Good afternoon, parents and guardians. We have four more days of school! Thanks for reminding your child to finish the year strong with good behavior, kind choices and proper use of time and materials.
Chromebook Summer Storage Option: We recommend your child store their Chromebook here at school for the summer. If you want us to store it, we will collect student Chromebooks AND chargers beginning Wednesday, May 20th. We will not store Chromebooks without chargers. Also, if your child is NOT returning to BVSD next year, we will need to collect their chromebook and charger cord before summer.
Last Day of School: If you haven’t already done so, please complete this form to let us know what your students’ plan is for the last day of school, Thursday May 21st. Also, if your plans change, you can resubmit the form. Thank you!
LIBRARY BOOKS - Many students still have outstanding books. Please check with your child and give them a reminder to return these to school.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): We continued our study of the Caribbean region this week. We learned about the history of piracy in the region. We also learned about the spread of slavery across many of the islands.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week students wrote their ‘Life Story’ assignment. It’s due TONIGHT by 11:59 so I have time to grade them over the weekend. Next week we will build and bring home their Writing Portfolios for 6th grade. This is a cool keepsake - please ask your child to see their portfolio on Tuesday, May 19th and help them find a safe place to keep this.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): We’re taking a good look at atoms and the periodic table :)
And on block day, students completed the end-of-the-year Inner Orbit Science Assessment for the district.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): This week, we completed both the novel and the movie adaptation of The Giver. Here is a list of summer ideas to keep your student engaged over the summer. We had a visit from the Broomfield Public Library encouraging participation in the summer reading program. Students, with their family members, can earn lots of free items and discount coupons just by registering and collecting points during June and July. The Checkers tournament starts next week.
Math (Mrs. Allison): This week 6th grade finished a quick review of fractions using all operations. Advanced 1 completed our last module using proportional reasoning to solve real-world problems. All classes will take time next week to celebrate reaching our end-of-year MAP goals! Your child’s end-of-year report was sent home today - make sure you take a look at it and celebrate their success!
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 /Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We are wrapping up the year. The students worked on self-reflection videos, please check your email.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Good afternoon, parents and guardians! If you have not already, please complete the google form to let us know your plans for the last day of school. As we wrap up the school year, these update emails have lots of important information in them. Thank you for taking the time to read them!
Last Day Early Release Option - The last day of school (Thursday, May 21st) officially ends at 3:45. However, both 7th and 8th grade students have days that end earlier. The sixth grade teachers have activities planned that will end at 1:30. Parents may choose to check out their 6th grade student at 1:30 if desired. After 1:30, students are welcome to stay and help teachers with cleaning or watch a movie. ACTION NEEDED: We are asking all parents/guardians to complete this Google form to let us know your plans for the last day so we can plan accordingly.
Chromebook Summer Storage Option: We recommend your child store their Chromebook here at school for the summer. If you want us to store it, we will collect student Chromebooks AND chargers beginning Wednesday, May 20th. We will not store Chromebooks without chargers.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): We continue to learn about the Caribbean region of North America. We started learning about the history of piracy in the region.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week students finished their Spotlight Piece #4 and started working on their Life Story assignment. This is the last big writing project of the year! It’s due Friday, May 15th. We’ll be working on it diligently until then.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): This week in Science we studied the structure of an atom and periodic trends.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): We continued reading The Giver. When we complete the book, we do plan to watch the movie. The movie is rated PG-13. If you wish to opt your child out, please email me. Thank you!
Math (Mrs. Allison): Sixth grade math finished our last module with our assessment of Module 16 this week. Next week we will review some of our more challenging concepts to make sure we are solid heading to 7th grade. Advanced 1 finished our unit on proportional reasoning this week. Next week, we will complete our last module using proportional reasoning and our knowledge of percentages in real world situations to find markups/markdowns, taxes, gratuities, commissions, and simple interest.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 : We continued to work on our small group instruction and on the App!
Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We took the MAP Reading Assessment this week.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good afternoon, parents and guardians. We have three weeks left of school, and it’s time for us to begin thinking about our very last day of 6th grade which is Thursday, May 21st. Please read the information below carefully and complete the ‘Action Needed’ step as soon as you can. Thank you so much!
