We just want to say what a pleasure it has been to work with all of our students and parents so far this year. We have a wonderful bunch of kids that we enjoy daily. We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday break next week and a safe holiday wherever it might take you.
Happy Holiday's!
Mr. Lazechko, Mrs. Liberty, Mrs. Villastrigo, Ms. Worthly
Monday, December 13, 2010
Canned Food Drive
Our canned food drive just has a few days left. Thank you to everyone for all of your support for our students and the community through this food & fundraising effort!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Canned Food Drive
It is once again time for our annual Christmas canned food drive. This expression of generosity from both our students and staff directly benefits those in need right here in Middleton. All contributions go to the Middleton Food Bank.
In the past, our students have contributed several thousand dollars and tons of food for those less fortunate. This is a great opportunity for us to make a difference in our community and to realize the joy of giving. Please join us and encourage your child in sharing with the needy at this special time of year.
The final day for collection is December 15th. Please wait until the final day to send any perishable items. Thank you for all your support and generosity in this drive!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Final Grades
***FINAL FIRST TRIMESTER GRADES WILL BE POSTED ON SKYWARD ON Friday, November 19th: Students who receive F's in either Content Knowledge or Work Habits will receive a credit retention letter (1-2 F's) or notice to schedule parent teacher conference on credit retention (3 or more F's)****
Monday, November 8, 2010
Deadlines! Deadlines!
The deadline for the end of the first trimester will be here in a matter of days. ALL missing work and ALL retakes must be completed and turned in by 4:00 on Monday, November 15th. Any arrangements to stay late on the 15th must be made ahead of time. Don't let these deadlines pass you by. For those students not receiving credit we will begin steps to start them on the path of credit recovery. Letters will be sent out shortly after the end of the trimester informing you of any actions you will need to take to help your child in that process.
School Supplies
As the end of the first trimester is fast approaching now is a great time to check out your child's supplies. We are noticing that many students are coming to class unprepared missing pencils or lead, loose leaf paper, their subject specific notebook, erasers (a nice big one is helpful :) ), etc. In elementary it was easy for them to keep all of these items in their desk and then have them readily available. With switching to eight different classes a day pencils and erasers often disappear in the shuffle. What may have been an ample supply in elementary school often falls short in Middle School.
Another thing that may need replenishing by now is their colored pencils. We use colored pencils in almost every project in 6th grade. There is a lot of illustrating that takes place and for 95% of it we require colored pencils and only allow markers for outlining. As teachers, we all begin the year with a healthy bin full of pencils but our supplies are starting to dwindle and some colors are becoming increasingly scarce.
An item that was not originally on our supply list but we use a lot is a black flair pen. These can be gel pens, fine tip sharpies, fine tip black markers, etc. (traditional ball point pens do not work) If you can supply this item for your child it would be greatly appreciated. We only have about 10 for the classroom.
Please check on all of these important things for your child.
Another thing that may need replenishing by now is their colored pencils. We use colored pencils in almost every project in 6th grade. There is a lot of illustrating that takes place and for 95% of it we require colored pencils and only allow markers for outlining. As teachers, we all begin the year with a healthy bin full of pencils but our supplies are starting to dwindle and some colors are becoming increasingly scarce.
An item that was not originally on our supply list but we use a lot is a black flair pen. These can be gel pens, fine tip sharpies, fine tip black markers, etc. (traditional ball point pens do not work) If you can supply this item for your child it would be greatly appreciated. We only have about 10 for the classroom.
Please check on all of these important things for your child.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Reading Volunteer for Mrs. Alsager
I am looking for a couple of parents who would be willing to supervise a reading room for my intervention study hall students. This intervention class is very large, and the students with no missing work would love to have a place to quietly read. The reading room would need to be supervised from 12:55 - 1:29 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. If you are interested in volunteering one or more days a week, please email me at salsager@msd134.org. Thank you!
Mrs. Alsager has students from both teams in this class so if you are interested please contact her and let her know when you are available.
