December 7, 2015

Hello Families!

We are taking the 5th and 6th graders to the Citrus Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2015.  We will be heading over around our normal lunch time.  There is a permission slip required and the cost is $7.25.  It is an all you can eat buffet lunch.  Students can still bring their lunch or if they have purchased a lunch, they can bring it with them.  Afterwards, we will be playing on the ASU Fields.  Students can bring sports equipment with them that day.  Here is a copy of the information letter that went home.

December 4, 2015

Hello 5/6 Families,

Wednesday, December 9 we are leaving Poly campus around 11:30 to walk to the Citrus Café on the ASU campus.  This will be our winter celebration.  Please send in $7.25 cash for your child to eat at this all-you-can-eat buffet.  If you would prefer, your child may bring a packed lunch from home or take a school lunch if you have already made that purchase.  Everyone will be going, however, we cannot pay for your child’s food if he or she forgets or doesn’t have money.  Please only send cash, we pay as we enter the Cafe.  We took the 5/6 graders last year and they LOVED it!  ASU students will be scarce as their finals are the first part of this week.  After lunch, we will head over to the big fields for a recess.  Your child can bring in a sport ball if they want to, and they will be responsible to take care of it.

Tuesday, December 15 – Summative - 5:00 - 6:30 pm. This is our students’ opportunity to share some things they have learned at ASU Prep this year.  It’s a come and go event and we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday evening.

Wednesday, December 16 – no school - teacher work day.

Thursday & Friday, December 17 & 18 – ILP Conferences –

be sure to sign up.

Winter Break – School resumes on January 5, 2016.

Happy Holidays!!!

The 5/6 Team

November 10, 2015

Hello 5/6 families,

Here are a few interesting pieces of information.

Wednesday, November 11 - this is a SCHOOL HOLIDAY!  Enjoy the day off and with your kids!

Friday, November 13 - this is our FUN RUN here at school.  5/6 will be running from 12:30-1:30 pm. You can still make a donation in your child's name.  Each classroom has a name for their foundation class.  My class voted on the "Speedy Duckies".  It was a democratic election.   

Two families shared the following websites.  I am passing them along to you to enjoy.

This website allows you to find/learn about a career in the STEM field.  How awesome is this?

http://ionfuture.org/

This website talks about making changes.  I think you will enjoy it as well.

http://youtu.be/YY7f1t9y9a0

I am accepting applications for the GREEN TEAM here on campus.  Students will have a 1X a month meeting before school.  They will be able to pick one day out of the week where they can help out from 3:00 - 3:15 pm here on campus.  It is a great way for students to get in service hours and give back to our school.

Thanksgiving is in two weeks.  Students have Thursday 11/26 and Friday 11/27 off that week.

Enjoy your week!

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

October 23, 2015

October 23, 2015

Hello Science Families,

Tonight the ISS will be visible over the Arizona sky at 7:02 pm for 4 minutes.  It will appear in the NW sky and zoom over and disappear in the SSE sky.  It is a solid white color, no blinking lights or colored lights, and it moves quickly.  It is so fun to see it in the sky.  We will be talking about studies they are doing on the ISS next week.

Tonight is ASU Prep's Family Science Night - a fun, free, family-oriented exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  It is from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.  
Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ  85004

The week of October 26-30 is ASU Prep Spirit Week!
Moustache Monday - full uniform
Team Tuesday - wear your favorite team jersey with uniform pants, shorts, skirts, or skorts
Wacky Wednesday - crazy hair and socks, full uniform
Thinking Cap Thursday - wear your favorite hat, full uniform
Famous Celebrity Friday - Dress up like someone famous.  
No makeup, No masks, no weapons or props

Winter Sports tryouts begin Monday October 26 - 29
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Softball at Cholla Field
Wrestling at Cedar Hill
Basketball at Williams Gym
Cheer -  Tues, Weds, Thurs at Cedar Hall
Register at: www.asuprepathletics.com

Please email me if your child is in one of the classes that goes to the garden, and you would like to volunteer at the garden!

We have been working on information text.  It has been good and challenging!  We also received our first issues of Time for Kids and National Geographic Kids.  These are both wonderful publications with beautiful photos.  I only have 1 class set of each, so the classes are sharing.  I might be able to put the magazines into a rotation of classes taking turns to keep them and bring them home.

