Cosmic Camels Newsletter: 5/26-5/29
Math and Science
Hello again families!
I feel like time is really starting to speed up in these last weeks of school. It seems like just yesterday I was writing last week’s newsletter! Here’s a reflection of last week, and the scoop for this week
Attaching photos to the new math lesson went well this week! The lesson videos had 40 and 50 views! Such a success! I think that requiring the photos from this point forward on new math lessons will help ensure that students are fully participating in the assignments. Some students are still missing photos- please check PowerSchool. There was also huge participation in both review lessons for the week. I think it might have been 100% or just shy of it! That’s AMAZING! Hats off to the kids and all of you for cheering (pushing? lol) them on. Reading about the science labs that students did at home was also very cool. It’s fun to see that some things they thought would happen, didn’t! I’m sure many of you got to participate… thank you!
Please be sure to be checking PowerSchool. For my classes, the best time would be Saturday mornings. By then I’ve updated everything from the week, and you will know if anything is missing/unfinished that can be wrapped up over the weekend. Please see my email from Friday for more info about that.
The week of June 1st, students will be making Penny Boats. They will need aluminum foil, a ruler, and (in theory) pennies. Realistically, I know that it will be difficult to come up with 40 pennies right now, so I have come up with some other options students can use. This includes other change, paperclips, Lego bricks, or raisins. If none of these items are possible, please let me know ASAP so I can get them to you before June 1. This Week’s Assignments
1- New Math: Mean-45 mins
Students will begin by watching a short YouTube video on mean, median, and mode. From there, they’ll watch a 15 minute lesson video of my teaching. Next, a 15 minute guided lesson video. During this video, they are expected to do the problems I am doing in their books at the same time as me. A photo of their book work is required. Last, students will take a 4 question quick check about mean. They should keep trying until they get a 4/4
2- New Math: Median and Mode-40 mins
Exactly the same as above, but a different lesson. Now, students are working on median and mode. A photo of their book work is required.
3- Review Math: Chapter 7- 30 mins
Students will watch the online tutors for chapter 7. There are 5 lessons, and they should watch at least 1 from each lesson. There are several to choose from for each lesson. From there, they will complete the online worksheet in eAssessment (in their online textbook) for Chapter 7.
4- Science- Digestive and Excretory Systems: 45-60 mins
Students will watch a video, read some pages in their online textbook, and answer text based questions in a Google Doc. Complete sentences are a must.
You may notice that math is ~115 minutes this week instead of the usual 150. This is to take into consideration the Monday holiday. Please note that there is no school work assigned on Monday, nor are there any meets.
Last, refunds for the Look Park field trip are in the works! I should have more news for you about that next week.
Thanks so much for your continued support! Let me know if you have questions!
Christina
Hello Parents and Families!
We hope everyone had a great weekend. It was nice that the weather cooperated with the start of summer!
Ms. Champagne sent you all a message on Thursday requesting that you send 2 pictures to your child’s homeroom teachers: We would like a baby/toddler picture and a current picture foran end of the year slideshow. I would not say that this is in lieu of the formal graduation ceremony we have but this will be an appropriate tribute. Students will be seeing the slide show at our last Google Meet on Wednesday, June 17. We think it would be nicer if you kept the secret so we could surprise our students in that last Google Meeting.
You are closer to getting the Connecticut Science Center refund this week, as teachers have been asked to submit lists of students and chaperones who paid. More on this to follow.
Students received their pen pals from Israel in Google photos from me. With your permission,I can release your child’s email address to the student from Israel to continue contact.Some students have already released social media as well but no exchange will be permitted without your permission. This would be a wonderful opportunity to hear about news from the other side of the world so I strongly encourage you to send me an email to give your child permission to write.
Finally, teachers have been charged with updating PowerSchool each week since April vacation. This is always the best place to check for your child’s progress, before the pandemic and after this is over as well. I have been updating my records on Mondays and Tuesdays. I had been noticing a number of students turning in work past the official due date so this extension allows students that little bit of leeway, especially for those device and wifi strapped homes.
Assignments:
We begin I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai this week. It was supposed to be our book to read after Tom Sawyer. Students should read along with me in the video I include for the chapters.
The assignments for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday can be done by looking at the pages I have uploaded. In this week, we read the Prologue, and Chapters 1, 2, 3.
Students do not have to turn in the assignments. I can see them.
We could use a break from the StudySync format.
The assignment for Julius Caesar is the color code and highlight information about the Roman leader in 3 categories: purple for personal, green for government and orange for military.Each of the 4 pages has an optional secret code at the bottom, just for the students who may want more of a challenge.
Students do not have to turn in the assignments. I can see them.
The rainbow reading log should indicate reading done on at least 3 days with the number of pages read at each sitting.Students do not have to turn in the reading blog. I can see it.
Have a great week and let me know if you have any questions
Vickie Blunt
Math and Science
Hello again families!
I feel like time is really starting to speed up in these last weeks of school. It seems like just yesterday I was writing last week’s newsletter! Here’s a reflection of last week, and the scoop for this week
Attaching photos to the new math lesson went well this week! The lesson videos had 40 and 50 views! Such a success! I think that requiring the photos from this point forward on new math lessons will help ensure that students are fully participating in the assignments. Some students are still missing photos- please check PowerSchool. There was also huge participation in both review lessons for the week. I think it might have been 100% or just shy of it! That’s AMAZING! Hats off to the kids and all of you for cheering (pushing? lol) them on. Reading about the science labs that students did at home was also very cool. It’s fun to see that some things they thought would happen, didn’t! I’m sure many of you got to participate… thank you!
Please be sure to be checking PowerSchool. For my classes, the best time would be Saturday mornings. By then I’ve updated everything from the week, and you will know if anything is missing/unfinished that can be wrapped up over the weekend. Please see my email from Friday for more info about that.
The week of June 1st, students will be making Penny Boats. They will need aluminum foil, a ruler, and (in theory) pennies. Realistically, I know that it will be difficult to come up with 40 pennies right now, so I have come up with some other options students can use. This includes other change, paperclips, Lego bricks, or raisins. If none of these items are possible, please let me know ASAP so I can get them to you before June 1. This Week’s Assignments
1- New Math: Mean-45 mins
Students will begin by watching a short YouTube video on mean, median, and mode. From there, they’ll watch a 15 minute lesson video of my teaching. Next, a 15 minute guided lesson video. During this video, they are expected to do the problems I am doing in their books at the same time as me. A photo of their book work is required. Last, students will take a 4 question quick check about mean. They should keep trying until they get a 4/4
2- New Math: Median and Mode-40 mins
Exactly the same as above, but a different lesson. Now, students are working on median and mode. A photo of their book work is required.
3- Review Math: Chapter 7- 30 mins
Students will watch the online tutors for chapter 7. There are 5 lessons, and they should watch at least 1 from each lesson. There are several to choose from for each lesson. From there, they will complete the online worksheet in eAssessment (in their online textbook) for Chapter 7.
4- Science- Digestive and Excretory Systems: 45-60 mins
Students will watch a video, read some pages in their online textbook, and answer text based questions in a Google Doc. Complete sentences are a must.
You may notice that math is ~115 minutes this week instead of the usual 150. This is to take into consideration the Monday holiday. Please note that there is no school work assigned on Monday, nor are there any meets.
Last, refunds for the Look Park field trip are in the works! I should have more news for you about that next week.
Thanks so much for your continued support! Let me know if you have questions!
Christina
Hello Parents and Families!
We hope everyone had a great weekend. It was nice that the weather cooperated with the start of summer!
Ms. Champagne sent you all a message on Thursday requesting that you send 2 pictures to your child’s homeroom teachers: We would like a baby/toddler picture and a current picture foran end of the year slideshow. I would not say that this is in lieu of the formal graduation ceremony we have but this will be an appropriate tribute. Students will be seeing the slide show at our last Google Meet on Wednesday, June 17. We think it would be nicer if you kept the secret so we could surprise our students in that last Google Meeting.
You are closer to getting the Connecticut Science Center refund this week, as teachers have been asked to submit lists of students and chaperones who paid. More on this to follow.
Students received their pen pals from Israel in Google photos from me. With your permission,I can release your child’s email address to the student from Israel to continue contact.Some students have already released social media as well but no exchange will be permitted without your permission. This would be a wonderful opportunity to hear about news from the other side of the world so I strongly encourage you to send me an email to give your child permission to write.
Finally, teachers have been charged with updating PowerSchool each week since April vacation. This is always the best place to check for your child’s progress, before the pandemic and after this is over as well. I have been updating my records on Mondays and Tuesdays. I had been noticing a number of students turning in work past the official due date so this extension allows students that little bit of leeway, especially for those device and wifi strapped homes.
Assignments:
We begin I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai this week. It was supposed to be our book to read after Tom Sawyer. Students should read along with me in the video I include for the chapters.
The assignments for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday can be done by looking at the pages I have uploaded. In this week, we read the Prologue, and Chapters 1, 2, 3.
Students do not have to turn in the assignments. I can see them.
We could use a break from the StudySync format.
The assignment for Julius Caesar is the color code and highlight information about the Roman leader in 3 categories: purple for personal, green for government and orange for military.Each of the 4 pages has an optional secret code at the bottom, just for the students who may want more of a challenge.
Students do not have to turn in the assignments. I can see them.
The rainbow reading log should indicate reading done on at least 3 days with the number of pages read at each sitting.Students do not have to turn in the reading blog. I can see it.
Have a great week and let me know if you have any questions
Vickie Blunt
5/4 -5/8
Hello Families!Spring fever certainly has hit. I was feeling nostalgic when I realized that this was the weekend of the “Perfectly Normal “ play. We can say there will be other plays, but it can still make us feel sad about this loss.
We are planning a special Google Meets meeting with parents for Monday, at 7:00.Only a few responded with specific questions but if you would like to join us please send Ms. Blunt a Remind text or an email. We probably will send out the invitations around 4 tomorrow. Topics of discussion are mostly about Study Sync and Google Classroom so Ms. Brach will join in at the end with the one math question proposed so far.
