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 31, 2014

Halloween FUN!

Classroom News - Oct. 31

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Reminders:

If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.
- Gr. 7 students will be heading to the annual Harvest Showdown on Friday, Nov. 7.  More information will be coming soon!

Homework:

LA - Before/During/After Questions and Activities (Monday, Nov. 3)
Math - Simplifying Fractions (Monday, Nov. 3)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)

Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (x6) (Friday, Nov. 7)
Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP            

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 30

Great job to everyone who "danced-up a storm" at yesterday's MCK Halloween Dance.

Tomorrow is another busy day...(see below).

Reminders:

- The annual MC Knoll Halloween parade will be tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 31) starting at about 1:00 pm.  Thereafter, students are welcome to bring some "healthful/tasteful snacks" for a grade 7 Halloween celebration. YAHOO!
If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.

Homework:

Art - Halloween Sketch (OVERDUE)
Music - Firebird Suite CD Cover (OVERDUE)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)
Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (x6) (Friday, Nov. 7)
Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP            

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Pumpkin Carving

Classroom News - Oct. 29

Pumpkin carving was SPOOKtacular!

The Gr. 6-8 Halloween Dance is scheduled for tonight from 7:00-10:00 pm. 

Reminders:
- Tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 30) is an MCK "orange and black" spirit day!
- The annual MC Knoll Halloween parade will be on Friday, Oct. 31 starting at about 1:00 pm.  Thereafter, students are welcome to bring some "healthful/tasteful snacks" for a grade 7 Halloween celebration. YAHOO!
If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.

Homework:

Math - 3.9/3.10 Decimals and Fractions (Thursday, Oct. 30)
Art - Halloween Sketch (Thursday, Oct. 30)
Music - Firebird Suite CD Cover (Thursday, Oct. 30)
Music - Fantasia Unit Test (Thursday, Oct. 30)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)

Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (x6) (Friday, Nov. 7)
Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP            

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 28

Wow!  What a busy day...

In the morning, "Speed Control" entertained MC Knoll by playing popular rock n' roll music from the last 60 years. 

In the afternoon, Free the Children educated MC Knoll about food hunger throughout the world and how WE CAN BE THE CHANGE! 


Reminders:
- Our Gr. 7 classes at MC Knoll are "carving pumpkins" tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 29) as part of Yorkton's 1st-ever Pumpkin Walk.  Be sure to bring all the necessary pumpkin carving items.
- MC Knoll picture retakes are also scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 29).
- As well, the Gr. 6-8 Halloween Dance is scheduled for tomorrow evening (Wednesday, Oct. 29) from 7:00-10:00 pm.  Tickets are sold for $3.  Costumes are encouraged!
- Thursday, Oct. 30 is an MCK "orange and black" spirit day!
- The annual MC Knoll Halloween parade will be on Friday, Oct. 31 starting at about 1:00 pm.  Thereafter, students are welcome to bring some "healthful/tasteful snacks" for a grade 7 Halloween celebration. YAHOO!
If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.

Homework:

LA - Before/During/After Reading Questions (OVERDUE)
Art - Halloween Sketch (Thursday, Oct. 30)
Music - Firebird Suite CD Cover (Thursday, Oct. 30)
Music - Fantasia Unit Test (Thursday, Oct. 30)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)

Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (x6) (Friday, Nov. 7)
Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP            

Monday, October 27, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 27

Happy Monday!

There will be two presenters in our building tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 28) - "Speed Control" and "WE Act".  

Reminders:
- Our Gr. 7 classes at MC Knoll will be doing some "pumpkin carving" on Wednesday, Oct. 29 as part of Yorkton's 1st-ever JC Beach Pumpkin Walk.  Be sure to bring all the necessary pumpkin carving items.
- MC Knoll picture retakes are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 29.
- As well, the Gr. 6-8 Halloween Dance is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 7:00-10:00 pm.  Tickets are sold for $3.  Costumes are encouraged!
- Thursday, Oct. 30 is an MCK "orange and black" spirit day!
- The annual MC Knoll Halloween parade will be on Friday, Oct. 31 starting at about 1:00 pm.  Thereafter, students are welcome to bring some "healthful/tasteful snacks" for a grade 7 Halloween celebration. YAHOO!
If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.

