Have a great summer everyone! I look forward to seeing you all in the fall.
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Friday, June 26, 2015
That's A Wrap!
We have come to the close of another school year. As I sit and reflect on the time we've had together, it always amazes me how quickly time flies. We started in September with lofty goals and we worked hard each day to reach them - reading, writing, critical thinking, problem-solving. We have also spent a significant amount of time this year developing new technological skills and thinking more formally about how all of us can positively impact our communities - be it through volunteering, fund-raising, and yes, even research.
Over the year, we have had many successes to celebrate. Each student who came into the class has moved forward in their learning. We all start at different places, we learn at different rates, and we all end up in different places on the learning continuum. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with these fine learners. They have also taught me many important lessons that help me keep moving forward.
At this time, I like to take a moment to thank all of you, the parents, for your support over the course of this year. Together, we are able to provide the best possible learning environment for your child - and tackle any roadblocks that may arise.
My role at LM will be evolving a bit as I move forward. You may be aware that we are building a new course for MY students that focuses on robotics, circuitry, coding, 3-D printing and more. While still a work in progress, we are excited to be offering this course to MY students in September. Stay tuned for more information on this new initiative as we determine next steps. I have included a sneek-peek of the website I am constructing for the course, which will allow each student to design their own website for sharing and collaborating with the class.
Have a great summer everyone! I look forward to seeing you all in the fall.
Have a great summer everyone! I look forward to seeing you all in the fall.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Friday, May 8, 2015
Blogger Issues
Hi folks,
Just an FYI that Google's Blogger platform (the one I use to host this blog) has been experiencing some issues. Hopefully it will be rectified soon!
Just an FYI that Google's Blogger platform (the one I use to host this blog) has been experiencing some issues. Hopefully it will be rectified soon!
Thank-You!
Best of all, we were able to raise $1600.00 for Winnipeg Harvest! Bravo!
I would also like to take this time to say a VERY special thank-you to all the staff at LM for supporting this project; specifically: Mrs. Braccio in the foods lab (you are wonderful!), Mrs. Van Nice and Mrs. Ahns in the Art department, Mrs. Wog for the music presentations, and the parents who also volunteered their time to help us get ready.
Finally, I would like to thank the parents. Teaching empathy and compassion starts at home and we are thankful for all your support throughout this project. Your generous donations are greatly appreciated and will be forwarded to Winnipeg Harvest directly!
That's it for now! Thanks!!
Mr. A and the EB Team
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Empty Bowls PUSH!
Hi all! It's our Empty Bowls PUSH Week! Leading up to our May 5th celebration (4:30pm - 5:45pm), students this week will be investing daily in EB activities. Parents - an informational letter was sent home last week describing all the elements of the hunger-project. Our main goal -- is to raise as much money as possible for Winnipeg Harvest!
Student Roles:
All students play an important role in this project. Some additional roles were determined this week as well. They include: MC's, media creation, art, jar-bar, announcements and others. All students will be responsible for preparing (in the food lab) the 'soup' for the meal, gym set-up, musical performances and clean-up.
Jar-Bar:
Students will be in groups of 3 to create a special 'jar' for our jar-bar draw. Students have been instructed on jar ideas and themes and have been asked to bring in their materials as soon as possible. We are going to start building our 'jars' on Monday. Once completed, the entire school (and parents) are encouraged to purchase as many tickets as possible in efforts to 'win' any jar (20 total) they are interested in. The 'jar-bar' will be open prior to our evening's festivities as well.
Clay Bowls:
All grade 5 students have designed and created a clay bowl to symbolize the 'empty bowls' in our own city and communities. Each student is request to 'purchase' their bowls for $10. This money will go directly to Winnipeg Harvest as a student donation. All bowls will be on display. As always, donations of ANY SIZE will be greatly appreciated by Winnipeg Harvest.
Food Prep Day:
Preparing the 'soup' on the day of our celebration is a full task (60 students). Students will be working in the food's lab under the guidance of Mrs. Braccio. Any parents who would like to volunteer their time in the lab (helping out, cleaning, etc.,) please email me directly. Additional support at these times is always appreciated.