We will begin our study of the Human Body.  We will be working on different projects in 5th and 6th grade.  I will post a rubric on my planbook and print up a physical copy.  There will be a parent signature required.  We will also mark it in our agendas.

Please watch for information about the "Run Devil Run" event coming up in November.  This will be THE ONLY FUNDRAISER THIS YEAR!  It is a really fun day and a great way for kids to feel like they are contributing to the fund raising.  We appreciate all of the help PTSO provides to helping teachers stock their classrooms and pay for extra supplies.  PTSO paid for our garden plot this year!

I can't even believe it is the end of October!

Have the best weekend and enjoy this beautiful weather!

yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

October 13, 2015

Hello Science Families!

Did you see the Super Blood Moon Eclipse at the end of September?

http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2015-september-28  You can copy and paste this address to read more about it.

I hope you had a wonderful fall break.  I missed your children!

6th graders have been working in the garden.  We have cleaned out the beds, added enrichment, stirred it in, watered, and we have planted.  Our goal is to donate 100% of what we grow to a shelter or food kitchen that is requesting fresh produce.  Your children have been working very hard!  We go during the first hour of school when your child has science.  Contributing to our communities is an important part of your child's education here at ASU Prep.

All 5/6 students will be taking a PreTest this quarter.  It covers all of the standards they will be learning.  Their score will be recorded in the gradebook but will not be part of their grade for science.

Please know that your child is responsible for working in IXL, Study Island, and recording the minutes they read on the computer EVERY week.  Their log in codes should be in their agenda.  The program for recording their minutes read is Learn 2 Earn - Whoo's Reading.  We are having students log in and record the number of minutes they read at school and at home.  It is strictly on "on your honor" system.  We will track minutes, and the reward will be that all students will continue to grow as a reader!

We had a combined meeting on Tuesday morning with all of the 5/6 students together.  Here are the highlights of what we discussed.

• Your agenda is an important tool to help you stay organized and to help your families know what is going on at school.
• Students will write in their agenda every day.  They will write important due dates and include reminders in the weeks in between when the assignment is given and when it is due.
• Students were asked to color code their agenda so that they can see which three classes they have each day.
• We talked about spending time developing a habit and increasing our talents. Our goal is for every student to attend college.  Students begin developing and strengthening their talents by 5th grade.  We would like them to use their agenda to help organize their day so that academics are on track.  Organizing their time in their agenda helps students find extra time to work on their extracurricular activities.  We want all student to attend and graduate college.  Can you imagine your child receiving a scholarship for academics and/or extracurricular activities?  This would be equivalent to about $40,000.  We want every child to have the opportunity to attend college!  
• If a student doesn't have homework in a class we are asking them to write what they did in their agenda.
• We are asking students to walk in the hallways and classrooms.  This is not new.  We will not be giving a warning.  If your child is running they will spend their lunch recess inside with a teacher.  
• We are also asking students to walk quietly in the hallways and to wait quietly as they move from class to class.  
• Students are expected to come in and get started on their classwork immediately.  Please check in with your child to make sure they have the supplies they need in their backpacks.
• We also introduced the Whoo's Reading program.  Every child should have received a paper with log in information.  They can write this or tape their paper into their agendas.

We are planning on an even better 2nd Quarter here at ASU Prep.  Thank you for all that you do to support your child's education.  We appreciate your help.  Thank you for all that were able to attend ILPs.  It was a pleasure to get to know you and your child a little bit better.

Have a great week!

Yours in science,

Mrs. Biggs

Arizona Science Center News

Arizona Science Center upcoming events.

Girls In STEM 
Nov. 14, 2015 
8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 
Cost: $15 per person 

Join Arizona Science Center as we celebrate girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The event will offer hands-on engineering design challenges, opportunities to meet and visit with women in STEM, and collaborative problem solving activities. Generously sponsored in part by APS, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, andGoDaddy. 

The event is geared towards girls in grades 4–8. 

Register Today! 

Fry's Free Weekend 
Sept. 19—20, 2015 
9 a.m.—5 p.m. 

Arizona Science Center is excited to offer FREE general admission on September 19 through 20 courtesy of Fry's Food Stores to all that have a curious mind about science! Guests will be able to roam around all four levels of the Center’s hands-on science galleries from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Special discounted tickets for IMAX® and DorrancePlanetarium shows. Don't miss it!

