HOMEWORK for MARCH 31

Language Arts

~ read 20 minutes.
~ The Hand of Robin Squires assignment for ch.12-14, found below, is due next Wednesday

Here it is:
1.) Even though this is written in the duotangs, neither Grade 6 nor Grade 7 does it at this time.

2.) What do the legends about Glooscap seem to suggest? Give evidence from the story to support your answer.

3.) Match the vocabulary word in the following list with the proper definition below – plentiful, sagamore (pg. 63); vigilance (pg. 66); promontory (pg. 73); revulsion, skewer (pg. 78). Write each word and then its proper meaning out in your notebook. PLEASE watch your spelling!
•more than enough; abundant;
•a high point of land extending from the coast into the water;
•a long pin of wood or metal stuck through meat to hold it together while cooking;
•among Algonquin peoples, an elected ruler or chief of a tribe;
•a strong feeling of disgust or distaste;
•watchfulness or alertness;

4.) How do Robin and Actaudin happen to meet one another?

5.) What things do Robin and Actaudin have in common?

6.) In what ways are the two boys different?

Math
~ finish work not completed in class

Science

~ Grade 6 students are to "Create a Critter". They need to create a creature that describes what gives them good PROTECTION or makes them good PREDATORS. They must name the creature, describe it in words, and draw it in full-colour. It is due for next Tuesday's Science class.

Social Studies
~ finish current events worksheet using www.popmagazine.com as a source for articles. We have been working on current events in Social Studies, and after class discussion, worksheets are distributed. I will be collecting duotangs after several classes, and work needs to be kept up-to-date.

Health

~ in class on Monday, we wrote SMART goals, that is, goals for their lives that are 1) Specific 2) Measurable 3) Attainable 4) Realistic and 5) Timely. Each student was to create 1 goal about eating healthy, and 1 goal about having an active lifestyle. After the creation of 2 goals, the students were to create a 7-day chart to check if they had completed their goals for the day. These charts and SMART goals are due Tuesday.

COMING UP...~ Parent Teacher conferences are tomorrow, March 31, from 6-8, and Thursday from 9-11. There is a sign-up sheet at my door.

~ Scholastic Book Fair in the library this week as well
~ no school on Friday April 2 and Monday April 5

PLEASE REMEMBER...~ Phys Ed is on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and gym clothes are necessary for the class.

CORRECTION

Tonight's Parent-Teacher conferences are from 6-8, NOT 7-9. Sorry for the miscommunication!

HOMEWORK for MARCH 30

Language Arts

~ no spelling test this week
~ read 20 minutes.
~ The Hand of Robin Squires assignment for ch.9-11, found below, is due tomorrow

Here it is:
1.) Match the vocabulary word in the following list with the proper definition below – aloof, scuttle, plunder (pg.47); booty, mutilated (pg. 48); fastidious, mirth (pg. 52). Write each word and then its proper meaning out in your notebook. PLEASE watch your spelling!
•things taken from the enemy in war; things seized by violence and robbery;
•at a distance; withdrawn; reserved;
•cut or tore off or destroyed a part of a living body;
•cut a hole or holes through the bottom or sides of a ship to sink it;
•hard to please; easily disgusted;
•rob by force;
•merriment or gaiety accompanied by laughter;

2.) What happened to pirates if they got caught?

3.) What do you think it meant when Edward said to Robin, "I see you have found your sea legs," on pg. 50?

4.) Why was Robin surprised at how warm it was on the island?

5.) Study the diagram on pg. 59, and carefully read Robin's description of his father's plan. How does the vault work? Why does Edward think his treasure will be safe there?

6.) When you read the last two paragraphs of Chapter 11, did you have a sneaky feeling that the so-called "inviting" beach wasn't as peaceful as it looked and that something was about to happen? Why?

Math
~ finish work not completed in class

Social Studies
~ finish current events worksheet using www.popmagazine.com as a source for articles. We have been working on current events in Social Studies, and after class discussion, worksheets are distributed. I will be collecting duotangs after several classes, and work needs to be kept up-to-date.

