Week 5/3-5/7 newsletter

 Dear parents,

Wow!  Students finished Language art and Math Rise Testing, yea! :) One more subject to go for the following week 5/10-5/11. Thank you for all your support.

English:

In English classes this week we spent most of our time reviewing the year. Due to the RISE testing the students did not have a significant amount of homework and we also did not focus on any new material. They did a great job this week during their RISE test.

Chinese:

Students will continue MMXI2 U5.2 lessons.

Thursday: Chinese writing story quiz, the topic can be found at 4/26-4/30 Chinese homework

No Homework

Science:

Review Population & Ecosystem, Planetary science and Weather & Water lessons

Homework: Post on Monday 6:00 p.m.

Week 4/26-4/30 newsletter

 Dear parents,

Another wonderful week passed! This week, students will take their language art and math RISE test.  Please that they have plenty sleep and feel ready to test. They will start with language arts this Monday and Tuesday, then finish with math on Wednesday and Thursday.  The science RISE test will postpone to 5/10 and 5/11 both days, the make up test will be at 5/13 and 5/14.

Friday, students will come in school at 11:15 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.  The Blue class will be with Mrs. McFarland then switch to Mr. Behmer.

Online students: please make sure you sign up schedule for coming in school take RISE test.

English: This week the students finished their debate and will be working on an argumentative paper. For math the students will be reviewing and working on material in preparation for RISE. 

Chinese:

Students are going to start new lesson MMXI2 U5.2 团聚

Homework: Will post on Monday at 6:00 pm.

Science:

Students will complete their insulation design, then test their result as well as review current concepts.

Homework: Will post on Monday at 6:00 p.m.

Week 4/19-4/23

Dear Parents,

Another great week as we get closer to the end of the year! Keep reminding students to continue being mindful of masks and hand washing as we work to finish the year well!

Friday: students will come in school at 11:15 a.m. till 1:35 p.m.

Online students: As usual, students will have zoom meeting every Friday at 10:30-11:00 a.m.  Also, the school will send out the RISE testing schedule to come in school for the testing.

English:

Parents continue to have students study for RISE testing. Let me know if you need anymore materials for studying. In English the students will be having a debate and working on an argument. They will be having a quiz on "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.." For Math, the students are working through exponents.

Chinese:

This coming Friday, students are going to make their own insulator experiment with a 8 oz water bottle.  If your family drink the 8 oz water bottles, please save the empty bottle and bring it to class on Thursday.

Chinese:

We will continue  MMXI2 U5.1 宽窄巷子

Homework: will post on Monday 6:00 p.m.

Science:

We will continue with weather & water unit: heat transfer and currents.

Homework: Will post assignments on Monday 6:00 p.m.

Week 4/12-4/16

 Dear parents,

The Rise testing window will open from 4/26-5/14

Language Art Rise Testing: 4/26 and 4/27

Math Rise Testing: 4/28 and 4/29

Science Rise testing: 5/10 and 5/11

Friday schedule: Both classes will come in class at 11:15 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.  Blue class will be with Mrs. McFarland first, then switch at 12:15 with Mr. Behmer red class.

English: Parents I want to encourage students to begin studying for RISE Testing. I am willing to hand out material to study for those that would like it, but RISE Testing is comprehensive based on what students have learned this year in total. Therefore I would suggest the following websites as a good place to start:

https://www.ck12.org/student/

https://www.khanacademy.org/

(i-ready is also a great resource for students)

Along with this I will have a couple review days where I walk through certain challenging concepts. Please have students prepare questions and think back on what is challenging. Currently students are learning the distributive property and finishing "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind."

Online students will resume Friday zoom meeting session at 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. every week.

We will start lesson MMXI2 U5.1 宽窄巷子

Homework will post on Canvas Monday at 6:00 p.m.

Science:

We will continue weather unit about weather maps, fronts, air pressure

Homework will post on Canvas Monday at 6:00 p.m.

Week 4/5-4/9

Dear parents,

Welcome back students:)  We hope that you and your family had a fun and relaxing spring break.  As previously mentioned, we really appreciate all your support in your child's learning.  Please note that you're always welcome to contact both of us for any questions that you have.  

Rise testing is coming in few weeks, please have your child take a little time daily to review what they have learned this year in Science, Language Arts, and Math.  For Science Rise test, there will be a competition, if students reach average 60% in class and individual score above 70%, we are going to have ice cream party (30 minutes break and ice cream)

Friday schedule: Both classes will come in class at 11:15 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.  Blue class will be with Mrs. McFarland first, then switch at 12:15 with Mr. Behmer red class.

