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



Monday, October 31, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 31

Happy Halloween!

Two important newsletters that were sent home last week are now OVERDUE:
- Noon Hour Permission Form
- November Adventure Ed. Permission Form 


Also, as term 1 is officially coming to an end shortly (in fact, report cards are handed-out on Friday, Nov. 18), ALL upcoming and OVERDUE assignments are due by Thursday, Nov. 10.  Students who fail to meet this expectation may receive an "Insufficient Evidence" on their report card OR may not receive their report card until ALL work is accomplished.


Be safe tonight trick-or-treating!

Homework:

Math - Percentages Pre-Test and Ch. 4 Worksheet (Tuesday, Nov. 1)
Art - Halloween Sketch (Tuesday, Nov. 1)
Health - Decision-Making Video (Wednesday, Nov. 2)

ELA - Small Group #4 Questions/Activities (Thursday, Nov. 3)
ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:

- Gr. 7 students will be heading to the Harvest Showdown on Wednesday, Nov. 2 (from around 9:30 - 2:30).  Students MUST dress appropriately (as some stations may be outside), as well as bring a bagged-lunch.
- Students will also be enjoying a drama performance, entitled "Still Falling", at the YRHS on Friday, Nov. 4.


* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                
- KeP                - JaP             

Friday, October 28, 2016

Halloween Costumes

Classroom News - Oct. 28

Thanks to everyone who participated in the MCK Halloween Parade, as well as the MCK Halloween Carnival.  It was all a "spooktacular" success!

Two important newsletters that were sent home earlier this week are now OVERDUE:
- Noon Hour Permission Form
- November Adventure Ed. Permission Form 


Monday, Oct. 31 will be a regular school day (despite Halloween). 

Have a great weekend!


Homework:

Art - Halloween Sketch (Tuesday, Nov. 1)
Health - Decision-Making Video (Wednesday, Nov. 2)
ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:- Gr. 7 students will be heading to the Harvest Showdown on Wednesday, Nov. 2 (from around 9:30 - 2:30).  More information to come next week!
- Students will also be enjoying a drama performance, entitled "Still Falling", at the YRHS on Friday, Nov. 4.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                
- KeP                - JaP               - HS  

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 27

Ask your son/daughter about today's Math test - "Decimals".

Two important newsletters were sent home yesterday.  Both newsletters are to be signed and returned by tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 28).  The two forms are:
- Noon Hour Permission Form 
- November Adventure Ed. Permission Form 


MC Knoll will be celebrating our Halloween activities tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 28), instead of on Monday, Oct. 31.  There will be a short Halloween Parade (around 1:00ish) and a Halloween Carnival (around 2:00ish).  Tickets for the Halloween Carnival are $0.25 each and must be paid for in advance.  Students will probably need around $5-$10 to cover the cost of the carnival fun!

Homework:

Health - Nutrients "Entry-Slip" Quiz (Friday, Oct. 28)
Health - Decision-Making Video (Wednesday, Nov. 2)
ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:
- Monday, Oct. 31 will be a regular school day (despite Halloween).  Spooky!

- Gr. 7 students will be heading to the Harvest Showdown on Wednesday, Nov. 2 (from around 9:30 - 2:30).  More information to come next week!
- Students will also be enjoying a drama performance, entitled "Still Falling", at the YRHS on Friday, Nov. 4.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA               
  - HK                - KeP                - JaP               - HS  

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Adventure Ed. - Pumpkin Carving

Classroom News - Oct. 26

Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed. - pumpkin carving!

Two important newsletters were sent home today.  Both newsletters are to be signed and returned by Friday, Oct. 28.  The two forms are:
- Noon Hour Permission Form 
- November Adventure Ed. Permission Form 

Homework:

Math - 3.8 Order of Operations with Decimals (OVERDUE)
Math - Decimals Unit TEST (Thursday, Oct. 27)
Health - Nutrients "Entry-Slip" Quiz (Friday, Oct. 28)
Health - Decision-Making Video (Wednesday, Nov. 2)
ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:
-  MC Knoll will be celebrating our Halloween activities on Friday, Oct. 28 (instead of on Monday, Oct. 31) - including a Halloween Parade (around 1:00ish) and a Halloween Carnival (around 2:00ish).  Tickets for the Halloween Carnival are $0.25 each and must be paid for in advance.  Students will probably need around $5-$10 to cover the cost of the carnival fun!

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA              
  - HK                - KeP                - JaP               - HS                

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 25

For the next Adventure Ed. class tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 26), students will need a pumpkin and pumpkin carving items.  

