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, March 31, 2021

Classroom News - March 31

Only 1 more school day left before EASTER BREAK!

Homework:
Math 5 - Probability TEST (Thursday, April 1)
Math 6 - Collecting Data (Tally Chart) (Thursday, April 1)

Reminders:
- The Easter Break is set for Friday, April 1 until Sunday, April 11.  Students will return to school on Monday, April 12, which will be a Day 1.  YAHOO!

The following person has OVERDUE Health "Action Plans":
- TRou               
     

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Classroom News - March 30

Please return the McDowell "portfolio" (colored folder) and Erhardt "binder" ASAP.

Only 2 more school days left before EASTER BREAK!

Homework:
Math 5 - Experimental Probability (Wednesday, March 31)
Science 5 - Contact/Non-Contact Forces LAB (Wednesday, March 31)
Science 6 - Schoolyard LAB (Wednesday, March 31)
Career 6 - Interest Interview (Wednesday, March 31)
Math 5 - Probability TEST (Thursday, April 1)

Reminders:
- For those who fundraised, the Purdy’s Chocolatier orders will be available for pickup today (Tuesday, March 30) from 3:45 - 6:00.  Please call or text the school phone...(306) 516-7818...when you arrive. Families can remain in their vehicles at the front of the school.

The following people have OVERDUE Health "Action Plans":
- TRou             
- JS                  

Monday, March 29, 2021

Classroom News - March 29

Happy Monday!

Please return the McDowell "portfolio" (colored folder) and Erhardt "binder" ASAP.

Only 3 more school days left before EASTER BREAK!

Homework:
Math 5 - 7.5 Probability and Spinners (Tuesday, March 30)
Math 6 - Intro to Statistics (Tuesday, March 30)
Social 5 - Samuel de Champlain (Tuesday, March 30)
Science 5 - Contact/Non-Contact Forces LAB (Wednesday, March 31)
Science 6 - Schoolyard LAB (Wednesday, March 31)
Career 6 - Interest Interview (Wednesday, March 31)
Math 5 - Probability TEST (Thursday, April 1)

Reminders:
- For those who fundraised, the Purdy’s Chocolatier orders will be available for pickup tomorrow (Tuesday, March 30) from 3:45 - 6:00.  Please call or text the school phone...(306) 516-7818...when you arrive. Families can remain in their vehicles at the front of the school.

The following people have OVERDUE Health "Action Plans":
- AM               - TRou              - LD
- JS                  - CJW

Friday, March 26, 2021

Classroom News - March 26

Ask your Grade 6 son/daughter about today's Math test - Algebraic Tables of Values and Graphing.

Thank you to those students who have already returned their McDowell "portfolio" (colored folder) and Erhardt "binder".  Please return both items by Monday, March 29.

Another GSSD facemask was sent home today.  Be sure to wash it before use.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Only 4 more school days left before EASTER BREAK!

Homework:
Drama - ABC Skits (OVERDUE)
Math 5 - Probability Language (Monday, March 29)
ELA - Well Aware Assignment (Monday, March 29)
Health - Action Plan (Monday, March 29)
Social 5 - Samuel de Champlain (Tuesday, March 30)
Career 6 - Interest Interview (Wednesday, March 31)

Reminders:
- For those who fundraised, the Purdy’s Chocolatier orders will be available for pickup on Tuesday, March 30 (from 3:45 - 6:00).  Please call or text the school phone...(306) 516-7818...when you arrive. Families can remain in their vehicles at the front of the school.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Classroom News - March 25

Ask your Grade 5 son/daughter about today's Science Lab - Balanced and Unbalanced Forces.

Thank you to EVERYONE for the great conversations over the previous few evenings during "student-led conferences".  Mrs. Erhardt and I are proud of you...and look forward to your continued hard work over the upcoming months!

Homework:
Social 5 - Jacque Cartier (OVERDUE)
Drama - ABC Skits (OVERDUE)
Math 5 - Intro to Probability (Friday, March 26)
Math 6 - Table of Values/Coordinate Grid Unit TEST (Friday, March 26)

Reminders:
Reminder to our 5/6ME Knights...that it is starting to look and feel like Spring on our playground. Students should consider bringing waterproof boots, splash pants, and some extra socks to school.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Classroom News - March 24

Ask your Grade 5 son/daughter about today's Math test - Statistics and Graphing.

