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



Friday, October 29, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 29

We had a SPOOKtacular Halloween celebration today - ask your son/daughter about it!

Also, ask your son/daughter about today's Math Test - Decimals.

Homework:
ELA - Before/During/After Q's and Activities #3 (OVERDUE)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- School Picture Orders are now OVERDUE.  Picture Retake day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 2.   

The following person has OVERDUE "ELA - Tuning Into the News":
DS

The following people have OVERDUE "Social - World Map":
-  DB           - AC               - CJW          - DS

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 28

Our 7M class will be enjoying some Halloween Festivities tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 29).  Students are encouraged to dress-up (or wear Halloween colors).  Our school will be providing FREE pizza for our Gr. 7 and Gr. 8 students, compliments of Red Swan Pizza.  Students can also bring some extra individual snacks to enjoy - in addition to the pizza.  Our plan is to enjoy the food, a movie and hopefully have some Phys. Ed time in the gym...to burn off the extra sugars! 

Our SLC has decided to do a costume contest and a virtual Halloween parade.  For the contest, there will be a prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in K-2, 3-5 and 6-8.  Our parade will be on Zoom and you can watch from the comforts of home.  Start time will be at 2:30 p.m.  A member of our SLC will come and get each class when it is there turn. We will start with the Kindergartens and work our way up. 

Zoom link (password: MCK):
Homework:
ELA - Before/During/After Q's and Activities #3 (Friday, Oct. 29)
Math - Decimals TEST (Friday, Oct. 29)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- If interested in ordering school pictures, orders are due back to Lifetouch by tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 29).  Picture Retake day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 2.   
- Also, the SCC "Old Dutch Halloween Fundraiser" pickup will be tomorrow (Friday, October 29) from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.. 

The following people have OVERDUE "ELA - Before/During/After Q's and Activities #2":
- AC                 - DS

The following people have OVERDUE "Social - World Map":
- AB                  - DB             - JP              
- AC                  - CJW          - DS

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 27

Our 7M class will be enjoying some Halloween Festivities this Friday, Oct. 29.  Students are encouraged to dress-up (or wear Halloween colors).  Our school will be providing FREE pizza for our Gr. 7 and Gr. 8 students, compliments of Red Swan Pizza.  Students can also bring some extra individual snacks to enjoy - in addition to the pizza.  Our plan is to enjoy the food, a movie and hopefully have some Phys. Ed time in the gym...to burn off the extra sugars! 

Our SLC has decided to do a costume contest and a virtual Halloween parade.  For the contest, there will be a prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in K-2, 3-5 and 6-8.  Our parade will be on Zoom and you can watch from the comforts of home.  Start time will be at 2:30 p.m.  A member of our SLC will come and get your class when it is your turn. We will start with the Kindergartens and work our way up. 

Zoom link (password: MCK):
Homework:
Social - World Map (OVERDUE)
Math - Order of Operations with Decimals (Thursday, Oct. 28)
ELA - Before/During/After Q's and Activities #3 (Friday, Oct. 29)
Math - Decimals TEST (Friday, Oct. 29)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- If interested in ordering school pictures, orders are due back to Lifetouch by Friday, Oct. 29.  Picture Retake day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 2.   
- Also, the SCC "Old Dutch Halloween Fundraiser" pickup will be Friday, October 29 (from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.). 

The following people have OVERDUE "Before/During/After Q's and Activities #2" (ELA):
- AC                 - DS

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 26

Halloween came early for our 7M class - in the form of a new TV for the classroom!  Ask your son/daughter about it.

Our 7M class will be enjoying some Halloween Festivities this Friday, Oct. 29.  Students are encouraged to dress-up (or wear Halloween colors).  Our school will be providing FREE pizza for our Gr. 7 and Gr. 8 students (compliments of Red Swan Pizza).  Students can also bring some extra individual snacks to enjoy - in addition to the pizza.  Our plan is to enjoy the food, a movie and hopefully have some Phys. Ed time in the gym (to burn off the extra sugars)! 

Homework:
Math - Order of Operations (Wednesday, Oct. 27)
Social - World Map (Wednesday, Oct. 27)
Math - Decimals TEST (Friday, Oct. 29)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- If interested in ordering school pictures, orders are due back to Lifetouch by Friday, Oct. 29.  Picture Retake day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 2.   
- Also, the SCC "Old Dutch Halloween Fundraiser" pickup will be Friday, October 29 (from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.). 

The following people have OVERDUE "Before/During/After Q's and Activities #2" (ELA):
- DB                 - JP                   - KC                 
- AC                 - TL                  - DS

Monday, October 25, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 25

Happy Monday!