Last Day Early Release Option - The last day of school (Thursday, May 21st) officially ends at 3:45. However, both 7th and 8th grade students have days that end earlier. The sixth grade teachers have activities planned that will end at 1:30. Parents may choose to check out their 6th grade student at 1:30 if desired. After 1:30, students are welcome to stay and help teachers with cleaning or watch a movie. ACTION NEEDED: We are asking all parents/guardians to complete this Google form to let us know your plans for the last day so we can plan accordingly.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): This week we continued our study of the Caribbean region of North America. We’ll do the same next week.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week was all about exploring different types of poetry! Today, students began planning for Spotlight Piece #4, which is a poem. Spotlight Piece #4 is due Wednesday, May 6th. Also, students were assigned homework to be completed with you sometime over the next few days. The assignment is “Life Story Interview Questions” and students received a copy of this during block day (you might ask them for the yellow paper). Here’s a copy of it digitally if you’d prefer to type your responses and share it back with me. If this is what you’d like to do, please make a copy of the document with your students’ name and then share it with me when it’s completed. Importantly, make sure to involve your child in the process!
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): We completed our study on the states of matter this week, and the test was today. Test retakes will be next Wednesday during Transitions class, and we’ll wrap up the year studying atoms and the periodic table.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): Students completed their end-of-the-year CommonLit test this week. We also continued reading The Giver. When we complete the book, we do plan to watch the movie. The movie is rated PG-13. If you wish to opt your child out, please email me. Thank you!
Math (Mrs. Allison): All classes spent time reviewing and celebrating their end of the year MAP success. I will be sending home reports as soon as everyone is finished. Sixth grade math will complete looking at data and statistics and then do some end of year review of our toughest skills. Advanced 1 is working with proportional thinking and will soon move on to using it to solve real world problems involving percentages.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We continued working in small groups and on the App to build our skills.
Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We worked on our new money unit and wrote an opinion paragraph on a counterfeit crime.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Good afternoon, parents and guardians. Thank you for reading our weekly updates!
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): We started our study of the Caribbean region of North America this week. We’ll continue with this same topic next week.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): Students took their Figurative Language Quiz today in class. We spent the week reviewing and reteaching before the quiz. Next week is all about exploring different types of poetry!
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): We studied changes in states of matter this week, and students received their study guides on Monday. Our Chapter 3 Test will be block day next week.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): This week, students continued to read/listen to The Giver.
Math (Mrs. Allison): This week we have been taking our end of year MAP test. Most students did a great job focussing and giving it their all! Next week 6th grade math will continue their look at data distribution and variability. Advanced 1 will take our new knowledge of percentages and use it to solve a variety of real-world problems such as discounts, taxes, commissions, and interest.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180(Mrs. Gettelman): Students have continued to work on their unit books and are making great progress on their app. The small groups are all participating and staying on task.
Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We continued monitoring our reading progress on the app and with the MAZE timed 3 minute test. I am also meeting one on one with all of the students about their essays. We are comparing the Drought essay from the last unit to the Extreme Sports essay. They have all made a lot of progress with their writing skills.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Good afternoon, parents and guardians. We have five weeks left in the school year, and lots of learning is still happening in all of our classes! Remind your child to keep their head in the game, keep up with assignments, leave their toys/fidgets at home, and study for tests and quizzes. We’re in the home stretch. Let’s finish strong!
Upcoming Testing: Over the next three weeks, students will complete their end of year Reading, Math, and Science assessments. Please keep reminding them to charge their chromebooks and to put their best effort into this testing. Thank you.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): We completed our unit on Canada this week with a test on Friday. I’ll post the test results over the weekend. We’ll move to a more tropical climate next, the Caribbean.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week students learned the eight types of figurative language that are expected for 6th graders to know: Metaphor, Simile, Analogy, Personification, Hyperbole, Onomatopoeia, Alliteration and Idiom. There will be a quiz on these terms on Friday, April 24th. There is a folder in Schoology with study materials, instructional videos, and lots of practice for students to use in order to study. This is NOT an open note quiz; memorization is required.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): This week, we focused on the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. Charles’ and Boyle’s Gas Laws came into focus when we popped corn and sent pieces of potato across the room. Ask your student if their potato hit the target!
