December 11, 2016

The month of December is almost half way finished.  How is that possible?  The cooler weather has at least offered us the hope of a winter season.  We've had success in the garden with our cucumbers that were planted with flowers in the same bed.  The flowers sheltered the cucumbers from the cooler temps and out plants made the most perfect, crunchy cucumbers.  We've also harvested carrots, peppers, radishes, a variety of lettuce, and cilantro.  This is the perfect time to garden.

Beginning in January, I will be offering all the 5-6 graders the opportunity to come to the garden before and after school.  During January and February we will be gardening in the afternoons.  Our official garden day is yet to be determined, but I will keep you posted when the date becomes available!

Monday, December 12 the Sparky Ambassadors will be visiting the senior living center after school to visit and play games.  We will meet in the front office and leave at 3:15 pm returning to the school between 4:30 and 4:45 pm.  Are you carpooling?  Did you send in donations for BINGO prizes?

Friday, December 16 is FREE DRESS DAY!!  Woo HOO!  5/6 won the canned food drive and along with that a free dress day!  Dress code rules still except students aren't wearing their uniforms.  Have FUN picking out your favorite outfit to wear!

TEST in Science for all Day 3 on Thursday and Friday, December 15 - 16.

Grades are DUE December 18 - which means all unfinished work is DU Friday, December 16.

December 19 - 20, Monday and Tuesday, all classes will be participating in a virtual field trip to the solar system.  It is going to be an amazing experience.  I am SUPER excited!  A BIGGS thank you to the ASU staff that is bringing this wonderful opportunity to our science classroom!

Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory Interactive on Wednesday, December 21.  A BIGGS Thank you for all of you that signed up to send in donations.

Book Exchange - Please wrap up a book to trade with another student in your foundation classroom.  The book exchange will be during our foundation classes on Wednesday, December 21.

Thank you, thank you for making everyday a pleasure to work at ASU Prep.  Your children are bright, curious, respectful, kind, generous, and caring people.  I'm so lucky to be their teacher.  It is a privilege, and I am honored.

Please contact me if you have any questions!'

Have a GREAT week!

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

December 6, 2016

Thank you for coming out to Summative!  There was a lot of wonderful things to see and enjoy with your children.  Thank you for sharing them with  us!

If you haven't seen this little video clip, I would recommend it!

Have a great evening!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1iqSHARMTk

Mrs. Biggs

December 4, 2016

Hello Science Families!
We are working on learning more about our Solar System.  Currently we are working on a research project in class.  Students are also writing a persuasive essay.  We've been talking about pathos, logos, and ethos.  Our students are GREAT writers!

We hope you will be able to come and look at some things we have been working on here in 5th and 6th grade on Tuesday evening from 5:00 - 6:30 pm.  There will be a lot to EXPLORE!

Science Camp - Please, please get your payments in to hold your child's spot, your spot, or just to get it paid off.  Science Camp is a wonderful, FUN, and educational opportunity.  We hope everyone will be able to join us!  Contact Mrs. Biggs with questions or concerns.

Dec 19th - we are asking students to bring in a book to trade or exchange with other students.

Dec 21st is wear your ugly sweater day and uniform bottoms.

Dec 21st - we will be having an interactive movie activity while we watch "Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory".  A sign up genius will be coming out, and as always, a BIGGS thank you for your generosity and willingness to help make our events amazing experiences for your children.

Our last day of instruction is December 21st ending at 3:15 pm.

We will see everyone back on Tuesday, January 3, 2017!

yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

Hello Moms and Dads!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday!

We are heading over to the Citrus Cafe on Friday at 11:15 am.  The cost is $7.25 cash, please and thank you.  After lunch, we are playing at the large field on ASU campus.  Students can bring their own lunch to the cafe and eat it there.  Please cancel if you have prepaid for lunch on Friday and ask for a credit!

Summative is next week, Tuesday, December 6, 2016.  It is a come and go from 5:00 - 6:30 pm.  We hope you will be able to join us on that evening!

If your student is in Mrs. Biggs' foundation class, the code to join my class on Newsela is below.

https://newsela.com/join/#/UDYV6T

Can you believe it is already December?  School releases this year on a Wednesday.  The date is December 21, 2016 and the start day is Tuesday, January 3, 2016.  Short winter break this year!

Enjoy the rest of November!

yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

November 21, 2016

Hello 5/6 Families!

Thanksgiving is already upon us and cooler weather.  I love this time of year in Arizona.  Perfect weather and so many beautiful spaces to visit, hike, and enjoy outside.

