Category Archives: 6th Newsletter

Mrs. Bialas 1-30-12 What’s Happening?

By Cheryl Bialas | Published: January 29, 2012

This is Catholic Schools Week:  because of this, some concepts might be carried over for the next couple of weeks.

 Religion:  Students have learned about the wanderings of the Israelites.  Now they are off to see how Canaan (the Promised Land) was conquered.

Reading:  Our students have finished all work on the novel, Single Shard, and in the weeks ahead will be starting, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.  A great novel about the plight of an African American family of the ’30′s and the struggles in trying to keep their family farm.  We read much in class due to the dialect, which is typical of the times.  The story is told from the viewpoint of the 10 year old daughter. 

Review work on various skills in both reading and English continue in preparation for the Terra Nova tests.

Vocabulary:  Back to Greek/Latin words and roots.

Writing:  Clerihew poetry and then the sixth grade will be learning how to write and assemble a research paper.

English:  Still on pronouns, going into possessives next.

Thank you for attending our Open House.  It is always a pleasure to see the children and their parents at such successful events.

Be Aware:  Field Trip to COD on Thursday, Feb. 2 to see Willie Wonka, Jr.  A good preparation for the play-they will be Oompa Loompas!

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

IN THE NEWS – Grade 6 Mrs. Dalsin 01/27/12

By Pat Dalsin | Published: January 27, 2012

Welcome to Catholic Schools Week!

The sixth grade, along with the rest of the student body is looking forward to some special activities next week, 1/30-2/3,  including a pajama day and the always exciting Red and White all-day volleyball game.

However, along with the fun, we will also be showcasing why Catholic schools are very special places.  We look forward to seeing all of you at the Open House on Sunday, January 29, from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM in the school building.

As part of the Open House, the sixth grade will be displaying the wonderful exhibits they prepared for the Consumer Fair.  A great deal of work and creativity was put into the projects, and the students can be very proud.  Thank you to the parents for all their help and support.

It is hard to believe that we are into the third quarter of the school year already.  The students have been hard at work, and I look forward to visiting with the parents and students at our conferences in a couple of weeks.  See you soon.

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

NEWS from Grade 6 Mrs. Dalsin 01-13-12

By Pat Dalsin | Published: January 13, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  And thank you again for your generosity during the holiday season and all year long.  I hope you had an enjoyable break.

CONSUMER FAIR   There are only two major events left to the Consumer Fair:  the students’ oral presentations and showing the boards at the Catholic Schools Week open house on January 29.  The presentations are scheduled, and we look forward to having as many parents visit as possible.  Feel free to bring other family members, if you like.  The students have worked hard and are anxious to show off their work.

MATH   In our math classes we have been working hard on the skills that are building blocks to using fractions.  We are currently adding and subtracting fractions, and we will soon move on to multiplying and dividing them.  As the work has gotten more challenging, a few more students have been staying for extra math practice.  However, there are a few more that would benefit from a little extra practice time.  Again the time is from 3:00-3:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

SOCIAL STUDIES   Having recently finished our unit on Ancient China, we have now begun studying about Ancient Greece.  We have found it interesting to see the connection of the democracy in early Greece to the democratic government in our own country.  We see that there are similarities and differences.

SCIENCE   In science these days, we are very excited to be studying Inside Earth, exploring why the Earth’s surace is constantly changing.  Our study includes the always-fascinating earthquakes and volcanoes.  The students have also found interesting the extremely slow changes to the earth’s crust as evidenced by plate tectonics.  They just wish they could see more of the changes!

 

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

What’s Happening 1-13-12

By Cheryl Bialas | Published: January 12, 2012

Religion-  We are continuing to trek to the Promised Land-Canaan in search of permanent settlement.  We now proceed to conquest Canaan.

Be Aware:  Test-Chapter 9-  on 1-19-12

                        Final 2 Service Hours due  1-18-12

Reading-Students are continuing their reading of the ancient novel, Single Shard and have completed a brief internet research on Korea to compare ancient to present day Korea.   We might possible complete this novel by the end of the coming week.

Beginning this week, we will refer to the basal reader and work on standardized testing procedures in preparation for the Terra Nova.  As we approach March, they will have additional practice works in comprehansion, English, and writing.

English-The students have completed their unit on Prepositions and been tested on them.  They will take a brief break and concentrate on diagramming sentences afterwhich we will proceed to pronouns.

Writing-We are now turning towards writing “How-to’s” in the next two weeks.  Also, we will then  concentrate on personification, imagery, and review of poetry pattern.

I would like to again thank all for their generocity at the Christmas time-you will be blessed!  Thank you.   Mrs. Bialas

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

A Holiday Wish… from Mrs. Dalsin 12-22-11

By Pat Dalsin | Published: December 22, 2011

Dear Parents and Students,

Before we all go home for the holidays, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your enormous generosity and thoughtfulness during this Christmas season and all year long.  I truly appreciate and cherish each card and gift.  Thank you, too, to all those who contributed to the teacher’s gift fund.  It is greatly  appreciated, and I’ll try to use it wisely.

