KMS 6th Grade Parent Update

Hello,

This week we added a Daily Kindness Quote to our morning announcements in an effort to remind KMS students they have the opportunity to make an impact on other people, everyday. Sometimes, when others are kind it is easy. Sometimes being kind can be very difficult. Being kind is an intentional choice.

In PE/Health class KMS School Counselor David Krimmel and I will join Mr. Bechtol for a Healthy Relationship lesson addressing the issue of racial slurs, obscene jokes, and other types of name-calling based upon differences in students. Unfortunately, this is something that is reportedly occurring more frequently in our hallways, at recess and lunch. Some students do not appear to understand or grasp the meaning or offensive nature of the words they are using. Most we have talked to do not know what to do, or how to respond when they hear it or experience it.

In the meantime, start a conversation with your student, ask them if they remember the kindness quote of the day. Encourage them to look for ways to be kind to others.

There is a saying, "You get more of what you notice." It means, people like to be liked. (Just look at what people do to get "likes" on social media.) The more likes someone gets for a certain behavior, the more likely they are to repeat that behavior. Look for kindness in others, and be kind.

Mrs. Norton

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But, people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

Scan the QR code, or click the picture to order!

In February, we started a new incentive - help in the lunch room, and earn pizza for your tables!

By making sure tables and floors are clean before we leave, keeping our hands to ourselves, being quick to "gimme five" (stop, look, listen) when asked, and maintaining lower noise levels, students can earn points each day.

Weekly totals are added up and at the end of the month, the highest scoring tables win!! This week, Orange Tables were victorious and got to add some pepperoni or cheese pizza to their lunches!! Nice job, guys!

This week we created a collage of the water cycle and its different components. We have also talked about where they see this in their everyday lives and how important freshwater is as a natural resource. We have continued to look at weather patterns and will start talking more about how to predict the weather.

This week we practiced a lot with the literary device of characterization. This is a beautiful device that helps us get to know characters in stories that we read. Next week, we’ll be finishing up the book and discussing ways we can show our learning after spring break. Get ready for some more twists and turns as the book comes to an end. I encourage you to discuss it with your student. There’s lots of surprises still to come!

This week students began a Culture Survey that asks them questions about their own cultural traits. They’ve had time in class to begin working but have been encouraged to talk with family members about the questions as well. This survey will help them in their upcoming project where they will create a video about an aspect of their culture that will be featured in a Virtual Culture Fair. We did a project overview at the end of the week and will get into more details next week.

Students also read about coming-of-age traditions around the world and practiced writing facts and thoughtful questions using complete sentences.

In math this week, students brought in items to do a hands-on ratio lesson. We took photos with examples of ratios using their items and wrote ratio statements. To make a ratio, students learned that they need to sort things in categories and record the quantity in each category. We practiced with a digital pizza-making lesson and a review game. Next week, we will get into “equivalent ratios” using a fun taste-testing lesson and by working with a partner on a ratio poster. I will update grades on Sunday this week. Please contact me at any time with questions or if I can help with anything at aotto02@kibsd.org

1. Email volunteer@kibsd.org that you are interested in becoming a volunteer and let them know which volunteer opportunity you’re interested in.

2. Check your email for a message from Sterling Volunteers (TheAdvocates@sterlingvolunteers.com) and follow the steps in the email. If you don’t receive the email within 3 business days, please contact volunteer@kibsd.org

3. You will receive an email once your background check is complete, with instructions to visit a school site, complete a volunteer agreement form and present your ID to the secretary.

4. Start volunteering!

5. Any questions? Contact KMS Secretary Amanda Transano (Amanda.Transano@kibsd.org)

Email: hnorton01@kibsd.org
Website: www.kibsd.org/kms
Location: 722 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK, USA
Phone: (907) 486-7459