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, April 30, 2014

Classroom News - April 30

We have started a new Health unit focusing around "Growing and Changing During Adolescence" (AKA - Puberty).  Students will be learning about their bodies and the changes they will be experiencing over the next few years.  If you have any questions/concerns about this particular unit, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I will be away from the school tomorrow (Thursday, May 1) evaluating Math problem solving questions.

Homework

Math - Geometry Review (9.4, 9.5 and 9.6) (Thursday, May 1)
Health - 12.1 W/S (Changes During Adolescence) (Thursday, May 1)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Science - Lab Safety Quiz (Tuesday, May 6)

Reminders
The GSSD Outdoor Track and Field Meet permission/event sign-up sheet is due by tomorrow (Thursday, May 1).  Students must sign-up to compete in 3-6 track and field events.
- The next MC Knoll Bake sale is Friday, May 2 ($0.50/item).
- If interested in ordering a 2013-2014 MC Knoll School Yearbook, please return the form and fees by Friday, May 9.

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

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Classroom News - April 29

The annual GSSD outdoor track and field meet is coming - Thursday, May 15 to be exact.  The track and field permission/event sign-up sheet was sent home today.  Please consider all of the information included in the form (including picking 3-6 events) and return it by Thursday, May 1.

Homework
Math - Geometry Terms and Pre-Test (OVERDUE)

Math - Geometry Review (9.4 and 9.5) (Wednesday, April 30)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Science - Lab Safety Test (Tuesday, May 6)

Reminders
- The next MC Knoll Bake sale is Friday, May 2 ($0.50/item).
- If interested in ordering a 2013-2014 MC Knoll School Yearbook, please return the form and fees by Friday, May 9.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- TL      

Monday, April 28, 2014

Classroom News - April 28

Happy Monday!

As always, I hope the time away from school treated you well.  
It is hard to believe we only have 2 months left in our school year. Unfortunately, "mother nature" has yet to cooperate with our Spring weather...

Homework
Math - Geometry Terms and Pre-Test (Tuesday, April 29)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- The next MC Knoll Bake sale is Friday, May 2 ($0.50/item).
- If interested in ordering a 2013-2014 MC Knoll School Yearbook, please return the form and fees by Friday, May 9.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- TL      

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Buddy Time - Easter Fun!


Classroom News - April 17

Student's have been working very hard this week to complete the GSSD Math Problem Solving question.  Great job!

Ask your son/daughter about today's "Easter buddy activities".

Have a wonderful Easter Break! 

See everyone back on Monday, April 28.

Homework
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- There is NO SCHOOL from Friday, April 18 until Sunday, April 27 (Easter Break).
- If interested in ordering a 2013-2014 MC Knoll School Yearbook, please return the form and fees by Friday, May 9.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- TL      

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Classroom News - April 16

Great job to those people who took a pledge to be silent during the MC Knoll "Day of Silence"!

Tomorrow (Thursday, April 17), we are planning on celebrating Easter with 1B by doing Easter crafts and coloring.  Students will need 2-3 "hard-boiled" eggs to participate in the festivities.

Homework
Math - "Mammoth Mountain" Problem Solving (OVERDUE)
Art - Classroom Grid Art (OVERDUE)
Math - "Vacation" Problem Solving (Thursday, April 17)
Math - Problem Solving Assessment (Thursday, April 17)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- Any students interested in playing Yorkton Minor Football, the form and fees are due by tomorrow (Thursday, April 17).
- There is NO SCHOOL from Friday, April 18 until Sunday, April 27 (Easter Break).
- If interested in ordering a 2013-2014 MC Knoll School Yearbook, please return the form and fees by Friday, May 9.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AB          - HF           - OG          - KHo      
- TL           - NR          - JW

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Adventure Ed. - Self-Defence

 

Classroom News - April 15

Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed. about "self-defence".

The MC Knoll "Day of Silence" is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday, April 16) as a way to raise awareness of those people in our world who do not have a voice in hostile countries.