Our 7M class will be enjoying some Halloween Festivities this Friday, Oct. 29.  Students are encouraged to dress-up (or wear Halloween colors).  Our school will be providing FREE pizza for our Gr. 7 and Gr. 8 students (compliments of Red Swan Pizza).  Students can also bring some extra individual snacks to enjoy - in addition to the pizza.  Our plan is to enjoy the food, a movie and hopefully have some Phys. Ed time in the gym (to burn off the extra sugars)! 

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


Homework:
ELA - Before/During/After Q's and Activities #2 (OVERDUE)
Math - Order of Operations (Tuesday, Oct. 26)
Social - World Map (Wednesday, Oct. 27)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- If interested in ordering school pictures, orders are due back to Lifetouch by Friday, Oct. 29.  Picture Proofs were sent home last week with your son/daughter.   
- Also, the SCC "Old Dutch Halloween Fundraiser" pickup will be Friday, October 29 (from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.). 

Friday, October 22, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 22

Great job to everyone who participated in the "Dress Up As Our Future Selves" Day.

For those who pre-ordered, the 2020-2021 Yearbooks were sent home today.  

As part of our Adventure Ed program (and an early Halloween Celebration activity), students will need a pumpkin and appropriate carving tools for Monday, Oct. 25.  

Have a great weekend!

Homework:
Math - Division of Decimals (Monday, Oct. 25)
ELA - Before/During/After Q's and Activities #2 (Monday, Oct. 25)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- If interested in ordering school pictures, orders are due back to Lifetouch by Friday, Oct. 29.  Picture Proofs were sent home last week with your son/daughter.   

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 21

Tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 22), we encourage ALL Knights to dress up as our future selves - what career do you want to have?

Also, as part of our Adventure Ed program (and an early Halloween Celebration activity), students will need a pumpkin and appropriate carving tools for Monday, Oct. 25. 

Here is our GSSD Halloween Guidelines:


Homework:
Math - Division of Decimals (Friday, Oct. 21)
ELA - Before/During/After Q's and Activities #2 (Monday, Oct. 25)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- Please sign and return the Yorkton Water Park "Free 50x Swim Card" form ASAP - I will hand them into the Gallagher Center on your behalf for further processing. 
- If interested in ordering school pictures, orders are due back to Lifetouch by Friday, Oct. 29.  Picture Proofs were sent home last week with your son/daughter.   
        
The following people have OVERDUE "Basic Needs Sketch" (Science):
- DB                 - JP           

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 20

This week is Education Week and Sask Libraries Week - with the theme focussing on “Learning for the Future”.  On Friday, Oct. 22, we encourage ALL Knights to dress up as our future selves - what career do you want to have?

Also, as part of our Adventure Ed program (and an early Halloween Celebration activity), students will need a pumpkin and appropriate carving tools for Monday, Oct. 25. 

Here is our GSSD Halloween Guidelines:


Homework:
Social - Canada Crossword and Word Scramble (Thursday, Nov. 4)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- Please sign and return the Yorkton Water Park "Free 50x Swim Card" form ASAP - I will hand them into the Gallagher Center on your behalf for further processing. 
- If interested in ordering school pictures, orders are due back to Lifetouch by Friday, Oct. 29.  Picture Proofs were sent home last week with your son/daughter.

The following person has OVERDUE "Schoolyard Lab" (Science):
- DB         
        
The following people have OVERDUE "Basic Needs Sketch" (Science):
- DB                 - JP           

The following people have OVERDUE "Before/During/After Reading #1" (ELA):
- JP      

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 19

Homework:
Social - Canada Crossword and Word Scramble (Thursday, Nov. 4)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- Please sign and return the Yorkton Water Park "Free 50x Swim Card" form ASAP - I will hand them into the Gallagher Center on your behalf for further processing. 
- If interested in ordering school pictures, orders are due back to Lifetouch by Friday, Oct. 29.  Picture Proofs were sent home last week with your son/daughter.  Picture retake day is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

The following person has OVERDUE "Schoolyard Lab" (Science):
- DB            

The following person has OVERDUE "Getting to Know Canada Chart" (Social Studies):
- MR             

The following people have OVERDUE "Basic Needs Sketch" (Science):
- DB                 - JP           

The following people have OVERDUE "Before/During/After Reading #1" (ELA):
- DB                 - JP      

Monday, October 18, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 18

Happy Monday!

Homework:
ELA - Before/During/After Reading #1 (OVERDUE)
Science - Basic Needs Sketch (OVERDUE)
Math - Division of Decimals (Tuesday, Oct. 19)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- Please sign and return the Yorkton Water Park "Free 50x Swim Card" form ASAP - I will hand them into the Gallagher Center on your behalf for further processing. 
If interested in ordering school pictures, orders are due back to Lifetouch by Friday, Oct. 29.  Picture Proofs were sent home last week with your son/daughter.