The Term 2 "Student-Led ZOOM Conferences" continue tomorrow (Thursday, March 25).  Mrs Erhardt and I look forward to more great conversations!  

Here is the interview schedule and the Zoom meeting information:

---------------------------------------------------------

Topic: Benson McDowell's Personal Meeting Room

Join Zoom Meeting:

Meeting ID: 829 884 8248

Password: mck123

----------------------------------------------------------

Homework:
Social 5 - Jacque Cartier (OVERDUE)
Drama - ABC Skits (OVERDUE)
Math 6 - Graphing Patterns and Algebra (Thursday, March 25)
Science 5 - Balanced/Unbalanced Forces (Thursday, March 25)
Science 6 - Living/Non-Living Classification (Thursday, March 25)
Math 6 - Table of Values/Coordinate Grid Unit TEST (Friday, March 26)

Reminders:
Reminder to our 5/6ME Knights...that it is starting to look and feel like Spring on our playground. Students should consider bringing waterproof boots, splash pants, and some extra socks to school.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Classroom News - March 22

The Term 2 "Student-Led ZOOM Conferences" are scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday, March 24) and Thursday, March 25.  I sent an email last night with "things to know" before/during the interview, an interview schedule, as well as the McDowell Zoom login information.

Just in case, here is the interview schedule and the Zoom meeting information:

---------------------------------------------------------

Topic: Benson McDowell's Personal Meeting Room

Join Zoom Meeting:

Meeting ID: 829 884 8248

Password: mck123

----------------------------------------------------------

Homework:
Math 5 - Drawing Double-Bar Graphs (OVERDUE)
Math 5 - Statistics/Graphing Unit TEST (Wednesday, March 24)
Math 6 - Coordinate Grid (Wednesday, March 24)
Drama - ABC Skits (Wednesday, March 24)
Social 5 - Jacque Cartier (Wednesday, March 24)
Math 6 - Table of Values/Coordinate Grid Unit TEST (Thursday, March 25)
Science 5 - Balanced/Unbalanced Forces (Thursday, March 25)
Science 6 - Living/Non-Living Classification (Thursday, March 25)

Reminders:
Reminder to our 5/6ME Knights...that it is starting to look and feel like Spring on our playground. Students should consider bringing waterproof boots, splash pants, and some extra socks to school.

Monday, March 22, 2021

Classroom News - March 22

Happy Monday!

The Term 2 "Student-Led ZOOM Conferences" are scheduled for this Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25.  I will send a separate email later on this evening with "things to know" before/during the interview, an interview schedule, as well as the McDowell Zoom login information. 

Homework:
Science 6 - Characteristics of Living Things (OVERDUE)
Drama - ABC Skits (Tuesday, March 23)
Math 5 - Drawing Double-Bar Graphs (Tuesday, March 23)
Math 6 - Coordinate Grid (Tuesday, March 23)
Social 5 - Jacque Cartier (Wednesday, March 24)
Math 5 - Statistics/Graphing Unit TEST (Wednesday, March 24)
Math 6 - Table of Values/Coordinate Grid Unit TEST (Thursday, March 25)

Reminders:
Reminder to our 5/6ME Knights...that it is starting to look and feel like Spring on our playground. Students should consider bringing waterproof boots, splash pants, and some extra socks to school.

The following person has OVERDUE work:
- AM (Well Aware - Google Slides)

Friday, March 19, 2021

Classroom News - March 19

The Term 2 "Student-Led ZOOM Conferences" are scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25.  An email will be sent to you next week with "things to know" before/during the interview, an interview schedule, as well as the McDowell Zoom login information. 

Have a wonderful (warm) weekend!

Homework:
Math 5 - Interpreting Double-Bar Graphs (OVERDUE)
Math 6 - 1.4 Variables to Describe Patterns (Monday, March 22)
Social 5 - John Cabot (Monday, March 22)
Science 6 - Characteristics of Living Things (Monday, March 22)

Reminders:

Reminder to our 5/6ME Knights...that it is starting to look and feel like Spring on our playground. Students should consider bringing waterproof boots, splash pants, and some extra socks to school.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Classroom News - March 18

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

Reminder to our 5/6ME Knights...that it is starting to look and feel like Spring on our playground. Students should consider bringing waterproof boots, splash pants, and some extra socks to school.