Post 9/11

September 14, 2015

Hello 5/6 families!

I have shown students "The Boat Lift of 9/11" narrated by Tom Hanks.  If you haven't seen it, I would recommend it.  I replaced science trivia on September 11 with this video.  I ask the students if their parents have talked to them before I show it.  I DO NOT go into a lot of details or opinions about 911.  If students don't want to watch it because it makes them feel uncomfortable I have them grab a book.  I also talk about being respectful as we watch it and we talk about crying.  Crying is a part of how our body functions because of sadness, joy, scared, worried, etc.  The video focuses on people who saw a need and helped out the people trying to get out of New York City on September 11, 2001.  It is positive and amazing.  There are no graphic images that are not appropriate.  We also talk about fighting evil by doing good.  Doing good in their homes, at school, and in their communities.  We touch on being law abiding citizens, participating in elections, and making sure we vote.  We also pay tribute to all the men and women who are in the military and making sure to say Thank you  for their service.  You can find this video on YouTube.

This week in science everyone will have a vocabulary quiz.  You can find a list of words on my weebly.  Look for a paperclip on the day, and the paper with the words will pop up.

We are finishing up one experiment but moving into several others!  The majority of work will be completed in class.

If you signed up on Volunteer Spot, please send in your donations.  For some reason I am short chocolate bars.  I requested 6 regular size bars, but students are bringing in different amounts.  I am wondering if they are getting eaten before they get to me? LOL

Also, if you have an extra shoe box with a lid, please send it in with your child this week.

Thank you for all that you do to support your children!

Have a great week!

yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

September 8, 2015

Hello 5/6 Science Families,
I hope you had a lovely three day weekend.  It was "The Mondayest Tuesday Ever"....I came across this gem today.  I think we ALL felt like it was a very LOOOOONNNNNGGGGG day!  Kudos and a big shout out for the classes I had today.  You all did an amazing job in class!

I will be sending out a Volunteer Spot with requests for a few supplies for science experiments.  If you receive multiple emails, you can let me know.  There are duplicate emails for families with 5th and 6th graders.  I hope you will be able to find something on the list that you can donate.  If you could send your donation in ASAP I would be grateful.  Your kids are going to LOVE the experiments we will be doing.

Here is the link: http://vols.pt/ykayEf
We're using VolunteerSpot (the leading online Sign-up and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming Sign-ups.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link to see our Sign-Up on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/ykayEf
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on VolunteerSpot.

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

All students will be taking a Science Pre-Test over the next few days.  I will score the tests but they will not be included in their science grade.  I am tracking data.  I am also introducing Cambridge vocabulary.  We will be writing out definitions with a few additional activities in our journals.  I will quiz them the following class day.  We will keep reviewing and practicing!

Science Quiz - everyone has taken it except for a few that may have been absent Thursday or Friday. We filled out the study guide together.  We reviewed and practiced in class.  I told them exactly and specifically everything that would be on the quiz.  There were a possible 2 extra credit points.  I even offered students the opportunity to go back with their study guide to check their answers.  I was disappointed that not more students did not take advantage of making a quick check of their test against their study guide.  Students may correct the questions they answered incorrectly on a separate piece of paper in complete sentences.  If they answer the question correctly, I will add 1/2 point to their test score for every question they answer correctly.

The test has a value of 62 points.  I have graded 24 questions for 150 students.  I still have 7 written responses for the majority of 150 students to grade....that is about 1000 questions still to go.  But, I did write the test...so I did know what I was getting myself into! :)

I realize that 5th and 6th graders need more practice in test preparation and test taking strategies.  I explained to them that as their science teacher I want them to be successful and do well on all of their assignments.  I want them to know and understand the material we are learning.  I am not trying to trick them with trick questions or make the tests super hard.  When I test I am checking for their understanding and mastery of the standards/objectives I teach.  The teachers in 5/6 have discussed test taking strategies and how we can help 5/6 with test taking strategies.

