Monday, January 17, 2011

January- Still Cold

Hello Parents:
Its been a long time since I have blogged and a lot has happened.  In the world, the tragedy in Tucson.  In the classes, lots of work. 
The tragedy in Tucson got me to thinking, as always, that life is so short.  In times of great pressure and people always busy and on the go.  I think that we need to remember to stop occasionally and take a breath.  Think to yourself, Is it really going to matter tomorrow?  If your answer is no, then change what is going on around you.  If your answer is yes, then proceed to fix the problem or go on about the problem at hand. 
This Christmas my oldest daughter, who will be 16 soon, broke down from all the pressures and tragedies of her life.  Her breakdown came from getting caught sneaking out at 2am and going for a joy ride with the little neighbor girl, who is out of control.  The neighbor girl stole her parents car and talked my daughter into going to McDonald's with her.  My daughter, who I thought had more common sense, said yes.  And off they went.  Only, I woke up and went to check on her, low and behold, she wasn't sleeping.
When she got home, only a few minutes after I checked her bed, we had a very long discussion.  I found out that all the A.P. classes  along with the band, orchestra, marching band, drama, and a friend that she really, really, liked had gotten murdered was really wearing on her.  At this time she chose to break down and sob, telling me she didn't know who she was.  Now, I really thought that my daughter and I had an exceptional relationship, and I still do, but I found out that there are always things that your child won't tell, or needs time to tell.  After our discussion, things are good again, and life moves perpetually forward.
I tell you my story to say;
Please always take time in this fast paced world to really hear and see your child.
Please talk soft and come up with realistic disciplines.
Please take a moment to maybe just go outside and look at the sunset.
Please eat ice cream and smile with your child.
Do some things that will matter to your child, that will create long lasting memories.
And remember, Is it really going to matter tomorrow?

This new semester is going to bring new changes.  The sixth grade will be changing schedules tomorrow and numerous students will be moved to new homerooms.  These changes are to make a more positive learning environment for all.  I am excited and look forward to making every moment a positive one.

In Science, we are learning about Ecosystems and Biomes.  Take your child outside, even to the backyard or front yard to see if you can see things in the ecosystem of your yard. 

Remember that report cards go home on January 21st, and need to be signed and returned by the following Monday.
Wednesday is also a half day, school ends at 12:45.

I hope all had a fantastic Christmas, New Year, and 3 day break.  I know I did. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact me at, campbellsclassrocks@yahoo.com

Thank you for Caring,
Thank you for Sharing,
Ms. Campbell

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Winter Break is Almost Here :)

Hellllooo Parents!
Winter break is almost here, the weather is perfect, and life is good as we know it.

The sixth grade did an awesome job at the play and sing along.  We are so proud of everyone. 

The school days seem to be getting longer as we near the holiday break.  We ask all parents to please remind students, that school is still in session and to act appropriately.  We appreciate your help with this.

Thank you to all the families who have donated food for the food drive.  And, thank you all for the wonderful classroom supplies donations.  They are greatly appreciated.

In science this week- we are going to finish up our very long unit on the body systems.  The students are creating human bodies depicting all organ systems.  They are to draw a body and all the organs in the correct positions, labeled correctly.

In my social studies class- we are creating brochures of Ancient China.  The students will be answering questions about Ancient China, with the use of their text books and various other supplements.  If any parent has anything relating to China, please have your child bring it in to show the class.

In my elective- we will be writing friendly letters to the Injured Soldiers of America.  I feel that this is a great opportunity for students to reach out to the men and women who have been injured in the war, who might not receive cards and letters this holiday season.

My wish to all of the parents this holiday season; is to relax, enjoy the day with a cup of coffee, coco, or tea, and to spend time with family.  Wishing all hope, prosperity, joy, and calmness.


Happy Holidays,
Thank you for Caring,
Thank you for Sharing,
Always,
Ms. Campbell

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Oh my Gosh! Christmas is just Around the Corner :)

12-4-10
Parents, so sorry for not blogging last week but as you can see, I have finally put everyone's e-mail into my account.  I am really excited about this and it is working great so far.  The last two weeks have been extremely crazy.  Many students already think that winter break has begun and are slacking off with their class work, home work, and just being polite at school.  If you all could Please help the 6th grade team and remind your child that school is still in session and all policies and procedures still apply and are important.

Last week in Campbell's Class- We finished the skeletal and muscular systems.  We created Egyptian shadow boxes, which turned out great.  And we started our spelling bee elimination rounds.  

This week in Campbell's Class- We are going to begin our studies on Ancient China- their government, geography, culture, and innovations.  In science we are reading about the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and endocrine systems.  Please make sure that you are checking agendas and e-mails.

As always the 6th grade team can use some much needed supplies:
Copy paper, tissues, sanitary wipes, Pencils, and lined paper.  If you do donate any items, please have your child give them to their home room teacher.