Mrs. Alsager has students from both teams in this class so if you are interested please contact her and let her know when you are available.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
AR and AM
Just a reminder. The end of the trimester is quickly approaching. November 17th will be here before you know it. Your student has goals for both Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math (Mrs. Liberty's Math classes). They need to be working toward mastering these goals. We are concerned to see some students still have 0 points at this point in the trimester. They should have closer to 75%. Your child should know how to get online to check their reading goal progress. Have them show you how to log on. You can check AM progress in Skyward. It is listed as a grade in Math Work Habits and was updated on Monday with their current number of objectives mastered.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
School Supplies
School Supplies
We are still collecting boxes of Kleenex and Clorox Wipes. We appreciate all the donations that have already been given to us. We love to have clean, healthy classrooms.
Students need to have a spiral notebook for Science. We had three notebooks on the supply list and quickly realized that we really needed the students to have four. Right now, many of the students are using one notebook for math and science. This is a great solution to our dilemma, but we know that this notebook will probably fill up quickly and may need to be replenished.
Flair Pens - as the students already realize, we do a lot of projects in the 6th grade that require nice, neat, handwriting in pen. The students really like the cleanliness and ease a flair pen provides them. If you are able to purchase a flair pen for your child it would be much appreciated. We do have a small supply to loan to students, but many would like to have their own:)
Students need to have a spiral notebook for Science. We had three notebooks on the supply list and quickly realized that we really needed the students to have four. Right now, many of the students are using one notebook for math and science. This is a great solution to our dilemma, but we know that this notebook will probably fill up quickly and may need to be replenished.
Flair Pens - as the students already realize, we do a lot of projects in the 6th grade that require nice, neat, handwriting in pen. The students really like the cleanliness and ease a flair pen provides them. If you are able to purchase a flair pen for your child it would be much appreciated. We do have a small supply to loan to students, but many would like to have their own:)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Quiz/Test Retakes
Typically we offer students the opportunity to retake quizzes and tests that the students have earned a D/F. In order to take a retake students must correct their wrong answers, on the original test, then have a parent sign that they have studied for the retake. These retakes happen during lunch time or before/after school with prior arrangement with the teacher. We have noticed that many of our students are not taking these opportunities to increase their content knowledge. Please encourage your child to share their quizzes and tests with you and study for these retakes if necessary.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Our parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for this Wednesday from 4:00 - 7:00. Unfortunately, with the educations cutbacks this year we had to cut out a full day of conferences. We are aware that there are many of you that we would like to/need to visit with about your child's progress. We had to select those families that we felt were most in need of immediate communication form the majority of teachers. Emails and notes were sent home last Friday to those we need to see. If you need to speak to one of us and we were not able to include you please do not hesitate to call or email and we will do our best to serve you that way. We value all of our parents and wish we had the time available to see everyone, so please do not hesitate to contact us about concerns you may have.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Student Spotlight: Michaela Sonnen
Michaela agreed to share her imaginitive narrative written in language arts class, we hope to share more student work in the near future!
Narrative By: Michaela Sonnen
Karen woke; her alarm was beeping. She quickly pressed the round button. It stopped, “Finally”, thought Karen. She slowly got out of bed. She could feel the cold air wrap around her. She put her feet on the soft carpet, which surprised her. Then she remembered. This is my new house. She felt the flood of emotion coming to her: the sadness of leaving her friends, the excitement of being some where she had never been. She looked around her room. Her white dresser was near the light switch. There was a two door closet with a full length mirror connecting to the door of the closet, and a book case in the wall that was full of pictures and a few of her favorite books. Then there was her favorite part of her room, the window seat with light blue cushions. When she looked out the window she saw the sun was rising in the distant mountain ranges covered with trees.
She opened her door then and walked down to the bathroom. She brushed her long curly hair out and then tied it in a pink hair band. She quickly put her blue flower clip in her hair.
