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



Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 30

MC Knoll School Picture Day is tomorrow (Wednesday, October 1).  Bring your smile!

If you are looking for something to do this Friday, Oct. 3, the YRHS football team is hosting the annual "Friday Night Lights" football game.  A short newsletter was sent home today with information.

Also, the October City of Yorkton "Upcoming Events" newsletter was sent home today.

Reminders:
- The "Noon Hour Permission" form is OVERDUE.
- The "MC Knoll School Picture Pose" form is also OVERDUE.
A newsletter about "volunteering at MC Knoll" was sent home yesterday.  If there is anything of interest to you, please sign and return the form by Friday, Oct. 3.
- For the Friday, Oct. 3 Adventure Ed. class, students will need a bike and helmet.

Homework:

Math - Rounding Decimals Worksheet (Wednesday, Oct. 1)
Science - 7th Generation Skit (Wednesday, Oct. 1)
Career Guidance - Career Survey Graph (Friday, Oct. 3)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)

LA - Writing Folder Design (with magazines) (Monday, Oct. 6)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- AB             - BM               - CP                    

Monday, September 29, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 29

Happy Monday!

Thanks to everyone who donated to the Terry Fox Fundraiser.  The total amount fundraised is TBD.

A newsletter about "volunteering at MC Knoll" was sent home today.  If there is anything of interest to you, please sign and return the form by Friday, Oct. 3.

Reminders:

- The "Noon Hour Permission" form is OVERDUE.
- The "MC Knoll School Picture Pose" form is also OVERDUE.
- MC Knoll School Picture Day is Wednesday, October 1.  Bring your smile!
- For the Friday, Oct. 3 Adventure Ed. class, students will need a bike and helmet.

Homework:

LA - ALL Before, During and After Q's and Activities (OVERDUE)
Math - Decimals Pre-Test (OVERDUE)
Science - 7th Generation Skit (Wednesday, Oct. 1)
Career Guidance - Career Survey Graph (Friday, Oct. 3)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)

LA - Writing Folder Design (with magazines) (Monday, Oct. 6)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- AB          - CP             

Friday, September 26, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 26

Great job to all cross-country participants.  You make MC Knoll proud!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Reminders:

- The "Noon Hour Permission" form is OVERDUE.
- The "MC Knoll School Picture Pose" form is also OVERDUE.- I encourage you to donate at least $2 to the annual Terry Fox fundraiser.  All donations/pledges are due back to the school by Monday, Sept. 29.  Our MC Knoll goal is $1000.

Homework:

Art - Art Folders (OVERDUE)

LA - ALL Before, During and After Q's and Activities (Monday, Sept. 29)
Math - Decimals Pre-Test (Monday, Sept. 29)
Science - 7th Generation Skit (Wednesday, Oct. 1)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)

LA - Writing Folder Design (with magazines) (Monday, Oct. 6)

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

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Adventure Ed. - Corn Maze

Classroom News - Sept. 25

The Adventure Ed. class was "A-mazing"!

Reminders:

- The "Noon Hour Permission" form is due tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 26).
- The "MC Knoll School Picture Pose" form is also due tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 26).
- Cross-country runners will continue their excellence tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 26) at Saltcoats.

- I encourage you to donate at least $2 to the annual Terry Fox fundraiser.  All donations/pledges are due back to the school by Monday, Sept. 29.  Our MC Knoll goal is $1000.

Homework:

Art - Art Folders (Friday, Sept. 26)
LA - ALL Before, During and After Q's and Activities (Monday, Sept. 29)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)


* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP             

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 24

Ask your son/daughter about the "Number Relationships" math test.

For tomorrow's Adventure Ed. class (Thursday, Sept. 25), students will be travelling to Canora-area for a "mind-boggling" experience - dress accordingly.

Reminders:
- The annual MC Knoll Terry Fox Walk is tomorrow (Thursday, Sept. 25).  I encourage you to donate at least $2 to the cause.  Any donations/pledges that you receive are due back to the school by Monday, Sept. 29.  Our MC Knoll goal is $1000.
- The "Noon Hour Permission" form is due by Friday, Sept. 26.
- The "MC Knoll School Picture Pose" form is also due Friday, Sept. 26
- Cross-country runners will continue their excellence on Friday, Sept. 26 at Saltcoats.

Homework:

LA - Before, During and After Q's (Thursday, Sept. 24)
Art - Art Folders (Friday, Sept. 26)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)


* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP             

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 23

A few items were sent home today including:
- Noon Hour Permission form (return by Friday, Sept. 26)
- Boys and Girls club newsletter (optional to attend)
- MC Knoll School Picture "Pose" form (return by Friday, Sept. 26)

Reminders:

If interested in ordering from the Sept. Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 24).

