ITBS scores are in! The students received their scores and a detailed analysis today. Hope they made it home. The scores were very good! The students should be proud. We were very pleased with the overall scores. Please be sure to ask your student about them.
In reading we are reading non-fiction, informational passages about the Holocaust. We are preparing the students to read a novel set during this time period. We are also discussing how to read non-fiction text and learning strategies to help us be better readers of non-fiction.
Verbs are the grammar subject of the moment. We have been discussing verbs for about a week now. We will probably be working on them for another two weeks. While most students knew what a verb was, this is the first time they have been introduced to the principal parts and some of the tenses. We are also stressing word choice by using strong verbs in our writing.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
April Showers bring...
Well, if you're a parent (or teacher) of a middle school student, you know what April brings - thoughts of summer, no school, baseball/softball, anything but education! Please encourage your student to keep up his/her good work and not let school work slide at this time of year. It's easy to do. There is a lot going on in their lives with ballgames and practice, track, outside chores, etc. Let's try to keep them on the right track and get them through the school year.
Ask your student to read their fables and fairytales to you. Most of them did a wonderful job. We are going to begin a persuasive essay in writing next.
In reading we will be starting our Holocaust unit. We usually get to this earlier in the year, but will begin this week. We will start with some backgound information, and then move on to reading novels set during this time period. This will take us to close to the end of the year. We will end with a brief unit on poetry.
Upcoming events include:
4/13 Track meet at Pekin 4:30
4/13 BRI testing
4/21 Early dismissal
Ask your student to read their fables and fairytales to you. Most of them did a wonderful job. We are going to begin a persuasive essay in writing next.
In reading we will be starting our Holocaust unit. We usually get to this earlier in the year, but will begin this week. We will start with some backgound information, and then move on to reading novels set during this time period. This will take us to close to the end of the year. We will end with a brief unit on poetry.
Upcoming events include:
4/13 Track meet at Pekin 4:30
4/13 BRI testing
4/21 Early dismissal
Monday, April 5, 2010
New Schedule
Just a reminder, our schedule has changed. Our school day will now begin at 8:10 (ten minutes early) and dismiss at 3:10 (twenty minutes later). This will help us to make up three snow days.
Essay Contest: The Mahaska County Sheriff's Posse in conjunction with the Pella Rollscreen Foundation is sponsoring an essay contest for all E-B seventh grade students. The theme of the essay must be "Why it is important for meto say no to drugs and alcohol." The essays may be hand-written or typed and must be at least 3/4 of a page long. All essay must be turned in to me by April 22. The winners will receive: 1st place - $500 savings bond, 2nd place - $250.00 savings bond, 3rd place - $100.00 savings bond. Please encourage all students to to participate!
In class, we have finished writing our fables and fairy tales and have completed our mythology projects. We will finish up the folklore unit by reading legends and tall tales. As far as writing, we will be completing graphic organizers to help us write a persuasive essay. In grammar, we finished the pronouns unit and now begin talking about verbs.
Essay Contest: The Mahaska County Sheriff's Posse in conjunction with the Pella Rollscreen Foundation is sponsoring an essay contest for all E-B seventh grade students. The theme of the essay must be "Why it is important for meto say no to drugs and alcohol." The essays may be hand-written or typed and must be at least 3/4 of a page long. All essay must be turned in to me by April 22. The winners will receive: 1st place - $500 savings bond, 2nd place - $250.00 savings bond, 3rd place - $100.00 savings bond. Please encourage all students to to participate!
In class, we have finished writing our fables and fairy tales and have completed our mythology projects. We will finish up the folklore unit by reading legends and tall tales. As far as writing, we will be completing graphic organizers to help us write a persuasive essay. In grammar, we finished the pronouns unit and now begin talking about verbs.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Fabulous Fairytales
We have finally finished our novels and essays and have moved on to folklore. In this unit we will be comparing and contrasting various fables, myths, fairytales and legends from around the world. It is a fun unit, and most students seem to enjoy it. We have already begun comparing and contrasting fairytales. We have read Ashputtle and Cinderella; The Three Little Pigs, The Fourth Little Pig, and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs; Hansel and Gretel and Hansel's Eyes. The students have begun a new writing project. They are to re-write an existing fairytale or compose a new, original fairytale. The stories have been interesting so far. We will be completing this project next week in conjunction with computer class.
