Tuesday, May 17, 2016
The Cardboard Boat Regatta
In science class, kids are working on building boats out of cardboard for our Cardboard Boat Regatta. Next week we are going to the city pool to see if the boats will float with kids in them. Kids will have to prepare, plan and build boats that will hold up to three kids and sail to the finish line. Here are some photos from the planning and building stages.
Photos from the Carnival Probability Game Day
In match, kids were working on probability. They were to create a board game that incorporated the principle of probability in it. Here are some photos from this very fun event!
Student TED Talk Schedule
Student TED Talks will run from around 9am until 1pm tomorrow, May 18. The schedule is at the link below. These times are approximations. Often we run ahead of schedule. If your kiddo is scheduled for a certain time, please make sure to get there a half hour before their talk. We are looking forward to a great event tomorrow!
Friday, May 13, 2016
Track Day 2016
Every year in May, the Phys Ed department puts on a track and field day for the kiddos. Kids run events, participate in field events and also take part in crazy, fun events. It is a great time for the kids to run, jump, cheer on their friends and have a great time! Below are some pictures from Track Day 2016.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
The Party's Over :(
All good things must come to an end. After ten years as Team Harmony, both Melissa and I are leaving. Melissa has been named Administrative Intern (Assistant Principal) at Bristol and Clark schools next year. I am taking a teaching position in the Collier County School District in Naples, FL. It is somewhat poetic that Team Harmony has only had two teachers during its tenure. Our first year together was the first year of Team Harmony and our last year together is the last year of Team Harmony (team names change for next year).
We have loved every minute of our time on Team Harmony. The relationships that we have developed with students and their parents over the years have been incredibly rewarding. We could not have ended out time together with a better team. We love these kids. It will be bittersweet ending such a good run but we know that new adventures are out there for both of us.
May 13 is Hixson Track Day. It is a half day here at Hixson and we will be down at the track all morning. Kids should come to school dressed for an outdoor event. They may bring water bottles and sunscreen. Harmony Team Track Day shirts are in and should be coming home today.
We have loved every minute of our time on Team Harmony. The relationships that we have developed with students and their parents over the years have been incredibly rewarding. We could not have ended out time together with a better team. We love these kids. It will be bittersweet ending such a good run but we know that new adventures are out there for both of us.
On May 11, Melissa will be announcing a surprise science project. This project will cost each student $2.00 to participate. We will send more info home on May 11. The culminating activity for this project will occur on May 23.
Harmony Student TED Talks will be May 18 from 8:45-11:15 in the Hixson auditorium. We will be putting a list together of students' times so that you will know when your kiddos are speaking. We are really looking forward to seeing this exhibition of learning.
On Friday, May 20, the technology department is collecting all of our Chromebooks. Kids should bring their laptops and power cords to school that day.
On Wednesday, May 25, we will be going on a field trip to the St. Louis Art Museum. We will be led on a tour of specific exhibits. We will return to school in time for lunch. We will be getting pizza for lunch. The permission slip for this trip is available here.
On Thursday, May 26, we will be going on our end-of-year field trip to Sports Fusion in Chesterfield. The cost of the trip is $21.00. All school fines (computers, library books, etc) must be paid before students will be allowed to go on this trip. The field trip permission slip is here.
Since the last week of school is dedicated to field trips and special events, we will stop assigning work on Friday, May 20. Kids can still hand in old work until Wednesday, May 25. The second semester grade goes on the kids' permanent records. Please check grades and encourage kids to get their missing work turned in.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Frog Dissection Photos
We had an awesome week in science last week! The students participated in strawberry DNA extraction lab and frog dissection. Check out some photos from both!
Monday, May 2, 2016
Monday Memo: Special Events!
On May 11, Melissa will be announcing a surprise science project. This project will cost each student $2.00 to participate. We will send more info home on May 11. The culminating activity for this project will occur on May 23.
Harmony Student TED Talks will be May 18 from 8:45-11:15 in the Hixson auditorium. We will be putting a list together of students' times so that you will know when your kiddos are speaking. We are really looking forward to seeing this exhibition of learning.