Here is the scoop for the upcoming week:
Math
This week in math, students have two review lessons and two new concepts. The two review lessons come from Chapter 4, and focus on multiplying mixed numbers and dividing fractions. Both of these are key skills students should know upon leaving grade 6. These lessons have the same format as the lessons they’ve had for weeks: demo video, tutors, and online worksheet.
The two new concepts have a different format. These two concepts are housed in one assignment on Google Classroom, with 4 steps. Step 1 is to watch my lesson. I teach about the area of parallelograms and triangles at the whiteboard. In steps 2 and 3, students follow along with me in their math books in 2 additional, guided practice videos. Step 4 is a digital quick check, similar to the quick checks that they’ve been doing all year. There is no work outside of Google Classroom for new math lessons, and most of the work is just following along in their math books and doing the work along with the video.
Science
In science this week, students will be learning about human body system interactions. This is the first of several weeks dedicated to learning about body systems. This week serves as an overview, and students will begin to see how different systems are interdependent and rely on each other to get their jobs done. Students will watch a short video on the topic, and then use the Mosa Mack website (linked to their Google accounts) to explore more. They will watch the Sleeping Leg Mystery, do some vocabulary activities, answer 8 questions, take a short “quiz,” and find the solution to the mystery. It’s definitely a fun way to get learning! Please let me know if there are questions about the process.
ELA/Reading/History:
Our StudySync story this week is “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street”, an original Twilight Zone episode. It is optional, but highly recommended that students watch the video by clicking on the videos I have posted in Google Classroom. The video is divided into 3 separate videos.There are tons of ads which stretching out the experience to 50 minutes.
I am hosting a Netflix Party showing the video. Shout out to the parent who suggested it!
This is how it would work:
1. go to the rainbow waffle on the Chrome browser and click on Web store
2. Search Netflix Party
3. Add the Extension to your chrome browser.
The letters NP show up in gray on your browser bar.
4. At 7:55 Thursday night, sign into Netflix on your computer.
5. Copy and paste the code I give you into the Netflix search bar.
6. The NP in the browser bar turns red.
7. You see the same movie on my screen with a chat box on the right.
I can stop the video and we can “talk” in the chat box.
Even if a couple kids show up, it will be a fun diversion!
I am resuming my RL(Real Life) schedule, which has been different than my RL(Remote Learning) schedule this week. That means I have been doing all my planning over the weekend and I will be doing my check in of student work on Monday and Tuesday, with PowerSchool updated by Wednesday.
The week’s assignments:
Reading log. Make sure you are typing on the rainbow one. Do not turn in
Blog. Both Writing prompts are due by the end of the week. Do not turn in.
Geography of Rome. Watch the video. Do second slide set.Do not turn in.
StudySync: Close Read: Vocabulary, Annotations and Writing Prompt
PLEASE make sure they watch my video before they say they don’t know how to do it!Turn in when doneWe have attached the “schedule” of work for this week as well. Have a great week!
4/30
This is the newsletter I emailed to you on 4/26
Hello Cosmic Camel Parents,
I hope everyone had some time to relax, away from keyboards, during this past week. I have never wanted that to be more true than this past week. What an emotional roller coaster!
The recent news that we were not going back on May 4 was very upsetting to me. Spring is usually my favorite time of teaching. We know each other, we work together and everything starts to click. I now believe that the only thing worse than not going back to school on May 4 would be to go back to school on May 4 and have to endure pandemic restrictions.
It would not be fun either.
So, our new edict has put us into another category of instruction.
I have worked hard this past vacation to put some new pieces in place to ease your stress and to ease my stress level.
First, I have invited all students into a google chat room to post their questions to me in a more informal way. While our dream in 6th grade is to teach students to email us with their questions, it has become pretty slippery and even our best efforts seem to get you involved trying to figure out what to do without having been in the classroom.I anticipate the questions to be more current to whatever issue they may be facing and I can respond with clarifying information which I think will help these kids, you and me.
By all means, feel free to continue to email if you need to as well.
Second, PowerSchool is back. This is the most reliable way to update you on your child’s work. Please see the writing below the meme if you would care to know my opinion about how irresponsible google classroom email are.If a student does an assignment, there is a check or a missing box if the assignment was not done. For some of you, dealing with your own work situation, wifi and device sharing and multiple students in the house, that is all you need to worry about.
For any number of you, I have included a grade in the comment sections, if you are interested in what my assessment is and what your child’s learning has been.If a student has a missing box, you should know that I have thoroughly investigated every single thing they have given me, to locate that work.
I would ask that my students just follow directions to make sure the assignment gets where it is supposed to be and turned in when it is supposed to be turned in. If the work doesn’t get done, just understand that next week will have 5 or 6 more opportunities. I looked at 315 electronic documents last week. Please do not make be go through late assignments to find work put into a google drive by mistake. I have seen some students slide work in late and tell me it was there all along. They have forgotten that the work has a time stamp on it, so I know when work is turned in after I have already looked at it.
Third, I have assignments due on last day of the week, but I won’t be checking the work until the Sunday of the weekend. So, there is a built in extension. Please let me know if your child needs more time beyond those extra 2 days because of home situations and emergencies.
Finally, I Google Meetings seem to mean different things to different people. We are required to have them and your child is required to go to them. The meetings are checked off in History PowerSchool. My meetings begin with a check in, and go through 15 to 20 minutes of going over assignments and answering questions and end with a Show and Tell. While I accept the privacy of students who would prefer to mute their videos, students will have to show me some form of participation by doing that week’s work or revoke the privilege of a video mute. In addition, the rules of the “classroom”will have to be observed. Students have to be facing me in the meeting and not on another electronic device. Students cannot leave the room with a camera still on. Students have to be present for the full meeting until I dismiss them.
I will reserve the right to remove the student from that day’s meeting if these rules are not followed.
Ok, longer than an email should be, but hey, I haven’t done a newsletter in 5 weeks!
I had a lot to say!
Thank you for being patient with me. I do truly understand how overwhelming and stressful this is for you.
Sincerely,
This is why a perfectly good platform like Google Classroom drove us all crazy those first couple weeks of quarantine.
Students have been in my active Google Classroom since August. They really should know how this works, but I suspect trying to understand what they were telling you was really confusing.
This is how it works:
I create an assignment. A student opens the assignment and creates a document to complete that work.They “own” the work but I can see the work at any time because it is attached to my assignment. This has been awesome to teach writing. During the year, when a student is done with an assignment, they will TURN in the work. Now I own the document. I put my comments on it and my grade goes into PowerSchool, not Google Classroom. I return the document so they can own it again. It is part of their google drive forever now.
However, because the assignment is still in google classroom, it looks like it is MISSING.
I love Google classroom but those emails were just full of false information. One poor kid had to dig through google drive for an assignment from October to turn it back in to me!
This is the newsletter I emailed to you on 4/26
Hello Cosmic Camel Parents,
I hope everyone had some time to relax, away from keyboards, during this past week. I have never wanted that to be more true than this past week. What an emotional roller coaster!
The recent news that we were not going back on May 4 was very upsetting to me. Spring is usually my favorite time of teaching. We know each other, we work together and everything starts to click. I now believe that the only thing worse than not going back to school on May 4 would be to go back to school on May 4 and have to endure pandemic restrictions.
It would not be fun either.
So, our new edict has put us into another category of instruction.
I have worked hard this past vacation to put some new pieces in place to ease your stress and to ease my stress level.
First, I have invited all students into a google chat room to post their questions to me in a more informal way. While our dream in 6th grade is to teach students to email us with their questions, it has become pretty slippery and even our best efforts seem to get you involved trying to figure out what to do without having been in the classroom.I anticipate the questions to be more current to whatever issue they may be facing and I can respond with clarifying information which I think will help these kids, you and me.
By all means, feel free to continue to email if you need to as well.
Second, PowerSchool is back. This is the most reliable way to update you on your child’s work. Please see the writing below the meme if you would care to know my opinion about how irresponsible google classroom email are.If a student does an assignment, there is a check or a missing box if the assignment was not done. For some of you, dealing with your own work situation, wifi and device sharing and multiple students in the house, that is all you need to worry about.
For any number of you, I have included a grade in the comment sections, if you are interested in what my assessment is and what your child’s learning has been.If a student has a missing box, you should know that I have thoroughly investigated every single thing they have given me, to locate that work.
I would ask that my students just follow directions to make sure the assignment gets where it is supposed to be and turned in when it is supposed to be turned in. If the work doesn’t get done, just understand that next week will have 5 or 6 more opportunities. I looked at 315 electronic documents last week. Please do not make be go through late assignments to find work put into a google drive by mistake. I have seen some students slide work in late and tell me it was there all along. They have forgotten that the work has a time stamp on it, so I know when work is turned in after I have already looked at it.
Third, I have assignments due on last day of the week, but I won’t be checking the work until the Sunday of the weekend. So, there is a built in extension. Please let me know if your child needs more time beyond those extra 2 days because of home situations and emergencies.
Finally, I Google Meetings seem to mean different things to different people. We are required to have them and your child is required to go to them. The meetings are checked off in History PowerSchool. My meetings begin with a check in, and go through 15 to 20 minutes of going over assignments and answering questions and end with a Show and Tell. While I accept the privacy of students who would prefer to mute their videos, students will have to show me some form of participation by doing that week’s work or revoke the privilege of a video mute. In addition, the rules of the “classroom”will have to be observed. Students have to be facing me in the meeting and not on another electronic device. Students cannot leave the room with a camera still on. Students have to be present for the full meeting until I dismiss them.
I will reserve the right to remove the student from that day’s meeting if these rules are not followed.
Ok, longer than an email should be, but hey, I haven’t done a newsletter in 5 weeks!
I had a lot to say!
Thank you for being patient with me. I do truly understand how overwhelming and stressful this is for you.
Sincerely,
- Vickie Blunt
This is why a perfectly good platform like Google Classroom drove us all crazy those first couple weeks of quarantine.