"Supper":
Please be advised that this is NOT a formal supper. Rather, a humble demonstration that symbolizes the number of 'empty bowls' or people who go hunger in our province (and the world). Parents and students will be served a simple bowl of hot, yummy soup, a bun, and a drink of fresh water. Parents are also asked to bring in their own bowls, spoons and utensils to use.
Attendance and Clean-up:
The event itself is only 1hr and 15min. While we understand that students are invested in other activities outside of the classroom, it is expected that all students attend and support our hunger initiative. Each year, we are consistently finished before 6pm. "Many hands make light work" is never more clear upon the conclusion of our celebration, and anyone who can help stack chairs and tables afterwards is requested. Together, we can all clean-up quickly.
Student Roles:
All students play an important role in this project. Some additional roles were determined this week as well. They include: MC's, media creation, art, jar-bar, announcements and others. All students will be responsible for preparing (in the food lab) the 'soup' for the meal, gym set-up, musical performances and clean-up.
Jar-Bar:
Students will be in groups of 3 to create a special 'jar' for our jar-bar draw. Students have been instructed on jar ideas and themes and have been asked to bring in their materials as soon as possible. We are going to start building our 'jars' on Monday. Once completed, the entire school (and parents) are encouraged to purchase as many tickets as possible in efforts to 'win' any jar (20 total) they are interested in. The 'jar-bar' will be open prior to our evening's festivities as well.
Clay Bowls:
All grade 5 students have designed and created a clay bowl to symbolize the 'empty bowls' in our own city and communities. Each student is request to 'purchase' their bowls for $10. This money will go directly to Winnipeg Harvest as a student donation. All bowls will be on display. As always, donations of ANY SIZE will be greatly appreciated by Winnipeg Harvest.
Food Prep Day:
Preparing the 'soup' on the day of our celebration is a full task (60 students). Students will be working in the food's lab under the guidance of Mrs. Braccio. Any parents who would like to volunteer their time in the lab (helping out, cleaning, etc.,) please email me directly. Additional support at these times is always appreciated.
"Supper":
Please be advised that this is NOT a formal supper. Rather, a humble demonstration that symbolizes the number of 'empty bowls' or people who go hunger in our province (and the world). Parents and students will be served a simple bowl of hot, yummy soup, a bun, and a drink of fresh water. Parents are also asked to bring in their own bowls, spoons and utensils to use.
Attendance and Clean-up:
The event itself is only 1hr and 15min. While we understand that students are invested in other activities outside of the classroom, it is expected that all students attend and support our hunger initiative. Each year, we are consistently finished before 6pm. "Many hands make light work" is never more clear upon the conclusion of our celebration, and anyone who can help stack chairs and tables afterwards is requested. Together, we can all clean-up quickly.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
March Break and More
With warmer temperatures this time around, winter was much more manageable -- kids were outside more often this year getting fresh air and letting off 'steam' as it were. As we turn towards our final term together a couple of important events on the horizon.
Spirit Week March. 23rd -27th
Students in 5A are encouraged to participate in all the fun activities planned for this week. Students can dress up according to the day's theme (twin day, silly day, jersey day, etc.) - please check your students agenda for notices. Also, this Friday, students in grade 5-8 will compete in teams at our annual "Gym Rally". This is a really fun school event that focuses on team building and positive participation.Family Life
Students in grade 5 will shortly receive instruction in Human Sexuality as part of the Physical Education and Health Curriculum.
This document provides teachers and parents with suggestions
for instruction, assessment and resources to help students develop the
knowledge, skills and attitudes they need at various stages of their lives to
make informed and health-enhancing decisions related to sexual behaviour and
reproductive health. Students will gain an understanding of the physical and
social-emotional changes that occur at different ages and stages of life and
learn about the importance of making informed and healthy decisions regarding
responsible sexual behaviour. Skills for making health-enhancing decisions are
our primary focus, including responsible decision-making, problem-solving and
avoidance/refusal skills and strategies.
