Happy Holidays And A Blessed New Year To All

December seemed to fly by.  We worked hard getting things done before the gradebook closes for the 2nd quarter.  Report cards go home January 13th.

We also had some fun while learning this month.  A scientist from the Nature Conservancy came in and did a presentation for us.  It was awesome and got us even more excited about our field trip to the Hassayampa River Preserve on March 9th.

There was a wonderful aroma comming from the 6th grade classrooms on Dec. 16th as our homemade cinnamon ornaments were drying on the desks. And the holiday concert we attended was very enjoyable. 

I hope you have a wonderful holiday break and a very blessed new year. 

Alot To Be Thankful For

  We went on an awesome field trip to Montezuma's Well where we got to test the water for dissolved oxygen and look at some really cool macroinvertebrates.  Then we came back in time to begin a 3 day weekend.
We finally finished all of our calculations and are proud to announce that the water savings project we did with project wet where we changed all the aerators in the school has resulted in a savings of over 40,000 gallons of water for the school this school year. That is over 40%.  Great job 6th grade!

We are looking forward to beginning our study of energy this month.

We still need a volunteer for the Junior Achievement classes. Please call if you can help.

Hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving with much to be thankful for.

October Blog

It's hard to believe we are already into October.  We are having a great year so far.  Some of the things we've done so far are...

• Mummifying a chicken (It's still in the process)
• Changing all the aerators in the school bathrooms and at our own homes as well.  We have saved over 100,000 gallons of water per year at our homes.  We are still calculating the data for the school savings, I'll post it when we finish.
• We are learning all about watersheds and where our water comes from.  Students thought it was pretty cool that they could be drinking the same water that a dinosaur swam in.

Report cards come out on Oct. 25th and 26th.  Parents must come in for a conference to pick up the report card.  Mr. Zizis and I are available from 12:15-2:00 pm Wednesday, and 12:15-7:00 pm on Thursday.  No appointment necessary, just come in.

Don't quit now!

April was a very busy month with AIMS prep and testing as well as Biz Town.  AIMS testing week went very well and Biz Town was a complete success with 9 business paying back their loans.  It was great fun for all and a great big thanks to all our volunteers.  We couldn't have done it without them.  The students got a taste of what it's like to work and handle finances for a day.  They developed a new appreciation for what their parents do every day.  Some said they are never getting a job!  I told them to talk to mom and dad about that as they may have another idea.  It was a nice end to an extremely busy month.
The school year is winding down and will soon be over.  Everyone is getting excited about summer, but don't quit all the good habits you've had all year, like studying and doing your homework.  There is still one final report card for the year, give it all you've got and win the race!  Then have a wonderful, relaxing summer.  I'll miss you all.

Mrs. Clafton

April is AIMS month.

Aims testing is April 11-15th.
AIMS testing is very important, don't miss school, eat a good breakfast, and get plenty of sleep every night.

Biz Town is April 21st.  Biz town covers many of the state standards in all areas and is an important part of the 6th grade curriculum.  It is important for all students to attend.  The cost is $20.00.  Please send in your money and permission slips.  Volunteers are needed and they go for free.

We have been working on energy in science and have done several interesting experiments.
In math we're having fun with square and cube roots.
Persuasive essays are the buzz word in writing.
 Don't forget that April 21st is a half day and no school April 22nd and 25th.

Have a wonderful April.

I can't believe it's March already.  We have been very busy studying Ancient Rome. We had fun making mosaics in much like the Ancient Romans did.  They turned out great. 

We've been doing lots of experiments in science to learn about the different types of energy.  We still have more to do, but it's been great fun so far.

Making tessellations in math was really exciting.  Students came up with some interesting designs.

In our book Al Capone Does My Shirts we learned about people who are different, and about Alcatraz.

We are beginning our AIMS prep now.  AIMS is in April, not to far away since we have spring break in 2 weeks.  Hope you all have fun and come back rested and ready for AIMS practice.

New late work policy

Due to the tremendous amount of late work I recieved right before progress reports, I have implemented a new policy for late work.  I only accept work until the Friday of the week it is due.  After that it is a zero.

Math- we have been busy with geometry calculations.
Science- we are starting a new unit on energy.
Social Studies-we are learning about Ancient Rome.
Reading-we are reading "Al Capon Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Coldenko.  Imagine living on Alcatraz Island with notorious criminals.
Writing-we are using our imaginations and becomming super heros.  I'm excited to read about all my super heros.