Homework:

Music - Download "Guitar Tuna" App (ASAP)
ELA - Small Group #3 (All Q's and Activities (OVERDUE)
Math - 3.8 Order of Operations with Decimals (Wednesday, Oct. 26)
Math - Decimals Unit TEST (Thursday, Oct. 27)
Health - Nutrients "Entry-Slip" Quiz (Friday, Oct. 28)
Health - Decision-Making Video (Wednesday, Nov. 2)
ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:

-  
MC Knoll will be celebrating our Halloween activities on Friday, Oct. 28 (instead of on Monday, Oct. 31) - including a Halloween Parade (around 1:00ish) and a Halloween Carnival (around 2:00ish).  Tickets for the Halloween Carnival are $0.25 each and must be paid for in advance.  Students will probably need around $5-$10 to cover the cost of the carnival fun!

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                
  - RB                   - AJ                   - HK                
- SK                  -  HM                 - KeP              
- JaP                  - JeP                   - HS                  - CT 

Monday, October 24, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 24

Happy Monday!

MC Knoll will be celebrating our Halloween activities on Friday, Oct. 28 (instead of on Monday, Oct. 31) - including a Halloween Parade (around 1:00ish) and a Halloween Carnival (around 2:00ish).  Tickets for the Halloween Carnival are $0.25 each and must be paid for in advance.  Students will probably need around $5-$10 to cover the cost of the carnival fun!

Homework:

Music - Download "Guitar Tuna" App (ASAP)
ELA - Small Group #3 (All Q's and Activities (OVERDUE)
Math - Order of Operations Practice (Tuesday, Oct. 25)
Math - Decimals Unit TEST (Thursday, Oct. 27)
Health - Nutrients "Entry-Slip" Quiz (Friday, Oct. 28)
Health - Decision-Making Video (Wednesday, Nov. 2)
ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:

- For the next Adventure Ed. class on Wednesday, Oct. 26, students will need a pumpkin and pumpkin carving items.  

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                
  - RB                   - AJ                   - HK                
- SK                  -  HM                 - CO                  -  KeP                

- SP                  - JaP                    - HS                  - CT 

Friday, October 21, 2016

Classroom News - October 21

Great job to everyone who dress-up as "their future occupation" today (as part of Education Week).

For those families who ordered from the "Old Dutch Chip Fundraiser" a few weeks back, orders will be available for pickup today (from 4:00 - 7:00).

And...just in case you missed it - thanks to the City of Yorkton, grade 7-9 students in Yorkton have been awarded a FREE annual pass to the Gallagher Centre Water Park.  Some information was passed out yesterday!  AWESOME!!!


Have a wonderful weekend!

Homework:

Music - Download "Guitar Tuna" App (ASAP)
ELA - Small Group #3 (All Q's and Activities (Monday, Oct. 24)

Health - Decision-Making Video (Wednesday, Nov. 2)
ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:
- For the next Adventure Ed. class on Wednesday, Oct. 26, students will need a pumpkin and pumpkin carving items.  

- MC Knoll will be celebrating our Halloween activities on Friday, Oct. 28 - including a Halloween Parade (around 1:00ish) and a Halloween Carnival (around 2:00ish).

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                
  
- AJ                   - HK                  
- SK                  -  HM                 - KeP                

- JaP                   - HS                  - CT 

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 20

Thanks to everyone who came out to to our early morning "Books and Bites" activity.  We enjoyed some good reading and good snacks!

For Tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 21), students are encouraged to dress up as "their future occupation" (as part of Education Week).

For those families who ordered from the "Old Dutch Chip Fundraiser" a few weeks back, orders will be available for pickup tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 21).

Lastly, thanks to the City of Yorkton, grade 7-9 students in Yorkton have been awarded a FREE annual pass to the Gallagher Centre Water Park.  Some information was passed out today!  AWESOME!!!

Homework:

ELA - Small Group #2 (All Q's and Activities) (OVERDUE)
Art - Caricature (OVERDUE)

Math -3.5/3.6 Division of Decimals (OVERDUE)

Music - Download "Guitar Tuna" App (ASAP)
ELA - Small Group #3 (All Q's and Activities (Monday, Oct. 24)

Health - Decision-Making Video (Wednesday, Nov. 2)
ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:

- School picture orders are now OVERDUE!

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                
  
- AJ                   - HK                  
- SK                  -  HM                 - KeP                - JaP
- JeP                   - HS                  - CT 

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Adventure Ed. - Orienteering

Classroom News - Oct. 19

Happy Wednesday!

