WELCOME!!!

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Mr. McDowell's classroom blog. I am very excited to have a classroom webpage and I hope that you will find it useful. The purpose of this blog is to provide a convenient (and reliable) communication link between students, parents, the school and Mr. McDowell. I invite you to check this blog on a daily basis as I will be posting valuable information about the classroom and the school - including daily homework assignments, important dates, classroom/school news, etc.

For your convenience, you can also sign-up to receive "daily updates" from this blog that automatically gets sent to your email every day there is a new posting. Simply type in your email address into the 'submit' box found on the right side of this blog.

More importantly, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your son/ daughter, please do not hesitate to contact me via phone, email, or this blog:

M.C. Knoll School - 786-5540
Email - benson.mcdowell@gssd.ca



Thursday, April 30, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 30

A newsletter was sent home today in regards to school yearbooks. Be sure to read over it!

Reminders:
- If any students are interested in some great track and field experience, there is a Hershey's Outdoor Track and Field Meet scheduled for Saturday, May 9 in Yorkton (forms are due Monday, May 4). Students can collect registration forms from the office.

For Homework:
LA - Jounal Entries from March/April (x6) (due Friday, May 1)
Science - Build/Color Paper Airplane (due Friday, May 1)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 29

Reading is a very important skill. Please encourage your son/daughter to participate in silent reading on a daily basis. And who knows, maybe students can take 'reading tests' at school about their books, and maybe go on a waterslide trip if their classroom wins the 'accelerated reader' contest!?!?!

Reminders:
- If any students are interested in some great track and field experience, there is a Hershey's Outdoor Track and Field Meet scheduled for Saturday, May 9 in Yorkton (forms are due Monday, May 4). Students can collect registration forms from the office.

For Homework:
Social Studies - "Temperature Zone" map colouring and questions #1-4 (due Thursday, Apr. 30)
Spelling 6 - Lesson #17 (review) and test (due Thursday, Apr. 30)
Spelling 7 - Lesson #19 (due Thursday, Apr. 30)
LA - Jounal Entries from March/April (x6) (due Friday, May 1)

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 28

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Reminders:
- The Grade 7 bike trip planned for Adventure Ed. tomorrow (Wednesday, Apr. 29) is postponed to a later date. Thus, students WILL NOT need to bring a bike and helmet tomorrow.
- If any students are interested in some great track and field experience, there is a Hershey's Outdoor Track and Field Meet scheduled for Saturday, May 9 in Yorkton (forms are due Monday, May 4). Students can collect registration forms from the office.

For Homework:
Math 6 - Pg. 249 #1-29 (multiplication of decimals) (due Wednesday, Apr. 29)
Math 7 - Section 6.3 Worksheet (due Wednesday, Apr. 29)
Social Studies - "Temperature Zone" map colouring and questions #1-4 (due Thursday, Apr. 30)
Spelling 6 - Lesson #17 (review) and test (due Thursday, Apr. 30)
Spelling 7 - Lesson #19 (due Thursday, Apr. 30)
LA - Jounal Entries from March/April (x6) (due Friday, May 1)

Monday, April 27, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 27

Happy Monday!

Reminders:
- Grade 7 students will need to bring a bike and helmet for Wednesday, Apr. 29.
- If any students are interested in some great track and field experience, there is a Hershey's Outdoor Track and Field Meet scheduled for Saturday, May 9 in Yorkton (forms are due Monday, May 4). Students can collect registration forms from the office.

For Homework:
Health - Friendly Letter to Gr. 5 student (due Tuesday, Apr. 28)
Social Studies - April "What in the World" (x3) (due Tuesday, Apr. 28)
LA - Jounal Entries from March/April (x6) (due Friday, May 1)

Friday, April 24, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 24

A 'fundraising' newsletter was sent home today in support of the M.C. Knoll community.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Reminders:
- Grade 7 students will be (re)starting their Adventure Ed. program next week. Grade 7 students will need to bring a bike and helmet for Wednesday, Apr. 29.
- If any students are interested in some great track and field experience, there is a Hershey's Outdoor Track and Field Meet scheduled for Saturday, May 9 in Yorkton (forms are due Monday, May 4). Students can collect registration forms from the office.

For Homework:
Math 6 - Page 247 #1-21 (estimating) (due Monday, Apr. 27)
Math 7 - Section 6.2, Page 245 #1-10 and 6.2 Worksheet (due Monday, Apr. 27)
LA - "Nothing At All" questions and activity (due Monday, Apr. 27)
Health - Friendly Letter to Gr. 5 student (due Tuesday, Apr. 28)
Social Studies - April "What in the World" (x3) (due Tuesday, Apr. 28)

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 23

If any students are interested in some great track and field experience, there is a Hershey's Outdoor Track and Field Meet scheduled for Saturday, May 9 in Yorkton (forms are due Monday, May 4). Students can collect registration forms from the office.

