December 2013 Update

 Picture/Video for the Month : Beaker and Professor Honeydew    

In honor of our science inspiration, Beaker and Professor Bunsen Honeydew, here is this month's holiday video to enjoy!                                                                          

                                                                                              Watch Beaker - Ode to Joy


Happy Holidays!  We continue to stay busy and productive.   *\0/* Yay! Our halls are buzzing with learning, learning, learning.  I sincerely hope you and your family are able to have a healthy and peaceful holiday season. I, for one, will be counting my blessings.  I am grateful to be working at Sonoran Sky and with all of you!

Each Wednesday is PILOTS day!  If you are interesting in helping, please email me at amsmith@pvschools.net.  We can always use the energy and assistance.

A simple request: 

If your child has been absent, please encourage them to make an appointment or attend office hours.  With the sickness and colds that are going around school, student absences have increased.  Students are attempting to get caught up trying to ask teachers and students what they missed while class is starting OR try to "get through" the first school day back from illness or time away.   I want to help them with their specific needs but am not comfortable stopping the entire class to do so.  Office hours or an appointment permits us the time to talk freely.  Thank you!

                                          Mrs. Sanchez's Office Hours:  Mondays and Wednesday 8:00-8:30am

                                            Mrs. Smith-Day's Office Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays 8:00-8:30am


Upcoming Schedule:

• Friday, December 6th - Sonoran Sky Spirit Day
• December 16th - H2O Olympics - Presenter from City of Scottsdale, Linda Dee
• Quarter Two ends on Friday, December 20th
• Sixth Grade Holiday Party - Friday, December 20th from 9:00-10:30am
• Winter Holiday Break - December 21-January 5th; Classes resume on Monday, January 6th
• Semester Awards Ceremony and Natural Disaster Showcase - Monday, January 13th from 6:00-7:30pm

Science Happenings:

Our Natural Disaster Project is coming to a close this week on Tuesday, December 10th.  The students and I have been VERY busy building 3D models, creating power points, and conducting experiments in our new Science Lab. We hope you will be able to join us for an evening in January 2014 to view the projects in their entirety.

As we begin to prepare for our in-class presentations, I'd like to invite you to visit our class that day and watch your child deliver the presentation LIVE the end of next week and December 16-20th.  If you are interested in attending, please email me (amsmith@pvschools.net).  We will be selecting our presentation days this week, and I'll make sure you have the proper information about when and where to go to watch your child.

Math Matters:

Thank you for your support on the weekly math packets!

We have completed our unit on ratios and rates.  Our next task is Decimals, Fractions and Percents.  We are moving rather quickly through this unit because the students remembered what had been taught last year.  Yippee!  Our first quiz is this Tuesday, December 10th. 


*Here are some resources/links to help your child with decimals, percents, and fractions.

Khan Academy - Fractions, Decimals, and Percents

Khan Academy - Fractions and Percents

Converting Percents to Fractions

Dunk Tank Game about Fractions, Decimals and Percents

Teacher Tube Rap - Fractions, Decimals and Percents Rap

Math Playground Lesson on Fractions, Decimals, and Percents

November 2013 Update

'Tis the season!  It is officially fall weather, so here come the holidays.  November 3rd marked my second attempt at a half-marathon.  Since it was the Women's Half-Marathon, there was a lot of spirit and several familiar faces from Sonoran Sky.  Thank you to everyone who offered support to me! *\0/*

There is quite a bit happening around the campus.  Our halls are busy with learning activities.  Each Wednesday is PILOTS day!  If you are interesting in helping, please email me at amsmith@pvschools.net.  We can always use the energy and assistance.