Homework
Math - "Mammoth Mountain" Problem Solving (Wednesday, April 16)
Art - Classroom Grid Art (Wednesday, April 16)
Math - Problem Solving Assessment (Thursday, April 17)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- Any students interested in playing Yorkton Minor Football, the form and fees are due by Thursday, April 17.
- Also, we are planning on celebrating Easter with 1B by doing Easter crafts and coloring.  Students will need 2-3 "hard-boiled" eggs to participate in the festivities.
- There is NO SCHOOL from Friday, April 18 until Sunday, April 27 (Easter Break).
- If interested in ordering a 2013-2014 MC Knoll School Yearbook, please return the form and fees by Friday, May 9.

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

Monday, April 14, 2014

Classroom News - April 14

Happy Monday!

Ask your son/daughter about P.A.A. and the Health "relationships" unit test.

For tomorrow's (Tuesday, April 15) Adventure Ed. class, students will be learning about "self-defense".  It will be taught by a former teacher/RCMP officer.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Homework
Math - "Mammoth Mountain" Problem Solving (Tuesday, April 15)
Art - Classroom Grid Art (Wednesday, April 16)
Math - Problem Solving Assessment (Thursday, April 17)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- The MC Knoll "Day of Silence" is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16 as a way to raise awareness of those people in our world who do not have a voice in hostile countries.
- Any students interested in playing Yorkton Minor Football, the form and fees are due by Thursday, April 17.
- Also, we are planning on celebrating Easter with 1B by doing Easter crafts and coloring.  Students will need 2-3 "hard-boiled" eggs to participate in the festivities.
- There is NO SCHOOL from Friday, April 18 until Sunday, April 27 (Easter Break).
- If interested in ordering a 2013-2014 MC Knoll School Yearbook, please return the form and fees by Friday, May 9.

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

Friday, April 11, 2014

Classroom News - April 11

Ask your son/daughter about the Math "measurement" unit test.

For the Tuesday, April 15 Adventure Ed. class, students will be learning about "self-defense".  It will be taught by a former teacher/RCMP officer.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Have a great weekend!

Homework
Health - Relationships Unit TEST (Monday, April 14)
Art - Classroom Grid Art (Wednesday, April 16)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- The MC Knoll "Day of Silence" is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16 as a way to raise awareness of those people in our world who do not have a voice in hostile countries.
- Any students interested in playing Yorkton Minor Football, the form and fees are due by Thursday, April 17.
- There is NO SCHOOL from Friday, April 18 until Sunday, April 27 (Easter Break).
- If interested in ordering a 2013-2014 MC Knoll School Yearbook, please return the form and fees by Friday, May 9.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AB           - BG           - NR

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Classroom News - April 10

If interested in ordering a 2013-2014 MC Knoll School Yearbook, a form was sent home today.  Please return the form and fees by Friday, May 9.

Ask your son/daughter about the Science "ecosystems" unit test.

Enjoy the early dismissal.

Homework
Math - Measurement Unit TEST (Friday, April 11)
Health - Relationships Unit TEST (Monday, April 14)
Art - Classroom Grid Art (Wednesday, April 16)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- Any students interested in playing Yorkton Minor Football, the form and fees are due by Thursday, April 17.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AB           - BG         - NR

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Classroom News - April 9

Tonight is the last chance to come out and cheer on our young student-athletes at the basketball city championships.

Thanks to everyone who participated in PINK DAY!

Homework
Math - Area of Combined Shapes Practice (Thursday, April 10)
Science - Ecosystems Unit TEST (Thursday, April 10)
Math - Measurement Unit TEST (Friday, April 11)
Health - Relationships Unit TEST (Monday, April 14)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- Tomorrow (Thursday, April 10) is the next 2:30 early dismissal.
- Any students interested in playing Yorkton Minor Football, the form and fees are due by Thursday, April 17.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AB           - BG            - TL  

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Classroom News - April 8

The basketball city championships continue today.  Come out and cheer on our young student-athletes!

Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 9) is PINK DAY to raise awareness of bullying.

