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, January 30, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 30

Another Survivor form was sent home today - Survivor Dance.  This form is due by Monday, Feb. 3.

There will be NO SCHOOL tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 31) due to a school inservice.

Have a wonderful long-weekend!

Homework
Math - 7.1 Algebra (Monday, Feb. 3)
Career G. - After Work Online (Monday, Feb. 3)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- "Mouse and the Motorcycle" survey forms are due by Monday, Feb. 3.
- Some very important "Survivor" information was sent home last week. The yellow sheet is the "Survivor Pledge Form" and the green sheet is the "Survivor Permission Form". Both forms are due Tuesday, Feb. 4. The actual Surivor event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6 and runs into the morning of Friday, Feb. 7

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD                - NR        

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 29

We have now entered the world of "algebra" in math.  Ask your son/daughter about it.

Students are encouraged to keep their shovels at the school so they can continue to build quinzees over the upcoming days.

A feedback form for "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" was sent out today.  Please consider the survey and return it by Monday, Feb. 3.

There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, Jan. 31 (school inservice).

Homework
Math - Algebra Practice (Thursday, Jan. 30)
LA - Figurative Language (Thursday, Jan. 30)
Career G. - After Work Online (Monday, Feb. 3)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- Subway lunch is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 30)
- Some very important "Survivor" information was sent home last week. The yellow sheet is the "Survivor Pledge Form" and the green sheet is the "Survivor Permission Form". Both forms are due Tuesday, Feb. 4. The actual Surivor event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6 and runs into the morning of Friday, Feb. 7

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD             - NR         

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 28

Thanks to everyone who attended the movie-viewing of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle".  It was FUNtastic.

Ask your son/daughter about their grade they earned on the "integer" math test.

Also, ask your son/daughter about Adventure Ed. - quinzee building.  Students are encouraged to keep their shovels at the school so they can continue to build them over the upcoming days.

Homework
Math - Algebra Pre-Test (Wednesday, Jan. 29)
Art - Elements of Art/Principles of Design (OVERDUE)
LA - "Lost Island" Questions/Activities (OVERDUE)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- Subway lunch is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30.
- There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, Jan. 31 (school inservice).
- Some very important "Survivor" information was sent home last week. The yellow sheet is the "Survivor Pledge Form" and the green sheet is the "Survivor Permission Form". Both forms are due Tuesday, Feb. 4. The actual Surivor event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6 and runs into the morning of Friday, Feb. 7

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD           - CJ            - NR           - DW             - JW

Monday, January 27, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 27

Happy Monday!

As we have finally reached the epic conclusion of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle", you are invited to attend a movie viewing experience of the novel tonight (Monday, Jan. 27) at MC Knoll at 6:30 pm. Bring snacks and something to sit on.

Ask your son/daughter about the "integer" math test and P.A.A.

If the weather allows, we will try to be outside building quinzees for tomorrow's (Tuesday, Jan. 28) Adventure Ed. class.  Students will need appropriate outdoor clothing and shovels.  If the weather is not cooperating, we will most likely be inside - appropriate indoor gym clothing would be needed.

Homework
Art - Elements of Art/Principles of Design (OVERDUE)
LA - "Lost Island" Questions/Activities (OVERDUE)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- The Asessippi ski/snowboard form and fees are now OVERDUE.
- Subway lunch is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30.
- There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, Jan. 31 (school inservice).
- Some very important "Survivor" information was sent home last week. The yellow sheet is the "Survivor Pledge Form" and the green sheet is the "Survivor Permission Form". Both forms are due Tuesday, Feb. 4. The actual Surivor event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6 and runs into the morning of Friday, Feb. 7

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD          - CJ          - NR           - DW          - JW

Friday, January 24, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 24

The last few chapters of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" (chapter 11 and chapter 12) are due Monday, January 27.

Speaking of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle", as we are fast approaching the epic conclusion of our novel, you are invited to attend a movie viewing experience of the novel on Monday, Jan. 27 at MC Knoll at 6:30 pm. Bring snacks and something to sit on.

Have a great weekend!

Homework
Art - Elements of Art/Principles of Design (Monday, Jan. 27)
LA - "Lost Island" Questions/Activities (Monday, Jan. 27)
Math - Integers Unit TEST (Monday, Jan. 27)
Music - International School of Music (Monday, Jan. 27)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- The Asessippi ski/snowboard form and fees are now OVERDUE.
- There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, Jan. 31 (school inservice).
- Some very important "Survivor" information was sent home yesterday. The yellow sheet is the "Survivor Pledge Form" and the green sheet is the "Survivor Permission Form". Both forms are due Tuesday, Feb. 4. The actual Surivor event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6 and runs into the morning of Friday, Feb. 7

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- Mr. Nobody

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 23

Some very important "Survivor" information was sent home today.  The yellow sheet is the "Survivor Pledge Form" and the green sheet is the "Survivor Permission Form".  Both forms are due Tuesday, Feb. 4.  The actual Surivor event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6 and runs into the morning of Friday, Feb. 7

Chapter 10 reading of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" is due tomorrow (Friday, January 24).