Cohort 3, 4, & 5 will be having a salad day during lunch on Tuesday, November 22, 2016.  Your student is welcome to bring in any salad dressings, croutons, salad toppings, forks and paper plates. We will set up salad from our garden in my classroom.

We are finishing up force and motion this week and beginning our Solar System projects.  This will be completed at school.

Wednesday, November 23 is the beginning of our school holiday.  No School on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.  Enjoy this time off with your family. :)

Coach Brown returns to work today, November 21.  We are so happy to welcome her back to ASU Prep.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support for the 2016 FUN RUN!  We had over 75% participation which made it possible for everyone to enjoy a FREE snow cone.  The students did a great job running and participating on Friday.  Thank you to parents who volunteered and helped out that day.  You helped make the day run smoothly, and we appreciate it very much!

Summative will be on December 6, 2016 at 5:00 pm.  We hope you will be able to come and see what your child has been working on here at school.

We also have a Citrus Cafe coming up on Friday, December 2nd.  We will be sending out a flyer for this activity.

Winter break begins on Thursday, December 22, 2016 and ends January 2nd. Students return Jan. 3.

I am thankful that I get to spend my days at ASU Prep everyday with amazing children that are clever, smart, and funny.  I am grateful for ASU Prep families who go above and beyond to support their children's education.  I am honored to spend time with your children.  I am thankful to be a teacher and to wear all of the different hats that come with being a teacher.  I am thankful for my family who support me in my efforts as a mother, wife, and teacher.  And, I am grateful for good friends and my fur babies.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving break!  I'll see you back on Monday, November 28!

November 13, 2016

Hello 5/6 Families!

Monday is a Super Moon!  Your homework is to go out and look at the Super Moon!(see the article below)

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2016 is the last day to make pledges for our FunRun if you want to be entered in the Principal for the day drawing.  I'm grateful for this fundraising event.  PTO steps in and helps pay for things that I purchase strictly for the classroom.  

I'm asking every student to donate $1 for the Fun Run.  I have extra forms in my classroom.  I hope you will consider this worthy cause!

Friday, November 18th is our FUN RUN.  Every student will receive a pedometer to track their steps.  5/6 will be running 12:30 to 1:30.  There are special incentives for 5-8 grades to earn a free snow cone if 75% of the students make a donation to our Fun Run.  Who doesn't love a snow cone?  Please, on behalf of your children and teachers, consider donating!

Our Hockey event on Wednesday Nov. 9th was FUN.  Thank you Coyotes for teaching us a thing or two about Hockey!

Sparky Ambassadors meets on Monday, November 13 at 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm.

School Holiday - November 23 - 25.  Enjoy the time off with your families and friends.

SCIENCE CAMP - Please continue making payments toward Science Camp.  If you haven't paid anything and you are planning on your child attending, please contact Mrs. Biggs.  It is an awesome camp for kids, parents, and teachers.

NEEDS:

pencil top erasers

balloons - 12-14 inches when inflated

Enjoy the article below on the Super Moon!

Yours in science,

Mrs. Biggs

SUPERMOON

13

NOV

An Extraordinary Sight

The supermoon will look especially big because it's so close to Earth at the moment it reaches its fullest point. Share this sight with someone special, because we won't see a supermoon this close until 2034.

About the Supermoon

From NASA

NASA/Bill Ingalls

The moon is a familiar sight in our sky, brightening dark nights and reminding us of space exploration, past and present. But the upcoming supermoon—on Monday, Nov. 14—will be especially ‘super’ since it’s the closest full moon to Earth since 1948. We won’t see another supermoon like this until 2034.

The moon’s orbit around the Earth is slightly elliptical, so sometimes the moon is closer and sometimes it’s farther away. When the moon is full as it makes its closest pass to Earth it is known as a supermoon. At perigree—the point at which the moon is closest to Earth—the moon can be as much as 14 percent closer to Earth than at apogee, when the moon is farthest from our planet. The full moon appears that much larger in diameter and 30 percent brighter. The biggest and brightest moon for observers in the United States will be on Monday morning just before dawn.

November 4, 2016

Friday, November 4, 2016

Hello Families!

Thank you for sending in sack lunches for our field trip on Thursday, November 3.  It was a really GOOD production.  I was so happy that students/adults were able to participate.  The park was awesome and the weather was perfect!  Students really had a great time.  A BIGGS thank you for helping your child participate in our field trip.

