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, September 29, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 29

Cross-country is tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 30) at Saltcoats.

There will be an MC Knoll "open house" on Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 5:30-7:00.  Come on out and meet everyone.

Reminders:
- If interested in ordering from the October Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Friday, October 14.

Homework:
Art - Art Folders (Friday, Sept 30)
French - #1-50 Test (Friday, Sept. 30)
LA - "Extreme Survival Stories" Questions and Comic (Monday, Oct. 3)
Math - 3.2 Worksheet (Monday, Oct. 3)
Social - Coat of Arms (Monday, Oct. 3)
Music - Rhapsody in Blue (Thursday, Oct. 6)
LA - October Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 14)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF           - KL          - TM           - TW           - EZ

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 28

Ask you son/daughter about the 'motivational' video the students enjoyed at the YRHS, as well as the Terry Fox walk our school did.

Reminders:
- Cross-country at Saltcoats is Friday, Sept. 30.
- If interested in ordering from the October Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Friday, October 14.

Homework:
Math - 3.1 Worksheet (Thursday, Sept. 29)
Art - Art Folders (Friday, Sept 30)
French - #1-50 Test (Friday, Sept. 30)
Social - Coat of Arms (Monday, Oct. 3)
LA - October Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 14)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF            - TT            - JT                 - MW

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 27

Students will be attending a "motivational" presentation tomorrow at the YRHS.

The following are due tomorrow:
- School Community Council volunteer sheet
- Terry Fox Fundraiser shoes

Reminders:
- If interested in ordering from the October Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Friday, October 14.

Homework:
Math - Decimal Worksheet (garden problem) (Wednesday, Sept. 28)
Art - Art Folders (Friday, Sept 30)
French - #1-50 Test (Friday, Sept. 30)
Social - Coat of Arms (Monday, Oct. 3)
LA - October Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 14)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF              - TT             - JT                 - MW

Monday, September 26, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 26

I hope you had a great "warm" weekend - lets hope this weather lasts!

Reminders:
- If interested in being a part of the MC Knoll School Community Council, the volunteer sheet needs to be returned by Wednesday, Sept. 28.
- The Terry Fox fundraiser 'sneaker' also needs to be returned by Wednesday, Sept. 28.  Our annual walk is on this same day.
- If interested in ordering from the October Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Friday, October 14.

Homework:
Math - Decimal Intro (Tuesday, Sept. 27)
Art - Art Folders (Friday, Sept 30)
LA - October Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 14)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF             - TT              - JT               - MW

Friday, September 23, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 23

Ask your son/daughter about the school-wide "peace" activity.

Also, ask them about their math test.

Have a great weekend!

Reminders
- If interested in being a part of the MC Knoll School Community Council, the volunteer sheet needs to be returned by Sept. 28. 
- The Terry Fox fundraiser 'sneaker' also needs to be returned by Sept. 28.  We will be doing our annual walk on this same day.
- If interested in ordering from the October Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Friday, October 14.

Homework
Social - World Map (OVERDUE)
Phys. Ed. - Football TEST (Monday, Sept. 26)
LA - October Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 14)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF          - TT               - JT           - MW           

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 22

Tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 23) is "Peace Day" at MC Knoll. Every student in the school is asked to participate by wearing a white t-shirt. There will also be a school-wide activity planned for this day. Ask your son/daughter about it.

If you have any sports equipment at home that you would like to donate to the Yorkton Sports Bank, contact the City Hall for more information.

Reminders
- If interested in being a part of the MC Knoll School Community Council, a volunteer sheet was sent home earlier this week and needs to be returned by Sept. 28.
- The Terry Fox fundraiser 'sneaker' needs to be returned by Sept. 28.
- If interested in ordering from the October Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Friday, October 14.

Homework
Social - World Map (OVERDUE)
Math - Number Relationship Unit Test (Friday, Sept 23)
LA - October Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 14)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF              - TT           - JT

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 21

Ask your son/daughter about picture day...

This Friday, Sept. 23 is "Peace Day" at MC Knoll.  Every student in the school is asked to participate by wearing a white t-shirt.  There will also be a school-wide activity planned for this day.  Ask your son/daughter about it.

If you have any sports equipment at home that you would like to donate to the Yorkton Sports Bank, contact the City Hall for more information.

Good luck to cross-country runners tomorrow.

Reminders
- If interested in being a part of the MC Knoll School Community Council, a volunteer sheet was sent home yesterday and needs to be returned by Sept. 28.
- The Terry Fox fundraiser 'sneaker' needs to be returned by Sept. 28.
- If interested in ordering from the October Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Friday, October 14.

Homework
Social - World Map (OVERDUE)
Math - 1.7 Worksheet (will get time to work tomorrow)
Math - Number Relationship Unit Test (Friday, Sept 23)
LA - October Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 14)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF           - TG               - MP          
- TT           - JT                 - ZW 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 20

School photos are tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept 21). Please bring a smile!

Also, two school handouts were sent home today:
- School Community Council volunteer sheet (return by Sept. 28)
- Terry Fox fundraiser form (return by Sept. 28)

Reminders
- If interested in ordering from the October Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Friday, October 14.

Homework
Math - 1.6 Worksheet (Wednesday, Sept. 21)
Social - World Map (Wednesday, Sept. 21)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- TB           - BF        - TT          - JT           

Monday, September 19, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 19

Happy Monday.

The "noon hour homework room" will start tomorrow for those that have overdue homework.

Reminders
- School photos are coming Wednesday, Sept 21. Please return the "picture pose" form ASAP.
- If you are interested in ordering from the October Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Friday, October 14.

