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



Monday, January 31, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 31

I hope everyone had an enjoyable long (and not so sleepy) weekend!

Reminders:
- If students are interested in making the February 17 ski/snowboard trip to Asessippi, the appropriate fees and forms are OVERDUE
- Students will need to bring appropriate outdoor gear and shovels for the Thursday, Feb. 3 Adventure Ed. class.  Students will be building Quinzees!!!
- The KFC hot lunch is Thursday, Feb. 3 (for those who pre-ordered).

Homework:
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 26

And let the fun begin - 30 hours of FUN!!!

There is NO SCHOOL tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 27) as we will be catching-up on zzzz's from Survivor and Friday, Jan. 28 (teacher development day).

Enjoy the weekend...

Reminders:
- If students are interested in making the February 17 ski/snowboard trip to Asessippi, the appropriate fees and forms are due by Monday, January 31.

Homework:
Math - Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions (Monday, January 31)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 25

Students will need a variety of items for "Survivor". Students will need a colored t-shirt (a newsletter was sent home yesterday with their specific color), swimming attire, ice skating gear, phys. ed. clothes, outdoor clothes, snacks, music/ipods, books/magazines, pillows and blankets, etc.

Get a good night rest - Survivor is TOMORROW!!!

There is NO SCHOOL Thursday, Jan. 27 (catching-up on zzzz's from Survivor) and Friday, Jan. 28 (teacher development day).

Reminders:
- Due to the nature of the Survivor events/accomodations (gallagher center rental, food, misc. supplies), all students are required to pay a $25 fee and obtain parental consent. Form and fees MUST be handed in by TOMORROW.
- We will be having a KFC hot lunch on Thursday, Feb. 3. If students are interested, please return the form and fees by TOMORROW.
- If students are interested in making the February 17 ski/snowboard trip to Asessippi, the appropriate fees and forms are due by Monday, January 31.

Homework:
Math - Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions (Monday, January 31)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Monday, January 24, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 24

Happy Monday!

Students can start to gather items for "Survivor". Students will need a colored t-shirt (a newsletter was sent home today with their specific color), swimming attire, ice skating gear, phys. ed. clothes, outdoor clothes, snacks, music/ipods, books/magazines, pillows and blankets, etc.

Survivor is on Wednesday, Jan. 26!!!

There is NO SCHOOL Thursday, Jan. 27 (catching-up on zzzz's from Survivor) and Friday, Jan. 28 (teacher development day).

Reminders:
- Survivor Fundraiser forms and donations are OVERDUE. Remember, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.
- Also, due to the nature of the Survivor events/accomodations (gallagher center rental, food, misc. supplies), all students are required to pay a $25 fee and obtain parental consent. Form and fees MUST be handed in by Wednesday, Jan. 26.
- We will be having a KFC hot lunch on Thursday, Feb. 3. If students are interested, please return the form and fees by Thursday, Jan. 27.
- If students are interested in making the February 17 ski/snowboard trip to Asessippi, the appropriate fees and forms are due by Monday, January 31.

Homework:
LA - "Life to the Extreme" Questions and Activities (OVERDUE)
Math - "Dish Duty" Problem Solving (OVERDUE)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Friday, January 21, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 21

Yaaaahhhoooooo!

Reminders:
- Survivor Fundraiser forms and donations are due Monday, Jan. 24. Remember, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.
- Also, due to the nature of the Survivor events/accomodations (gallagher center rental, food, misc. supplies), all students are required to pay a $25 fee and obtain parental consent. Form and fees MUST be handed in by Wednesday, Jan. 26.
- We will be having a KFC hot lunch on Thursday, Feb. 3. If students are interested, please return the form and fees by Thursday, Jan. 27.
- If students are interested in making the February 17 ski/snowboard trip to Asessippi, the appropriate fees and forms are due by Monday, January 31.

