Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
October 4, 2010
La Paloma Academy
6th Grade Newsletter
October 4, 2010
Mr. Festerling
MATH
READING
WRITING
SCIENCE
In Science class we will look at the forces at work in the universe. Students will be able to explain the relationship between force and motion. It is interesting to see how these forces are at work all around us, from weight, to driving a car, and even performing tricks on a skateboard.
CHARACTER COUNTS
Caring is the theme for our Character Counts lesson this week. Students will take a self-evaluation regarding caring for others. Additionally, we will discuss questions such as, “To what extent would you inconvenience yourself for another person?”
6th Grade Newsletter
October 4, 2010
Mr. Festerling
Rational numbers, solving the area of simple polygons, and ordering integers will be the focus of learning in math this week. A question you could inquire of your sixth grader would be, “Is it possible to divide by zero?” Additionally, students know that completing daily homework is essential for test preparation as concepts continue to build up.
“That’s the real McCoy.” Where did this saying come from? Sixth grade students will learn just who the real McCoy was in reading class this week. We will also discuss historical and cultural aspects found in a cross-cultural work of literature. A reading process we will work on will involve using context clues to identify the meaning of unknown words.
As a reminder, the next book report is due October 18. The format of the book report is a written report covering main literary components. The students have a copy of the format outlining the expectations and scoring guidelines. Sixth graders are free to select a 6th grade level book of their choice to read.WRITING
SCIENCE
In Science class we will look at the forces at work in the universe. Students will be able to explain the relationship between force and motion. It is interesting to see how these forces are at work all around us, from weight, to driving a car, and even performing tricks on a skateboard.
CHARACTER COUNTS
Caring is the theme for our Character Counts lesson this week. Students will take a self-evaluation regarding caring for others. Additionally, we will discuss questions such as, “To what extent would you inconvenience yourself for another person?”
C L A S S O F 2 0 1 7
Sunday, September 19, 2010
September 27, 2010
La Paloma Academy
6th Grade Newsletter
September 27, 2010
Mr. Festerling
COMMUNICATION
Communication between school and home is important for each 6th grader's success. Parents can email Mr. Festerling directly from the La Paloma website, lpatucson.org, or call him before or after school at 520-721-4205. Additionally, as mentioned in previous newsletters, the student's planner is a great vehicle for communicating daily assignments, test scores, or written notes to parent or teacher.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Now that students can name the difference between the Paleolithic Age and the Neolithic Age, 6th grade is now turning attention to written history and the earliest civilizations. The students will do detailed map work including comparing where the oldest civilizations were located compared to present day countries. These countries are in the news on a daily basis.
MATH
Fractions and decimals are a part of daily mathematics for the 6th graders. As the 6th graders know, success comes from organizing math problems properly and double checking answers (amongst other things). This is especially true with proper decimal placement and multiple step problems. Decimals and fractions are reinforced daily with practice problems and real life word problems.
READING
SCIENCE
The students' wonderful diagrams of atoms are on the bulletin board in the classroom. If you stop by the classroom be sure to locate your child's so he/she can tell you the main parts of an atom. Sixth graders will concentrate on "changes in matter" through reading, note taking, and hands-on experiments.
CHARACTER COUNTS
6th Grade Newsletter
September 27, 2010
Mr. Festerling
COMMUNICATION
Communication between school and home is important for each 6th grader's success. Parents can email Mr. Festerling directly from the La Paloma website, lpatucson.org, or call him before or after school at 520-721-4205. Additionally, as mentioned in previous newsletters, the student's planner is a great vehicle for communicating daily assignments, test scores, or written notes to parent or teacher.
SOCIAL STUDIES
MATH
Fractions and decimals are a part of daily mathematics for the 6th graders. As the 6th graders know, success comes from organizing math problems properly and double checking answers (amongst other things). This is especially true with proper decimal placement and multiple step problems. Decimals and fractions are reinforced daily with practice problems and real life word problems.