Karen ran to her room and could hear her father waking up. She got dressed in her favorite outfit. The light blue jeans, the green shirt, and the black shoes that looked great together. After getting breakfast she went out the door.
She met up with her best and only friend on the block, Ash. Ash was pretty with her black hair, storm grey eyes, and her perfect skin. They went to the bus stop, which wasn’t much, merely a sign that read ‘Bus Stop’ and a few benches. She saw the yellow bus coming. It was a boring first day of school; ringing bells, getting lost, and meeting people. Then she got on the bus and went home. Even though the day was boring she had a lot of fun. She met two people whose names really stuck in her mind because each was unique. Cody had caramel skin, big brown eyes, dark brown hair and he was friendly. The other boy was shorter than Cody, had blonde hair that swept his face, icy blue eyes, fair skin and he looked as if he knew something that nobody knew.
Ash said she knew both of them. They were coming over to her house and were part of the Believers Club. Karen didn’t know what that meant but wanted to be part of it. Later, at five, Karen told her dad over the phone that she would spend the night at Ash’s.
The Believers Club was real. Cody, Blake, Ash and Karen met in Ash’s greenhouse. The greenhouse was beautiful. It had the darkest purples to the brightest yellows. Ash said they were in a pattern to attract pixies. Karen asked her to repeat it six or seven times. That’s when she showed her the pixie.
Karen passed out. After they splashed water on her head, they went out of the greenhouse and walked along the dirt road for a long time. They turned into the forest. The giant oaks turned into willows that were way too big. Little lights floated all around.
Then Karen thought, “Those are fairies.” That’s when they entered the shrine. There was a giant lake in the center of it, flowers were all over. Then Karen saw it, something so beautiful, so pure, and so kind no one could hurt it, a baby unicorn. If she didn’t believe before, she did now. That’s when Karen remembered she could see the shrine from her room.
Narrative By: Michaela Sonnen
Karen woke; her alarm was beeping. She quickly pressed the round button. It stopped, “Finally”, thought Karen. She slowly got out of bed. She could feel the cold air wrap around her. She put her feet on the soft carpet, which surprised her. Then she remembered. This is my new house. She felt the flood of emotion coming to her: the sadness of leaving her friends, the excitement of being some where she had never been. She looked around her room. Her white dresser was near the light switch. There was a two door closet with a full length mirror connecting to the door of the closet, and a book case in the wall that was full of pictures and a few of her favorite books. Then there was her favorite part of her room, the window seat with light blue cushions. When she looked out the window she saw the sun was rising in the distant mountain ranges covered with trees.
She opened her door then and walked down to the bathroom. She brushed her long curly hair out and then tied it in a pink hair band. She quickly put her blue flower clip in her hair.
Karen ran to her room and could hear her father waking up. She got dressed in her favorite outfit. The light blue jeans, the green shirt, and the black shoes that looked great together. After getting breakfast she went out the door.
She met up with her best and only friend on the block, Ash. Ash was pretty with her black hair, storm grey eyes, and her perfect skin. They went to the bus stop, which wasn’t much, merely a sign that read ‘Bus Stop’ and a few benches. She saw the yellow bus coming. It was a boring first day of school; ringing bells, getting lost, and meeting people. Then she got on the bus and went home. Even though the day was boring she had a lot of fun. She met two people whose names really stuck in her mind because each was unique. Cody had caramel skin, big brown eyes, dark brown hair and he was friendly. The other boy was shorter than Cody, had blonde hair that swept his face, icy blue eyes, fair skin and he looked as if he knew something that nobody knew.
Ash said she knew both of them. They were coming over to her house and were part of the Believers Club. Karen didn’t know what that meant but wanted to be part of it. Later, at five, Karen told her dad over the phone that she would spend the night at Ash’s.
The Believers Club was real. Cody, Blake, Ash and Karen met in Ash’s greenhouse. The greenhouse was beautiful. It had the darkest purples to the brightest yellows. Ash said they were in a pattern to attract pixies. Karen asked her to repeat it six or seven times. That’s when she showed her the pixie.