On Friday, May 20, the technology department is collecting all of our Chromebooks. Kids should bring their laptops and power cords to school that day.
On Wednesday, May 25, we will be going on a field trip to the St. Louis Art Museum. We will be led on a tour of specific exhibits. We will return to school in time for lunch. We will be getting pizza for lunch. The permission slip for this trip is available here.
On Thursday, May 26, we will be going on our end-of-year field trip to Sports Fusion in Chesterfield. The cost of the trip is $21.00. All school fines (computers, library books, etc) must be paid before students will be allowed to go on this trip. The field trip permission slip is here.
Since the last week of school is dedicated to field trips and special events, we will stop assigning work on Friday, May 20. Kids can still hand in old work until Wednesday, May 25. The second semester grade goes on the kids' permanent records. Please check grades and encourage kids to get their missing work turned in.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Monday Memo: Supplies, TED Talks, Field Trips
From the office:
Hixson is excited to announce a new partnership with 1st Day School Supplies! We have collaborated with 1st Day School Supplies to help parents and teachers get the exact supplies needed for next school year without the hassle and aggravation of shopping at Wal-Mart, Target, or Staples. 1st Day School Supplies is convenient, easy, and hassle-free! Plus, the prices are competitive! This summer as the temperature hits over 100 degrees and lines at the checkout counter are a mile long, you can relax knowing that you have already purchased your child's school supplies from the comfort of your own home! To purchase a school supply kit, click on the link below. Orders are due by June 15th; supply kits will be delivered to Hixson at the beginning of the school year.
To order your kit, visit http://www.1stdayschoolsupplies.com/list.php?school_zip=63119
We are taking three field trips before the end of the year. They are as follows:
May 25 - St. Louis Art Museum. Leave school at 10:00am and return at 12:00pm. We will have lunch on team (pizza). Cost is $6.00.
May 24 - Cardboard Regatta - Webster Groves Rec Center - Cost is 2.00.
May 26 - Sports Fusion - Chesterfield, MO - Cost is 21.00 (includes food and drink).
Forms for the art museum and Sports Fusion have already been posted on this blog (scroll down for the links). The form for the Cardboard Regatta will be posted soon.
Student TED Talks
20% Time Student TED Talks will be Wednesday, May 18 from 8:45-12:00 in the Hixson auditorium. We will be putting together a tentative schedule of talks so that parents can pop in and see your kiddo on stage. We will send more information, including the schedule, at a later date.
Hixson is excited to announce a new partnership with 1st Day School Supplies! We have collaborated with 1st Day School Supplies to help parents and teachers get the exact supplies needed for next school year without the hassle and aggravation of shopping at Wal-Mart, Target, or Staples. 1st Day School Supplies is convenient, easy, and hassle-free! Plus, the prices are competitive! This summer as the temperature hits over 100 degrees and lines at the checkout counter are a mile long, you can relax knowing that you have already purchased your child's school supplies from the comfort of your own home! To purchase a school supply kit, click on the link below. Orders are due by June 15th; supply kits will be delivered to Hixson at the beginning of the school year.
To order your kit, visit http://www.1stdayschoolsupplies.com/list.php?school_zip=63119
We are taking three field trips before the end of the year. They are as follows:
May 25 - St. Louis Art Museum. Leave school at 10:00am and return at 12:00pm. We will have lunch on team (pizza). Cost is $6.00.
May 24 - Cardboard Regatta - Webster Groves Rec Center - Cost is 2.00.
May 26 - Sports Fusion - Chesterfield, MO - Cost is 21.00 (includes food and drink).
Forms for the art museum and Sports Fusion have already been posted on this blog (scroll down for the links). The form for the Cardboard Regatta will be posted soon.
Student TED Talks
20% Time Student TED Talks will be Wednesday, May 18 from 8:45-12:00 in the Hixson auditorium. We will be putting together a tentative schedule of talks so that parents can pop in and see your kiddo on stage. We will send more information, including the schedule, at a later date.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
From the Office...
