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



Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Classroom News - June 25

I know I say this every year, but WOW, where has the year gone!

I loved getting to know each and every student this year.  We learned together, laughed together and made a lot of great memories together!

Have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable summer!  

We will see everyone back in the 2014-2015 school year...as GRADE 8 STUDENTS!

Reminders
- Report Card pick-up is Friday, June 27.

- The first day of the 2014-2015 school year is Tuesday, September 2.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Adventure Ed. - Golfing

Classroom News - June 24

NO MORE HOMEWORK!!!

1 day of school left!

Reminders
- The annual MC Knoll Talent Show is set for tomorrow (Wednesday, June 25).
- Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 25) is the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
- Report Card pick-up is Friday, June 27.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Classroom News - June 23

One final exam down...one more to go!

Ask your son/daughter about the last "buddy activity" they enjoyed today.

Students will be golfing for their last Adventure Ed. class tomorrow (Tuesday, June 24).  Feel free to bring your own golf gear.

2 days of school left!

Homework
Math - FINAL EXAM (Tuesday, June 24)

Reminders

- The annual MC Knoll Talent Show is set for Wednesday, June 25.
- Wednesday, June 25 is the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

- Report Card pick-up is Friday, June 27.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Camp Whitesand - Part 3

Camp Whitesand - Part 2

Camp Whitesand - Part 1

Classroom News - June 20

Camp Whitesand was AWESOME!!!

3 days of school left!

Homework
ELA - FINAL EXAM (Monday, June 23)
Math - FINAL EXAM (Tuesday, June 24)

Reminders
- As a way of celebrating our "buddy time" with 1B, our class will be heading to Weinmaster Park on Monday, June 23.

- Students will be golfing for their last Adventure Ed. class on Tuesday, June 24.  Feel free to bring your own golf gear.
- The annual MC Knoll Talent Show is set for Wednesday, June 25.
- Wednesday, June 25 is the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

- Report Card pick-up is Friday, June 27.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Classroom News - June 19

Ask your son/daughter about the very busy day they had today...

ALL homework items are now OVERDUE!  Students who did not hand-in ALL assignments by today may have earned a 0%.

4 days of school left!

Homework
ELA - FINAL EXAM (Monday, June 23)
Math - FINAL EXAM (Tuesday, June 24)

Reminders
- For Camp Whitesand tomorrow (Friday, June 27), students will be participating in horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, and high ropes. Therefore, students will need appropriate outdoor items including shoes, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle, lunch, etc. Students may also want an extra change of clothes and swimming gear if they decide to 'get wet'. We are planning to leave at 8:45 a.m. and return around 3:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Classroom News - June 18

ALL homework items are now OVERDUE!  Students who did not hand-in ALL assignments by today may have earned a 0%.

5 days of school left!

Homework
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (OVERDUE)
ELA - Book Club Assignment #8 (Thursday, June 19)

Math - 8.5 Cartesian Plane (Thursday, June 19)
Math - Cartesian Plane Test (Thursday, June 19)
Science - Mixtures and Solutions Test (Thursday, June 19)
Social - Unit Test (Thursday, June 19)
ELA - FINAL EXAM (Monday, June 23)
Math - FINAL EXAM (Tuesday, June 24)

Reminders
- For Camp Whitesand on Friday, June 27, students will be participating in horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, and high ropes. Therefore, students will need appropriate outdoor items including shoes, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle, lunch, etc. Students may also want an extra change of clothes and swimming gear if they decide to 'get wet'. We are planning to leave at 8:45 a.m. and return around 3:30 p.m.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- DF              -
 NR              -
 SR             - DW             - JW

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Classroom News - June 17

As the year is coming to an end, I will need to collect all upcoming/overdue homework. The deadline for handing-in assignments will be by tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18). Students who do not hand-in ALL assignments by this date may earn a 0%.

6 days of school left!

Homework
Drama 
- Story Outline and Character Sketch (OVERDUE)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (OVERDUE)
ELA - Book Club Assignment #7 (OVERDUE)

Math - "River Riding" Coordinate Grid (Wednesday, June 18)
Math - Cartesian Plane Test (Thursday, June 19)
Science - Mixtures and Solutions Test (Thursday, June 19)

Social - Unit Test (Thursday, June 19)
ELA - FINAL EXAM (Monday, June 23)
Math - FINAL EXAM (Tuesday, June 24)

Reminders

- For Camp Whitesand on Friday, June 27, students will be participating in horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, and high ropes. Therefore, students will need appropriate outdoor items including shoes, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle, lunch, etc. Students may also want an extra change of clothes and swimming gear if they decide to 'get wet'. We are planning to leave at 8:45 a.m. and return around 3:30 p.m.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- SA            - WD            - BF              - DF                  

- KG           - TL              - NR              - SR
- KSP          - KS            - DW             - JW

Monday, June 16, 2014

Classroom News - June 16

Happy Monday!