COMING UP...~ Parent Teacher conferences are tomorrow, March 31, from 7-9, and Thursday from 9-11. There is a sign-up sheet at my door.

~ Scholastic Book Fair in the library this week as well
~ no school on Friday April 2 and Monday April 5
~ there will be a banner raising for the recent Middle School basketball victories tomorrow afternoon at 1:15.

PLEASE REMEMBER...~ Phys Ed is on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and gym clothes are necessary for the class.

HOMEWORK for MARCH 25

Language Arts

~ read 20 minutes
~ The Hand of Robin Squires assignment ch.6-8 was due yesterday. Some students have not been keeping up with assignments on time, as in, weekly. All assignments need to be turned in by tomorrow, or time will have to be made up in Saturday school. Next week is the assignment for ch.9-11, found below, but that doesn't need to be done by Friday, of course.

~ spelling test tomorrow. This week's spelling words are from The Hand of Robin Squires:
rancour
tedious
quay
dispensary
commotion
bulwark

The Hand of Robin Squires assignment on ch.9-11 is due Wednesday. Here it is:

1.) Match the vocabulary word in the following list with the proper definition below – aloof, scuttle, plunder (pg.47); booty, mutilated (pg. 48); fastidious, mirth (pg. 52). Write each word and then its proper meaning out in your notebook. PLEASE watch your spelling!

•things taken from the enemy in war; things seized by violence and robbery;

•at a distance; withdrawn; reserved;

•cut or tore off or destroyed a part of a living body;

•cut a hole or holes through the bottom or sides of a ship to sink it;

•hard to please; easily disgusted;

•rob by force;

•merriment or gaiety accompanied by laughter;

2.) What happened to pirates if they got caught?

3.) What do you think it meant when Edward said to Robin, "I see you have found your sea legs," on pg. 50?

4.) Why was Robin surprised at how warm it was on the island?

5.) Study the diagram on pg. 59, and carefully read Robin's description of his father's plan. How does the vault work? Why does Edward think his treasure will be safe there?

6.) When you read the last two paragraphs of Chapter 11, did you have a sneaky feeling that the so-called "inviting" beach wasn't as peaceful as it looked and that something was about to happen? Why?

Math

~ finish work not completed in class

Social Studies

~ finish Chile earthquake worksheets for Tuesday. We have been working on current events in Social Studies, and after class discussion, worksheets are distributed. I will be collecting duotangs after several classes, and work needs to be kept up-to-date.

COMING UP...

~ Parent Teacher conferences are next Wednesday (March 31) evening, and next Thursday (April 1) morning.
~ Scholastic Book Fair in the library next week as well
~ no school on Friday April 2 and Monday April 5
~ there will be a banner raising for the recent Middle School basketball victories next Wednesday afternoon at 1:15.


PLEASE REMEMBER...

~ Phys Ed is on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and gym clothes are necessary for the class.

HOMEWORK for MARCH 24

Language Arts

~ read 20 minutes
~ The Hand of Robin Squires assignment ch.6-8 was due today. Some students have not been keeping up with assignments on time, as in, weekly. All assignments need to be turned in by Friday, or time will have to be made up in Saturday school. Next week is the assignment for ch.9-11, but that doesn't need to be done by Friday, of course.

~ spelling test on Friday. This week's spelling words are from The Hand of Robin Squires:
rancour
tedious
quay
dispensary
commotion
bulwark

Math

~ finish work not completed in class

Social Studies

~ finish "What's in a News Story?" worksheet for tomorrow

COMING UP...

~ Parent Teacher conferences are next Wednesday (March 31) evening, and next Thursday (April 1) morning.
~ Scholastic Book Fair in the library next week as well
~ no school on Friday April 2 and Monday April 5
~ there will be a banner raising for the recent Middle School basketball victories next Wednesday afternoon at 1:15.


PLEASE REMEMBER...

~ Phys Ed is on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and gym clothes are necessary for the class.

QUESTIONS for LANGUAGE ARTS

These questions are for Wednesday, March 24's Language Arts class. Please answer neatly and in complete sentences on a piece of looseleaf in your Hand of Robin Squires duotang. You may put the title "Third-Rater, 74-Gun" on the top of the looseleaf.