We have had some unsupervised students after school at Hixson. Kiddos should be in an after-school activity or leave the building after school. If you could, please remind students of the following regarding dismissal at the end of the day:
1) students should leave for home, their ride, or a bus at 3:15
2). On after school activity days: If students are participating, they must be in their activity room by 3:20 and should leave for home, their ride, or a bus at 4:00
3). Students are encouraged to walk to the Rec center if their transportation home is not on time and be picked up at the Rec.
We cannot have students unsupervised throughout the building in the late afternoons. It is a critical safety and security issue and student safety comes first.
On Mondays and Fridays students should be picked up by 3:35.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays students should be picked up by 4:10.
1) students should leave for home, their ride, or a bus at 3:15
2). On after school activity days: If students are participating, they must be in their activity room by 3:20 and should leave for home, their ride, or a bus at 4:00
3). Students are encouraged to walk to the Rec center if their transportation home is not on time and be picked up at the Rec.
We cannot have students unsupervised throughout the building in the late afternoons. It is a critical safety and security issue and student safety comes first.
On Mondays and Fridays students should be picked up by 3:35.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays students should be picked up by 4:10.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Art Museum Field Trip
On Wednesday, May 25, Harmony kiddos will be going on a field trip to the St. Louis Art Museum. We will be going with Unity Team. The trip is from 9:00am until noon. The cost of the trip is $6.00. Please find the links below for an informational letter and a permission slip. The slip must be returned by May 10.
Field Trip Information Letter
Field Trip Permission Slip
Field Trip Information Letter
Field Trip Permission Slip
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Last Day of School Field Trip
On the last day of school, we will be taking a field trip to Sports Fusion in Chesterfield on May 26. This is an awesome space with games, laser tag, food, etc. The kids have a great time every year! There are two forms attached here. Please read them and return the permission slip with the $21.00 payment. Forms must be returned by May 16.
Link to permission slip!
Link to information letter!
Link to permission slip!
Link to information letter!
20% Time Study
Danielle Zuroweste, a teacher at Avery, is doing a study on 20% Time for her graduate degree. She is doing her study through Maryville University. Last week, she sent consent forms to us so that we could pass them on to parents in the hope that parents will allow their children to participate in her study. Participation is basically filling out surveys. If you will allow your student to fill out surveys and let Danielle use the information for her study, please sign and return the film at your earliest convenience. Below is a video of Danielle explaining the project.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Monday Memo: MAP, PE and Grades!
MAP testing begins this week. We will be testing all week long for the first two hours of the day. Please make sure that kids' Chromebooks are charged and ready to go all day. Kids should also have a book to read once the testing is done for the day since they will not be able to use their computers for work during the testing period. Snacks are permitted as long as they are not messy.
Our PE department is putting on a special program. Here are the details:
This year on April 22nd the PE department will be sponsoring Hats for Heart. Like last year, students will be able to wear a hat with $1 or more donation. We will also have the prize raffle for students who make a donation. This year we have expanded ways for students to get involved. Attached is the flyer about this year's event. Some additions are the sale of t-shirts, wrist bands, add hearts to add to our heart wall. Students will be able to enter a jump rope contest during their lunch. We are asking that you send home an electronic copy with your team parent communication.
Many of you supported the cause last year and we thank you! We would like to offer pre-sales of the t-shirt for $10. The sign up sheet will be in the teacher's work room along with an example of the t-shirt. They will be delivered early so you can wear it on April 22nd. We will also have the hearts for the heart wall available if you would like to honor or remember someone affected by a heart condition. This cause became personal for me as I tried to get my dad through an aortic valve replacement with several complications this year.
Grades will be coming home this week. This is a progress report. There are seven weeks left in the school year and kids will get permanent grades with the May report card. There is still plenty of time for the kids to bring up grades, if necessary.
Our PE department is putting on a special program. Here are the details:
This year on April 22nd the PE department will be sponsoring Hats for Heart. Like last year, students will be able to wear a hat with $1 or more donation. We will also have the prize raffle for students who make a donation. This year we have expanded ways for students to get involved. Attached is the flyer about this year's event. Some additions are the sale of t-shirts, wrist bands, add hearts to add to our heart wall. Students will be able to enter a jump rope contest during their lunch. We are asking that you send home an electronic copy with your team parent communication.