READING
WRITING
After an extensive look at multiple methods of prewriting, the first and ever important step in writing, students will target "showing, not telling" with their word choice in writing pieces. The other focal points for their writing this week (and always) are what is the topic, who is the audience, why am I writing this (purpose), and how am I best going to accomplish the purpose (form).
SCIENCE
The students' wonderful diagrams of atoms are on the bulletin board in the classroom. If you stop by the classroom be sure to locate your child's so he/she can tell you the main parts of an atom. Sixth graders will concentrate on "changes in matter" through reading, note taking, and hands-on experiments.
CHARACTER COUNTS
C L A S S O F 2 0 1 7
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Week of September 9
La Paloma Academy
6th Grade Newsletter
September 9, 2010
Mr. Festerling
MATH
This week in math class, one of the focal points for the sixth graders will be to slow down on homework, line up their work properly, and check over their answers. This will help ensure high quality assignment and assessment results.The upcoming learning concepts include: identifying and applying patterns in word problems, negative numbers on a number line, rounding, and fractions on a number line.
READING
Hatchet book reports are due on Friday, September 10. The students may select from a variety of book report options. The idea for this set of book reports is that each student is able to apply their unique learning style to a book report format they are comfortable with. This week we will also learn more about the author’s point of view in literature and prepare for the final test. The September Daily Independent Reading Time log was handed out. Each 6th grader should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes per night (5 days a week) and recording their time on the DIRT log.
WRITING
The Oil Spill papers were returned to the students for their running portfolio. Each student is assessed on the 6 Traits of Writing including ideas and content, organization, sentence fluency, voice, word choice, and conventions. During the year, we will focus our writing improvement in those 6 areas. It is exciting to compare the student’s growth from his/her first paper to the last paper.
SCIENCE
Students will receive a study guide for most tests. If the student com-pletes the study guide and studies directly from it, he/she will be most successful as it sets forth the material each student is expected to know. This was the case for the most recent test on cells.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Sixth grade continues their study on “Planet Earth”. Highlights will include maps vs. globes, the International Date Line, and latitude and longitude.
OPEN HOUSE
Thank you, parents, for making the La Paloma Academy Open House so successful. Mr. Festerling appreci-ates you; he enjoyed the opportu-nity to meet your families and learn more about your 6th grader. We hope you benefitted from the event as well.
Questions for your 6th grader for the upcoming week. . .
How can you be sure to minimize small mathematical errors on your math homework?
How would you rate your involvement in class discussions on a daily basis?
What point of view is a book you are reading or a video game you play (1st or 3rd person)?
What is the IDL and why is it so important anyway?
6th Grade Newsletter
September 9, 2010
Mr. Festerling
MATH
This week in math class, one of the focal points for the sixth graders will be to slow down on homework, line up their work properly, and check over their answers. This will help ensure high quality assignment and assessment results.The upcoming learning concepts include: identifying and applying patterns in word problems, negative numbers on a number line, rounding, and fractions on a number line.
READING
Hatchet book reports are due on Friday, September 10. The students may select from a variety of book report options. The idea for this set of book reports is that each student is able to apply their unique learning style to a book report format they are comfortable with. This week we will also learn more about the author’s point of view in literature and prepare for the final test. The September Daily Independent Reading Time log was handed out. Each 6th grader should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes per night (5 days a week) and recording their time on the DIRT log.
WRITING
The Oil Spill papers were returned to the students for their running portfolio. Each student is assessed on the 6 Traits of Writing including ideas and content, organization, sentence fluency, voice, word choice, and conventions. During the year, we will focus our writing improvement in those 6 areas. It is exciting to compare the student’s growth from his/her first paper to the last paper.
SCIENCE
Students will receive a study guide for most tests. If the student com-pletes the study guide and studies directly from it, he/she will be most successful as it sets forth the material each student is expected to know. This was the case for the most recent test on cells.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Sixth grade continues their study on “Planet Earth”. Highlights will include maps vs. globes, the International Date Line, and latitude and longitude.
OPEN HOUSE
Thank you, parents, for making the La Paloma Academy Open House so successful. Mr. Festerling appreci-ates you; he enjoyed the opportu-nity to meet your families and learn more about your 6th grader. We hope you benefitted from the event as well.