Just a reminder, ITBS testing will be conducted the week of March 8. Please make sure that your student gets plenty of sleep, eats breakfast, and (most importantly) attends school on those days!
Just a reminder, ITBS testing will be conducted the week of March 8. Please make sure that your student gets plenty of sleep, eats breakfast, and (most importantly) attends school on those days!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Darn that Groundhog!!
Well, it seems the groundhog has seen his shadow. I guess we had better prepare ourselves for six more weeks of winter. As we all know, we need to keep an eye on the forecast. With school out early last Friday (2/5) and more snow expected Sunday through Tuesday (looking out the window, it's snowing now) we need to be aware of the weather and have a plan for no school, late start or early dismissal. As you know, the District has implemented a plan to make up the days already missed. We will have school on President's Day (2/15)!! Look for updated calendars in the Rocket or from school.
Just a reminder that we will be dismissing early two days this week - Tuesday and Thursday - for conferences. Hope to see you all there. We will have no school on Friday, February 12.
We have finally finished up the novels we started way back when. This week we will be reading and discussing some non-fiction reading passages. Student will have a new passage every night this week with various comprehension and vocabulary activities. Next week we will begin our unit on Fairy Tales, Fables and Myths. This is always a fun unit. Most students seem to enjoy it.
Students are to be finishing up the essay we began last week. They will be due Tuesday. After that they will be assigned a Valentine's Day writing project. They are to design two different Valentine's Day cards. We have been discussing the Traits of Writing and this week are looking at Voice (ask your student what this is). The cards they design should have 2 different "voices." The cards will be due February 15.
Congratulations to the High School wrestlers. On Saturday (2/6) eleven wrestlers advanced to districts this Saturday (2/13). Districts will be held in Eddyville this year! Plan to attend and cheer on our guys.
Just a reminder that we will be dismissing early two days this week - Tuesday and Thursday - for conferences. Hope to see you all there. We will have no school on Friday, February 12.
We have finally finished up the novels we started way back when. This week we will be reading and discussing some non-fiction reading passages. Student will have a new passage every night this week with various comprehension and vocabulary activities. Next week we will begin our unit on Fairy Tales, Fables and Myths. This is always a fun unit. Most students seem to enjoy it.
Students are to be finishing up the essay we began last week. They will be due Tuesday. After that they will be assigned a Valentine's Day writing project. They are to design two different Valentine's Day cards. We have been discussing the Traits of Writing and this week are looking at Voice (ask your student what this is). The cards they design should have 2 different "voices." The cards will be due February 15.
Congratulations to the High School wrestlers. On Saturday (2/6) eleven wrestlers advanced to districts this Saturday (2/13). Districts will be held in Eddyville this year! Plan to attend and cheer on our guys.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Another Snow Day:(
Well, here it is - another snow day. The early dismissal today and missed days last week are really throwing us behind. Oh well, this is Iowa in the winter! All activities and practices have been cancelled for tonight; they hope to reschedule. Stay safe and warm-
Monday, January 18, 2010
Five Truths About Middle School Students
I came across this while reading some material sent to me by another teacher. I found it very interesting and very true. The material came from a book by Ruth Culham titled Traits of Writing: A Complete Guide for Middle School. See if you recognize your student (or another middle school age student):
Five Truths About Middle School Students
1. They have a hard time remembering things. They don't remember to put their names on their papers even though they did this automatically in elementary school. They don't remember where they put their papers, their backpacks, or that all-too-important permission slip. In fact, they remember hardly anything they consider mundane, no matter how desperately the adults in their lives wish they did. (You can apply this to home - "Where's my backpack? shoes? I was supposed to water the dog? I forgot!"
