WELCOME!!!

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Mr. McDowell's classroom blog. I am very excited to have a classroom webpage and I hope that you will find it useful. The purpose of this blog is to provide a convenient (and reliable) communication link between students, parents, the school and Mr. McDowell. I invite you to check this blog on a daily basis as I will be posting valuable information about the classroom and the school - including daily homework assignments, important dates, classroom/school news, etc.

For your convenience, you can also sign-up to receive "daily updates" from this blog that automatically gets sent to your email every day there is a new posting. Simply type in your email address into the 'submit' box found on the right side of this blog.

More importantly, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your son/ daughter, please do not hesitate to contact me via phone, email, or this blog:

M.C. Knoll School - 786-5540
Email - benson.mcdowell@gssd.ca



Friday, October 29, 2010

Happy Halloween!!!

Pumpkin Carving

Classroom News - Oct. 29

Ask your son/daughter about all of the great activities we did today - including the math test (fun, fun, fun), pumpkin carving, Halloween parade, and movie!

A newsletter was sent home today in regards to accessing your son/daughter's report card online.

Have a safe and frightful Halloween weekend!!!

Reminders:
- Gr. 7 students will embark on a trip to the Harvest Showdown Thursday, Nov. 4.

Homework:
Math - Decimals Unit TEST (OVERDUE)
Phys. Ed. - Active Living and Relationship Goal (Monday, Nov. 1)
LA - "How to Produce a Record" Questions and Activities (Tuesday, Nov. 2)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 28

We are going to have a busy day tomorrow (see reminders below)!

Reminders:
- Gr. 7 students will be pumpkin carving with a younger grade tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 29). Students are encouraged to bring the necessary 'carving tools' for this project (ie: knives should be stored in a safe container).
- Tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 29) at 1:15 will be our annual MC Knoll Halloween Parade. Come on out and enjoy some great fun!
- Also, students are invited to bring some 'healthy' snacks for tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 29) as our 7M class will be enjoying a movie in the afternoon.

Homework:
LA - October Writing Folder (OVERDUE)
Math - Decimals Unit TEST (Friday, Oct. 29)
Phys. Ed. - Active Living and Relationship Goal (Monday, Nov. 1)
LA - "How to Produce a Record" Questions and Activities (Tuesday, Nov. 2)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 27

Who ordered all of this snow???

Check out our "cool" class picture at the bottom of this blog.

A short pamphlet from the Boys and Girls Club about a Halloween event this weekend was sent home today.

Reminders:
- Gr. 7 students will be pumpkin carving with a younger grade Friday, Oct. 29. Students are encouraged to bring the necessary 'carving tools' for this project (ie: knives should be stored in a safe container).
- Friday, Oct. 29 at 1:15 will be our annual MC Knoll Halloween Parade. Come on out and enjoy some great fun!
- Also, students are invited to bring some 'healthy' snacks for Friday, Oct. 29 as our 7M class will be enjoying a movie in the afternoon.

Homework:
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)
Math - 3.8 Worksheet (Thursday, Oct. 28)
Math - Decimals Unit TEST (Friday, Oct. 29)
Phys. Ed. - Active Living and Relationship Goal (Monday, Nov. 1)

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 26

Reminders:
- Gr. 7 students will be pumpkin carving with a younger grade Friday, Oct. 29. Students are encouraged to bring the necessary 'carving tools' for this project (ie: knives should be stored in a safe container).
- Friday, Oct. 29 at 1:15 will be our annual MC Knoll Halloween Parade. Come on out and enjoy some great fun!
- Also, students are invited to bring some 'healthy' snacks for Friday, Oct. 29 as our 7M class will be enjoying a movie in the afternoon.

Homework:
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)
Math - Decimals Unit TEST (Friday, Oct. 29)
Phys. Ed. - Active Living and Relationship Goal (Monday, Nov. 1)

Monday, October 25, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 25

Happy Monday!!!

Reminders:
- Gr. 7 students will be pumpkin carving with a younger grade Friday, Oct. 29.  Students are encouraged to bring  the necessary 'carving tools' for this project (ie: knives should be stored in a safe container).
- Friday, Oct. 29 at 1:15 will be our annual MC Knoll Halloween Parade.  Come on out and enjoy some great fun!
- Also, students are invited to bring some 'healthy' snacks for Friday, Oct. 29 as our 7M class will be enjoying a movie in the afternoon.

Homework:
Math - Page 130 #1-3 (Tuesday, Oct. 26)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)
Phys. Ed. - Active Living and Relationship Goal (Monday, Nov. 1)

Friday, October 22, 2010

Donation to Skylar

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful support of one of our students - Skylar. Our school community, along with some very generous organizations were able to raise $1650 in support of Skylar and family. GREAT JOB MC KNOLL!

Classroom News - Oct. 22

If you been able to log-on to your son/daughters "online report card", you may have noticed that is acting a little goofy.  Not only can you NOT see every assignment/test/etc. (as I promised), but the Science mark is incorrect.  Mr. Trost and I will look at correcting this error next week.  Thanks for your patience.  (If you have no idea what I am talking about, I will be sending out information next week in regards to you accessing your son/daughters marks online)...