Students have been in my active Google Classroom since August. They really should know how this works, but I suspect trying to understand what they were telling you was really confusing.
This is how it works:
I create an assignment. A student opens the assignment and creates a document to complete that work.They “own” the work but I can see the work at any time because it is attached to my assignment. This has been awesome to teach writing. During the year, when a student is done with an assignment, they will TURN in the work. Now I own the document. I put my comments on it and my grade goes into PowerSchool, not Google Classroom. I return the document so they can own it again. It is part of their google drive forever now.
However, because the assignment is still in google classroom, it looks like it is MISSING.
I love Google classroom but those emails were just full of false information. One poor kid had to dig through google drive for an assignment from October to turn it back in to me!
4/13
This is late. Sorry. Trying to update all these resources will probably mean I will forget one !
Good Morning, Cosmic Camels!
I hope you had a holiday weekend and you didn't eat too much candy from your Easter basket!
It is our second week of Remote Learning. Be sure you look for information under Remote Learning 4/13 - 4/17 for what you need in Google Classroom
First, you are now required to attend our google meetings. We have already sent out invitations. I will meet with 102 Camels on Monday at 11 - 11:30 and Mrs. Brach will meet with 104 Camels at the same time. At 11:30, you have to leave your first meeting and meet with Mrs. Brach and the 104 Camels will be meeting with me.
We are required to have 2 meetings a week.
Second, we have office hours where we are available for a quick response to emails an remind messages. I have been in the habit of responding to messages as fast as I can, but these times will be dedicated times for you to reach me. My office hours are 12:00 - 1 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Third, we have prepared a work schedule for when you should do your assignments, an approximate amount of time to work on those assignments and when they are due.
You will see your schedule here below.
Learning from Home assignments have been "graded" and contain feedback.
Remote Learning 4/6 - 4/9 assignments have been "graded" and contain feedback.
Until PowerSchool opens up, you will see my "grade" on assignments. You really do not have to turn in the work. I can see it if you have attached the document to the assignment. Please ask if you have forgotten how to do that! That "grade" is the only way you will know if I have seen your work. To repeat: you do not have to turn in any google assignment.
You do have to Submit Study Sync assignments at the end of the week.
I will go over assignments in google meeting on Monday.
Finally, I mentioned integrating GoogleClassroom with Study Sync in our last meeting..
This is the link to a video put out by StudySync to integrate this Google Classroom with your Study Sync links and assignments. I would like for you to try it on your own but by next week, I will be glad to help out anyone who is still stuck.
https://www.loom.com/share/5e4126d86c0f4eb08da55c2cce0a001d
If you would like to try to make a screen video of yourself making this integration, here is the tutorial on how to use Screencastify. I have been using Loom, personally.
In any case, if you are happy with your video and you want to send it to me via email, I would be glad to put it up for a personalized tutoria!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=Ad0y-NwfCwc&feature=youtu.be
Please see a message from Mrs. Champagne below.
See you today in Google meeting!
CHCS Morning Message: April 13, 2020
YouTube video 1 minute
Screen Shot 2020-04-12 at 10.19.41 PM.png
Image
This is late. Sorry. Trying to update all these resources will probably mean I will forget one !
Good Morning, Cosmic Camels!
I hope you had a holiday weekend and you didn't eat too much candy from your Easter basket!
It is our second week of Remote Learning. Be sure you look for information under Remote Learning 4/13 - 4/17 for what you need in Google Classroom
First, you are now required to attend our google meetings. We have already sent out invitations. I will meet with 102 Camels on Monday at 11 - 11:30 and Mrs. Brach will meet with 104 Camels at the same time. At 11:30, you have to leave your first meeting and meet with Mrs. Brach and the 104 Camels will be meeting with me.
We are required to have 2 meetings a week.
Second, we have office hours where we are available for a quick response to emails an remind messages. I have been in the habit of responding to messages as fast as I can, but these times will be dedicated times for you to reach me. My office hours are 12:00 - 1 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Third, we have prepared a work schedule for when you should do your assignments, an approximate amount of time to work on those assignments and when they are due.
You will see your schedule here below.
Learning from Home assignments have been "graded" and contain feedback.
Remote Learning 4/6 - 4/9 assignments have been "graded" and contain feedback.
Until PowerSchool opens up, you will see my "grade" on assignments. You really do not have to turn in the work. I can see it if you have attached the document to the assignment. Please ask if you have forgotten how to do that! That "grade" is the only way you will know if I have seen your work. To repeat: you do not have to turn in any google assignment.
You do have to Submit Study Sync assignments at the end of the week.
I will go over assignments in google meeting on Monday.
Finally, I mentioned integrating GoogleClassroom with Study Sync in our last meeting..
This is the link to a video put out by StudySync to integrate this Google Classroom with your Study Sync links and assignments. I would like for you to try it on your own but by next week, I will be glad to help out anyone who is still stuck.
https://www.loom.com/share/5e4126d86c0f4eb08da55c2cce0a001d
If you would like to try to make a screen video of yourself making this integration, here is the tutorial on how to use Screencastify. I have been using Loom, personally.
In any case, if you are happy with your video and you want to send it to me via email, I would be glad to put it up for a personalized tutoria!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=Ad0y-NwfCwc&feature=youtu.be
Please see a message from Mrs. Champagne below.
See you today in Google meeting!
CHCS Morning Message: April 13, 2020
YouTube video 1 minute
Screen Shot 2020-04-12 at 10.19.41 PM.png
Image
4/10
Good Afternoon!
How is everyone doing? Hang in there. I am well aware of how stressed out homes are right now. We are all doing the best we can and if anything, we need to put understanding and compassion at the top of the list.
My intention was to post my announcement this morning, but I have been in online professional development for several hours this week, so I have been squeezing in my message as I can.
First, I am sending the guardian email out today indicating the work from the First 3 Weeks, as I call it. In these weeks, we were instructed to develop 2 weeks of work, which would not be graded but on which I would provide feedback. You will see "grades", but I assure you they are not grades that will be in PowerSchool. In addition to private comments made to students, the grade is my feedback. Some of these students did phenomenal work and should be validated.
Beginning on April 16, you will see current work in PowerSchool as Collected or Missing. You will see deadlines, because some of the programs we use require one assignment to be completed before the next one is posted. I would encourage you to follow our suggested schedule for your child to complete work in a timely manner.
I am well aware that next week's schedule is supposed to be posted by this time. This week's assignments are due today, but I will allow until tomorrow for that work to be completed.
I would encourage everyone to take the weekend off, although I will be posting on the schedule tomorrow. I say let's put next week's work into next week....
I would like to think that the GoogleMeets are scheduled events that your child looks to for various reasons. Seeing them and hearing them, well and attentive, is the hightlight of this teaching experience. We see their pets, drawings, sneakers, donuts, castles made of Legos.
We've been wishing our students Happy Birthdays. We hope they find it useful.
Finally, I mentioned integrating GoogleClassroom with Study Sync in our last meeting..
This is the link to a video put out by StudySync to integrate this Google Classroom with your Study Sync links and assignments. I would like for you to try it on your own but by next week, I will be glad to help out anyone who is still stuck.
https://www.loom.com/share/5e4126d86c0f4eb08da55c2cce0a001d
If you would like to try to make a screen video of yourself making this integration, here is the tutorial on how to use Screencastify. I have been using Loom, personally.
In any case, if you are happy with your video and you want to send it to me via email, I would be glad to put it up for a personalized tutoria!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=Ad0y-NwfCwc&feature=youtu.be
Good Afternoon!
How is everyone doing? Hang in there. I am well aware of how stressed out homes are right now. We are all doing the best we can and if anything, we need to put understanding and compassion at the top of the list.
My intention was to post my announcement this morning, but I have been in online professional development for several hours this week, so I have been squeezing in my message as I can.
First, I am sending the guardian email out today indicating the work from the First 3 Weeks, as I call it. In these weeks, we were instructed to develop 2 weeks of work, which would not be graded but on which I would provide feedback. You will see "grades", but I assure you they are not grades that will be in PowerSchool. In addition to private comments made to students, the grade is my feedback. Some of these students did phenomenal work and should be validated.
Beginning on April 16, you will see current work in PowerSchool as Collected or Missing. You will see deadlines, because some of the programs we use require one assignment to be completed before the next one is posted. I would encourage you to follow our suggested schedule for your child to complete work in a timely manner.
I am well aware that next week's schedule is supposed to be posted by this time. This week's assignments are due today, but I will allow until tomorrow for that work to be completed.
I would encourage everyone to take the weekend off, although I will be posting on the schedule tomorrow. I say let's put next week's work into next week....
I would like to think that the GoogleMeets are scheduled events that your child looks to for various reasons. Seeing them and hearing them, well and attentive, is the hightlight of this teaching experience. We see their pets, drawings, sneakers, donuts, castles made of Legos.
We've been wishing our students Happy Birthdays. We hope they find it useful.
Finally, I mentioned integrating GoogleClassroom with Study Sync in our last meeting..
This is the link to a video put out by StudySync to integrate this Google Classroom with your Study Sync links and assignments. I would like for you to try it on your own but by next week, I will be glad to help out anyone who is still stuck.
https://www.loom.com/share/5e4126d86c0f4eb08da55c2cce0a001d
If you would like to try to make a screen video of yourself making this integration, here is the tutorial on how to use Screencastify. I have been using Loom, personally.
In any case, if you are happy with your video and you want to send it to me via email, I would be glad to put it up for a personalized tutoria!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=Ad0y-NwfCwc&feature=youtu.be
Good afternoon!
I have been busy in online professional developement for most of the day, but I have still responded to many texts and emails. I think that soon, it will start to calm down, when everyone catches up to this remote learning, technology and teaching one's own kids 24/7. It will.
So, a couple of things:
First, I am in the process of integrating google classroom with Study Sync so you will be able to see everything done and not have to go onto another platform. This will mean you will have to follow my video on how to do it.