2. They don't like to do ordinary, repetitive tasks. They detest homework. They like to be occupied with work that matters to them. They like being active. (At home this could apply to doing the dishes, chores, etc.)
3. They must talk to learn. Talking is as essential to middle school students as breathing. Talking is how they process their world and make sense of it. (Are there days you wish they would just be quiet for 5 minutes? Other days when they don't talk at all except to friends?)
4. They adore technology. They "get it" in a way that we, as adults, never will. They will gladly show us what they know if given the opportunity to use computers, iPods, cell phones, interactive white boards, and on and on. (Do your children seem lost without their cell phones, iPods, computers, etc?? They can be a valuable tool if used correctly; however, we cannot just assume they know what is appropriate and what is not.)
5. They aren't high school students. Their strengths and weaknesses are different from older kids'. Yes, they have pasison and energy, but with these come moodiness and unbridled emotion. They should be taught for who they are now, what works for them now, what is meaningful now.
I know it seems that these Five Truths apply only to education, but I can see them also applying at home. Believe me, I have seen moody pre-teens at my house! All I can say is that it really is a fun age - enjoy them! They will be grown and gone before you know it!
Five Truths About Middle School Students
1. They have a hard time remembering things. They don't remember to put their names on their papers even though they did this automatically in elementary school. They don't remember where they put their papers, their backpacks, or that all-too-important permission slip. In fact, they remember hardly anything they consider mundane, no matter how desperately the adults in their lives wish they did. (You can apply this to home - "Where's my backpack? shoes? I was supposed to water the dog? I forgot!"
2. They don't like to do ordinary, repetitive tasks. They detest homework. They like to be occupied with work that matters to them. They like being active. (At home this could apply to doing the dishes, chores, etc.)
3. They must talk to learn. Talking is as essential to middle school students as breathing. Talking is how they process their world and make sense of it. (Are there days you wish they would just be quiet for 5 minutes? Other days when they don't talk at all except to friends?)
4. They adore technology. They "get it" in a way that we, as adults, never will. They will gladly show us what they know if given the opportunity to use computers, iPods, cell phones, interactive white boards, and on and on. (Do your children seem lost without their cell phones, iPods, computers, etc?? They can be a valuable tool if used correctly; however, we cannot just assume they know what is appropriate and what is not.)
5. They aren't high school students. Their strengths and weaknesses are different from older kids'. Yes, they have pasison and energy, but with these come moodiness and unbridled emotion. They should be taught for who they are now, what works for them now, what is meaningful now.
I know it seems that these Five Truths apply only to education, but I can see them also applying at home. Believe me, I have seen moody pre-teens at my house! All I can say is that it really is a fun age - enjoy them! They will be grown and gone before you know it!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Snow days...again!
Well, another two snow days behind us (or ahead of us, depending on how you look at it). Hopefully, we will be here all week this week. It seems we've been playing catch up since the middle of December. Oh well, that's Iowa weather for you!
This week we will try to finish up the novels we started and will begin working on an expository writing project. We have finished up nouns and will take the test Tuesday (it was supposed to be last Friday).
Other happenings include:
1/11 Girls BB at home against Albia at 4:15
Boys BB at Albia at 4:15
1/12 JH Wrestling
1/13 Young Writer's rough drafts due to Mrs. Bohlmann
1/14 Girls BB at home against Davis County at 4:15
Boys BB at Bloomfield at 4:15
This week we will try to finish up the novels we started and will begin working on an expository writing project. We have finished up nouns and will take the test Tuesday (it was supposed to be last Friday).