Distinguished Devils lunch was Friday, November 4.  Students came back to school with a smile on their face.  I heard lunch was delicious.

SPARKY Ambassadors is taking a field trip on Monday.  Please make sure you have made arrangements for transportation for your student.  Either you are driving or you have made arrangements for your child to ride in another parent's vehicle.  The activity should last around 1 hour.  Mrs. Nielsen sent out an email with the details.  Please contact me if you didn't receive the email.     ruth.biggs@asu.edu   or   rbiggsasuprep.weebly.com

We have activities scheduled during specials on Wednesday November 9.  Hockey Day!  Be sure and ask your child about what they did that day!

Science - We are learning about Force and Motion.  They have learned about it in Mrs. Lyle's classroom as well.  We are taking two short 5 point quizzes.  The second quiz is this week.  The study guide is under the paperclip on my Weebly.  

Students may be looking for these supplies to bring to school:  2 liter soda bottle LID , 12 - 14" balloons, corrugated cardboard with a 12" diameter (look along the edges to see if the cardboard is corrugated.  Please label their supplies and have them to school by Wednesday.  Thank you!

NO School on November 11 - I just realized I have written plans through Friday, so I'll go back and make the change.

Please VOTE on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

Thank you for sharing your children with me everyday!  I love teaching!

yours in science,

Mrs. Biggs

October 31, 2016

Hello 5/6 Science Families!

Thursday, November 3, 2016 is our field trip!  Your child needs to bring a drink/sack lunch for this day.  Please confirm with your child's foundation teacher your chaperone status.  We will be leaving by 9:00 am.

Friday, November 4, 2016 is our Distinguished Devils lunch at Citrus Cafe.  Please check in with your child if they have the form with the cost, times, etc.

We will continue working on Force and Motion in Science.  There will be a quick 5 point quiz over vocabulary Thursday or Friday depending on if your child has their 3rd day in science on Thursday or Friday.  The date will be marked in your child's agenda.  I will post the words for the quiz on my Weebly.

It is already November...hopefully the temperature will be dropping below 98 degrees.


Happy Halloween!  Happy Autumn!

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

October 24, 2016

Monday after school I will be hosting an informational meeting with Mrs. Nielsen regarding the Sparky Ambassador club.  We will be meeting in my classroom at 3:30 pm.  The purpose of the club will be explained at this time and as well as the requirements to be accepted into the club.  There is a cap on the number of students that we will be accepting into the club.  Parents are welcome to join us for this informational meeting as well.

This is spirit week!  Below are the themes for each day.  They are also listed on my Weebly.

Monday - crazy hair day.  Uniform dress.
Tuesday - Favorite Team Shirt day.  Uniform bottoms
Wednesday - Crazy glasses.  Uniform dress.
Thursday - Twin Day  Matching shirts/uniform bottoms
Friday - Dress up as your favorite character.  No masks or props.  School appropriate.

Field Trip coming up on November 4th.  Do you have your permission slip and fees turned in ????

Science Camp - We are still accepting deposits and money towards the Science Camp fees.  The total cost is $155 for students and $110 for adult chaperones.  Please make sure you have applied for your Tier 1 Fingerprint Clearance card.  You are required to have the Fingerprint Clearance card in order to attend science camp with us in May 2017.

We will be taking a pre-test for Force and Motion in Science on Monday and Tuesday.  I will post vocabulary words that will be on our quizzes on Tuesday afternoon.

PLEASE be sure and go out and VOTE on election day!

yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

October 17, 2016

Hello 5/6 Families!

Again, a BIGGS thank you for your donations for our solar ovens AND for our PRIDE celebration on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.  We know we have the BEST students and families.

I enjoyed meeting with you for ILP's.  Thank you!  If you missed your time or didn't make it to ILP's, I will be sending home report cards, etc. with your child.

Please send in a deposit of $40 for your student if you would like them to attend Science Camp in May.

Sparky Ambassadors is a service club beginning on Monday, October 24 at 3:30 - 4:15 pm in Mrs. Biggs' classroom.  The club is sponsored by Mrs. Nielsen and Mrs. Biggs.  The goal of the club is to provide service opportunities for students at our school, in our communities, and across the globe!

Please make sure you re-enroll your student for 2017-2018 by Friday, November 18.  Failure to complete the form by the deadline will result in the student's seat being given away during our lottery.  The form can be completed online.

ASU Community Spirit Night
Tuesday, October 18th
Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
Power and Ray
3:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Please help your child clean out and organize their backpack and folders!

