Welcome

Welcome to 2nd semester. We have covered a lot of ground and have a lot more to do. I am very pleased with the progress the students made during first semester. I want you to know that all their hard work will serve them well this semester as we undertake the study of physical science.

Our first topic is chemistry. As always, it is important that they know their vocabulary words so they can learn the concepts as they are presented in class. Having an understanding of the vocabulary really gives them an advantage as they come to class and we discuss different topics. I would like for them to show understanding of the word instead of just being able to give me the book definition. It is also very important that students spend some time each evening studying their notes and vocabulary. They do not have to spend more than a few minutes -- whatever it takes for them to go over the material, but the consistency is important.

If you have any questions for me, you can reach me through the school email or I have given all my students my phone number. Do not hesitate to call me. If you do not reach me, just leave a message and I will return your call.



Kay Kirtland

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

There is a TEST tomorrow on Chapter C2. This is somewhat short notice for parents, but the students have known that it would be later this week since last week. This is a short chapter with only 10 vocabulary words and two lessons. The second lesson is just about the four vocabulary terms. Your student should be ready for this test if they have been going over their science every night as they agreed to do. I remind you that I give very little written homework so they have promised to use my homework time studying.

Just a reminder that the Camp Cosby meeting for the parents who will be going on the trip is tomorrow evening at 500 pm.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

This afternoon I am sending home some Camp Cosby information that includes a sheet that must be filled in (front and back) and returned to me. Each student must bring me this information as soon as possible because I must have a form for everyone when I arrive at camp.

There is also a flyer about the meeting for the parents that are going to camp. I know that no matter what time or day I choose for this meeting there wil be parents that have conflicts. Please let me know and I will see what I can do to get you caught up on the information.

Thursday evening will be a special time at camp and we will be extending an invitation to all the parents who are not joining us for the whole trip to come spend some time with us that evening. You will need to be there by 6:00 pm and we should be done so you can leave by 8:00 pm. It is about a two-hour drive.

The final thing I am sending is a packing list. I want you to have time to gather what you will need. Please do not spend a lot of money getting ready for camp. New clothes will not be new when we get back. I have encouraged the students to wear their play clothes and borrow what they need for western wear if they don't already have it.

Monday, October 18, 2010

We are beginning a new chapter in science. This chapter is about the interactions in ecosystems. We will have test on the material in this chapter next week. I will make sure you have plenty of warning.

My Bible class has two TESTS this week. The first one is on Wednesday and covers Lessons 6-10. On Thursday we will have a Memory Verse TEST on the four verses(Lessons 6-9).

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Just a reminder that there is a TEST Friday on Chapter C1 and Biomes.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

We have a busy week coming up. I want everyone to be prepared so here are a few things you should know:

  • Monday we will have a Vocabulary Quiz that covers all the Chapter vocabulary. (There is a list on page C2). My Bible class will have a Lesson 8 quiz.
  • We will be taking ITBS tests on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students will need to arrive at school well rested and having had a good breakfast. They may bring a snack for break time. Each student needs to have at least two number 2 pencils and a calculator. We will dismiss at 12:15 on these days.
  • Thursday we will review for the Chapter Test.
  • Friday there will be a TEST on Chapter C1. Please encourage your students to study all week for this test. A little each night will go much further than a lot Thursday evening. I would suggest a lesson per night before Thursday and then they will just have to review everything Thursday.
I will be posting new Camp Cosby information very soon. The plans and preparations are well under way for our trip. Pray for God's blessing and good weather. 

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Reminder that Biome Projects will be accepted tomorrow, Oct. 7th and Friday, Oct. 8th only.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

I am sure that many of you have noticed that the students are working on their Biome projects. They are working so hard and I am proud of the results that I have seen so far. This project is due this week. I wll accept them on Thursday and Friday. Friday is the end of the first grading period so they will have report cards posted on line next Thursday, the 14th of October.

This project goes along with what we are studying in our current chapter but we have put Lesson 3 in chapter C1 on hold until the project is done. We will pick back up in the chapter in the next few days. I am very sorry for the confusion about the Science Test that was posted on the Middle School blog. I had no Idea that it was there. I will never pop a test on anyone without pleny of notice. If you have not seen it in their planners or on this blog, then you can be sure something is not right.

We will have a Chapter test next week. I will make sure that you are well notified.