Homework
Math - 5.6 Area of Circles (Wednesday, April 9)
Science - Ecosystems Unit TEST (Thursday, April 10)
Math - Measurement Unit TEST (Friday, April 11)
Health - Relationships Unit TEST (Monday, April 14)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- Any students interested in ordering from the Scholastic book order, please return the form and fees by tomorrow (Wednesday, April 9).
- Thursday, April 10 is the next 2:30 early dismissal.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AB           - BG            - TL  

Monday, April 7, 2014

Adventure Ed. - Fitness @ YRHS


Classroom News - April 7

Happy Monday!

Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed.

Also, good luck to all of the MC Knoll athletes participating in the basketball city championships over the next few days. 

Homework
Math - 5.5 Estimating Area of Circles (OVERDUE)
Science - Ecosystems Unit TEST (Thursday, April 10)
Health - Relationships Unit TEST (Monday, April 14)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- Any students interested in ordering from the Scholastic book order, please return the form and fees by Wednesday, April 9.
- Wednesday, April 9 is PINK DAY to raise awareness of bullying.
- Thursday, April 10 is the next 2:30 early dismissal.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AB            - DF            - HF         
- BG            - CJ             - TL         

Friday, April 4, 2014

Classroom News - April 4

For the Monday, April 7 Adventure Ed. class, students will need to have their gym clothes and be prepared to leave the school at 12:15.  We are heading to the YRHS to participate in "fitness".

Also, if you are looking for something to do tonight, the annual Grade 4-6 GSSD Indoor Track and Field Showcase Meet is happening at the Gallagher Center from 4:30 - 8:00.

Have a great weekend!

Homework
Science - Human Impact Poster (OVERDUE)
ELA - All Reader Responses (x10) (OVERDUE)
Career G. - Career Booklet (OVERDUE)
Math - 5.5 Estimating Area of Circles (Monday, April 7)
Science - Ecosystems Unit TEST (Thursday, April 10)
Health - Relationships Unit TEST (Monday, April 14)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- Any students interested in ordering from the Scholastic book order, please return the form and fees by Wednesday, April 9.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AB         - SD            - DF            - HF            - BG
- KHo       - CJ             - TL            - NR           - DW

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Classroom News - April 3

One more day to go...

Ask your son/daughter about the "crime" book they finished reading today.

P.A.A. is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday, April 4).

Homework
Science - Human Impact Poster (OVERDUE)
ELA - All Reader Responses (x10) (Friday, April 4)
Career G. - Career Booklet (Friday, April 4)
Science - Ecosystems Unit TEST (Thursday, April 10)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- If you are looking for something to do tomorrow (Friday, April 4), the annual Grade 4-6 GSSD Indoor Track and Field Showcase Meet is happening at the Gallagher Center from 4:30 - 8:00.
- Any students interested in ordering from the Scholastic book order, please return the form and fees by Wednesday, April 9.

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

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Classroom News - April 2

The DQ lunch was delicious!

The April MC Knoll Newsletter and April Yorkton Upcoming Events Newsletter were sent home today.

The following person needs to return their report card envelope:
- SA      

Homework
Music - Band/Musician PowerPoint (OVERDUE)
ELA - Reader Response #9 (Pg's 46-51 or 48-51) (Thursday, April 3)
Science - Human Impact Poster (Thursday, April 3)
Career G. - Career Booklet (Friday, April 4)
Science - Ecosystems Unit TEST (Thursday, April 10)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- Any students interested in ordering from the Scholastic book order (that was sent home today), please return the form and fees by Wednesday, April 9.

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AB         

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Classroom News - April 1

April has arrived...and there were not too many "fools"!

Ask your son/daughter about today's awesome drama performance called "The Great Mountain".  Be sure to check out http://vimeo.com/70414811 for a glimpse into the play.

The following people need to return their report card envelopes:
- SA          - TL

Homework
Art - Magazine Grid Art (OVERDUE)
ELA - Reader Response #8 (Pg's 43-45 or 45-47) (OVERDUE)
Music - Band/Musician PowerPoint (OVERDUE)
Math - Circumference Practice (Wednesday, April 2)
Career G. - Career Booklet (Friday, April 4)
ELA - Crime Essay/Visual and Poetry Anthology (Friday, May 2)

Reminders
- The Dairy Queen lunch is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday, April 2).

* The following people have OVERDUE homework:
- AB          - TL