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): This week, students read a few more chapters in The Giver.
Math (Mrs. Allison): All 6th grade students will be taking the end of year MAP test next week. This will be a great opportunity to celebrate all their growth this year! The 6th grade math classes are continuing to look at data variability and distribution. Advanced 1 will continue our look at percentages and proportional relationships.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 (Mrs. Gettelman): We are continuing to work on our topics in small groups and online in the app.
Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We started our new unit. It is called Follow the Money. Students will be reading about the history of money, the circulation of money and wise uses of money through a variety of articles and short stories. I will also be meeting with students individually to go over their essays this week and next week.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good afternoon, parents and guardians. Although our testing week brought some unforeseen challenges, we’ve made it through CMAS! If your child missed any of the sessions, they will complete a make up sometime in the coming weeks. All tests must be completed by April 24th when the testing window closes.
More Testing: In addition to taking CMAS, your child will also complete their end-of-year Commonlit Assessment in Reading class and their end-of-year MAP test in Math class. Unlike the CMAS test, we’ll be able to share these results with you before the end of the year.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): I’m impressed with the videos students put together about their chosen Canadian Province or Territory. I’m still in the process of grading them. Our test is going to be on Friday, April 10. I’m posting the study guide in Schoology over the weekend for those students that want to get a jump start on studying.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): We took it easy in ELA this week so students could put all of their energy into their CMAS test! We learned about Commencement Speeches (an opportunity, not requirement) and wrote thank you notes to our 8th grade 360 leaders who supported all of 6th grade this year.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): Tests were returned to students, and test retakes were Thursday during Transitions class. Next, we’ll quickly review changes in state, as this was studied in 5th grade.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): This week, students focused on CMAS testing. Students will also be reading more of The Giver by Lois Lowry. This will be our final class novel for the year. We also went over the expectations for the end-of-year traditional checkers tournament. All sixth-graders are expected to participate, so challenge your students to a game of checkers.
Math (Mrs. Allison):Module 13 tests were returned to sixth grade math students. We continued our look at measures of center and will move next to data distribution and variability. Advanced 1 will take a quick look at probability and then move to complete the modules we skipped earlier starting with a look at understanding and applying percent.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 /Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We continue to utilize the 180 programming in our classes.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good afternoon, parents and guardians. Next week on Monday, April 6th, Tuesday, April 7th and Wednesday, April 8th, we will be conducting our annual CMAS testing. Please help your child be successful on testing days by:
Reminding them to charge their chromebook each night.
Helping them get to sleep at a reasonable time.
Ensuring they have a healthy breakfast (remember, breakfast is FREE here at Aspen Creek and starts at 8:15 on regular days, 9:15 on Wednesdays).
Helping them keep the test in context: It’s important for them to do their best, and they don’t need to stress out about it.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): Students completed an informative video on a Province or Territory in Canada this week. I’m excited to see what they came up with. PS I’m still missing one of the 6th grade loaner chromebooks.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week we prepared for CMAS by discussing strategies, practicing a written response and reviewing theme and main idea.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): This week we completed our study of matter. Our test was today, and test retakes will be on Thursday during Transitions for interested students.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): Students completed their Skills Assessment #2 on CommonLit this week. We also completed a vocabulary activity to start our next class novel, The Giver.
Math (Mrs. Allison): This week sixth grade math worked on creating visual displays from data sets and finding the measure of center for a data set. Advanced 1 looked at variability of data and determined the best way to measure it. All classes have been answering practice questions in order to prepare for CMAS next week.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 (Mrs. Gettelman): We continued to work in small groups and on our app to improve our mathematical skills.
Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We worked on our essay either arguing for or against extreme sports using text evidence. We used Snorkl to improve our writing, then read with a friend. Next we will conference about our writing.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good afternoon, parents and guardians!
FULLY CHARGED CHROMEBOOKS are needed for CMAS testing. Please check that your child has a place and a plan to charge their Chromebooks every night. CMAS is scheduled for 6th grade on April 6th, 7th, and 8th.
