WIS Weekly
September 12, 2022
September 12, 2022
It's all about OUR KIDS!
- Who needs support at home, in school, and in the community? ... Our Kids!
- Who needs our guidance, attention, and patience today and everyday? ... Our Kids!
- Who will shape the future of our world tomorrow and in the years to come? ... Our Kids!
A Message From Mr. Longacre...
Dear Families,
What is WIS’s cell phone procedure?
There are several concerns that we as educators have in regards to students using cell phones in school. Besides being a distraction in the classroom, cell phones can also be used in ways that violate the privacy and security of students throughout the building, including the student who owns the cell phone. We recognize the perception of some parents that a cell phone helps them to stay connected with their student(s) throughout the day should a need arise. Of course, as Duneland employees, we aim to provide the safest possible learning environment for all students: Our schools have numerous security protocols in place, our staff members have been trained in how to assist students during a crisis, and our students have repeatedly practiced drills to prepare them for various events. With that being said, striking a comfortable balance regarding the possession of cell phones at school is important. Our philosophy is this: Students will not be discouraged from possessing a cell phone as long as it is kept out of sight in a secure place and accessed only in the case of an emergency-- all non-academic uses of the cell phone will be in violation of school-wide procedure.
Respectfully,
Mr. Longacre
As always, please reach out to me anytime.
Mr. Longacre
5th Grade Curriculum
Language Arts
In Language arts this week we started the next unit of IRAs. The theme for this series of stories is conflict. We also continued to read our novel Swindle. Our 6-Traits writing focus this week has been sentence fluency where students learned the importance of writing sentences with varied length, type, and beginning words. It is important to write in a way that flows smoothly, and a good way to check this is by reading work aloud before turning it in. (Students can practice this weekly before submitting the open response portion of their Cold Read homework on Wednesdays).
The 6-Traits topic next week is the use of excellent word choice in our writing. Next Thursday we will finish reading our novel Swindle and then have a multiple-choice question test over the entire book on Friday. On this end-of-book test, like all our quizzes this year, students will be allowed to use their book and notes (including their plot mountain, character charts, and any summarizing information they have in their notebooks).
Math
- Last week we started a unit on adding and subtracting decimals. We are learning many different ways to show how to add and subtract decimal numbers. We are working with models and shading, partial sums, unit cubes and even old school methods. We will continue with this unit and have a test on Tuesday, September 20. If we feel that most students need more time and practice, this date could change.
- IXL skill practices that may be helpful: Grade 5: H1 through H6.
Working with Get More Math mixed review is also a great way to keep skills fresh!
Social Studies
- We are continuing to study geography which can be found in the student textbook on pages 1-30 (Lesson 1). We will have the first test on Tuesday, September 13th, or Wednesday, September 14th. To prepare for the test, students can study the vocabulary (pg. 8) and definitions they wrote in their social studies spiral notebooks. In addition, students may use their TCI online addition, as well as find a game and vocabulary cards from Unit 1 Lesson 1.
Science
- In science the students continued to learn about variables. The students conducted an experiment to see how different surfaces affect how a bouncy ball bounces. The students tested out grass, blacktop, tile, and carpet.
- This week the students will finish the Skills Handbook unit. The vocabulary Google Doc they have been working on will be submitted for homework on Tuesday.
- This week's lab will require the students to build and modify. If you have any bottle caps laying around the house, we would gladly take them off your hands!
6th Grade Curriculum
Language Arts
Students will be focusing on a new priority standard this week: 6.RN.2.1 Making inferences based on textual evidence. They will use a variety of texts in the form of memoirs and autobiographies while continuing the practice of using the RACE strategy. (Restate Answer Cite Explain)
Math
- 6th grade math students are continuing their studies of fraction operations. Students have used LCM (LCD) to make equivalent fractions with like denominators. To simplify (reduce, put in simplest form) students are using the GCF of the numerator and denominator. There is a common formative assessment (CFA) over these skills as well as prime and composite numbers, addition of fractions, and subtraction of fractions. Next up, students will be multiplying and dividing fractions, cross-simplifying, and simplifying the product/quotient. There is a lot of math vocabulary in this weekly update. Students have taken notes over these concepts and should be using this rich vocabulary on a regular basis.
Social Studies
- This week, students will practice finding context clues to decode words while learning about the "Tomatino" festival in Spain. From there, we will read and learn about the many different kinds of maps focusing on physical. As we begin our Canada unit, students will label and make a political map of Canada. They will follow a rubric, label some physical features, and be responsible to learn all the territories, provinces, and capitals for their test next week.
Science
- This week in science, we will begin the catapult project. The project is a week-long STEM activity in which students design and test a catapult's ability to hit a target. The students will only be using popsicle sticks and rubber bands to construct their catapult. They will also need to make a specific slide presentation, or keynote presentation, documenting the project. There is a specific rubric they need to follow that dictates what needs to be on each slide.
Related Arts
- This week in music class, our fifth and sixth grade students are learning to play folk songs from around the world on the classroom instruments. We are learning skills we need to play together as a class ensemble, such as good listening and playing with the correct dynamics.
Art
- This week 5th and 6th grade students will learn about color theory in art. We will discuss color families and how having a plan for color or a color scheme is crucial for creating an aesthetically pleasing work of art! The students will use their knowledge of color and apply color to their individual artwork.