*Please sign your child's agenda if they receive a black line.
*Please send in a 1-2" binder if you haven't already for your student to store their data.
*If you have a tennis shoe size box with a lid, please send it in!  Make sure your child's name is written on the bottom.
*Help your child go through their backpacks and organize their binders/folders.
*Please remind your child to bring a book to read OR sign one out from one of their teachers.
*ILP's coming up on October 1st and 2nd.  Look for an email telling you about sign up times.
*If your child is in LEGO Robotics make sure you have sent in the $60 payment and signed forms.
*Wednesday Dec. 16, 2015 will be 5/6 Summative.  It begins at 5:00 pm.  We will be having special visitors that will be "out of this world" after the sun sets.  We hope your family will be able to make it that evening.
*If any of you are available Friday after school and are handy with a cutting tool, I would welcome any volunteers to help me cut out a three sided flap on the boxes.  Please email if you are able to help! ruth.biggs@asu.edu

Thank you for your support and help.  I had a parent offer to help this afternoon while she was waiting for her daughter to finish up a club meeting.  She went to work cutting out some things for me.  I was grateful that she offered.  I am so grateful to associate with so many wonderful families.  Thank you for all that you do to help and support your children and the staff here at ASU Prep.

Have a great week!

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

How to Get Your Children to Talk About School

August 26, 2015

I came across an interesting article about getting our kids to talk more about what is going on in school.  Our lives in 2015 are so very busy!  I have found with my own children if I make a specific effort to talk one on one with them each day that it makes a difference in our relationship.  I talk to my kids all day, but I will multitask while talking to them so I realize I am not giving them my full attention.  I keep track of their day through their school website, teacher emails,  our phone conversations, and our family calendar.  But, I realized I needed to also make sure I have set aside time to talk to them personally with no interruptions.  When they were younger it was before bedtime and we would share a book and talk about their day.  Now that they are teenagers it is a little tricky.  They don't need a bedtime story, but they still need the one on one conversation.  It helps me if I set an alarm in my phone.  Maybe you have mastered this and are better than I am!  I hope you find something interesting in this article!

yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_get_your_kid_to_talk_about_what_happened_at_school

Picture Day!

We have school pictures coming up on August 31, 2015

All fifth and sixth graders will have their photos taken during their 1st core class.  So, before students go to specials they will have their photo taken.  August 31 is a Monday.  Look to see what core class your child has on Mondays for 1st hour.  Here are the times below, and the times are during 1st hour.

Hardt         8:45
Biggs         9:00
Converse    9:15
Lyle            9:30
Caruthers    9:45

We will be sending home flyers.  I believe you will need to pay that day for photos.  Everyone will get their photo taken for the yearbook.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Mrs. Biggs

AUGUST 16, 2015

AUGUST 16, 2015

Hello Super Science Families!

Thank you to everyone who was able to make it to our curriculum night.  The presentation is also posted on my Weebly.  rbiggsasuprep.weebly.com  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send me an email, a note with your child, or leave a message at the front desk.  I will do my best to get back with you in 24 hours.

More news regarding the garden will be coming SOON!  I will send home information with your students, and I will also post the information here on my blog.

GREEN Team RECYCLING will also be starting.  Students will need to apply to participate.  The GREEN Team helps out with RECYCLING on campus after school, will help with educating students/faculty about RECYCLING here at ASU Prep, and they will also help with school wide RECYCLING projects.  I LOVE RECYCLING!

We will be wrapping up our Scientific Method notes, practice and review, a few experiments, and end with a quiz.  The dates are on my Weebly for each core class.  The core classes are color coded so that you can find your child's class quickly.  I do make adjustments to the online Planbook if we are moving faster or slower.  I will be posting the review on my online Planbook.  You will see a small icon in the box.  You click on the icon to bring up the copy.  Your child will receive a paper copy as well.

Thank you for your patience in driveline!

5th and 6th graders will be able to eat at the outdoor picnic tables on Tuesday's and Thursday's.  Please encourage your child to bring a water bottle to school to help them stay hydrated.  Surely this heat is going to eventually subside.

Please take a moment to go through your child's backpack.  It should not be heavy.  Help them recycle old papers and take a look at any supplies that they haven't turned in.  We would like every 5th/6th grader to bring a book to school each day.  They are welcome to borrow a book from any of the teachers.  Every book needs to be signed out.

Every child needs a one inch binder to leave in their foundation classroom.

Your children will be bringing home their IXL and Power School Log Ins.  Also, there will be flyers regarding chess and orchestra coming home.