Questions for your 6th grader for the upcoming week. . .
How can you be sure to minimize small mathematical errors on your math homework?
How would you rate your involvement in class discussions on a daily basis?
What point of view is a book you are reading or a video game you play (1st or 3rd person)?
What is the IDL and why is it so important anyway?
C L A S S O F 2 0 1 7
Friday, August 27, 2010
La Paloma Academy, 6th Grade Newsletter
La Paloma Academy
6th Grade Newsletter
August 27, 2010
Mr. Festerling
MATH
Students took their first math test on lessons 1-10. Parents are encouraged to review the results of this test with their child. This score can also be found in the student’s planner.
Over the next week the students will study place value, negative numbers, rounding, and a variety of word problems.
It is very important that students master each math concept as the lessons often build on previous concepts. Should students find they need a refresher of a lesson or concept, LPA is fortunate to have Mr. Rubasch available as a resource for small group instruction/review. Please speak with Mr. Festerling to schedule.
READING
Students continue reading Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. Each sixth grader is using note cards to record vocabulary words. These cards will serve as an excellent study tool for the final test. The book report presentations will be on September 8. For a successful book report, students should “chip away” at this long term project a little at a time over the next week if they have not started to do so already.
WRITING
6th graders are writing an expository piece involving comparing and contrasting. They are completing two graphic organizers prior to writing and will thoroughly proofread and revise their works. This is part of a preassessment for students to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth.
SOCIAL STUDIES
In 6th Grade Social Studies, the class will use a new set of materials this week called World History Studies Weekly. This series ties together many disciplines such as literature, science, geography, history, current events, and technology. Students will study planet Earth and maintain a “portfolio” folder complete with a table of contents for all classroom notes and projects. Keeping an organized folder will ensure each student will have the necessary material to review for the final test.
SCIENCE
The test on cells will be corrected and returned to the students the first part of the week. Students, be sure to share the results with your parents. The ever important scientific method will be the theme next week. Similar to Social Studies, students will keep an organized “portfolio” folder for the unit.
OPEN HOUSE
Parents are invited to Open House at La Paloma Academy on September 1, at 6 pm. Students will showcase their recent successes in 6th grade, and Mr. Festerling looks forward to visiting with your families. See you there!
Important Dates . . .
Picture Day . . . . . Aug 30
Open House, 6 pm . . . . . Sept 1
August DIRT due . . . . . Sept 1
Hatchet Book Report due . . . . . Sept 8
Questions for your 6th grader for the upcoming week. . .
Are you “left or right brained” and what does that mean?
What is the BeriBeri story from Science class?
Who was Alfred Wegener and what “jigsaw puzzle” did he study?
What was Atlas’ punishment by Zeus?
6th Grade Newsletter
August 27, 2010
Mr. Festerling
MATH
Students took their first math test on lessons 1-10. Parents are encouraged to review the results of this test with their child. This score can also be found in the student’s planner.
Over the next week the students will study place value, negative numbers, rounding, and a variety of word problems.
It is very important that students master each math concept as the lessons often build on previous concepts. Should students find they need a refresher of a lesson or concept, LPA is fortunate to have Mr. Rubasch available as a resource for small group instruction/review. Please speak with Mr. Festerling to schedule.
READING
Students continue reading Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. Each sixth grader is using note cards to record vocabulary words. These cards will serve as an excellent study tool for the final test. The book report presentations will be on September 8. For a successful book report, students should “chip away” at this long term project a little at a time over the next week if they have not started to do so already.
WRITING
6th graders are writing an expository piece involving comparing and contrasting. They are completing two graphic organizers prior to writing and will thoroughly proofread and revise their works. This is part of a preassessment for students to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth.
SOCIAL STUDIES
In 6th Grade Social Studies, the class will use a new set of materials this week called World History Studies Weekly. This series ties together many disciplines such as literature, science, geography, history, current events, and technology. Students will study planet Earth and maintain a “portfolio” folder complete with a table of contents for all classroom notes and projects. Keeping an organized folder will ensure each student will have the necessary material to review for the final test.