Homework:
Health - Fitness Station Assignment (OVERDUE)
LA - "Life to the Extreme" Questions and Activities (Monday, Jan. 24)
Math - "Dish Duty" Problem Solving (Monday, Jan. 24)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 20

Due to the nature of the Survivor events/accomodations (gallagher center rental, food, misc. supplies), all students are required to pay a $25 fee and obtain parental consent.  A yellow newsletter was sent home today with details...

Also, we will be having a KFC hot lunch on Thursday, Feb. 3.  If students are interested, please return the form and fees by Thursday, Jan. 27.  A pink newsletter was sent home today.

We are just about through a VERY busy week!

Reminders:
- The next bake sale is tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 21). Items are sold for $0.25.
- Survivor Fundraiser forms and donations are due Monday, Jan. 24. Remember, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.
- If students are interested in making the February 17 ski/snowboard trip to Asessippi, the appropriate fees and forms are due by Monday, January 31.

Homework:
Health - Fitness Station Assignment (OVERDUE)
Health - Fitness Unit TEST (Friday, Jan. 21)
LA - "Life to the Extreme" Questions and Activities (Monday, Jan. 24)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 19

When will this cold weather go away?

Some ski/snowboard information was sent home today.  If students are interested in making the February 17 trip to Asessippi, the appropriate fees and forms are due by Monday, January 31.

Reminders:
- The next bake sale is Friday, Jan. 21. Items are sold for $0.25.
- Survivor Fundraiser forms and donations are due Monday, Jan. 24. Remember, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.

Homework:
Math - Equivalent/Simplifying Fractions (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Social - Location Unit TEST (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Station Assignment (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Unit TEST (Friday, Jan. 21)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 18

Reminders:
- The next bake sale is Friday, Jan. 21. Items are sold for $0.25.
- Survivor Fundraiser forms and donations are due Monday, Jan. 24. Remember, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.

Homework:
Social - Google Earth Activity (OVERDUE)
Math - Meaning of Fractions (Wednesday, Jan. 19)
Social - Location Unit TEST (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Station Assignment (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Unit TEST (Friday, Jan. 21)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Monday, January 17, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 17

Keep up the hard work as Survivor is right around the corner!

Reminders:
- The next bake sale is Friday, Jan. 21.  Items are sold for $0.25.
- Survivor Fundraiser forms and donations are due Monday, Jan. 24. Remember, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.

Homework:
LA - "Extreme Stories" Questions and Activity (OVERDUE)
Social - Google Earth Activity (Tuesday, Jan. 18)
Social - Location Unit TEST (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Station Assignment (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Unit TEST (Friday, Jan. 21)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Friday, January 14, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 14

Come on out and enjoy some good Terrier action at tonight's hockey game.  MC Knoll will be 'sponsoring' the game (pre-game fun, singing O' Canada, etc.).

Have a good weekend!

Reminders:
- Survivor Fundraiser forms and donations are due Monday, Jan. 24. Remember, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.

Homework:
LA - "Extreme Stories" Questions and Activity (Monday, January 17)
LA - Figurative Language Worksheet (Monday, January 17)
Social - Google Earth Activity (Tuesday, Jan. 18)
Social - Location Unit TEST (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Station Assignment (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Unit TEST (Friday, Jan. 21)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 13

Enjoy the afternoon off!

Reminders:
- Tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 14) will be "Terrier/Orange Day".
- MC Knoll will be 'sponsoring' tomorrow's (Friday, Jan. 14) Terrier game. Come on out and enjoy some good entertainment.
- Survivor Fundraiser forms and donations are due Monday, Jan. 24. Remember, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.

Homework:
CARS - Bullying Skits (x2) (Friday, January 14)
LA - "Extreme Stories" Questions and Activity (Monday, January 17)
Social - Google Earth Activity (Tuesday, Jan. 18)
Social - Location Unit TEST (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Station Assignment (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Unit TEST (Friday, Jan. 21)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 12

Ask your son/daughter about the grade they recieved for their 'probability board game'.  If the grade is lower than expected, students have an opportunity to redo certain parts of the project (ie: write-up, reflection, etc.).