Reminders:
- Grade 7 students will be (re)starting their Adventure Ed. program next week. Grade 7 students will need to bring a bike and helmet for Wednesday, Apr. 29.

For Homework:
Health - Friendly Letter to Gr. 5 student (due Tuesday, Apr. 28)
Social Studies - April "What in the World" (x3) (due Tuesday, Apr. 28)

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 22

Reminders:
- Grade 7 students will be (re)starting their Adventure Ed. program next week. Grade 7 students will need to bring a bike and helmet for Wednesday, Apr. 29.

For Homework:
Math 7 - Section 6.2 (pg. 245) #1-2 (addition of integers) (overdue Tuesday, Apr. 21)
Health - Friendly Letter to Gr. 5 student (due Tuesday, Apr. 28)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 21

The school and surrounding community looks a lot cleaner now thanks to 100 M.C. Knoll students!

Reminders:
- Grade 7 students will be (re)starting their Adventure Ed. program next week. Grade 7 students will need to bring a bike and helmet for Wednesday, Apr. 29.

For Homework:
Math 7 - Section 6.2 (pg. 245) #1-2 (addition of integers) (overdue Tuesday, Apr. 21)
French - "Time" booklets (due Wednesday, Apr. 22)
Spelling 6 - Lesson #16 and Test (due Wednesday, Apr. 22)
Spelling 7 - Lesson #18 and Lesson #13-18 Test (due Wednesday, Apr. 22)
Health - Friendly Letter to Gr. 5 student (due Tuesday, Apr. 28)

Monday, April 20, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 20

Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a nice long April break. It is unbelievable to think that we have less than fifty school days left in our year!

Reminders:
- The entire school will be participating in a community-wide environmental clean-up tomorrow (Tuesday, Apr. 21). Students are encouraged to bring gloves if needed.
- Grade 7 students will be (re)starting their Adventure Ed. program next week. Grade 7 students will need to bring a bike and helmet for Wednesday, Apr. 29.

For Homework:
Math 6 - R77 and R80 (addition/subtraction of decimals) (due Tuesday, Apr. 21)
Math 7 - Section 6.2 (pg. 245) #1-2 (addition of integers) (due Tuesday, Apr. 21)
French - "Time" booklets (due Wednesday, Apr. 22)
Spelling 6 - Lesson #16 and Test (due Wednesday, Apr. 22)
Spelling 7 - Lesson #18 and Lesson #13-18 Test (due Wednesday, Apr. 22)
Health - Friendly Letter to Gr. 5 student (due Tuesday, Apr. 28)

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 9

Have a great April break! We will see you again on Monday, April 20.

For Homework:
French - "Time" booklets (due Wednesday, Apr. 22)

Easter Egg Fun

The students in 6/7M had a great experience today decorating eggs with our good friends in 2T and 4T. HAPPY EASTER!


Soccer Action

Here are some exciting pictures from the Tuesday, Apr. 3 soccer activities the students participated in. GOOOOAAAALLLLL!


Gymnastics Excitement

Here are a few pictures from the Friday, Apr. 3 gymnastics activities put on by the Shamrock Springers.


Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 8

The students will need to bring 3 hard-boiled eggs for the egg-dying activity tomorrow (Thursday, Apr. 9). Also, if students have any extra wax crayons at home, they are encouraged to bring those as well.

If you are interested in a yearbook for the 2008-2009 school year, please complete the 'purple-colored' form attached to the April school newsletter and return ASAP (they are already late).

Reminders:
- There will be a school dance tonight for grades 6-8 students from 7:00-10:00.
- There will be an early dismissal tomorrow at 2:30 (Thursday, Apr. 9)

For Homework:
LA - Personal Creation Myth good copy and title page (overdue Wednesday, Apr. 8)
Art - 2-Color Shoe Sketch (due Thursday, Apr. 9)
Math 6 - Page 198 #1-24 (Rounding Tenths & Hundredths) (due Thursday, Apr. 9)
French - "Time" booklets (due Wednesday, Apr. 29)

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 7

Come and cheer on the M.C. Knoll badminton team after school today at M.C. Knoll, St. Mike's, and the Gloria Hayden.

If you are interested in a yearbook for the 2008-2009 school year, please complete the 'purple-colored' form attached to the April school newsletter and return ASAP (they are already late).