English:

Students are currently working through Unit 6 in math and will work this week to review what they learned while I was gone and move forward with the Unit.

In English we will resume our reading on the “Boy Who Harnessed the Wind”.

With this being my first full week back I do not know of any quizzes the students will take, but will be sure to let you know if there will be any quizzes this week by Monday evening.

Chinese:

Online students will resume Friday zoom meeting session at 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. every week.

We will continue lesson MMXI2 U4.3 等待之际

Homework will post on Canvas Monday at 6:00 p.m.

Science:

We will continue our convection lessons in the weather unit.

Homework will post on Canvas Monday at 6:00 p.m.

Week 3/22-3/24

 Dear parents,

We're very sorry for this late newsletter. If you haven't signed up for the parent teacher conference, please do it soon. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WxAYjexZzH_BVyvMoRGGebT2ipsbzYpfGXxEdODIGk0/edit#gid=0

The parent teacher conference will be online as the last one.  We will send the zoom link information on Tuesday.  The battle book for 6th grade is on Wednesday and Thursday.

English:

Just wanted to update you that I am still on paternity leave. The students have been doing great and reviewing material for the end of the year tests. I will be back this Wednesday!

Chinese:

Students will start learn MMXI2 U4.3 等待之际

Homework: Post on Monday 6:00 p.m.

Science:

Convection  对流 duì liú

Homework: Post on Monday 6:00 p.m.

Kind regards,

Mrs.McFarland & Mr.Behmer

Week 3/15-3/19

 Dear parents,

Parent teacher is coming in two weeks. They will be on Wednesday the 24th and Thursday afternoon the 25th. Please sign up your appointment through the link below:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WxAYjexZzH_BVyvMoRGGebT2ipsbzYpfGXxEdODIGk0/edit#gid=0

The grade period will end this March 19, please check science grade on skyward, your child only have few days before March 19 to complete.  If you have any questions, please let Mrs. McFarland know ASAP. There won't have any grade change after March 19.

Friday: Both classes will come at 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  Red class will go to Mr. Behmer first, then change class.

English:

Parents, not too much information from me this week. I am currently on paternity after my wife had our second child a little earlier than expected. The students have a great sub and hopefully will use these two weeks to introduce a new math unit and review for the year end RISE tests in April.

Chinese:

Online students, please also go to link to sign up parent teacher conference. Make sure to check your child Chinese canvas for Chinese and science assignments for completion.  Reminder: there is zoom meeting on Friday 10:30-11:00 for every Friday, please mark on your calendar to remind your child to attend.

Monday, students  vote to take the quiz on Monday.  The quiz information: Students are going to have Chinese test for MMXI2 4.1 失而复返 lesson, comprehension reading and writing.  The writing topic: describe your favorite things lost, then find it back the experience.  Please use 失而复返 ，总算，终于，如今，却，差点，以为，走散，希望，不管 those words to write about 12 sentences of experience.

Homework: posted on Monday at 6:00 p.m. on Canvas.

Science:

Today, students retook the science solar system quiz, yeah:) about 82% of 34 students has reached score 80% or higher. Cheers!  Parents, thank you for your support, please give high five to your child to celebrate.  This week, students are collecting daily weather data for South Jordan as well as their choice city. Once students have collect enough data, they are going to make graph to compare the weather.

Homework: posted on Monday at 6:00 p.m on Canvas.

Best regards,

Mrs.McFarland & Mr. Behmer

Week 3/8-3/12

Dear parents,

The parent teacher conference is coming up! We are really looking forward to catching up with you! This coming Friday, both classes students are coming 11:15 a.m-1:35 p.m

English: 

The students had a really busy week and worked hard. I gave them a good sized two page math assignment that many of the students did awesome on! They also have just started writing their narrative! Their rough draft will be due this Thursday so please encourage them to work on this!

Chinese:

Online students please go to 3/4 science test and open solar system power point to review, if you can't open it please let me know as soon as possible.  The Friday zoom meeting schedule is still the same 10:30-11:00. 

Chinese:Students will continue MMXI2U4.2 网咖 lesson. 

Homework: will post on Chinese Canvas for date 3/8-3/12

Thursday: Students are going to have Chinese test for MMXI2 4.1 失而复返 lesson, comprehension reading and writing.  The writing topic: describe your favorite things lost, then find it back the experience.  Please use 失而复返 ，总算，终于，如今，却，差点，以为，走散，希望，不管 those words to write about 12 sentences of experience.