Homework:

LA - Before/During/After Reading Questions (OVERDUE)
Math - Percent Pre-Test (Tuesday, Oct. 28)
Art - Halloween Sketch (Thursday, Oct. 30)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)

Art - Term 1 Sketchbook (x6) (Friday, Nov. 7)
Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP            

Friday, October 24, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 24

Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed. class - "Fitness Stunts".

Thanks to everyone who brought baking to the bake sale today.  It was delicious!

Check with your son/daughter about how well they did on their Decimals Math Test.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Reminders:

- There will be two presenters in our building on Tuesday, Oct. 28 - "Speed Control" and "WE Act".

- MC Knoll picture retakes are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 29.
- As well, the Gr. 6-8 Halloween Dance is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 7:00-10:00 pm.
- The annual MC Knoll Halloween parade will be on Friday, Oct. 31 starting at about 1:00 pm.  Thereafter, students are welcome to bring some "healthful/tasteful snacks" for a grade 7 Halloween celebration. YAHOO!
If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.

Homework:

LA - Before/During/After Reading Questions (Monday, Oct. 27)
Social - Lat/Longitude Assignment (Monday, Oct. 27)
Art - Halloween Sketch (Thursday, Oct. 30)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)

Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP            

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 23

The MC Knoll "family dance" is scheduled for tonight from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  Come on out and show off your sweet dance moves!

Reminders:

Our grade 7's will be in charge of providing baking for tomorrow's (Friday, Oct. 24) "bake sale".  
- Adventure Ed. has been moved to tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 24).  Students will need their regular indoor gym clothes.
If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.

Homework:

Math - Decimals Unit Test (Friday, Oct. 24)
Phys. Ed. - "Rules" Term 1 Assignment (Friday, Oct. 24)
LA - Before/During/After Reading Questions (Monday, Oct. 27)
Social - Lat/Longitude Assignment (Monday, Oct. 27)
Art - Halloween Sketch (Thursday, Oct. 30)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)

Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- CP            

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 22

Ask your son/daughter about the SAYCW Health survey they completed today.

The last day of the MC Knoll book fair is tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 23).  

Reminders:
Also, if you are interested in joining the MC Knoll Chess Club, please sign and return the permission form and $5 fee by tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 23).  Items were sent home yesterday.
- There will be an MC Knoll "family dance" tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 23) from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  Come on out and show of your sweet dance moves!
Our grade 7's will be in charge of providing baking for the Friday, Oct. 24 "bake sale".  

- Adventure Ed. has been moved to Friday, Oct. 24.  Students will need their regular indoor gym clothes.
If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.

Homework:

LA - Before/During Reading Questions (OVERDUE)
Social - Lat/Longitude Country Assignment (OVERDUE)
Math - Decimal Order of Operations (Thursday, Oct. 23)
Phys. Ed. - "Rules" Term 1 Assignment (Friday, Oct. 24)

Math - Decimals Unit Test (Friday, Oct. 24)
Art - Halloween Sketch (Thursday, Oct. 30)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)

Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- KK               - CP            

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 21

If you are interested in ordering a beautiful picture of your son/daughter, please return the "Picture Order" form and fees by tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 22).

Also, if you are interested in joining the MC Knoll Chess Club, please sign and return the permission form and $5 fee by Thursday, Oct. 23.  Items were sent home today.

Reminders:

- The annual MC Knoll book fair continues until Thursday, Oct. 23.  
- There will be an MC Knoll "family dance" on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  Come on out and show of your sweet dance moves!
Our grade 7's will be in charge of providing baking for the Friday, Oct. 24 "bake sale".  
If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.

Homework:

LA - Before/During Reading Questions (Wednesday, Oct. 22)
Math - Order of Operations Practice (Wednesday, Oct. 22)
Social - Lat/Longitude Country Assignment (Wednesday, Oct. 22)
Phys. Ed. - "Rules" Term 1 Assignment (Friday, Oct. 24)

Math - Decimals Unit Test (Friday, Oct. 24)
Art - Halloween Sketch (Thursday, Oct. 30)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)

Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- KK           - PM             - CP             - AR    

Monday, October 20, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 20

Happy Monday!

Ask your son/daughter about the math "decimals" quiz.

Our grade 7 class will be heading down to the book fair tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 21) during the 10:00-10:30 period.  Bring some $$$!