Second, in trying to integrate, I changed some settings and accidentally deleted student BLASTs for this week. I reassigned them, but it is not necessary to complete the reviews due today.
Third, I am reviewing the work done in the First 3 Weeks Learning from Home.I had a to establish a deadline, because commenting on the work seems to be like trying to find a moving target. Students keep going back into the document to change things, which in the regular classroom would be awesome, but it means that I never seem to be done with an assignment.
I have assigned a Google Classroom grade which is only my informal evaluation of the work. It is especially important to students who have done an extraordinary job to have that validation, I think. The Uber Washington, is a good example of that. Some students worked for hours on that assignment and produced an amazing product. My basic grades have nothing to do with PowerSchool but will serve as one bit of information to Pass or Fail this year. Please do not be anxious about missing work in this First 3 Weeks Learning From Home category. Let's all try and move forward!
Fourth, my plan is to send out the google emails about work done tomorrow morning.. I have been asking for a week now for students to turn in work, but as I can see their work whether they have turned it in or not, I still commented on it. I will have returned it by then. Congratulate your child for completing all work, if that is the case but there is no judgement if your child did not do the assignments. Think of this as a way to assess how your child is working in this new environment and decide if changes in schedule, habits or technology need to take place.
Hang in there!
I have been busy in online professional developement for most of the day, but I have still responded to many texts and emails. I think that soon, it will start to calm down, when everyone catches up to this remote learning, technology and teaching one's own kids 24/7. It will.
So, a couple of things:
First, I am in the process of integrating google classroom with Study Sync so you will be able to see everything done and not have to go onto another platform. This will mean you will have to follow my video on how to do it.
Second, in trying to integrate, I changed some settings and accidentally deleted student BLASTs for this week. I reassigned them, but it is not necessary to complete the reviews due today.
Third, I am reviewing the work done in the First 3 Weeks Learning from Home.I had a to establish a deadline, because commenting on the work seems to be like trying to find a moving target. Students keep going back into the document to change things, which in the regular classroom would be awesome, but it means that I never seem to be done with an assignment.
I have assigned a Google Classroom grade which is only my informal evaluation of the work. It is especially important to students who have done an extraordinary job to have that validation, I think. The Uber Washington, is a good example of that. Some students worked for hours on that assignment and produced an amazing product. My basic grades have nothing to do with PowerSchool but will serve as one bit of information to Pass or Fail this year. Please do not be anxious about missing work in this First 3 Weeks Learning From Home category. Let's all try and move forward!
Fourth, my plan is to send out the google emails about work done tomorrow morning.. I have been asking for a week now for students to turn in work, but as I can see their work whether they have turned it in or not, I still commented on it. I will have returned it by then. Congratulate your child for completing all work, if that is the case but there is no judgement if your child did not do the assignments. Think of this as a way to assess how your child is working in this new environment and decide if changes in schedule, habits or technology need to take place.
Hang in there!
Good morning, Cosmic Camels!
I hope you had a good weekend.The weather was good for board and video games, popcorn and Netflix, making brownies and craft projects. Sunny days are coming!
We begin Remote Learning today. There are some different expectations for you and for me.
First, you are now required to attend our google meetings. We have already sent out invitations. I will meet with 102 Camels on Monday at 11 - 11:30 and Mrs. Brach will meet with 104 Camels at the same time. At 11:30, you have to leave your first meeting and meet with Mrs. Brach and the 104 Camels will be meeting with me. We are required to have 2 meetings a week.
Second, we have office hours where we are available for a quick response to emails an remind messages. I have been in the habit of responding to messages as fast as I can, but these times will be dedicated times for you to reach me. My office hours are 12:00 - 1 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Third, we have prepared a work schedule for when you should do your assignments, an approximate amount of time to work on those assignments and when they are due.
Thank you for turning in the work from the first 3 weeks. I have been responding to your work as you go along, but now that you are finished with those assignments, I will be able to provide feedback.
See you today in Google meeting!
I hope you had a good weekend.The weather was good for board and video games, popcorn and Netflix, making brownies and craft projects. Sunny days are coming!
We begin Remote Learning today. There are some different expectations for you and for me.
First, you are now required to attend our google meetings. We have already sent out invitations. I will meet with 102 Camels on Monday at 11 - 11:30 and Mrs. Brach will meet with 104 Camels at the same time. At 11:30, you have to leave your first meeting and meet with Mrs. Brach and the 104 Camels will be meeting with me. We are required to have 2 meetings a week.
Second, we have office hours where we are available for a quick response to emails an remind messages. I have been in the habit of responding to messages as fast as I can, but these times will be dedicated times for you to reach me. My office hours are 12:00 - 1 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Third, we have prepared a work schedule for when you should do your assignments, an approximate amount of time to work on those assignments and when they are due.
Thank you for turning in the work from the first 3 weeks. I have been responding to your work as you go along, but now that you are finished with those assignments, I will be able to provide feedback.
See you today in Google meeting!
April 3
Our "transition" to remote learning begins next week. Teachers are required to hold 2 Google Meetings a week and students are required to attend the meetings. The sixth grade meeting time is at 11:00 on Monday and will be with your homeroom teacher. At 11:30, you will leave that meeting and go to a meeting with your opposite teacher:
102 Camels at 11:00 on Monday for ELA/Reading and History
at 11:30 on Monday for Math and Science
104 Camels at 11:00 on Monday for Math and Science
at 11:30 for ELA/Reading and History
It would be great if all assignments for these first 3 weeks ( not including reading log and Learning at Home blog) are turned in to me today. I feel like I am trying to evaluate moving targets as I try to give feedback but am not sure when you are done.
This will be a nice way to clear the decks for our next stage of Learning at Home.
Thank you! Have a great family weekend!
Our "transition" to remote learning begins next week. Teachers are required to hold 2 Google Meetings a week and students are required to attend the meetings. The sixth grade meeting time is at 11:00 on Monday and will be with your homeroom teacher. At 11:30, you will leave that meeting and go to a meeting with your opposite teacher:
102 Camels at 11:00 on Monday for ELA/Reading and History
at 11:30 on Monday for Math and Science
104 Camels at 11:00 on Monday for Math and Science
at 11:30 for ELA/Reading and History
It would be great if all assignments for these first 3 weeks ( not including reading log and Learning at Home blog) are turned in to me today. I feel like I am trying to evaluate moving targets as I try to give feedback but am not sure when you are done.
This will be a nice way to clear the decks for our next stage of Learning at Home.
Thank you! Have a great family weekend!
April 1
The only way I can wrap my head around what is happening is to think of family, friends, school and the Cosmic Camels.
Our google meetings have been pretty successful. Our natural tendency seems to have fallen into a pattern for Ms Brach to run the Math and Science one (on Friday, April 3 at 1:00 and 1:30) and I run the ELA/Reading and History one (Thursday, April 2 at 1:00 and 1:30)
I'm also running a separate American Sign Language class and have met with students individually if special attention is required.
The introduction of these Google meetings has been sudden and very busy. We have to count on our students to tell you when they are in a meeting and give them permission to participate.
We will be beginning a more formal course of study next week, as we continue to learn of guidelines in the weeks to come.
Parents have asked me for deadlines and approximate amount of time for each assignment so I have taken that advice.
Keep those pictures, emails and messages coming. It is what will get us to the other side of whatever this is!
The only way I can wrap my head around what is happening is to think of family, friends, school and the Cosmic Camels.
Our google meetings have been pretty successful. Our natural tendency seems to have fallen into a pattern for Ms Brach to run the Math and Science one (on Friday, April 3 at 1:00 and 1:30) and I run the ELA/Reading and History one (Thursday, April 2 at 1:00 and 1:30)
I'm also running a separate American Sign Language class and have met with students individually if special attention is required.
The introduction of these Google meetings has been sudden and very busy. We have to count on our students to tell you when they are in a meeting and give them permission to participate.
We will be beginning a more formal course of study next week, as we continue to learn of guidelines in the weeks to come.
Parents have asked me for deadlines and approximate amount of time for each assignment so I have taken that advice.
Keep those pictures, emails and messages coming. It is what will get us to the other side of whatever this is!
March 23
We've got another Google meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Our meeting last week was fun but kind of crazy with so many of us online and talking at the same time. 104 Cosmic Camels will be from 1 - 1:30 with Ms. Brach organizing and me attending. 102 Cosmic Camels will be from 1:30 - 2 with me organizing and Ms. Brach attending. Be sure to check your email for the invitation and click on join to join in at the right time. Hopefully, this will give everyone a great chance to catch up, see and hear each other, answer questions and give ourselves something to look forward to.
We have talked about a couple of parameters this time.
1. When you join, you may exhibit your pet for the first couple of minutes but then put the pet down. Do not spend those pet minutes looking for your pet.
2. We will be asking you to mute yourselves when you arrive. When you want to talk, raise your hand, unmute and say what you want to say and then unmute to hear others speak.
3. You may video chat with your device on a table or desk, preferably. If you are using a phone or a laptop, make sure your are sitting down and not moving. There was so much extra noise with people moving around, moving devices and opening doors.
4. Let your parents know you are doing this. It's not like we can send out permission slips so it is up to you to let them know
what is going on. They may have some questions that you can relay in the chat.
See you tomorrow!
We've got another Google meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Our meeting last week was fun but kind of crazy with so many of us online and talking at the same time. 104 Cosmic Camels will be from 1 - 1:30 with Ms. Brach organizing and me attending. 102 Cosmic Camels will be from 1:30 - 2 with me organizing and Ms. Brach attending. Be sure to check your email for the invitation and click on join to join in at the right time. Hopefully, this will give everyone a great chance to catch up, see and hear each other, answer questions and give ourselves something to look forward to.
We have talked about a couple of parameters this time.
1. When you join, you may exhibit your pet for the first couple of minutes but then put the pet down. Do not spend those pet minutes looking for your pet.
2. We will be asking you to mute yourselves when you arrive. When you want to talk, raise your hand, unmute and say what you want to say and then unmute to hear others speak.