Science:

This week, students have a lot fun learning air pressure and atmosphere layers.  Students will continue learn about air pressure, climate, and weather fronts.

Students didn't do good with their science test.  Especially students who didn't do any of science homework, they did poorly.  This Friday, students will retake their test, please have them go to March 4 to review solar system powerpoint. If they have any questions, please come to ask Mrs. McFarland & Mr. Behmer.  For this week science test score and students' make up assignments score, I will update on skyward this Monday, please check it on Tuesday.

Friday: Science solar system unit retake test

Homework: Review solar system: Moon phase, Eclipse, Seasons, Inner & Outer planets and gravity & inertia concepts.  Students can find it on Science date 3/4 power points.

Week 3/1-3/5

Dear parents,

Time is flying.  We can't believe it is the beginning the March.  The RISE test window is opening 3/16 for Language Arts, Math, and Science.  The schedule is not yet set up, but when we know the dates we will let you know.  You can help your child to get ready for RISE by reviewing material learned this year. Plan daily around 5-10 minutes to review each subject and to retain the concepts that they have learned.  Don't leave it until the last minutes!

Friday schedule: Both Red & Blue classes need to come in school from 11:15 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. 

Online students will have regular Friday zoom meetings at 10:30-11:00 a.m., please tell your child open the camera so I can track their absence. I have noticed during the class time, I asked students to participate or asked questions, most of time I didn't receive any response from some of students. 

English:

In math the students are continuing in their learning of multiplying decimals. They will have a quiz in the middle of this week so please have them review and ask questions if needed.

The students are also starting to write a narrative so I ask them what they are writing about. Finally they are continuing to read through "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind."

Chinese:

Students will learn new lesson MMXI2 U4.2 网咖 (Internet Cafe)

Homework: Will be posted on Monday

Science:

Last week, students were learning water cycle and how it relates to the weather, density and atmosphere layers.  This week students will continue learn the difference between weather & climate.

Homework: Will be posted on Monday

Science solar system test: Thursday

Science vocabulary:

air pressure (空气压力 kōng qì yā lì), forecast (预报 yù bào), humidity (湿度shī dù), meteorologist (气象学家 qì xiàng xué jiā ), meteorology (气象学 qì xiàng xué)  precipitation (降水 jiàng shuǐ)  prediction (预言 yù yán ) severe weather (恶劣天气 è liè tiān qì),   atmosphere ( 大气层 dà qì céng), troposphere (对流层 duì liú céng), stratosphere (平流层 píng liú céng ), mesosphere (中间层 zhōng jiān céng), thermosphere (增温层 zēng wēn céng), exosphere (外气层  wài qì céng)

The Troposphere: This is the lowest part of the atmosphere - the part we live in. It contains most of our weather - clouds, rain, snow. In this part of the atmosphere the temperature gets colder as the distance above the earth increases, by about 6.5°C per kilometer. 

The Stratosphere:This extends upwards from the tropopause to about 50 km. It contains much of the ozone in the atmosphere. 

The Mesosphere:The region above the stratosphere is called the mesosphere. Here the temperature again decreases with height, reaching a minimum of about -90°C at the "mesopause".

The thermosphere: This lies above the mesopause, and is a region in which temperatures again increase with height. This temperature increase is caused by the absorption of energetic ultraviolet and X-Ray radiation from the sun. 

The Exosphere: The region above about 500 km is called the exosphere. It contains mainly oxygen and hydrogen atoms, but there are so few of them that they rarely collide - they follow "ballistic" trajectories under the  influence of gravity, and some of them escape right out into space.

Kind regards,

Mrs.McFarland & Mr. Behmer

Week 2/22-2/26

Dear parents,

Another great week passed, students had learned a lot from planetary representative.  They also watched live video from the Mars rover on the TV today. Really was an exciting event to see!

English:

In English the students have started a new math unit. This unit is about arithmetic with decimals and has seem easier for the students. In language arts the students are continuing in "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind" and will begin writing a narrative soon.

I've let the student know that in the coming weeks they may see a bit more homework. This is to prepare them for middle school. I've asked them to take responsibility and work hard to get things done.

Again if you have any questions I would love to help answer them!

Chinese:

Friday, students don't need to come in school.  I will assign Chinese and Science assignment on Canvas, they can complete it at home.  If they have any questions about assignments, please join open class zoom meeting with me at 11:30-12:30, I can help them if they any questions.

Zoom meeting login:     Meeting ID: 8103955 2616        Passcode: 997830

Online students, if you attend my morning class, I will have sub Monday morning, so you don't need to login zoom meeting, please use the time to go to Quizlet review 失而复返 vocabulary as well as Mandarin Matrix 失而复返 lesson.