- The annual MC Knoll Terry Fox Walk will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25.  I encourage you to donate at least $2 to the cause.  Any donations/pledges that you receive are due back to the school by Monday, Sept. 29.  Our MC Knoll goal is $1000.
- For the upcoming Adventure Ed. class (Thursday, Sept. 25), students will be travelling to Canora-area for a "mind-boggling" experience - dress accordingly.
- Cross-country runners will continue their excellence on Friday, Sept. 26 at Saltcoats.

Homework:

LA - "Extreme Survival Stories"  Questions and Comic (OVERDUE)
Music - Rhapsody in Blue Sketch (Wednesday, Sept. 24)
Math - Number Relationship TEST (Wednesday, Sept. 24)
Art - Art Folders (Friday, Sept. 26)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)


* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP             

Monday, September 22, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 22

Hello, once again.

I am glad to hear that everything went smoothly, at the end of last week, during my absence.  I appreciate the maturity!

The annual MC Knoll Terry Fox Walk will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25.  I encourage you to donate at least $2 to the cause.  Any donations/pledges that you receive are due back to the school by Monday, Sept. 29.  Our MC Knoll goal is $1000.  Information was sent home last Friday.

Reminders:

If interested in ordering from the Sept. Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Sept. 24.
- For the upcoming Adventure Ed. class (Thursday, Sept. 25), students will be travelling to Canora-area for a "mind-boggling" experience - dress accordingly.
- Cross-country runners will continue their excellence on Friday, Sept. 26 at Saltcoats.

Homework:

LA - "Extreme Survival Stories"  Questions and Comic (OVERDUE)
Math - 1.7 Factors (Tuesday, Sept. 23)
Music - Rhapsody in Blue Sketch (Wednesday, Sept. 24)
Math - Number Relationship TEST (Wednesday, Sept. 24)
Art - Art Folders (Friday, Sept. 26)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)


* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP             - AR

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Adventure Ed. - Frisbee Golf

Classroom News - Sept. 17

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

Also, I will not be at school over the next two days as I am away at a teacher conference in Saskatoon.  Don't miss me too much!
Reminders:

We are looking to display photo's of our MC Knoll families on our commons area bulletin board.  If you have an extra "family photo" at home that you would like to share with our MC Knoll building, please bring it ASAP. 
If interested in ordering from the Sept. Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Homework:

Math - 1.6 Multiples (Thursday, Sept. 18)
Health - Decision-Making Scenarios (Thursday, Sept. 18)
Social - Continent Map (Friday, Sept. 19)

LA - "Extreme Survival Stories"  Questions and Comic (Monday, Sept. 22)
Art - Art Folders (Friday, Sept. 26)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)


* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- JO              - CP

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 16

For tomorrow's (Wednesday, Sept. 17) Adventure Ed. class, students will need a bike and helmet. 

Reminders:

We are looking to display photo's of our MC Knoll families on our commons area bulletin board.  If you have an extra "family photo" at home that you would like to share with our MC Knoll building, please bring it ASAP. 
If interested in ordering from the Sept. Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Homework:

Health - Decision-Making Scenarios (Thursday, Sept. 18)
Social - Continent Map (Friday, Sept. 19)
Art - Art Folders (Friday, Sept. 26)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)


* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- JO              - CP

Monday, September 15, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 15

Happy Monday!

Ask your son/daughter about today's "divisibility" math quiz.

Reminders:

We are looking to display photo's of our MC Knoll families on our commons area bulletin board.  If you have an extra "family photo" at home that you would like to share with our MC Knoll building, please bring it ASAP. 
- For the Wednesday, Sept. 17 Adventure Ed. class, students will need a bike and helmet. 
If interested in ordering from the Sept. Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Homework:

Science - Famous Scientist Poster (OVERDUE)

Health - Decision-Making Scenarios (Thursday, Sept. 18)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)

Friday, September 12, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 12

We are looking to display photo's of our MC Knoll families on our commons area bulletin board.  If you have an extra "family photo" at home that you would like to share with our MC Knoll building, please bring it ASAP. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Reminders:

- For the Wednesday, Sept. 17 Adventure Ed. class, students will need a bike and helmet. 
If interested in ordering from the Sept. Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Homework:

Math - 1.4 Divisibility by 4 and 8 (Monday, Sept. 15)
Science - Famous Scientist Poster (Monday, Sept. 15)

Health - Decision-Making Scenarios (Thursday, Sept. 18)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 11

Students had the chance to take books out from our library for the first time today.  Please encourage your son/daughter to read everyday!

Reminders:

- The "Youth/Community Well-Being" Survey permission forms are OVERDUE.  
If interested in ordering from the Sept. Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Homework:

Music - Abstract Drawing (Friday, Sept. 12)
Science - Famous Scientist Poster (Monday, Sept. 15)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 10

On the down-side...there was only 1 family that came to the open house yesterday.  However, on the plus-side, there is a lot of room for improvement next "open house".

Great job to the cross-country athletes!