Speaking of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle", as we are coming to the epic conclusion of our novel, you are invited to attend a movie viewing experience of the novel on Monday, Jan. 27 at MC Knoll at 6:30 pm. Bring snacks and something to sit on.

Homework
Math - Subtracting Integers (Friday, Jan. 24)
Art - Elements of Art/Principles of Design (Monday, Jan. 27)
LA - "Lost Island" Questions/Activities (Monday, Jan. 27)
Math - Integers Unit TEST (Monday, Jan. 27)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- The annual ski/snowboard trip to Asessippi Ski Area is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11. However, the form and appropiate fees are due tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 24).
- Another MC Knoll bake sale is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 24. Items are $0.50 each. YUMMY!

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 22

Chapter 10 reading of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" is due Friday, January 24.

Speaking of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle", as we are coming to the epic conclusion of our novel, you are invited to attend a movie viewing experience of the novel on Monday, Jan. 27 at MC Knoll at 6:30 pm.  Bring snacks and something to sit on.

Homework
Science - Science News Booklet (OVERDUE)
Math - Adding Integers (Thursday, Jan. 23)
Art - Elements of Art/Principles of Design (Monday, Jan. 27)
Math - Integers Unit TEST (Monday, Jan. 27)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- If interested in ordering a "Subway" lunch, please return the form and fees by tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 23). The actual lunch is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30.
- The annual ski/snowboard trip to Asessippi Ski Area is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11. However, the form and appropiate fees are due by Friday, Jan. 24.
- Another MC Knoll bake sale is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 24. Items are $0.50 each. YUMMY!

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 21

Happy Tuesday...

Sorry for the "no post" yesterday - I was away from school.

The "new" schedule started officially yesterday (unofficially today).  Please refer to the bottom of the blog for an updated schedule.

Chapter 9 reading of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" is due tomorrow (Wednesday, Jan. 22).

The annual ski/snowboard trip to Asessippi Ski Area is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11.  However, the form and appropiate fees are due by Friday, Jan. 24.  A newsletter was sent home yesterday with all of the necessary information.

Please refer to the "Reminders" section of this post for other important upcoming dates.

Homework
Music - Myths/Realities (OVERDUE)
Math - 2.5 Subtracting with Number Lines (Wednesday, Jan. 22)
Science - Science News Booklet (Wednesday, Jan. 22)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- If interested in purchasing from the January Scholastic Book Order (x4 pamphlets), please return the form and appropriate fees by tomorrow (Wednesday, Jan. 22).
- If interested in ordering a "Subway" lunch, please return the form and fees by Thursday, Jan. 23. The actual lunch is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30.
- Another MC Knoll bake sale is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 24. Items are $0.50 each. YUMMY!

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- SD          - DF         - HF         - NR              

Friday, January 17, 2014

Adventure Ed. - Tobogganing


Classroom News - Jan. 17

Chapter 7 and Chapter 8 reading of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" is due Monday, Jan. 20.

I posted a newly updated classroom schedule on the bottom of the blog. This schedule will be starting on Monday, Jan. 20 (Day 3).

Have a wonderful weekend!

Homework
Math - 2.4 Subtracting Integers with Tiles (Monday, Jan. 20)
Music - Myths/Realities (Monday, Jan. 20)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- If interested in purchasing from the January Scholastic Book Order (x4 pamphlets), please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Jan. 22.
- If interested in ordering a "Subway" lunch, please return the form and fees by Thursday, Jan. 23. The actual lunch is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30.
- Another MC Knoll bake sale is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 24.  Items are $0.50 each. YUMMY!

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD                                              

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 16

Due to the "crazy weather" we have had, students will now be going tobogganing for tomorrow's (Friday, Jan. 17) Adventure Ed. class.  Students will now need appropriate outdoor clothing and toboggans for tomorrow.

Also, a "Subway" lunch form was sent home today.  If interested in ordering, please return the form and fees by Thursday, Jan. 23.  The actual lunch is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30.

Homework
Career Guidance - Real Game Online (OVERDUE)
Math - Subtracting Integers with Tiles (OVERDUE)
LA - "Ghost Train" Questions and Activities (Friday, Jan. 17)
Music - Myths/Realities (Monday, Jan. 20)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
Chapter 6 reading of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" is due tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 17).
- I posted a newly updated classroom schedule on the bottom of the blog. This schedule will be starting on Monday, Jan. 20 (Day 3).
- Also, if interested in purchasing from the January Scholastic Book Order (x4 pamphlets), please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Jan. 22.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD               - NR

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 15

Chapter 6 reading of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" is due Friday, Jan. 17.