Reminders:
- The annual MC Knoll book fair is scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 21) and will run until Thursday, Oct. 23.  
- If you are interested in ordering a beautiful picture of your son/daughter, please return the "Picture Order" form and fees by Wednesday, Oct. 22.
- There will be an MC Knoll "family dance" on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  Come on out and show of your sweet dance moves!
Our grade 7's will be in charge of providing baking for the Friday, Oct. 24 "bake sale".  
If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.

Homework:

Art - Caricatures (OVERDUE)
Math - 3.6 and 3.7 Division Worksheet (OVERDUE)
Social - Lat/Longitude Country Assignment (Wednesday, Oct. 22)
Phys. Ed. - "Rules" Term 1 Assignment (Friday, Oct. 24)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)
Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ASB           - JA                - KK             - PM            
- BM             - CP               - JO

Friday, October 17, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 17

Our grade 7's will be in charge of providing baking for the Friday, Oct. 24 "bake sale".  Some information was sent home today about it.

Also, some information was sent home about "Education Week" (Oct. 20-24).    

If you are interested in ordering from the Scholastic Book Order, please return the form and fees by Friday, Nov. 7.

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Reminders:

- The annual MC Knoll book fair is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21 until Thursday, Oct. 23.  Our grade 7 class will be heading down to the book fair on Tuesday, Oct. 21 during the 10:00-10:30 period.  Bring some $$$!
- If you are interested in ordering a beautiful picture of your son/daughter, please return the "Picture Order" form and fees by Wednesday, Oct. 22.
- There will be an MC Knoll "family dance" on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  Come on out and show of your sweet dance moves!

Homework:
Art - Caricatures (OVERDUE)
Math - 3.6 and 3.7 Division Worksheet (Monday, Oct. 20)
Math - Decimals Quiz (Monday, Oct. 20)
Social - Lat/Longitude Country Assignment (Wednesday, Oct. 22)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)
Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ASB           - JA                - KK             - PM            
- BM             - CP               - JO

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 16

Thanks to everyone who donated to the "Drive Away Hunger" program.  

Reminders:

- If you are interested in ordering a beautiful picture of your son/daughter, please return the "Picture Order" form and fees by Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Homework:

Health - Healthy Eating Goal (Ongoing: 1-4 weeks)
Art - Caricatures (Friday, Oct. 17)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ASB            - BJ            - KK             - PM             - CP              

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Adventure Ed. - Nature Trail and Biking

Classroom News - Oct. 15

I hope everyone is feeling great after a busy weekend full of turkey and stuffing!

Ask your son/daughter about today's Adventure Ed. 

Reminders:

We are looking for any non-perishable food items as part of our annual "Drive Away Hunger" program.  Please bring any food items before tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 16).
- If you are interested in ordering a beautiful picture of your son/daughter, please return the "Picture Order" form and fees by Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Homework:

Math - 3.3/3.4 Multiplication of Decimals (OVERDUE)
LA - Before, During, After Q's and Activities (OVERDUE)
Science - Living, Non-Living, Dead Worksheet (Thursday, Oct. 16)

Art - Caricatures (Friday, Oct. 17)
LA - Sandwich Book Report (Wednesday, Nov. 5)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ASB            - KK              - CP              - AR

Friday, October 10, 2014

Classroom News - Oct. 10

Ask your son/daughter about the "celebratory" assembly. 

There is NO SCHOOL Monday, Oct. 13 (Thanksgiving) and Tuesday, Oct. 14 (School PD). YAHOO!

For the Wednesday, Oct. 15 Adventure Ed. class, students will once again need their bike and helmet.

Have a wonderful long-weekend!

Reminders:

We are looking for any non-perishable food items as part of our annual "Drive Away Hunger" program.  Please bring any food items before Thursday, Oct. 16.
- If you are interested in ordering a beautiful picture of your son/daughter, please return the
"Picture Order" form and fees by Wednesday, Oct. 22.


Homework:

Math - 3.3/3.4 Multiplication of Decimals (Wednesday, Oct. 15)
LA - Before, During, After Q's and Activities (Wednesday, Oct. 15)
Science - Living, Non-Living, Dead Worksheet (Thursday, Oct. 16)

Art - Caricatures (Friday, Oct. 17)

* The following people have OVERDUE work:
- ASB            - KK              - PM           - KM
- JO                - CP              - AS