7th Grade Panther Press
September 25th Newsletter
Fall Festival
Selling:
Peace Tea
Gatorade
Games:
Baseball Speed Throw
Basketball Throw
Mini Basketball Throw
Nose Picker Game
Sailboat Gutter Race
Baskets/Silent Auction:
Panther
Hunting/Fishing/Outdoor
Spa
Date Night
Family Game Night
Cooking
Help Needed:
Money donations to be used to purchase drinks, prizes, and game set up
Please send donations / checks in an envelope with your child’s name on the envelope to Mrs. Leinart. If you write a check, please make it out to VAMS with 7th Grade F.F. in the memo. If you have any questions, please contact kleinart@vanalstyneisd.org .
Basket items donations:
Please send basket items to Mrs. Flores or Mrs. Schroeder. We would also love any single items silent auction items that you would like to donate. This is the BEST way for the class to earn money as they keep 100% of the profits!!! We have asked each student to bring 2 items for the baskets. These can range from the following: candles, bath gels/lotions, movie tickets, candy, Panther items, handmade items, sports tickets, gift certificates, and services. Favorite items are those from party plan companies like Mary Kay, Arbonne, Scentsy, Tupperware, etc. If you are interested in asking companies for donations, there is a letter that you can use for their tax purposes. Please contact lflores@vanalstyneisd.org if you would like to help assemble the baskets.
Volunteer to work a shift
Send an email to chensley@vanalstyneisd.org. She will give information to Rachel Smith who will help schedule parents and students who would like to help. Also, look for a schedule of help needed slots to come home with your child.
Help to create the Nose Picker Game or Sailboat Gutter Race
Send an email to chensley@vanalstyneisd.org to let her know you can help create either of these. If you have access to PVC pipe and know how to cut them, we need your help for Sailboat Gutter Race. We have a large board with two holes that is ready to create a nose for Nose Picker Game.
Decorations & Signs
Cathy Nazarko is donating hay bales and pumpkins. We have some scarecrows. We need help making signs that advertise our games. If you would like to make signs or help with decorating our booth, please contact aschroeder@vanalstyneisd.org .
Upcoming Events
- Sept. 24 - Oct. 2 - UIL Tryouts
- Friday, Sept. 25 - Student Dance - 5th/6th grade dance 5:30-7:00 and 7th/8th grade dance 7:30-9:30
- Thursday, Oct. 1- Eligibility Check
- Friday, Oct. 2 - Picture Day
- Saturday, Oct. 3 - Fall Festival 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the high school - Live country band from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 5 - Fair Day - No School
- Thursday, Oct. 8 - Progress Reports
- Saturday, Oct. 10 - Van Alstyne Education Foundation Clay Shoot 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM (more information below)
- Oct. 12 - Oct. 14 - Quarterly Tests
- Wednesday, October 14 - College Day
Reading News
We have been discussing theme and author's purpose for writing while continuing Wonder. We also have some very exciting news heading our way this next week.....we are receiving a class set of Wonder!!! Students will be able to make personal notes (on sticky notes) and dive even deeper into this life-changing novel! If at all possible, please send at least one package of sticky notes with your child before next Friday. They will earn 5 extra points on a minor assignment and a special treat!
In the next few weeks we will be examining various fiction genres and folktales. This will be a very exciting time as we explore and create our very own folktale!
I cannot tell you enough how much I enjoy having your child in class. It is very clear to me they have set their personal standards high, and I am blessed to be working alongside them!
ELA News
English Language Arts has been very busy the last two weeks!!! We just wrapped up our unit on “The Most Dangerous Game” and will be moving into “The Lady or the Tiger” next week. Your kiddos are amazing and have grown by leaps and bounds since the start of the year!!! I am sure you heard about our mock trial, The State of New York vs. Sanger Rainsford…it was an incredible simulation and the kids loved it! We also ended the week with a “hunt” of our own in the outdoor classroom.
In preparation for the STAAR tests, you may want to review the 2015 released test. This will give you an idea of what your child will experience on March 29th, 2015. The released tests are also available for other areas, so feel free to browse.(See link below) I would like for you to remember testing can only assess one aspect of your child. These tests do not take into consideration their work ethic, ability to complete daily assignments, their sense of humor, or how well they behave in class; however, as the teacher, I see those things. We care about your child tremendously!!! The STAAR is a state assessment, nothing more. As a mom of three in the Van Alstyne School District, I am well aware of the stresses that come along during state testing. I have found the best way to help my children is to educate myself on the process so I can help them.
I am having a blast getting to know your child! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns. I am more than happy to schedule time to visit~
HAPPY FALL!!!
Texas History News
Math News
We are practicing all operations with fractions and decimals. We have been studying word problems in class and identifying operations that would need to be done to solve that problem. We will have our Fractions & Decimal Operations Test on Thursday, October 1st. Extra Credit #2 is due on Friday, October 2nd for any quizzes below an 80. There is an optional 1st Quarter Review on Study Island to help students review all the skills that we have learned so far in preparation for our 1st Quarter Exams. The 1st Quarter Review is worth up to 39 extra credit daily points (1 point for each correct question.) and must be completed by October 12th. Our Math Quarterly Assessment will take two days so we will start it on October 12 and finish it on October 13th. Please encourage your child to attend tutoring for extra help.
Science News
We have been learning the parts of a microscope and viewing various slides as well as discussing the advantages/limitations of models. This week we looked at our cheek cell and plant cell, and also observed microscopic creatures in pond water! Be looking for pictures of our labs!!
Google Classroom is up and running. Check your student's work along with resources and games that could provide extensions and enrichment. We also strongly encourage you and your child to keep yourself updated on current class averages. We spent time in class setting up your child's own account so they can keep up with their grades.
Be sure to ask your child what UIL event he/she would like to try-out for this next week. Encourage them to listen to the announcements and check outside of Ms. Walker's computer lab for a try-out schedule!