Are you checking teacher Weebly Sites and your child's agenda on a regular basis?

Have a great 1st week back!

yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

Think like a proton, always positive.

October 2, 2016

Hello 5/6 Families,

We will be celebrating with 5/6 graders on Tuesday.  We will be watching the movie "Witches", eating popcorn, and enjoying snacks that are donated by our amazing ASU Prep families.  A BIGGS thank you for your generosity and willingness to help out.  Thank you!  If your child received 3 or more agenda lines they unfortunately are ineligible to attend our PRIDE celebration.  Please contact me or your child's foundation teacher if you have questions.

Our ILP conferences are Thursday, October 6 and Friday, October 7 unless you have a scheduled a different day/time with your child's foundation teacher.  We look forward to meeting with you!

A BIGGS thank you for all of the S'More supplies!  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!  Our Solar Ovens heated up nicely.  We will be finishing up this activity on Monday and Tuesday.  We also got the chance to measure car temperatures out in the parking lot.  Take a guess - Which color car tends to be hotter when measuring temperature from the outside?

NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  :)

Enjoy your Fall Break the week of October 10 - October 16, 2016.  We will see you back here at school on Monday, October 17 2016.  Be safe and enjoy your time together.

Yours in Science,
Mrs. Biggs

September 25, 2016

Hello Fabulous 5th and 6th grade families,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Woo Hoo - the weather is dropping below 100.  You know you live in Arizona when you say the weather is cooler and it is still in the 90's.

Picture Retakes are Monday!  If your child needs to retake their photos, please send in the old photos on Monday, September 26, 2016.

Thank you for supporting PTSO for our Chick Fil A fundraiser on Thursday.  If you missed that one here are two more that are coming up.

PTSO -  Tuesday, September 27 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm.  You will need to show a flyer or tell the       cashier that you are supporting ASU Prep Academy.  4984 South Power Road Suite 107.  50% of proceeds will be donated to our school.  Awesome!

PTSO - Cosmic Movie Night, October 4, 2016 at 6:00 pm at our Elementary School Playground. Family Movie Deal - 4 people for $5.  Bring blankets or chairs, children must be accompanied by an adult, popcorn, drinks, chips, glow sticks available for purchase.

Thank you for your donations to our PRIDE/Movie celebration on October 4, 2016.

Please make sure any donations you are making for our Solar Oven project is sent in to school by Wednesday, September 28.  Students should bring in a small shoe box.  If a student doesn't have a shoebox they can share with another student.  If your child is not able to participate, please make contact with Mrs. Biggs.

We have been busy in the garden!  We have been clearing out dead vegetation, pulling weeds, stirring in compost, turning the soil, watering, sweeping, cleaning, and PLANTING.  It is an exciting time as we anticipate the seeds sprouting.  We have some flower seeds that have emerged and look great.  We laid them out in a wagon wheel design.  Students should be bringing in a rock that they have decorated.  The rock can be decorated with names, initials, favorite fruits or vegetables, dates, etc.  The cutest rocks are showing up everyday, and I know they will add to the beauty of our garden.

Please sign up for ILP conferences with your child's foundation teacher.  ILP conferences will be held on October 6 and October 7.  Sign Ups are online.  If you didn't receive an email notification, please contact Mrs. Urban at (480) 727-5700.

You should have already made a deposit for your child of $40 for science camp in May.  If you are planning on chaperoning you need to have made a $20 deposit.  Please make sure you have made contact with Mrs. Biggs if you are chaperoning.  All Science Camp paperwork will be available in January during ILP conferences.  Included in this paperwork will be permission slips, medical information, and dietary special needs.  A packing list will be made available in April 2017.

I look forward to meeting with you during ILP conferences.

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

Here is a fun website you might enjoy.
Science News

September 15, 2016

Hello 5/6 Families!

We are under way with our planting in the garden.  Your kids are AMAZING!!!  They are great workers.  We are excited that every day the mornings are a little cooler.  We are only going in the mornings and our time spent in the garden will be reduced once our crops are in!  My goal for the garden this year is to increase the amount of produce we grow to donate to the food bank, grow a larger variety of edible vegetables, and most importantly, to expand the knowledge students have about gardening and how it relates to their life.  We are also looking to incorporate some "fairy garden pieces" in our new flower bed.  And, there are large planters outside of the kinder/Pre-K classrooms that are anxiously awaiting our GREEN thumbs.  I think it is going to be a prosperous and plentiful year.

