This week Ms. Gabriel's and Mrs. Mesker's classes completed the Maniac Magee book with a test on Wednesday, 12/19. It was a truly for fun book to read with our students as they liked all the "trash" talk and changes in Jeffrey Magee. The students liked listening to the teachers read and reading aloud in class. I hope all the novels we read will be so well received.
The students started their Rebecca Caudal project. Miss Hagensee introduced the students to novels that are recommended to for an award. The students will read three books, take and Accelerated Reader test on each, and vote for their favorite. Please encourage your child to read over the break.
HAVE A WONDERFUL WINTER HOLIDY! See you next year!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Expository Compositions!
Structure of an Expository Composition
The five paragraph essay follows a defined format. The first paragraph introduces us to the thesis of the essay and directs us to the three main supporting subtopics. The second through fourth paragraphs are all similar in format. They individually restate the subtopics, and are developed by giving supporting information. The fifth and last paragraph restates the main thesis idea and reminds the reader of the three main supporting ideas that were developed. All of these paragraphs are important.
Introduction: introduces the reader to the topic. It is important to make this a clear and limited statement. This is where the writer grabs the reader's attention. Because of its purpose, it is often the first sentence of the paragraph. It is followed by three subtopics that develop the thesis. Between this paragraph and all paragraphs of the essay, there needs to be some kind of a transition word, phrase, or sentence.
Body: contains paragraphs two through four. They are all similarly constructed. Their topic sentences are restatements, often in original form, of the three supporting ideas presented in the first paragraph. The subtopic of each of the body paragraphs is again supported by three or more supporting sentences.
Conclusion: the summary paragraph. It is important to restate the thesis and three supporting ideas in an original and powerful manner as this is the last chance the writer has to convince the reader of the validity of the information presented.
Other important Features: It is important to reiterate that each of the paragraphs is joined together by a transition word, phrase or sentence. Transitions help the reader to follow the flow of the logic and sequencing.
Editing is far more than correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation. It is most important that the writer check that the logic is well crafted so that the reader is drawn to the point that is made. It is imperative that the reader not be bored by the use of repeating and dull sentence structure, generalities, and imprecise word choice. This takes time, but it is time that is well spent. By acquiring the skills necessary and putting in the time and effort, the writer can take something that is just ordinary and turn it into an essay that is extraordinary!
The five paragraph essay follows a defined format. The first paragraph introduces us to the thesis of the essay and directs us to the three main supporting subtopics. The second through fourth paragraphs are all similar in format. They individually restate the subtopics, and are developed by giving supporting information. The fifth and last paragraph restates the main thesis idea and reminds the reader of the three main supporting ideas that were developed. All of these paragraphs are important.
Introduction: introduces the reader to the topic. It is important to make this a clear and limited statement. This is where the writer grabs the reader's attention. Because of its purpose, it is often the first sentence of the paragraph. It is followed by three subtopics that develop the thesis. Between this paragraph and all paragraphs of the essay, there needs to be some kind of a transition word, phrase, or sentence.
Body: contains paragraphs two through four. They are all similarly constructed. Their topic sentences are restatements, often in original form, of the three supporting ideas presented in the first paragraph. The subtopic of each of the body paragraphs is again supported by three or more supporting sentences.
Conclusion: the summary paragraph. It is important to restate the thesis and three supporting ideas in an original and powerful manner as this is the last chance the writer has to convince the reader of the validity of the information presented.
Other important Features: It is important to reiterate that each of the paragraphs is joined together by a transition word, phrase or sentence. Transitions help the reader to follow the flow of the logic and sequencing.
Editing is far more than correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation. It is most important that the writer check that the logic is well crafted so that the reader is drawn to the point that is made. It is imperative that the reader not be bored by the use of repeating and dull sentence structure, generalities, and imprecise word choice. This takes time, but it is time that is well spent. By acquiring the skills necessary and putting in the time and effort, the writer can take something that is just ordinary and turn it into an essay that is extraordinary!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Expository Essays!
The sixth grade students will be writing expository essays in Language Arts class. We will start on Thursday, 12/6, by introducing the format and topics to choose. This year we will allow the students to choose from three topics; discuss the newest fad or craze, discuss what families can do on an extended weekend adventure in our area, or discuss an animal nobody likes; rattle snake, skunk, coyote. On Friday, 12/7, we will all go to the IMC to allow some time to research the topic. The 6th grade teachers are encouraging the students to continue the research over the weekend. Next week we will start eh writing process!
