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, December 22, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 22

Have a safe and happy Christmas break.

We will see everyone back on Wednesday, Jan. 4...2012!!!

Reminders:
- If interested in ordering from the January Scholastic Book Order, the necessary information and fees are due by Friday, January 13.

Homework:
Social - Dec. "What in the World" (OVERDUE)
Art - Christmas Activity (OVERDUE)
Math - Probability Project (Monday, Jan. 9)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- KL              - HSey              

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Christmas Fun with 1B

Classroom News - Dec. 21

Tomorrow (Thursday, Dec. 22) is "Popcorn and Movie Day".  Please bring a non-perishable food item to be used as your admission for the movie.

In addition, it is a 2:00 p.m. early "Christmas Holiday" dismissal too. Yahoo!

Reminders:
- If interested in ordering from the January Scholastic Book Order, the necessary information and fees are due by Friday, January 13.

Homework:
Social - Dec. "What in the World" (OVERDUE)
Art - Christmas Activity (Thursday, Dec. 22)
Math - Probability Project (Monday, Jan. 9)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF                    - KL
- HSey            - MWin               - BW

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 20

The "10 Knights of Christmas" continue:
- Tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec. 21) is "Christmas Decoration Day". Wear your favourite Christmas colors and wacky outfit.
- Thursday, Dec. 22 is "Popcorn and Movie Day". In addition, it is a 2:00 p.m. early "Christmas Holiday" dismissal.

Reminders:
- If you are interested in a "Be the Change" commemorative photo, the $2.00 fee is OVERDUE.
- If interested in ordering from the January Scholastic Book Order, the necessary information and fees are due by Friday, January 13.

Homework:
LA - November/December Writing Folder (OVERDUE)
Social - Dec. "What in the World" (Wednesday, Dec. 21)
Art - Christmas Activity (Thursday, Dec. 22)
Math - Probability Project (Monday, Jan. 9)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- TB              - BF              - TG                 - CL
- KL             - SP               - HSey               - TT
- TW            - MWin         - BW

Monday, December 19, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 19

We are finally here - the last week of school for 2011!

Don't forget the "10 Knights of Christmas" this week:
- Tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 20) is "Christmas Carol Day". Each class will sing their own designed carol.
- Wednesday, Dec. 21 is "Christmas Decoration Day". Wear your favourite Christmas colors and wacky outfit.
- Thursday, Dec. 22 is "Popcorn and Movie Day". In addition, it is a 2:00 p.m. early "Christmas Holiday" dismissal.

Reminders:
- If you are interested in a "Be the Change" commemorative photo, the $2.00 fee is OVERDUE.
- If interested in ordering from the January Scholastic Book Order, the necessary information and fees are due by Friday, January 13.

Homework:
LA - November/December Writing Folder (OVERDUE)
Health - Fred, Mary, Cheryl Introductions (Tuesday, Dec. 20)
Social - Dec. "What in the World" (Wednesday, Dec. 21)
Math - Probability Project (Monday, Jan. 9)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- TB             - BF                 - TG                 - CL            
- KL             - SP                 - HSey              - TT            
- TW            - MWin           - BW

Friday, December 16, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 16

Have a great weekend!

Thanks to everyone who continued to vote for the "Yorkton Skatepark". Although you or I might not use it directly, it is something that will improve our community as a whole - that is, doing our part to help others.

The last of our "10 Knights of Christmas" are next week:
- Monday, Dec. 19 is "Pajama Day". Also, hot chocolate and candy canes will be on sale for $0.25 each.
- Tuesday, Dec. 20 is "Christmas Carol Day". Each class will sing their own designed carol.
- Wednesday, Dec. 21 is "Christmas Decoration Day". Wear your favourite Christmas colors and wacky outfit.
- Thursday, Dec. 22 is "Popcorn and Movie Day". In addition, it is a 2:00 p.m. early "Christmas Holiday" dismissal.

Reminders:
- If you are interested in a "Be the Change" commemorative photo, the $2.00 fee is OVERDUE.
- If interested in ordering from the January Scholastic Book Order, the necessary information and fees are due by Friday, January 13.

Homework:
Math - Theoretical versus Experimental Worksheet (OVERDUE)
LA - "Night Boat to Freedom" Q's and Activity (OVERDUE)
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)
Health - Fred, Mary, Cheryl Introductions (Tuesday, Dec. 20)
Social - Dec. "What in the World" (Wednesday, Dec. 21)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- TB               - BF                 - TG                - MH
- CL               - KL                 - SP                - TT            
- TW                - BW

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Math Probability Activity

Here, students are busy working with partners during a math lesson. Students were comparing the "theoretical probability" of rolling a six-sided die versus the "experimental probability" of rolling a six-sided die.

