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



Tuesday, June 28, 2011

June 28 - Last Day of School

It has been yet another wonderful year.  Thanks to everyone for ALL of the great memories!

Remember that report cards are available for pick-up on Thursday, June 30. 

Otherwise, be ready to come back re-energized for Thursday, September 1.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Classroom News - June 27

1 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- The annual MC Knoll Talent Show is Tuesday, June 28.
- Thursday, June 30 is REPORT CARD pick-up

Friday, June 24, 2011

Camp Whitesand

The grade 7 students had a BLAST today.  Students enjoyed a variety of different activities including canoeing, horseback riding, high-ropes, and wall climbing.  FUN, FUN, FUN!

Classroom News - June 24

Enjoy the weekend!!!

2 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- Heritage Heights Park (Monday, June 27)
- Talent Show (Tuesday, June 28)

Homework:
No more homework - REPORT CARDS ARE COMING SOON!!!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Melville Tour

The grade 7 students recieved an awesome tour of Melville City Hall (including meeting their mayor), the railway station, and the Heritage Museum.

Classroom News - June 23

Ask your son/daughter about the water fight!

For tomorrow's Camp Whitesand experience, be sure to have ALL the appropriate outdoor gear for ALL types of weather (hats, sunscreen, jacket, etc.).  Students will also need to bring a lunch and water bottle.  Our trip is planned from 8:45 - 4:00 (ish).

3 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- ALL library books are now OVERDUE

* Upcoming Activities:
- Camp Whitesand (Friday, June 24)
- Heritage Heights Park (Monday, June 27)
- Talent Show (Tuesday, June 28)

Homework:
**ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE NOW OVERDUE - REPORT CARDS ARE COMING SOON!!!

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AC         - GD          - DF             - BM           
- DP          - JP              - JSP        - KSM

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Swimming at the Gallagher Center

Yet another FUN activity this week. More fun to come though...

Classroom News - June 22

4 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- ALL library books are now OVERDUE
- The grade 7 class has been 'asked' to be leaders for the kindergarten-grade 4 play day. This has been rescheduled for tomorrow (Thursday, June 23).

* Upcoming Activities:
- Melville Tour (Thursday, June 23)
- Camp Whitesand (Friday, June 24)
- Heritage Heights Park (Monday, June 27)
- Talent Show (Tuesday, June 28)

Homework:
LA - Speech (OVERDUE)
LA - Unit Project (OVERDUE)
Social - Welcome to...Posters (OVERDUE)

**ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE THURSDAY, JUNE 23 AS REPORT CARDS ARE COMING SOON!!!

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AC          - GD          - DF             - NL           - BM          - GM     
- SO          - DP           - JP               - JSP          - KSM

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Adventure Ed. - Golfing

The gr. 7 students had a blast at Cherrydale today. Maybe they will continue to play the sport this summer?!?!?

Classroom News - June 21

Ask your son/daughter about what we have been working on in math.

Students will need the appropriate swimming attire for tomorrow's swimming adventure!

5 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- ALL library books are now OVERDUE
- The grade 7 class has been 'asked' to be leaders for the kindergarten-grade 4 play day. This has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 23.

* Upcoming Activities:
- Swimming at Gallagher Center (Wednesday, June 22)
- Melville Tour (Thursday, June 23)
- Camp Whitesand (Friday, June 24)
- Heritage Heights Park (Monday, June 27)
- Talent Show (Tuesday, June 28)

Homework:
LA - Speech (OVERDUE)
LA - Unit Project (Wednesday, June 22)
Social - Welcome to...Posters (Wednesday, June 22)

**ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE THURSDAY, JUNE 23 AS REPORT CARDS ARE COMING SOON!!!

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- ZA            - GD           - BM         - SO
- DP            - JP             - JSP         - KSM

Monday, June 20, 2011

Classroom News - June 20

Due to the poor weather, the grade 7's were not able to make it to the Parrish and Heinbecker Grain Elevator today.  The good news is we still have A LOT of other events planned this week!

Students CAN bring their own golf clubs tomorrow - most likely a putter, wedge, and 3, 5, 7, and 9 irons would be sufficient for golf clubs.