We have been enjoying applying the "Scientific Method" to our Airplane Experiment.  We have just begun our trials and the initial writing of our experiment.  WOW!  Your kids are SUPER smart and insightful.  They are having meaningful conversations and justifying their answers to each other.  We are testing three types of paper to see which will help our airplane fly the furthest.  Our control is our airplane design.  After this experiment, we will look at other designs.

I hope you will be able to volunteer to donate an item to our S'more activity.  We will be building our ovens and cooking the last week of September.  A BIGGS thank you for your kindness and generosity.  I have sent out a SIGN UP GENIUS.  If you didn't receive an invitation PLEASE contact me.  I used all of the emails on file.

I am asking that all science camp donations be turned in by Friday September 16, 2016.

$40 for students and $20 for adults that would like to chaperone.  Please let me know before September is over if you have a financial need.  We don't have any extra money right now, but sometimes other parents would like to make a donation.  The sooner we know the better chance we may have of getting donations.  If you wait until May to let me know there is a financial need I will probably NOT be able to find any money.  If you pay $10 every pay period it will be paid off in 6 months.  Information papers will be passed out in January at your ILP conferences.

The week of September 19, 2016 we will be EADMS testing on Tuesday and Wednesday.  The schedule is on my academic page on my Weebly.  Students can bring a gum or candy for the testing days.  If your child misses the test the retakes will be on Thursday and Friday in my classroom.

We will be hosting PRIDE on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.

To be eligible to attend PRIDE:
Less than 3 agenda lines

We will be showing a movie, eating popcorn, having treats, and enjoying a cool drink.  I will be sending out a SIGN UP GENIUS to request donations for treats and drinks.  If your child has special dietary needs, please contact your child's foundation teacher to make other arrangements for snack/drink on the day of PRIDE.  Your child will know by September 30 if they have earned PRIDE.

Please be watching for the ILP conference sign up in your email inbox.  Times fill up quickly!  We look forward to meeting with all of you.  We are requesting that you sign up with your child's foundation teacher.


Mrs. Biggs Weebly

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  I will be out of school September 19-21, but I will return on the September 22, 2016.

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

September 9, 2016

Hello Amazing 5/6 Families!

I have to admit, this four day week sure felt like a five day week!  I hope you had a wonderful time with your families and enjoyed the three day weekend!

Science Camp - Please reserve your child's spot for science camp by making a $40 deposit by September 16, 2016.  If you are planning on chaperoning, then you need to make a $20 deposit by September 16, 2016.  Parent chaperones are required to have a level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card.  My suggestion is to get started on the card ASAP.

Garden - We are getting ready to plant in the next couple of weeks.  Your children can bring hats, sunglasses, water bottles, extra shoes, etc. - whatever they may need to help them while they learn about the garden.  It can be hot!  Cooler weather is just around the corner!

Science - We are finishing up with our 3rd Scientist Quiz.  There will be one more Scientist Quiz that includes ALL 33 scientists.  This will be on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 15 - 16, 2016.  I will post the study guide or you can refer back to previous study guides.  Don't forget to click on the paperclip in the box for your child's cohort.  This will bring up the study guide.

We are also review and practicing Scientific Method through various activities and another science experiment.  There will be a post Scientific Method quiz coming up before fall break.  We will also be finishing up our notes in our science journals.

Please check your child's backpack and agenda on a regular basis.

I will be sending out a Sign Up Genius requesting donations for a science experiment and also for our PRIDE activity right before ILP's and Fall Break.  Please watch for these two sign ups.  We are always grateful for the tremendous amount of support you give to our 56 team.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

ps What is a tornado's favorite kind of game to play?

September 5, 2016

Hello 5/6 Science Families,

I hope you have enjoyed a much needed "free from labor" day holiday.  Some school are just beginning their school year.  We already have a month under our belts.  WOOT! WOOT! Go ASU Prep!  It is a great place for students to learn more, to challenge themselves, and to increase their talents. 

We will be working on science centers this week.  I will also be reviewing in class, sending home, AND posting on my Weebly the expectations for our Instagram board (No, it doesn't require students to get their own Instagram!).  I will also be doing the same for I am a Scientist.  Both of these will be started at school and completed at home.  Thank you for your support.  

Quizzes - if your child misses at least half or more of the questions they are eligible to fix their mistakes on a separate piece of paper.  They must include the question #, the correct word, the correct definition written out.  They also need to include their name and cohort number.  These corrections are DUE at the end of the week.