I feel very fortunate to be teaching in a school with so many wonderful parents and students.  Even after all these years, I am constantly amazed that the children make each day new and different and fun.

May you and your loved ones have a very happy and blessed Christmas – and a New Year filled with love, laughter, and all good things.

                                                                                          Sincerely,

                                                                                          Mrs. Pat Dalsin

 

 

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

What’s Happening-Mrs. Bialas 12-22-11

By Cheryl Bialas | Published: December 20, 2011

Reading-beginning our new novel, A Single Shard, which takes place in ancient Korea.  Students have read 2 chapters on the orphan boy, Tree-Ear,  and his courage in living and his hope of becoming a potter.  Many themes in here.

 Vocabulary-will be working on review for our cumulative vocab test to be given  on 1-19-12. 

English-our first week back will still be devoted to prepositions and we will then begin pronouns and some additional verb study.

Religion-the students have lived through the plagues in Egypt, and are now venturing with the Israelites to the promised land of Canaan-not with much ease.

Writing-though the students have already written a persuasive essay, they will be adding transitional words.

As we leave school on this Thursday, many of us will be thinking about gifts, traveling, and visiting with loved ones.  When we think of the first  Christmas , it too was a time of traveling (going to Bethlehem), gifts (the WiseMen), and visiting with loved ones (the Holy Family).  Let us always keep these events both in the past and now in our hearts and keep the real meaning of the holiday.  I pray all our families at St. Cletus cherish this time together and keep love in their hearts.  As I said at Thanksgiving, I always pray for my students and their families and the families of the St. Cletus community.  May your have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HEALTHY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. See you in ’12!       Mrs. Cheryl Bialas

 

Also posted in General News | Comments closed

NEWS Grade 6 Mrs. Dalsin 12-02-11

By Pat Dalsin | Published: December 1, 2011

I hope all of our sixth graders and their families had a happy and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday.  Now that we are back in the swing of things, it’s good to know that we have several uninterrupted weeks of school for some serious academics.  The students are working hard, and there is lots to be  done.

CONSUMER FAIR UPDATE:   The taste testing for our projects went wonderfully!  Thank you so much to the parents for being so helpful and supportive.  I think we all enjoyed ourselves…and the afternoon snacks, too.  Watch for a few pictures in the Sunday Canticle on 12/17.

The taste testing is really the core of the project because it provides the data for the rest of their work.  Students are currently working in the computer lab on graphs that will display their data.  Then they will also be writing up their results and conclusion.   Work on putting together the exhibit boards will be done on their own at home.  In January each student will do an oral presentation on their project.  These will happen during the school day, and parents are invited.   You will be notified of the day and time.  Then, of course, the exhibits will be displayed at the Open House for Catholic Schools Week on January 29.

OTHER NEWS:   We have also been busy in our other subjects as well, studying India in social studies, plate tectonics in science, and fractions in math.  Just a reminder that math help sessions are on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00-3:30 and are open to any sixth graders.

UPCOMING TESTS and QUIZZES: 

Math Quiz – Lessons 5.1-5.3 on Tues. 12/6

Social Studies Test – Chapter 4 on Wed. 12/7

Science Test – Chapter 1 on Fri.12/9

 

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

Mrs. Bialas-What’s Happening 12-2-11

By Cheryl Bialas | Published: December 1, 2011

Religion We continue on the stories of our patriarchs.  We have learned of the covenant of Abraham and will be moving onto Joseph.  The students will be reading and interpreting the stories from their Bibles.  In class daily, we pray around the Advent Wreath and keep in mind our goal for the season.  In counting down to Christmas, the students watch daily, a visual Advent calendar.  They are to write one bit of info and bring it home to share with their families.  Ask them if they have not given any info.

Be Aware-Religion test on Chapter 4-Dec. 13

Reading-The students will be completing their novel, Flying Solo, and will be tested upon completion.  They will also have a project in conjunction with the story, which dealt with an array of characters , feelings, and bullying.   All testing and projects will be completed before the holiday.

Be Aware:  final test on novel -Dec. 8

                          Flying Solo character project due-Dec. 16

Vocabulary-tested on Unit 4

Be Aware:  Vocab test-Unit 5-Dec.9

                        Vocab test-Unit 6-Dec. 20

English-We are still working on prepositions both as adjectives and adverbs.  We will complete it after the holidays with a test to follow.

Writing-Wintertime is here, and we need a new poem for our “poe-tree”, therefore we will be writing snowflake simile poetry for the hall.  They should be festive, colorful, and creative.  The students will be applying their skill of similes to good, creative use.