The following people have OVERDUE "Schoolyard Lab" (Science):
- DB            

The following people have OVERDUE "Getting to Know Canada Chart" (Social Studies):
- SM                - MR             

Friday, October 15, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 15

Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed. activity - Orienteering/Compass Skills.

If interested in ordering school pictures, orders are due back to Lifetouch by Friday, Oct. 29.  Picture Proofs were sent home today with your child.

Have a great weekend!

Homework:
Math - Multiplication of Decimals (Monday, Oct. 18)
ELA - Before/During/After Reading #1 (Monday, Oct. 18)
Science - Basic Needs Sketch (Monday, Oct. 18)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- An exciting "Free 50x Swim Card" opportunity has been offered to our Gr. 7 and 8 students at MC Knoll, compliments of the Access Communication Water Park and the MC Knoll Adventure Ed. program.  A paper-copy of the form was sent home last week with your son/daughter.  Please sign and return the form back to Mr. McDowell ASAP - and I will hand them into the Gallagher Center on your behalf for further processing. 

The following people have OVERDUE "Schoolyard Lab" (Science):
- DB            

The following people have OVERDUE "Getting to Know Canada Chart" (Social Studies):
SM                - MR               - CW   

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 14

One of my favourite things about a long-weekend...is the short work-week ahead!  Tomorrow is already Friday - YAHOO!

Homework:
Social - Getting to Know Canada Information Chart (OVERDUE)
Science - Basic Needs Sketch (Monday, Oct. 18)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
- An exciting "Free 50x Swim Card" opportunity has been offered to our Gr. 7 and 8 students at MC Knoll, compliments of the Access Communication Water Park and the MC Knoll Adventure Ed. program.  A paper-copy of the form was sent home last week with your son/daughter.  Please sign and return the form back to Mr. McDowell ASAP - and I will hand them into the Gallagher Center on your behalf for further processing. 

The following people have OVERDUE "September Writing Folder" (ELA):
- DB                  - KC             

The following people have OVERDUE "Schoolyard Lab" (Science):
- DB            

The following people have OVERDUE "Getting to Know Canada Chart" (Social Studies):
- AB                  - DB               - DC              - KC                   -LD 
- SM                   - JP                - MR              - RV                  - CW    

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 13

Happy Wednesday!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend - full of family memories and good food!  

Homework:
Social - Getting to Know Canada Information Chart (OVERDUE)
Math -  1.10 Estimating Products (Thursday, Oct. 14)
ELA - Google Slides Book Report (Friday, Nov. 5)

Reminders:
An exciting "Free 50x Swim Card" opportunity has been offered to our Gr. 7 and 8 students at MC Knoll, compliments of the Access Communication Water Park and the MC Knoll Adventure Ed. program.  A paper-copy of the form was sent home last week with your son/daughter.  Please sign and return the form back to Mr. McDowell ASAP - and I will hand them into the Gallagher Center on your behalf for further processing. 

The following people have OVERDUE "September Writing Folder" (ELA):
- DB                  - KC               
- PD        

The following people have OVERDUE "Schoolyard Lab" (Science):
- DB                  - PD             

Friday, October 8, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 8

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the "Old Dutch Chip Fundraiser".  

An exciting "Free 50x Swim Card" opportunity has been offered to our Gr. 7 and 8 students at MC Knoll, compliments of the Access Communication Water Park and the MC Knoll Adventure Ed. program.  A paper-copy of the form was sent home yesterday with your son/daughter.  Please sign and return the form back to Mr. McDowell ASAP - and I will hand them into the Gallagher Center on your behalf for further processing.  AWESOME!


There will be NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, October 11 (Thanksgiving) and Tuesday, October 12 (Teacher PD).  Students return to school on Wednesday, October 13 - which is a Day 4.  YAHOO!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

Homework:
Science - Schoolyard Lab (OVERDUE)
Math - 1.8/1.9 Multiplying by Powers of Ten (Wednesday, Oct. 13)
Social - Getting to Know Canada Information Chart (Wednesday, Oct. 13)

Reminders:
- I sent home some Scholastic Book Order information earlier in the week.  If interested in ordering, please use our class code RC178758 - https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/home

The following people have OVERDUE "September Writing Folder" (ELA):
- DB              - DC                - KC                 
- PD              - JP                  - RV

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 7

The Old Dutch Chip Fundraiser order forms and money are due back tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 8). 

