Miss Majdan/Mrs. Surprenant (SIXTH GRADE)
October Newsletter
We are off to a great start. The NWEA testing is going great and we are looking forward to setting up leveled groups for math and reading as soon as possible.
Writing: The writing trait of the month is ideas. We will also focus on abbreviations, punctuation in dialogue, and correctly using colons and hyphens.
Daily 5: We are reviewing and learning a variety of strategies to help us become better readers. We are also investigating the plot structure and character development in a variety of texts..
Social Studies: We are finishing up our study of the Five Themes of Geography. We will begin studying Canada and enjoy hearing from our sixth grade pen pals that live in Canada.
Science: We will continue learning about the animal kingdom and begin discussing the habitats of different animals.
Math: In math we are working on rounding, exponents, and prime and composite numbers.
Spelling
Your student will write their spelling words in their planner each Monday. Please encourage them to study throughout the week. We will be testing each Thursday and the spelling lists are included in the reading grade. 
Science
Due to the large number of science objectives this year, we have grouped them into units. Most of the time we will put a grouping of objectives on the preview and the spend two weeks learning and reviewing that information. We will be assessing for mastery throughout the two weeks and/or at the end of the week. We are taking a lot of notes in science and will occasionally provide study guides. If we send home a study guide it will be noted in your child’s student planner. Please encourage your child to study at home.
Homework
We will be assigning homework sporadically throughout the week. Please make sure your child is completing the assignment and returning it the following day.
MEAP
We will begin taking the MEAP Tuesday, October 11th. Please make sure that your child is well rested when they arrive at school so that we can get a true evaluation of their knowledge and skills. Sixth grade takes the reading, math, and social studies tests. We have spent a lot of time reviewing Michigan history. Encourage your child to review the materials that have been sent home over the next couple of weeks.
BOOK IT!
Starting this month we bill begin BOOK IT! We have attached a parent note and a calendar to keep track of the minutes your child reads. The goal is 300 minutes for the month. If your child reaches the goal he/she will receive a coupon for a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.
Halloween Party
We will be walking to Lakeview Meadow for trick or treating on Monday, October 31st. Students are allowed to BRING a costume to change into after recess. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD IN THEIR HALLOWEEN COSTUME!! A note will go home later this month with details on the party.
Scholastic Book Order
This month we are sending home Arrow Book Club order and the Click Book Club order. When you buy books from Scholastic our class earns bonus points that we can use to buy additional book for the classroom. You are also able to order online, which gives our class even more points. Money and order form need to be turned into me by the due date. Please make checks payable to Scholastic Book Clubs. If you order online, your order needs to be completed by the due date also.
October 2011
