Happy Holidays! Early out Wednesday, Dec. 23 1:30 Happy Holidays!
Hello 5th and 6th grade families! We are off to a great start in middle school and are SO PROUD of our students. They are adjusting to our new normal like the champions they are. Our school theme this year is "RISE ABOVE", and our 5/6 Rockets have certainly done so in showing patience, compassion, kindness and grit...just to name a few qualities.
HEADS UP:
Communication technology tools hit some bumps this week, so thank you for your patience as we get this side of things working properly.
Your child has a Google Classroom account. To see your child's work and progress in Google Classroom, you will need to access it through your child's Google Account using his/her login and password. This is the most effective and efficient way for you to see what your child is doing in each class.
Distance Learners: We are ready! Please be proactive in getting to be LIVE with your teacher. The MEET link for each class is on that class's Google Classroom tab.
Thank you for your kindness & patience, and please reach out to us with any questions.
Your 5/6 Team
5th and 6th grade Rockets are continuing to RISE ABOVE this week, and we honestly could not be more proud of them!
Happenings:
This week, not only did we have fun with science experiments and learn about the Ice Age, we also explored growth vs. fixed mindset and mental health awareness. Students learned strategies of recognizing and coping with stress & anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises and taking time to do things we can enjoy, which can help calm our stress.
They also practiced shifting their words and thoughts from fixed thoughts to growth thoughts. Ex: "Fixed mindset" statement = "This is too hard". "Growth mindset" statement: "This will take effort and finding the right strategy!"
Reminder: Google Classroom is your child's platform for learning this year. To see what they are doing in specific classes, you must use their login information.
Thank you for encouraging your child to continue the great job of wearing their masks! They are doing a wonderful job following this protocol. Shields are not allowed unless a doctor's order. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Sup't Mr. Kuehn.
IMPORTANT DATE for 6th Grade: The 6th grade is heading to Itasca State Park on Tuesday, September 29th. They will leave at 7:15am sharp! 👍 Your child will need a lunch and snack. Please plan to pick up your child around 5:00pm.
Fun Friday Dress-up days will begin next week! Friday, September 25th will be ROCKET PRIDE day, so kids can dress in their ROCKET GEAR! Go ROCKETS!
"It takes a big heart, and large, extra strong coffee, to shape little minds."😉☕️ ~ Pink Tulip Creations
With gratitude, Your 5/6 Team
Three weeks down, and YOU and YOUR CHILD are ROCKIN' IT!! 🚀Thank you for your hard work and encouragement at home regarding our new normal. It trickles over into school, and we appreciate it SO MUCH!
Happenings:
This week, kids had a blast learning about glaciers by recreating them and riding ice blocks (Mr. Arbuckle did, too!) Their brains were filled with "Brain Science" from Mr. Rogers, who explored the concept of compassion and how our brains are actually born with compassion (events and nature make us lose or gain it). Their neurons continued making connections in ELA by making text-to-text, text-to-self, text-to-world connections AND working on the writing process to get ready to publish their first piece of work. In math, they not only are working hard on "math stuff"...they are reflecting upon their weekly math empowering question!
BOOK ORDERS are due Wednesday, Sept. 30. The link and code are on Mrs. Johnson's page.
IMPORTANT DATE for 6th Grade: The 6th grade is heading to Itasca State Park on Tuesday, September 29th. They will leave at 7:15am sharp! 👍 Your child will need a lunch and snack. There is a gift shop for students to purchase items, so they can bring money if they wish). Please plan to pick up your child around 5:00pm.
Fun Friday Dress-up days are lifting our Rocket spirits! Friday, October 2nd is BEACH DAY! 🏖 Aloha, Rockets!🌺
Reminders: Google Classroom is your child's platform for learning this year. To see what they are doing in specific classes, you must use their login information.
"Dear parents, if you promise not to believe everything your child says happens at school, we promise to not believe everything your child says happens at home." 🤪- someecards
Happy Friday, Your 5/6 Team
YES! You and your child deserve a round of applause! We've made it another week and are still RISING ABOVE and ROCKIN' it! THANK YOU for your continued patience, support, and encouragement. 🏆🎉 P.S....hold on to your hats for our update!
This week, the 6th grade class got to enjoy a wonderful trip to colorful Itasca State Park. The class participated in a lot of amazing hikes while seeing historic sites such as: Indian burial mounds, Lake Itasca, Itasca Fire Tower, and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. While the 6th graders were gone, the 5th graders got to enjoy an afternoon of painting and an outdoor scavenger hunt!
In the ELA classroom, 6th graders finished their first published piece of writing, and 5th graders worked hard on the writing process. Their brains were exploding with recognizing figurative language in text. As good readers, authors, and thinkers, students continued making connections and started asking questions to help understand text. In Math, students reunited with their HomeLinks for the year, learning about AREA (grade 5) and statistics (grade 6).
Social studies had 5th graders exploring the Ancient Civilizations of the Mayans and Incas, while 6th graders dove into finding out the first people who came to Minnesota. Science was full of hot air...for the 5th graders anyway! They learned a lot about it. 6th grade students reviewed ecosystems and biomes. All students worked hard understanding new prefixes in Word Study. Whew - That's a wrap!
