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.

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.



Courtesy of: Schools.com

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)

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.

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.

Book Orders

Book Club Order Due Date : September 30

Online Ordering Information

Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs

Class Activation Code: H7PLY

Dear Parents,

Now it's easier than ever to find the perfect books for your child -- shop our NEW online Book Clubs Web site. Choose from a much-wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card to pay.

Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online (Excludes eBooks.).

It's so simple! Here's how it works:

•    SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Register" button in the "First Time Here?" section. Register for your own user name and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.

•    SELECT the books you'd like to order -- choose from thousands of titles -- many more than in our monthly flyers.

•    SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child's books will be delivered directly to my classroom.

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not see for yourself how convenient it is to order online?

2011-12 Here We Come!

I feel like I start my welcome back letter in the same way each year.  I can never believe that it is already the beginning of a new school year, but at the same time, I'm always extremely excited.  I feel the same way again this year (with even more excitement than usual).  I've already planned several fun projects for the year with even more to come.

There are several familiar names on my class list, but for those of you who are unfamiliar with me, my name is Neil Wetherbee.  I've been teaching at UPA – Ellen Thompson since the building opened in the fall of 2005.  I do, however, have a new classroom for the first time.  I have a strong belief in using real life problems and projects to help with student learning.  My projects usually involve technology, and they quite often take on a life of their own with all students' questions and interests guiding the way.

By the time you receive this letter, I'll be back at school full time.  This year we are hoping to conduct reading assessments and learning team meetings before the school year begins.  Meet the Teacher Day is scheduled for August 25^th from 9:00-3:00 (with a short break for lunch).  I would love to see as many of you as possible on that day.  It will really make our school year go more smoothly.  I'm sure I will have other times to meet over the next couple of weeks, but I'm not sure when they'll be at the moment.  I'll put information up on the class blog at www.mrwetherbee.blogspot.com .  You can always contact me by calling the school at 313-874-9800 or through email at twetherbee@uprep.com .  If you use email, which I hope all of you do, please send me an email so I can add your address to my parent contact list.

As I said before, I am so excited about this year.  I've thought and dreamed about this upcoming school year more than any other year before.  I hope everyone reading this letter is as excited as I am.  We have a ton to accomplish this year, and I can't wait.