6th Grade News

Hello Parents!

This week we celebrated our Rise Above students with a doughnut Party and games.

These are students who, through the month of February earned Heart Rise Above tickets as teachers ‘caught’ them going above and beyond our RISE principles of Respect, Integrity, Self-Control, and Effort.

We also celebrated our Monthly Thunderhawk RISE winners. Students are chosen each month by their teachers for demonstrating our RISE principles.

I also did some learning of my own. I learned that you can make multiple channels on TikTok, make short TikTox insulting other kids, and then invite the kids that you just made fun of to follow your channel and they may not know who you are because of the anonymity of social media. This activity is growing among 6th grade students with 6th other 6th grade victims being the targets. An example would be something called a Ship n Dip. One student is paired with another as a ‘couple”. Sounds innocent until you see one student paired with a trash can. It’s not innocent. It’s bullying. What can you do? Check your child's social media accounts. What are they liking, posting, or saying?

To end on a more positive note - here are some pics from our celebrations this week!

How to Help Your Child Find Missing Assignments and Grades

Hello 6th Grade Families,

We finished our unit on rocks types, weather and erosion. We will finish the month of March with our unit on the Geological History of Earth.

Please remind your students to charge their Chromebooks to 100% each night, as they are essential for our daily activities in Science. Additionally, we regularly use wired headphones in class, so ensure they have those in their backpacks.

Thank you!

All reading for Literature Circles ended on Friday of last week. A comprehension test over the book each student read is scheduled for this Monday. A Group Project consisting of slides and a book trailer over the book will be completed in class this week. Examples of book trailers , grading rubrics and instructions can be found in Canvas. Students will share their group trailers with their class on Friday.

*As always…please remind your child to charge their Chromebook nightly, bring wired earbuds or headphones (to use with EdClub Vocabulary) and their Library book daily.

Students will finish the Central America and Caribbean unit and take the Chapter 7 test Friday, March 14th. All missing assignments are due the 14th as well.

As we embark on a new semester, I want to share some important updates and reminders to help support our students during this time.

**Schedule Changes**

Starting this semester, we will only be making schedule changes under valid circumstances. This means that, unless there has been a mistake or a specific reason that warrants a change, students will maintain their current class schedules. This consistency will help them settle into their routines and focus on their studies.

**Organizational Skills**

As we begin this new semester, I encourage you to work with your student on their organizational skills. Helping them establish a routine for homework, using planners, and setting aside time for studying can make a significant difference in their success. Encouraging good habits now will set them up for a productive year ahead.

**Seasonal Depression Awareness**

With the winter months upon us, some students may experience symptoms of seasonal depression. It's important to recognize the signs, which can include low energy, changes in sleep patterns, or feelings of sadness. Here are a few strategies to combat these feelings:

1. **Stay Active**: Encourage your student to participate in physical activities, whether it's sports, dance, or simple outdoor play. Exercise can boost mood and energy levels.

2. **Light Exposure**: Natural light can greatly impact mood. Try to get outside during daylight hours, or consider using a light therapy box to mimic sunlight.

3. **Stay Connected**: Encourage your child to spend time with friends and family, even if it's virtual. Social connections are vital for emotional well-being.

4. **Mindfulness and Relaxation**: Introduce your student to mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, to help manage stress and anxiety.

If you have any concerns about your child's emotional well-being or need support, please feel free to reach out to me. Together, we can ensure that our students have a successful and fulfilling semester.

Thank you for your continued support!