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

Technology Extra Credit Opportunity: (gr. 6-8)

By tflickinger | Published: November 18, 2011

click to enlarge this photo- retrieved from wikispaces.com

Since the world of technology is constantly changing and more and more technology applications are based in the cloud; students are encouraged to explore Web 2.0 tools and teach the class how the Web 2.0 tool of their choice works.

Technology tools provide oppurtunities for learning to go beyond the walls of the classroom. St. Cletus recognizes that technology integration can and will make learning more exciting while meeting the needs of diverse (visual, auditory, etc.) learners. 

Web 2.0 extra credit is offered all year long. Your child will be given 10 minutes to teach the class about something they learned independently online. If your child is interested in showcasing a Web 2.0 tool they can access this Web 2.0 wiki site or Google “Web 2.0″. Click here for the extra credit rubric and see how their presentation will be scored. For more information on Web 2.0 and their impact in schools read A day in the Life of Web 2.0

Please contact me with any questions, and happy surfing!     ~Mrs. Flickinger

Also posted in 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 7th Newsletters, 8th Grade, 8th Newsletters | Comments closed

Mrs. Bialas-What’s Happening-11-17-11

By Cheryl Bialas | Published: November 17, 2011

Religion-We are continuing to study the stories of the Old Testament, its symbolism and meanings.  Also how God was always with humanity as they suffered through the effects of Original Sin. In the coming chapter, the students will learn about our ancestors in faith.  This will begin after Thanksgiving. We continue to pray daily for the repose of the souls and listen to the saint of the day.

Be Aware:  Religion test-Chapter 4- November 22

Vocabulary-After the holiday, we will go back into our Sadlier Vocab book, Unit 4.

English-Continuing in the area of prepositions, the students will differentiate between using prepositions as adverbs or adjectives.  They will then create colorful images using mostly prepositional phrases.

Reading-In our novel, Flying Solo, the students had to be a character, be interviewed by a newspaper reporter, and respond to questions based upon the character traits of his chosen person.  This allows  them to be a more active participant in the story.  They will also pretend that they are actually in the classroom and write “flashdrafts” as their character did.  Another way to feel “at home” in the story. 

Writing-We will concentrate on learning to write similes and metaphors.

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful.  Here are my thanks:

  • A many thanks to all who attended Parent Teacher Conference.  It was very insightful. 
  • contributions to the sixth grade walkathon for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitl.  What an outstanding amount-$1141.25!!
  • The families and their children at St. Cletus School

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL AND GOD BLESS!!

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

NEWS Grade 6 Mrs. Dalsin 11-04-11

By Pat Dalsin | Published: November 4, 2011

CONSUMER FAIR:

The students are working steadily and are progressing toward the taste testing of their chosen product.  These will happen the week of 11/14-11/18.  Each child knows their day and time.  The showboards will be ordered soon, and then your child will be able to start getting a feel for the layout of the exhibit.   The oral presentations will be scheduled later, and will be held in January.  Thank you in advance for the help you are giving your student on this project.  If you have any questions, please send me an email.

MATH:  We have been working diligently with decimals, and the classes have been doing a pretty good job.  When we have finished our decimal work, we will begin on fractions.  As the year progresses, the math work becomes more challenging.  As that happens, I will expect more students to need a little extra help and practice after school.  The help sessions are on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:00-3:30.

SOCIAL STUDIES:

We have been enjoying our discussions about Ancient Egypt, and are fascinated by many of the customs of the times.  The students have just completed and presented some wonderful projects on the pharaohs of Egypt.  They were interesting, creative and well done.  They will be on display during conferences.   Please note:  Social studies Test – Ch.3 Thurs., 11/10

SCIENCE:

We have now completed our formal study of the weather, but as the seasons change, we will keep on talking about the weather on a daily basis.  Our next area of study, Inside Earth, will include such topics as earthquakes, volcanoes, and the Ring of Fire.  It is always a favorite of the classes. 

Have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to seeing you at conferences.

Pat Dalsin 

 

 

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

Mrs. Bialas- What’s Happening- 11-4-11

By Cheryl Bialas | Published: November 3, 2011

Reading-The students will be starting their new novel on Monday.  The title is Flying Solo.  The story is about a sixth grade class that does not have a substitute teacher for the day.  It also has a second plot about a girl in the class with select mutism.  It is a thought provoking story that  students in the past have enjoyed.

Vocabulary- We  will continue on two new Greek/Latin roots to help further their vocabulary enrichment. The roots will be “port”, “miss”, “mit”

English-  Now we will continue on in Shurley English with our study of prepositions. 

Writing-the students  are finalizing their Biopoems.  Make sure you read them in the hall before or after Parent Teacher Conference.  You might be the lucky subject!