Other happenings include:
1/11 Girls BB at home against Albia at 4:15
Boys BB at Albia at 4:15
1/12 JH Wrestling
1/13 Young Writer's rough drafts due to Mrs. Bohlmann
1/14 Girls BB at home against Davis County at 4:15
Boys BB at Bloomfield at 4:15
Saturday, January 2, 2010
A New Year
Happy New Year!! I can't believe it is 2010 already, and we are half way through the school year! Be watching the mail - students will receive their report cards in the mail this quarter. They should be out approximately a week or so after we return to school.
The next quarter in Language Arts will focus on writing, writing and writing. We will be writing fiction and non-fiction items. We will finish the novels we have started and will begin a unit on myths, fairy tales and fables. Most students enjoy this unit. At the end, we will write our own original fairy tale or myth. We will also continue to work on grammar and vocabulary.
We will also start the new semester talking about keeping current on assignments and will discuss responsibility! Please stress to your student the importance of getting work completed (and turned in) on time. Many students have their assignment finished but "forget" to turn it in. I usually remind them once during class to turn in assignments. After that it is up to them - if not turned in it will be late!!
Upcoming events include:
January 5 Return to school; beginning of 2nd semester, 3rd quarter
Basketball - girls @ Twin Cedars 4:15
boys @ BAC against Twin Cedars 4:15
January 7 Basketball - girls @ BAC against Albia 4:15
boys @ Albia 4:15
January 8 Wrestling vs. Iowa Valley @ Marengo 4:15
The next quarter in Language Arts will focus on writing, writing and writing. We will be writing fiction and non-fiction items. We will finish the novels we have started and will begin a unit on myths, fairy tales and fables. Most students enjoy this unit. At the end, we will write our own original fairy tale or myth. We will also continue to work on grammar and vocabulary.
We will also start the new semester talking about keeping current on assignments and will discuss responsibility! Please stress to your student the importance of getting work completed (and turned in) on time. Many students have their assignment finished but "forget" to turn it in. I usually remind them once during class to turn in assignments. After that it is up to them - if not turned in it will be late!!
Upcoming events include:
January 5 Return to school; beginning of 2nd semester, 3rd quarter
Basketball - girls @ Twin Cedars 4:15
boys @ BAC against Twin Cedars 4:15
January 7 Basketball - girls @ BAC against Albia 4:15
boys @ Albia 4:15
January 8 Wrestling vs. Iowa Valley @ Marengo 4:15
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Winter Wonderland
Well, we have survived the first snow days. It has put us behind for the semester, but we will survive. Hopefully there will be no more before we break for Christmas, but things are not looking good. The weather forecast this morning said more snow is coming. Keep a check on the weather and have a plan for your students if school is cancelled, delayed or dismissed early.
The annual Christmas dinner was today. The meal was wonderful as always. The elementary teachers and students, especially Ms. Young and the sixth grade, deserve a big THANKS for all the hard work they put into making the meal a success. Everything ran very well this year, and the grandparents and senior citizens enjoyed the day. I also want to thank the middle school students for being on their best behavior and using their "company" manners!
Kudos to the Middle School students for all the cans they have been bringing for the FFA Food Drive! Our contribution will be a big help to the FFA this year! Also, thank you to those who donated a toy for the Toys for Tots campaign.
Upcoming events include:
12/17 Girls Basketball at Chariton
12/17 Boys Basketball at home
12/18 7th GRADE READING LOGS DUE
12/21 Wrestling at Oskaloosa
12/21 Early Dismissal; Winter break begins
1/5 Return to school!!
The annual Christmas dinner was today. The meal was wonderful as always. The elementary teachers and students, especially Ms. Young and the sixth grade, deserve a big THANKS for all the hard work they put into making the meal a success. Everything ran very well this year, and the grandparents and senior citizens enjoyed the day. I also want to thank the middle school students for being on their best behavior and using their "company" manners!
Kudos to the Middle School students for all the cans they have been bringing for the FFA Food Drive! Our contribution will be a big help to the FFA this year! Also, thank you to those who donated a toy for the Toys for Tots campaign.