LOST! MISSING! LONELY AND SCARED! We have a few Chromebooks that students can check out from us in 6th grade if they forget theirs at home. During the week prior to Spring Break, one of those Chromebooks went missing and was not checked out. If, for some reason, it ended up at your home, please have your child return it. There is a white “6th Grade Loaner” sticker on the front.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): It's nice to be back after missing a week due to a death in the family. We continue our study of Canada this week with a new video project that students started on Block Day. We’ll continue working on it next week as well.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week, students completed ‘Spotlight Piece #3,’ which demonstrates all they’ve learned in the third quarter about persuasive writing. If they have not already, they should turn in their final draft this evening. Grades for Argument #2 are now available in Infinite Campus. The fourth quarter is focused on Reflective Writing.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): We made a lot of progress this week. We reviewed our Density Labs, and completed a lab on The Law of Conservation of Matter. We also got our study guides today, which means that our unit test will be next Friday, April 3rd.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): Students completed the Character Analysis assignment, using their most recently completed choice novel.
Math (Mrs. Allison): The 6th grade math classes finished up their study of surface area and volume. Next, we will begin looking at data collection and displays. Advanced 1 just finished data collection and displays and is moving on to variability in data and how data is distributed. All classes will also be spending some time reviewing for our upcoming CMAS tests.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 (Mrs. Gettelman): We continued with our units and working in small groups. Check out what your student is doing by looking at their App.
Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We started planning, finding evidence for our argumentative essay on whether or not the risks of extreme sports are worth it!
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good morning, parents and guardians! There’s lots of important updates in this week’s letter. Thank you for taking the time to read through them!
No school next week for Spring Break - we’ll see students again on Monday, March 23rd.
Food Drive: The food drive continues after Spring Break! Round 4 asks for Hygiene Items to be donated March 23-27. Thank you for donating if you have the means.
Spring has Sprung: Well not quite yet, but with these warm temperatures, it’s time for the hygiene note. Showering and deodorant reminders really help keep the environment in our hallways and classrooms bearable. Please help students come prepared for the warmer temperatures. Thank you!
CMAS: Students will complete their 6th grade CMAS testing on April 6th, 7th and 8th. If at all possible, please plan to have your child in school those days. Scheduling appointments on other days than those testing days will help us complete the testing efficiently.
Pencils: We have noticed that many students do not come to school with pencils. Over Spring Break, please check in with your child to be sure they have some pencils in their pencil pouch or backpack. We’re giving out multiple pencils daily. Some students need a better system.
Charging Chromebooks: Is your child in a good routine with charging their device? Do they have a charger that works? It’s important for them to take responsibility for charging their device each evening and having a fully charged chromebook for school. Thank you for helping us set them up for success.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): Last Friday we took the test on South American Geography. If you child was absent, please have them contact Mrs. Techmanski. Students must complete this during Transitions class. We started our study of Canada. Students should have completed assignments: 315 Canada Map Assignment, 316 Geography Now Video Guide, 317 All About Canada map. Completing these over Spring Break may be needed.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): Students completed their ‘Argument #2: Mars Prompt’ in class this week. If they did not turn it in already, they can work on it over Spring Break. I let students know that I will not mark them as ‘late’ until Monday, March 23rd. All materials are available in their Writable account.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): We continued studying density this week, and started our Density Lab. If we don’t finish it on Friday, we’ll continue the lab after break, so the lab will be a 4th quarter assignment. Have a wonderful Spring Break!
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): Students completed a One Pager assignment using their most recent book of choice this week. Enjoy your spring break.
Math (Mrs. Allison): Sixth grade math is working on surface area and volume and will begin looking at data and statistics when we return from break. Advanced 1 started our study of data and statistics this week and will continue with a look at data distribution and variability when we return from break.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180: All of the groups finished up Block 1 and are onto Block 2. They are understanding new concepts and working hard. You can check their progress online on the ED App.
Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We reviewed our paragraphs and made revisions. We continued to read and analyze and write about Extreme Sports!
