Tuesday, September 8, 2015

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

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