6 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- ALL library books are now OVERDUE
- The grade 7 class has been 'asked' to be leaders for the kindergarten-grade 4 play day. This has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 23.

* Upcoming Activities:
- Golfing at Cheerydale (Tuesday, June 21)
- Swimming at Gallagher Center (Wednesday, June 22)
- Melville Tour (Thursday, June 23)
- Camp Whitesand (Friday, June 24)
- Heritage Heights Park (Monday, June 27)
- Talent Show (Tuesday, June 28)

Homework:
CARS - Anti-bullying Poster (OVERDUE)
Music - Song Photostory (OVERDUE)
LA - Speech (OVERDUE)
LA - Unit Project (Wednesday, June 22)
Social - Welcome to...Posters (Wednesday, June 22)

**ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE THURSDAY, JUNE 23 AS REPORT CARDS ARE COMING SOON!!!

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- SO                 - JSP                            - KSM

Friday, June 17, 2011

Classroom News - June 17

We're just about there!  Keep it going...

Enjoy the dance tonight, and enjoy the weekend.

7 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- The grade 7 class has been 'asked' to be leaders for the kindergarten-grade 4 play day. This has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 23.
- ALL library books are due by Monday, June 20.

* Upcoming Activities:
- Parrish and Heinbecker field trip (Monday, June 20)
- Golfing at Cheerydale (Tuesday, June 21)
- Swimming at Gallagher Center (Wednesday, June 22)
- Melville Tour (Thursday, June 23)
- Camp Whitesand (Friday, June 24)
- Heritage Heights Park (Monday, June 27)
- Talent Show (Tuesday, June 28)

Homework:
CARS - Anti-bullying Poster (OVERDUE)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)
LA - Unit Project (Wednesday, June 22)
Social - Welcome to...Posters (Wednesday, June 22)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- SO             - DP              - JSP                 - KSM

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Mr. McDowell - how old is he???




Classroom News - June 16

Ask your son/daughter about their Social Studies test.

8 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- Friday, June 17 is "Rainbow Day".
- There is a city-wide dance on Friday, June 17 at MC Knoll.
- The grade 7 class has been 'asked' to be leaders for the kindergarten-grade 4 play day. This will take place on Friday, June 17.
- ALL library books are due by Monday, June 20.

Homework:
CARS - Anti-bullying Poster (Friday, June 17)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)
LA - Unit Project (Wednesday, June 22)
Social - Welcome to...Posters (Wednesday, June 22)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- SO          - DP                  - JSP              - KSM

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Classroom News - June 15

Popcorn will be sold in our school tomorrow for $0.50 - $1.00.

There has been some awesome school spirit over the last few days!  Keep it up...

9 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- Thursday, June 16 is "How Old Can You Go Day".
- Friday, June 17 is "Rainbow Day".
- There is a city-wide dance on Friday, June 17 at MC Knoll.
- The grade 7 class has been 'asked' to be leaders for the kindergarten-grade 4 play day. This will take place on Friday, June 17.
- ALL library books are due by Monday, June 20.

Homework:
Art - First Nations Art (OVERDUE)
Social - Resources Unit Test (Thursday, June 16)
CARS - Anti-bullying Poster (Friday, June 17)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)
LA - Unit Project (Wednesday, June 22)
Social - Welcome to...Posters (Wednesday, June 22)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- SO          - DP         - JP          - JSP            - KSM

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Classroom News - June 14

The grade 7 class has been 'asked' to be leaders for the kindergarten-grade 4 play day. This will take place on Friday, June 17.

10 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- Wednesday, June 15 is "Gender Bender Day".
- The last bake sale of the year is Wednesday, June 15. Items are sold for $0.25 each.
- Thursday, June 16 is "How Old Can You Go Day".
- Friday, June 17 is "Rainbow Day".
- There is a city-wide dance on Friday, June 17 at MC Knoll. Tickets are $8 each.
- ALL library books are due by Monday, June 20.