Get ready for a VERY busy last 'full week" of school!

The Camp Whitesand permission form and $15 fee is now OVERDUE.

As the year is coming to an end, I will need to collect all upcoming/overdue homework. The deadline for handing-in assignments will be by Wednesday, June 18. Students who do not hand-in ALL assignments by this date may earn a 0%.

7 days of school left!

Homework
Drama 
- Story Outline and Character Sketch (OVERDUE)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (OVERDUE)
ELA - Book Club Assignment #7 (Tuesday, June 17)

Math - Cartesian Plane Test (Thursday, June 19)
Science - Mixtures and Solutions Test (Thursday, June 19)

Social - Unit Test (Thursday, June 19)
ELA - FINAL EXAM (Monday, June 23)
Math - FINAL EXAM (Tuesday, June 24)

Reminders

- For Camp Whitesand on Friday, June 27, students will be participating in horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, and high ropes. Therefore, students will need appropriate outdoor items including shoes, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle, lunch, etc. Students may also want an extra change of clothes and swimming gear if they decide to 'get wet'. We are planning to leave at 8:45 a.m. and return around 3:30 p.m. 

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- HF              - KG             - TL             - NR                  
- KSP            - DW            - JW

Friday, June 13, 2014

Medicine Wheels

Classroom News - June 13

Ask your son/daughter about today's "Medicine Wheel" activity.

A review package was sent home today about the ELA and Math Final Exams.

Have a wonderful weekend!

As the year is coming to an end, I will need to collect all upcoming/overdue homework. The deadline for handing-in assignments will be by Wednesday, June 18. Students who do not hand-in ALL assignments by this date may earn a 0%.

8 days of school left!


Homework
Art - Pointillism #2 (OVERDUE)
Career G. - Interviews (OVERDUE)
Art - Term 3 Sketchbook (x8) (OVERDUE)

Drama - Story Outline and Character Sketch (OVERDUE)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (Monday, June 16)

Health - Growth and Puberty Test (Monday, June 16)
Science - Mixtures and Solutions Test (Thursday, June 19)
ELA - FINAL EXAM (Monday, June 23)
Math - FINAL EXAM (Tuesday, June 24)

Reminders

- A year-end newsletter was sent home earlier this week about the grade 7 students attending Camp Whitesand on Friday, June 20.  If you would like your child to attend the year-end festivities, please return the permission form and $15 by Monday, June 16.

- For the Monday, June 16 Adventure Ed. class, students will need to bring any tennis gear they have, along with appropriate outdoor clothing.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD              - HF            - KG     

- CJ                - TL             - NR                     
- KSP             - DW           - JW

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Classroom News - June 12

Ask your son/daughter about today's Music and Math Tests.

Please note that tonight's YRHS Year-End Dance has been moved to Dr. Brass from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.

As the year is coming to an end, I will need to collect all upcoming/overdue homework. The deadline for handing-in assignments will be by Wednesday, June 18. Students who do not hand-in ALL assignments by this date may earn a 0%.

9 days of school left!


Homework
Art - Pointillism #2 (OVERDUE)
Career G. - Interviews (OVERDUE)
Art - Term 3 Sketchbook (x8) (OVERDUE)

ELA - Book Assignment #6 (Friday, June 13)
Drama - Story Outline and Character Sketch (Friday, June 13)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (Monday, June 16)

Health - Growth and Puberty Test (Monday, June 16)
Science - Mixtures and Solutions Test (Thursday, June 19)
ELA - FINAL EXAM (Monday, June 23)
Math - FINAL EXAM (Tuesday, June 24)

Reminders

- A year-end newsletter was sent home yesterday about the grade 7 students attending Camp Whitesand on Friday, June 20.  If you would like your child to attend the year-end festivities, please return the permission form and $15 by Monday, June 16.
- Tomorrow (Friday, June 13) is the BBQ hot lunch.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- WD           - BF          - HF           - DF           - KG     

- KHo          - CJ           - TL           - NR           - SR          
- KSP          - DW          - JW

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Classroom News - June 11

A year-end newsletter was sent home today about the grade 7 students attending Camp Whitesand on Friday, June 20.  If you would like your child to attend the year-end festivities, please return the permission form and $15 by Monday, June 16.