3. You may video chat with your device on a table or desk, preferably. If you are using a phone or a laptop, make sure your are sitting down and not moving. There was so much extra noise with people moving around, moving devices and opening doors.
4. Let your parents know you are doing this. It's not like we can send out permission slips so it is up to you to let them know
what is going on. They may have some questions that you can relay in the chat.
See you tomorrow!
March 17
Looking forward to trying out this Google Hangout tomorrow at 1:00. Just click on the invitation I sent to you and joint the google hangout prompt, not the phone number. If you use your phone, you may have to download an app, but our google classroom automatically has Google Meeting. We have about 15 of you signed up, so even if 10 show up, that would be a success!
Remember, this is a video chat, so wear your best pajamas!
I guess I have to put some due dates on the homework blog. I read one kid's blog who said he worked on homework for 6 hours.
Looking forward to trying out this Google Hangout tomorrow at 1:00. Just click on the invitation I sent to you and joint the google hangout prompt, not the phone number. If you use your phone, you may have to download an app, but our google classroom automatically has Google Meeting. We have about 15 of you signed up, so even if 10 show up, that would be a success!
Remember, this is a video chat, so wear your best pajamas!
I guess I have to put some due dates on the homework blog. I read one kid's blog who said he worked on homework for 6 hours.
March 16
We have told our students to check this website for homework and BOTH Mrs. Blunt's Google Classroom and Mrs. Brach's Google Classroom.
I (BLUNT) have posted all my assignments on the homework log, as usual. There are no dates because we are out of school for 3 weeks so a due date is irrelevant. I will post a few every couple of days. The StudySync BLAST is not in Google Classroom, nor is Typing Club.
I have pestered our IT department for permission to do a Google Chat room. There has to be an official release so that students can participate
in one of these. A lot of teachers may be trying this. I have never done this before, so we'll see how it is. I have sent an invitation to everyone. If you go into your waffle, you can go into Google Calendar, for Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00 - 2:00. Click on the Event and the screen will ask if you want to join Google Meet. Click and you will be visible on the screen and everyone participating will be seen in thumbnail videos. I think I have it for you to type/talk and then your picture goes into the center. It may be confusing so we will have to have good listening behavior.
The meeting is to catch up and find out how everyone is doing - what you're doing for fun - the hikes at Quabbin, the books, the games and family time, the binge watching - all the fun stuff you have been doing to pass the time. We can talk about some of the assignments and what might be some cool follow up assignments. But, I don't want it to be about the coronavirus or being sick or anything negative behaviors that might get someone in trouble. I hope some of you can join us. There can be as many as 25 there!
We have told our students to check this website for homework and BOTH Mrs. Blunt's Google Classroom and Mrs. Brach's Google Classroom.
I (BLUNT) have posted all my assignments on the homework log, as usual. There are no dates because we are out of school for 3 weeks so a due date is irrelevant. I will post a few every couple of days. The StudySync BLAST is not in Google Classroom, nor is Typing Club.
I have pestered our IT department for permission to do a Google Chat room. There has to be an official release so that students can participate
in one of these. A lot of teachers may be trying this. I have never done this before, so we'll see how it is. I have sent an invitation to everyone. If you go into your waffle, you can go into Google Calendar, for Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00 - 2:00. Click on the Event and the screen will ask if you want to join Google Meet. Click and you will be visible on the screen and everyone participating will be seen in thumbnail videos. I think I have it for you to type/talk and then your picture goes into the center. It may be confusing so we will have to have good listening behavior.
The meeting is to catch up and find out how everyone is doing - what you're doing for fun - the hikes at Quabbin, the books, the games and family time, the binge watching - all the fun stuff you have been doing to pass the time. We can talk about some of the assignments and what might be some cool follow up assignments. But, I don't want it to be about the coronavirus or being sick or anything negative behaviors that might get someone in trouble. I hope some of you can join us. There can be as many as 25 there!
March 16
There are no words for this unprecedented shutdown. I have just heard Governor Baker's speech and it looks as though we're out until April 7. We will maintain this site for any updates we have and for assignments as we get through this all together - socially distanced of course.
There are no words for this unprecedented shutdown. I have just heard Governor Baker's speech and it looks as though we're out until April 7. We will maintain this site for any updates we have and for assignments as we get through this all together - socially distanced of course.
March 10
Thank you for such a prompt return on all the Connecticut Science Museum permission slips and thanks also for such a great response for parent chaperones. We are really looking forward to having a great time!
STEM night is on Thursday from 6:30 - 8:00 here in the cafeteria. Join us for some fun sponsored from the PTO.
Thank you for such a prompt return on all the Connecticut Science Museum permission slips and thanks also for such a great response for parent chaperones. We are really looking forward to having a great time!
STEM night is on Thursday from 6:30 - 8:00 here in the cafeteria. Join us for some fun sponsored from the PTO.
March 2
Check out the Trivia Night Sponsored by the PTO form, STEM night and the upcoming Annual Belchertown Night at the Springfield Thunderbirds!
Check out the Trivia Night Sponsored by the PTO form, STEM night and the upcoming Annual Belchertown Night at the Springfield Thunderbirds!
February 24
Well, if this weather continues, we certainly be hit with some spring fever! We hope everyone had a great vacation with time to relax and have some fun.
We still need some permission slips for our trip to the science center in a few weeks.
The permission slips and money should be in for March 13 for the April 1 trip, because the science museum requests payment first.
Students received a permission slip to see the movie BFG on Friday to culminate the Random Acts of Kindness week. We would like to make it a pajama and popcorn day as well. Students do need to bring in their own pre popped popcorn for the afternoon.
Sixth Grade Band concert on Thursday! Please join us is supporting our fine camel musicians. The concert begins at 7:00.
Well, if this weather continues, we certainly be hit with some spring fever! We hope everyone had a great vacation with time to relax and have some fun.
We still need some permission slips for our trip to the science center in a few weeks.
The permission slips and money should be in for March 13 for the April 1 trip, because the science museum requests payment first.
Students received a permission slip to see the movie BFG on Friday to culminate the Random Acts of Kindness week. We would like to make it a pajama and popcorn day as well. Students do need to bring in their own pre popped popcorn for the afternoon.
Sixth Grade Band concert on Thursday! Please join us is supporting our fine camel musicians. The concert begins at 7:00.
February 12
We have talked about this in class, but just to reinforce the idea. We do not exchange Valentines in 6th grade. Too much drama! We will be observing Random Acts of Kindness on that day with some activities arranged by Ms. Champagne.
We have talked about this in class, but just to reinforce the idea. We do not exchange Valentines in 6th grade. Too much drama! We will be observing Random Acts of Kindness on that day with some activities arranged by Ms. Champagne.
February 10
It's funny how a vacation always seem to come along when you need a vacation!
We hope everyone has a great February break. After this week, we will need it!
The Restock Contest is in full swing. We are hearing that our students have the strategy of waiting for triple point days to bring items in, so we hope that works! Thanks so much for what has already been sent in!
The bright pink field trip permission slips for our field trip to the Connecticut Science Museum were sent home last week. The April 1 trip which will include the Museum's roving Mayan exhibit and many hands on science activities will only cost $20 because we are taking school busses to Hartford. As the Museum requires a deposit, we are asking for the money to be turned in by March 13.
We will leave at 9:00 and return by 2:30. It is recommended that students bring their own lunches for the trip. While there is a Subway at the Museum, we will have a specific lunch time to eat and the time waiting for a sandwich may consume all the lunch period. If you are a CORI checked parent, please sign the back of the permission slip. Your cost will only be $11 since you are probably driving your own car and not riding the bus.
It's funny how a vacation always seem to come along when you need a vacation!
We hope everyone has a great February break. After this week, we will need it!
The Restock Contest is in full swing. We are hearing that our students have the strategy of waiting for triple point days to bring items in, so we hope that works! Thanks so much for what has already been sent in!
The bright pink field trip permission slips for our field trip to the Connecticut Science Museum were sent home last week. The April 1 trip which will include the Museum's roving Mayan exhibit and many hands on science activities will only cost $20 because we are taking school busses to Hartford. As the Museum requires a deposit, we are asking for the money to be turned in by March 13.
We will leave at 9:00 and return by 2:30. It is recommended that students bring their own lunches for the trip. While there is a Subway at the Museum, we will have a specific lunch time to eat and the time waiting for a sandwich may consume all the lunch period. If you are a CORI checked parent, please sign the back of the permission slip. Your cost will only be $11 since you are probably driving your own car and not riding the bus.
February 3
The Consumable Contest has begun, called the Restock Contest this year!
We really need those tissues and wipes! Our Chromebooks need some disinfecting too!
The Consumable Contest has begun, called the Restock Contest this year!
We really need those tissues and wipes! Our Chromebooks need some disinfecting too!
January 27
Pajama Day is Wednesday!
Pajama Day is Wednesday!
January 22
We are good to go for Thursday at Swift River! If you know your child has a favorite book they would like to bring tomorrow and read to a first grader, we promise we will return the book!
We are good to go for Thursday at Swift River! If you know your child has a favorite book they would like to bring tomorrow and read to a first grader, we promise we will return the book!
January 21
We hope everyone had a great 4 day weekend, with some reflection for Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday as well.
Both of us report missing a number of permission slips for the Thursday trip to Swift River to read to first graders. This is a fun opportunity to be role models for our students. Have them bring in their favorite books if they are inclined!
We hope everyone had a great 4 day weekend, with some reflection for Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday as well.
Both of us report missing a number of permission slips for the Thursday trip to Swift River to read to first graders. This is a fun opportunity to be role models for our students. Have them bring in their favorite books if they are inclined!
January 14
Permission slips for our fun trip to Swift River next Thursday went home yesterday afternoon. The whole sixth grade will be walking up to the elementary school to visit with first graders and read some favorite stories to them. This is in celebration of one of the National Reading days. We will be leaving CHCS at around 9:45 on January 23 and returning just before lunch.