Thank you to those of you who attended our Internet Safety class last week.  If your child uses social media PLEASE make sure their accounts are private and that you check in on their accounts often and consistently.  The students enjoyed the presentation we had on Wednesday. :)

Science Camp Deposit - DUE September 16.  Please pay online or send in a check with your student.  Please make sure your student's name is written on the check.  Student deposit is $40 and Chaperone/parent deposit is $20.

Fingerprint Clearance Card - If you would like to help chaperone please start the Fingerprint Clearance Card process ASAP.  It can take between 3 - 5 months.  We need to have a copy of this card in order for you to chaperone.

Garden - I would like every 5th and 6th grader to bring in a painted rock for the garden. River Rocks are perfect.  It needs to be about the size of their hand and not too heavy that they can't carry it to the garden.  They can include their name and anything "garden related" on their rock.  If you could send these in over the next couple of weeks that would be PERFECT!  If you would like to send in a case of water for students they would LOVE it! Any parent volunteers to help out in the garden?

Solar Ovens - we will be working on building our Solar Ovens in a couple of weeks.  Please send in a shoe box.

Extra Donations: I will be sending out a Sign Up Genius
saran wrap
tape
foil
black paper
graham crackers
marshmallow
chocolate bars- regular size NOT King Size

40 Book Challenge - Keep reading!  The library in your community is a GREAT resource.  Also check out Goodwill and the 2nd Hand Book Stores for books.  Scholastic has some great books, and we have a Scholastic Book Fair coming up in a week.  Have you thought about trading books with friends?

Thank you for supporting your child's education here at ASU Prep!  Please help your child sort through the papers in their backpacks.  Their backpacks should only have a book, HW folders, a lunch, and maybe a special pencil/colors.  We have pencils and other supplies that we share here at school.  And, please encourage your child to leave their toys at home. If your child brings a cell phone, it must be turned off during the school day.  

We appreciate our ASU Prep Families!

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs 

Why did the germ cross the microscope?  To get to the other slide, of course.

What do you call a fish without an eye?  Fsh

August 29, 2016

Please remind your children about the importance of respecting our school.  We are having issues with students not cleaning up after themselves in the bathrooms.  This includes leaving paper towels on the floor instead of in the garbage can, leaving large amounts of soap on the counters, and paper towels in the sink.  One of the things I love about our school is how nice our bathrooms look and smell.  If every student cleans up after themselves we won't have any issues.

Zella's fundraiser Tuesday, August 20 from 3:30 - 8:00 pm.  Teachers will be helping out!

If you would like to volunteer here at ASU Prep please come to an informational meeting on Wednesday, August 31 at 8:30 pm in the conference room.  Light refreshments will be served!

Science Camp info is under the tab Science Camp on my Weebly.

 rbiggsasuprep.weebly.com.

Have a great week!

yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

August 26, 2016

Hello 5/6 Families!

Thank you for coming out to our Science Camp Meeting.  I've begun uploading Science Camp information to my Weebly -rbiggsasuprep.weebly.com.  Please check in for regular updates.

6th grade - We have begun our trips to the garden.  Students will attend 1x a week depending on temperature/weather/work schedule/behavior.  Their dates will be posted on my Weebly.

All classes will begin their Instagram and I am a Scientist projects this week in class.  There will be a 2nd quiz on Scientist this Friday, September 2.  Please check my Weebly for the new list.

Zella's fundraiser - Tuesday, August 30 beginning around 4:00 pm.  I'll be working there around 4:30 pm.  I hope to see you there and deliver your pizza to your table!!!

Here are some important Science Camp Dates.

September 16, 2016               Deposit due: $40 students $20 parent
January 25-26, 2016               Forms for Science Camp given at ILP conferences
April 28, 2017                        All Science Camp money is DUE today
May 3, 2017                           Mandatory Meeting for Parents and Chaperones
May 16, 2017                          Medication Drop Off
May 17, 2017                          Student's dropped off by 8:00 am

Friday, August 19, 2016

We have had a very busy week in science!  We have been practicing scientific method vocabulary, practicing science safety, working on an experiment, and we took a test!  Your kids are doing great work in science! Thank you for sharing them with me.  It is a pleasure to teach them science!

This next week we will be looking at a variety of scientists, continue to review and practice scientific methods and vocabulary, and we will be completing another experiment.  YAY!  Science is awesome.  Students will be bringing home 2 assignments to be completed at home.  Depending on which day I see your child will determine if they bring the assignment home Monday or Tuesday.  You can check my academics on my Weebly for the assignment rubric and due date.

