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



Thursday, March 24, 2016

Adventure Ed. - Snowshoeing & Tobogganing

Buddy Time - Easter Egg Fun

Classroom News - March 24

Thanks for all of the great conversations over the previous few nights at parent-teacher-student conferences.  Let's ALL work towards a fantastic term 3!

The Parkland College is looking to conduct a survey for grades 5-8 students.  Specific information was sent home yesterday.  Please sign and return the form ASAP as the 
actual survey will be conducted shortly after the Easter Break (beginning of April). 

KB still needs to sign and return the report card envelope!?!?!

Ask your son/daughter about the Easter egg dying fun, as well as the always-exciting Adventure Ed.!

The Easter Break runs from Friday, March 25 - Sunday, April 3.  YAHOO!

Homework:

Read a good book over the Easter Break!

Reminders:
- If you are looking for something to do tonight from 4:00-5:45, the Yorkton Martial Arts Training Centre will be hosting a "drop-in" wrestling introduction.  
A fundraising newsletter in support of our own VanSomeren family was sent home yesterday (fellow Grade 7 student in 7P).  In short, their family home was lost due to a house fire.  On Saturday, April 16, there will be a benefit supper at Tapps to help out the family.  If you are interested in attending the benefit supper (or simply want to make a donation), tickets are $25 each.  The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, April 8.  Additional information can be found on the newsletter or by contacting the school.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- KS  

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Classroom News - March 23

Parent-teacher-student conferences continue today (Wednesday, March 23).  Once again, I look forward to hearing from everyone!

Also, in conjunction with the conferences, your last chance to purchase something from the MC Knoll Book Fair is tonight (Wednesday, March 23).  Bring some extra money to spend on some great reading material!

Sorry for the short notice, but...for tomorrow's (Thursday, March 24) Adventure Ed. class, we will once again try our luck and attempt to go tobogganing/snowshoeing.  Please sign and return the Adventure Ed. Permission Form.

Please sign and return the report card envelope ASAP.


A fundraising newsletter in support of our own VanSomeren family was sent home today (fellow Grade 7 student in 7P).  In short, their family home was lost due to a house fire.  On Saturday, April 16, there will be a benefit supper at Tapps to help out the family.  If you are interested in attending the benefit supper (or simply want to make a donation), tickets are $25 each.  The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, April 8.  Additional information can be found on the newsletter or by contacting the school.

The Parkland College is looking to conduct a survey for grades 5-8 students.  Specific information was sent home today, please sign and return the form by tomorrow (Thursday, March 24).  The actual survey will be conducted in early April. 


Lastly, 7M was hoping to participate in some good ol' fashion "Easter Egg Dying" tomorrow (Thursday, March 24).  Students are encouraged to bring 2-3 hard-boiled eggs to enjoy the festivities!

Homework:

Math - 8.2 Area of Triangles (Thursday, March 24)
ELA - FI Case Study Questions (Thursday, March 24)
Science - Saturated Solutions LAB (Thursday, March 24)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:
- Tomorrow (Thursday, March 14) is "Easter Hat" Day!
- If you are looking for something to do tomorrow (Thursday, March 24) from 4:00-5:45, the Yorkton Martial Arts Training Centre will be hosting a "drop-in" wrestling introduction.  
- The Easter Break runs from Friday, March 25 - Sunday, April 3.  YAHOO!

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- JC           - SD          - KH          - RSh        - KS  

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Classroom News - March 22

Happy Tuesday!  

Sorry for the "no post" yesterday - I was away at a teacher professional development day.


I hope the Term 2 report cards that were handed-out last week were well received!  


As term 2 has officially ended, parent-teacher-student conferences begin today (Tuesday, March 22) and tomorrow (Wednesday, March 23).  I look forward to hearing from everyone!


Also, in conjunction with the conferences, there is also another MC Knoll Book Fair today (Tuesday, March 22) and tomorrow (Wednesday, March 23).  Bring some extra money to spend on some great reading material!

Lastly, for the Thursday, March 24 Adventure Ed. class, we will once again attempt to go tobogganing/snowshoeing.  Please sign and return the Adventure Ed. Permission Form.

Please sign and return the report card envelope ASAP.