Homework
Career Guidance - Real Game Online (OVERDUE)
Math - Subtracting Integers with Tiles (Thursday, Jan. 16)
LA - "Ghost Train" Questions and Activities (Friday, Jan. 17)
Music - Myths/Realities (Monday, Jan. 20)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- Students will need appropriate outdoor clothing and shovels for the Friday, Jan. 17 Adventure Ed. class. Students will be building quinzees.
- I posted a newly updated classroom schedule on the bottom of the blog. This schedule will be starting next Monday, Jan. 20 (Day 3).
- Also, if interested in purchasing from the January Scholastic Book Order (x4 pamphlets), please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Jan. 22.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD             - NR

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 14

Students will need appropriate outdoor clothing and shovels for the Friday, Jan. 17 Adventure Ed. class. Students will be building quinzees.

Also, I posted a newly updated classroom schedule on the bottom of the blog. This schedule will be starting next Monday, Jan. 20 (Day 3).

A "City of Yorkton" newsletter was sent out today.

Also, if interested in purchasing from the January Scholastic Book Order (x4 pamphlets), please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Homework
Health - Relationship Qualities/Scenarios (OVERDUE)
Career Guidance - Real Game Online (OVERDUE)
Math - 2.3 Adding Integers using Number Lines (Wednesday, Jan. 15)
Music - Myths/Realities (Monday, Jan. 20)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- Chapter 5 reading of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" is due tomorrow (Wednesday, Jan. 15).

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD              - NR

Monday, January 13, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 13

Happy Monday!

Students will need appropriate outdoor clothing and shovels for the Friday, Jan. 17 Adventure Ed. class.  Students will be building quinzees.

Also, I posted a newly updated classroom schedule on the bottom of the blog.  This schedule will be starting next Monday, Jan. 20 (Day 3).

Homework
Health - Relationship Qualities/Scenarios (OVERDUE)
Career Guidance - Real Game Online (OVERDUE)
Math - Adding Integers with Tiles Practice (Tuesday, Jan. 14)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- Chapter 5 reading of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" is due by Wednesday, Jan. 15.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD

Friday, January 10, 2014

Math Board Games


Classroom News - Jan. 10

Ask your son/daughter about the "Math Board Game Extravaganza"...
Have a wonderful weekend!

Homework
Math - 2.1 Representing Integers (OVERDUE)
Health - Relationship Qualities/Scenarios (OVERDUE)
Career Guidance - Real Game Online (Monday, Jan. 13)
LA - Picture Book (Monday, Feb. 10)

Reminders
- Chapter 3 reading of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" is due by Monday, Jan. 13.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- Mr. Nobody 

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 9

Enjoy the early dismissal!

Chapter 2 reading of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" is due by tomorrow (Friday, January 10).

Homework
Math - Probability Board Game (OVERDUE)
Math - 2.1 Representing Integers (Friday, Jan. 10)
Health - Relationship Qualities/Scenarios (Friday, Jan. 10)
Career Guidance - Real Game Online (Monday, Jan. 13)

Reminders
- Nothing at this time...

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- OG                          

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 8

As part of the "One School...One Book" campaign, families are encouraged to read together "The Mouse and the Motorcycle". The novel, along with some information, was sent home yesterday. 

As an added incentive, the classroom that scores the highest reading comprehension wins a pizza lunch.  Our 7M classroom scored a dismal 6/22 on Chapter 1 comprehension...

Chapter 2 reading is due by Friday, January 10.

Homework
LA - Winter Break Blog (OVERDUE)
Math - Probability Board Game (Thursday, Jan. 9)
Health - Relationship Qualities/Scenarios (Friday, Jan. 10)

Reminders
- Tomorrow (Thursday, January 9) is another 2:30 p.m. early dismissal.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- KS             - NR                             

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 7

Ask your son/daughter about the "One School...One Book" campaign.  Families are encouraged to read together "The Mouse and the Motorcycle".  The novel, along with some information, was sent home today.  Chapter 1 reading is due by tomorrow (Wednesday, Jan. 8).

Homework
LA - Winter Break Blog (OVERDUE)
Math - Integer Review (Wednesday, Jan. 8)
Math - Probability Board Game (Thursday, Jan. 9)
Health - Relationship Qualities/Scenarios (Friday, Jan. 10)

Reminders
- Thursday, January 9 is another 2:30 p.m. early dismissal.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- KS          - NR                             

Monday, January 6, 2014

Classroom News - Jan. 6

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had an amazing Winter Break.  It seems that everyone is re-energized to tackle the 2014 year.

Come on out and join us at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 7) for a "mug and muffin" to help our school kick-off the "One School...One Book" campaign.  Some information was sent home today.

Homework
Math - Integer Pretest (Tuesday, Jan. 7)
LA - Winter Break Blog (Tuesday, Jan. 7)
Math - Probability Board Game (Thursday, Jan. 9)

Reminders
- Thursday, January 9 is another 2:30 p.m. early dismissal.

Our WE ACT Club has chosen to participate in the Free the Children "Brick by Brick" program. We are asking students to donate any spare change they have to support this cause. Also, the WE ACT Club will be selling bracelets throughout the year for $2.00. Their goal is to raise $10 000 by the end of the year - which will build a school in Haiti.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- KS            - NR              - JW