SCIENCE
The test on cells will be corrected and returned to the students the first part of the week. Students, be sure to share the results with your parents. The ever important scientific method will be the theme next week. Similar to Social Studies, students will keep an organized “portfolio” folder for the unit.
OPEN HOUSE
Parents are invited to Open House at La Paloma Academy on September 1, at 6 pm. Students will showcase their recent successes in 6th grade, and Mr. Festerling looks forward to visiting with your families. See you there!
Important Dates . . .
Picture Day . . . . . Aug 30
Open House, 6 pm . . . . . Sept 1
August DIRT due . . . . . Sept 1
Hatchet Book Report due . . . . . Sept 8
Questions for your 6th grader for the upcoming week. . .
Are you “left or right brained” and what does that mean?
What is the BeriBeri story from Science class?
Who was Alfred Wegener and what “jigsaw puzzle” did he study?
What was Atlas’ punishment by Zeus?
C L A S S O F 2 0 1 7
Monday, August 23, 2010
6th Grade Newsletter, August 20, Festerling
La Paloma Academy
6th Grade Newsletter
August 20, 2010
Mr. Festerling
MATH
Students took pre-assessment tests to see how much information they remembered from the sum-mer break. These scores are re-corded in their planners. 6th grade jumped into pre-algebra and order of operations, followed by units of measurement and perime-ter. The first test on lessons 1-10 will be on Thursday, August 26. Over the next week we will study negative numbers, place value, and strategies to solve word problems. Students who would like a chal-lenge can earn extra credit by problem solving the Quizzle of the Week.
READING
The first book for reading class is Newberry Award Winner, Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. Classroom discussions center around literary elements, comprehension and higher level questioning. The final test on Friday, September 3, will consist of short answer questions, vocabulary, and a critical thinking essay question. Stu-dents are to begin working on their book reports which are due Wednes-day, September 8. There are a vari-ety of book report formats that stu-dents’ may select from. Students will present their reports in class.
Students should be reading a mini-mum of 20 to 30 minutes per day 5 days a week and recording their reading on their Daily Independent Reading Time sheet.
WRITING
We are focusing on basic conventions and sentence structure in English/writing next week. Students worked diligently on their first position paper about “Off-Shore Drilling”.
SCIENCE
Science lessons will continue to cover the building blocks of all living things, cells. Students will receive a study guide to help them study for their first science test on Friday, August 27.
PLANNERS/AGENDAS
Keeping organized is key to a successful year in 6th grade. The stu-dent’s planner is a great tool for staying organized. Not only is the planner where assignments can be found, but the planner can be used as a communication vehicle between home and school. Parents can jot a note in the planner to their child’s teacher and vice versa. Parents can also check in with their 6th grader by reviewing their planner with them regularly.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Math test - Aug 26 (Lessons 1-10)
Science test - Aug 27 (Chapter 1 Cells)
Open House - Sept 1 (6 pm)
August DIRT due - Sept 1
Hatchet test - Sept 3
Hatchet book reports due - Sept 8
Questions for your 6th grader from the week. . .
How did Simon and Garfunkel use imagery in their lyrics?
What “intelligence” are you according to Howard Gardner and how might you “learn” best?
What is the perimeter of a room where you live?
How does the temperature of water affect the diffusion of food coloring?
6th Grade Newsletter
August 20, 2010
Mr. Festerling
MATH
Students took pre-assessment tests to see how much information they remembered from the sum-mer break. These scores are re-corded in their planners. 6th grade jumped into pre-algebra and order of operations, followed by units of measurement and perime-ter. The first test on lessons 1-10 will be on Thursday, August 26. Over the next week we will study negative numbers, place value, and strategies to solve word problems. Students who would like a chal-lenge can earn extra credit by problem solving the Quizzle of the Week.
READING
The first book for reading class is Newberry Award Winner, Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. Classroom discussions center around literary elements, comprehension and higher level questioning. The final test on Friday, September 3, will consist of short answer questions, vocabulary, and a critical thinking essay question. Stu-dents are to begin working on their book reports which are due Wednes-day, September 8. There are a vari-ety of book report formats that stu-dents’ may select from. Students will present their reports in class.