Homework:
Art - Sketchbook (x8) (OVERDUE)
LA - Reader Response (end of novel) (Wednesday, June 15)
Art - First Nations Art (Wednesday, June 15)
Social - Resources Unit Test (Thursday, June 16)
CARS - Anti-bullying Poster (Friday, June 17)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)
LA - Unit Project (Wednesday, June 22)
Social - Welcome to...Posters (Wednesday, June 22)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AJP          - SO           - DP          - JP           - JSP            - KSM

Monday, June 13, 2011

Classroom News - June 13

Happy (rainy) Monday...

We have just started a new math unit on geometry.  Students will NEED a full geometry set (compass, protractor, ruler, right angle triangle, etc.)

11 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- June Activity form and fees ($20) are OVERDUE.
- Tuesday, June 14 is "Fake an Injury Day".
- Wednesday, June 15 is "Gender Bender Day".
- The last bake sale of the year is Wednesday, June 15.  Items are sold for $0.25 each.
- Thursday, June 16 is "How Old Can You Go Day".
- Friday, June 17 is "Rainbow Day".
- There is a city-wide dance on Friday, June 17 at MC Knoll.  Tickets are $8 each.
- ALL library books are due by Monday, June 20.

Homework:
LA - Reader Response (46-51; Wallpaper 48-51) (OVERDUE)
Art - Sketchbook (x8) (OVERDUE)
French - Sports Booklet (section A+B) (Tuesday, June 14)
Art - First Nations Art (Wednesday, June 15)
Social - Resources Unit Test (Thursday, June 16)
CARS - Anti-bullying Poster (Friday, June 17)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)
LA - Unit Project (Wednesday, June 22)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- DP                     - KSM

Friday, June 10, 2011

Classroom News - June 10

Ask your son/daughter about their math test.

Also, as we are nearing the end of the school year, continue to work hard over the upcoming weeks. The field trips, year-end activities, and summer holidays will be that much more enjoyed!!!

12 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- June Activity form and fees ($20) are due by Monday, June 13.
- Monday, June 13 is "Jersey Day".
- Tuesday, June 14 is "Fake an Injury Day".
- Wednesday, June 15 is "Gender Bender Day".
- Thursday, June 16 is "How Old Can You Go Day".
- Friday, June 17 is "Rainbow Day".

Homework:
LA - Reader Response (46-51; Wallpaper 48-51) (Monday, June 13)
Art - Sketchbook (x8) (Monday, June 13)
French - Sports Booklet (section A+B) (Tuesday, June 14)
Art - First Nations Art (Wednesday, June 15)
Social - Resources Unit Test (Thursday, June 16)
CARS - Anti-bullying Poster (Friday, June 17)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- DP                    - KSM              

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Classroom News - June 9

Yet another newsletter was sent home today - this time, an SRC newsletter was sent home with the following details:

- Monday, June 13 is "Jersey Day".
- Tuesday, June 14 is "Fake an Injury Day".
- Wednesday, June 15 is "Gender Bender Day".
- Thursday, June 16 is "How Old Can You Go Day".
- Friday, June 17 is "Rainbow Day".

13 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- June Activity form and fees ($20) are due by Monday, June 13.

Homework:
LA - Reader Response (43-45; Wallpaper 45-47) (Friday, June 10)
Math - 5.6 Worksheet (Area of Circle) (Friday, June 10)
Math - Measurement Unit TEST (Friday, June 10)
Art - Sketchbook (x8) (Monday, June 13)
Art - First Nations Art (Wednesday, June 15)
Social - Resources Unit Test (Thursday, June 16)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- DP                 - JP                   - KSM                     - LW

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Classroom News - June 8

A newsletter was sent home today about ALL of the exciting things happening in our 7M classroom. Please note that there is a form to sign and return, as well as a $20 activity fee. Please return everything by Monday, June 13.

- Monday, June 13 is "Jersey Day".
- Tuesday, June 14 is "Fake an Injury Day".
- Wednesday, June 15 is "Gender Bender Day".
- Thursday, June 16 is "How Old Can You Go Day".
- Friday, June 17 is "Rainbow Day".

14 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- Tomorrow's (Thursday, June 9) early dismissal has been CANCELLED. It will be a normal day of school (until 3:30)
- DQ Dilly Bars are for sale during tomorrow's lunch ($2 each).
- Mrs. Soltys is still taking auditions for the MC Knoll talent show.