We will continue MMXI2 U4.1. 失而复返 lesson.

Homework will be posted on the Canvas Monday. (Please have the students read the dates and come to either teacher if they do not understand how to use canvas for an assignment.)

Since I have combined online student's science assignments on Chinese canvas, please have your student read the instruction carefully, if it is online students only, students don't need to worry about it.  Also, I will post students' science grade on skyward this Monday, so please check your student after Monday.

Science:

We will continue learn weather and climate

Homework will post on the Canvas Monday.

Vocabulary:

太阳能 (solar energy), 密度 (density)，重力（地心引力）(gravity)，海洋 (ocean)，大气层 (atmosphere)，生物圈(biosphere)，能量(energy)，天气(weather)，气候(climate)，温度(temperature)，高度(altitude),水循环(water cycle)，蒸发(evaporation)，降水(precipitation)，地下水(groundwater)

Week 2/16-2/19

 Dear parents,

Thank you for all your support.  The Chinese New Year party went so well. Thank you so much for all your help and willingness to make this Chinese New Year special. We apologize for the slight delay, but it was a really fun cultural experience.

English:

Currently in math we just finished a unit on dividing fractions! They did a great job and we will begin an easier unit of multiplying and dividing decimals.

In language arts the students will begin a new journeys unit while continuing our readings of "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind." Please let me know anytime when students need help or support.

Chinese:  

New MMX I2 U4.1 lesson: 失而复返

Homework: Post on Tuesday

Science:

Weather & Climate

Homework: Post on Tuesday

Week 2/8-2/12 newsletter

 Dear parents,

Again, this week is going to be another great week.  On Thursday, students are going to display their hard work on the STEM fair project, then students are going to have a Red/Blue class competition of Chinese gongfu fans （https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw0NlWTZC_0）at Friday's New Year's party. The judgers will be all the 6th grade teachers and maybe their students. Below is the letter from our dear room parents for Chinese New Year celebration.

Hello Parents,

The Chinese New Year celebration will be on Friday, February 12th from 11:30-1:00.  To celebrate, we are going to bring in Chinese Food for the kids for lunch that day. Panda Express is going to cater the lunch. In order to do this, we are asking parents to help fund the lunch. Please send money by Tuesday. It can be sent in an envelope with "Chinese Food $" written on the outside and given to Mrs. McFarland, or you can venmo me @Emily-Whitehead-2. There are very few things we can do for our student parties this year, but this is a fun tradition we don't want them to miss. Please try to donate if you are able.

Thank You so much,

Room Moms

Online students/Quarantine students.

There is no Zoom meeting for this Thursday's afternoon and Friday's Morning.  新年快乐！

English:

In English students have been working through a dividing fractions unit. They have done well and will finish the unit this week. We also recently start a book called "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind." This is a great opportunity for them to learn about a unique culture different from their own.

Chinese:

On Friday, students please dress white on the top, black pants and red sash for the waist. ( Three inches width and length 14inches+ waist size)

Chinese:

Continue lesson MMXU3.3 老奶奶的请求

Homework: Practice Chinese gongfu fan movement

Science:

Finish Solar system unit

Homework: Complete STEM fair project

Week 2/1-2/5

Dear parents,

Yea:) Another wonderful week passed, we all stay healthy. Thank you for bring your student to the school on Friday. Also, please put Feb 12 on your calendar, we are going to have Chinese celebration party this day, both class are coming at 11:15-1:00 p.m.

English:

In math we currently are going through dividing fractions. We will be using some outside materials and a bit of the math book for this unit. I know the students have been telling me the book is a bit confusing and I agree it has been a bit difficult. I am doing my best to find materials that will teach the material in a more straight forward. 

Along with this the students are working through journeys for language arts. They will be starting a new book this week called "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind" I have already been able to purchase each student a copy and we look forward to starting.

Please continue to remind your students to check in with me about STEM Fair. I have noticed certain students that don't check in with me have forgotten steps or don't certain portions improperly.

Chinese:

Monday: Students failed to build solar system last week. This week, students will try again with Spherero to build solar system, then students will complete inner and outer planets.  Chinese New Year is coming and students are so excited to learn Chinese tai ji gongfu fan.  