Upcoming Schedule:

• PTO sponsored Holiday Boutique on November 21st from 6:30-9:00pm
• Friday, November 22nd is another Sonoran Sky Spirit Day
• Quarter Two ends on Friday, December 20th.
• No School - November 27-29th (Thanksgiving Holiday)
• Friday, December 6th is another Sonoran Sky Spirit Day

Science Happenings:

Both of my science classes have officially begun the Natural Disasters Project! :-)  95% of this project will be facilitated and completed at school.  If you have not heard about the project from your sixth grader, I encourage you to ask them about it.  The excitement in my science classes is electric these days!

The purpose of this project is to peak student interest in the Earth and its atmosphere through the study of natural disasters. Since these events are occurring around us quite often these days, it is an easy task to grab their attention.  Really, these phenomena from Mother Nature are incredible!

Students will be researching the history and nature of science as well as the idea of science and its place in personal and social perspectives.  Each team will deliver a presentation using a powerpoint and three-dimensional model.  They will then facilitate a quiz with their homeroom class.  The quizzes will not be counted as a grade but used as a tool for reflection.  The group presenting will analyze the responses and performance on the class quizzes to determine if they delivered an effective presentation.  In addition, each team will utilize their understanding of the inquiry process (scientific method)to conduct a lab/experiment which contains relevant information to the disaster they are studying.  They will publish their findings in a formal lab report.  Finally, the projects will be on display at the sixth grade semester one awards ceremony in December.

Parents are welcome to contact me at any time to set up a time to visit our classes and see firsthand what we are studying.  I am most proud of their interest in this project and investment thus far!

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you are interested and able to assist students with research, their lab/experiment, or making their three-dimensional model, please contact me at amsmith@pvschools.net.

I am in need of parents who are comfortable helping students to problem solve, work the hot glue gun, paint, follow the procedure of a lab/experiment, supervise small groups of students, etc.

times are as follows:   9:00-10:15am and 1:00-2:15pm

days needed: November 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26     December 2,3,5,6

*ALL paperwork associated with the project can be found on my science, math and writing page of The S Factor.  The name of each paper starts with "NDP".  Click here for the paperwork.

Math Matters:

Thank you for your support on the weekly math packets!

We have almost completed our unit on ratios and rates.  Our test will be next Tuesday, November 26th.  A study guide will be utilized in class and sent home in order for the students to prepare.  I am proud of how far the students have come in their understanding of these concepts.  I am thoroughly impressed with their ability to reason and justify the answers they compute using ratios, equivalent ratios, unit rates, etc.  Our next unit will be fractions, decimals, and percents.  This unit will not be nearly as intense.  Most of it should be familiar to the students.

Picture/Video for the Month : Beaker and Professor Honeydew 

The students asked me to share this video on the website.  In honor of our science inspiration, Beaker and Professor Bunsen Honeydew, here is a holiday video to enjoy!

                                                                         Beaker and Bunsen: Carve-O-Matic Video

Week of October 14-18th

Hi there families!

We've got a busy week ahead of us!  See the 6th Grade News page of The S Factor to help you stay organized.  Check the 6th Grade Calendar to help you with the due dates for the PILOTS Responsibility Project and Reflection.

Upcoming Schedule:

• Quarter Two begins on Monday, October 14th.
• Report Cards are available online October 18th after 9am.  Hard copies distributed on Tuesday, October 22nd.
• Early Release on October 15th.  Dismissal is 12:30pm.  This is also pajama day.
• APEX Fun Run is Thursday, October 17th.  Sixth grade runs at 1:20pm.
• Friday, October 18th is Sonoran Sky Spirit Day.
• Saturday, October 19th is PVUSD Centennial Day!

Science Happenings:

We are nearing the end of our CSI/Forensics Unit.  In the final stretch, we are reviewing Crime Scene Personnel and the SCientific Method one must follow when investigating a crime.  Our culminating activity (a simulated crime scene) will take place on Monday, October 21st.  Bring on the CSI Units!

Math Matters:

We have completed our study of unit rates and have moved onto ratio tables.  We are continuing to understand these concepts in everyday life by participating in math centers focusing on unit price and comparison shopping.  Parents, you might want to take your student with you while you grocery shop.  They'll be sure to find you some bargains!

