September 16 to September 20, 2013

Another week has begun, and the weather is more like fall.  Football, soccer and volleyball games are happening. It is great to hear the marching band practice and play from my back deck.  One advantage to a short commute to school.

• Permission slips will be given out for the October 16th field trip to the New England Aquarium today.  The entire freshman class will be participating in this trip.  Cost is $17.00 and a bag lunch is required.  Contact Mrs. Weston cweston@plymouth.k12.ma.us if there are any concerns or questions.  
• Wednesday, September 18th is the first 1/2 day. Students will be dismissed at 11:05 a.m.
• Late buses start this week, Tuesdays and Thursdays leaving school at 4 p.m. thanks to a special grant.
• Homework Club is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15 until 3:00 p.m.  Encourage your student to stay and get their homework done, or get extra help.

English CPB period E is working on their letters to Mr. Loranger about their high school experience and feelings so far. Vocabulary Unit 1 is partially completed, and the test will be next week. Keep reviewing the words and definitions. In addition, we are getting ready to begin our first novel, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.  The novel will be read aloud in class, and students will complete comprehension questions and other comprehension activities.  Background information about the 1930's during the Depression, along with the migrant lifestyle will be discussed prior to reading the book.

Study Skills period G: Daily routine is agenda check, work on assignments of the day, prepare for tests/quizzes. We will also begin working on the time management portion of the study skills curriculum. Students are encouraged to fill out their agendas during the day when teachers say "take out your agenda and write down your assignment"--too many of the students are losing daily points because they are waiting until Study Skills class and then asking me, "What's our homework?'   

• First problem solving activity--writing in math begins this week and will continue on 1/2 days throughout the year.
• Scientific Method Unit has been completed, and quiz will be Wednesday--complete your study guide.  
• This I believe essay in Mrs. Weston's English class will be due later this week. Make sure you submit your drafts along with your final copy.  
• Students now have the access codes and addresses for the science and history books online.  Science book--go to jpotterscience.blogspot.com for web address, user name and password. For the history book--go to mstantonhistory.blogspot.com for web address, user name and passwork.  No excuse that you forgot your book.  Students also have Connected accounts for math online, and should be using this to complete assignments.

Make sure you check the teachers' blogs and stay up-to-date with work.  You can check your grades in Aspen to make sure you are caught up with assignments.  Blogs can be accessed from my page or by going directly to the individual teacher's blog.