Next week: Science heads up: 6th grade doing a leaf project next week, need at least 5 different varieties of deciduous tree leaves.
Important Dates:
A. Conferences are Monday, November 9th. More details to come closer to date.
B. Distance Learning Days: Friday, November 6th & Friday, December 4th have been changed to Distant Learning Days for ALL students from 8:20 am until 12:00 pm.
C. HYBRID INFO: Starting Monday, Oct. 12, grades 7-12 will be shifting to our hybrid model of learning. However, elementary students will continue in-person learning every day. (Elementary Students WILL BE in the building on Friday, October 9th for In-Person Learning; grades 7-12 have no school).
4.WASH MASKS: To help kids stay healthy and not get facial infections, please be sure to send your child in wearing a clean mask each day.
5. TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT: Please help remind your child about the technology responsibility agreement he/she signed. Chromebooks are a privilege and will be taken away if the rules are not followed.
6. FREE ONLINE BOOKS: Check out Mrs. Johnson's page on how to sign up so your child can have FREE access to thousands of books online (2 hours per night).
7. IXL: Students can do IXL for Math and ELA ANYTIME, so feel free to encourage daily practice at home!
8. FUN FRIDAY DRESS-UP DAYS are lifting our Rocket spirits! Friday, October 9th is FLANNEL FRIDAY! 🕺
9. BOOK ORDERS can be placed anytime. The link and code are on Mrs. Johnson's page.
10. Reminders: Google Classroom is your child's platform for learning this year. To see what they are doing in specific classes, you must use their login information.
"Once, I told a chemistry joke. There was no reaction." - sayingimages
With Gratitude, Your 5/6 Team
Hi families ~ Wow - we are already 6 weeks into the 20-21 school year! Let's keep on truckin' together. We are continually proud of our students for their positive attitudes and the perseverance they are showing each and every day.
Important happenings: 5th grade is beginning their annual Poinsettia sales. Your child will be bringing home information this Wednesday. There are a few changes this year due to COVID protocols. Students are asked to sell to family or close friends; there is no door-to-door selling this year. If you are friends with business owners, feel free to ask them if they would like to make a bulk order to beautify their business. Poinsettias arrive Wednesday, Dec. 2nd starting at 3:30, however, pick-up will be scheduled.
Important Dates:
A. MEA BREAK: No school Thursday & Friday, October 15th & 16th
B. Conferences are Monday, November 9th. More details to come closer to date. They will be scheduled.
C. Distance Learning Days: Friday, November 6th & Friday, December 4th have been changed to Distant Learning Days for ALL students from 8:20 am until 12:00 pm.
D. HYBRID INFO: Starting this week, grades 7-12 have shifted to our hybrid model of learning. However, elementary students will continue in-person learning every day. (Elementary Students WILL BE in the building on Friday, October 9th for In-Person Learning; grades 7-12 have no school).
4. MASKS OVER THE NOSE: In order to continue in-person learning, we need to follow mask guidelines. We need to wear them indoors at all times, as well as make sure they are covering our noses.
5. TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT: Please help remind your child about the technology responsibility agreement he/she signed. Chromebooks are a privilege and will be taken away if the rules are not followed.
6. FREE ONLINE BOOKS: Check out Mrs. Johnson's page on how to sign up so your child can have FREE access to thousands of books online (2 hours per night).
7. IXL: Students can do IXL for Math and ELA ANYTIME, so feel free to encourage daily practice at home!
8. FUN FRIDAY DRESS-UP DAYS are lifting our Rocket spirits! Friday is HAT day!
"Teaching is a walk in the park...if that park is Jurassic Park (with technology)!"
Have a great long weekend, Your 5/6 Team
Hi families ~ Week 7, DOWN! This past week threw us for a snowy-loop, but students handled the snow day like the hard working troopers that they are!
Important happenings: POINSETTIA orders are DUE THIS THURSDAY, October 29th. There are a few changes this year due to COVID protocols. Students are asked to sell to family or close friends; there is no door-to-door selling this year. If you are friends with business owners, feel free to ask them if they would like to make a bulk order to beautify their business. Poinsettias arrive Wednesday, Dec. 2nd starting at 3:30, however, pick-up will be scheduled.
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS: Each homeroom class will be having their own Halloween celebration for this FRIDAY.
Students will be able to dress up all day! Costume preparations must be done at home, and costumes will be worn all day.
We will be celebrating with fall activities in the afternoon. Students may bring a treat to share with the class, but this is completely optional and must follow the safe snack list options. He/she can bring a single treat and beverage for self.
Face masks must still be worn.
Any treats must be store bought.
Students must continue social distancing.
Important Dates:
A. Conferences are Monday, Nov. 9th - Nov. 13th. Conferences will be in ZOOM or GOOGLE MEET format with your child's homeroom teacher. Each homeroom teacher will have his/her own schedule on dates that work best during that week. Your child must be present on the conference, as he/she will be leading the conference. Scheduling options will be sent via email early this week.