Expository Essays!
The sixth grade students will be writing expository essays in Language Arts class. We will start on Thursday, 12/6, by introducing the format and topics to choose. This year we will allow the students to choose from three topics; discuss the newest fad or craze, discuss what families can do on an extended weekend adventure in our area, or discuss an animal nobody likes; rattle snake, skunk, coyote. On Friday, 12/7, we will all go to the IMC to allow some time to research the topic. The 6th grade teachers are encouraging the students to continue the research over the weekend. Next week we will start eh writing process!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Mesker's Homebase
Mesker's Homebase has been very busy! At the Lakeview Kentucky Derby, the yellow came in second place. The fun trophy will be traveling around the yellow team homebases.
We were also very successful in donating toys for our holiday toy drive. Mesker's homebase 8 toys for needy familes in the area. Thank you for beeing very generous!
We were also very successful in donating toys for our holiday toy drive. Mesker's homebase 8 toys for needy familes in the area. Thank you for beeing very generous!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Maniac Magee
Miss Gabriel's and Mrs. Mesker's reading classes have started our first novel study. The students will be reading the novel in class. Maniac Magee is written by Jerry Spinelli, a very famous junior high author.
Maniac Magee is about a boy who becomes an orphan at three years old when the trolley on which his parents were passengers fell off a trestle and into a river. He is sent to live with his Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan, a couple who live in the same house but never speak. After eight years of silence, Jeffrey rebels and leaves to begin the adventure of life on his own.
We will use multiple methods to increase comprehension and tie in all literary elements. One major focus will be using the details for the novel to answer and write extended reading responses. The students will be encouraged to read aloud, in groups, and silently. Although the books will stay at school, students are allowed to check them out overnight. We also suggest the students get their own copy of the novel from their local library.
Maniac Magee is about a boy who becomes an orphan at three years old when the trolley on which his parents were passengers fell off a trestle and into a river. He is sent to live with his Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan, a couple who live in the same house but never speak. After eight years of silence, Jeffrey rebels and leaves to begin the adventure of life on his own.
We will use multiple methods to increase comprehension and tie in all literary elements. One major focus will be using the details for the novel to answer and write extended reading responses. The students will be encouraged to read aloud, in groups, and silently. Although the books will stay at school, students are allowed to check them out overnight. We also suggest the students get their own copy of the novel from their local library.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Newbery Project
Miss Coppoletta, Miss Gabriel, and I are asking students to volunteer their time and efforts for a school project. Sixth grade students will write short reviews on their Newbery books and include them in a class book for Lakeview's school library. When complete, the class book will be displayed in the IMC and presented to Miss Gabriel's classmates at DePaul University. Students are encouraged to use their free time during school to complete this project.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Extended Responses
This week six grade students will be working on Reading and Math extended response questions in these core classes. We are getting prepared for the ISAT tests in March.
In Reading classes, students will be answer a questions based on common fairy tales. We will be using graphic organizers to help with the process to form the narrative response.
In Math classes, students will try a problem on their own, write an extended response, discuss and get a chance to revise theirs answer. The students will also get a chance to work with our ISAT Coach books.
Lakeview is very proud of students, as will typically do well on the tests. We are encouraging continued results by preparing our students at the start of the school year. Talk to your child and ask them what they have been working on for the ISAT tests.
In Reading classes, students will be answer a questions based on common fairy tales. We will be using graphic organizers to help with the process to form the narrative response.
In Math classes, students will try a problem on their own, write an extended response, discuss and get a chance to revise theirs answer. The students will also get a chance to work with our ISAT Coach books.
Lakeview is very proud of students, as will typically do well on the tests. We are encouraging continued results by preparing our students at the start of the school year. Talk to your child and ask them what they have been working on for the ISAT tests.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Red Ribbon Week!
This week Lakeview Junior High will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week. On Monday we had a wonderful Multi-Media presentation. Throughout the week we will participate in activities to promote drug awareness and prevention. All students were give a Red Ribbon week bracelet and are encouraged to wear it for the remainder of the week. Friday is RED spirit day. We will all be wearing red. Here is the story behind Red Ribbon Week.
Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out it. "I can't not do this," he told her. "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference."
The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death.
In honor of Camarena's memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. Parents, sick of the destruction of alcohol and other drugs, had begun forming coalitions. Some of these new coalitions took Camarena as their model and embraced his belief that one person can make a difference. These coalitions also adopted the symbol of Camarena's memory, the red ribbon.
The National Family Partnership organized the first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988. Since that time, the campaign has reached millions of U.S. children.
In 1997, the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse began committing resources to ensure the continuation of the Red Ribbon Campaign in Texas, as well as the hopes and beliefs behind this grassroots effort to protect children from the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.
The Story Behind the Symbol
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference.
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference.
Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out it. "I can't not do this," he told her. "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference."
The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death.
In honor of Camarena's memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. Parents, sick of the destruction of alcohol and other drugs, had begun forming coalitions. Some of these new coalitions took Camarena as their model and embraced his belief that one person can make a difference. These coalitions also adopted the symbol of Camarena's memory, the red ribbon.
The National Family Partnership organized the first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988. Since that time, the campaign has reached millions of U.S. children.
In 1997, the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse began committing resources to ensure the continuation of the Red Ribbon Campaign in Texas, as well as the hopes and beliefs behind this grassroots effort to protect children from the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Newbery Project for Reading!
Just a friendly reminder to keep reading your Newbery book. You should be more that 1/2 way through your book and should be working hard to complete the notes. Include as much detail as possible in you notes. These notes will help you with your final project. We will checking your progress on Friday.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Share Your Shoes!
Homebases will be collecting GYM shoes (in any condition) from Oct. 9 to Oct. 16. Shoes will be sent to imporoverished and underprivileged communities and countries around the world. Please clean out your closets and send in some gym shoes. Thanks for your support!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Magazine Drive
Congrats to Mesker's Millioaries! We successfully sold more magazines than Miss Coppoletta's Homebase and will have a excellent breakfast on Friday, Oct. 12! Thank you to all the students that worked hard to sell those magazines! Go Gold!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Newberry Project
Newbery Medal Book Project
Dear Students and Parents,
Recently we started a project in reading class about Newbery Medal and Newbery Honor Books. The students had a chance to checkout one of these titles from the Lakeview IMC. Once they have completed the novel of their choice, they will need to complete a project. Each of the students has a copy of the project. Attached is a calendar listing the various due dates for the different components of the projects. I wanted you and your child to have a handy reference sheet of the due dates.
As you can tell from the calender, the book needs to be read by Tuesday, October 30th. On this day, I will also check the completed notes worksheet your child has taken about the book. Students will then have a workday on Wednesday to complete the cover and the first two pages of their project. I am asking that they do not begin working on their rough drafts until class on Wedneseday October 31. In order to make this project a success, it is necessary that they come prepared with all materials. As the calender illustrates these materials include their Newbery book, any notes they have taken, scratch paper for rough draft work, colored pencils, markers, and pencils.
As usual, I will be looking for all the correct writing conventions, creativity, and neatness in this project. Success on this project depends on your preparedness!
Keep in mind the final project will be worth 100 points and is due November 12th. All of the individual pages count as homework grades. I am looking forward to some excellent projects. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Miss Coppoletta, Miss Gabriel, and Mrs. Mesker
Monday, September 24, 2007
Homebase Race!
Come on Mesker's Millionaire's! If Lakeview sells 900 magazines, we get to compete in a "Kentucky Derby" style race. Our team is the Gold team and we are aiming to win. Please go out and sell those magazines so have can have the race, win, and eat the special breakfast. Get your friends to sell too!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Science Quest
Today any student in Resource that receives study guide as listed in their IEP, was given one during Resource. It is very important for the students to use the study guide for preparation for the Science Quest (Mr. Urbas's version of a quiz/test). Students are encouraged to use their science notebook and old completed worksheets to complete the study guide.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Resource Students!
All 6th and 7th period Resource students were given a list of any late work. They are encouraged to get any late work in ASAP. All SS late work needs to be turned in to Miss Casey before Friday (the Chapter 1 Quiz).
Monday, September 10, 2007
Homework Help
Need some homework help?