The answers to these questions can be found in the websites on the right under the heading, "The Hand of Robin Squires".

1) How long was the 74-gun ship?
2) How many masts did the ship have?
3) What qualities made the 74-gun the most effective ships of the time?
4) The name of Edward's ship is the Queen's Privateer. Using the Kids Dictionary link, explain in your own words what a privateer is.

HOMEWORK for MARCH 23

Language Arts

~ read 20 minutes
~ The Hand of Robin Squires assignment ch.6-8 is due Wednesday. Some students have not been keeping up with assignments on time, as in, weekly. All assignments need to be turned in by Friday, or time will have to be made up in Saturday school.

~ spelling test on Friday. This week's spelling words are from The Hand of Robin Squires:
rancour
tedious
quay
dispensary
commotion
bulwark

Math

~ finish work not completed in class

Social Studies

~ finish "What's in a News Story?" worksheet for Thursday

COMING UP...

~ Parent Teacher conferences are next Wednesday (March 31) evening, and next Thursday (April 1) morning.
~ Scholastic Book Fair in the library next week as well
~ no school on Friday April 2 and Monday April 5.

PLEASE REMEMBER...

~ Phys Ed is on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and gym clothes are necessary for the class.

HOMEWORK for MARCH 22

Language Arts

~ read 20 minutes
~ The Hand of Robin Squires assignment ch.6-8 is due Wednesday. Some students have not been keeping up with assignments on time, as in, weekly. All assignments need to be turned in by Friday, or time will have to be made up in Saturday school.

~ spelling test on Friday. This week's spelling words are from The Hand of Robin Squires:
rancour
tedious
quay
dispensary
commotion
bulwark

Math

~ finish work not completed in class

Social Studies for P-G

~ finish "Letter from the First Lady" worksheet from Friday

COMING UP...

~ Parent Teacher conferences are next Wednesday (March 31) evening, and next Thursday (April 1) morning.
~ Scholastic Book Fair in the library next week as well
~ no school on Friday April 2 and Monday April 5.

PLEASE REMEMBER...

~ Phys Ed is on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and gym clothes are necessary for the class.

HOMEWORK for Mrs. P-G's Social Studies

This is a Social Studies activity I did in Mrs. P-G's Social Studies class this morning. Questions need to be completed by Tuesday, the next SS class.

Social Studies – March 19, 2010 Name: _______________________

A Letter from the First Lady By Michelle Obama

THE WHITE HOUSE
March 3, 2010

Dear TIME FOR KIDS Readers,

One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet kids like you all across the country. Whether it's reading with you in a classroom or digging in our garden at the White House, I'm always struck by your energy and imagination. I love hearing about what you're studying in school, what you do for fun and your dreams for the future.

Unfortunately, right now, too many kids aren't getting what they need to pursue their dreams. They're not eating the healthy foods they need to be strong and active. And they're not getting the exercise they need to stay fit. So they don't have the energy need to pay attention in school and keep up with their friends on the playground.

That's why I started Let's Move, a nationwide campaign to help kids like you to lead active, healthy lives; get healthier food in your schools; run around and be active; and more.

I hope all of you will be part of these efforts. It can be something as simple as deciding drink water instead of soda, or running around outside instead of playing video games or watching TV inside, or being willing to try new fruits and vegetables when they're served at school or at home. That might not always be easy, but I know you can do it!

So, together, let's move to make sure all of you have the happy, healthy futures you deserve.

All the best,

Michelle Obama

(from http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/teachers/wr/article/0,27972,1970542,00.html, accessed March 18, 2010)

1. Why did First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama write to TIME FOR KIDS readers? What is the purpose of her letter?

________________________________________________________________________________
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2. What problem does Mrs. Obama point out? What suggestions does she offer kids?
________________________________________________________________________________
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3. On the back of this page, create an ad persuading other kids to be active and eat healthy. Choose one main idea (exercise, health, nutrition, avoiding bad habits, etc.) and quickly create an ad encouraging others to have a healthy lifestyle.