 Mrs. Biggs Weebly

Picture day was Thursday.  If you wanted to make a purchase I believe it can be done online.  Please contact the front office.

The parent meeting for Science Camp is Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 6:00 pm.  Please try to have one adult from your family attend.  Students do not need to attend this meeting.

Also, we will be having a special guest speaker on Internet safety at the end of this month.  This speaker will be hosting a parent meeting on September 1, 2016 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm.  We hope you will be able to attend this meeting.

Trips to the garden for 6th graders will be starting up at the end of August or first part of September.  I will also post this on my Weebly when the dates are firmed up with ASU.

Safety Patrol has begun.  Please make sure to have your child complete their safety patrol assignments.

Sports tryouts are off and running. :) Students leave our campus at 3:15 pm.  Athletes are not changing here on our campus.  They can change after they leave here and once they get to their practice area.


Were you able to sign up to receive notifications from Spot the Station last week? :)

Please recycle or reuse your glass jars.

Have a great weekend!

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

August 12, 2016

Hello 5/6 Families,

It was great to see those of you who were able to make it to Curriculum Night.  Thank you for your donations to our classrooms.  We appreciate the support you give to your children and to our school.

Aug 8-12 In Science  we are reviewing the Scientific Method.  We are practicing writing neatly, organizing our data, and classroom procedures.  We are also conducting a penny experiment.  This is a great way for students to jump right in to practice procedures, note taking, group work, and following directions.  Permission Slips for Safety Patrol were due today to Mrs. Caro.

Aug 15 - 19 In Science we will continue our investigations, practice vocabulary, continue note taking in our journals, conduct a 2nd experiment, review for a vocabulary test, and take the test either on Thursday or Friday.  If your child is in Cohort 2 or 5 their test will be Thursday.  If your child is in Cohort 1,4,or 3 their test will be Friday.

August 15  We will be kicking off our Anti-Bullying curriculum today!

August 18 - Picture Day.  Picture Packets should come home today, Friday Aug 12 with your child.  We will be handing them out during Foundations.

August 24 - Parent Science Camp Meeting.  6:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room.  One parent should attend. Students do not need to attend this meeting.  If you aren't able to attend but are planning to volunteer/chaperone for the camp you will need to contact me.  Science Camp is scheduled for May 17-19, 2017.

I shared this tiny perfect Hummingbird Nest that was on my back patio.  I have been watching for a month and the momma has not been in the nest.  So, I brought it in to share. I did find information that said most people in their lifetime will never see a Hummingbird nest.  Now you can say you have seen one.  I have a shelf in my classroom that contains donations of various bugs, insects, skeletons, shells, etc.  If you have something you would like to donate please let me know! :)

Also, this week is a great week to watch the meteor showers.
Meteor Showers

And don't forget to sign up for notices about the International Space Station.  This is amazing to view in the night's sky.  The site is Spot the Station.
Spot the Station

I hope you have a great weekend!  

Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs

Upcoming Dates in August 2016

August 10, 2016

Some important dates for 5/6 Families!

August 11, Thursday - Curriculum Night, 5:30 in the 5/6 Quad

August 18, Thursday - School Photos for Students

August 24, Wednesday - Science Camp Parent Meeting 6:00 pm Multipurpose Room

Welcome 2nd Week of school 2016

August 8, 2016

Hello 5/6 Families!

Welcome to the 2016-2015 school year.  It has been a pleasure to meet you, your children, and to get the school year off to a GREAT start.  A BIGGS Thank you, Thank you for your generous donations!  It helps to have the supplies we need to work on projects, clean up our rooms, and to complete our daily classroom activities. 

Thursday, August 11 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm will be our Curriculum Night.  We will be meeting in the 5/6 Quad.  It would be great if at least one parent could attend this curriculum night. Each teacher will give an overview of what we will be covering in our classrooms this year.

Science Supplies:
2 composition notebooks. 
1 green folder
index cards
Ziploc Bags - sandwich size, quart size, gallon size
Foil
Saran Wrap
Clorox Wipes
Kleenex
small clear cups

40 Book Challenge
We have challenged ALL Students to read 40+ books this year.  Students foundation teachers will help each student keep track of the books they are reading.  We will be keeping track of the books read and the book genre. 

6th graders
6th graders will be participating in the garden this year.  On the days we garden students can wear a hat to the garden and bring a water bottle.  We will go the first hour of the day, and this will be listed on the curriculum/planbook page on my Weebly.

