6th Grade Parent Newsletter Principal's Message ln college, my professor challenged us to brush our teeth each morning with our non-dominant hand for one week. This exercise was challenging, awkward, frustrating and time consuming, but as some of us persevered, it became easier. This fall, it feels like we all are brushing our teeth with our non dominant hand. Everything is unfamiliar, slow, and at times frustrating. However, if we persist we will develop new skills and the flow and competence will be found. The pattern of learning in a hybrid or distance format requires a deeper understanding of the learning process. When a teacher introduces a new concept or skill, our brains naturally try to connect this new concept to what we already know. In order to retain this new information, our brains must repeatedly make these connections (practice). When we are receiving live instruction, our attention must be peaked and ideas being learned must have clarity. The next step in the learning process is to practice this idea. Teachers create plans for their students to do just this on the asynchronous (remote) days. It is critical that students engage in this practice so they can join class the following day ready to engage in the next step of the learning progression. It is this process over time that results in knowledge and skills. This is a challenge in the middle of a pandemic where we are all living life with our non dominant skills. But if we are intentional about our practice and understanding and supportive of each other, we will prevail and continue to be a model of excellence among learning communities. Absence Requests If your child will be absent from school, either partial or all day, please contact the Attendance Office at 763-745-6255 or request the absence through Skyward Family Access. Do not call or email your child's teachers. Absence requests are still required for students who are distance learning, both full distance and students who are learning from home on their non-cohort day. Please contact Beth Dahl with any questions. A reminder to families that attendance for virtual music class is required. We have had a higher rate of student absences for music class. We want to provide clarity and reiterate that music class attendance is required in order to prevent an unexcused absence. Yearbook Yearbook Club will be starting Monday, November 2 at 8:15 a.m. via Zoom. If you are interested, please email Mrs. Bostrom and she will send you an application. Yearbooks are now available to order through Jostens. The cost is $33.00. Enrichment Opportunities Wayzata East now has an Enrichment Canvas page. This page houses academic enrichment opportunities that are open to all students. Check out the newest additions: - Minnesota History Day
- Scholastic Writing Awards
- Ecology Science Fair
Media Commons If you are looking for ideas to find a good book or want to conference on an Honor's Reading book or need to do some research for a project, please use the Media Center Canvas Course to get all the info you need! Distance Learners library book pick-up is every Friday (10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.): It is important that distance learners check their Destiny account before coming to retrieve books on Fridays. After the student logs in they will see the "my info" tab. Select that tab and then confirm that the book that has been put on hold is actually checked out to the student. There will be times when the book on hold is still checked out to another student and will not be ready for pick up on the designated day. If you have other questions, please email Beth Benezra. What We've Been Working On - We have been using the "Giant One" to help students make equivalent fractions. They also know how to use it to help them simplify fractions as well!
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What's your comfort level using the generic rectangle to multiply?
- How do you feel you are doing in math class?
- When you have questions, are you asking your teacher for help?
What We're Working on Next - We will be the learning the various ways to represent a value that is less than 1. The students know how to show it as a fraction, decimal, and percent, in addition to building, writing, and drawing it:)
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - How can you represent 7% as a fraction and/or decimal?
What We've Been Working On - Multiplying Mixed Numbers
- Adding and Subtracting Integers
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Who is Cecil and how does he help us visualize adding integers?
What We're Working on Next Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What is the "Order of Operations"? Why do we need a specific order?
What We've Been Working On - Completed the paragraph unit
- Students wrote a descriptive paragraph for their assessment.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What is most challenging for you when you write?
What We're Working on Next - Beginning Collections Unit 1: Fears and Phobias (text is online)
- Students will present on a phobia they chose from a list in class.
- Text features reviewed and expected to be in their presentation.
- Informational Text Structures will be studied for students to understand that informational texts are organized in specific ways.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Have you read an informational/nonfiction book for your reading contract?
Notes - First Quarter Reading Contracts are due November 6. Requirements: 800 total minutes/pages is proficient for sixth grade. Students must read at least one fiction, one nonfiction and one recommended book from the East list. Students also have a written component on their form. This is entered as 3 assessment grades.
What We've Been Working On - We finished our first unit. The students took their tests on Tuesday last week.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What is the most influential factor in the seasons of the year?
What We're Working on Next - We have started our next unit. We will be learning about "The Formation of Galaxies" and "The Big Bang Theory" and "The Solar System".
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - How long ago was "The Big Bang"?