Reminders:

- The "Youth/Community Well-Being" Survey permission forms are OVERDUE.  
If interested in ordering from the Sept. Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Homework:
Math - 1.3 Divisibility by 6 (Thursday, Sept. 11)

Social - What in the World (Thursday, Sept. 11)
Music - Abstract Drawing (Friday, Sept. 12)
Science - Famous Scientist Poster (Monday, Sept. 15)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Adventure Ed. - Social Games (Bocce, Croquet and Ladderball)

Classroom News - Sept. 9

Great job to everyone who dressed up for the "MC Knoll Spirit Day" today!

I hope to see everyone out at the MC Knoll Open House tonight from 5:30-6:30.  Come on out and enjoy some good food, company and conversation.

Ask your son/daughter about the first Adventure Ed. of the year - social games (bocce, ladder ball and croquet).

Reminders:

- Grade 7 students were asked to participate in a provincial-wide survey related to "Youth/Community Well-Being".  Some information, along with a permission form, was sent home yesterday.  Please sign and return the permission form by tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 10).
- The Cherrydale Cross-Country Meet is set for Wednesday, Sept. 10.
If interested in ordering from the Sept. Scholastic book order, please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Homework:
Math - 1.2 Divisibility by 3 and 9 (Wednesday, Sept. 10)

Social - What in the World (Thursday, Sept. 11)
Music - Abstract Drawing (Friday, Sept. 12)
Science - Famous Scientist Poster (Monday, Sept. 15)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)

Monday, September 8, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 8

Happy Monday!

Students will be enjoying their first Adventure Ed. class of the year.  I am hoping to take the students outside - dress accordingly.

The September Scholastic book order was sent home today.  If interested in ordering, please return the form and appropriate fees by Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Grade 7 students were asked to participate in a provincial-wide survey related to "Youth/Community Well-Being".  Some information, along with a permission form, was sent home today.  Please sign and return the permission form by Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Reminders:
- Students are encouraged to dress in MC Knoll colors tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 9) as part of "MC Knoll Spirit Day".
- There will an MC Knoll Open House tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 9) from 5:30-6:30.  Come on out and enjoy some good food, company and conversation (information about this was sent home yesterday).
- The Cherrydale Cross-Country Meet is set for Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Homework:
Music - Abstract Drawing (Friday, Sept. 12)

Science - Famous Scientist Poster (Monday, Sept. 15)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)

Friday, September 5, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 5

We "survived" the 1st week of school.  Yahoo!

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

The MC Knoll Sept. Newsletter was sent home today.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Reminders:
- Please sign/return the following forms ASAP:
       
 * Student Verification Sheet (white)
       
        * Safety Patrol permission form (volunteer basis only)
- There will an MC Knoll Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 5:30-6:30.  Come on out and enjoy some good food, company and conversation (information about this was sent home yesterday).
- The Cherrydale Cross-Country Meet is set for Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Homework:
Science - Famous Scientist Poster (Monday, Sept. 15)

LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 3)

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 4

Students will be heading to Yorkdale for P.A.A. (Practical and Applied Arts) tomorrow.  Students will either be learning how to cook or working in the woodshop.

Also, some more items were sent home today...(I promise this doesn't happen all year!?!?!):
- Safety Patrol permission form (volunteer basis only)
- MCK Open House newsletter

Reminders:
- Read through the MC Knoll Student Handbook with your son/daughter (found on the bottom of the blog). 
- Please sign/return the following forms by tomorrow (Friday, Sept, 5): 
        - Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow) 
        - Classroom Blog sheet (tan)
        - Adventure Ed. form and $25 fee (white)

        - Student Verification Sheet (white)

Homework:
Math - Number Relationships Pre-Test (Friday, Sept. 5)

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 3

We may only be two days in...but we are already "full speed ahead"!

A handful of additional forms/items were handed out today, including:

- Technology Form (new students only) (blue)
- Information Consent Form (new students only) (golden)
- Threat Assessment Letter (pink)
- Insurance Pamphlet (optional to purchase)
- GSSD Magnet
- Student Verification Sheet (white) - please return by Friday, Sept. 5.
- City of Yorkton Newsletter

Reminders:
- Read through the MC Knoll Student Handbook with your son/daughter (found on the bottom of the blog). 
- Please sign and return the following forms by Friday, Sept, 5: 
        - Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow) 
        - Classroom Blog sheet (tan)
        - Adventure Ed. form and $25 fee (white)

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Classroom News - Sept. 2

Welcome Back!

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 another awesome school year!

Let's make this school year the best one yet!


Reminders:
- Read through the MC Knoll Student Handbook with your son/daughter (found on the bottom of the blog). 
- Please sign and return the following forms by Friday, Sept, 5: 
        - Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow) 
        - Classroom Blog sheet (tan)
        - Adventure Ed. form and $25 fee (white)