Reminders:
- Tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 13) will be the next noon hour early dismissal.
- Tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 13) will also be "Pyjama Day".
- Friday, Jan. 14 will be "Terrier/Orange Day".
- MC Knoll will be 'sponsoring' the Friday, Jan. 14 Terrier game. Come on out and enjoy some good entertainment.
- Survivor Fundraiser forms and donations are due Monday, Jan. 24. Remember, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.

Homework:
CARS - Bullying Skits (x2) (Friday, January 14)
Social - Google Earth Activity (Tuesday, Jan. 18)
Social - Location Unit TEST (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Station Assignment (Thursday, Jan. 20)
Health - Fitness Unit TEST (Friday, Jan. 21)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Probability Board Games

Here are some photos of the math probability board games the students created.

Classroom News - Jan. 11

Reminders:
- Thursday, Jan. 13 will be the next noon hour early dismissal.
- Thursday, Jan. 13 will also be "Pyjama Day".
- Friday, Jan. 14 will be "Terrier/Orange Day".
- MC Knoll will be 'sponsoring' the Friday, Jan. 14 Terrier game. Come on out and enjoy some good entertainment.
- Survivor Fundraiser forms and donations are due Monday, Jan. 24.  Remember, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.

Homework:
Art - 10x10 cm or 20x20 cm Picture (OVERDUE)
LA - Read "Extreme Survival Stories" (Wednesday, January 12)
CARS - Bullying Skits (x2) (Friday, January 14)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Monday, January 10, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 10

We should now all be in full swing for 2011...

A 'Survivor' newsletter was sent home today.  In short, for every $10 a student fundraises, they will get an entry into a draw to win a quad.  All of the donations will go towards the M.C. Knoll community.  The donations are due no later than Monday, January 24.

Reminders:
- Thursday, Jan. 13 will be the next noon hour early dismissal.
- Thursday, Jan. 13 will also be "Pyjama Day".
- Friday, Jan. 14 will be "Terrier/Orange Day".
- MC Knoll will be 'sponsoring' the Friday, Jan. 14 Terrier game. Come on out and enjoy some good entertainment.

Homework:
Math - Probability Board Game Project (OVERDUE)
Art - 10x10 cm or 20x20 cm Picture (Tuesday, January 11)
CARS - Bullying Skits (x2) (Friday, January 14)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)
LA - Writing Folder (Monday, February 14)

Friday, January 7, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 7

Enjoy the weekend!

Reminders:
- Thursday, Jan. 13 will be the next noon hour early dismissal.
- Thursday, Jan. 13 will also be "Pyjama Day".
- Friday, Jan. 14 will be "Terrier/Orange Day".
- MC Knoll will be 'sponsoring' the Friday, Jan. 14 Terrier game.  Come on out and enjoy some good entertainment.

Homework:
Math - Probability Board Game Project (Monday, January 10)
Art - 10x10 cm or 20x20 cm Picture (Tuesday, January 11)
CARS - Bullying Skits (x2) (Friday, January 14)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 6

End of the week tomorrow - where did the days go?

Reminders:
- Students will be heading to Yorkdale for PAA tomorrow.

Homework:
Math - Probability Board Game Project (Monday, January 10)
Art - 10x10 cm or 20x20 cm Picture (Tuesday, January 11)
CARS - Bullying Skits (x2) (Friday, Jan. 14)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Classroom News - Jan. 5

Well...welcome back and welcome to 2011!

I hope the time off was well spent with family and friends, as well as 're-energizing' for the next couple of weeks.

Reminders:
- Time to get back into routine!

Homework:
Math - Probability Board Game Project (Monday, January 10)
Art - 10x10 cm or 20x20 cm Picture (Tuesday, January 11)
Music - Song PowerPoint (Tuesday, February 1)