Homework:
Math - Measurement Unit TEST (Friday, June 10)
Art - Sketchbook (x8) (Monday, June 13)
Art - First Nations Art (Wednesday, June 15)
Social - Resources Unit Test (Thursday, June 16)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- DP           - JP                 - KSM               - LW

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Classroom News - June 7

In tune with the craziness of the end of the school year, a "June activities" newsletter was sent home today.  Keep this on your fridge to keep up the daily events of the month.

Ask your son/daughter about the musical they enjoyed at Columbia...

15 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- The Thursday, June 9 early dismissal has been CANCELLED. It will be a normal day of school (until 3:30)
- Mrs. Soltys is still taking auditions for the MC Knoll talent show.

Homework:
Math - 5.5 Worksheet (area estimation) (OVERDUE)
Social - Concept Web (forest depletion) (Wednesday, June 8)
Health - Communicable Diseases W/S (x3) (Wednesday, June 8)
Math - Measurement Unit TEST (Friday, June 10)
Art - Sketchbook (x8) (Monday, June 13)
Art - First Nations Art (Wednesday, June 15)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- JP              - KSM

Monday, June 6, 2011

Classroom News - June 6

Happy Monday!

16 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 7) is the Hog Dog hot lunch.
- The Thursday, June 9 early dismissal has been CANCELLED. It will be a normal day of school (until 3:30)
- Mrs. Soltys is still taking auditions for the MC Knoll talent show.

Homework:
Math - 5.4 Worksheet (circumference) (OVERDUE)
Math - 5.5 Worksheet (area estimation) (Tuesday, June 7)
Health - Communicable Diseases W/S (x3) (Wednesday, June 8)
Art - Sketchbook (x8) (Monday, June 13)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- SO          - DP             - SP              - KSM

Friday, June 3, 2011

Gr. 7 Adventure Ed.

The students had a blast learning a variety of different skills at the Gallagher Center swimming pool including canoeing, cpr, and water rescuing.

Classroom News - June 3

Ask your son/daughter about the awesome experience they had today at the Gallagher Center.

Enjoy the weekend!

17 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- Tuesday, June 7 is the Hog Dog hot lunch.
- The Thursday, June 9 early dismissal has been CANCELLED.  It will be a normal day of school (until 3:30)

Homework:
Math - 5.4 Worksheet (circumference) (Monday, June 6)
Health - Communicable Diseases W/S (x3) (Wednesday, June 8)
Art - Sketchbook (x8) (Monday, June 13)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- GD                - DP                   - SP                    - KSM

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Classroom News - June 2

Warm weather = short lasted...

A newsletter was sent home today with details about a change to next week's early dismissal.

The annual MC Knoll talent show is now accepting auditions.  Any students interested in displaying their 'talents' need to sign-up by Mrs. Soltys's classroom.

18 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- Gr. 7 students will be learning canoe safety at the Gallagher Center during tomorrow's (Friday, June 3) Adventure Ed. class. Students will need the appropriate attire for this event.

Homework:
LA - Reader Response (pg 25-34) (Friday, June 3)
Health - Communicable Diseases W/S (x3) (Wednesday, June 8)
Art - Sketchbook (x8) (Monday, June 13)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- GD              - DP            - SP           - KSM    

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Classroom News - June 1

The last monthly school newsletter of the year was sent home today.

Great job to everyone who "walked or rolled" to school today.

19 SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING!!!

Reminders:
- Gr. 7 students will be learning canoe safety at the Gallagher Center during the Friday, June 3 Adventure Ed. class. Students will need the appropriate attire for this event.

Homework:
Math - Area of Triangle 5.2 W/S (Thursday, June 2)
LA - Reader Response (pg 13-24) (Thursday, June 2)
Health - Communicable Diseases W/S (x3) (Wednesday, June 8)
Art - Sketchbook (x8) (Monday, June 13)
Music - Song Photostory (Monday, June 20)
LA - Speech (Monday, June 20)

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- GD         - DP          - JP           - SP             - KSM           - LW