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



Monday, September 30, 2013

Adventure Ed. - Corn Maze


Classroom News - Sept. 30

Happy Monday!

Goodbye September...Hello October.

Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed. - the crazy and confusing Corn Maze by Canora.

Homework
LA - Writing Folder Design (OVERDUE)
Music - Rhapsody in Blue Drawing (Tuesday, Oct. 1)
Science - Surtsey Poster (Tuesday, Oct. 1)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)
Art - Art Folder (Monday, Oct. 7)

Reminders
- If you are interested in ordering from the September/October Scholastic Book orders, the appropriate form and fees are due by Thursday, Oct. 10.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 27

A newsletter was sent home regarding the MC Knoll bake sale.

Enjoy the weekend!

Homework
LA - Writing Folder Design (OVERDUE)
Math - Rounding Decimals (Monday, Sept. 30)
Music - Rhapsody in Blue Drawing (Tuesday, Oct. 1)
Science - Surtsey Poster (Tuesday, Oct. 1)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)
Art - Art Folder (Monday, Oct. 7)

Reminders
- If you are interested in ordering from the September/October Scholastic Book orders, the appropriate form and fees are due by Thursday, Oct. 10.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 26

Rain, rain, go away...

Homework
LA - "Living Life to the Extreme" Questions/Activities (Friday, Sept. 27)
LA - Writing Folder Design (Friday, Sept. 27)
Music - Rhapsody in Blue Drawing (Tuesday, Oct. 1)
Science - Surtsey Poster (Tuesday, Oct. 1)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)
Art - Art Folder (Monday, Oct. 7)

Reminders
- The Saltcoats Cross-Country race is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 27).
- If you are interested in ordering from the September/October Scholastic Book orders, the appropriate form and fees are due by Thursday, Oct. 10.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 25

Smiles were on display today.  HURRAY for picture day!

Stay tuned for our class picture to appear on the bottom of this blog...

Homework
Math - Decimals Review Quiz (OVERDUE)
LA - "Living Life to the Extreme" Questions (Thursday, Sept. 26)
LA - Writing Folder Design (Friday, Sept. 27)
Music - Rhapsody in Blue Drawing (Tuesday, Oct. 1)
Science - Surtsey Poster (Tuesday, Oct. 1)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- Terry Fox pledge forms are OVERDUE. 
- The Saltcoats Cross-Country race is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27.
- If you are interested in ordering from the September/October Scholastic Book orders, the appropriate form and fees are due by Thursday, Oct. 10.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 24

Bring your smile (and the "Picture Pose Form") for tomorrow as it is school picture day.  YAHOO!

Also, a small information slip was sent home today in regards to a "CTV Hometown Tour".  If you are interested in attending, please return the form by tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 25)

Lastly, a pile of Scholastic book orders were also sent out today.  If you are interested in ordering from any of the catalogues, please return the appropriate form and money by Thursday, Oct. 10.

Homework
Math - Decimals Review Quiz (Wednesday, Sept. 25)
LA - Writing Folder Design (Friday, Sept. 27)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- Terry Fox pledge forms are due tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 25). As an added incentive, if our MC Knoll school raises $450, some of the MC Knoll staff will dye their hair.
- The Saltcoats Cross-Country race is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 23

Happy Monday!

Homework
LA - Extreme Survival Stories Q's and Comic (OVERDUE)
Math - Garden Problem (Scaffolding W/S) (Tuesday, Sept. 24)
LA - Writing Folder Design (Friday, Sept. 27)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- Please return the "Picture Pose Form" by Wednesday, Sept. 25 - the day of school pictures for 7M.
- Terry Fox pledge forms are due by Wednesday, Sept. 25.  As an added incentive, if our MC Knoll school raises $450, some of the MC Knoll staff will dye their hair.
- The Saltcoats Cross-Country race is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Adventure Ed. - Biking and Frisbee Golf


Classroom News - Sept. 20

Ask your son/daughter about Adventure Ed.