Homework
Social - Canada Map (OVERDUE)
Math - 1.5 Worksheet (Tuesday, Sept. 20)
Social - World Map (Wednesday, Sept. 21)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- TB             - BF              - TG            
- TT              - JT              - MW

Friday, September 16, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 16

Scholastic book orders were sent home today. If you are interested in ordering, please return the form and appropriate fees by Friday, October 14.

Have a great weekend.

Reminders
- School photos are coming Wednesday, Sept 21. Please return the "picture pose" form ASAP.
- An important newsletter was sent home yesterday regarding the "noon hour homework room" that will start next week.

Homework
Math - 1.4 Worksheet (OVERDUE)
Social - Canada Map (Monday, Sept. 19)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- TB            - BF         - TG          - TT            - JT

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 15

An important newsletter was sent home today regarding the "noon hour homework room" that will start next week. Please review this with your son/daughter.

Reminders
- School photos are coming Wednesday, Sept 21. Please return the "picture pose" form ASAP.
- Please bring some reading material from home (magazine, books, etc.) for independent reading time.

Homework
Math - 1.4 Worksheet (Friday, Sept. 15)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- TB          - BF         - TG          - TT           - JT                         

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 14

Reminders
- School photos are coming Wednesday, Sept 21. Please return the "picture pose" form ASAP.
- Please bring some reading material from home (magazine, books, etc.) for independent reading time.

Homework
Math - 1.3 Worksheet (#1-3) (OVERDUE)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF              - TG              - KL          
- TT              - JT               - TW

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 13

Students will be heading to P.A.A tomorrow.

Reminders
- Please bring some reading material from home (magazine, books, etc.) for Independent Reading time.
- The fluoride mouthrinse program consent form (if not already approved by parents) needs to be returned ASAP.
- School photos are coming Wednesday, Sept 21.  Please return the "picture pose" form.

Homework
Math - 1.2 Worksheet (OVERDUE)
Math - 1.3 Worksheet (#1-3) (Wednesday, Sept. 14)
French - Alphabet Test (Wednesday, Sept. 14)

Monday, September 12, 2011

Classroom News - Sept 12

Happy Monday!

A couple of items were sent home today:
- information about working canteen
- Fluoride mouthrinse program consent (if not already approved by parents)
- School photos are coming Wednesday, Sept 21

Reminders
- Please bring some reading material from home (magazine, books, etc.) for Independent Reading time.

Homework
LA - "Parts of Speech" Posters (OVERDUE)
Math - 1.2 Worksheet (Tuesday, Sept. 13)
French - Alphabet Test (Wednesday, Sept. 14)

Friday, September 9, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 9

Another week done - how time flies?

The September school newsletter was sent home today. In addition, a pamphlet from Free My Muse was sent home too.

Reminders
All forms are OVERDUE including:
- Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow colored)
- Classroom Blog sheet (golden colored)
- Adventure Ed. form (sign and $25 fee)
- Noon hour permission form (sign and return)

Homework
Social - Canada Title Page (OVERDUE)
Math - 1.1 Worksheet (Monday, Sept. 12)
LA - "Parts of Speech" Posters (Monday, Sept. 12)
French - Alphabet Test (Wednesday, Sept. 14)

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 8

Enjoy the afternoon!

Being in grade 7 has its privileges and responsibilities.  One of these responsibilities is working in the MC Knoll canteen.  ALL students MUST work in the canteen - exceptions include if you go home for lunch (all of the time) and/or you will NEVER buy anything from the canteen.  Therefore, students are asked to pick their own groups of four to work with at the canteen, otherwise we will randomly pick the groups for them.

Reminders
All forms are OVERDUE including:
- Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow colored)
- Classroom Blog sheet (golden colored)
- Adventure Ed. form (sign and $25 fee)
- Noon hour permission form (sign and return)

Homework
Math - Number Relationships Worksheet (Friday, Sept. 9)
Social - Canada Title Page (Friday, Sept. 9)

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 7

Tomorrow (Thursday, Sept. 8) is the first noon hour early dismissal.

Reminders
All forms are OVERDUE including:
- Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow colored)
- Classroom Blog sheet (golden colored)
- Adventure Ed. form (sign and $25 fee)
- Noon hour permission form (sign and return)

Homework
Math - "Getting Started Activity" (Thursday, Sept. 8)
Social - Canada Title Page (Friday, Sept. 9)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 6

I hope the long weekend was enjoyable.

We have another short week again as Thursday, Sept. 8 is the first noon hour early dismissal.

Ask your son/daughter about their first ever P.A.A. class at Yorkdale.

Reminders
All forms are OVERDUE including:
- Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow colored)
- Classroom Blog sheet (golden colored)
- Adventure Ed. form (sign and $25 fee)
- Noon hour permission form (sign and return)

Friday, September 2, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 2

We barely even got started and there is already a holiday - there is NO SCHOOL Monday, Sept. 5 (Labour Day).

More forms were sent home today including:
- Adventure Ed. form (sign and $25 fee)
- Noon hour permission form (sign and return)
- Accident insurance form
- Letter from GSSD Director

Have a wonderful weekend!

Reminders
 - Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow colored) needs to be signed and returned by Tuesday, Sept. 6.
- Classroom Blog sheet (golden-colored) needs to be signed and returned by Tuesday, Sept. 6.
- Read through the online agenda with your son/daughter.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Classroom News - Sept. 1

Welcome Back!

WOW! It is hard to believe the summer has already come and gone. I hope everyone had an fun, safe, and enjoyable summer!

I think I speak for ALL of the staff and students at MC Knoll - we are glad to be back and look forward to the 2011-2012 MC Knoll school year.

Reminders
- Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow colored) needs to be signed and returned by Tuesday, Sept. 6.
- Classroom Blog sheet (golden-colored) needs to be signed and returned by Tuesday, Sept. 6.
- Read through the online agenda with your son/daughter.