I was glad to hear that 'most' of the previous few days went well...

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


Tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 20), MC Knoll is hosting a "Books and Bites" from 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.  Parents are invited to come to the school to read with your child and enjoy some tasty morning snacks!

School pictures were handed out earlier last week.  If you are interested in ordering, please submit your order either online or return the appropriate form and money by tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 20).

Homework:

ELA - Small Group #2 (All Q's and Activities) (OVERDUE)
Art - Caricature (OVERDUE)

Math -3.5/3.6 Division of Decimals (Thursday, Oct. 19)
ELA - Small Group #3 (All Q's and Activities (Monday, Oct. 24)
ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:

- Friday, Oct. 21, students are encouraged to dress up as "their future occupation" (as part of Education Week).

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                  
 - AJ                   - HK                
- SK            
- HM                 - KeP                - JeP 
- JaP                  - HS                  - CT 

Classroom News - Oct. 19

Happy Wednesday!

I was glad to hear that 'most' of the previous few days went well...
Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed. - orienteering!


Tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 20), MC Knoll is hosting a "Books and Bites" from 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.  Parents are invited to come to the school to read with your child and enjoy some tasty morning snacks!

School pictures were handed out earlier last week.  If you are interested in ordering, please submit your order either online or return the appropriate form and money by tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 20).

Homework:
ELA - Small Group #2 (All Q's and Activities) (OVERDUE)
Art - Caricature (OVERDUE)

Math -3.5/3.6 Division of Decimals (Thursday, Oct. 19)
ELA - Small Group #3 (All Q's and Activities (Monday, Oct. 24)
ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:

- Friday, Oct. 21, students are encouraged to dress up as "their future occupation" (as part of Education Week).

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                  
 - AJ                   - HK                
- SK            
- HM                 - KeP                - JeP 
- JaP                  - HS                  - CT 

Friday, October 14, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 14

Great job to everyone who supported "Toronto Blue Jay's Day".  LET'S GO BLUE JAYS!

I will be out of the school Monday, Oct. 17 and Tuesday, Oct. 18 for some Teacher PD.  As a result, I will not be posting on the blog those days.

Next week is also Education Week.  Activities at MC Knoll include a guest reader, buddy reading, mug and muffin, and spirit day.

Have a great weekend!

Homework:
Science - Basic Needs Sketch (OVERDUE)
Math - 3.3/3.4 Multiplication of Decimals (OVERDUE)
Math - Division Practice #1 (Monday, Oct. 17)
ELA - Small Group #2 (All Q's and Activities) (Monday, Oct. 17)
Art - Caricature (Monday, Oct. 17)

ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)
Health - Term 1 Goal (end of Term 1)

Reminders:

- Picture retakes are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 19.  SMILE!
- The next Adv. Ed. class will be rescheduled to Wednesday, Oct. 19.  Students will need to dress appropriately for outdoor weather.
- School pictures were handed out earlier in the week.  If you are interested in ordering, please submit your order either online or return the appropriate form and money by Thursday, Oct. 20.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                  
 - AJ                   - HK                
- SK            
- HM                 - KeP                - JeP 
- JaP                  - HS                  - CT 

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 13

There is a delicious MC Knoll Bake Sale tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 14).  Items are sold for $0.50 each.  YUMMY!

Also, tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 14) is "Toronto Blue Jay's Day".  Students are encouraged to wear any Toronto Blue Jay's clothing that they own.  If you do not have any, wear BLUE.



Homework:
Science - Basic Needs Sketch (OVERDUE)
Math - 3.3/3.4 Multiplication of Decimals (Friday, Oct. 14)
Health - Decision-Making  Skits (+/-) (Friday, Oct. 14)

ELA - Small Group #2 (All Q's and Activities) (Monday, Oct. 17)
Art - Caricature (Monday, Oct. 17)

ELA - PowerPoint Book Report (Monday, Nov. 7)

Reminders:

- School pictures were handed out yesterday.  If you are interested in ordering, please submit your order either online or return the appropriate form and money by Thursday, Oct. 20.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                  
- AJ                   - HK                - SK              
- HM                 - KeP                - JaP                  - HS                  - CT 

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 12

Happy Wednesday (already)!

I hope everyone is full of turkey and potatoes...and enjoyed the Thanksgiving Long-Weekend!

Thanks to everyone who donated to the FCC Drive Away Hunger program.

Sorry about the 'no post' last Friday - I was away from school.