A Terry Fox pledge form was sent home today.  Please return the form and any donations by Wednesday, Sept. 25.  As an added incentive, if our MC Knoll school raises $450, some of the MC Knoll staff will dye their hair.

Have an enjoyable weekend!

Homework
LA - Extreme Survival Stories Q's and Comic (Monday, Sept. 23)
LA - Writing Folder Design (Friday, Sept. 27)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- Please return the "Picture Pose Form" by Wednesday, Sept. 25 - the day of school pictures for 7M.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 19

Students will need a bike and helmet for tomorrow's (Friday, Sept. 20) Adventure Ed. class.  Also, please dress for the potentially "cold" weather we may have.

Homework
Math - Number Relationships TEST (Friday, Sept. 20)
Career G. - Career Survey Graph (Friday, Sept. 20)
LA - Extreme Survival Stories Q's and Comic (Monday, Sept. 23)
LA - Writing Folder Design (Friday, Sept. 27)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- Please return the "Picture Pose Form" by Wednesday, Sept. 25 - the day of school pictures for 7M.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 18

Ensure that your son/daughter has two pairs of shoes at school (one for indoor use and one for outdoor use). 

Homework
Social - Population and Desert (Thursday, Sept. 19)
Math - Number Relationships TEST (Friday, Sept. 20)
Career G. - Career Survey Graph (Friday, Sept. 20)
LA - Writing Folder Design (Friday, Sept. 27)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- Students will need a bike and helmet for next Adventure Ed. class on Friday, Sept. 20.
- Please return the "Picture Pose Form" by Wednesday, Sept. 25 - the day of school pictures for 7M.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 17

Encourage your son/daughter to sign-up to the many different activities offered in our building - including volleyball and choir.  Sign-up sheets were available today.

Homework
Math - 1.6 Worksheet (Multiples) (Wednesday, Sept. 18)
Social - Population and Desert (Thursday, Sept. 19)
Math - Number Relationships TEST (Friday, Sept. 20)
Career G. - Career Survey Graph (Friday, Sept. 20)
LA - Writing Folder Design (Friday, Sept. 27)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- Students will need a bike and helmet for next Adventure Ed. class on Friday, Sept. 20.
- Please return the "Picture Pose Form" by Wednesday, Sept. 25 - the day of school pictures for 7M.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 16

Happy Monday!

A few handouts were sent home today including:
- School Community Council Sign-up
- Picture Day Information and Pose Form

Homework
Math - 1.5 Worksheet (Div. by 0) (Tuesday, Sept. 17)
Social - Population and Desert (Thursday, Sept. 19)
Math - Number Relationships TEST (Friday, Sept. 20)
Career G. - Career Survey Graph (Friday, Sept. 20)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- Students will need a bike and helmet for next Adventure Ed. class on Friday, Sept. 20.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 13

I sure am glad "Friday the 13th" went well...

Enjoy the weekend!

Homework
Science - Scientist Poster (OVERDUE)
Social - Map #2 and #4 (Monday, Sept. 16)
Career G. - Career Survey Graph (Friday, Sept. 20)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- For those that are involved, there is the annual Deer Park Cross-Country event on Monday, Sept. 16.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 12

The City of Yorkton September Newsletter was sent home today.

Enjoy the early dismissal.

Homework
Math - Math 1.4 (Divisibility by 4 and 8) (Friday, Sept. 13)
Music - Abstract Drawing (Friday, Sept. 13)
Science - Scientist Poster (Friday, Sept. 13)
Social - Map #2 and #4 (Monday, Sept. 16)
Career G. - Career Survey Graph (Friday, Sept. 20)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- The "Noon Hour Permission" form is OVERDUE.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 11

Students went to the library for the first time this year.  Don't forget to read, read, read!

Tomorrow (Sept. 12) is the first 2:30 p.m. early dismissal of the year.

