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