As always,
Thank you for Caring,
Thank you for Sharing,
Ms. Campbell 

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Turkey Day is Upon Us- 11-22/11-23

During these turbulent times we should slow down a little and give thanks for what we have and worry less about what we don't have.
Parents, Thank you so much for allowing me to educate your children.  I feel so lucky to be a part of each of their lives.  Thank you for putting in the time with your child, to get them to school on time, to make sure that they are prepared each day, and in making sure that they are happy and healthy.  Thank You.

On that note: This very short week, your child needs to be sure to bring all necessary supplies.
For Campbell's Science:
This includes, art supplies, PENCILS!, paper, and a pencil sharpener with a catcher, and a glue stick.
I am asking all parents to please remind your child that class time is for learning and not socializing.  Many students still feel that they can come to class and just talk through the whole period.  Please help me, remind your child that they need to follow all expectations of the class.  One of these is to be quiet when asked and to talk on task.

In science we are back to the body systems.  This includes which systems work together to keep the body running.  This week we are discussing the Skeletal system and the Muscular system.

In Social Studies:
We are going to finish up our Shadow Boxes depicting Egyptian Culture.  The students are having a good time with this.

Thank you for Caring,
Thank you for Sharing,
Ms. Campbell
campbellsclassrocks@yahoo.com

Sunday, November 14, 2010

11-15/11-19 Turkey Day Almost Here!

Hello to all parents!

Well, it is officially cold.  Turkey day is almost here and that means Progress Reports are coming.
Please be on the look out for these.  They will arrive on Wednesday and must be signed and returned by Friday.  Please as always, don't hesitate to call any of your child's teachers if you have a concern.

Remember that Wednesday is a half day.

In Science:
We have are finishing up our unit on Plants.  We are going to be discussing flowers and seeds.  So if your child would like to bring in any flowers or seeds for our hands on table, please encourage them to do so.
We are headed back to the body and systems.  We will look at the different parts of the systems and how the systems work together to allow the body to survive.

In Social Studies:
We are continuing our studies of Egypt, its architecture and art.

As Always,
Thank you for Caring,
Thank you for Sharing,
Ms. Campbell
campbellsclassrocks@yahoo.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Veteran's Day :)

Thank you to all the veterans that have helped to keep this nation safe.

Parents,
Hello, hoping that you are having a wonderful veteran's day.  Maybe going a picnic, now that the weather is cool. Maybe going to see a movie as a family, or just staying home like me and playing board games.  Board games are a wonderful way to connect again.

This week in Campbell's Class we are trying to get caught up with all past and missing assignments.  The students are retaking tests to improve scores.  Remember that progress reports will be going out on Wednesday the 17th.  Be on the lookout for them.  They are to be signed and returned to the teachers by Friday the 19th. 

I am still having some students that are not coming to class prepared, so I am asking for your help to make sure that your child always has; pencils, paper, homework, and agendas. 


Science:
We are continuing our studies with plants in science.  We will be reading all about flowers and seeds this week. 
Please have students bring in flowers and seeds to add to our hand on table.
The students will be completing a KWL chart on what they know and what they would like to know about flowers.
Next week, we will head back to the body and learn all about the bodies systems and how they work together to keep the body going.

Social Studies:
We are deep into Egypt, learning about Egyptian societies and government.  The students have learned about the social structure of Egypt and why it is important to understand this.  We have also discovered why trade is an important part of Egyptian life. 

Thank you always for Caring,
Thank you for Sharing,
Ms. Campbell
campbellsclassrocks@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 31, 2010

11-1-10 WoW it is Getting Cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6th Grade News
The 6th grade is moving so quickly. The students are writing, building, comparing, debating sides, socializing and just doing all the activities that 6th graders do.

The team is still asking for all parents to help their child/children to come to school and class prepared. This includes cleaning lockers periodically. You would be surprised at what you might find in there.

Parents, also, please remember to always check your child’s/children’s agendas. This is where you will find homework and or any communication from the teachers. For those parents whose child has a yellow sheet for communication, remember that it is your child’s responsibility to bring it to each teacher to be signed, and then to bring it to you each day to be initialed.

Thank you to all the parents that stay in contact, check homework, agendas, donate supplies, and volunteer. It is greatly appreciated.

Campbell’s Science:
Last week we began our unit on the Diversity of Life. The students participated in an investigation where they put celery into colored water to show how the xylem draws in water.
This week we will be continuing this unit, but we will be concentrating on leaves, seeds, and flowers.
If students could find leaves and seeds to bring into class, that would be a fantastic supplement to the unit.

Campbell’s Social Studies:
We have and are continuing our unit on Ancient Egypt. The students are reading and defining vocabulary for this unit. They will be building various structures of Ancient Egypt this week.

Campbell’s Elective:
The elective class is a combination of various studies. Sometimes we write, draw, study character, or just talk about what interests us. This week we will play Blurt and Pictionary along with a little bit of reading comprehension thrown in.

As Always,
Thank you for Caring,
Thank you for Sharing,
Ms. Campbell and the 6th Grade team
campbellsclassrocks@yahoo.com
campbellsclassrocks.blogspot.com