Homework
Math - Class Question (Thursday, Sept. 12)
Music - Abstract Drawing (Friday, Sept. 13)
Science - Scientist Poster (Friday, Sept. 13)
Social - Map #2 and #4 (Monday, Sept. 16)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- The "Noon Hour Permission" form is OVERDUE.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 10

We have now made it through our first 6-day cycle of class subjects.  I have made one change to the schedule - switching a Day 2 ELA with a Day 6 Art.  Refer to the updated schedule at the bottom of the blog.

Homework
Social - Map and Questions #1 (Wednesday, Sept. 11)
Music - Abstract Drawing (Friday, Sept. 13)
Science - Scientist Poster (Friday, Sept. 13)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- Please return the "Noon Hour Permission" form by tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 11).
- Thursday, Sept. 12 is the first 2:30 p.m. early dismissal of the year.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 9

Happy Monday!

The September MC Knoll School Newsletter was sent home today.

Homework
Math - 1.2 Worksheet (Div. Rules 3 and 9) (Tuesday, Sept. 10)
Social - Map and Questions #1 (Wednesday, Sept. 11)
Music - Abstract Drawing (Friday, Sept. 13)
Science - Scientist Poster (Friday, Sept. 13)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- Please return the "Noon Hour Permission" form by Wednesday, Sept. 11.
- Please return the "Safety Patrol Permission" form by Wednesday, Sept. 11 (if applicable).
- Thursday, Sept. 12 is the first 2:30 p.m. early dismissal of the year.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 6

Although we are only a few days into the school year, we are very close to being back in "full swing".

A "Free my Muse" pamphlet was sent home today.

Enjoy the weekend!

Homework
LA - Magazines for Writing Folder (ASAP)
Math - 1.1 Worksheet (Div. Rules 2, 5, 10) (Monday, Sept. 9)
Social - Map and Questions #1 (Wednesday, Sept. 11)
Science - Scientist Poster (Friday, Sept. 13)
LA - Sept. Writing Folder (Friday, Oct. 4)

Reminders
- The Adventure Ed. form and $25 fee is now OVERDUE.
- Please return the "Noon Hour Permission" form by Wednesday, Sept. 11.
- Please return the "Safety Patrol Permission" form by Wednesday, Sept. 11 (if applicable).

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 5

Another load of handouts (and a school magnet) were handed out today including:
     - Noon hour permission form (please return ASAP)
     - IAP kids insurance form
     - Fair notice letter

Homework
Math - Intro to Numbers Worksheet (Friday, Sept. 6)
Science - Scientist Poster (Friday, Sept. 13)
LA - Magazines from home (ASAP)

Reminders
* Please sign and return the following forms by Friday, Sept, 6:
       - Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow)
       - Classroom Blog sheet (purple)
       - Adventure Ed. form and $25 fee(white)
       - School t-shirt order form and $10 fee (optional)

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Adventure Ed. - Bocce, Ladder Ball and Croquet


Classroom News - Sept. 4

Ask your son/daughter about their entry skills math test and their first ever Adventure Ed class.

Reminders
* Read through the MC Knoll Student Handbook with your son/daughter (found on the bottom of the blog).
* Please sign and return the following forms by Friday, Sept, 6:
- Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow)
- Classroom Blog sheet (purple)
- Adventure Ed. form and $25 fee(white)
- School t-shirt order form and $10 fee (optional)

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Classroom News - Sept. 3

Welcome Back!

WOW! It is hard to believe the summer has already come and gone. I hope everyone had an fun, safe and enjoyable summer!

I think I speak for ALL of the staff and students at MC Knoll - we are glad to be back and look forward to the 2013-2014 MC Knoll school year.

Reminders
* Read through the MC Knoll Student Handbook with your son/daughter (found on the bottom of the blog).
* Please sign and return the following forms by Friday, Sept, 6:
        - Classroom Guidelines and Expectations sheet (yellow)
        - Classroom Blog sheet (purple)
        - Adventure Ed. form and $25 fee(white)
        - School t-shirt order form and $10 fee (optional)