One more day to go!

Homework:
Math 5 - Interpreting Double-Bar Graphs (Friday, March 19)
Social 5 - John Cabot (Friday, March 19)

Reminders:
Just a reminder that the SCC Purdy's Chocolatier fundraiser is now OVERDUE!
- Term 2 "Student-Led ZOOM Conferences" are scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25.  

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Classroom News - March 16

After a slight technology "hiccup"...the Term 2 Report Cards were distributed today!  High fives and YAHOO's to everyone!  

Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 17) is St. Patrick's Day!  Wear your best GREEN outfit...

Homework:
Math 5 - 1st Hand/2nd Hand Data (Wednesday, March 17)
Math 6 - Input/Output (Wednesday, March 17)
Social 5 - How Does Migration Affect Culture (Thursday, March 18)
Social 6 - Christopher Columbus (Thursday, March 18)

Reminders:
Just a reminder that the SCC Purdy's Chocolatier fundraiser is due Thursday, March 18.
- Term 2 "Student-Led ZOOM Conferences" are scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25.  

Monday, March 15, 2021

Classroom News - March 15

Happy Monday!

Our Term 2 Report Cards will be distributed tomorrow (Tuesday, March 16).  YAHOO!

Also, Wednesday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day!  Wear your best GREEN outfit...

Homework:
Math 5 - Statistics Intro (Tuesday, March 16)
Math 6 - Table of Values Pre-Test (Tuesday, March 16)

Reminders:
Just a reminder that the SCC Purdy's Chocolatier fundraiser is due Thursday, March 18.
Term 2 "Student-Led ZOOM Conferences" are scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25.  

The following people have OVERDUE "ELA" work:
* Reader's Theatre - TRem, MahW, ERos
* Comic Strip - AM, SM, CJW, LD
* Google Slides - TRou

Friday, March 12, 2021

Classroom News - March 12

Ask your son/daughter about today's "Algebra" Math test...as well as the movie, "Apollo 13" - the film we enjoyed to wrap-up the Gr. 6 Solar Systems outcome.  

Some "unexpected" news came yesterday from the GSSD regarding our Term 2 Report Cards:

Due to a problem with our report card software, there is an error with the "Attendance" portion of the report card. As such, we are unable to print your child's report card until this problem is resolved. We are assured that this issue will be fixed and that we will be able to go ahead with printing on Monday. We will then be able to hand out the report cards on Tuesday, March 16th. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Feel free to contact the office with any questions or concerns you may have.

On a positive note, our Term 2 "Student-Led Conferences" are still scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25.  Conferences will take place using ZOOM.  Phone calls can also be made if families are unable to access ZOOM.  Conference times have been scheduled and confirmation sheets were sent home yesterday.  Please contact the school ASAP if there are any problems with your scheduled time.  

Homework:
Read a good book!

Reminders:
Just a reminder that the SCC Purdy's Chocolatier fundraiser is due Thursday, March 18.

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Classroom News - March 11

Some "unexpected" news came today from the GSSD regarding our Term 2 Report Cards:

Due to a problem with our report card software, there is an error with the "Attendance" portion of the report card. As such, we are unable to print your child's report card until this problem is resolved. We are assured that this issue will be fixed and that we will be able to go ahead with printing on Monday. We will then be able to hand out the report cards on Tuesday, March 16th. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Feel free to contact the office with any questions or concerns you may have.

On a positive note, our Term 2 "Student-Led Conferences" are still scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25.  Conferences will take place using ZOOM.  Phone calls can also be made if families are unable to access ZOOM.  Conference times have been scheduled and confirmation sheets were sent home today.  Please contact the school ASAP if there are any problems with your scheduled time.  

Homework:
Social 6 - How Can Cultures Change? (pg's 24-28) (Friday, March 12)
Math 5 - Algebra TEST (Friday, March 12)
Math 6 - Solving Equations (Word Problems) (Friday, March 12)
Math 6 - Algebra TEST (Friday, March 12)

Reminders:
Just a reminder that the SCC Purdy's Chocolatier fundraiser is due Thursday, March 18.