Homework:

Art - Dinosaur and Boat Grid Art (OVERDUE)
Science - Big Idea #4 Assignment (OVERDUE)
Math - 5.1 Parallelogram (OVERDUE)
McD Health - Female Reproductive System (OVERDUE)
Science - More Tasty Solutions (OVERDUE)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:
- Thursday, March 14 is "Easter Hat" Day!
- The Easter Break runs from Friday, March 25 - Sunday, April 3.  YAHOO!

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- JC             - SD             - KH               - JH             
- CL            - BMc          - RSh               - HS               - KS      

Friday, March 18, 2016

Classroom News - March 18

Term 2 report cards were handed-out today!  I am hoping that you can have some reflective conversations with your son/daughter about the previous few months (and plan ahead for the remaining months)...

Please sign and return the report card envelope ASAP.

Enjoy the weekend!

Homework:

Art - Dinosaur and Boat Grid Art (OVERDUE)
Science - Big Idea #4 Assignment (OVERDUE)
Math - 5.1 Parallelogram (Monday, March 21)
McD Health - Female Reproductive System (Monday, March 21)
Science - More Tasty Solutions (Tuesday, March 22)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:
As term 2 has officially ended, parent-teacher-student conferences will begin next Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23.  Specific interview information was sent home earlier this week with your son/daughter.  If the assigned time does not work, please contact the school ASAP!
- Another MC Knoll Book Fair is coming - Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23.  We are looking for volunteers to help work this event.  Please review the newsletter that was sent home earlier this week and return it...if you are interested in helping out!
- Thursday, March 14 is "Easter Hat" Day!
- The Easter Break runs from Friday, March 25 - Sunday, April 3.  YAHOO!

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- JC              - BMi                - KS      

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Classroom News - March 17

Great job to everyone who dressed-up for St. Patrick's Day!

We could have used the snow for yesterday's cancelled tobogganing/snowshoeing!?!?!

Term 2 report cards will be handed-out tomorrow (Friday, March 18).

Homework:

Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)
Math - Geometric Art Questions (Friday, March 18)
Art - Dinosaur and Boat Grid Art (Friday, March 18)
Science - Big Idea #4 Assignment (Friday, March 18)
McD Health - Female Reproductive System (Monday, March 21)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 17-21 (OVERDUE)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:
As term 2 has officially ended, parent-teacher-student conferences will begin next Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23.  Specific interview information was sent home earlier this week with your son/daughter.  If the assigned time does not work, please contact the school ASAP!
- Another MC Knoll Book Fair is coming - Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23.  We are looking for volunteers to help work this event.  Please review the newsletter that was sent home earlier this week and return it...if you are interested in helping out!

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- BMi                - KS      

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Adventure Ed. - Archery

Classroom News - March 16

So the weather obviously didn't cooperate for us to enjoy tobogganing and snowshoeing!?!?  Students instead enjoyed archery for the Adventure Ed. class.

Another MC Knoll Book Fair is coming - Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23.  We are looking for volunteers to help work this event.  Please review the newsletter that was sent home yesterday and return it...if you are interested in helping out!

As term 2 has officially ended, parent-teacher-student conferences will begin soon - Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23 to be exact.  Specific interview information was sent home earlier this week with your son/daughter.  If the assigned time does not work, please contact the school ASAP!

Homework:

Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)
Math - Measurement Intro (Thursday, March 17)
Art - Dinosaur and Boat Grid Art (Friday, March 18)
Science - Big Idea #4 Assignment (Friday, March 18)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:
- Tomorrow (Thursday, March 17) is St. Patrick's Day.  Wear green to celebrate!
- Term 2 report cards will be handed-out Friday, March 18.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- JC                - BMi                - KS       

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Classroom News - March 15

Ask your son/daughter about the math test on Statistics that they accomplished today!

Please sign and return the Adventure Ed. form by tomorrow (Wednesday, March 16).  If the weather allows, students will be tobogganing and snowshoeing at Deer Park!

Band folk - enjoy the field trip to Regina (and then Brandon, MB)!

Another MC Knoll Book Fair is coming - Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23.  We are looking for volunteers to help work this event.  Please review the newsletter that was sent home today and return it...if you are interested in helping out!

As term 2 has officially ended, parent-teacher-student conferences will begin soon - Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23 to be exact.  Specific interview information was sent home yesterday with your son/daughter.  If the assigned time does not work, please contact the school ASAP!