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good afternoon, parents and guardians. The food drive is still happening (even if your child’s class is knocked out). Mr. Haxton and Mrs. Allison’s Connect classes are still in! More importantly, the food drive helps us restock our pantry here at Aspen Creek. Thank you for considering donating if you’re able to.
Registration for 7th Grade Elective Classes: We did it! Counselors joined us today in Science, and students recorded their class choices onto Infinite Campus. If your student was absent, counselors will be meeting with them to do so in the near future. We’re so fortunate to have such a wonderful menu of classes to choose from!
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): We are going to wrap up our study of South America this week. Students had a test on Friday. We’ll migrate north to Canada next.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): We are writing our “Argument #2: Mars Prompt”. The final draft will be due before students leave for Spring Break.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): This week we blended our skills of measuring mass and volume, and learned to calculate density. Our overlap with math is that density is a unit rate (g/cm3)...science is truly applied mathematics!
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): Students have continued to identify how characters change through story lines. We have also been trying out a new tool which uses AI to give students immediate, quality feedback on their writing responses.
Math (Mrs. Allison): Sixth grade math finished up our look at the area of various polygons this week. Next week, we will start our look at surface area and volume. This module will continue after spring break. Advanced 1 finished our look at surface area and volume this week. We will begin our study of data and statistics next week with a look at collecting and displaying data. We will finish this module when we return from spring break.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 (Mrs. Gettelman): This week many groups finished their first block of their books. We are reviewing skills that they have not mastered yet and working hard to understand the concepts.
Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): Students worked on their paragraph about whether or not free-climbing a rock face like Dawn Wall is too dangerous for inexperienced climbers. You can see your student’s response in Schoology. We are continuing to use text evidence and organizing our thoughts. We also worked on a variety of reading strategies to help with comprehension including: root words, academic vocabulary, close reading, and inferring.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good afternoon, parents and guardians. It was a fun Celebration of Reading week. Thank you for supporting our “Dive into Reading” experience and thank you to the PTA for organizing it!
Here is information about our Aspen Creek “March Madness" Food Drive, happening now. Thank you in advance for contributing if you have the means.
7th Grade Elective Class Registration - Mr.McDonald will return on Friday, March 6th to record student elective requests for 7th Grade. Here's the link to the google form students need to complete. Please use the link on the form to view the course descriptions in the catalogue prior to choosing classes. Thank you!
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): Students finished a group project on South America this week. We’ll continue studying South America and conclude with a test next week. I’ll post a study guide in Schoology over the weekend.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week we read and annotated articles which we’ll be using as evidence for our Argument #2 Prompt: Should humans spend time and resources attempting to create livable habitats on Mars? Next week we’ll start planning and drafting this argument.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): Last week we started our Penny Lab to observe both physical and chemical changes, and to make both qualitative and quantitative observations. We finished it this week and the lab write up is due on Monday at the end of the day.
On a side note, ask your student if gas has mass
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): Students continued with our CommonLit unit this week.
Math (Mrs. Allison): Sixth grade spent the week working on finding the area of various polygons. This will continue next week with a test on this module expected on block day next week. Advanced 1 finished their look at the area of special polygons this week with a test on block day. Next, we will move on to nets, surface area, and volume. This is another quick module with a test expected next Friday.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 /Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): Both of the 180 classes are pass/fail at the semester. However, each month students receive a letter grade based on the rubric that we made in the beginning of the year. The rubric is posted in Schoology. The grades are based on participation and effort.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good afternoon, parents and guardians. Here’s a few updates from our short week.
Mr. McDonald met with 6th graders on Friday, and showed them how to register for their 7th Grade elective courses. According to the worksheet students are bringing home, students need to fill 2 periods of their day, and they can do this in one of three ways: Choose 2 year-length classes OR 1 year-length class and 2 semester-length classes OR 4 semester-length classes. Families have 2 weeks to make these decisions, since Mr.McDonald will return on March 6th to record student choices. Here's the link to the google form students need to complete. Please use the link on the form to view the course descriptions in the catalogue prior to choosing classes. Thank you!