Upcoming events include:
12/17 Girls Basketball at Chariton
12/17 Boys Basketball at home
12/18 7th GRADE READING LOGS DUE
12/21 Wrestling at Oskaloosa
12/21 Early Dismissal; Winter break begins
1/5 Return to school!!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Computer Troubles
You may have noticed that grades have not been updated on Infinite Campus this week. This is because I seem to be experiencing computer difficulties. When I turned my computer on this week it began "ticking." At first I did not know if this was a terrorist plot or simply a disgruntled student. It turned out it's nothing so exciting - the fan is bad. The part is on order and was supposed to be here yesterday (yah right, that's what they all say!). Hopefully, it will arrive soon and grades will be updated. I am keeping the students posted on any missing assignments, and they can judge their grade by the papers which have been returned.
On another note, remember that school will be dismissed early on Wednesday, December 9 for staff development. Also, keep a close eye on the weather. I have been hearing rumblings of snow coming!
On another note, remember that school will be dismissed early on Wednesday, December 9 for staff development. Also, keep a close eye on the weather. I have been hearing rumblings of snow coming!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
This Week at EBMS
It seems to be another busy week at EBMS. The girls' basketball teams have games on Tuesday, December 1, and Thursday, December 3 (both games are at home). The boys' basketball team will travel to Osceola on Thursday, December 3. Our wrestlers are also in action this week. December 1 they travel to Pella. Good luck to one and all!!
In class this week we will be working on finding nouns in sentences and determining the type of noun (common, proper, abstract, concrete, collective). We will also start working on making singular nouns plural. We will continue work on the novels we are reading.
On another note, please stress to students how important it is to turn in work on time!! With busy schedules it is easy to "forget" your homework. Many students simply run out of time to complete it (they have sports, band, chores, etc.). I have been trying to stress to the students that it is important to keep up with school work even though sports, band, etc. are more fun. Once they fall behind, it is very hard to catch up. Some teachers also do not allow students to turn in late work unless they have missed school. Please help us to set up the important work habits they will need for the rest of their lives!
In class this week we will be working on finding nouns in sentences and determining the type of noun (common, proper, abstract, concrete, collective). We will also start working on making singular nouns plural. We will continue work on the novels we are reading.
On another note, please stress to students how important it is to turn in work on time!! With busy schedules it is easy to "forget" your homework. Many students simply run out of time to complete it (they have sports, band, chores, etc.). I have been trying to stress to the students that it is important to keep up with school work even though sports, band, etc. are more fun. Once they fall behind, it is very hard to catch up. Some teachers also do not allow students to turn in late work unless they have missed school. Please help us to set up the important work habits they will need for the rest of their lives!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
I can't believe that Thanksgiving is almost here. From now until the end of the year, life seems to move very rapidly. Remember, through all the chaos, that you are only one person. You can't do it all! It also helps to remind our students of this. Students today seem to be getting busier and busier. Help them to enjoy the holidays and stop to enjoy, and give thanks, for what they have.
Students will be journaling about what they are thankful for that can not be purchased. This might be a good topic for discussion at the dinner table, and is one that we should all be thinking about at this time of year.
Students will be journaling about what they are thankful for that can not be purchased. This might be a good topic for discussion at the dinner table, and is one that we should all be thinking about at this time of year.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Congratulations!!
Congratulations to our EBMS Mock Trial Team! They placed second at the regional conpetition and advanced to the state competition! They were only 1/8 of a point behind the first place team. Great job!!
Also, congratulations to the EBMS Band. I have heard many complimentary comments on the band's performance at the Veteran's Day Celebration in Blakesburg. Keep up the good work!
Also, congratulations to the EBMS Band. I have heard many complimentary comments on the band's performance at the Veteran's Day Celebration in Blakesburg. Keep up the good work!
November already!!
