Week ending on September 28th - The Last Day of Spetember

I didn't see any lions or tigers, but there were some "bears" in the ratio world. This week we are continuing the Ratio Story sage. We were reviewing ratios and tape diagrams for the quiz this week, and we were introduced to Double Number Lines. These number lines are used as a visual model for showing equivalent ratios. We found the bottom problem to be quite interesting.

We were looking at the ratio of volume of soda (ounces) and comparing it to the grams of sugar. On the Double Number Line and in the Ratio Table we can easily see the relationship between the size of a soft drink and the amount of sugar in it. (YIKES) In a 24oz bottle of regular cola, there are 80 grams of sugar. (Did you know that it recommended that women not consume more that 25 grams of sugar in a day and it is 35 grams for men - One soda is more than 3 times the daily allowance for a woman)

So we used the Double Number Line to show this information and then we needed to calculate and discover how to find other equivalent ratios that were not easily found on the number line.

Next week we will be getting a new Math Magazine, our quizzes back, continue work with Double number lines, and then... creating equations with the data in our ratio tables. This is some sophisticated work for 11 year olds!!!

Additionally:

We had a Watermelon Social this afternoon. Mr. Smith brought in a HUGE watermelon from the Stowe Middle School Garden. At the end of our reading block this afternoon we all went outside and got to have a share of the watermelon. It was FANTASTIC! The flavor was perfect and to be able to see, taste, and share in something that our students grew in our garden was a perfect way to end a wonderful week of learning.

Have a WONDERFUL Weekend!

September 21st - Last Day of Summer

I can't believe it is already the last day of summer for 2016. In this short amount of time this school year, we have done so many things and this is still the beginning of 6th grade and the Middle School Years.

I am sure that you are going to have some fantastic conversations around the dinner table tonight. We just got back from a long day of learning. Once we arrived at the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry in Barre, VT students were given a fantastic view from the top of the quarry looking down. (The the view from the top was beautiful. We could easily see Camel's hump with the blue skies.

                                                   Johon, our guide giving us some amazing information

We are working so hard.                                    Peter is so excited!

                                                           On top of the world!

In addition to Rock of Ages, we also stopped at Ziemke Glass Blowing Studio.  Glenn does an amazing job not only with the glass, but also explaining how the minerals we are learning about in Science class is used to create his beautiful artwork.

Tuesday September 20th - Open House

Thank you all for coming out Tuesday. It was so nice to get to meet you and welcome you to 6th grade and Stowe Middle School. I hope you found the evening helpful. If there is anything that we can help you with, please contact your child's TA teacher and we can set up a time to sit down with you and help make the transition run smoother.  Sadly, we didn't get to talk with all of you, but our doors and emails are always open... please let us know how we can help.

The next Math Magazine should be coming out shortly. If you need any help, please check Google Classroom for videos, or send me an email and I will help in any ways that I can.

Until Next time 

Amazing First Week!

I am so tired and full of joy all at the same time. It has truly been a wonderful week making connections with new students! I have been so impressed with the attention, focus, participation, and rich conversations that we have had in classes this week. Here are a few quick shots of some of the learning that has begun.

 

In these two pictures, students were given one of the test questions to a future assessment. They were asked, "What are the skills and knowledge that you will need to be successful for this problem? you can write down vocabulary that you might need to know, ways to demonstrate your understanding... brainstorm the things that you don't know"

Well, these conversations were fantastic. The 6th grade students were talking and sharing math at a level that truly impressed and inspired me... GREAT WORK!

Additionally, I was super excited this morning when we went to the library to get our first book project books. I absolutely LOVED listening to the excitement that my students were voicing in regards to what they wanted to learn about.

Bottom line, I think this is going to be such a great year!!!

Just a little reminder: This coming week on Wednesday September 7th at 6:00pm I will be staying late and invite any parent who would like to learn about technology and how we are using it in 6th grade. This is totally optional, so don't feel that you need to come if you are comfortable with the technology. You can always make an appointment or send us an email if you have any questions or concerns in the future.... but I do hope to see you there, if you can make it.

This is the official blurb:

Wednesday September 7th Parent Tech Night

6:00-6:45pm

Dear 6th grade parents,

You are invited to come and spend a little time learning about the technology being used by your children. Come and see what they are doing and using as well as how you can have access to their digital learning.

Topics to cover:

Email

Google Classroom (Homework Calendar)

Schoology

Videos/resources

Where to find their homework assignments

Parent Portal to see grades (And not go crazy when you see them)

Digital Citizenship Class

Monday August 29th

WOW, we did it! The first day of school is under our belts! I think it went great! I saw so many smiling faces! There were many great questions, some people got a little lost, some were confused, some a little overwhelmed, but all did great! This week we are all learning so much, and we need to remember to take a deep breath, relax, stay happy, and believe that it will all work out in the end.

I am so excited for tomorrow! We will be working on getting ourselves organized, figuring out schedules, and understanding all the expectations. - We will all need naps come Thursday afternoon.

I wanted to make sure I spread the work that ALL STUDENTS and PARENTS really really REALLY need to sign the e-registration for technology. If BOTH the student and parent registration is not signed it will cause students to not be able to use the technology, especially being able to take home their Chromebooks. To get this done, please refer to the letter you received in the mail. It contains your login credentials for your students portal in Powerschool. Follow the directions to CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT to access the important beginning of school year required forms. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Elisabeth Ortiz.