Permission slips for our fun trip to Swift River next Thursday went home yesterday afternoon. The whole sixth grade will be walking up to the elementary school to visit with first graders and read some favorite stories to them. This is in celebration of one of the National Reading days. We will be leaving CHCS at around 9:45 on January 23 and returning just before lunch.
January 13
Having 70 degree weather makes you forget we live in New England. Maybe using up those 3 snow days already has prepped us for the remainder of the winter to be mild...
Martin Luther King Day is observed on Monday with schools closed.
Friday, January 17, schools have an early release day with early dismissal but lunch here at school.
Get ready for the Consumables Contest! We really need tissues and wipes!
Having 70 degree weather makes you forget we live in New England. Maybe using up those 3 snow days already has prepped us for the remainder of the winter to be mild...
Martin Luther King Day is observed on Monday with schools closed.
Friday, January 17, schools have an early release day with early dismissal but lunch here at school.
Get ready for the Consumables Contest! We really need tissues and wipes!
January 2
Happy New Year! Getting back on a Thursday is tough but still beats starting back on a Monday!
We hope everyone had a great vacation and had some time to relax and actually enjoy the holidays. And, while no one teaches just to get the thank you gift at the holidays, we surely appreciate so many of you thinking of us in such a kind way. With coffee. And sugar. And shopping opportunities. Thank you!
January 17 is a half day for students with dismissal at 1:00 and lunch served at school.
January 20 is MLK and a school holiday.
Happy New Year! Getting back on a Thursday is tough but still beats starting back on a Monday!
We hope everyone had a great vacation and had some time to relax and actually enjoy the holidays. And, while no one teaches just to get the thank you gift at the holidays, we surely appreciate so many of you thinking of us in such a kind way. With coffee. And sugar. And shopping opportunities. Thank you!
January 17 is a half day for students with dismissal at 1:00 and lunch served at school.
January 20 is MLK and a school holiday.
December 18
Just 2 days left! We have festive wear on Friday. We would like to point out that pajamas can be festive....right? We just really want a pajama day! We think we could convince anyone who asks us that pajamas are also festive!
Just 2 days left! We have festive wear on Friday. We would like to point out that pajamas can be festive....right? We just really want a pajama day! We think we could convince anyone who asks us that pajamas are also festive!
December 16
Well, we will just have to see how this week's weather shapes up!. Two snow days BEFORE vacation is pretty rare, like that October Nor'Easter a few years ago.
Gift cards have been handed out. Thank you for your participation.!
Even though this is the last week of the year, we are still planning assignments and activities, so we would appreciate if you let us know if you are planning on leaving earlier than Friday to get a head start on holiday traveling.
If we have time at the end of the week, we are thinking of showing the film "The LIghtning Thief"
to compare and contrast a book with a movie as part of the learning standards. "Lightning Thief" is rated PG13, so please let us know if you will not permit your child to see this.
Our Egyptian Museum was a great success! The projects were so creative and the atmosphere and energy was an exciting way to learn. Thank you for all that you did to contribute to this experience for your child.
Well, we will just have to see how this week's weather shapes up!. Two snow days BEFORE vacation is pretty rare, like that October Nor'Easter a few years ago.
Gift cards have been handed out. Thank you for your participation.!
Even though this is the last week of the year, we are still planning assignments and activities, so we would appreciate if you let us know if you are planning on leaving earlier than Friday to get a head start on holiday traveling.
If we have time at the end of the week, we are thinking of showing the film "The LIghtning Thief"
to compare and contrast a book with a movie as part of the learning standards. "Lightning Thief" is rated PG13, so please let us know if you will not permit your child to see this.
Our Egyptian Museum was a great success! The projects were so creative and the atmosphere and energy was an exciting way to learn. Thank you for all that you did to contribute to this experience for your child.
December 9
Just 2 weeks left!
The SCRIPS fundraiser ended last week. We really hope some parents participated in this money making fundraiser, as we depend on the funds raised for our end of the year activities!
The Perfectly Normal Rehearsal schedule for the next 2 weeks:
Week of December 9-13. (3:30-4:30)
Monday, December 9- SUPER CHORUS (3:30-4:45)
Thursday, December 12- Narrators/Agents, Jenny’s Friends scene 7 (3:30-4:30)
Week of December 16-20
Monday, December 16-Pit Band (3:30-4:45)
Tuesday, December 17-Narrators/ Agents & Scene 4 & 5 (3:30-4:45) Wednesday, December 18- Scene 1, Family (3:30-4:45)
Student council is helping to run a holiday donation drive from November 25-December 13. We will be collecting new books and socks for children between the ages of 5-15. We are also collecting hair supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, hair ties and barrettes as well as toothpaste, body soap and shower gels. There will be decorated boxes in the school lobby to place these items in. We are also collecting gift cards for the drive in any amount. If you donate a gift card, they need to be brought to room 315. Please Do Not place gift cards in the boxes.
Just 2 weeks left!
The SCRIPS fundraiser ended last week. We really hope some parents participated in this money making fundraiser, as we depend on the funds raised for our end of the year activities!
The Perfectly Normal Rehearsal schedule for the next 2 weeks:
Week of December 9-13. (3:30-4:30)
Monday, December 9- SUPER CHORUS (3:30-4:45)
Thursday, December 12- Narrators/Agents, Jenny’s Friends scene 7 (3:30-4:30)
Week of December 16-20
Monday, December 16-Pit Band (3:30-4:45)
Tuesday, December 17-Narrators/ Agents & Scene 4 & 5 (3:30-4:45) Wednesday, December 18- Scene 1, Family (3:30-4:45)
Student council is helping to run a holiday donation drive from November 25-December 13. We will be collecting new books and socks for children between the ages of 5-15. We are also collecting hair supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, hair ties and barrettes as well as toothpaste, body soap and shower gels. There will be decorated boxes in the school lobby to place these items in. We are also collecting gift cards for the drive in any amount. If you donate a gift card, they need to be brought to room 315. Please Do Not place gift cards in the boxes.
December 5
We had a weird shutdown from Weebly this week, so regrettably there has been few updates on this website this week, but luckily it is a short week. I started to put things in and then was not able to get back on, so there may have been some lapses in information....Ahhh, technology!
We had a weird shutdown from Weebly this week, so regrettably there has been few updates on this website this week, but luckily it is a short week. I started to put things in and then was not able to get back on, so there may have been some lapses in information....Ahhh, technology!
December 4
Bingo for Books tonight from 6-8pm and 6:30-8:30pm
Book fair extended through next Tuesday!
Bingo for Books tonight from 6-8pm and 6:30-8:30pm
Book fair extended through next Tuesday!
December 3
What an amazing Thanksgiving break! Two feet of snow seems like a harsh way to burn off all that pie! I have had the Christmas vacation extended by a snow day but this is the first Thanksgiving double snow day. We have made history!
CHCS PTO is arranging for another Bingo and Book Fair night to replace the one we missed on Tuesday night.
Report cards go home with students on Friday. It seems a bit old fashioned to have you sign a 1960s envelope to prove that you have seen the grades, when you can see the grades anytime you want on PowerSchool, but there you go. Please sign the envelope that you have seen the report card. We are on to Second Term!
The Perfectly Normal rehearsal for this week: (skipping pit band from Monday and Narrators/Agents/Scene 4 on Tuesday)
Week of December 2-6
Thursday, December 5- Scene 1 and Family (3:30-4:30)
Monday 12/9 SuperChorus from (3:30 - 4:45)
The next Pit Band rehearsal is on Monday 12/16
You will have one more day, December 6, to turn in your SCRIPS order forms for gift cards. This is a great fundraiser if you are able to participate. Look below on November 4 for the website and the code to use online. Thank You!
Student council is helping to run a holiday donation drive from November 25-December 13. We will be collecting new books and socks for children between the ages of 5-15. We are also collecting hair supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, hair ties and barrettes as well as toothpaste, body soap and shower gels. There will be decorated boxes in the school lobby to place these items in. We are also collecting gift cards for the drive in any amount. If you donate a gift card, they need to be brought to room 315. Please Do Not place gift cards in the boxes.
November 25
We hope everyone has a great turkey day with time to relax, be with family, eat and gear up for the next holiday!
Perfectly Normal rehearsal for the week following Thanksgiving vacation:
Week of December 2-6
Monday, December 2-Pit Band (3:30-4:45) Tuesday, December 3-Narrators/Agents/Scene 4 Thursday, December 5- Scene 1 (3:30-4:30)
You will have one more day, December 6, to turn in your SCRIPS order forms for gift cards. This is a great fundraiser if you are able to participate.
Student council is helping to run a holiday donation drive from November 25-December 13. We will be collecting new books and socks for children between the ages of 5-15. We are also collecting hair supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, hair ties and barrettes as well as toothpaste, body soap and shower gels. There will be decorated boxes in the school lobby to place these items in. We are also collecting gift cards for the drive in any amount. If you donate a gift card, they need to be brought to room 315. Please Do Not place gift cards in the boxes.
We hope everyone has a great turkey day with time to relax, be with family, eat and gear up for the next holiday!
Perfectly Normal rehearsal for the week following Thanksgiving vacation:
Week of December 2-6
Monday, December 2-Pit Band (3:30-4:45) Tuesday, December 3-Narrators/Agents/Scene 4 Thursday, December 5- Scene 1 (3:30-4:30)
You will have one more day, December 6, to turn in your SCRIPS order forms for gift cards. This is a great fundraiser if you are able to participate.
Student council is helping to run a holiday donation drive from November 25-December 13. We will be collecting new books and socks for children between the ages of 5-15. We are also collecting hair supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, hair ties and barrettes as well as toothpaste, body soap and shower gels. There will be decorated boxes in the school lobby to place these items in. We are also collecting gift cards for the drive in any amount. If you donate a gift card, they need to be brought to room 315. Please Do Not place gift cards in the boxes.
November 18
You will have one more day, December 6, to turn in your SCRIPS order forms for gift cards. This is a great fundraiser if you are able to participate.