HOMEWORK for MARCH 18

Well, the Grade 6 Science class all survived the field trip to the Huntsman Marine Lab in St. Andrew's, and we had a lot of fun along the way. I'd really like to thank Liz Harvey and Shelley Veysey as staff members, and Richard Green and Tasha Urquhart as parents (well, Liz too), as excellent chaperones on this trip.

Math

Grade 7 - finish algebra sheet
Grade 6 - finish rectangle sheet (1 side)

Health

~ nutrient test on Monday; these are the notes for the test...
Vitamin A - for helping your eyes adjust at night, to keep your skin from being dry and scaly - orange veggies like carrots and pumpkin, green vegetables like spinach, egg yolks
Vitamin B1 - converts blood sugar to energy, provides fuel for the body - cereal, bread, oatmeal, rice
Vitamin C - for helping cuts and bruises to heal, to fight colds and infections, to keep healthy teeth and gums - fruit like apples and oranges, and vegetables
Vitamin D - to help your body get calcium into your bones and teeth – milk, cereals, the sun
Calcium - for helping bones grow strong and healthy - milk, cheese, yogurt, nuts and seeds
Iron - For giving you energy, for keeping your red blood cell count up, keeping oxygen in your blood - grains, red meats, beans, dried fruit
Folic acid (or folate) - helps prevent birth defects (for girls), helps make new red blood cells - leafy green vegetables like spinach, enriched grains
Sodium - maintains water balance, but too much is bad for the body - salt, canned foods, cheese, sauces
Potassium - keeps your muscles and nervous system working properly - bananas, potatoes, beans, cantaloupe
Protein - helps form, maintain and repair muscles and organs - meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, nuts
Fibre - helps keep the digestive system healthy, keeps the body “regular” - whole grains, vegetables, fruit, beans
Sugars - for giving quick bursts of energy, but they don’t last very long – fruit, honey, and molasses
Water-soluble vitamins - Your body doesn’t store these vitamins - you need them everyday! – Vitamins B and C
Fat-soluble vitamins – your body stores them until it needs them – Vitamins A and D

~ if anybody hasn't finished their weekly menus, they need to be done by Monday

Language Arts

~ read 20 minutes
~ spelling test tomorrow
~ The Hand of Robin Squires chapters 6-8 questions due next Wednesday. As I stated in a previous post, each student has a different number of questions listed in their duotang, but in case you need them, these are the questions...

1.) Where do you suppose Edward obtained the gold, emeralds, and rubies he gave out to Robin, Annie, and Robin's grandfather? Does this and the strange way Edward is behaving make you suspect anything?

2.) Is there any reason to think it strange that Edward had docked his ship at a small out-of-the-way port like Dartmouth, instead of his usual port? Explain.

3.) Why wasn't Robin allowed to explore the ship?

4.) What two things does the author mention at the end of chapter 6 that increase the excitement and mystery, and make you want to read on?\

5) Skip this question.

6.) Chapter 7 ends in mystery, too. What new details have been added to the puzzle in the story?

7.) Where did the blood on the deck come from?

8.) Describe how Powderlegs came to lose his legs.

9.) What amazing piece of information does Powderlegs let slip in his drunken ramblings to Robin?

10.) Match the vocabulary word in the following list with the proper definition below - rancour (pg. 30); tedious, quay (pg. 31); dispensary (pg. 32); commotion (pg. 35); bulwark (pg. 36). Write each word and then its proper meaning out in your notebook. PLEASE watch your spelling!
•a solid landing place where ships load and unload, often built of stone;
•confusion; agitation; violent movement;
•long and tiring;
•the part of a ship’s side that extends above the deck level;
•a place where medicines and medical advice are given; that part of a hospital where medicines are stored;
•a deep-seated, bitter resentment or ill-will; extreme hatred or spite;

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some students are falling behind in their keeping up with The Hand of Robin Squires assignments. You can know if your child is missing assignments: there is a checklist table in the duotang itself where I am recording marks. There will be a deadline for missing assignments up to and including chapters 6-8; if not finished by next Friday (March 26), students may have to make up time in Saturday school.