Your children are having great conversations about science, catching on to the classroom procedures, and extending kindness to each other.  We have had some challenging Brain Breaks....hang in there!

We live on an amazing planet.  I love that we have the opportunity to learn more about SCIENCE not only at school but in our everyday world.  Thank you for supporting your child's education.

Have a great week!

yours in science,

Mrs. Biggs

August 10, 2015 updates

August 11, 2015

Hello Science Families!
We had a great first full week.  We are getting used to the science daily routines and getting to know everyone's names.  LOL...at least I am working diligently to learn 150 names and get to know everyone in our 5/6 grades.

A couple of notes:
Curriculum Night is August 13, 2015.  We will offer two meetings, one at 5:00 and the second at 6:00 pm.  We will be meeting in the 5/6 Quad.  This meeting is for adults.

Every students needs to bring a 1" binder to their foundation teacher.  We are compiling data and the students will be working in these weekly.  Please contact me if you aren't able to purchase a binder.

Every student also needs at least one composition notebook for science.  Every students needs their own pencils everyday!

We are continuing our study of the scientific method.  I will be making adjustments to my planbook because we are moving at a different speed for each class.

All the 5/6 teachers will be coordinating our planbooks so that each cohort will be the same color.

I hope your student is loving school!

Best regards,
Mrs. Biggs

Week of August 2, 2015

August 2, 2015

Hello 5/6 Families!
WHEW!  We made it!  Your children did an amazing job keeping up with their schedules, changing classes, bringing in supplies, participating in get to know you activities, finding their specials, and learning the procedures for our school and classrooms.  Let the learning begin for the best year yet!

Tuesday, August 4 at 3:45 pm we will be hosting a parent/student meeting regarding LEGO Robotics.  We will explain the expectations, what LEGO Robotics is all about, the cost, the commitment, and the practice schedule.  All students interested in participating in LEGO Robotics this year will be provided with a RUBRIC and guidelines to tryout for the team.  This is an academic team so it is possible that all students who tryout may not make the team.  We will answer all of your questions on Tuesday, August 4, 2015.

Thank you for all of the donations!  We share them with all of the 5/6 teachers and often include the specials/elective teachers if they need something.  We are grateful for your help in providing supplies for our classrooms.  It is not necessary to have a 3" binder.  A smaller binder will work just as well.  For the science classroom we will be using 2 composition notebooks and one folder.  I will be keeping these in the classroom for all the students.  Don't forget to check in with students regarding their agenda.  We will be filling these out this week.

Please check to make sure you are filling out forms and returning them to the office.  There is a handbook form, PTSO form, a walking form, a technology form, a survey about free and reduced lunch that we are requesting all students fill out(these are personal and confidential and are put in a locked box), and 6th grade shot forms.  We also had a 5/6 policy and procedure form that requires a signature.

Curriculum night is August 13, 2015.  We will be hosting a 5:00-5:45 pm and a 6:00-6:45 pm.

It is going to be a GREAT year!

yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

Space Station Visible Tonight!

July 30, 2015

Your kids are off to a SUPER START!  The first few days are busy with a lot of information...we will keep reviewing the information.  You may receive a phone call if your child is struggling or is having a hard time adjusting to the classroom expectations.  We all want your child to have a successful academic year!  Thank you for choosing ASU Prep.  It is going to be our best year yet. :)

I wanted everyone to know that the Space Station will be visible tonight!  It is amazing to watch it cross the sky and realize that there are scientists aboard working on a variety of challenges and projects.  The Space Station will appear at 8:48 pm and be visible for 6 minutes!  That is a long time!  It will begin to appear in the SW sky and be up in the sky at about 75 degrees.  It will disappear in the NE sky.  If you have never seen it I encourage to set your alarm to remind you to go out at 8:48 pm.

If you are wondering about science supplies -
2 composition notebooks
1 folder

Extras:
foil, clear cups, index cards, red pens, purple whiteboard markers

End of the YEAR

Hello 5/6 Families!
This has been the MOST WONDERFUL year!  Thank you for making everything so EASY!  You have been quick to step up, volunteer, donate, help out, and cheer your child on through the school year.  Your child and their teachers could not have done it without you.  THANK YOU!  Thank you to all of those who have signed up on SIGN UP GENIUS!  I appreciate how dependable and how quick you have been to help out.  The breakfast was awesome.  Thank you for sending in food and sticking around to help out by serving, cleaning, cooking, and guiding students.  

