advice letters were very logical.

  • Circuit building today with wires and batteries and light bulbs and switches... was shocking for many!

Friday

~Art - bring a ball cap that you do not mind changing into something different.  Otherwise, bring a newspaper or two.

~Word Work Test


What will you dress up as on Monday?

Sunday 23 October 2011

Samaritan's Purse Box

Remember to return your Samaritan's Purse box filled with appropriate items for your child overseas.

Be sure to add $7 or more for shipping costs.


***ATTENTION*** INTERIM REPORTS GOING HOME TONIGHT (MONDAY). PLEASE READ THEM, SIGN, AND RETURN TO SCHOOL BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28TH.


THANKS,
Mr. B

Thursday 20 October 2011

Answer these for house team points...

Five children want a snack.
There is : an orange, a muffin, an apple, chocolate bread and raisin bread.
Hints  :        - Michelle hates chocolate and oranges.
                      - Irène loves raisins.
                      - Pierre et Sarah don't want chocolate bread.
                      - Pierre et Jean are the only ones who like apples.
Question:     What was their snack?.

...........................................

Simplify or solve.

A)  54 - y = 5 x 5 x 2                       B)  45 - (12 + 13) x 2

Novel Chunk #2

Be sure to have chunk#2 of your novel read on Monday. Then, complete the 'chunking sheet.'

Tuesday 18 October 2011

What's New?

Start a conversation with your child, armed with specifics such as....


L.Arts - new novel study - "chunk #1" to be read for Thursday.
          - working hard on our theme of fairness / equality  (reading responses entries to a variety of
            situations)

Math - great work shown on expressions (order of operations) - quiz sent home today.

Socials - studying the concepts of culture, government, economies, and environments.
            - human rights / drama / skits - working on with full props & role development.

Science - electricity - we are building circuits when Mrs. Walker's class is finished with the materials.

Art - very create fairness buttons!

....................................

Friday 14 October 2011

Story Alert & W.O.W.

Story Alert!!!!!!!  Katelyn, Nick, and Ryan........ Monday is the last chance to hand-in your story! No exceptions!

.........................................................................................................................................................

Ask your child about... static electricity experiments, fairness buttons, and global citizens.

.........................................................................................................................................................

W.O.W.
Worker of the Week!
Congratulations to…

Lizzie Moore

For:
·      Creating a very interesting story with excellent sequencing of ideas.    
·      Showing a solid knowledge of atoms, electrons, charges, and static electricity.
·      Volunteering to read aloud in every subject.  
·      Taking part in daily discussions and being on topic.  
·      Understanding expressions and learning from her notes on BEDMAS.  
·      Working well as a team member in her drama pod – showing leadership skills.  
·      Showing great enthusiasm and zest for learning every day.    

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Art Journaling Supplies

Dear Parents,
Our school recently received an ART GRANT and we are excited to get started. This ART GRANT will allow us to make use of some amazing local artists to guide us in “Art Journaling.” As part of the school-wide Art Journaling that will be happening soon, we are in need of some everyday items you may have to offer. Please look around your home and ask relatives and friends to help us find anything listed below and then bring it to ARES. The sooner we have these Art Journaling gems, the better. There will be boxes in the main entry of the school as the designated drop-off area.
Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to help your child’s school Art Journaling program.  
            Supplies for Art Journaling


*old pens which don't work                                                                * bubble wrap
*old envelopes with a stamp & address on it                                  * stencils
*new envelopes (different sizes) to hold different items              * letter &/ number sets
*glue sticks                                                                                             * rubber stamps
*"Yes" or "Modgepodge"                                                                     * potato stamps
*old telephone books                                                                           * plastic forks, knives & spoons
*maps                                                                                                      * old toothbrush
*postcards                                                                                              * popsicle sticks
*photos                                                                                                   * string
*photo corners                                                                                      * wool
*newspapers                                                                                          *wrappers (candy, gifts)
*flyers                                                                                                      * puzzle pieces
*catalogues                                                                                            * pressed flowers
*magazines                                                                                             * playing cards
*business cards                                                                                      * receipts
*labels                                                                                                     * menus
* fabric                                                                                                    * brochures
*calendars                                                                                              * stickers
*cartoons & comics                                                                              * name tags
*ticket stubs                                                                                          * pressed flowers
*paper clips                                                                                            * cellophane
*ribbon                                                                                                   * words, quotations


Thanks,
ARES Staff

Friday 7 October 2011

It's Friday - PRO-D Day

Check the list below to see if you are up-to-date in your studies...

  • Math - number patterns page 12, #1,3,4,6.
  • Writing - your "object" story - Final Draft - handed in to Mr. Bartraw on Oct. 5.
  • Science: electricity - the booklet we've been working on is completed.
  • Art - 'brainiac art' is due on Wed., Oct. 12
  • Socials - you now know what 'global citizen' means.