Karen passed out. After they splashed water on her head, they went out of the greenhouse and walked along the dirt road for a long time. They turned into the forest. The giant oaks turned into willows that were way too big. Little lights floated all around.
Then Karen thought, “Those are fairies.” That’s when they entered the shrine. There was a giant lake in the center of it, flowers were all over. Then Karen saw it, something so beautiful, so pure, and so kind no one could hurt it, a baby unicorn. If she didn’t believe before, she did now. That’s when Karen remembered she could see the shrine from her room.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Skyward Family Access
Be sure to be checking your email for the information to connect you to Skyward Family Access. The initial emails may have gone to your junk mail last week so double check that folder. If you have not received an email regarding how to log on please contact the main office to check your email information in our system. This is a great tool to help you stay current on your child's progress and receive messages from teachers. Please check it frequently.
Parent Teacher Conferences & Progress Reports
It is almost that time already. Progress reports are due next Monday, October 4th. Remember this is a gauge to judge how your child is doing so far. We still have a month and a half to work together to fix problems that have developed.
Along with our progress reports comes time for Parent/Teacher Conferences. These will be slightly different this year than what you may be used to. They will be one day, Wednesday, October 6th, from 4-7. Check back later this week for more information on what this new structure will look like.
Along with our progress reports comes time for Parent/Teacher Conferences. These will be slightly different this year than what you may be used to. They will be one day, Wednesday, October 6th, from 4-7. Check back later this week for more information on what this new structure will look like.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Kleenex Anyone?
We all know that money is tight for everyone this year. Unfortunately, colds, allergies, and sniffles don't recognize this. One item we are very short on this year is Kleenex. We have already gone through a couple boxes. It is important to have Kleenex in our rooms to help prevent the spread of cold and flu germs. If you can please add an extra box to you shopping list this week and then send it in to your child's first period teacher. We try to promote staying healthy in class and go over strategies of how to cough and sneeze so the fewest germs get around. Please do what you can to help with a Kleenex contribution.
Fundraiser!!
Our annual fundraiser is off to a good start but there is still more to do. Our goal is for every student to sell at least 1 magazine. Has your child posted to Facebook? Have you helped your child fill out the postcards? Ordering is easier than ever this year over the Internet and the students still get credit! Please help us reach our goal for the year and promote participation in your family. If you have not done so yet check out the packet that came home last Tuesday. Our next turn-in day is Friday!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Agenda Checks
Daily communication about your child's classes happens through their agenda. It answers the questions like: "What did you do in school today?" and "Did you have any homework tonight?" You can help your child by checking their agenda nightly; ask them about their day based on what you see there. If they do not have anything written down, ask them why. The agendas are posted each day in our classrooms and we expect our students to fill them out every day.
We are taking a Work Habits grade on the agendas at least once a week in our 5th period classes. Each day is worth 2 pts. One point is earned for having all their subjects filled out. A second point for your initials at the bottom indicating that you have seen it. We are doing this during 5th period so that our students have had a chance to attend all their teachers. We understand that with the new 8:10 start time it is harder for the students to get the agenda filled out before classes in the morning and eat their breakfast so we have tried to make this accommodation. If you work odd hours, work out a plan with your child so that you can still see and initial the agenda each night. You might try the kitchen counter as a good spot to leave it each night and pick it up each morning. If you have not yet been able to get an agenda for your child I know that the school has ordered more. I am not sure when they will arrive but in the meantime have your child use a spiral notebook so they still have that record. Loose leaf paper tends to get lost before the end of the week. If you need help with the purchase of the agenda let us know and we will do what we can to help. We appreciate all that you do at home to help you child be successful!