Notes - Going forward, please check Skyward for missing work. All graded material will be entered into Skyward.
What We've Been Working On - Students have been focusing on:
- What is a Minnesotan and what makes us unique.
- How Minnesota's landscape has changed over the years.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What is Oral History and why is it important?
What We're Working on Next - The early Dakota people and understand that oral history connects them to each other and their past
- Describe customs and values that are central to Dakota culture including generosity, kinship, extended family, and respect.
- Students will be creating an iMovie representing how they show generosity and respect in their own society and culture.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - How do the Dakota people show Respect and Generosity?
What We've Been Working On - Over the past two weeks both classes finished the PACER mile endurance run fitness tests.
- In addition, Mr. DeVoe's classes started a tennis unit and Mrs. Allen's classes started a disc golf unit.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What did you learn about pacing yourself or conserving energy for either one of your running tests?
What We're Working on Next - Over the next two weeks both classes will finish their respective PE units.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What is something you find easy with tennis or disc golf? What is something you find difficult?
Notes - Make sure students are prepared for outdoor activity (hats, gloves, jackets). PE will try to be outside as much as possible over the next two weeks.
What We've Been Working On - In the last two weeks, students were assigned an assessment on posture and the major scale using handsign solfege. This was material we had been revisiting since the first week of classes.
- Another concept we focused on was rhythm and note values. Students became familiar with different rhythmic patters.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - How do you clap this rhythmic pattern: two quarter notes, two eighth notes, one quarter rest, two eighth notes, two eighth notes, one quarter note?
What We're Working on Next - Note recognition in both the treble and bass clef
- What notes are on the lines and what notes are on the spaces
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Where are you needing the most assistance on in choir? Would you like to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Mr. Hagen?
What We've Been Working On - Students continue to review how to make a sound on their band instrument.
- We have been studying pages 6, 7, and 8 in our lesson book.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Play for me the first five notes you learned.
What We're Working on Next - Students should be practicing and studying the song, "Jingle Bells" and other songs assigned in lessons.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Play the song, "Three Note Samba" for me. It is on page 7, #13.
Notes - Band students should be practicing their instrument each day. Around 10 minutes. or 2-3 repetitions of each song. There is lots to study and practice from our lesson book!
What We've Been Working On - Open String Songs
- Pencil Bow Hold
- Lines/Spaces of the staff
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What makes a good bow hold, and why is it important to hold the bow correctly?
What We're Working on Next - Bow Holds
- Open String Bowing
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What is the most difficult part about bowing open strings?
Notes - Students should be practicing 20 minutes 5 days a week to build comfort with their instruments.
What We've Been Working On - Artists finished their Representational Self Portrait, which required students to think like artists! It has been fun to watch their progression of risk taking, advocacy, and divergent thinking as the unit progressed.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Can I see your art slide show? (This has their final artwork, and shows much of their thinking that went into the process of making their art.) If the slideshow isn't completed, this means a major assessment is missing and they need to complete the work and submit it to Canvas.
What We're Working on Next - Clay and Drawing! Students will be creating a clay sculpture at home, which we have prepped for during class.
- Students will also be working on drawing skills, including shading and proportions.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - What are your plans for your clay sculpture?
- Can I see your drawing in Notability?
What We've Been Working On - Working on Individual projects
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What do you feel most accomplished about in regards to your project?
What We're Working on Next - Working on Individual projects to be completed by Nov. 11/12
- Project Assessment and Reflection
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Why is it important to reflect on your project?
Notes - Please remind your child to read ahead in the directions, watch the needed videos, take Cornell notes and quizzes, if needed. There is not time during class when they are at school.
- There is a $10 lab fee that can be paid through ePay. If you don't use ePay, you can send cash or check (WEMS) to turn into me. There are only 6 days of in lab worktime left.
What We've Been Working On - Eugene: describing ourselves
- Rudolph: preparing for Speaking Assessment
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - Eugene: describe 3 people you know
- Rudolph: what questions will you ask on the Speaking Assessment, and what is/are your creation phrase/s?
What We're Working on Next - Eugene: Ask and answer questions about describing and likes/dislikes
- Rudolph: Speaking Assessment, then describing ourselves
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Eugene: What are the questions and answers
- Rudolph: How did the speaking assessment go? Describe some people we know.
What We've Been Working On - Imagination is the first Habitude of successful learners in the 21 century. We have spent time figuring out what that looks like in school.