Welcome to the blog... Nick H.   :)
........................................................................................................................................

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Test time & what's going on...

Test! Ask your child about:

  • DPA booklet & test
  • large numbers - test
  • Kootenay Kidnapper quiz
  • Weekly Word Work tests

 .................................................................

What we're working on...

  1. Writing: Finishing our final draft of our 'object' story
  2. Science: electricity - what is an atom? Protons, electrons, negative & positive charges, 'shocking situations,'....
  3. Math - new unit on number patterns - input / output math
  4. Socials - starting a new unit on 'global citizens'
  5. Art - Brainiac art
  6. PE - speedball ... Flag Football tourney in Canyon - Thursday - 12pm to 2pm
  7. word work - to be finished and test on Thursday
  8. HCE - centres next week
  9. No school on Friday - Pro-D for Mr. B
  10. Holiday Monday - Happy Thanksgiving class & families :)
.....................................................................

Sunday 2 October 2011

W.O.W.

W.O.W.
Worker of the Week!
Congratulations to…

Casey G.

 

 

For:
·      Creating a very detailed “object” story with powerful phrases.    
·      A clear understanding of ‘suspension’ in science based on our air pressure experiments.
·      Using consistent spelling strategies and finding new, key vocabulary words (like ‘valises’).  
·      Always looking to put extra details and effort into her school work (especially art).
·      Understanding scientific notation and the concept of exponents.
·      Trying hard at flag football skills of passing, throwing, and kicking.
·      Showing high comprehension levels from our class novel.   
Great Work!  Keep it up!

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Science - Suspension Objects!

Have a conversation about today's science experiment and try it at home, with video or digital pics, and share your results with us tomorrow.

Remember to change variables such as: type of object, size, material the ball is made of, cold air versus hot air, ...

Science is cool!

Tuesday 27 September 2011

For Wednesday...

Have your first draft of your 'object' writing ready for conferencing. From 5 to 7 pages in length.

Return your DPA booklet: complete & neat!

Art - finish your 'autumn scene' tomorrow & bring leaves or other materials to glue to your frame.

Picture day - do not wear green.

PAC magazine orders due Oct. 17th.

Lee - return your forms.

Terry Fox Run from 2pm to 2:45pm & X-country run later!

I.H. nurse guest speaker to discuss immunization & answer questions. Return all your immunization consent forms.


It's a busy day.

Sunday 25 September 2011

This Wednesday... & Congrats...

Note:  On Wednesday, nurse Claire B. will be talking & showing a dvd to all the grade 6's about immunizations. Please return the Interior Health immunization forms to class ASAP.

Terry Fox run is Wednesday afternoon.

Mrs. Beddoes will announce the cross-country run dates on Monday.

.............................

W.O.W.
Worker of the Week!
Congratulations to…
Ty Gudjonson
For:
·      Sequencing and summarizing with success on his Terry Fox Memory Stick and paying attention to details.  
·      Good knowledge and understanding in science during our air pressure experiments.
·      Showing consistent efforts in spelling and vocabulary work.  
·      Trying hard in all classes and working at being more focused and on task.
·      Participating well during math discussions, especially on the concept of exponents.
·      Showing solid flag football skills of passing, throwing, and tackling.
·      Being attentive during our daily novel reading of The Kootenay Kidnapper.   

Great Work!  Keep it up!

Thursday 22 September 2011

A Quick Note...

Friday...

Word Work test

Finish your math - exponents & science - lab write-up "Air Has Mass"

Autumn scene due next Thursday

Work on your "Object" story
.......................................................

Very impressive Terry Fox Memory Sticks! You worked hard at these and the results were reflective of this. Also, your work with the gr. 2/3 buddies was commendable - keep doing your very best, class.

I'm proud of you all.
...................................

Predict who will be W.O.W. ? Who will it be?

 ..................................

Welcome members Casey & Connor :)

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Science Experiment

Ask your child about the experiment demonstrated today, called "How can we show that air has mass?"

In science we are studying variables in experiments performed in class. Later, we write 'labs' using the basic scientific process.

Here's what the labs write-ups look like...

Air Pressure …   Science Lab Write-up

 Name                                                                                                 Date

Question: ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis (Prediction): ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Materials:       ________________________                     _________________________
                       ________________________                      _________________________
                      ________________________                       _________________________

Procedure (step-by-step instructions on how to do the experiment)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

  Observations:  Draw and label two diagrams of the experiment. Use arrows to show air pressure.
                              Before









                                  After


Conclusion:   In conclusion, here’s how I think the experiment worked… ____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
How close were you to your hypothesis? _________________________________________________


Student reflection:  The writing part I did the very best was ________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.
What I need to improve at is _________________________________________________________.
Teacher comments :  one positive part ________________________________________________.
 Area to improve:  try to  __________________________________________________________.