Classroom News - Dec. 15

The "Good Taste Fundraiser" orders are ready for pick-up today at MC Knoll from 3:30 - 5:15 (if you pre-ordered).

The grade 7 students will need appropriate outdoor attire for Phys. Ed. tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 16).

The January Scholastic Book Order was sent home today.  If interested in ordering, the necessary information and fees are due by Friday, January 13.

*** Be sure to go to Yorkton.ca to vote for the new "Yorkton Skate Park". Last day for voting is tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 16). ***

Reminders:
- If you are interested in a "Be the Change" commemorative photo, the $2.00 fee is OVERDUE.
- Tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 16), pictures with Santa will be sold for $0.25.
- Tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 16) is also "Knight Pride" day.
- Another MC Knoll bake is tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 16). Items are sold for $0.25.

Homework:
Math - Theoretical versus Experimental Worksheet (Friday, Dec. 16)
Math - Probability Test (Friday, Dec. 16)
LA - "Night Boat to Freedom" Q's and Activity (Friday, Dec. 16)
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)
Health - Fred, Mary, Cheryl Introductions (Tuesday, Dec. 20)
Social - Dec. "What in the World" (Wednesday, Dec. 21)

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

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 14

Great job to everyone who participated in the "Snow Sculpture" activity today. It was a "colorful" success!

*** Be sure to go to Yorkton.ca to vote for the new "Yorkton Skate Park". Voting continues until Friday, Dec. 16. ***

Reminders:
- If you are interested in a "Be the Change" commemorative photo, please bring $2.00 by tomorrow (Thursday, Dec. 15).
- Friday, Dec. 16, pictures with Santa will be sold for $0.25.
- Friday, Dec. 16 is also "Knight Pride" day.

Homework:
Math - Theoretical versus Experimental (page 1) (Thursday, Dec. 15)
Math - Probability Test (Friday, Dec. 16)
LA - "Night Boat to Freedom" Q's and Activity (Friday, Dec. 16)
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)
Health - Fred, Mary, Cheryl Introductions (Tuesday, Dec. 20)

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

Monday, December 12, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 13

The annual MC Knoll Christmas concert is tonight at 7:00 p.m. Come on out and enjoy the great performance.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec. 14) is "Snow Sculpture" day.  Bring a "spray bottle" with food coloring to make your masterpiece!

*** Be sure to go to Yorkton.ca to vote for the new "Yorkton Skate Park". Voting continues until Friday, Dec. 16. ***

Reminders:
- If you are interested in a "Be the Change" commemorative photo, please bring $2.00 by Thursday, Dec. 15.
- Friday, Dec. 16, pictures with Santa will be sold for $0.25.
- Friday, Dec. 16 is also "Knight Pride" day.

Homework:
Health - Skills for a Healthy Life Worksheet (OVERDUE)
Math - 10.3 Worksheet (Wednesday, Dec. 14)
Math - Probability Test (Friday, Dec. 16)
LA - "Night Boat to Freedom" Q's and Activity (Friday, Dec. 16)      
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- TT                

Friday, December 9, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 9

Have a wonderful weekend!

*** Be sure to go to Yorkton.ca to vote for the new "Yorkton Skate Park". Voting continues until Friday, Dec. 16. ***

Reminders:
- Monday, Dec. 12 is "Christmas Door Decorating" day.
- Tuesday, Dec. 13 is the annual MC Knoll Christmas concert. Show time is at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Come on out and enjoy the great performance.
- Wednesday, Dec. 14 is "Snow Sculpture" day.
- Friday, Dec. 16, pictures with Santa will be sold for $0.25.
- Friday, Dec. 16 is also "Knight Pride" day.

Homework:
Math - 10.2 Worksheet (Monday, Dec. 12)
LA - "Night Boat to Freedom" Questions (Monday, Dec. 12)
Health - Skills for a Healthy Life Worksheet (Monday, Dec. 12)
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 8

Enjoy the afternoon.

The following people have yet to return their report card envelope and "pink slip":
- TG

Reminders:
- Tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 9) is "Christmas Character Day".
- Be sure to go to Yorkton.ca to vote for the new "Yorkton Skate Park". Voting continues until Friday, Dec. 16.