MONDAY MARCH 15

This week is a different sort of week - the Grade 6's and I are going away to St. Andrew's to the Huntsman Marine Lab. We need to be at the boat for 7AM, and will be returning home on the 1:30 ferry Wednesday afternoon.

This is the letter I sent home on February 25:

Dear parents,

I am writing this follow-up to you about our Grade 6 Science field trip to the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrew’s on March 16-17. Just to remind you, it is a program called an “Ocean Discovery Program”, and has been developed by the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrew’s, in consultation with the Department of Education. It effectively covers the majority of outcomes in the provincially prescribed life sciences unit of the Grade 6 Science Curriculum in a rich and engaging way. The program offers pre-and post- activities and a 2-day overnight program at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre.

We will be leaving on the first boat on the 16th, and will be back in time for the 1:30 ferry from Black’s Harbour on the 17th. We will be staying in the dormitories on campus. Meals are covered except for breakfast and lunch on the first day. Students would also be required to have items needed for the sleepover. I will include a list on the back of this page.

For adults in charge, there will be Shelley Veysey and Liz Harvey for Teacher Assistants, myself as a teacher, and probably two parents.

All electronic devices (cell phones, DS, IPods, etc.) will be allowed on the ferry and the bus rides, but NOT once we arrive at Huntsman. When we reach St. Andrew’s, I will collect all of them, and return them when we leave St. Andrew’s. If you need to reach your child, you may reach the university at 529-1220, or call Shelley Veysey on her cell at 467-1873.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Students need:
a snack and a lunch for the first day
water bottle
sleeping bag
waterproof winter boots
warm outdoor clothes (we will be on a beach, and we won't be able to come back and change the minute someone gets wet)
complete change of clothes
towel
personal hygeine supplies

school supplies - pencil, coloured pencils
calculator

Huntsman will provide a pillow with a pillow case

If you have any further questions, call me at 662-8630.

HOMEWORK...

Language Arts

~ read 20 minutes
~ chapters 3-5 questions for The Hand of Robin Squires due Thursday
~ spelling words for Friday's test: defiance, vigilance, preoccupied, tragedy, nocturnal, hallucinations, docile.

HOMEWORK for MARCH 11

Language Arts

~ read 20 minutes
~ spelling test on Friday on vocabulary words from chapters 1-2 in The Hand of Robin Squires. They are:
squire
gout
tenant
harangue
yearned
modified
gelding
inquisitive
permeated
prodigal

~ The Hand of Robin Squires assignment due Thursday, March 18. Below are the questions for chapters 3-5. To remind you, each student has his or her own duotang. Grade 7 has more than Grade 6, and some students have fewer than others. Please consult your child's duotang for exact questions.

1.) Match the vocabulary word in the following list with the proper definition below - defiance (pg. 17); vigilance (pg. 18); preoccupied, tragedy (pg. 19); nocturnal, hallucinations (pg. 21); docile (pg. 27).Write each word and then its proper meaning out in your notebook. PLEASE watch your spelling!
•seeing or hearing things that have no basis outside a person’s brain;
•a very sad or terrible happening;
•easily managed; obedient; willing to learn;
•watchfulness or alertness;
•of, belonging to, or occurring at night;
•the act or an instance of openly resisting or opposing;
•lost in thought;

2.) Why is the word "forgot" in quotation marks on pg. 17?

3.) What did Robin's grandfather think about getting an education? How did Robin's father feel about it? Give some evidence from the chapter to prove your answer.

4.) What do you think Robin's father had been doing on that island off the coast of Acadie?

5.) What was strange about Edward's reaction to the news of his brother's death?

6.) What things did Robin's grandfather do to keep Robin occupied?

7.) Why did his grandfather urge Edward to take Robin with him? At first, Edward is not very keen on the suggestion. What finally convinces Edward to take Robin along?

8.) What do you think about Robin's uncle? What type of person is he?

9.) At the end of chapter 5, you are left with several questions that remain unanswered. What things do you want to find out about at this point in the story?

Health

Students have been working on weekly menus, using Canada's food guide and their accumulated notes from the year. They are to have balanced meals with all the necessary food groups for each day. Plus, it's meant to be something they might actually be willing to eat. This is due Monday.