Week of October 7-11, 2013

It is officially Fall! And, October is here. :-)

It has been some time since I have written on my blog and much has happened.  If you are hearing some stories about my new name, Mrs. Day, you are correct!  I married on September 6th. I am very happy.  The class has been so very sweet wishing me well and test-running the new name.  Who thought anything could be easier than "Smith"!

Upcoming Schedule:

• Quarter One closes October 11th.

• Report Cards will be available for review online October 18th.

• Our next Early Release Day is October 15th.  Dismissal is 12:30pm.

• Parent-Teacher conferences take place October 21-15th.  Please ask your child for the conference slip.  They went home on Friday, October 4th.  In an effort to keep communication open and convenient for you as a family, Mrs. Sanchez and I will be meeting with all our sixth grade families together.  Please return this form for a conference by Tuesday, October 8th.

Science Happenings:

Well, we are about to begin wrapping up our CSI/Forensics Unit focusing on the Scientific Method/Inquiry Process.  And, have we had a blast!  The culminating activity will be to investigate a crime scene, interview suspects, write a hypothesis, identify a suspect and solve the crime/publish their results.  We are all looking forward to this activity!

Math Matters:

Student performance on the weekly homework packets continues to improve.  I cannot thank YOU enough for your support and assistance with these packets every week!  Because you have invested time with your child, their basic math computation and ability to reason in math is aiding their progress through the Common Core Standards.  They are solving problems with confidence.  Thank YOU!!!

We are computing unit rates and ratio tables.  The students are grasping an understanding of these concepts and their place in our everyday lives.  We have been able to use our textbook as well as fun activities such as the Lego Ratios Worksheet to help us.

Here are some links to websites where the students can practice these skills.

Math is Fun Website (Unit Rates and other skills)

Math Playground (Unit Rates and other skill practice)

Week of August 26-30, 2013

Here we are!  One week closer to our PILOTS retreat and another week invested in the school year.  It was a busy week for us all.  We are doing a nice job of settling into our routine.  Thank you to all of my students and their families.

Let's support Kindergarten color week #2 by wearing as much of a certain color on a certain day.  Here's the schedule:

Monday, August 19th - Blue Day

Tuesday, August 20th - Purple Day

Wednesday, August 21st - Pink Day

Thursday, August 22nd - Black and White Day

Friday, August 23rd - Rainbow Day

The 411 on Missing/Incomplete Assignments

Missing/incomplete assignment slips have been utilized for our students who do not complete or are missing their assignment at the time it is collected.  The purpose behind this white slip is to communicate with you about any missing/incomplete assignments.  Students are to complete the assignment and show it to you.  You will then sign the slip It should be a white slip the size of one-quarter of an 8.5 x 11in sheet of paper.  The student should bring it back the very next school day.  As grades are entered in Infinite Campus, missing/incomplete assignments will be noted.  Infinite Campus will send out an email to you regarding any missing assignments and the subject to which they pertain.

Science Happenings

We are still studying the Inquiry Process through the use of an online simulation called, The FFFBI Academy.  Students completed their first quiz in class last week either Thursday or Friday.  I'm in the process of grading. To offer proper feedback, I must take some time to read, evaluate and respond to each student's thoughts and responses.  It is my goal to complete the grading by Friday this week.

This week's science lessons will focus on the missions presented in the FFFBI Academy.  Students will apply what they have learned thus far in the Orientation and Training Games.  They will be placed into different teams to foster our class community while we complete the mission for the week.

If you'd like to check out the link to the FFFBI Academy, you should!  It's pretty neat.

FFFBI Academy 

Upcoming Math Lessons and Review

As we focused on the vocabulary associated with rates and ratios this week, we reviewed GCF (Greatest Common Factor) and LCM (Least Common Multiple).  Several students felt they could use a review/refresher.  Encourage them to click on the links below to refresh their skills.