If you haven't heard from me personally please know how wonderful your kids did at science camp.  They ALL seemed to have a GREAT time.  They were kept busy by excellent science leaders.  Their chaperones worked tirelessly taking them to classes, helping out in the cabins, making sure they ate, took their medications, were safe, etc.  It was a BIG job, and I think the chaperones did an awesome job.  It was a HUGE undertaking on their part, and I appreciate their efforts to make sure your kids had the best experience at camp.  Thank you chaperones!  Thank you families for sending your kids to camp with everything they needed.  Thank you for filling out all the forms, dropping off meds, and attending all the meetings.  Moms and Dads you have been GREAT!  Thank you Thank you!

Thank you for all the sweet notes, thoughtful gifts, and kind words!  I started to get the sadness of saying goodbye to all the students as the time to leave rapidly approached.  I will miss all of you 6th graders.  I wish you well in your 7th grade school year.  Work HARD.  Plan on attending college.  Work on your strengths and talents so that you can earn a scholarship!  I'm so happy to have 5th graders returning.  This next school year will be FUN and challenging!  Keep reading this summer and work on your math!  Welcome 4th graders!  I am excited to get to know you and have you show me what you know.  Science is AMAZING and all around us!  This world we live in is an incredible place and it is ours to learn about, discover, and to take care of each day.

Have an awesome summer.  I updated my weebly with a suggested supply list.  I will see you in JULY!

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

6th grade parents

Hello 6th grade parents,
A permission slip was sent home for you to sign in order to allow your child to take a survey.  All of the information about the survey is included on the permission slip.  I will be giving the survey next week.  You can check yes or no, and your child will receive a Jolly Rancher just for bringing the form back signed. (either yes or no)

Thank you for returning this form ASAP.

Best regards,
Mrs. Biggs

Science Camp Parent Meeting May 6, 2015

May 6, 2015

We are going to the Citrus Cafe on Thursday, May 7.  Cost is $7.25
Boys who need to leave early for soccer will be back at the Elementary by 1:20 pm.

Thank you for attending today's meeting.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding science camp.  ruth.biggs@asu.edu

If you did not attend the meeting, your child will be bringing home the paperwork for you to sign.  Please take notice of the due dates for the forms to be returned.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 3 forms are DUE.  You may turn them in before May 12th.
1. Polytechnic field trip Permission form
2.  Dietary Restrictions/Allergies/Medications
3. Chapel Rock Participant Information and Permission Form

Tuesday, May 19, 2015 - 1 form is DUE
1. Parent Consent for giving medication.  
You must fill out one page for each medication that your child will need to take.  All medications that your child will need to take MUST BE turned in on this date.  All medications need to be in the original container.  You only need to include enough medication for the duration of the trip, which is three days.  We will be counting and signing in and signing out all medications with an adult.  DO NOT send this medication with your student to be checked in on Tuesday, May 19th.

MANDATORY chaperone only meeting on Monday, May 18th.  Please confirm with Mrs. Biggs if you will be attending the 1st meeting at 3:45 pm or the 2nd meeting at 6:00 pm. Please send an email to Mrs. Biggs including the name you prefer going by, a cell phone number where you can be reached while at camp, and if you have a request to work with a certain adult chaperone ASAP!  Also include: if you will be driving your own vehicle and which meeting you plan on attending.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Students will arrive at their normal school time (by 8:10 am).  Each student will receive a tag and a ribbon for their medium sized suitcase/duffel bag, bedding (sheets/blanket or a sleeping bag) and their pillow.  Every single thing they bring to camp needs to have their name and/or initials.  Please refer to the packing list.  Students will not be wearing uniforms, however, there will be a dress code.  All shirts must have sleeves, all shorts must not be shorter than mid-thigh, and all shoes must be close toed.  Pack older clothes that can get dirty. Pack extra shoes.  Bring a jacket.  Please pay attention to the list of items they can and can not bring. This list is included in the stapled packet.

No electronic devices of any kind.  If you need your child to bring their phone, then your child must give it to Mrs. Biggs.  The phone will be labeled and put in a bag and stored in the nurse's office at camp.  If your child needs to call home they may use their phone under adult supervision.  All phones will be returned once we get to ASU Prep on Friday.