There will be a test on nutrients the following Monday, March 22. We will be having a pre-test on the material this coming Monday.

6 Science

Regarding the previous unit on electricity... We will be revisiting the important parts of the unit again, after we return from Huntsman and review the learnings from there. For those of you wanting your child to retake the test, that opportunity will happen.

Regarding the Huntsman trip... A notice was sent home today. This is a copy of that:

Grade 6 Students and Parents!!!!

Students are asked to bring in $3.00 each, by Monday, March 15. This will cover the students' fare for the boat. By having it in by Monday, we will be able to get a group rate. Any money left over will help pay for snacks during our planned activities for Tuesday evening.

Students and chaperones must have boots, and students and chaperones must bring a sleeping bag. Bedding is available at the Dorms but there is a $15 charge, payable by the user.

All must have a packed lunch for Tuesday at noon. It must be sent. There are no facilities available for buying a lunch.

This will be an amazing trip which the students will love. Please make sure your child is prepared with all the necessary items.

HOMEWORK for MARCH 9

Language Arts

~ read 20 minutes
~ The Hand of Robin Squires assignments: read chapters 1-2, answer questions for chapters 1-2, and title page... all due tomorrow
~ spelling test on Friday (see previous post for word list)

6 Science

~ permission/medical forms due ASAP!!! This is super-important.
~ as well, unit tests on electricity were returned today, to be signed and returned. There is an attachment with it about being able to make up marks by re-writing the test and/or doing a practical, hands-on circuit demonstration. These may be made up on Wednesday or Thursday.

Health

Weekly menus are due next Monday. Students have had time in class, but anything unfinished will be due next week.

Nutrient test in 2 weeks, on March 22. Students have notes and should study them for the test.

GRADE 6 SCIENCE NOTICE

This is a notice included on the Grade 6 Science tests, most of which are being returned today.

Dear parents,

Many students had difficulty with the Science test written before the March Break. We went over the correct answers in class today, giving an opportunity for students to correct their tests. Any student wishing to improve his or her mark has 2 chances: 1) he or she may write a make-up test on Wednesday or Thursday after school, and 2) he or she may physically create circuits with wire, batteries, switches, and lights. If neither time works for you or your child, please let me know when another time would be better.

As well, I intend to give students a chance to do a hands-on electricity experiment or demonstration in June. More details will follow.

Don’t forget: next week is the Huntsman field trip. I need parental permission/medical forms ASAP!

~ Mr. Cook

***** As well, I have included a copy of the test with the correct answers. Students may use this test to study for the test re-take.

LANGUAGE ARTS SPELLING WORDS

We haven't been doing regular spelling word lists because as a middle school, we have been using LA classes for writing enrichment. Now that it appears those groups are over, at least for now, I am beginning regular word work again.

This is the week's words, taken from the class novel, The Hand of Robin Squires.

squire
gout
tenant
harangue
yearned
modified
gelding
inquisitive
permeated
prodigal

HOMEWORK for MARCH 8

Language Arts

~ read 20 minutes
~ The Hand of Robin Squires assignments: read chapters 1-2, answer questions for chapters 1-2, and title page... all due on Wednesday

6 Science

~ permission/medical forms due ASAP!!!
~ as well, unit tests on electricity will be returned tomorrow, to be signed and returned. There will be an attachment with it.

Health

Weekly menus are due next Monday. Students have had time in class, but anything unfinished will be due next week.

Nutrient test in 2 weeks, on March 22. Students have notes and should study them for the test.

French

Paragraphs about routines - NO EXCUSES!

UPCOMING EVENTS

While I'm thinking of it, here are some things coming up...

March 16-17 - Mr. Cook and Grade 6 will be away in St. Andrew's for field trip.

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, March 31 (evening) and on Thursday, April 1 (am). Report cards will be given out earlier in that week.

There will be no school on Good Friday, April 2, or Easter Monday, April 5.

GYM REMINDER

Just to remind you that we have Phys Ed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. If students come to PE class without gym clothes, they are expected to do written school work as given by the teacher.