Below is the link to practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw0NlWTZC_0     

Also, please remind your students bring gongfu fan to school Monday (if they have from their brother and sister.) If students are interesting to purchase gongfu fan. The address is Asian City address: 1653 W 9000 S, West Jordan, UT 84088

Last week, students are learning how to write Chinese story.  This week students will learn MMXI2 U3.3 老奶奶的请求

Homework will post on Canvas Monday

Science:

This coming Friday, students aren't coming to school. But, they will have a Friday science assignment on Canvas to be completed as classwork.  

Homework will post on Canvas Monday.

Week 1/25-1/29

Dear parents,

Thank you for sending your students to school for creating solar system project.  Last week, students receive a yellow paper regarding registration for middle school, please make sure you register for your child.  Thank you for all your support of your child learning.

English:

In English the students are starting a new math unit on dividing fractions. This should be an easier unit than the past few for them! They also will finish their create a country project and start a journey's unit.

Please remind them to be working on their science fair projects. All of the directions are put in red throughout the academic journal. Along with the STEM Fair outline I created and printed for them.

Chinese:

Online and Quarantine students:

Monday-Thursday Zoom meeting

Friday: 10:30-11:00 a.m. Zoom meeting for online students only

Zoom meeting login:     Meeting ID: 8103955 2616        Passcode: 997830

Monday: This week, students will work on inner and outer planets, students will have science package, please come Monday to pick it up.

Lesson MMXI2 U4.1 失而复返

Homework will post on Canvas Monday

Science:

Next week, Red class will come to school at 11:15-12:45 p.m.  If your child needs lunch, please let Mrs. McFarland know as soon as possible. When students aren't coming to school on Friday, then they will have a Friday science assignment on Canvas to be completed as classwork.  Also, students will have new login information for FOSS textbook, if your student can't access the foss science online textbook, please let me know asap.

Blue class:  blueclass6   password: montevista

Red class: redclass6 password: montevista

Students will learn inner and outer planets.

Homework will post on Canvas Monday

Vocabulary:

Week 1/20-1/21

Dear parents,

STEM fair is coming close.  Students should have their entry form, plan, and materials ready to start their experiment. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 

Friday schedule:

Blue class will come to school 11:15-12:45  Please let me know if your student need school lunch.

Online students,

Please check Chinese Canvas for the Science assignment.  If you have any questions, please let me know. The Friday Zoom meeting still remains the same 10:30-11:00 a.m.  

Zoom meeting information: (Online and Quarantine students)

Meeting ID: 810 3955 2616

Passcode: 997830

English:

In math students have continued to work through percentages and unit rates. It has been a tough unit for many, but the students have worked hard and did their best. In English have been working through a create a country project. We will prepare to start a new language arts unit and should have at least one assignment to take home next week.

Chinese:

Wednesday, students will be tested on certain vocabulary by writing their injury and hospital story in Chinese.  

Continue MMXI2 你追我跑

Homework: There is no homework for short week.  Please use this time to make up your uncompleted assignments.

Science:

Solar system lesson: Students will learn characteristic of each planets

Homework:  Please complete your Moon phases observation record sheet and turn it in. If you miss days, please go to link for resources: https://www.calendar-12.com/moon_calendar/2020/november

Kind regards,

Week 1/11/2021-1/14/2021

 Dear parents,

We want to apologize for missing last week's newsletter.  Both Mr. Behmer and Mrs. McFarland were sick and needed to self-quarantine.  Mr. Behmer went back to school on Thursday and Mrs. McFarland will be back this Monday. 

English Class:

It was good to be back in English class after this long break. The students are currently learning about percentages in math class and will have a test in this area by the end of next week. Since I have been missing I will offer retakes and many opportunities for the students to improve in math over the next few weeks.

In language arts they will begin a create a country project and will be starting a new journey's unit after finishing Percy Jackson. We will try to start the second Percy Jackson book depending on the availability for students. 

Also I have been helping with STEM Fair, but please remind students it is vital to look into canvas for stem fair information as well.

Chinese:

I have scheduled two zoom meetings today.  One is 11:15-11:45 for Blue class, and 12:00-12:30 for red class.  When I wrote it done on the Canvas 1/7/2021, I wanted to give students an opportunity to be responsible for their learning, so I didn't email the zoom meeting time to parents yesterday. Unfortunately we were missing many students and will need to discuss this.

STEM FAIR project is worth 200 points due dates:

Canvas STEP 3 and 4 due 1/15/2021

Canvas STEP 5 and 6 due 1/20/2021

Canvas STEP 7 and 8 due 2/7/2021

Canvas STEP 9 and 10 due 2/11/2021

Chinese:

MMX I2 U3.2 你追我跑

Homework will post on Monday

Science:

Continue solar system: lunar eclipse

Homework will post on Monday

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