The camp does have a phone that you may call in the even of an emergency.  Please refrain from calling your child except in the event of an emergency. (877-445-3499).

Your child WILL NOT need any extra spending money.

Your child may not bring any food, candy, or gum.  Any special food for diet needs to be turned into the nurse/teacher.

Aspen Creek reserves the right to send any child home for illness, destruction of property, aggressive behavior or any other acts judged detrimental to the functioning of the program.

Friday, May 22, 2015
We will be leaving camp on Friday by 11:00 am.  We will have breakfast, clean cabins, check out, have one last meeting and then be on our way back to the valley.  We will not have time to stop and feed the students on the trip home, so we will give them snacks before we get on the bus.  We will have pizza for the students/chaperones/teachers once we arrive back at ASU Prep.  We should arrive by 2:00 pm.  You can pick up your child at the normal pick up time of 3:15 pm.  If you need to pick them up earlier you will need to sign them out at the front office.

You may visit the Chapel Rock/Aspen Creek website at:  http://www.chapelrock.net/aspen/teachers.htm 

First Week of May - May 4-8

April 30, 2015

Hello 5/6 families,

All final payments are due on Friday, May 1, 2015.

Thank you for your quick offers to donate donuts for Monday, May 4, 2015.  If your child could bring them in first thing in the morning, that would be perfect!  All of the teacher candidates that have been here at ASU Prep will show off their caps and gowns at our Monday meeting.  Afterwards we will celebrate Miss Jackson and Mrs. Sullivan with donuts and a couple of other surprises.

On Wednesday we will have a parent meeting for science camp.  The meeting will be on Wednesday, May 6 at 3:45 pm in the cafeteria.  I will explain what we will be doing at camp, answer questions, and discuss forms that will need to be filled out and returned to me by Tuesday, May 12, 2015.

On Thursday, May 7 we will be walking over to the Citrus Cafe for lunch.  The price is $7.25 for an all you can eat buffet including drink.  If you would prefer your child to eat a lunch from home they may do that or if they buy at lunch at school they can eat that as well.  We originally had this on the calendar for the last week of school, but the Citrus Cafe closes May 8 for the ASU school year.   Students can bring playground balls/frisbees to play with at the ASU fields after lunch.

On Friday, May 8 will be leaving campus around 12:30 pm and head over to the fitness center to meet with SPARKY.  This will last for about one hour.

We will be Galileo testing May 12-14 in the classroom.

We will be adjusting the times of our classes to make sure the students are able to continue with their in class projects and presentations.  They are doing a GREAT job keeping up with the demands of 5th and 6th grade.  Thank you for supporting them in their academic adventures.

A BIGGS thank you for all that you do!

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

Blood Moon - Lunar Eclipse

April 3, 2015

Hello 5/6 Science Families!

Tonight you can go outside and SPOT the Station at 8:21 pm.  The Space Station will be visible for about 4 minutes.  It will appear at about 46 degrees.  You can estimate this by remembering 90 degrees is directly overhead and 46 would be about half way between the ground and the sky.  Watch in the direction of West South West and traveling to the North North East sky.  If you haven't had a chance to see the Space Station I hope you will be able to view it tonight!  It is a great family activity and it is FREE! 

Here is a link where you can read about the Blood Moon - Lunar Eclipse that will occur on Saturday, April 4, 2015 in the wee hours of the morning.   Read more at the link below

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/01/us/total-lunar-eclipse-blood-moon/

Also, we have introduced the Big Thinkers WIN $25K!
"Ideas big and small have shaped the way people live for centuries.  Now your innovative ideas have the power to shape the future.  Share your big idea with the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge and start changing the world today.  Just create a short 1-2 minute video and submit it online.  You could win $25,000, a mentorship with a 3M Scientist, or one of many other great prizes.  To find more information about this challenge, click on the link below.

Enter by April 21, 2015 at:
YOUNGSCIENTISTCHALLENGE.COM/WIN

Have a wonderful weekend!

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

March 30, 2015

March 30, 2015

Thank you for all the donations you sent in for our Spring Picnic Baskets!  I hope you were able to make it to the spring picnic.  I had commitments for my family, so I could not attend. :(

I will be sending home papers regarding Science Camp on Wednesday.  You will either receive a note confirming that your child is not going, will not be at school or will be at school for those dates May 20-22.  Or, you will receive a note stating what your remaining balance is owed.