School pictures were handed out today.  If you are interested in ordering, please submit your order either online or return the appropriate form and money by Thursday, Oct. 20.

Homework:

ELA - Small Group #2 (Before/During) (OVERDUE)
Math - 8.8 Multiplication Practice (Thursday, Oct. 13)
Science - Basic Needs Sketch (Thursday, Oct. 13)
Health - Decision-Making  Skits (+/-) (Friday, Oct. 14)
Art - Caricature (Monday, Oct. 17)

Reminders:
- There is a delicious MC Knoll Bake Sale on Friday, Oct. 14 (items are sold for $0.50 each)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                  
- AJ                   - HK                - SK                
- HM                 - KeP                - JaP                
 - HS                  - CT     

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 6

Great job to the cross-country athletes!  It wasn't a really friendly day to run, but you fought through it.  Great job!

Any students interested in singing during the Remembrance Day service at MC Knoll (in November) are encouraged to sign-up by tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 7).

There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, Oct. 10 (Thanksgiving) and Tuesday, Oct. 11 (School In-Service).

Homework:

Math - Multiplication Practice (Friday, Oct. 7)
ELA - Small Group #2 (Before/During) (Wednesday, Oct. 12)

Reminders:
- Students are encouraged to bring any "non-perishable" food items (as part of the FCC Drive Away Hunger Program).  Items will be collected until Wednesday, Oct. 12.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                  - EB                 - DH

- AJ                   - HK                - SK                  - DM
- HM                 - KeP               - JaP                  
- JeP               

 - JS                   - NS                 - HS                  - CT            

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 5

Rain, rain, go away....

Any students interested in singing during the Remembrance Day service at MC Knoll (in November) are encouraged to sign-up by Friday, Oct. 7.

Due to Gr. 7 students "struggling" to act and behave like Gr. 7 students, there WILL NOT be an Adventure Ed. class tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 6).  Hopefully students can "earn" back this privilege for future classes!

Homework:

Health - Term 1 Health Goal (1st Copy) (OVERDUE)
ELA - Small Group #1 (All Q's and Activities) (OVERDUE)
ELA - Sept. Writing Folder (Paragraphs, Terse Verse, Sticky Story) (OVERDUE)

Math - 3.2 Adding/Subtracting Decimals (Thursday, Oct. 6)

Reminders:
- Students are encouraged to bring any "non-perishable" food items (as part of the FCC Drive Away Hunger Program).  Items will be collected until Wednesday, Oct. 12.
- There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, Oct. 10 (Thanksgiving) and Tuesday, Oct. 11 (School In-Service).

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                  - AJ                 
- HK      
- HM                 - KeP               - JaP               

- JeP                  - NS                 - CT                

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 4

Yippee!  The 2015-2016 MC Knoll Yearbooks were sent home today (for those people who purchased them last year)...

Homework:

Health - Term 1 Health Goal (1st Copy) (OVERDUE)
Math - 3.1 Adding/Subtracting Decimals (Wednesday, Oct. 5)
ELA - Small Group #1 (All Q's and Activities) (Wednesday, Oct. 5)
ELA - Sept. Writing Folder (Paragraphs, Terse Verse, Sticky Story) (Wednesday, Oct. 5)

Reminders:
- Students are encouraged to bring any "non-perishable" food items (as part of the FCC Drive Away Hunger Program).  Items will be collected until Wednesday, Oct. 12.

- There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, Oct. 10 (Thanksgiving) and Tuesday, Oct. 11 (School In-Service).

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                 - GD                - AJ                
- HK      
- HM                - KeP               - JaP               - JeP
- NS                 - CT                

Monday, October 3, 2016

Classroom News - Oct. 3

WOW...October already!  As I reminded our gr. 7 students, please remember October weather is typically a lot colder than September weather - so start dressing accordingly!

Homework:

Math - Decimals Review (Tuesday, Oct. 4)
Health - Term 1 Health Goal (1st Copy) (Tuesday, Oct. 4)
ELA - Small Group #1 (All Q's and Activities) (Wednesday, Oct. 5)
ELA - Sept. Writing Folder (Paragraphs, Terse Verse, Sticky Story) (Wednesday, Oct. 5)

Reminders:
- Students are encouraged to bring any "non-perishable" food items (as part of the FCC Drive Away Hunger Program).  Items will be collected until Wednesday, Oct. 12.

- There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, Oct. 10 (Thanksgiving) and Tuesday, Oct. 11 (School In-Service).

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ZA                 - RB                 - AJ                    
- HK            
- KeP               - JeP                 - CT