It is play rehearsal season! Perfectly Normal schedule is as follows:
Week of November 18-22
Monday, November 18- Pit Band (3:30-4:45)
Tuesday, November 19- Family (3:30-4:30)
Wednesday, November 20- Scene 1 (3:30-4:30)
Thursday, November 21- Narrators/Agents & Scene 4 & 5 (3:30-4:30)
Monday, November 25- Pit Band (3:30-4:45)
Week of December 2-6
Monday, December 2-Pit Band (3:30-4:45) Tuesday, December 3-Narrators/Agents/Scene 4 Thursday, December 5- Scene 1 (3:30-4:30)
Week of December 9-13
(3:30-4:30)
Monday, December 9- SUPER CHORUS (3:30-4:45)
Thursday, December 12- Narrators/Agents, Jenny’s Friends scene 7 (3:30-4:30)
Week of December 16-20
Monday, December 16-Pit Band (3:30-4:45)
Tuesday, December 17-Narrators/ Agents & Scene 4 & 5 (3:30-4:45) Wednesday, December 18- Scene 1, Family (3:30-4:45)
You will have one more day, December 6, to turn in your SCRIPS order forms for gift cards. This is a great fundraiser if you are able to participate.
It is play rehearsal season! Perfectly Normal schedule is as follows:
Week of November 18-22
Monday, November 18- Pit Band (3:30-4:45)
Tuesday, November 19- Family (3:30-4:30)
Wednesday, November 20- Scene 1 (3:30-4:30)
Thursday, November 21- Narrators/Agents & Scene 4 & 5 (3:30-4:30)
Monday, November 25- Pit Band (3:30-4:45)
Week of December 2-6
Monday, December 2-Pit Band (3:30-4:45) Tuesday, December 3-Narrators/Agents/Scene 4 Thursday, December 5- Scene 1 (3:30-4:30)
Week of December 9-13
(3:30-4:30)
Monday, December 9- SUPER CHORUS (3:30-4:45)
Thursday, December 12- Narrators/Agents, Jenny’s Friends scene 7 (3:30-4:30)
Week of December 16-20
Monday, December 16-Pit Band (3:30-4:45)
Tuesday, December 17-Narrators/ Agents & Scene 4 & 5 (3:30-4:45) Wednesday, December 18- Scene 1, Family (3:30-4:45)
November 12
The Veterans Day ceremony at BHS was a moving and respectful performance. As amazing as our Cosmic Camel musicians are, I do love that the concert is really not about them but to honor and thank the brave men and women who serve.
Please note the Perfectly Normal schedule below with an all cast rehearsal on Thursday.
The Veterans Day ceremony at BHS was a moving and respectful performance. As amazing as our Cosmic Camel musicians are, I do love that the concert is really not about them but to honor and thank the brave men and women who serve.
Please note the Perfectly Normal schedule below with an all cast rehearsal on Thursday.
November 6
Next week's Rehearsal schedule for Perfectly Normal.
All Cast members
Thursday 11/14 3:30-4:45
Pit band
Monday 11/18 3:30-4:45
SuperChorus
Monday 12/9 3:30-4:45
Next week's Rehearsal schedule for Perfectly Normal.
All Cast members
Thursday 11/14 3:30-4:45
Pit band
Monday 11/18 3:30-4:45
SuperChorus
Monday 12/9 3:30-4:45
November 4
We had a great time at the Warner Memorial Cemetery today. Thank you so much Mrs. Deren, Mr. Cooley, Mrs. Charron, and Mrs. Goodrich for being there with us. A special thanks to Nurse A, who made sure that we were safe!
Professional Day tomorrow! Kids get the day off why we do professional things. Ask any teacher....we'd rather be with our kids!
Check out the SCRIPS fundraiser I posted on Friday. You can also access the forms for gift cards on the PTP website linked on our page here for important links.
We had a great time at the Warner Memorial Cemetery today. Thank you so much Mrs. Deren, Mr. Cooley, Mrs. Charron, and Mrs. Goodrich for being there with us. A special thanks to Nurse A, who made sure that we were safe!
Professional Day tomorrow! Kids get the day off why we do professional things. Ask any teacher....we'd rather be with our kids!
Check out the SCRIPS fundraiser I posted on Friday. You can also access the forms for gift cards on the PTP website linked on our page here for important links.
November 4
Thank you so much to everyone who donated to our Pukin Pumpkins project on Thursday! With your donations, we were able to make 30 pumpkins puke, twice! Be sure to check out the photos in the gallery.
Thank you so much to everyone who donated to our Pukin Pumpkins project on Thursday! With your donations, we were able to make 30 pumpkins puke, twice! Be sure to check out the photos in the gallery.
.November 1
We are going to the cemetery on Monday from 10ish to 11ish. New notices were sent home and should be signed only if you DO NOT want your child to accompany us.
I'm also including the picture of the SCRIPS fundraiser form here. First collection is November 15.
We are going to the cemetery on Monday from 10ish to 11ish. New notices were sent home and should be signed only if you DO NOT want your child to accompany us.
I'm also including the picture of the SCRIPS fundraiser form here. First collection is November 15.
November 1
The two hour delay has postponed our cemetery trip, yet again. We will let you know when the trip will be and because of the circumstances, we may have to send out new permission slips!
Tuesday, November 5 is a FULL professional day with students having the whole day off!
SCRIPS fundraiser has begun with the whole list of awesome gift cards just in time for you holiday shopping.
Students received the form this past week and it is available on the PTO website. Soon I will be putting it on here...
Lastly, students will be receiving a paper with their PowerSchool passwords. Please remind them of the private nature of the password which should not be shared with anyone. Just let us know if you need your parent password!
The two hour delay has postponed our cemetery trip, yet again. We will let you know when the trip will be and because of the circumstances, we may have to send out new permission slips!
Tuesday, November 5 is a FULL professional day with students having the whole day off!
SCRIPS fundraiser has begun with the whole list of awesome gift cards just in time for you holiday shopping.
Students received the form this past week and it is available on the PTO website. Soon I will be putting it on here...
Lastly, students will be receiving a paper with their PowerSchool passwords. Please remind them of the private nature of the password which should not be shared with anyone. Just let us know if you need your parent password!
October 30
At this point, we are going to say that the cemetery walk is still on for tomorrow. We are only going out during
a tiny window of the day, so we may get lucky! We'll let you know if we have to cancel or postpone!
Picture retakes are on Friday. Please make sure you send in the original pictures!
At this point, we are going to say that the cemetery walk is still on for tomorrow. We are only going out during
a tiny window of the day, so we may get lucky! We'll let you know if we have to cancel or postpone!
Picture retakes are on Friday. Please make sure you send in the original pictures!
October 28
We enjoyed Parent Conferences and meeting so many of you! It's always fun to catch up, get some background and insight to how your children have been navigating 6th grade. As always, be sure to email us with questions if you have thought of something else. Thank you for being such great team players!
Halloween week will be fun on Thursday with our walk to the Warner Memorial Cemetery for some local history and Belchertown background and a fun science activity with Puking Pumpkins.
Don't forget Monster Mash is at BHS on Wednesday in addition to Trick or Treating on Thursday!
We enjoyed Parent Conferences and meeting so many of you! It's always fun to catch up, get some background and insight to how your children have been navigating 6th grade. As always, be sure to email us with questions if you have thought of something else. Thank you for being such great team players!
Halloween week will be fun on Thursday with our walk to the Warner Memorial Cemetery for some local history and Belchertown background and a fun science activity with Puking Pumpkins.
Don't forget Monster Mash is at BHS on Wednesday in addition to Trick or Treating on Thursday!
October 21
We have a busy week! First, we have Mix It Up Day at lunch, on Tuesday which is a national movement to get kids to talk to other students and show understanding and empathy for people in the Chestnut Hill Community.
Parent Conferences are on Tuesday and Wednesday. We look forward to seeing you and catching up with any questions and comments you have. Please notify us if you are running late or are unable to come to your appointment.
Finally, auditions for this year's school play, Perfectly Normal, begin next week for the character parts.
Get your permission forms from Mr. G for either Monday, October 28 or Tuesday, October 29, from 3:30 to 5:00.
If your child wants to be part of the Super Chorus, no audition is necessary.
Pit Band auditions will be completed by November 1. Pit Band musicians are crucial to this play and require after school rehearsals and learning all 8 songs.
We are looking forward to a big Cosmic Camel turnout for this play!
We have a busy week! First, we have Mix It Up Day at lunch, on Tuesday which is a national movement to get kids to talk to other students and show understanding and empathy for people in the Chestnut Hill Community.
Parent Conferences are on Tuesday and Wednesday. We look forward to seeing you and catching up with any questions and comments you have. Please notify us if you are running late or are unable to come to your appointment.
Finally, auditions for this year's school play, Perfectly Normal, begin next week for the character parts.
Get your permission forms from Mr. G for either Monday, October 28 or Tuesday, October 29, from 3:30 to 5:00.
If your child wants to be part of the Super Chorus, no audition is necessary.
Pit Band auditions will be completed by November 1. Pit Band musicians are crucial to this play and require after school rehearsals and learning all 8 songs.
We are looking forward to a big Cosmic Camel turnout for this play!
October 15
What a phenomenal way to begin a day! The 2019 CHCS Walkathon was very successful with so much
energy. Thank you so much, Mrs. Deren and Mrs. Wilkins for volunteering and helping to make our morning fun.
Remember to send in your pledge amounts or contribute online for this all-important fund raiser! I have never seen such a wonderful contribution level. We are so close to the $6000 goal!
What a phenomenal way to begin a day! The 2019 CHCS Walkathon was very successful with so much
energy. Thank you so much, Mrs. Deren and Mrs. Wilkins for volunteering and helping to make our morning fun.
Remember to send in your pledge amounts or contribute online for this all-important fund raiser! I have never seen such a wonderful contribution level. We are so close to the $6000 goal!
October 7
Last week we had 2 Cosmic Camel participants in the Unified Olympics on Friday. Thanks to Paul and Ryan for making us proud.