Have a wonderful weekend!

Reminders:
- Picture retakes are on Monday, Oct. 25 (if required)

Homework:
Art - Characture Drawings (OVERDUE)
Social - Location Unit Title Page (OVERDUE)
Social - October "What in the World" (OVERDUE)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 21

Thanks to everyone who came out to our MC Knoll Open House.  I always enjoy the conversations!

Skylar, a student in our 7M class will be heading to Edmonton next week for major heart surgery. As an MC Knoll school community, we thought we could help out Skylar's family by making a small donation to her cause. We will be collecting any donations tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 21).

Reminders:
- Please return the electronic newsletter form (orange-colored) - it is OVERDUE
- "Youth Smoking Survey" permission forms need to be signed and returned by tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 22).

Homework:
Health - Fitness Goal Reflection (OVERDUE)
Art - Characture Drawings (Friday, Oct. 22)
Social - Location Unit Title Page (Friday, Oct. 22)
Social - October "What in the World" (Friday, Oct. 22)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 20

I hope to see everyone out at tonights MC Knoll Open House (5:00 -7:00 pm).

Skylar, a student in our 7M class will be heading to Edmonton next week for major heart surgery. As an MC Knoll school community, we thought we could help out Skylar's family by making a small donation to her cause. Some information was sent home today about this...

Reminders:
- Please return the electronic newsletter form (orange-colored) - it is OVERDUE
- "Youth Smoking Survey" permission forms need to be signed and returned by Friday, Oct. 22.
- Book Fair runs this week from Tuesday to Thursday (Oct. 19-21)

Homework:
French - Greetings Test (Thursday, Oct. 21)
Health - Fitness Goal Reflection (Thursday, Oct. 21)
Art - Characture Drawings (Friday, Oct. 22)
Social - Location Unit Title Page (Friday, Oct. 22)
Social - October "What in the World" (Friday, Oct. 22)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 19

A permission form was sent home today about students participating in a "Youth Smoking Survey". Please sign and return this by Friday, Oct. 22.

Reminders:
- Please return the electronic newsletter form (orange-colored) ASAP
- Book Fair runs this week from Tuesday to Thursday (Oct. 19-21)
- There is an MC Knoll Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 20 starting at 5:00 pm. Come on out!

Homework:
French - Greetings Test (Thursday, Oct. 21)
Art - Characture Drawings (Friday, Oct. 22)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Monday, October 18, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 18

Happy Monday!

If students fail to hand in assignments the day they are due, I will be sending a pink form home indicating what assignments are overdue.

Reminders:
- Please return the electronic newsletter form (orange-colored) ASAP
- Book Fair runs this week from Tuesday to Thursday (Oct. 19-21)
- There is an MC Knoll Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 20 starting at 5:00 pm. Come on out!

Homework:
Math - 3.6/3.7 Dividing Decimals Worksheet (OVERDUE)
Math - Robot Factory Problem Solving (OVERDUE)
French - Greetings Test (Thursday, Oct. 21)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Friday, October 15, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 15

Ask your son/daughter about their 'bike trip'.

A book fair pamphlet was sent home today.

Due to the overwhelming number of students failing to get their homework done on time, the grade 7 and 8 teachers are now starting a "Noon Hour Homework Room".  A newsletter was sent home today with information about this.

Also, within my own 7M class, I will be starting a new homework policy as well.  If students fail to hand in assignments the day they are due, I will be sending a pink form home indicating what assignments are overdue.  I will be starting this on Monday, Oct. 18.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Reminders:
- Please return the electronic newsletter form (orange-colored) by Monday, Oct. 18.
- Book Fair runs next week from Tuesday to Thursday (Oct. 19-21)
- There is an MC Knoll Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 20 starting at 5:00 pm.  Come on out!

Homework:
Math - 3.6/3.7 Dividing Decimals Worksheet (Monday, Oct. 18)
Math - Robot Factory Problem Solving (Monday, Oct. 18)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 14

For the grade 7 students' first Adventure Ed. activity tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 15), students will need to bring a bike and helmet as we will be doing 'mountain biking'.

Have a great afternoon off!

Reminders:
- If you would like to order any photos, please sign and return the picture order form and money by Friday, Oct. 15.
- Please return the electronic newsletter form (orange-colored) by Monday, Oct. 18.

Homework:
LA - "Ears Wide Open..." Questions and Activities (OVERDUE)
LA - In the Wild Jungle Descriptive Story (OVERDUE)
Math - Division Worksheet #1-8 (OVERDUE)
Math - Robot Factory Problem Solving (due Monday, Oct. 18)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 13

Sorry about the no post yet again - I have been fighting a bad cold for the last couple of weeks.

Grade 7 students will be participating in Adventure Ed. for the next five weeks (as opposed to going to P.A.A).  For their first activity on Friday, Oct. 15, students will need to bring a bike and helmet as we will be doing 'mountain biking'.