Athletics

Athletics Meeting

Kick off meeting for all prospective student athletes: Tuesday, Aug. 9th at 6 p.m.

Cedar Hall - ASU Prep Poly HS

http://asuprepathletics.weebly.com/

Fall Tryouts
August 15-18
HS and JH Swimming & Cross Country 6 - 7 a.m. at SDFC
HS Soccer 3:45 - 5 p.m. at SDFC Fields
JH Flag Football 3:45 - 5 p.m. at the Track Field
JH Volleyball (August 15 & 16 only) 3:45-5:45 p.m. at SDFC
HS Volleyball (August 15 & 16 only) 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. at SDFC

I hope you had a great first week!  Please email me or one of the other teachers if you have any questions or concerns.  I'm so happy to be back into the school year.  I LOVE teaching. It is an honor and privilege to come spend the day sharing science with your children. 

Thank you again for your support and help.

Yours in science,

Mrs. Biggs

May 9, 2016

Hello amazing and wonderful 5th and 6th grade families!

I can't believe it is May 2016!  Where has the school year gone?  I am sad to see the school year end. It has been an amazing year with your children.  Thank you for entrusting them to us, here at ASU Prep.  Thank you for your generous support of supplies, donations for PRIDE, trips to the Citrus Cafe, Field Trips, staff luncheon, and especially for being so very thoughtful during Teacher Appreciation Week.  I am grateful and thankful for your kindness and thoughtfulness.

Here are some dates with upcoming events:
May 3-5     EADMS Testing
May 13      PRIDE during 4th Block.  Bring Board Games and a snack.
May 17      Reunification Day at ASU (more news to come)
May 20      Field Trip to Child's Play.  Bring a sack lunch.
May 23     Move up Day for 4th grade - 8:30 - 9:30.  5th graders will help out on campus.
May 24     Summative   5:00 - 6:30
May 25     Regular Day.  Yearbook signing after school.  3:15 - 4:15.  $2 Shaved Ice
May 26     Breakfast in the Quad.  EARLY RELEASE AT NOON!

Pride is earned by having fewer than 3 missing assignments, no suspensions from school, and fewer than 3 lines in their agenda.

I will be sending out a Sign Up Genius to request help with our 5/6 Breakfast on the last day of school.  It is a fun, end of the year celebration.  The success of the breakfast depends 100% on parents helping out by serving setting up, cooking, and donating.  It is a super fun, end of the year activity.  I hope you will be able to find something to sign up and donate.  Thank you in advance for your help!

We will be working up until the very last day in science.  To our 6th graders - I wish you the best as you continue your educational journey.  I've loved seeing you everyday.  I'm so glad we got to go to science camp last year!  I'm proud of all that you have learned and overcome.  I hope you are making forever friends.  And, I hope you will come back to visit!  Have a GREAT summer!

Best to you and yours,

Mrs. Biggs

Young Scientists to Change the World Science

WANTED: Young Scientists to Change the World Science and engineering have the power to change the world around us and the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is inviting 5-8th grade students to make a difference through innovative ideas. From helmets that detect concussions to using solar energy for water purification, past contenders have dreamed up answers and ideas that change the way we live. 

So what sets the Young Scientist Challenge apart from other science competitions? It has the power to change lives. Ten national finalists earn exclusive summer mentorships with a 3M scientist, where they can work together on special assignments and explore a career in science. They also get the chance to turn their ideas into real inventions. One lucky student will even win $25,000 and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist". 

Ready to enter? Students can start by checking out the video topics for this year's Young Scientist Challenge. Then, look around at all aspects of everyday life, take notes and put your mind to the test on fixing a related real-world problem. Anyone in grades 5-8 can send an idea straight to the Young Scientist Challenge. We're accepting video entries through April 20, 2016. Don't miss the deadline or the chance to become America's Top Young Scientist! 

Steps to enter:

1. Take a look at this year's challenge topics and start innovating!

2. Read tips and tricks for making a great video competition entry. You can use a digital camera, smart phone or other recording device.

3. Record your 1-2 minute video entry.

4. Fill out the Young Scientist Challenge entry form and submit!

Don't forget to check out all of the educational resources on www.YoungScientistChallenge.com for use at home and in the classroom. You'll find judges' bios, student experiences, science activities, science games and other resources that'll spark the mind and help time fly. 

Link to: http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/?utm_source=toolkit&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=CFE2016