Please take a look at your calendar for the week of April 13.  We will be having our AZMerit State testing that week.  It would be GREAT if everyone  was here that week and no appointments scheduled.

The following week will be our ILP dates on April 23 and April 24.  We hope you will be able to schedule a time to meet with us and your child.  Junior Achievement will begin in the classroom the week of April 20 also.  This will take place during Social Studies.

Our end of the year Summative will be Wednesday, May 27, 2015 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm.  We hope you will be able to join us for our "Celebration of Learning".

5th and 6th Summative

Theme: Celebration of Learning

5-27-15

5:00pm-6:30pm

Spanish:  Somos Artistas

Science:  Science Fair

Language Arts & Social Studies: Sadako Packets/1,000 cranes, President Reports/ Presentations Video, Message in a Bottle, Narrative, and Persuasive Writing

Math: Polygon Attributes

Subject	Theme	Location
Science	Science Fair	MPR
Language Arts	Sadako/1,000 cranes	Homerooms
Math	Polygon Attributes	Quad area
Social Studies	President Reports Video	Quad
Spanish	Somos Artistas	Specials Hall

Yours in science,

Mrs. Biggs

March 6, 2015

Hello 5/6 Science Families!

We have one more week before spring break!  Where has the time gone?  I hope your family will enjoy a restful and fun spring break!

Optional photographs of students will be on Wednesday, March 11.  Students were given order forms today.  These photos need to be prepaid either online or using the envelope sent home with students.  This will be a FREE DRESS DAY for students who are purchasing photos.  You can pre-pay online:
www.bellphoto.com.  The password is: asuprep

AZMerit testing will be coming the week of April 13.  More information will be coming in regards to this test.  We are also discussing the testing procedures with your children because the test will all be online.  You can access more information about the test on the ADE website.

April 16 - April 20 is ASU Prep official Spring Break.

Please support your child's homeroom teacher by making a donation to the spring picnic baskets.  My basket is gift cards.  SADNESS -  I have not received any donations for our basket.  If you have extra gift cards that you haven't used or even if you pick up a gift card at one of the gift card centers.  I picked it because I thought it would be SUPER easy for families to make a donation.  I hope you will be able to make a contribution!

Talent show is March 26 at 6:00 pm at the Aravipa Auditorium on ASU poly campus.

Please watch for a sign up genius. We are looking for donations of gatorade and snacks that students can purchase with "money they have earned that is in their checkbooks."  It is nice for them to buy something!

Don't forget that science camp is right around the corner. May 20-22.  Keep making payments!  It is going to be a GREAT camp!

A BIGGS thank you for all of your support and help!

yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

Upcoming Spring Picnic

Hello 5/6 Science Families!

We have one more week before spring break!  Where has the time gone?  I hope your family will enjoy a restful and fun spring break!

Optional photographs of students will be on Wednesday, March 11.  Students were given order forms today.  These photos need to be prepaid either online or using the envelope sent home with students.  This will be a FREE DRESS DAY for students who are purchasing photos.  You can pre-pay online:
www.bellphoto.com.  The password is: asuprep

AZMerit testing will be coming the week of April 13.  More information will be coming in regards to this test.  We are also discussing the testing procedures with your children because the test will all be online.  You can access more information about the test on the ADE website.

April 16 - April 20 is ASU Prep official Spring Break.

Please support your child's homeroom teacher by making a donation to the spring picnic baskets.  My basket is gift cards.  SADNESS -  I have not received any donations for our basket.  If you have extra gift cards that you haven't used or even if you pick up a gift card at one of the gift card centers.  I picked it because I thought it would be SUPER easy for families to make a donation.  I hope you will be able to make a contribution!  The event will be March 26th from 3:00 - 6:00.

Talent show is March 26 at 6:00 pm at the Aravipa Auditorium on ASU poly campus.

Please watch for a sign up genius. We are looking for donations of gatorade and snacks that students can purchase with "money they have earned that is in their checkbooks."  It is nice for them to buy something!

Don't forget that science camp is right around the corner. May 20-22.  Keep making payments!  It is going to be a GREAT camp!

A BIGGS thank you for all of your support and help!

yours in science,
Mrs. Bigg