The Human Sexuality
Resource includes the following concepts:
§
Reproductive Systems§ Puberty
§ Sexuality and Gender Roles
§ HIV/AIDS
§ Decision-Making
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the content
of the Human Sexuality Program,
please contact Mr. Alcock at 489-0799.
Empty Bowls
Our hunger project will formally kick into gear after break. Students will be invested in a variety of activities that helps build their understanding of poverty in Manitoba, as well, our fund-raising efforts for Winnipeg Harvest will culminate on May 5th (4:00pm to 5:30pm). Please watch your child's agenda for upcoming information regarding this important initiative!
That's it for now! Stay tuned for more after we reconvene from break!
Thursday, March 5, 2015
History of Human Rights
Below you will find a video that captures the power, importance and history of the idea of human rights. As part of our "Convention on the Rights of the Child" learning initiative, students in 5A have previewed and discussed the video together. It is a very powerful video that not only gets to the heart of human rights, but also exposes students to the people in this world who do not enjoy many of the freedoms that we often take for granted.
Students in 5A have been asked to reflect on this video on their personal blogs. The video and response criteria has been posted on KidBlog. I encourage all parents to view the video with their children and discuss the content and any questions or concerns regarding ideas presented. It is a wonderful video which I hope ignites students' desire to learn (and do) more in the way of fostering equality for everyone!
Students in 5A have been asked to reflect on this video on their personal blogs. The video and response criteria has been posted on KidBlog. I encourage all parents to view the video with their children and discuss the content and any questions or concerns regarding ideas presented. It is a wonderful video which I hope ignites students' desire to learn (and do) more in the way of fostering equality for everyone!
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Happy March!
Hi everyone! Just a quick update as we move into March!
The Pembina Trails School Division has officially kicked-off a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on the rights of the child. Every student, teacher and staff member in the Pembina Trails School Division will participate in a massive, collective art installation that will ultimately be displayed across the field of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium. For more detail and information, click the video below!
As suggested as an interest in the past, I have finally been able to start two separate computer coding clubs for our LM students (EY and MY)! When permission forms went home, there was a great response (especially from the EY students). In fact, I had to create two EY clubs and one MY club. Some students from 5A have joined, and spots are still available. MY meets after-school on Day 4's from 3:40 - 4:40pm.
Grade 5 students at Linden Meadows each year have the opportunity to experience a very special show at the Centennial Concert Hall in which the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra perform a variety of musical pieces. This is a personal favourite of mine. The music follows a theme which the conductor introduces and explains where and when the different musical elements are evident. Also, a variety of different performers (dancers, musicians, other PTSD students) take the stage as well. A terrific experience. This year, we will be attending on Tuesday, March 10th in the morning. Please be advised that a permission form and student fee has been sent home to help cover the cost of the trip.
Report Card Day
There will be no school of Friday, March 13th as I will be using this time to write student report cards. Finished reports will be sent home prior to Spring Break on March. 26th.
Spring Break
This year's break will occur from March 30th - April 3rd. There will be no classes on these days.
Empty Bowls
We have locked down the date of May 5th for our evening Empty Bowls celebration (4-5:30pm). Our work on poverty and hunger has already started! As part of the project, we have had two representatives from Winnipeg Harvest present to our class on hunger in Winnipeg and the role of Winnipeg Harvest. We have also locked in April 14th as our field-trip to Winnipeg Harvest.
ELA -- "My First Story"
All our preparation for writing our first fictional story has been completed. Students are now ready to begin writing their own short stories. Each student has been provided a 'package' that identifies the steps required to complete the assignment successfully. Please ask your child to explain this important endeavor with you.
MATH
Our formal unit on multiplication has come to a close. Student are now starting a new investigation on fractions - which will naturally lead to work on decimals and percent! A fun unit!
That's it for now -- much to come including "Spirit Week" so please watch your child's agendas for important updates!
Happy March everyone!