Well, it's the middle of November already. I'm really not sure where the school year has gone, but here we are in the middle of the second quarter. If you have not received one, ask your student for a copy of the school calendar - they are available to one and all in the office. It seems from now until Christmas there is a lot going on. This week on Wednesday (11/18) we will have an early dismissal for staff in-service. Next week we will dismiss early on Wednesday (11/25) and there will be no school on Thursday (11/26) or Friday (11/27). Basketball games and wrestling will also begin. Keep a close eye on your calendar and also on the weather!
In class we are working on finding direct objects and indirect objects and on using them correctly in our own writing. This is a new concept for students, but they are doing well. We are also continuing to read our novels. The students seem to enjoy them. I will be offering extra credit this quarter. Students may bring in up to 5 newspaper/magazine articles or a synopsis of a news story that deals with prejudice/discrimination today. For each article they bring in they will receive 3 points. I have found in the past that students like this type of extra credit, and it gets them reading the newspaper and watching the news!
In class we are working on finding direct objects and indirect objects and on using them correctly in our own writing. This is a new concept for students, but they are doing well. We are also continuing to read our novels. The students seem to enjoy them. I will be offering extra credit this quarter. Students may bring in up to 5 newspaper/magazine articles or a synopsis of a news story that deals with prejudice/discrimination today. For each article they bring in they will receive 3 points. I have found in the past that students like this type of extra credit, and it gets them reading the newspaper and watching the news!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Community Clean Up Day
Just a quick note - Community Clean Up Day will be Tuesday, November 10. Please remind students to dress appropriately. We will be outside all afternoon and will be cleaning up around the community. Students may want to wear gloves. We will be raking leaves, picking up trash, etc. Student groups will be assigned tomorrow. We will group them according the the permission slips you signed previously.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Middle School Happenings
Parent Teacher Conferences were very successful this year. I visited with forty parents. I think that is a new record. I would be very interested in hearing about your conference experience. Did you like attending the student led conferences? Do you have any suggestions for improvement? If you would like to comment you can either post to my blog (only I will see it) or you can e-mail me here at school.
I was also impressed with how many parents are already users of our Infinite Campus system. I feel that this is a very beneficial tool for parents and students. I hope that those of you who received passwords tonight will find it beneficial. I know that as a parent I do!
Next week we are going to try to make up our Community Clean Up Day. We had to cancel it earlier this year due to inclement weather and a large number of student who were ill. We will try to make that up on Tuesday, November 10. Remind your student to dress for the weather. We will be making the final decision about this on Monday. Your student will be informed before they leave. Also, the EBMS band will be out of the building on Wednesday morning. They have been asked to play at a Veteran's Day celebration at the park in Blakesburg. I think it's great that the community will get to see, and hear, our wonderful band. These students work very hard, and you should be very proud of them.
I was also impressed with how many parents are already users of our Infinite Campus system. I feel that this is a very beneficial tool for parents and students. I hope that those of you who received passwords tonight will find it beneficial. I know that as a parent I do!
Next week we are going to try to make up our Community Clean Up Day. We had to cancel it earlier this year due to inclement weather and a large number of student who were ill. We will try to make that up on Tuesday, November 10. Remind your student to dress for the weather. We will be making the final decision about this on Monday. Your student will be informed before they leave. Also, the EBMS band will be out of the building on Wednesday morning. They have been asked to play at a Veteran's Day celebration at the park in Blakesburg. I think it's great that the community will get to see, and hear, our wonderful band. These students work very hard, and you should be very proud of them.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
It's That Time of Year Again!
Well, it's that time of year again - Parent Teacher Conference time! Here at EBMS, we will be conducting PTC a little bit differently than you are used to. We use student led conferences. Your son or daughter will be doing most of the "talking". They will show you their work, explain their grades and discuss their goals. We feel that this gives the student more ownership of their learning and behavior. We hope that you enjoy these conferences, but if you feel the need to speak one-on-one with a teacher, please feel free to contact that teacher by e-mail (last name, first initial @ebcsd.com) at any time or phone (641-938-2202) before or after school.
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