We will have our Walkathon on Thursday with Friday as our rain date. 102 Blunt Camels will be wearing green on that
day and 104 Brach Camels will be wearing yellow. It's a great opportunity to start the day with some exercise and fun with our CHCS classmates.
Friday is an Early Release Day for students. That means students will have lunch here and get dismissed from CHCS at 1:00.
We sent home bright pink Parent Conference Request forms on Friday. We are already getting them back so if you want a particular time on October 22 or October 23, please send in the form as soon as possible. We will start working on the
schedule on October 15 with confirmations going home by the end of the week.
Have a great long October weekend for Indigenous Peoples Day(otherwise known as Columbus Day)
Last week we had 2 Cosmic Camel participants in the Unified Olympics on Friday. Thanks to Paul and Ryan for making us proud.
We will have our Walkathon on Thursday with Friday as our rain date. 102 Blunt Camels will be wearing green on that
day and 104 Brach Camels will be wearing yellow. It's a great opportunity to start the day with some exercise and fun with our CHCS classmates.
Friday is an Early Release Day for students. That means students will have lunch here and get dismissed from CHCS at 1:00.
We sent home bright pink Parent Conference Request forms on Friday. We are already getting them back so if you want a particular time on October 22 or October 23, please send in the form as soon as possible. We will start working on the
schedule on October 15 with confirmations going home by the end of the week.
Have a great long October weekend for Indigenous Peoples Day(otherwise known as Columbus Day)
September 30
Great job for our Cosmic Camel Broadcasters for doing this year's first video announcements!
Two of our Cosmic Camels are attending the Special Olympics/Unified Sports event this Friday in Monson.
Our CHCS Walkathon is October 10 with parent volunteers needed for this fun fundraiser.
Please consider pledging your Cosmic Camel for the number of laps completed. We have already collected $1515 in donations.
Thank you!
https://app.99pledges.com/fund/chestnuthill2019?fbclid=IwAR24MCs-BbOteMmw6BiiX_LYosNiZJ_dG-ZfKIG4O_5jJy5KxrmTpyY5Lw
Great job for our Cosmic Camel Broadcasters for doing this year's first video announcements!
Two of our Cosmic Camels are attending the Special Olympics/Unified Sports event this Friday in Monson.
Our CHCS Walkathon is October 10 with parent volunteers needed for this fun fundraiser.
Please consider pledging your Cosmic Camel for the number of laps completed. We have already collected $1515 in donations.
Thank you!
https://app.99pledges.com/fund/chestnuthill2019?fbclid=IwAR24MCs-BbOteMmw6BiiX_LYosNiZJ_dG-ZfKIG4O_5jJy5KxrmTpyY5Lw
September 23
We survived Belchertown Fair Weekend! It is one of the coolest parts of being part of this town. What a wonderful opportunity to see friends and neighbors! The parade had many Cosmic Camels participants
and lots of candy was to be had by all!
Dates to remember: Picture Day on September 27. Envelopes went home last week.
Early Release on October 11
Parent Conferences on October 22 and 23
We survived Belchertown Fair Weekend! It is one of the coolest parts of being part of this town. What a wonderful opportunity to see friends and neighbors! The parade had many Cosmic Camels participants
and lots of candy was to be had by all!
Dates to remember: Picture Day on September 27. Envelopes went home last week.
Early Release on October 11
Parent Conferences on October 22 and 23
September 16
What an amazing turn out at Open House! It is awesome to start to put faces to the names, to see former students and future students! Thank you for making us the social event of the evening!
PTO (and us) would really appreciate your participation this year. We did send home yellow sign up sheets last week, along with a form for this year's CHCS t shirt and hoodie order.
Blue Belchertown Fair permission slips were sent home on Friday. They are dated a little funny but know that the days are correct with the slip being due on Thursday, and the bus going on Friday.
We mentioned some other dates to be aware of such as Picture Day on September 27
Early Release on October 11
Parent Conferences on October 22 and 23
What an amazing turn out at Open House! It is awesome to start to put faces to the names, to see former students and future students! Thank you for making us the social event of the evening!
PTO (and us) would really appreciate your participation this year. We did send home yellow sign up sheets last week, along with a form for this year's CHCS t shirt and hoodie order.
Blue Belchertown Fair permission slips were sent home on Friday. They are dated a little funny but know that the days are correct with the slip being due on Thursday, and the bus going on Friday.
We mentioned some other dates to be aware of such as Picture Day on September 27
Early Release on October 11
Parent Conferences on October 22 and 23
September 9
We look forward to meeting you at Open House on Wednesday, September 11. Sixth grade presentations will begin at 6:15, leaving you plenty of time to walk around, meet us, check out lockers and desks and visit with specialists. See you then!
Student Council elections are this week. If your child is interested, you should have signed a form indicating your permission to participate.
Picture Day is September 27. Envelopes will follow.
We look forward to meeting you at Open House on Wednesday, September 11. Sixth grade presentations will begin at 6:15, leaving you plenty of time to walk around, meet us, check out lockers and desks and visit with specialists. See you then!
Student Council elections are this week. If your child is interested, you should have signed a form indicating your permission to participate.
Picture Day is September 27. Envelopes will follow.
September 3
These weekly newsletters will serve as a window into our classroom and allow you to know what is happening here at school. They will also explain our goals and philosophy as educators. We hope they will help you help your child enjoy a terrific year of learning in sixth grade. )
Just as it may be overwhelming for your children to try and learn every procedure within the first few days, it would be lengthy to explain all of our policies in the first letter. We ask that you check your child’s agenda for information about homework assignments and tests. We do assign a fair amount of homework and classwork.
Our phone numbers are 323 0437 X104 for Mrs. Brach and X102 for Mrs. Blunt.
It is our hope that this will be a terrific year of learning. We are off to a great start. You can expect letters home like this one at the start of each new week to help you stay connected to all of it.
Power School is our on line grading program that allows students and parents access to the student’s grades. Many of you have already been power schooling for a couple of years and if not, please contact us to obtain your child's password.
Full Band will be on Thursdays and sectional days will follow as Mr. Mosall works on the schedule.
Picture Day information will follow when it becomes available.
Open House is Wednesday, September 11, from 6:00 - 7:30. The whole schedule is 6th grade 6:15, 4th grade 6:35 and 5th grade is 7:00
Early Release Professional Day is on Friday, October 11. Dismissal time begins at 1:00, after students have lunch.
Finally, thank you for all the tissues and antiseptic wipes on the first day of school! No sick days for us!
These weekly newsletters will serve as a window into our classroom and allow you to know what is happening here at school. They will also explain our goals and philosophy as educators. We hope they will help you help your child enjoy a terrific year of learning in sixth grade. )
Just as it may be overwhelming for your children to try and learn every procedure within the first few days, it would be lengthy to explain all of our policies in the first letter. We ask that you check your child’s agenda for information about homework assignments and tests. We do assign a fair amount of homework and classwork.
Our phone numbers are 323 0437 X104 for Mrs. Brach and X102 for Mrs. Blunt.
It is our hope that this will be a terrific year of learning. We are off to a great start. You can expect letters home like this one at the start of each new week to help you stay connected to all of it.
Power School is our on line grading program that allows students and parents access to the student’s grades. Many of you have already been power schooling for a couple of years and if not, please contact us to obtain your child's password.
Full Band will be on Thursdays and sectional days will follow as Mr. Mosall works on the schedule.
Picture Day information will follow when it becomes available.
Open House is Wednesday, September 11, from 6:00 - 7:30. The whole schedule is 6th grade 6:15, 4th grade 6:35 and 5th grade is 7:00
Early Release Professional Day is on Friday, October 11. Dismissal time begins at 1:00, after students have lunch.
Finally, thank you for all the tissues and antiseptic wipes on the first day of school! No sick days for us!
tThis was the supply letter we sent to you over the summer
Hi Sixth Grader!
We (Mrs. Brach and Ms. Blunt) are your teachers this fall at CHCS. We hope you’ve been enjoying these last few weeks of a great summer. We know we’ve been having fun, and we wish the summer would never end. But, we are starting to get ready for school, and we thought we’d let you know what you may want to buy at all the back to school sales. It would be terrific if you could come in with as many of the following as possible. Most of these will be for your individual use but some items will be for the community:
1 (one) 3 ring 2 inch binder
1 (one) heavy duty double pocket folder. I prefer it is not plastic and without metal fasteners.
We prefer it to have holes so it will be attached in the binder
lots of #2 pencils and erasers (preferably cap erasers) We love Ticonderoga!
subject dividers for the binder
1 (one) box of colored pencils with at least 12 pencils
1 (one) one subject spiral bound notebook
1 glue stick
pencil case(squishy enough to fit into your desk)
disinfectant wipes
box of tissue
Be thinking of our team name. We offer the following choices for mascots.
What about : Camels? Llamas? Barracudas? Sharks? Pandas? Tigers? Penguins?
If you want to suggest another mascot, be ready to make the suggestion on the first day of school!
Last year we were Flamingos.
A Note from Ms. Blunt
I love summer as much as you do but I also love my job as a teacher. There are so many exciting things to learn! One thing you will be saying this coming year is how interesting and exciting school can be. To make that happen, all of us will have to come to school with a good attitude and a willingness to take on challenges. I will be your English Language Arts, Reading, and History teacher. Have a great rest of the summer and I look forward to hearing all about it!
A Note from Mrs. Brach
I’m so excited to be a part of the Chestnut Hill Community School team for another year! Though I’ve been enjoying relaxing with my family this summer, I’m ready to jump into the coming year and get learning with all of you. I will be your Math and Science teacher, and I look forward to all of the success and positive experiences that this year will bring. A positive outlook and can-do attitude will go a long way in reaching all of our goals. I can’t wait to meet you!
Any questions? Contact us.
Communication by email is the best way to reach us:
Our email addresses are:
[email protected] [email protected]
Be ready to come in and be part of a great community of learners! See you on August 28th!