The Convention On The Rights Of The Child
The Pembina Trails School Division has officially kicked-off a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on the rights of the child. Every student, teacher and staff member in the Pembina Trails School Division will participate in a massive, collective art installation that will ultimately be displayed across the field of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium. For more detail and information, click the video below!
As suggested as an interest in the past, I have finally been able to start two separate computer coding clubs for our LM students (EY and MY)! When permission forms went home, there was a great response (especially from the EY students). In fact, I had to create two EY clubs and one MY club. Some students from 5A have joined, and spots are still available. MY meets after-school on Day 4's from 3:40 - 4:40pm.WSO
Grade 5 students at Linden Meadows each year have the opportunity to experience a very special show at the Centennial Concert Hall in which the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra perform a variety of musical pieces. This is a personal favourite of mine. The music follows a theme which the conductor introduces and explains where and when the different musical elements are evident. Also, a variety of different performers (dancers, musicians, other PTSD students) take the stage as well. A terrific experience. This year, we will be attending on Tuesday, March 10th in the morning. Please be advised that a permission form and student fee has been sent home to help cover the cost of the trip.
Report Card Day
There will be no school of Friday, March 13th as I will be using this time to write student report cards. Finished reports will be sent home prior to Spring Break on March. 26th.
Spring BreakThis year's break will occur from March 30th - April 3rd. There will be no classes on these days.
Empty Bowls
We have locked down the date of May 5th for our evening Empty Bowls celebration (4-5:30pm). Our work on poverty and hunger has already started! As part of the project, we have had two representatives from Winnipeg Harvest present to our class on hunger in Winnipeg and the role of Winnipeg Harvest. We have also locked in April 14th as our field-trip to Winnipeg Harvest.
ELA -- "My First Story"
All our preparation for writing our first fictional story has been completed. Students are now ready to begin writing their own short stories. Each student has been provided a 'package' that identifies the steps required to complete the assignment successfully. Please ask your child to explain this important endeavor with you.
MATH
Our formal unit on multiplication has come to a close. Student are now starting a new investigation on fractions - which will naturally lead to work on decimals and percent! A fun unit!
That's it for now -- much to come including "Spirit Week" so please watch your child's agendas for important updates!
Happy March everyone!
Friday, February 20, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
Tri-Conference #2 Notice of Change
Hello Parents and Guardians!
Our second round of Tri-Conferences are just around the corner. As before, parents have been forwarded an informational letter that describes how to access the online appointment booking system and how to secure a meeting time with the teacher.
This term, 5A Tri-Conferences time-slots have been altered as I will not be available on Friday, Feb. 6th. After nine months of waiting, I am finally scheduled for an important surgery that aims to improve chronic issues I have breathing through my nose. Fingers crossed. I am currently scheduled to be away from the classroom starting Friday, Feb. 6th, and returning on Thursday, Feb. 12th pending recovery.
To best accommodate parents, we have come up with an alternate plan that has been sent home with the 5A kids. In this letter you will find that you can book a Tri-Conference time (online) for:
Wednesday, Feb. 4th (new)
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 5th
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (regular Tri-Conference evening)
I will also be available for Tri-Conferences during the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. These appointments however, MUST be booked through the school office. Please call 204.489.0799 and the office staff will be happy to book an appointment for you.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you feel that these new times do not accommodate your schedule on any level, please reach-out to me personally and we can re-schedule a meeting time for after my return.
Thank-you for your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Mr. A
Our second round of Tri-Conferences are just around the corner. As before, parents have been forwarded an informational letter that describes how to access the online appointment booking system and how to secure a meeting time with the teacher.
This term, 5A Tri-Conferences time-slots have been altered as I will not be available on Friday, Feb. 6th. After nine months of waiting, I am finally scheduled for an important surgery that aims to improve chronic issues I have breathing through my nose. Fingers crossed. I am currently scheduled to be away from the classroom starting Friday, Feb. 6th, and returning on Thursday, Feb. 12th pending recovery.To best accommodate parents, we have come up with an alternate plan that has been sent home with the 5A kids. In this letter you will find that you can book a Tri-Conference time (online) for:
Wednesday, Feb. 4th (new)
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 5th
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (regular Tri-Conference evening)
I will also be available for Tri-Conferences during the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. These appointments however, MUST be booked through the school office. Please call 204.489.0799 and the office staff will be happy to book an appointment for you.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you feel that these new times do not accommodate your schedule on any level, please reach-out to me personally and we can re-schedule a meeting time for after my return.