There were two newsletters sent home today including information about an MC Knoll open house on Wednesday, Oct. 20 (yellow), as well as information about electronic newsletters (orange).

Tomorrow is another noon hour early dismissal...Yahoo!

Reminders:
- "Drive Away Hunger" food bag, along with any non-perishable food donations, are now OVERDUE.  Students will be loading up the food tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 14)
- If you would like to order any photos, please sign and return the picture order form and money by tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 14).

Homework:
LA - "Ears Wide Open..." Questions and Activities (OVERDUE)
LA - In the Wild Jungle Descriptive Story (OVERDUE)
Math - Division Worksheet #1-8 (due Thursday, Oct. 14)
Math - Robot Factory Problem Solving (due Monday, Oct. 18)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Friday, October 8, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 8

Have a great Thanksgiving Long Weekend - we will see you back on Tuesday, Oct. 12!

Reminders:- "Drive Away Hunger" food bag, along with any non-perishable food donations, is due sometime before Tuesday, Oct. 12.
- If you would like to order any photos, please sign and return the picture order form and money by Thursday, Oct. 14.

Homework:
LA - "Ears Wide Open..." Questions and Activities (Tuesday, Oct. 12)
Misc. - SRC Speeches/Presentations (optional) (Wednesday, Oct. 13)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 7

The 2009-2010 yearbooks were sent home today (again)...

Reminders:
- "Drive Away Hunger" food bag, along with any non-perishable food donations, is due sometime before Tuesday, Oct. 12.
- If you would like to order any photos, please sign and return the picture order form and money by Thursday, Oct. 14.

Homework:
Math - 3.4 Multiplication Worksheet (Friday, Oct. 8)
Math - American Money Problem Solving (Friday, Oct. 8)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 6

The 2009-2010 yearbooks were sent home today (if you ordered one last year)...

Ask your son/daughter about their last PAA class of the term.

Reminders:
- "Drive Away Hunger" food bag, along with any non-perishable food donations, is due sometime before Tuesday, Oct. 12.
- If you would like to order any photos, please sign and return the picture order form and money by Thursday, Oct. 14.

Homework:
LA - Read "Ears Wide Open" (Thursday, Oct. 7)
Social - Personal Coat of Arms (Thursday, Oct. 7)
Math - Multiplication Worksheet #1-8 (Thursday, Oct. 7)
Math - American Money Problem Solving (Friday, Oct. 8)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 5

Reminders:
- "Drive Away Hunger" food bag, along with any non-perishable food donations, is due sometime before Tuesday, Oct. 12.
- If you would like to order any photos, please sign and return the picture order form and money by Thursday, Oct. 14.

Homework:
Math - 3.2 Worksheet (add/subtract) (OVERDUE)
LA - "Nimbus Sky..." Questions and Activities (OVERDUE)
Social - Personal Coat of Arms (Thursday, Oct. 7)
Math - American Money Problem Solving (Friday, Oct. 8)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Monday, October 4, 2010

Classroom News - Oct. 4

Happy Monday!

Ask your son/daughter about the African Dancers we had our at school today - they were great!

Picture Order Forms were sent home today.  If you would like to order any photos, please sign and return the appropriate information and money by Thursday, Oct. 14.

Reminders:
- If you would like to make any food donations to those who are less fortunate, we sent home a large "Drive Away Hunger" paper bag last week. Please return the bag, along with any non-perishable food donations, sometime before Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Homework:
LA - Creative Writing Folder Design (OVERDUE)
Math - 3.2 Worksheet (add/subtract) (due Tuesday, Oct. 5)
LA - "Nimbus Sky..." Questions and Activities (due Tuesday, Oct. 5)
Social - Personal Coat of Arms (Thursday, Oct. 7)
Math - American Money Problem Solving (Friday, Oct. 8)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)

Friday, October 1, 2010

Turkey Time

Here our some photos of our grade 7M class enjoying some buddy time with our grade 1B friends - making Thanksgiving crafts!

Classroom News - Oct. 1

It is hard to believe that we have already made it through one month of the school year - and a great one at that!

The October Newsletter was sent home today.

Also, if you would like to make any food donations to those who are less fortunate, we have sent home a large "Drive Away Hunger" paper bag for you.  Please return the bag, along with any non-perishable food donations, sometime before Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Have a wonderful weekend...

Reminders:
- There is an African Dance group coming to MC Knoll Monday, Oct. 4 from 2:00-3:00. Come on out and enjoy the entertainment.

Homework:
Art - Art Folders (OVERDUE)
Music - Rhapsody in Blue Picture (due Monday, Oct. 4)
LA - Creative Writing Folder Design (due Monday, Oct. 4)
Math - 3.2 Worksheet (add/subtract) (due Tuesday, Oct. 5)
LA - "Nimbus Sky..." Questions and Activities (due Tuesday, Oct. 5)
Social - Personal Coat of Arms (Thursday, Oct. 7)
LA - October Writing Folder (Thursday, Oct. 28)