Transitioning to Middle School

Incoming 6th graders, I am so excited to begin our year together. Here are a few tips to make sure that you (and your parents) have a smooth transition from elementary school to middle school.

1. Get connected: Email! Blog! Edline! There are many ways to easily get in touch with your teacher. Check your grade and stay on track using Edline. Get homework assignments and stay up to date on what we do each day using the blog. Ask questions, and stay connected with email.

2. Be present: attendance in middle school is VERY important. Not only will it keep you up to date and on track with assignments but it also will keep you from getting behind.

3. Get some rest: it's best to come to school well rested so you can be successful the entire day. When you are tired it's hard to focus on your learning.

4. Get organized: set up a quiet study area at home where you can sit and do your homework (which almost always includes reading). If you make it a habit to sit and do your homework in the same place each day, you will feel less stress, and see more success. Get the homework done so that you can enjoy our many incentives. Keep up with assignments and important dates by using your weekly planning sheet

5. Ask: don't be afraid to ask your teacher for assistance, we are here to help!

Secret Series...

If like me, you forgot to watch the Today show on Wednesday (even after I reminded you, and myself), no fear! here is the video, ENJOY!

The Name of this Book is...SECRET

Helllllooooooooo fans of Cass and Max Ernest. If you have enjoyed hearing me read the Secret series, I have 3 exciting bits of news for you. If you're coming into 6th grade, don't worry, we will read the Secret series in class during quiet work time and soon, you too will be hooked!!

1. The author of the series, Pseudonymous Bosch,  will be on the Today Show (that's channel 8) on Wednesday, August 24th (that's tomorrow). The reason, aside from the book series total awesomeness? Al Roker chose this book as part of his book club!

2. Watching Pseudonymous Bosch on TV seems rather boring, doesn't it? Why not see him in person! What? Really? YES! In October Pseudonymous Bosch will be at Wordstock, a festival for books and writers that takes place at the Oregon Convention Center. Woot! Check that out HERE! Come check out Wordstock October 7th-9th (but especially October 9th because that is the day that I am volunteering!!)

3. Perhaps the most exciting piece for readers? The 5th book of the series is almost here! You Have to Stop This will be released on September 20th (just in time for a favorite teacher's birthday perhaps?) This book relates to the sense of touch. Can you remember what the other book titles and senses are? I can't wait to see what happens! Can this really be the end? What will I do with myself.

It's still summer: have a S'more!!

Click to enlarge

Get Ready!

As we edge closer to the first day of school, look for the blog to update and change to correspond with our new school year. Don't worry, you'll still be able to find that special post from September 2006. Just use the BLOG ARCHIVE, located on the right (underneath the pictures but above "Every day matters")

Enjoy those last few nights of staying up late and mornings of sleeping in until noon (I know I will). Go out to lunch, hang out with your friends, and do that Back to School shopping. I look forward to seeing you next week at the Back to School BBQ (6th grade, August 30th), and Ice Cream Social (7th & 8th grade, August 31st).

Enjoy the SUNSHINE!

Miss B