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Classroom News - March 10

Our Term 2 "Student-Led Conferences" will be held on Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25.  Conferences will take place using ZOOM.  Phone calls can also be made if families are unable to access ZOOM.  Conference times have been scheduled and confirmation sheets will be sent home in the coming days.

Homework:
Science 5 - Matter and Materials Research (OVERDUE)
Math 5 - 1.7 Solving Algebraic Equations (x and /) (Thursday, March 11)
Math 6 - 6.1 Solving Equations (Word Problems) (Thursday, March 11)
Science 6 - Finish Solar Systems TEST (Thursday, March 11)
Social 6 - How Can Cultures Change? (pg's 24-28) (Friday, March 12)
Math 5 - Algebra TEST (Friday, March 12)
Math 6 - Algebra TEST (Friday, March 12)

Reminders:
- Term 2 Report Cards will be shared this Friday, March 12.  YAHOO!
Just a reminder that the SCC Purdy's Chocolatier fundraiser is due Thursday, March 18.

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Classroom News - March 9

Speaking of beautiful weather....what happened!?!?

Our 5/6ME class will be watching the movie, "Apollo 13" in the coming days - to wrap-up our Gr. 6 Science outcome on Solar Systems. 

Homework:
Science 5 - Matter and Materials Research (OVERDUE)
Math 5 - 1.6-1.8 Solving Algebraic Equations (+/-) (Wed., March 10)
Math 6 - Solving Type II Algebraic Equations (practice) (Wed., March 10)
Social 5 - Grandfather Teachings (Wednesday, March 10)
Social 6 - Identity (pg's 20-23) and Charter of Rights (Wed., March 10)
Science 6 - Finish Solar Systems TEST (Thursday, March 11)
Math 5 - Algebra TEST (Friday, March 12)
Math 6 - Algebra TEST (Friday, March 12)

Reminders:
- Term 2 Report Cards will be shared this Friday, March 12.  YAHOO!
Just a reminder that the SCC Purdy's Chocolatier fundraiser is due Thursday, March 18.

Monday, March 8, 2021

Classroom News - March 8

Happy Monday!

I don't know about you....but I can sure get used to this beautiful weather!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Homework:
Math 5 - 1.5 Writing Algebraic Equations (Tuesday, March 9)
Math 6 - 11.4/11.5 Solving Algebraic Equations (+/-) (Tuesday, March 9)
Science 5 - Matter and Materials Research (Tuesday, March 9)
Social 5 - Grandfather Teachings (Wednesday, March 10)
Social 6 - Identity (pg's 20-23) and Charter of Rights (Wed., March 10)

Reminders:
- Term 2 Report Cards will be shared next Friday, March 12.  YAHOO!
Just a reminder that the SCC Purdy's Chocolatier fundraiser is due Thursday, March 18.

Friday, March 5, 2021

Classroom News - March 5

All Term 2 assignments/homework are now OVERDUE.  Those students who failed to meet this deadline may have earned an "Insufficient Evidence" (IE) on their report card.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Homework:
Math 5 - Exercise 3: Solving Variables/Equations (Monday, March 8)
Science 5 - Matter and Materials Research (Tuesday, March 9)

Reminders:
- Term 2 Report Cards will be shared next Friday, March 12.  YAHOO!

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Classroom News - March 4

Ask your son/daughter about today's Health test - puberty.

The last chance to order the “Raise the Dough” special from Domino’s Pizza is tonight .  With every order, $5 will go to our playground fundraiser.  YUMMY!


Tomorrow (Friday, March 5) is the FINAL DAY of Term 2.  All Term 2 assignments/homework MUST be handed-in by this date.  Those students who fail to meet this deadline may earn an "Insufficient Evidence" (IE) on their report card.

Homework:
Art - Term 2 Sketchbook and Sketchbook Statement (OVERDUE)
Art - Mosaic Art (construction paper) (OVERDUE)
Social 6 - Culture Q's and Family Traditions (OVERDUE)
Math 6 - 6.2 Modelling Equations (Friday, March 5)
Science 5 - Manufacturing New Materials LAB (optional) (Friday, March 5)
Science 6 - Space Technology Research Assignment (Friday, March 5)

Reminders:
- Term 2 Report Cards will be shared next Friday, March 12.  YAHOO!