Reminders:
- There will be a school dance tomorrow (Wednesday, Apr. 8) for grades 6-8 students from 7:00-10:00.
- Bring 3 hard boiled eggs for the egg-dying activity on Thursday, Apr. 9.

For Homework:
LA - Personal Creation Myth good copy and title page (due Wednesday, Apr. 8)
Health - "Entering the Teen Years" Unit Test (Wednesday, Apr. 8)
Health - Looking Back worksheet (adolescent changes/skills) (due Wednesday, Apr. 8)
Art - 2-Color Shoe Sketch (due Thursday, Apr. 9)

Monday, April 6, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 6

Hello everyone!

Congratulations to all of the athletes who participated in the Track and Field Showcase Meet on Friday, Apr. 3. M.C. Knoll is very proud of you!

If you are interested in a yearbook for the 2008-2009 school year, please complete the 'purple-colored' form attached to the April school newsletter and return ASAP (they are already late).

Reminders:
- There will be a school dance on Wednesday, Apr. 8 for grades 6-8 students from 7:00-10:00.
- Bring 3 hard boiled eggs for the egg-dying activity on Thursday, Apr. 9.

For Homework:
Math 6 - Pg 194 #1-12 (ordering decimals) (overdue Monday, Apr. 6)
LA - Personal Creation Myth good copy and title page (due Wednesday, Apr. 8)
Health - "Entering the Teen Years" Unit Test (Wednesday, Apr. 8)
Health - Looking Back worksheet (adolescent changes/skills) (due Wednesday, Apr. 8)

Friday, April 3, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 3

Our 6/7M classroom will be painting eggs with our good friends in 3Z on Thursday, Apr. 9. Students are encouraged to bring 3 hard boiled eggs for the festivities!

Have a great (warm) weekend!

Reminders:
- The Grade 4-6 Showcase Track and Field Meet is today at 5:30. GOOD LUCK to all the participating athletes!
- Their will be a school dance on Wednesday, Apr. 8 for grades 6-8 students. The last day to purchase tickets ($5 each) is Monday.

For Homework:
Math 6 - Pg 194 #1-12 (ordering decimals) (due Monday, Apr. 6)
Spelling 6 - Lesson #15 and Test (due Monday, Apr. 6)
Spelling 7 - Lesson #17 (due Monday, Apr. 6)
Science - Friction/No Friction Drawings (due Monday, Apr. 6)
LA - Personal Creation Myth good copy and title page (due Wednesday, Apr. 8)
Health - "Entering the Teen Years" Unit Test (Wednesday, Apr. 8)
Health - Looking Back worksheet (adolescent changes/skills) (due Wednesday, Apr. 8)

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 2

Sorry about the delay with today's post - the computers at school were being serviced and I was unable to go online.

Congratulations to the M.C. Knoll choirs for their tremendous work at the Yorkton Music Festival. WAY TO GO!

Reminders:
- The Grade 4-6 Showcase Track and Field Meet is tomorrow (Friday, Apr. 3). Only those students who were selected to the meet will attend.
- Their will be a school dance on Wednesday, Apr. 8 for grades 6-8 students. Tickets have already gone on sale for $5 each.

For Homework:
Math 6 - Pg 191 #1-27 (equivalent decimals) (due Friday, Apr. 3)
Math 6 - Pg 193 #1-23 (comparing decimals) (due Friday, Apr. 3)
Spelling 6 - Lesson #15 and Test (due Monday, Apr. 6)
Spelling 7 - Lesson #17 (due Monday, Apr. 6)
Science - Friction/No Friction Drawings (due Monday, Apr. 6)
LA - Personal Creation Myth good copy and title page (due Wednesday, Apr. 8)
Health - "Entering the Teen Years" Unit Test (Wednesday, Apr. 8)
Health - Looking Back worksheet (adolescent changes/skills) (due Wednesday, Apr. 8)

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Classroom News - Apr. 1

Happy April - I hope the coming of the month did not bring too many pranks or tricks.

Ask your son/daughter about dihydrogen monoxide!?!?

Reminders:
- I am still waiting for the 'purple-colored' progress report form, along with the report card envelope, from Braden.
- The Grade 4-6 Showcase Track and Field Meet is Friday, Apr. 3 (after school). Only those students who were selected to the meet will attend.

For Homework:
Social - Google Earth Activity worksheet (due Thursday, Apr. 2)
Health - "Clothes Encounters" story questions and Goal-Setting Good Copy (due Thursday, Apr. 2)
Spelling 6 - Lesson #15 and Test (due Monday, Apr. 6)
Science - Friction/No Friction Drawings (due Monday, Apr. 6)
LA - Personal Creation Myth good copy and title page (due Wednesday, Apr. 8)