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): In this short week, we continued working on our “Race Through South America” project. We’ll be finishing this project up next week. Please remind your child to charge their chromebooks each night.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): I am currently in the process of grading Argument #1 and students previewed the prompt for Argument #2 this week. Ask them about Mars!
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): This week we started our first chemistry lab. We’re collecting both qualitative and quantitative observations while observing both physical and chemical changes. We also learned how to use a graduated cylinder.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): In Reading class, we kicked off the 2026 Celebrate Reading Week with 35 minutes of reading. Make sure to give your student credit for those 35 minutes. (They have my permission) Encourage your student to read more than they normally do. We want to win prizes! Here is our Dive Into Reading video with more information if you need it. The blank reading logs and Bingo forms will come home today. Next week, students may count the 10 minutes spent in class every day on their reading logs. We will also have a “Nothing But Read Day” on Tuesday to add to their minutes. Lastly, encourage your student to participate in the spirit days.
Math (Mrs. Allison): Sixth grade math spent the week finishing our last algebra module on linear equations with a test on Friday. Next week, they will start areas of triangles, special quadrilaterals, and composite figures. Advanced 1 started their study of the area of triangles, special quadrilaterals, and composite futures this week and will finish it up next week.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 /Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman):
In Math 180, we are continuing to make progress in our books and on our App. Ask your child to show you their computer program and explain how it works.
In Read 180, we worked on our new unit- No Ordinary Sport. We are studying a drama between two climbers. We are analyzing: the setting, the central idea and details. Then we summarized the story.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good afternoon, parents and guardians! Remember, no school Monday or Tuesday of next week. We’ll see students on Wednesday, February 18th.
Thank you to all who met with us during parent teacher conferences this week! We enjoyed sharing with you the progress kids are making in our classes. If you haven’t signed up for a conference yet, we have one night next week: Wednesday, February 18th. Please check your email for a message from bvsd.helpatschool to sign up. Thanks!
A Precious Child Junior Board Movie Night: We were asked to pass this information along about an upcoming event sponsored by A Precious Child:
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): We continued to learn about the history, geography and culture of South America. Students began a project on Block Day this week and will continue on this project next week.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week students revised, edited and created a final draft version of Argument #1: School Improvement.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): Greetings! This week we started studying the physical properties of matter, classifying objects by color, texture, luster and shape. We also familiarized ourselves with some of the elements on the periodic table and found out by experimentation that gas has mass!
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): This week students visited our library and continued to work on our CommonLit unit.
Math (Mrs. Allison): This week 6th grade math finished our module introducing linear equations and will test on this module next week. Advanced 1 finished our look at polygons on the coordinate plane with a test on Friday. Next, both classes will move on to finding the area of triangles and special quadrilaterals.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 /Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): I hope that you all enjoyed your student’s self-reflection videos. I enjoyed meeting with many of you this week to discuss their progress.
In Read 180, we have started a new series called No Ordinary Sport. In Math 180 we are continuing in our books and meeting in small groups to support their learning.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good afternoon, parents and guardians. We look forward to meeting with you during conferences next week! If you haven’t yet signed up, look in your email for communication from bvsd.helpatschools for a link. We are hosting conferences on Tuesday, February 10th, Thursday, February 12th and Wednesday, February 18th.
Conferences Format: Conferences will be held virtually this Spring and are five minute slots. Please do your best to join the meet on time; five minutes goes by very quickly! Also, if your conference goes over the allotted time, teachers will have to end the meeting after 5 minutes in order to meet with the next group.
Multitasking Presentation: Mrs. Shearer, our amazing assistant principal, gave all 6th grade students a presentation last week on multitasking / switch tasking and made the connection between being off task on chromebooks and how this impacts students’ focus and productivity. Here is her presentation if you are interested in learning more about this. In our classes, we are noticing students struggling with self-control when it comes to playing games on their devices. We will continue teaching students when to use their computers and how to stay on task while completing digital assignments.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): This week we looked at the standard of living of the countries in South America. Students graphed their results. Next week we’ll start a new project about South America.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): We worked on planning and drafting ‘Argument #1: School Improvement’ this week. Students are blending all we’ve learned so far about persuasion: rhetorical appeals, persuasive words and persuasive techniques to form a convincing argument. The final draft of this assignment will be due: Tuesday, February 10th. Also, I never do this… but I’m offering some extra credit over the weekend. It’s totally optional. The task is to find the rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos and logos) in superbowl ads. Here’s the handout in case your child left school without one or was absent today.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): This week we wrapped up our study of physics, and the test has been moved to Monday. Test retakes will be next Friday. Thank you.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): This week students continued to work on our CommonLit unit.
