Under the Microscope (01 - 20 - 12)
January 20, 2012
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The month of January is long known for its cold temperatures and around here we typically know that it is one of the more intense winter months. However, as with any “normal” year, there are abnormal ones. This year we have been experiencing an unusually mild winter as far as temperatures and moisture goes. We tend to enjoy the milder weather, but for our agricultural community, moisture is needed and so are the freezing temperatures. If we do not have the cold weather, insects that normally die ….. will not. Which will mean an increase in numbers this spring and summer. Also we need that subsoil to have moisture and we have no frozen layer on top, it will evaporate up and/or percolate down leaving a very dry start in the spring. Just my input on the weather ….. now back to the science news.
Next week every single science class will be having a test. One of the bad things from a teacher’s perspective, I guess. When we start the new semesters, we are starting with new units and it seems the classes run neck and neck for a while. Later they will spread themselves out. Please continue to encourage your child(ren) to do their best in all endeavors, especially academically.
Congratulations to the spelling bee contestants in last week’s competition. It is always a blast to see the kids competing in such a friendly environment. It was nice to have such a large adult crowd also.
The Robotics class has hit the ground running. Man …… the group this year has really surprised and challenged me. In the first class, they have already completed the building of the robot and have completed two of the challenges. I can foresee nothing but great things this year. Way to go guys and gals!!!
NEXT WEEK:
5th Grade:
Workbook pages 135 – 138 will be DUE on Tuesday, Jan. 24th. The TEST will be on Thursday, Jan. 26th.
6th Grade:
We will be reviewing on Monday and the TEST will be Tuesday, Jan. 24th. We will not be doing workbook pages on lesson nine. Instead, I have a research project lined up.
7th Grade:
Notes for Lesson 11.5 will be DUE on Monday, Jan. 23rd. The TEST over Chapter Eleven will be on Thursday, Jan. 26th.
8th Grade:
We will review on Monday and the TEST over Chapter Twelve will be on Tuesday, Jan. 24th. We then start on Chapter Thirteen.
CALENDAR:
Saturday, Jan. 21st – HS NPL BB tournament – TBD
Monday, Jan. 23rd – Red Cross Blood Drive in the conference room at Almena from 9 AM – 3PM
- Freshman boys BB game in Norton starting at 6 PM
- Financial Aid Night in the lunchroom at Almena @ 7 PM
Tuesday, Jan. 24th – HS Scholars bowl in Phillipsburg at 4 PM
- Robotics Class in Mr. Tharman’s room from 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, Jan. 25th - Sophomore Class to Reality Check in Phillipsburg from 9:30 – 11:30 AM
- HS NPL Scholars bowl in Scandia at 1:00 PM
Thursday, Jan. 26th – JH BB in Damar (B girls – 4 PM / B boys – 4:30 PM / A girls – 5:30 PM / A boys – 6:30 PM)
- KAY Unit Conference in Oberlin from 8:00 – 11:30 AM
- FFA Ag Ed Symposium at Pittsburg
- 4th grade class sleep over – starting after school
Friday, Jan. 27th – HS BB in Palco - TBA