Use that morning time wisely! After you get off the bus and go to the gym, listen for that 7:35 bell! During that time, before homebase, any student can see a teacher for help. Science kinda hard, go to Mr. Urbas's room and get some help. Forgot that last problem in the English workbook, run over to Miss Coppoletta or Miss Gabriel to finish the assignment. We are here to help!
Use that morning time wisely! After you get off the bus and go to the gym, listen for that 7:35 bell! During that time, before homebase, any student can see a teacher for help. Science kinda hard, go to Mr. Urbas's room and get some help. Forgot that last problem in the English workbook, run over to Miss Coppoletta or Miss Gabriel to finish the assignment. We are here to help!
Friday, September 7, 2007
Character Counts!
The Character Counts Club will be start at the end of the month (Sept. 25th). Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student can participate. The meetings will be held every Tuesday starting at 7:30 in the IMC. All are welcome to help create fun and creative assemblies for Prairie View and Elizabeth Ide. The Club members will travel to the other schools and work in the classrooms with small or large groups to encourage the Character Counts message. See me if you have any questions. I am looking forward to a great year!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Resource Procedures
Grading System:
STUDENTS DO RECEIVE A GRADE FOR RESOURCE! This is based upon the expectations mentioned below:
Missing assignments (5 points per week) – I receive grade reports from your teachers on Tuesday. If you have all of your assignments in for the week you will receive 5 points. If you are missing any, you will be deducted one point per missing assignments for this grade.
Assignment notebook (5 points per week) - I will have random assignment notebook checks weekly. It is your child’s responsibility to have ALL of their assignments in their notebook. If your child has them all recorded he/she will receive 5 points for the week. If they do not, he/she will be deducted one point per missing assignment. If there is an assignment for a class, it MUST be recorded. If the assignment is complete, cross it out. “NONE” is only acceptable if there is not an assignment for that day.
Weekly assignments (10 points per week) – There will be one assignment to be completed each week concentrating on reading comprehension, proofreading, word processing skills, math concepts, and test taking techniques
Assignments completed with a D or F can be corrected. Late assignments will only be accepted one week after they are due. In both cases, the highest grade you can receive can be a C.
The grading scale is as follows:
10 pts = A 7 pts. = C-
9 pts. = A- 6 pts. = D-
8 pts. = B- 5 points and below = F
If you receive study guides, they are due the day after you receive them (at the beginning of class). They MUST be completed on time to be graded. They will NOT be accepted late.
Daily Work (2 pts/day = 10 pts/week) – The reason you are in this class is to complete homework, get help when needed, and prepare for tests and quizzes. Use this class to your advantage!!! Use your time wisely!!! If you do, you will receive 2 points for the day. If not, you will receive 0 points.
STUDENTS DO RECEIVE A GRADE FOR RESOURCE! This is based upon the expectations mentioned below:
Missing assignments (5 points per week) – I receive grade reports from your teachers on Tuesday. If you have all of your assignments in for the week you will receive 5 points. If you are missing any, you will be deducted one point per missing assignments for this grade.
Assignment notebook (5 points per week) - I will have random assignment notebook checks weekly. It is your child’s responsibility to have ALL of their assignments in their notebook. If your child has them all recorded he/she will receive 5 points for the week. If they do not, he/she will be deducted one point per missing assignment. If there is an assignment for a class, it MUST be recorded. If the assignment is complete, cross it out. “NONE” is only acceptable if there is not an assignment for that day.
Weekly assignments (10 points per week) – There will be one assignment to be completed each week concentrating on reading comprehension, proofreading, word processing skills, math concepts, and test taking techniques
Assignments completed with a D or F can be corrected. Late assignments will only be accepted one week after they are due. In both cases, the highest grade you can receive can be a C.
The grading scale is as follows:
10 pts = A 7 pts. = C-
9 pts. = A- 6 pts. = D-
8 pts. = B- 5 points and below = F
If you receive study guides, they are due the day after you receive them (at the beginning of class). They MUST be completed on time to be graded. They will NOT be accepted late.
Daily Work (2 pts/day = 10 pts/week) – The reason you are in this class is to complete homework, get help when needed, and prepare for tests and quizzes. Use this class to your advantage!!! Use your time wisely!!! If you do, you will receive 2 points for the day. If not, you will receive 0 points.
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