Students should be reading a mini-mum of 20 to 30 minutes per day 5 days a week and recording their reading on their Daily Independent Reading Time sheet.
WRITING
We are focusing on basic conventions and sentence structure in English/writing next week. Students worked diligently on their first position paper about “Off-Shore Drilling”.
SCIENCE
Science lessons will continue to cover the building blocks of all living things, cells. Students will receive a study guide to help them study for their first science test on Friday, August 27.
PLANNERS/AGENDAS
Keeping organized is key to a successful year in 6th grade. The stu-dent’s planner is a great tool for staying organized. Not only is the planner where assignments can be found, but the planner can be used as a communication vehicle between home and school. Parents can jot a note in the planner to their child’s teacher and vice versa. Parents can also check in with their 6th grader by reviewing their planner with them regularly.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Math test - Aug 26 (Lessons 1-10)
Science test - Aug 27 (Chapter 1 Cells)
Open House - Sept 1 (6 pm)
August DIRT due - Sept 1
Hatchet test - Sept 3
Hatchet book reports due - Sept 8
Questions for your 6th grader from the week. . .
How did Simon and Garfunkel use imagery in their lyrics?
What “intelligence” are you according to Howard Gardner and how might you “learn” best?
What is the perimeter of a room where you live?
How does the temperature of water affect the diffusion of food coloring?
C L A S S O F 2 0 1 7
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Dear Scholars and Families,
Welcome to 6th grade! I am excited about the opportunity to get to know you, and am looking forward to a happy and productive school year. Curriculum areas we will focus on this year include Math, Writing, Reading, Social Studies, Science, Music, and Art.
Your student should plan to have homework every night. At the end of each day we will be writing the assignments due in their planners. You are welcome to refer to their planner if you are concerned about any missing assignments. All students must use an LPA planner which are available at the front desk for $2.50.
Attendance is very important to the success of each student. Any child who is absent will have work collected and put in a folder to be picked up that day for the student to complete at home. Please note that it may not be possible to make up all assignments missed from absences.
My grading policy is as follows:
Percent Grade Percent Grade Percent Grade
97-100 A+ 83-86 B 70-72 C-
93-96 A 80-82 B- 67-69 D+
90-92 A- 77-79 C+ 63-66 D
87-89 B+ 73-76 C 60-62 D-
59 or below F
Please refer to the La Paloma Academy student handbook for all school rules. These rules will be followed in our classroom. Please make note of the dress code, and be aware that students can only wear a solid red, white, or blue shirt, sweater or sweatshirt inside my class.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 721-4205. The best times to reach me are before school from 7:30-8:00 or after school from 3:30-4:00 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday). If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call during the above hours.
Once again, welcome to 6th grade. Let’s work together to make this year successful.
Sincerely,
Mr. Festerling
Your student should plan to have homework every night. At the end of each day we will be writing the assignments due in their planners. You are welcome to refer to their planner if you are concerned about any missing assignments. All students must use an LPA planner which are available at the front desk for $2.50.
Attendance is very important to the success of each student. Any child who is absent will have work collected and put in a folder to be picked up that day for the student to complete at home. Please note that it may not be possible to make up all assignments missed from absences.
My grading policy is as follows:
Percent Grade Percent Grade Percent Grade
97-100 A+ 83-86 B 70-72 C-
93-96 A 80-82 B- 67-69 D+
90-92 A- 77-79 C+ 63-66 D
87-89 B+ 73-76 C 60-62 D-
59 or below F
Please refer to the La Paloma Academy student handbook for all school rules. These rules will be followed in our classroom. Please make note of the dress code, and be aware that students can only wear a solid red, white, or blue shirt, sweater or sweatshirt inside my class.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 721-4205. The best times to reach me are before school from 7:30-8:00 or after school from 3:30-4:00 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday). If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call during the above hours.
Once again, welcome to 6th grade. Let’s work together to make this year successful.
Sincerely,
Mr. Festerling
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