Question(s) to Ask Your Student About What We've Learned - What part of imagination is a strength for you and what is something you can work on?
What We're Working on Next Question(s) to Ask Your Student About Upcoming Material - Why is curiosity important?
PTO Board Meeting Thank you to all who participated in our restaurant night fundraiser and who may have used AmazonSmile during Prime Days! Please mark your calendars and join our PTO Board Meeting next Tuesday, October 27 at 9:30 a.m. The PTO Board is in need of volunteers to fill the roles of Secretary and Hospitality Chair. Please contact us to sign up or learn more. Distance Learning Meal Options Stay Home When Ill and Be Prepared to Quarantine It is important to be prepared as we begin the new school year in the midst of a pandemic. Our new reality will require students, families and staff to check daily for symptoms and stay home if you are ill. If you or someone in your family is ill, please reference the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Decision Tree document to learn what your next steps should be. Report any student absences into Skyward Family Access, specifying if the absence is COVID-19 related. Our school nurses will follow up with any COVID-19 related cases. If you are tested for COVID-19, even if you feel well, it is important that you remain home and away from others until you receive the results. Everyone must be prepared to stay home and quarantine for up to two weeks if you become ill with or are exposed to COVID-19. We know being quarantined for two weeks will be extremely challenging, but it is absolutely necessary to stop the spread of the virus. Learn how you can prepare for a possible quarantine. Our nurses will be working closely with MDH to notify students and staff as soon as possible if you have been exposed to COVID-19 at school. Always answer your phone if MDH is calling. If you have questions, please contact the licensed nurse at your school. More detail and helpful information can also be found on our Wayzata Learns webpage. Planning travel out of the state or country? Regardless of whether your students are attending Wayzata Public Schools through hybrid learning or through Distance Choice, the district is required to account for students. Please ensure that the Welcome Center has a copy of your family's Extended Vacation form on file prior to your travel. October Wayzata Legislative Action Committee Update The Wayzata Legislative Action Committee (LAC) held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 7. Jim Westrum, Executive Director of Business and Finance for Wayzata Public Schools, provided a financial update to the committee, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on district finances and additional funds received from the state and federal governments to off-set expenses related to health and safety and ensuring a high-quality education for all students. As a reminder, all seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives and Minnesota Senate will be up for election this year. The Wayzata LAC sent a six-question Q & A to all legislative candidates on the November 3 ballot. The responses that were received are available on the Legislative Action Committee’s webpage. To find out who represents you, what is on your ballot, and more election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website. The Wayzata LAC is a non-partisan group of citizens that monitors legislative activity as it affects K-12 education and advocates positions on behalf of the district. For more information, please visit the Wayzata Committees webpage or contact Brian Combs, your school’s Wayzata LAC representative. Wayzata Spirit Avenue Wayzata High School and Wayzata Community Ed are inviting you to a socially distant, drive-thru event called Wayzata Spirit Avenue! This community celebration will be held as a culminating event to Homecoming Week. Guests will drive their vehicles on a set route on the high school campus that will feature a variety of Wayzata High School student organizations performing or entertaining guests with creative, spirit-filled displays. - Date: Saturday, October 24
- Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Place: Wayzata High School
- Cost: $0
- Learn more
Parent Tool Kit: Mental Health and COVID-19 Changes in our routine, lack of control, and fear of the unknown can cause our mental health to suffer. Talking about mental health as a family can be intimidating but we’re here to help. Led by Health Educators from myHealth for Teens & Young Adults, this workshop will help you understand more about mental health and how we can support our children’s mental health and well being (as well as our own!). - Date: Thursday, October 22
- Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Place: Online
- Cost: $0
- Learn more
Parent Tool Kit: Friendships, Relationships, and Social Distancing Friendships are incredibly important to young people. How do we help our children foster healthy friendships and connection during a time of social distancing? Join Health Educators from myHealth for Teens & Young Adults in conversation and activities to learn what we can do to help our children navigate friendships and relationships. - Date: Thursday, November 5
- Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Place: Online
- Cost: $0
- Learn more
Friday, November 6, 2020 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Wednesday, November 18, 2020 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Thursday, November 19, 2020 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Monday, December 14, 2020 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday, December 15, 2020 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday, December 17, 2020 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Thursday, November 5, 2020 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Wednesday, November 18, 2020 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Monday, October 26, 2020 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 12000 Ridgemount Avenue, Plymouth, MN 55441 | 763-745-6200 |