Religion-we have an All Souls bulletin board dedicated to relatives or friends of people who we are praying for throughout the month of November.  We pray for them before our religion class.  In our text, we continue to discuss our part in being stewards of the earth.  This works well with our service projects that they need to complete. Along with being stewards, the students will be reconginzing how evil entered the world and its consequences.

Be Aware:  Test-Chapter 3- November 10

PTConferences:  Looking forward to Nov. 10 for our conferences.

***Just a reminder:  Our sixth grade service project walk for St.Jude will be held on Wednesday, November 9.  Please send all donations by that morning.

Also posted in General News | Comments closed

Mrs. Bialas- What’s Happening 10-21-11

By Cheryl Bialas | Published: October 20, 2011

READING-the students have tested out of the novel, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and will be returning to one story in their basel text for additional skill studies.  They will then go into the new novel, Flying Solo.  While completing Mrs. B. the students put themselves into  the character of Michelangelo and his ability to paint the Sistine Chapel.  They drew   while on  their backs laying on the floor and  were able to get the feel for the hard work involved.  They did this because the subject in the novel was Michelangelo.  I took some pictures and hope to have them in the church bulletin in the future.

VOCABULARY-students are now beginning Unit 3, then review Unit Mastery 1-3.

BE AWARE:  Unit 3 test-October 25

Unit Mastery Test (1-3)  November 3. (tentatively)

ENGLISH-students have tested out of Chapter 2, sentences and various parts of speech and will be working primarily in writing at this time.

WRITING-students are completing their paragraphs on the favorite and most disliked foods.  The idea of  using “other” more choice words in their paragraphs were stressed.  Ask your child what N2SSWTSW represents; an important idea to their writings.  We will now concentrate on onomatopoeia and bio-poems.  Be looking in the hall at PTC-you might be a lucky subject!

RELIGION-with the end of October comes the end of our recitation of the Holy Rosary.  After studying the mysteries, seeing a well-informed video (kid oriented), Bible work, and daily reciting of a decade of the rosary, the children have tested out of this very important aspect of our Catholic faith.  We will now continue to study concepts in our text beginning with our participation as stewards.  The service project, the Walk for Thanks for the St.Jude Children’s Hospital will take place on Wednesday, November 9.

BE AWARE: Service Hours:  last 2 hours will be due October 28.

Please look to the St. Cletus Scoop for all Red Ribbon Week activities,  Halloween info, and additional items.

See all at PTC on November 10.

Mrs. Bialas

 

 

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

NEWS from Grade 6 Mrs. Dalsin 10-21-11

By Pat Dalsin | Published: October 20, 2011

CONSUMER FAIR      The work on the Consumer Fair project is about to begin.  In the next day or two, each student will know which of their three choices of product they will be testing.   Then they will need to find three different brands of the same product, in the same flavor.  If, at any time, you have questions about the project or the process, don’t hesitate to email me.

 MATH   The students have just tested on the adding and subtracting of decimals, and we will be going on to the multiplying and dividing of decimals.  Because our math work is getting progressively more complicated, I contine to encourage studetns to stay for extra practice help sessions.  The sessions are on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:00-3:30.  How often they attend is up to you and your student.

SOCIAL STUDIES   In our trek around the ancient world, we have now arrived in Ancient Egypt, always one of the students’ favorite places.  Next week one of the things each student will be working on is a presentation on one of Egypt’s pharaohs.  It will be assigned on Tuesday, 10/25, and they will have a week to be ready to present to the class.

SCIENCE   Our study of weather has progressed from weather factors through weather patterns to predicting the weather.   Certainly, the varied weather we have had in Chicago recently has enhanced our study and discussions.  We will soon be expanding our view to include climate and climate change.   Please note:   There will be a test on Chapter 3 on Tuesday, 10/25.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!   Have fun and stay safe!

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed

News from Gr.6 Mrs. Dalsin 10-07-11

By Pat Dalsin | Published: October 7, 2011

CONSUMER FAIR:

Each year the sixth grade does a Consumer Fair in which each student taste-tests three brands of the same product to see which is preferred by the most consumers and which brand is the best buy.  They will test their classmates and will prepare an exhibit that will be displayed at the end of January.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, students will be introduced to the Consumer Fair and will be given a few hand-outs to help them along the way.  By Tuesday each student should have a two-pocket folder to devote exclusively to Consumer Fair.   Please ask to see their information, especially the timeline of when the various steps happen.  Thank you in advance for the help and support you will give your child on this project.   If you have questions along the way, don’t hesitate to send me an email. 

REMINDERS:

Math  Help sessions are available to any students on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00 -3:30.  Things haven’t gotten too difficult yet, but there are a few students that would benefit from a little extra practice.

Science  Chapter 2 Test on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Social Studies   Chapter 2 Test on Thursday, Oct. 13.

School Mass   Tuesday, Oct. 11, 9:00 AM

Posted in 6th Newsletter | Comments closed