Thank-you for your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Mr. A
Monday, January 5, 2015
Happy New Year!
Hi everyone! Happy new year! Had to believe that we are nearing the half-way point of our year together!
Just a couple of needed updates:
RAW
I have had to make some changes to the home reading program. Despite best efforts to stream-line a home reading program that works for everybody, I am finding that I need to make some minor changes. The main goal of the RAW program is to foster independent reading at home that is structured and consistent. Many of the students in 5A are independent readers already. The writing component was designed to give me a sense of student comprehension (and provide some accountability for those more reluctant readers/writers). While I still want this component in the program, I see that confusion regarding the writing expectation for many has resulted in extended clarification and deadlines as well as taken away focus on the main goal of the program - instilling a love of independent reading.
For this reason, the RAW reading program will follow a simple change. Students are still expected (by year's end) to read and respond to six different novels of their choice. Students can now move through their books/responses independently (i.e. they can move forward to new books at their own pace and submit completed responses on their own terms). I still request that all new book choices be offered to me first so that I can help determine strong book choices. I continue to encourage parents to ensure their child is reading on a consistent schedule (15-20 minutes/day).
As an independent activity, I will from time-to-time check in with student progress throughout the remainder of the year. However, I will not be managing/reminding students step-by-step to complete, revise, edit and submit completed responses. While I am always available for questions and clarification, I will be putting the onus of the management of the program on the students (and their parents).
Again, the program was designed to foster independent reading. If your child loves reading (or is learning to love reading) then we are succeeding. With these minor tweaks, I hope to eliminate some of the difficulties (and stress) that some of the students are experiencing. Please don't hesitate to reach-out if you have any questions regarding these changes.
INQUIRY PROJECT
Thank-you parents for your quick response and support regarding our upcoming inquiry projects. We will be moving forward with our investigations into the Bermuda Triangle and the 9-11 attacks in New York. Students are both excited and motivated to learn more about their chosen areas!
Just a couple of needed updates:
RAW
I have had to make some changes to the home reading program. Despite best efforts to stream-line a home reading program that works for everybody, I am finding that I need to make some minor changes. The main goal of the RAW program is to foster independent reading at home that is structured and consistent. Many of the students in 5A are independent readers already. The writing component was designed to give me a sense of student comprehension (and provide some accountability for those more reluctant readers/writers). While I still want this component in the program, I see that confusion regarding the writing expectation for many has resulted in extended clarification and deadlines as well as taken away focus on the main goal of the program - instilling a love of independent reading. For this reason, the RAW reading program will follow a simple change. Students are still expected (by year's end) to read and respond to six different novels of their choice. Students can now move through their books/responses independently (i.e. they can move forward to new books at their own pace and submit completed responses on their own terms). I still request that all new book choices be offered to me first so that I can help determine strong book choices. I continue to encourage parents to ensure their child is reading on a consistent schedule (15-20 minutes/day).
As an independent activity, I will from time-to-time check in with student progress throughout the remainder of the year. However, I will not be managing/reminding students step-by-step to complete, revise, edit and submit completed responses. While I am always available for questions and clarification, I will be putting the onus of the management of the program on the students (and their parents).
Again, the program was designed to foster independent reading. If your child loves reading (or is learning to love reading) then we are succeeding. With these minor tweaks, I hope to eliminate some of the difficulties (and stress) that some of the students are experiencing. Please don't hesitate to reach-out if you have any questions regarding these changes.
INQUIRY PROJECT
Thank-you parents for your quick response and support regarding our upcoming inquiry projects. We will be moving forward with our investigations into the Bermuda Triangle and the 9-11 attacks in New York. Students are both excited and motivated to learn more about their chosen areas!
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