B. Distance Learning Days: Friday, November 6th & Friday, December 4th have been changed to Distant Learning Days for ALL students from 8:20 am until 12:00 pm.
4. MASKS OVER THE NOSE: In order to continue in-person learning, we need to follow mask guidelines. We need to wear them indoors at all times, as well as make sure they are covering mouths and noses.
5. FREE ONLINE BOOKS: Check out Mrs. Johnson's page on how to sign up so your child can have FREE access to thousands of books online (2 hours per night).
Have a SPOOK-TACULAR week, Your 5/6 Unicorn Princesses & Dragon Masters
Oh my gourd-ness, it's autumn! We had another great week in grades 5-6. Thank you for sending snow pants and cold gear with your child so they can enjoy the outdoors during recess.
Important Dates:
A. Conferences are Monday, Nov. 9th - Nov. 13th. Conferences will be in ZOOM or GOOGLE MEET format with your child's homeroom teacher. Each homeroom teacher will have his/her own schedule on dates that work best during that week. Your child must be present on the conference, as he/she will be leading the conference. If you haven't received a scheduling email from PTCFast, please let us know.
B. Distance Learning Days: This Friday, November 6th is a distance learning day for all Underwood students from 8:20am - noon. Friday, December 4th is also Distant Learning Days for ALL students.
Have a great week as we head into November! Your 5/6 Team
"Sweater weather, crunchy leaves, and pumpkin spice everything!" - na
Hello 5/6 families! Here are a few important tidbits from our team...
1. Conferences are Monday, Nov. 9th - Nov. 13th. Conferences will be in ZOOM or GOOGLE MEET format with your child's homeroom teacher. Each homeroom teacher will have his/her own schedule on dates that work best during that week. Your child must be present on the conference, as he/she will be leading the conference. If you haven't received a scheduling email from PTCFast, please let us know.
2. Distance Learning Days: TOMORROW, Friday, November 6th is a distance learning day for all Underwood students from 8:20am - noon. Friday, December 4th is also Distant Learning Days for ALL students.
3. SCIENCE ANNOUNCEMENT: Hello Parents, I just want to let everyone know that your student should be bringing home a Ottertail Power Bag filled with some goodies. These items are to be used over the next couple of weeks as we work through our Energy Lessons in Science. Your student will be asked to do some basic tests around the house and then asked to try these items out. I ask that you please try to assist them in these projects. You might be amazed at how much unnecessary energy you may be using. After the projects are completed, these items are yours to keep. Thanks again and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at jrogers@underwood.k12.mn.us Mr. Rogers
Happy and safe hunting to many of you this weekend! 5/6 Team
Hello families! We are grateful that 5/6 is still in-person learning and are hopeful we can stay this way for as long as possible. We do know that "Change IS the ONLY constant", so we do need to be ready for any type of change in this COVID-19 kind of world!
1. Thank you for a wonderful Conference turnout this past week. Please contact your child's homeroom teacher if your child has not yet completed the Student-Led Conference.
2. Distance Learning Days: Friday, December 4th is also Distant Learning Days for ALL students.
3. GOOGLE MEET SCHEDULE: Please make sure your child follows his/her HOMEROOM teacher's schedule, as in this link: Google Meet Schedule by Homeroom
Thank you for your continuing support. Go ROCKETS! The 5/6 Dream Team
For a little laugh: "Due to social distancing, we will no longer be shaking hands or hugging. In lieu of these, you may kneel or bow to us (from a safe distance). You are welcome." 😂
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
Things they are a changin'! We do know that "Change IS the ONLY constant", so we do need to be ready for any type of change in this COVID-19 kind of world!
Early OUT 12:30: Wednesday, Dec. 2nd
GOOGLE MEET SCHEDULE: Please make sure your child follows his/her HOMEROOM teacher's schedule, as in this link: Google Meet Schedule by Homeroom
POINSETTIA DRIVE-UP-PICK-UP is WED., Dec. 2nd. Group 1: Last name begins A-L 3:30 - 4:30, Group 2: Last name begins M-Z 4:30 - 5:30.
Thank you for your continued understanding. We've got this! The 5/6 Dream Team
For a little laugh:
Amazon: Your package 🎁 will be delivered Wednesday Me: When is that?🤔
Wow - where did the last three weeks go?! We are so proud of every 5th and 6th grader for persevering through teachers & classmates being distant teaching and adjusting to situations as they came over the past three weeks! Again, the only "for sure" we do know is that "Change IS the ONLY constant", so we do need to be ready for any type of change in this COVID-19 kind of world!
Dress-up days next week: Festive Holiday gear Mon, Tues, and Wed! On Wednesday, students will be having classroom celebrations. Any treats that are nut-safe are welcome.
Early OUT 1:30: Wednesday, Dec. 23rd
No School Thursday, Dec. 24th - Jan. 3rd. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 4th.
Chromebook Chargers: If you are NOT distance learning and have a Chromebook charger at home, it is NOT supposed to be there. Please send it back to school with your child. Thank you!
Happy holiday & Happy New Year! The 5/6 grade Mama & Papa Elves
"Treat every day like Christmas." - Buddy