Homework:

Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)
Science - Big Idea #4 Assignment (Friday, March 18)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:
- Thursday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day.  Wear green to celebrate!
- Term 2 report cards will be handed-out Friday, March 18.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- JC                - BMi                - KS       

Monday, March 14, 2016

Classroom News - March 14

Happy Monday!

A short week for our band folk!?!?!

As term 2 has officially ended, parent-teacher-student conferences will begin soon - Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23 to be exact.  Specific interview information was sent home today with your son/daughter.  If the assigned time does not work, please contact the school ASAP!

Homework:

Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)
ELA - Parts of Speech Posters (Tuesday, March 15)
Math - Statistics TEST (Tuesday, March 15)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:

- Please sign and return the Adventure Ed. form by Wednesday, March 16 - students will tobogganing and snowshoeing at Deer Park!
- Band students have some exciting trips coming this week - Wednesday, March 16 in Regina, along with Thursday, March 17 and Friday, March 18 in Brandon!
- Thursday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day.  Wear green to celebrate!
- Term 2 report cards will be handed-out Friday, March 18.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- KS       

Friday, March 11, 2016

Classroom News - March 11

Have a great weekend!

Please sign and return the Adventure Ed. form by Wednesday, March 16 - students will tobogganing and snowshoeing at Deer Park!

* Term 2 assignments are now OVERDUE!  Those students who failed to hand-in their assignments may not receive their Term 2 Report Card until the assignments are completed.

Homework:

Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)
Math - 7.4 Application of Averages (Monday, March 14)
ELA - Parts of Speech Posters (Tuesday, March 15)
Math - Statistics TEST (Tuesday, March 15)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:

- Band students have some exciting trips coming next week - Wednesday, March 16 in Regina, along with Thursday, March 17 and Friday, March 18 in Brandon!
- Thursday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day.  Wear green to celebrate!
- Term 2 report cards will be handed-out Friday, March 18.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- KS       

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Classroom News - March 10

* All upcoming and OVERDUE Term 2 assignments are due by tomorrow (Friday, March 11).  Those students who fail to hand-in their assignments by tomorrow may not receive their Term 2 Report Card until the assignments are completed.

Homework:

Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)
Math - 7.3 Outlier (Friday, March 11)
McD Health - Male Reproductive System (Friday, March 11)
Math - Statistics TEST (Tuesday, March 15)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 12-16 (OVERDUE)
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:

- Band students have some exciting trips coming soon - Wednesday, March 16 in Regina, along with Thursday, March 17 and Friday, March 18 in Brandon.
- Thursday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day.  Wear green to celebrate!
- Term 2 report cards will be handed-out Friday, March 18.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- SC              - CL             - BMc           - KS       

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Classroom News - March 9

* All upcoming and OVERDUE Term 2 assignments are due by Friday, March 11.  Those students who fail to hand-in their assignments by this date may not receive their Term 2 Report Card until the assignments are completed.

Homework:

Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)
ELA - Small Group #4 (OVERDUE)
Math - 8.4 Stats Quiz (Thursday, March 10)
McD Health - Male Reproductive System (Friday, March 11)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 12-16 (Thursday, March 10)
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:

- Band students have some exciting trips coming soon - Wednesday, March 16 in Regina, along with Thursday, March 17 and Friday, March 18 in Brandon.
- Thursday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day.  Wear green to celebrate!
- Term 2 report cards will be handed-out Friday, March 18.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- JC                - SC              - CL              - BMc
- RQ              - RSh             - KS       

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Adventure Ed. - Wrestling

Classroom News - March 8

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

* All upcoming and OVERDUE Term 2 assignments are due by Friday, March 11.  Those students who fail to hand-in their assignments by this date may not receive their Term 2 Report Card until the assignments are completed.

Homework:

Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)
Math - 8.3 Mean (Wednesday, March 9)
ELA - Small Group #4 (Wednesday, March 9)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 12-16 (Thursday, March 10)
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:

- Band students have some exciting trips coming soon - Wednesday, March 16 in Regina, along with Thursday, March 17 and Friday, March 18 in Brandon.
- Thursday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day.  Wear green to celebrate!
- Term 2 report cards will be handed-out Friday, March 18.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- SC              - CL             - BMc           - KS         

Monday, March 7, 2016

Classroom News - March 7

Happy Monday!

* All upcoming and OVERDUE Term 2 assignments are due by Friday, March 11.  Those students who fail to hand-in their assignments by this date may not receive their Term 2 Report Card until the assignments are completed.