Please note that tomorrow's (Thursday, June 12) YRHS Year-End Dance has been moved to Dr. Brass from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.

As the year is coming to an end, I will need to collect all upcoming/overdue homework. The deadline for handing-in assignments will be by Wednesday, June 18. Students who do not hand-in ALL assignments by this date may earn a 0%.

10 days of school left!

Homework
Art - Pointillism #2 (OVERDUE)
Career G. - Interviews (OVERDUE)
Health - Female Reproduction Handout (OVERDUE)
Math - 4.7 Drawing Circles (OVERDUE)
Art - Term 3 Sketchbook (x8) (Thursday, June 12)
Music - Musicals Unit Test (Thursday, June 12)
Math - Circle Graph Test (Thursday, June 12)

ELA - Book Assignment #6 (Friday, June 13)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (Monday, June 16)
Drama - Presentations (sometime before June 18)

Reminders
- Tomorrow (Thursday, June 12) is the last 2:30 p.m. early dismissal of the school year.

- Friday, June 13 is the BBQ hot lunch (if you pre-ordered).

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- SA             - WD           - DF             - HF        - KG   

-  KHa          - CJ             - TL             - NR        - SR  
- KSP           - DW           - JW

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Safety Day

Classroom News - June 10

Ask your son/daughter about the "Safety Day" activity we attended.

Please note that Thursday's (June 12) YRHS Year-End Dance has been moved to Dr. Brass from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.

As the year is coming to an end, I will need to collect all upcoming/overdue homework. The deadline for handing-in assignments will be by Wednesday, June 18. Students who do not hand-in ALL assignments by this date may earn a 0%.

11 days of school left!

Homework
Art - Pointillism #2 (OVERDUE)
Career G. - Interviews (Wednesday, June 11)

ELA - Book Assignment #5 (Wednesday, June 11)
Health - Female Reproduction Handout (Wednesday, June 11)

Math - 4.7 Drawing Circles (Wednesday, June 11)
Art - Term 3 Sketchbook (x8) (Thursday, June 12)
Music - Musicals Unit Test (Thursday, June 12)

Math - Circle Graph Test (Thursday, June 12)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (Monday, June 16)
Drama - Presentations (sometime before June 18)

Reminders
- Any students interested in attending the Gr. 7/8 Dr. Brass (previous YRHS) Year-End Dance, the $5.00 admission ticket and permission form must be returned by tomorrow (Wednesday, June 11).  The actual dance is scheduled for Thursday, June 12.
- Thursday, June 12 is also the last early dismissal of the year.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AB           - WD            - SD             - HF               

- BG           - KG             - CJ              - TL          
- NR           - SR              - JW        

Monday, June 9, 2014

Classroom News - June 9

Happy Monday!

Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 10) is the Yorkton Exhibition "Safety Day".  Students will need to be prepared to be outdoors all afternoon.  Lunch is being provided for us!

As the year is coming to an end, I will need to collect all upcoming/overdue homework. The deadline for handing-in assignments will be by Wednesday, June 18. Students who do not hand-in ALL assignments by this date may earn a 0%.

12 days of school left!

Homework
Art - Pointillism #2 (OVERDUE)

Career G. - Interviews (Wednesday, June 11)

ELA - Book Assignment #5 (Wednesday, June 11)
Health - Female Reproduction Handout (Wednesday, June 11)

Math - 4.7 Drawing Circles (Wednesday, June 11)
Art - Term 3 Sketchbook (x8) (Thursday, June 12)
Music - Musicals Unit Test (Thursday, June 12)

Math - Circle Graph Test (Thursday, June 12)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (Monday, June 16)

Drama - Presentations (sometime before June 18)

Reminders

- Any students interested in attending the Gr. 7/8 YRHS Year-End Dance, the $5.00 admission ticket and permission form must be returned by Wednesday, June 11.  The actual dance is scheduled for Thursday, June 12.
- Thursday, June 12 is also the last early dismissal of the year.