Math Made Easy Video ( Factors and Multiple)

Khan Academy - GCF and LCM Review with Word Problems

GCF and LCM Prime Factorization Review

* To see the videos on rates and ratios, please see the Week of August 19-23, 2013 blog post.

Don't Forget...

Tuesday, August 27th is our first Early Release day this year.  School is dismissed at 12:30pm.  Make sure you bring a healthy snack!

Ms. Smith's office hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00-8:30am.  Appointments can be made by written/email request for Monday and Wednesday.

Have a great week!  *\0/*

Solutions to Logic and Sudoku Puzzles - Week August 19-23

Well...here they are!  Actually, the solutions had to be posted to The S Factor page .  Click on the link Ms. Smith's math, science, and writing page.  Scroll all the way to the bottom below where you click on my blog link.  There they are!!!

You've been waiting for these.  How close did you come to each solution?  Can't wait to find out in class tomorrow.

Ms. Smith :-)

Week of August 19-23, 2013

Well, we survived the first full week of school together!  And, what a great week it was! We endured a regular schedule which threw all of us at one point for a loop!  We were constantly checking the clock in an effort to be respectful of class start and stop times.  And, special area groups are still taking some getting used to.  BUT, there was the first LOL (Layers of Language) lesson, Orientation of the FFFBI, and the debut of the math homework packet!  What an exciting week!  I bet you can't wait for this week!

Let's support Kindergarten color week by wearing as much of a certain color on a certain day.  Here's the schedule:

Monday, August 19th - Red Day

Tuesday, August 20th - no color (It's Picture Day, remember?)

Wednesday, August 21st - Orange Day

Thursday, August 22nd - Yellow Day

Friday, August 23rd - Green Day

Science Happenings

We are currently using the FFFBI Academy to study and practice the Inquiry Process.  If you have a few minutes, check out the website.  Students may feel free to complete any of the Training Games or other rounds of Orientation.  Remember Sensational Science Students: If you choose to explore on your own, do not give away the secrets and answers in class.  These are to simply give you a better peek at what the FFFBI Academy is and make you more confident in using it.  Now, get on the Internet and have some fun with these fine feathered friends!

FFFBI Academy

Upcoming Math Lessons for this week and next...

Finding Unit Rates

Ratey, the Math Cat

Finding Unit Prices

Ratios, Rates, and the Wright Brothers

Don't Forget...

Picture Day is Tuesday, August 20th at 2:00pm   Don't forget to wear your Sunday best! :-)

Ms. Smith's office hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00-8:30am.  Appointments can be made by written/email request for Monday and Wednesday.


Friday, August 23rd is a BIG day for paperwork.  Here's a review of what is due!

• All PILOTS retreat permission slips and money are due. (Color of papers: red and white) 
• Online Communication Forms (permission to use the Internet) (Color of paper: dark pink)
• Acknowledgement of SSES/PVUSD Student Parent Handbook (Color of paper: green)
• Payment for Classroom Support $35
• Payment for PILOTS On-Campus $25

Have a great week!  *\0/*

Happy Summer! *\0/*

Happy summer to all of my students, former and current!  I hope this message finds you enjoying the last few weeks and having fun! :-)  I know I have had a wonderful vacation.

To my former students,
Best of luck to you as you begin your final preparations to begin middle or high school.  You will be missed.  We hope you'll come back and visit us!
 
To my incoming sixth graders,
Welcome!  I am looking forward to working with you and your family real soon!  Start preparing your school supplies and active imaginations. We're going to have a great year!  Brush up on your basics (reading and math) and get ready for some excitement!  It's going to be memorable!

Don't forget to check out The S Factor, a new website created by Mrs. Sanchez and Ms. Smith!

Here it is!

https://sites.google.com/a/pvlearners.net/the-s-factor/

Take care!  Soak up the summer vacation while you can!

Ms. Smith :-)