The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CA                - LD              - MS               - JS              - CW  

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Classroom News - March 3

Great job to everyone who participated in the "Principal For The Day" contest.  Mr. Schendel will be drawing the lucky winners in the coming days! 

If you and your family are looking for a tasty meal today or tomorrow, consider ordering the “Raise the Dough” special from Domino’s Pizza for $24.99 .  With every order, $5 will go to our playground fundraiser.  YUMMY!


Friday, March 5 is the FINAL DAY of Term 2.  All Term 2 assignments/homework MUST be handed-in by this date.  Those students who fail to meet this deadline may earn an "Insufficient Evidence" (IE) on their report card.

Homework:
Art - Term 2 Sketchbook and Sketchbook Statement (OVERDUE)
Art - Mosaic Art (construction paper) (OVERDUE)
Health - Puberty TEST (Thursday, March 4)
Math 6 - 1.8 Keeping Equations Balanced (Thursday, March 4)
Social 5 - First People of Canada Q's (Thursday, March 4)
Social 6 - Culture Q's and Family Traditions (Thursday, March 4)
Science 5 - Manufacturing New Materials LAB (optional) (Friday, March 5)
Science 6 - Space Technology Research Assignment (Friday, March 5)

Reminders:
- Term 2 Report Cards will be shared next Friday, March 12.  YAHOO!

The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CA               - JD                 - MS
- SM                - JS                 - CW  

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Classroom News - March 2

Wow...what a beautiful day today!

Do you have what it takes to be the next MC Knoll Principal?  Now is you chance to show us!  Mr. Schendel has put together a "Principal For The Day" contest for our MC Knoll students - where students have to answer a series of questions about "leadership".  To be entered into the draw, contest "leadership" questions must be handed-in to either Mr. Schendel or Mr. McDowell by tomorrow (Wednesday, March 3).  More details are available in the Google Classroom - in the Phys. Ed class - under the Monthly Challenge topic.  Good luck!  

Friday, March 5 is the FINAL DAY of Term 2.  All Term 2 assignments/homework MUST be handed-in by this date.  Those students who fail to meet this deadline may earn an "Insufficient Evidence" (IE) on their report card.

Homework:
Art - Term 2 Sketchbook and Sketchbook Statement (OVERDUE)
Math 6 - 1.7 Understanding Equality (Wednesday, March 3)
Art - Mosaic Art (construction paper) (Wednesday, March 3)
Social 5 - First People of Canada Q's (Thursday, March 4)
Social 6 - Culture Q's and Family Traditions (Thursday, March 4)
Science 5 - Manufacturing New Materials LAB (optional) (Friday, March 5)

Reminders:
- Term 2 Report Cards will be shared next Friday, March 12.  YAHOO!

The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CA           - SM            - JS            - TRem          - CW

Monday, March 1, 2021

Classroom News - March 1

Happy March!

Do you have what it takes to be the next MC Knoll Principal?  Now is you chance to show us!  Mr. Schendel has put together a "Principal For The Day" contest for our MC Knoll students - where students have to answer a series of questions about "leadership".  To be entered into the draw, contest "leadership" questions must be handed-in to either Mr. Schendel or Mr. McDowell by Wednesday, March 3.  More details are available in the Google Classroom - in the Phys. Ed class - under the Monthly Challenge topic.  Good luck!  

Friday, March 5 is the FINAL DAY of Term 2.  All Term 2 assignments/homework MUST be handed-in by this date.  Those students who fail to meet this deadline may earn an "Insufficient Evidence" (IE) on their report card.

Homework:
Art - Term 2 Sketchbook and Sketchbook Statement (OVERDUE)
Math 5 - 1.2 Using Patterns to Solve Problems (Tuesday, March 2)
Math 6 - 6.1 Solving Equations (Tuesday, March 2)
Art - Mosaic Art (construction paper) (Wednesday, March 3)
Science 5 - Manufacturing New Materials LAB (optional) (Friday, March 5)

Reminders:
- Term 2 Report Cards will be shared next Friday, March 12.  YAHOO!

The following people have OVERDUE work:
- JD               - CA                   - SM            
- JS                - TRem              - CW