Homework:

Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)
Math - 8.2 Mode/Median (Tuesday, March 8)
ELA - Small Group #4 (Wednesday, March 9)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 12-16 (Thursday, March 10)
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:

- Please sign and return the Adventure Ed. form by tomorrow (Tuesday, March 8).  Students will be participating in "Wrestling" at the Yorkton Martial Arts facility.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- CL               - BMc               - KS         

Friday, March 4, 2016

Classroom News - March 4

Have a wonderful weekend!

* All upcoming and OVERDUE Term 2 assignments are due by Friday, March 11.  Those students who fail to hand-in their assignments by this date may not receive their Term 2 Report Card until the assignments are completed.

Homework:

Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)
Art - Term 2 Sketchbook (x6) (OVERDUE)
Math - 8.1 Range (OVERDUE)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 7-11 (OVERDUE)
Chapters 12-16 (Thursday, March 10)
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:

- Please sign and return the Adventure Ed. form by Tuesday, March 8.  Students will be participating in "Wrestling" at the Yorkton Martial Arts facility.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- KL              - CL               - BMc               - KS         

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Classroom News - March 3

Another tasteful MC Knoll Bake Sale is tomorrow (Friday, March 4).  Items are sold for $0.50 each.  YUMMY!

* All upcoming and OVERDUE Term 2 assignments are due by Friday, March 11.  Those students who fail to hand-in their assignments by this date may not receive their Term 2 Report Card until the assignments are completed.

Homework:

Art - Term 2 Sketchbook (x6) (Friday, March 4)
Math - 8.1 Range (Friday, March 4)
Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 7-11 (OVERDUE)
Chapters 12-16 (Thursday, March 10)
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:
- There will be a YRHS Band Retreat tomorrow (Friday, March 4).

- Please sign and return the Adventure Ed. form by Tuesday, March 8.  Students will be participating in "Wrestling" at the Yorkton Martial Arts facility.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- KL              - CL               - BMc               - KS         

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Classroom News - March 2

I hope the students who attended "WE DAY" had a wonderful day!

* All upcoming and OVERDUE Term 2 assignments are due by Friday, March 11.  Those students who fail to hand-in their assignments by this date may not receive their Term 2 Report Card until the assignments are completed.

Homework:

ELA - Picture Book (OVERDUE)
Art - Grey Scale Sketches (x3) (OVERDUE)

ELA - Small Group #3 (OVERDUE)
Art - Term 2 Sketchbook (x6) (Friday, March 4)
Art - Magazine/Calendar Picture for Grid Art (ASAP)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 1-6 (OVERDUE)
Chapters 7-11 (Thursday, March 3)
Chapters 12-16 (Thursday, March 10)
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:
- There will be a YRHS Band Retreat on Friday, March 4.

- Please sign and return the Adventure Ed. form by Tuesday, March 8.  Students will be participating in "Wrestling" at the Yorkton Martial Arts facility.

* The following people have OVERDUE work:

- KL              - CL               - BMc   
- RQ              - KS             - RSp            

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Classroom News - March 1

Ask your son/daughter about today's "Linear Relations" Math Test!

The March MC Knoll Newsletter was sent home today, along with the March City of Yorkton Newsletter.

* All upcoming and OVERDUE Term 2 assignments are due by Friday, March 11.  Those students who fail to hand-in their assignments by this date may not receive their Term 2 Report Card until the assignments are completed.

Homework:

ELA - Picture Book (OVERDUE)
Art - Grey Scale Sketches (x3) (OVERDUE)

ELA - Small Group #3 (OVERDUE)
Art - Term 2 Sketchbook (x6) (Friday, March 4)

Shooting Kabul (#shootingkabul) (MCK1S1B):
Chapters 1-6 (OVERDUE)
Chapters 7-11 (Thursday, March 3)
Chapters 12-16 (Thursday, March 10)
Chapters 17-21 (Thursday, March 17)
Chapters 22-Epilogue (Thursday, March 24)

Reminders:
- There will be a YRHS Band Retreat on Friday, March 4.

- Please sign and return the Adventure Ed. form by Tuesday, March 8.  Students will be participating in "Wrestling" at the Yorkton Martial Arts facility.
* The following people have OVERDUE work:       
- KB              - JC               - SD              - ND          

- KL              - CL               - BMc            - RQ             
- KS               - RSp           - RSh