Homework:
CARS - Bullying Skits (OVERDUE)
Art - Remembrance Day Poster (OVERDUE)
Music - Nutcracker TEST (Friday, Dec. 9)
Math - Dice Question (Friday, Dec. 9)
Health - Skills for a Healthy Life Worksheet (Monday, Dec. 12)
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF        

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 7

Tomorrow (Thursday, Dec. 8) is the next noon hour early dismissal

The following people have yet to return their report card envelope and "pink slip":
- TG

Reminders:
- Friday, Dec. 9 is "Christmas Character Day".
- Be sure to go to Yorkton.ca to vote for the new "Yorkton Skate Park". Voting continues until Friday, Dec. 16.

Homework:
Math - Dice Question (Thursday, Dec. 8)
LA - "Night Boat..." Before Reading Q's and Activity (Thurs., Dec. 8)
CARS - Bullying Skits (Thursday, Dec. 8)
Art - Remembrance Day Poster (Thursday, Dec. 8)
Health - Skills for a Healthy Life Worksheet (Monday, Dec. 12)
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- Everyone is caught-up.  Yahoo!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 6

Be sure to dress appropriately for the winter weather!

The following people have yet to return their report card envelope and "pink slip":
- TG

Reminders:
- Thursday, Dec. 8 is the next noon hour early dismissal
- Friday, Dec. 9 is "Christmas Character Day".
- Be sure to go to Yorkton.ca to vote for the new "Yorkton Skate Park". Voting continues until Friday, Dec. 16.

Homework:
Math - 10.1 Worksheet (Wednesday, Dec. 7)
Science - "Journey to the Centre" (Wednesday, Dec. 7)
CARS - Bullying Skits (Thursday, Dec. 8)
Art - Remembrance Day Poster (Thursday, Dec. 8)
Health - Skills for a Healthy Life Worksheet (Monday, Dec. 12)
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- BF

Monday, December 5, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 5

Happy Monday!

Be sure to go to Yorkton.ca to vote for the new "Yorkton Skate Park".  Voting starts today (Dec. 5) and goes until Friday, Dec. 16.

Pay attention to the "Upcoming Events" section of the blog for a busy December.

The following people have yet to return their report card envelope and "pink slip":
- TB             - TG                 - TT                   - JT

Reminders:
- Thursday, Dec. 8 is the next noon hour early dismissal
- Friday, Dec. 9 is "Christmas Character Day".

Homework:
Math - Probability Worksheets (x2) (Tuesday, Dec. 6)
Science - "Journey to the Centre" (Wednesday, Dec. 7)
CARS - Bullying Skits (Thursday, Dec. 8)
Art - Remembrance Day Poster (Thursday, Dec. 8)
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- TG              - TW

Friday, December 2, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 2

Thank you for the great conversations about your child's education over the last two days.  Let us all look to making improvements for term 2 - students, parents, and myself alike!

The MC Knoll December newsletter was sent home today, along with a Christmas-themed handout entitled "The Ten Knights of Christmas".

Pay attention to the "Upcoming Events" section of the blog for a busy December.

Ask you son/daughter about P.A.A. at Yorkdale.

The following people have yet to return their report card envelope and "pink slip":
- TB            - TG          - TT          - JT             - MWin

Have a wonderful weekend!

Reminders:
- Thursday, Dec. 8 is the next noon hour early dismissal
- Friday, Dec. 9 is "Christmas Character Day".

Homework:
Career G. - My Wish List (OVERDUE)
Social - Compass Rose (OVERDUE)
CARS - Bullying Skits (Thursday, Dec. 8)
Art - Remembrance Day Poster (Thursday, Dec. 8)
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- No one at this time. Yahoo!!!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Classroom News - Dec. 1

Wow - December already!!!

Once again, I look forward to the partent-teacher interviews today (Thursday, Dec. 1). Just like yesterday, your son/daughter is encouraged to come to the interview as the conversations we will be having are about their education.

Be sure to return the report card envelope, as well as the 'pink' slip identifying that your parents have read the report card ASAP.

Ask your son/daughter about the math test they wrote today!

Reminders:
- The "Good Taste Fundraiser" forms and necessary fees are now OVERDUE.
- Students will be starting Term 2 P.A.A. tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 2).

Homework:
Health - Page 8/10/11 Handouts (OVERDUE)
Career G. - My Wish List (OVERDUE)
Social - Compass Rose (Friday, Dec. 2)
CARS - Bullying Skits (Thursday, Dec. 8)
Art - Remembrance Day Poster (Thursday, Dec. 8)
LA - November/December Writing Folder (Monday, Dec. 19)

* The following people have overdue homework:
- No one at this time. Yahoo!!!