Math (Mrs. Allison): This week 6th grade math finished our study of writing and solving algebraic equations. Next we move to our last algebra module where we will take a look at linear equations. Advanced 1 will begin our study of geometry by graphing and measuring polygons on a 4-quadrant plane. We will also take a beginning look at transformations by reflecting a point across an axis. I will be sending home your child’s mid-year MAP growth report on Monday. It would be great to have it on hand during conferences so we can discuss their progress.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 /Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): All of the students made videos this week of their progress and goals. Please check your emails and take a moment to watch them!
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good afternoon, parents and guardians! Thank you for reading our weekly updates.
Toys: We are seeing another uptick in students bringing toys to school. Toys are distracting to the students who bring them and to all other students observing them in class. Please make sure your child knows not to bring them to school, and we’ll remind students that we’ll take toys away when they become a distraction to our learning environment.
Aspen Creek Cares: This week, during Connect, we had the amazing opportunity to create no sew blankets for A Precious Child organization. Students did a great job taking on this task and created some awesome blankets for our community. Thank you to all of our parent volunteers who organized and facilitated this service project. Here’s some pictures from that!
Planning any summer activities? Here’s the link for opportunities at Cal-Wood
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): We completed an end of unit assessment on the countries of Central America and are now migrating further south to learn about South America next.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week, students took a quiz on ethos, pathos, logos and began thinking about their first argumentative writing assignment. Ask them what they chose as their topic for the following prompt: What is ONE improvement schools could implement to make school better for kids?
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): This week we studied Newton’s 2nd and 3rd Laws of Motion. Next week we’ll finish off our study of physics, and take a look at the Law of Conservation of Momentum.
Your student received a Ch. 10 Study Guide on block day this week. Our Ch 10 Test will be next Friday, Feb 6th. Please encourage them to complete any missing Science assignments before the test. Thank you.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): This week, students completed their test on Theme. We have started our CommonLit unit, “The Forces that Shape Us.”
Math (Mrs. Allison): Sixth grade math is continuing our look at solving algebraic equations and inequalities. We will finish with an assessment next week. Advanced 1 finished our introduction to ratios and rates this week and will move on to using our knowledge ratios to convert measurements next week. This is a short module which will finish quickly.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 (Mrs. Gettelman): We continued to meet with our small groups and our App. On Thursday, we also learned about technology and the myth of multitasking!
Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): This week we focused on writing an essay about the negative impacts of drought. We found evidence, organized our essay, edited for transition words and run-on sentences.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
Good evening parents and guardians. I apologize that this weekly communication is coming to you on Sunday evening rather than Friday afternoon when it typically comes your way.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): This week we continued learning about Central America. We started a new project on block day and we have a test on Monday, Jan. 26. A study guide has been posted in Schoology and here is a link to it as well.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week we explored the concept of ‘Ethos, Pathos, Logos’. We looked at magazine ads and texts to see how the experts use these three rhetorical appeals. Next week we will have a quiz on these concepts. There are study materials available in our Schoology folder titled “Ethos, Pathos, Logos”.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): This week we learned about and experimented with Newton’s First Law of Motion. Ask your student which of the 8 activities were most difficult, and if they try to pull your tablecloth out from under your dishes, I hope they exerted enough outside force to make it turn out well!
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): Students continued working with Theme. The test on theme will be Tuesday. We also have started our unit on how characters change and develop through both internal and external pressures.
