Copy of email sent home February 23
Hello 6th Grade Families,
We hope you had a wonderful extended break. As we return to school, we are also getting ready to begin an integrated unit on the Iditarod. This unit is initiated in Language Arts but is extended to other contents too. This year, we have had lots of firsts already: a rookie musher, postcard pals across the country, and a teacher finalist for the Iditarod EDU Program. Mrs. Schoff will leave on February 28 and return on March 11. She will be traveling to Alaska with two other teachers from across the country to have their final interview process for the 2027 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail. She will be presenting, taking classes on dog safety and handling, and volunteering at the race itself. The kids will be in great hands. Mrs. Walker, the Language Arts teacher on the other team, will be their teacher while she is away. Hopefully, Mrs. Schoff will be able to FaceTime from Alaska to see the kids and make the learning experience authentic.
1. Conferences at this time of year for 6th grade are limited to one night, March 5. There will be a sign-up sent out to some parents that we did not have an opportunity to see in the Fall. Students will be filling out a Mid-Year Self-Reflection that will be sent home for your viewing. If you feel that you need a conference at this time, please email Tami Schoff.
2. On Thursday, March 12th, we are hosting our 6th Grade Dance “Things were STRANGER in the 80's” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. We will have dancing, basketball, volleyball, and board games for kids to enjoy. There is a $5.00 entry fee, and concessions and 80's goodies will be sold. If you would like to donate a food item, please sign up here.
3. On Thursday, April 2nd, we will be having an Iditarod Day, where we will be celebrating our Iditarod unit. On this day, we will have a variety of cooperative and interactive activities related to the famous dog sled race in Alaska, and have Lara Renner, a dog sled racer and her dogs on Team Snowspeeder, come in to talk with us about racing in Maine’s Can-Am in Fort Kent, Maine, and how she challenges herself and tackles her busy life.
4. At this time of year, some school supplies are running low. Please check to make sure that your child has writing utensils for school and bring their laptop to school fully charged.
Thanks for your support,
6 White Teachers
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Copy of email sent home November 25
Dear Families,
As a sixth grade, we explore the Iditarod, an Alaskan Sled Dog Race. It starts the first Saturday in March. This year, for the first time ever, we are so lucky to have been given a rookie musher to assist and have contact with before and during the race. We have been tasked with making all the booties that the dogs wear in the race.
We are in dire need of people who know how to sew on a sewing machine. We have booked a classroom for after school on December 11th and 16th. We would need adults to sew and show students how to use a machine. If you are available or know someone who would love to join us, please let us know.
Thank you,
Lynn Walker & Tami Schoff
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Copy of email sent home October 27
Dear Families,
Thank you for sharing your children with us. We have had a great start to the school year. We look forward to so many more moments to grow together this year.
Fall conferences will be held on Wednesday, November 5th, Thursday, November 20th, and Monday, November 24th. If you would like a conference at this time, please read the information on the sign-up sheet.
6White Fall Conference Sign-Up
At this time of year, we also partner with the Table of Plenty Soup Kitchen and collect for a toiletry drive. Please view the attached note to read how you can support us, support them. On Wednesday, October 29, we start our 12 Days of Giving.
Sincerely,
6White Teachers
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Copy of email sent home September 29
Dear Families,
As the first month of school comes to a close, we still have many new experiences to share with our students.
October 8 - Soup Kitchen
We feel it is important to introduce the students to different community service projects. We have partnered with The Table of Plenty in Berwick, ME. We prepare and serve four meals over the course of the year. If you did not see a permission slip, your child can still help out by making dessert for us to bring on Wednesday, October 8.
October 21/22 - Maine Military Museum
In preparation for our annual Veterans Day Celebration, we take the students on a field trip to South Portland to meet Lee Humiston, museum curator. “The museum’s mission is to teach today’s and future generations the meaning of 'SERVICE ABOVE SELF.’Through authentic artifacts displayed in various formats throughout the museum, viewers can witness the experiences and sacrifices of past members of our Armed Forces. Museum exhibits cover every aspect of military service from the Revolutionary War to Afghanistan and Iraq. The primary focus is American Prisoners of War (POWs) from our Civil War up to the Vietnam Conflict.” Permission Slips went home on Friday, September 26.
3. Extras - If your child wants to get involved with some outside activities, here’s some information we have:
Maine Attendance Campaign “Rooted in Learning, Growing Every Day: Be Pine Tree Present!” In conjunction with the state slogan, our school is having a logo contest. Your child can create a logo for our school around the importance of attendance. Logo designs are due by October 6.
Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest - This year’s theme is “How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?” Our local VFWs highly encourage students to participate. We have had lots of winners in the past. Submissions due by October 31.
Thanks for your support,
6th Grade Teachers
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Copy of email sent home September 15
Dear Families,
As the first full week of middle school has come and gone, we have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know your child. They have asked lots of great questions and heard a substantial amount of new information. We are providing you with some of the same information in case they have not relayed it to you. Since you know your child best, we are also providing a short survey to help us get to know your family.
Here are the top 10 frequently asked questions (with answers) so far this year.
Sincerely,
6 White Teachers
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