STM Sixth Grade

Museum of Craft and Folk Art Visit

2012-01-23T10:18:00.001-08:00

The Museum of Craft and Folk Art (MOCFA) will visit the 6th Grade on Friday, January 27, for a presentation on ancient Greek pottery. In addition to viewing slides and learning about these fascinating artifacts the students will have a chance to create their own piece of Greek art.

In preparation for this visit, I would like the students to spend some time becoming familiar with Greek mythology and thinking about their design ahead of time. A great site for this is
carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/GREECE/home.html

We will visit this in class during our technology periods, but I wanted it to be available here in case they wanted to look at it in their spare time! I hope to have pictures of their creations posted next week. Even better, stop by during the Open House on Sunday, February 5, to see their artwork, their pinatas, and examples of their schoolwork!

We Have a Dream

2012-01-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Today the 6th grade watched Martin Luther King Jr's famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the March on Washington and discussed the Civil Rights movement. It is important for the students to know why they have the extra holiday on Monday and the debt of gratitude they owe to all those who worked to give us the freedom we enjoy today.

The 6th graders have been accompanying their Kindergarten buddies to Mass on Fridays since December. It is interesting to watch them interact with their partners and help them focus on the liturgy! They are always a bit worn out by the time we return to class at 9:30...

In technology they are learning to use Google Docs as a word processor. The idea is to cut down on the amount of paper generated by allowing them to submit their written work electronically. Ask them to show you what they have learned!

Every student should have chosen their great American hero and have their biography to read. Their reports are due at the end of the month.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

2011-10-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that St. Thomas More School has Learning Expectations for its students? Each week, after reviewing the Principal's letter with the students, the 6th grade reviews the Schoolwide Learning Expectations and talks about how we have met those expectations during the week.
Here is an example!
THOUGHTFUL, SPIRITUAL INDIVIDUALS
When we help one another by sharing our supplies with a smile, when we pick up something that someone dropped, when we help our kindergarten partners, we are being thoughtful, spiritual individuals.
HIGHLY EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS
When we have a class discussion on current events and listen attentively to one another, when we share our thoughts and remember to raise our hands, we are being effective communicators.
INVOLVED CITIZENS
When we participate in the Sandwiches for the Needy program or the Toiletries Drive for the Blue Star Moms, we are involving ourselves in the needs of others, and recognizing that we are citizens of the world.
KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS
When we use our planners at the end of the day and organize ourselves to do our homework, when we organize our backpacks and ensure that we have all the supplies we will need to learn the next day, we are using our skills as knowledge seekers.

New Report!

2011-10-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

We are writing reports for Hispanic American Heritage month! Use the link below to find information on your chosen subject!

http://www.factmonster.com/spot/hhmbioaz.html

Everyone should have a worksheet to help them organize their information after having technology class this week. The report will then be organized into at least three well written paragraphs which will be handed in no later than October 17.

2011-09-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

http://earlyhumans.mrdonn.org/caveart.html#CAVE

The link for this week's technology lesson is above. Join us as we explore early man's cave paintings!

Photos

2011-09-06T06:56:00.001-07:00

A Week of Firsts

2011-09-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

We made it through our first full week of school. Hurray! We had our first Technology class and our first trip to the school library. We had our first PE and Music classes. We triumphed over our first 6th grade Spelling list and tackled a Vocabulary Unit for the first time. Did your kids look a little tired by the time they hit Friday? They had a good reason to be!

We also took the time to laugh and play a bit! (I know..shocking..playing and laughing in 6th grade?) I pulled out the light saber and we played Ninja Math with Order of Operations in Math, thus earning their teacher the nickname "Darth Beach". We played the traditional 6th grade Spelling game on Thursday. Riley's row won and was awarded Kit Kats! And..the desk fairy visited for the first time and everyone's desk passed inspection! Tootsie Roll Pops for everyone!

This week we add Spanish and Dance to the mix and the students' schedule will be complete. The first pizza sale is Wednesday. Thanks to Mrs. Vila for counting the orders again this year!
On Friday we will go to Mass as usual, and then attend a special prayer service remembering the victims of 9/11 at 1:45. Please join us for this special service.

While on the topic of 9/11...I am trying to cover this gently and carefully in class. Please be aware of what your children are watching on TV as we approach this anniversary. With all the anniversary specials, it would be easy for the children to be traumatized. I have suggested that they watch these specials ONLY with your supervision.

Have a wonderful week!

Welcome Back

2011-08-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back to a new school year! I'm sure we're all looking forward to the first full week of school; well, at least their teacher is looking forward to it!
This year we welcome several new students to our class. Welcome Austin, Ricky D., Collin, and Zamiri! I know that everyone will join me in welcoming them and making them feel part of our community quickly. For those who were wondering, our class count is now 20 boys and 14 girls.

Thank you to all the parents who came to Back to School Night on Thursday evening. I appreciate your taking the time to come and be a part of your child's education. As promised, here is our weekly schedule, for your reference.

MONDAY: Spelling list given, this list must by signed by parents.
Spanish class with Senora Cortez
TUESDAY: Dance class, please be sure that the girls have sweat pants with them
Vocabulary units started
Tech/Library for 1/2 class
Corrected work returned, please look especially for any papers marked "Sign and Return"
WEDNESDAY: P.E.
Spanish
Family Envelopes distributed
THURSDAY: Music class
Tech/Library for 1/2 class
FRIDAY: Mass at 8:30, sweaters are required
Spelling Test
Geography Quiz
2:30 dismissal