Math (Mrs. Allison): We finished our look at understanding math expressions this week with a test on Friday. Our next module will give us practice in solving algebraic equations and inequalities and graphing our results. Advanced 1 began our look at ratios and rates this week and will most likely have our assessment next Thursday.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 /Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): The students are doing well in the books and in the App. I have had conferences with each of them this week to discuss their progress and goals.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Good afternoon, parents and guardians. Remember, no school on Monday, January 20th. We’ll see students on Tuesday the 21st.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): We continued our study of the countries of Central America. We are focusing our attention on their standard of living by looking at the GDP, literacy rate, and life expectancy. We’ll be comparing each country further next week.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week students presented their Research slides and gave each other feedback on their presentation skills. We also began thinking about Persuasive writing which is our focus writing for the 3rd quarter. Finally, students completed Spotlight Piece #2; this assignment is due today.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): This week we experimented with friction, and started to study gravity. Next week we’ll apply our knowledge of these forces as related to Newton’s 1st Law of Motion. Ask your students about the results from their Friction Activities. (By the way, your students love balloons )
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): Students have been working on identifying themes in short stories and children’s picture books using the SLIME acronym.
Math (Mrs. Allison): Sixth grade math is wrapping up our introduction to algebra with an assessment next week. Next, we will move from writing algebraic expressions to solving them. Advanced 1 finished our look at algebra this week with our test on linear equations. Our next module will introduce us to ratios and rates.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 /Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We are off to a great start. The students are working hard and making gains already. They will receive a letter grade based on their participation and effort every 3 weeks in IC, but at the end of the semester they will receive a pass/fail grade. There is no homework in the 180 programs, but the students can show you their APP on the portal. We also have book activities that we do in class.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website
CalWood Summer Camps: We know it is never too early for many families to plan their summer plans. Here is a link to summer camps offered by CalWood Outdoor Education Center.
Parking Lot Update: If you use the West parking lot for student drop off in the morning, please see this message from Principal Jones.
We have linked our new protocol HERE. Please familiarize yourself with this informative infographic - paying close attention to the RED zones. These zones are not drop off areas - please remain in your vehicle with your student until you reach the GREEN zone.
Social Studies (Mr. Haxton): Geography, culture, and society of Central America are the topics we’re covering over the next few weeks. Students completed a map assignment on block day, and learned about GDP on Friday.
Language Arts (Mrs. Techmanski): This week students completed their Research Slides. I’ve changed the format of presentations due to time constraints. Now, all students will present their Research to a small group on Tuesday, January 13th. You might ask your child to share their research presentation with you this weekend and give them some feedback on how they can make it as engaging as possible for their peers.
Science (Mrs. Sumerfield): This week we tried our best to catch up from the days we missed prior to break. We wrapped up our study on Force, and periods 1, 3 and 7 made some crystallized objects. Although we’ll study crystal and amorphous solids later in the year, it was still time to do something festive. Students also received their science grade sheet today, so their report card grade won’t be a surprise.
Reading (Ms. Weisheit): Students are working on a Story Box to represent one of their last completed books. They are due next Wednesday. We also softened our abrupt ending to the first semester by getting all classes caught up and on the same page.
Math (Mrs. Allison): Sixth grade math is diving into our study of algebra this week with a look at writing and interpreting numerical and algebraic expressions. Students will also need to develop a strong understanding of order of operations to be successful in this unit. Advanced 1 is completing our look at algebra with writing and solving linear equations using tables, graphs, and real-world problems.
Math (Mrs. Gilmore Advanced 2): Please refer to this slide for information from Mrs. Gilmore.
Math 180 /Read 180(Mrs. Gettelman): We started a new semester with a new mix of students. We got new books and groups. Just a reminder that this is a pass/fail class. The students are graded on participation and effort. You can ask your student to share their online work with you.
Thank You!
Mark Haxton mark.haxton@bvsd.org
Lisa Sumerfield lisa.sumerfield@bvsd.org
Brenda Weisheit brenda.weisheit@bvsd.org
Chelsie Techmanski chelsie.techmanski@bvsd.org
Jeri Tagawa jeri.tagawa@bvsd.org
Kirsten Allison kirsten.allison@bvsd.org
Monica Gilmore monica.gilmore@bvsd.org
Francesca Gettelman francesca.gettelman@bvsd.org
Greg McDonald (6th Grade Counselor) greg.mcdonald@bvsd.org
Link to the 6th Grade Website