We are taking a Work Habits grade on the agendas at least once a week in our 5th period classes. Each day is worth 2 pts. One point is earned for having all their subjects filled out. A second point for your initials at the bottom indicating that you have seen it. We are doing this during 5th period so that our students have had a chance to attend all their teachers. We understand that with the new 8:10 start time it is harder for the students to get the agenda filled out before classes in the morning and eat their breakfast so we have tried to make this accommodation. If you work odd hours, work out a plan with your child so that you can still see and initial the agenda each night. You might try the kitchen counter as a good spot to leave it each night and pick it up each morning. If you have not yet been able to get an agenda for your child I know that the school has ordered more. I am not sure when they will arrive but in the meantime have your child use a spiral notebook so they still have that record. Loose leaf paper tends to get lost before the end of the week. If you need help with the purchase of the agenda let us know and we will do what we can to help. We appreciate all that you do at home to help you child be successful!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Box Tops and Fundraisers
Please be checking teacher's pages on a regular basis for the plans for the week and upcoming test/quiz information. We are hoping that this will help you keep track of what is going on in class and keep you and the kids on top of homework. Thanks for all you are doing to help us get off to a great start of the year as teachers! You have some truly amazing kids and we are enjoying getting to know them!
We have a Box Tops campaign happening at MMS this year. We are attempting to help the school's supply budget by collecting and submitting Box Tops. So please keep a lookout for them and send them with your child. We are collecting them in 1st period classes and the kids can earn prizes for collecting them! (ex. 15 Box Tops = get out of 1 IHLI Lap in PE ) Ask your child about this and help us start collecting!
Every fall MMS holds a school-wide fundraiser. We will have an assembly next Tuesday, Sept. 14th, about how everyone can help and the prizes available for participating. We are trying to make it easier than ever to help contribute to the school and earn your way to some awesome prizes. Please be watching next Tuesday for those fundraiser packets to come home and help us encourage your child's participation. In the past the money we have earned has helped build the rock wall in the gym, fund band, art, drama and choir projects, support special programs that come to the school, and cut the student cost of athletics. We hope we have a great fundraiser this year and that every student can participate and earn a prize!
We have a Box Tops campaign happening at MMS this year. We are attempting to help the school's supply budget by collecting and submitting Box Tops. So please keep a lookout for them and send them with your child. We are collecting them in 1st period classes and the kids can earn prizes for collecting them! (ex. 15 Box Tops = get out of 1 IHLI Lap in PE ) Ask your child about this and help us start collecting!
Every fall MMS holds a school-wide fundraiser. We will have an assembly next Tuesday, Sept. 14th, about how everyone can help and the prizes available for participating. We are trying to make it easier than ever to help contribute to the school and earn your way to some awesome prizes. Please be watching next Tuesday for those fundraiser packets to come home and help us encourage your child's participation. In the past the money we have earned has helped build the rock wall in the gym, fund band, art, drama and choir projects, support special programs that come to the school, and cut the student cost of athletics. We hope we have a great fundraiser this year and that every student can participate and earn a prize!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Welcome! :)
Welcome to the Golden Warrior Team at MMS! We are very excited to have each of our students this year. We hope that this Blog will be a wonderful form of communication to help all of our students and parents keep track of everything happening at school.
We know that some of you have been concerned that your child has not yet brought any homework home; don't worry, it is coming. Look for math most nights starting next week. We will soon be talking with our students about AR and their home-reading for the year. In Social Studies and Science, homework can usually be expected about once a week, however this will vary as it is most often an assignment they were unable to complete in class. We will do our best to make sure that large assignments, projects and tests are posted to the blog so you will know that they are coming up.
Remember to check back here often!
We know that some of you have been concerned that your child has not yet brought any homework home; don't worry, it is coming. Look for math most nights starting next week. We will soon be talking with our students about AR and their home-reading for the year. In Social Studies and Science, homework can usually be expected about once a week, however this will vary as it is most often an assignment they were unable to complete in class. We will do our best to make sure that large assignments, projects and tests are posted to the blog so you will know that they are coming up.
Remember to check back here often!
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