Monday, September 26, 2011

TenMarks




Dear Families,

I am happy to inform you that we will be using a new online supplemental math program – TenMarks, which will help students refresh what was covered in the class, learning at the same time.

TenMarks is an online program that enables students to practice and master math concepts - one topic at a time.  They can work on direction from the teacher, or choose to practice on their own, anytime.  While they are practicing, TenMarks helps them with hints on every problem if they get stuck, and gives them short video tutorials to view if they need an explanation - really helping them grasp the concept they are working on.

I have set up each student with their own individual account, and loaded the math curriculum for their grade into TenMarks. From the teacher account, I can monitor and review their progress, and assign work and give them feedback.

There is also a reward zone for some extra motivation where they earn certificates to print out when they master a concept, and some educational computer games they can play after they complete work.

ACCESSING TENMARKS
To log in to their account, students should go to http://www.tenmarks.com and click on the red "Log In" button on the upper right corner of the page.

I just wanted to let you know that we're using this new program, which I believe will really help students improve their math skills and confidence.

Friday, September 23, 2011

1st Semester Driving Questions

  • Samantha - What makes New Mexico special?
  • Genise - Who is Megan McDonald (the author of Judy Moody)?
  • Javan - How is football equipment made?
  • Delontez - What is my family history?
  • Darien - Why was George Washington our first president?
  • Ryan - How are cars made?
  • Michael - How do pro soccer players train?
  • Lindsey - What is the history of Dunkin' Donuts?
  • Nautia - What are the different breeds of dogs and how are they different?
  • Blest - How are dogs different than wolves?
  • Paige - What makes each planet unique?
  • Sierra - What is the history of school?
  • Soli - How do cameras work?
  • Jamela - What is life like for turtles?
  • Korey - What is a piranha?
  • Namiah - How are movies made?
  • Morgan - What is the history of the Internet?
Should be some excellent exhibitions. I can't wait to see what the students create.

Exhibition Plagiarism Infographic

Thought this was a relevant infographic as we begin the journey into exhibition season again.


Cheating in the digital age
Courtesy of: Schools.com

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Please join us for ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Pancakes!
Served with sausage, orange drink, & coffee
By: Chris Cakes


Location: Ellen Thompson (front parking lot if weather permits)
Date: Thursday September 29, 2011
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Cost:
  • $6.00 per person at the front desk
  • $7.00 per person at the door
  • (Children under 2 free)

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Back to School Night
Wednesday
September 14th
6:00-7:30

Having an adult attend Back to School Night helps the year run much more smoothly for parents, students, and teachers.  Please try to have someone attend.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Hopes and Dreams

Every year we work on our hopes and dreams.  We watched this video to help frame our thinking.  Many of the students had nice things to say about what their relatives' sentences would be.