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

Friday, June 6, 2014

Adventure Ed. - Canoe Safety and CPR

Classroom News - June 6

Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed. class - Canoe Safety and CPR.

Have a great weekend!

13 days of school left!

Homework

Art - Pointillism #2 (Monday, June 9)

Career G. - Interviews (Wednesday, June 11)
Health - Female Reproduction Handout (Wednesday, June 11)
Art - Term 3 Sketchbook (x8) (Thursday, June 12)
Music - Musicals Unit Test (Thursday, June 12)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (Monday, June 16)

Drama - Presentations (sometime before June 18)

Reminders

- Tuesday, June 10 is the Yorkton Exhibition "Safety Day".  Students will need to be prepared to be outdoors all afternoon.  Lunch is being provided for us!
- Any students interested in attending the Gr. 7/8 YRHS Year-End Dance, the $5.00 admission ticket and permission form must be returned by Wednesday, June 11.  The actual dance is scheduled for Thursday, June 12.
- Thursday, June 12 is also the last early dismissal of the year.

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

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Classroom News - June 5

Students will need their swimming gear and a t-shirt for tomorrow's (Friday, June 6) Adventure Ed. class.

14 days of school left!

Homework

Art - Pointillism #2 (Monday, June 9)
Art - Term 3 Sketchbook (x8) (Thursday, June 12)
Music - Musicals Unit Test (Thursday, June 12)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (Monday, June 16)

Reminders
- The lunch forms (BBQ hot dogs) are due tomorrow (Friday, June 6).
- The last MC Knoll bake sale is tomorrow (Friday, June 6).  Items are sold for $0.50.

- Any students interested in attending the Gr. 7/8 YRHS Year-End Dance, the $5.00 admission ticket and permission form must be returned by Wednesday, June 11.

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

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Classroom News - June 4

Great job to everyone who participated in the annual "Walk and Roll".  Our 7M classroom had 17 out of 22 students participate!

15 days of school left!


Homework

Math - Drawing Circle Graph Practice (Thursday, June 5)
ELA - Book Club Assignment #4 (Thursday, June 5)
Art - Term 3 Sketchbook (x8) (Thursday, June 12)

Music - Musicals Unit Test (Thursday, June 12)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (Monday, June 16)

Reminders

- The hot lunch forms (BBQ hot dogs) are due Friday, June 6.
- The last MC Knoll bake sale if Friday, June 6 ($0.50 items)
- Students will need their swimming gear and a t-shirt for the Friday, June 6 Adventure Ed. class.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- HF         

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Classroom News - June 3

The annual "Walk and Roll" to school is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday, June 4).  Active transportation to and from school is encouraged!

16 days of school left!


Homework

Math - 11.2 Survey Circle Graph (Wednesday, June 4)
ELA - Book Club Assignment #4 (Thursday, June 5)
Art - Term 3 Sketchbook (x8) (Thursday, June 12)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (Monday, June 16)

Reminders

- The last day to sign-up to the MC Knoll Talent Show is tomorrow (Wednesday, June 4).
- The hot lunch forms (BBQ hot dogs) are due Friday, June 6. 
- The last MC Knoll bake sale if Friday, June 6 ($0.50 items)
- Students will need their swimming gear and a t-shirt for the Friday, June 6 Adventure Ed. class.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- HF         

Monday, June 2, 2014

Classroom News - June 2

WOW...June already!

With only 1 month left in the school year (actually the students reminded me that there is only 17 school days left), please pay close attention to the upcoming events as June is known to be a very busy month.

The June MC Knoll newsletter was sent home today.

Homework
Career Guidance - Vacation Presentation (OVERDUE)
Health - Male Reproduction Worksheet (OVERDUE)
Math - 4.6 Circle Graphs (Tuesday, June 3)
ELA - Book Club Assignment #3 (Tuesday, June 3)
Art - Term 3 Sketchbook (x8) (Thursday, June 12)
ELA - Collage, 7 Paragraphs and Speech (Monday, June 16)

Reminders
- The annual "Walk and Roll" to school is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4.  Active transportation to/from school encouraged.

- Also, the last day to sign-up to the MC Knoll Talent Show is Wednesday, June 4.
- The hot lunch forms (BBQ hot dogs) are due Friday, June 6. 
- The last MC Knoll bake sale if Friday, June 6 ($0.50 items)
- Students will need their swimming gear and a t-shirt for the Friday, June 6 Adventure Ed. class.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- KSP               - HF              - OG