An exciting "Free 50x Swim Card" opportunity has been offered to our Gr. 7 and 8 students at MC Knoll, compliments of the Access Communication Water Park and the MC Knoll Adventure Ed. program.  A paper-copy of the form was sent home today with your son/daughter.  Please sign and return the form back to Mr. McDowell ASAP - and I will hand them into the Gallagher Center on your behalf for further processing.  AWESOME!


Homework:
Math - Multiplying Numbers (Friday, Oct. 8)
Science - Schoolyard Lab (Friday, Oct. 8)
Social - Getting to Know Canada Information Chart (Wednesday, Oct. 13)

Reminders:
- I sent home some Scholastic Book Order information earlier in the week.  If interested in ordering, please use our class code RC178758 - https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/home
There will be NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, October 11 (Thanksgiving) and Tuesday, October 12 (Teacher PD).  Students return to school on Wednesday, October 13 - which is a Day 4.  YAHOO!

The following people have OVERDUE "September Writing Folder" (ELA):
- DB              - DC                - KC                 - PD
- SM              - JP                  - MR                - RV

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 6

Our 7M class enjoyed another wonderful PAA class at Yorkdale.

MC Knoll Picture Day is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 7).  Bring your best smile!

Homework:
ELA - September Writing Folder (OVERDUE)
Math - Adding/Subtracting Decimals (Thursday, Oct. 7)
Science - Schoolyard Lab (Friday, Oct. 8)

Reminders:
- I sent home some Scholastic Book Order information earlier in the week.  If interested in ordering, please use our class code RC178758 - https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/home
- The Old Dutch Chip Fundraiser order forms and money are due back by Friday, Oct. 8. 
There will be NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, October 11 (Thanksgiving) and Tuesday, October 12 (Teacher PD).  Students return to school on Wednesday, October 13 - which is a Day 4.  YAHOO!

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 5

Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed. - a 14 km community bike ride!


Homework:
ELA - Extreme Survival Stories Q's and Comic (OVERDUE)
Math - Estimating Decimals (Wednesday, Oct. 6)
ELA - September Writing Folder - x7 Paragraphs, x3 Terse Verse, and Sticky Story (Wednesday, Oct. 6)

Reminders:
I sent home some Scholastic Book Order information yesterday.  If interested in ordering, please use our class code RC178758 - https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/home
- Say, "cheese"!  MC Knoll Picture Day is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 7.
- The Old Dutch Chip Fundraiser order forms and money are due back by Friday, Oct. 8. 

Monday, October 4, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 4

Happy Monday!

Tomorrow's Adventure Ed. class will have the students participate in a "community bike ride" - using Yorkton's bike paths.  Students will need a bike and helmet.  Students are also encouraged to bring a few dollars - in the event that we stop to "refuel" at a local convenience store.

I sent home some Scholastic Book Order information today.  If interested in ordering, please use our class code RC178758 - https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/home

Homework:
ELA - Extreme Survival Stories Q's and Comic (OVERDUE)
Math - Review of Decimals (OVERDUE)
ELA - September Writing Folder - x7 Paragraphs, x3 Terse Verse, and Sticky Story (Wednesday, Oct. 6)

Reminders:
- The October Adventure Ed. Permission Form is now OVERDUE.
- Say, "cheese"!  MC Knoll Picture Day is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 7.
- The Old Dutch Chip Fundraiser order forms and money are due back by Friday, Oct. 8.  

The following people have OVERDUE Science (Scientist Poster) 
- TL 

OVERDUE ELA (Writing Folder Collage):
- TL

OVERDUE Social (Map of Canada):
- DC               -TL            

OVERDUE Science (Surtsey Poster):
- DB               - DC           - TL                - JP

OVERDUE Art (Art Folder):
- DC              - TL              

Friday, October 1, 2021

Classroom News - Oct. 1

Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed. class - Canora Corn Maze.  

Have a great weekend!

Homework:
ELA - Extreme Survival Stories Q's and Comic (Monday, Oct. 4)
Math - Review of Decimals (Monday, Oct. 4)
ELA - September Writing Folder - x7 Paragraphs, x3 Terse Verse, and Sticky Story (Wednesday, Oct. 6)

Reminders:
- The October Adventure Ed. Permission Form is now OVERDUE.
- Say, "cheese"!  MC Knoll Picture Day is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 7.
- The Old Dutch Chip Fundraiser order forms and money are due back by Friday, Oct. 8.  

The following people have OVERDUE Science (Scientist Poster) 
- TL 

OVERDUE ELA (Writing Folder Collage):
- TL

OVERDUE Social (Map of Canada):
- DC               -TL            

OVERDUE Science (Surtsey Poster):
- DB               - DC           - TL                - JP

OVERDUE Art (Art Folder):
- DB               - DC            - LD                - TL               - JP