PE
- In PE this week, we will be finishing our soccer unit and by the end of the week, starting our Frisbee Unit. We will also have two fitness test, the Sit-Up Test and the Shuttle Run.
eLearning Updates for 2022-2023
Please read and make yourself aware of the updated eLearning guidelines. The biggest change will be how lessons are coordinated on unscheduled eLearning days. On these days, students will take part in Google meet sessions with their teachers to receive face to face instruction. Teachers will post schedules by 9:00 A.M. on the eLearning day.
Robotics has started!
- Robotics Club is starting today, Monday, September 12! They will continue to meet every Monday.
- Robotics travel team meets on Wednesdays, and started last week!
- Both meet after school until 4:30pm, please pick up at door 8!
Choir has started!
- Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays right after school until 4:14, please pick up promptly at door 8.
- Mark your calendar...Thursday, December 1 at 7pm the Winter Choir Concert will be held here at WIS.
Volleyball Signups
- Who: All 5th and 6th grade students
- When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 3:10-4:15pm, starting September 27th and ending October 19th
- Where: Gym A
- Cost: $15
- Coaches: Mrs. Nashkoff and Mrs. Holmen
*Students will need to be picked up by 4:15 p.m. at Door 8 after each practice. After two (2) late pick-ups, students will no longer be able to attend volleyball.
Informational/Call Out Meeting for 6th Graders to Join the Science Olympiad Team
On Monday, September 26, 2022, there will be an informational/call out meeting for anybody in grades 6th-9th interested in participating in Science Olympiad AND their parents/guardians. The meeting will be at WIS in the media center at 6:00 pm. Parents will need to enter through door 8. Science Olympiad is a competitive academic team focused on STEM activities. The team is composed of 15 participants and 2 alternates. This is an important informational meeting for ALL those interested in participating AND their parents/ guardians.
We will be discussing:
Practice times and commitments
Regional competition
Cost for building events
We look forward to seeing everyone on 9/26/22. If you are unable to attend, please contact either of us.
Lisa Filipek lfilipek@duneland.k12.in.us
Kari Balon kbalon@duneland.k12.in.us
The first meeting will on Tuesday, September 13th right after school until 4:15pm. Please pick up your student at Door 8.
Come join WIS in the Homecoming Parade
Order your school pictures today!
Title I Annual Parent Meeting
When:
- September 20, 2022
- 6-7pm (door opens at 5:50pm)
Where:
- Westchester Intermediate Media Center
- Entrance 8 (park on the north side of the building)
Every student in attendance will receive a free book!
Construction
Drop Off / Pick Up Safely
*Drop off students at door 8 (north side)=> No drop offs before 7:45 am.
*Pick up students at door 8 (north side)=> Post name tag near passenger side windshield.
*When entering from 5th St., take an immediate right into the student drop off / pick up lanes.
Walkers / Bikers
Door 2 opens at 7:45 am. No bike riding on school campus.
iPad Use
- iPads are the property of Duneland Schools. Students should keep the devices in operable condition.
- Students should refrain from downloading apps, pics, etc. that are not permitted under school and/or corporation policy.
- Students are required to bring their charged iPads to class. Intermediate curriculum is designed to utilize iPads for lessons and enrichment activities.
Tech Help
Westchester is committed to supporting students' use of technology. To get your problems solved as fast as possible, choose one of the following methods:
- Open a new Freshservice ticket online:
- AV number is typically located on a sticker on the back/bottom of the device
- Open a Freshservice ticket by sending an email to: helpdesk@duneland.k12.in.us
- Please be sure to include email address, student or staff name, and a description of the problem
- Contact Westchester's tech aide (Mrs. Michael) in WIS Library/Media at 219-983-3710 or fmichael@duneland.k12.in.us.
Look in SKYWARD for...
Parent Teacher Organization
2022-2023 School Calendar
Homecoming Parade call-out
Homecoming is September 23!! Any local community groups and organizations interested in participating in the annual CHS Homecoming Parade on Friday, Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. should contact the CHS Assistant Principal’s Office by Wednesday, Sept. 21 by calling 983-3730, or emailing Assistant Principal Robert Blumenthal at rblumenthal@duneland.k12.in.us. Please provide the name of the group, the number of participants involved and what type of transportation will be used.
Homecoming Parade Route & Royalty
The CHS homecoming parade will begin at 4 p.m. (lineup begins at 3 p.m.) on Friday, Sept. 23 from the Chesterton Middle School Pool Parking lot. The parade will leave the lot traveling east on Porter Avenue to Calumet, Calumet to Broadway, Broadway to Sixth and back to CMS. The parade will be followed by the CHS home game against Portage. Royalty will be crowned at halftime.
Homecoming Block Party
The annual CHS Student Government Homecoming Block Party is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the front section of the CHS Parking Lot.
The entrance fee will be $5.00 or $15.00 per family. This charge will include one food item and one drink from Pick's BBQ. Event includes a jump house and obstacle course, face painting, performances by the dance and cheer team, and other fun-filled activities. For an additional charge students will be able to create their own tie-dye shirt with Mrs. Wilt and purchase Kona Ice.
Westchester Intermediate School
WIS Mission:
WIS provides a safe and engaging environment where students are empowered to explore their talents, build on their curiosity, embrace high expectations, and become responsible, caring citizens.
WIS Vision:
WIS inspires learners to become independent, critical thinkers collaborating in an environment where responsibility, adaptability, and reflection are modeled and developed.
Email: slongacre@duneland.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/Domain/14
Location: 1050 South 5th Street, Chesterton, IN, USA
Phone: (219) 983-3710
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westchesterintermediate/