April/May Update 2014

Picture/Video for the Month : Beaker and Professor Honeydew 

Look familiar?  Many of us feel like Beaker in the months of April and May.  There is so much to do.  There is so little time.  There is too much testing.  Whatever it is that is happening at the moment, remember to find a way to enjoy it.  There is always some little funny, kind, or special action or interaction right there in front of you. *\0/*


Upcoming Schedule:

• Volunteer Breakfast - May 13th at 7:45am
• Semester Awards Ceremony - May 19th from 6:00-7:30pm 
• PILOTS Culmination - Wednesday, May 21st at 7pm in Thunderbird Hall
• End-of-the-year party - May 22nd at 10:00am

Science Happenings:

We are currently studying Human Biology through a simulated learning unit called Code Blue. Students study six of the seven body systems :nervous, circulatory, muscular/skeletal, immune, digestive and respiratory.  Presentations within clinics has concluded on May 2nd.

The students have completed taking their Board exams for each of the six systems.  Most recently, they are studying for their physiology test.  Once they have passed, they proceed to Grand Rounds to discuss patient scenarios as physicians.

Math Matters:

Thank you for your support on the weekly math packets! The week of May 5-9th will be the last math packet of the year.  They are SO excited!  One gal even said, "I never thought this day would come."

During our regular math class, we are focusing on integers, coordinate grids, and order of operations.  We are practicing to use a variety of manipulatives to understand concepts.  Our textbook provides decent practice lessons and problems.

March 2014 Update

Picture/Video for the Month : Beaker and Professor Honeydew 

Spring truly has sprung!

Congratulations to all of our students who participated in Sonoran Sky's Field Day.  We are so proud of you!  And, to those sixth graders who are advancing onto District Field Day, March 13th, kuddos to YOU!  Coach Coveney has asked me to chaperone, so I will be joining you in representing SSES!  *\0/*

Upcoming Schedule:

• Sonoran Sky Spirit Day on Friday, March 7th
• Quarter Three ends on Friday, March 14th
• Spring Break - March 24-28th; Classes resume on Monday, March 31st
• Gifted Testing - March 31-April 4th
• AIMS Testing - April 7-11th
• Seventh Grade Math Placement Tests- April 14-18th
• Semester Awards Ceremony - May 12th or 19th from 6:00-7:30pm (Date will be confirmed when paperwork is received from district office.)
• PILOTS Culmination - Wednesday, May 21st at 7pm in Thunderbird Hall

Science Happenings:

We are currently studying Matter and Energy. This unit has brought about several "Lab Day".  These are class periods spent conducting multiple experiments pertaining to mixtures, matter, potential energy, etc.  The students have really enjoyed participating!

The project for this unit involves designing a solar powered car.  Students have the option of drawing it and explaining the features of the car.  Or, they may actually design a 3-D Model and explain.  Feel free to ask your child about their ideas and sketches thus far!

Math Matters:

Thank you for your support on the weekly math packets!  You have probably noticed the packets have changed in format.  I wanted the students to review the basic concepts covered in our state AIMS testing which will occur April 7-11th.  Please encourage your child to do their best and attempt each problem.  WE have been correcting about one side of a page a day in class.  We correct the remainder of the problems on Friday before they submit it.  As always, please make a note to me about concepts your child may need to be re-taught.

During our regular math class, we are focusing on decimals.  We have completed the lessons on adding and subtracting decimals rather quickly as they remembered the concepts from 5th grade.  Hooray for the fifth grade teachers! *\0/*  We are moving through multiplication and division of decimals a bit more cautiously.  We anticipate completing the chapter and testing prior to spring break.

February 2014 Update

Happy Spring!

Just a quick reminder  February 20th is Field Day for grades 4-6 at Sonoran Sky! The following is a message we share with the students.  Thursday is a normal schedule.  No need to get to school earlier that the usual time. 

To our students:

This Thursday, February 20th is Field Day.  Yippee! For some of you, this day brings excitement and relief.  For others, it brings about anxiety and concern.  Every one of us learns a little differently.  Some of us perform better on the academic tasks (mental tasks) such as test-taking and homework than with a more physical challenge.  Field Day is a chance for all of you who may struggle with the day-to-day schoolwork and rigor of the academic schedule to shine.  Above all, I would encourage each of you to take a risk today; challenge yourself!  I expect you to "be there" for each other supporting and cheering for each other.

*Bring a water bottle (write your name on it)

*Protect yourself with a hat and sunscreen.  (We'll be outside most of the day.)

*Choose comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes.

*Wear your smile!  Get ready to have fun!

**This is a normal school day arrival and departure schedule.  No need to get here earlier than your usual time.  Pack a lunch or buy from our cafeteria.  It's your choice.

Next Tuesday, February 25th is Class and Individual Picture Day.  Your child will be bringing home a flyer with more specific information about packages available for purchase.  We hope everyone will be present for our pictures.

January 2014 Update

Happy New Year....again! *\0/*

Since we are all "in school", my personal belief is that we have two new starts to the year: school year and calendar year.  May you find all you are seeking in 2014!  This, your final semester of sixth grade and your time at Sonoran Sky,  will be your most memorable yet.  I am truly looking forward to it!

For those of you who are unaware, Mrs. Sanchez and I renamed the website.  It is now called Bright Days with a Chance of Sunny Sanchezs.  You will want to create/change your bookmark to this new link.

 Bright Days with a Chance of Sunny Sanchezs

Welcome back!  We are so glad you are here again with us.  More information will follow in my next update.  *\0/*

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