Many of you supported the cause last year and we thank you! We would like to offer pre-sales of the t-shirt for $10. The sign up sheet will be in the teacher's work room along with an example of the t-shirt. They will be delivered early so you can wear it on April 22nd. We will also have the hearts for the heart wall available if you would like to honor or remember someone affected by a heart condition. This cause became personal for me as I tried to get my dad through an aortic valve replacement with several complications this year.
Grades will be coming home this week. This is a progress report. There are seven weeks left in the school year and kids will get permanent grades with the May report card. There is still plenty of time for the kids to bring up grades, if necessary.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Updates!
MAP testing has been moved back one week. We are not sure of the exact times yet but will convey that information as soon as it is available.
Term 5 ends this Friday. All grades for Term 5 will close at 3:15 on Friday afternoon.
Term 5 ends this Friday. All grades for Term 5 will close at 3:15 on Friday afternoon.
A Call for Cardboard
The seventh grade science department is working on a project for the end of the year. They need cardboard. If you have any cardboard that you'd like to get rid of, we would be happy to take it off your hands. You can drop it off or send it in. We are collecting for the entire month of April. We are also looking for duct tape. If you have duct tape and wouldn't mind donating it, please send it in. Thanks in advance.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Monday Memo: Testing, Trivia and 20% Time
Happy Monday! There is a lot going on in the next couple of weeks. We'll highlight the events a bit further down. One of our elementary teachers, who is doing her doctoral thesis at Maryville University, is conducting a study on 20% Time and would like for our kids to fill out a survey. There is a parent component as well and we would like for parents to fill out the attached permission slip so that their child can participate if they would like. The link to the slip is here.
Last week, our new book about 20% Time was released. It is available in paperback and eBook. If you'd like to check it out, click here.
Hixson Highlights - March 25, 2016
Hixson Student Trivia Night - April 8
Student Council and the FACS department are sponsoring a student trivia night from 3:30 to 5:00 on April 8.
Registration forms were mailed in term 4 progress reports, but may also be found by clicking here.
(There was a slight error on the form mailed home; trivia ends at 5:00, not 5:30.) Registration forms are due
in the office by April 6.
8th grade will be testing April 4-11 from 1:30 to 3:15pm
Ear buds are required for some sessions. Please ensure students bring a pair during the testing dates. If you are
unable to provide a pair of earbuds, please contact your grade level counselor.
There are limited MAP test make up dates due to the Algebra End of Course exams taking place April 25-29
for some Hixson students. Please be mindful of scheduled appointments during the testing dates.
(There was a slight error on the form mailed home; trivia ends at 5:00, not 5:30.) Registration forms are due
in the office by April 6.
MAP Testing Dates
7th grade will be testing April 4-7 from 8:45 to 10:18am8th grade will be testing April 4-11 from 1:30 to 3:15pm
Ear buds are required for some sessions. Please ensure students bring a pair during the testing dates. If you are
unable to provide a pair of earbuds, please contact your grade level counselor.
There are limited MAP test make up dates due to the Algebra End of Course exams taking place April 25-29
for some Hixson students. Please be mindful of scheduled appointments during the testing dates.
2016-2017 School Supplies
We are excited to announce a new partnership with 1st Day School Supplies! We have collaborated
with 1st Day School Supplies to help parents and teachers get the exact supplies needed for next school
year without the hassle and aggravation of shopping at Wal-Mart, Target, or Staples. 1st Day School Supplies
is convenient, easy, and hassle-free! Plus, the prices are competitive! This summer as the temperature hits
over 100 degrees and lines at the checkout counter are a mile long, you can relax knowing that you have already
purchased your child's school supplies from the comfort of your own home! To purchase a school supply kit, click
on the link below. Orders are due by June 15th; supply kits will be delivered to Hixson at the beginning of
the school year.
with 1st Day School Supplies to help parents and teachers get the exact supplies needed for next school
year without the hassle and aggravation of shopping at Wal-Mart, Target, or Staples. 1st Day School Supplies
is convenient, easy, and hassle-free! Plus, the prices are competitive! This summer as the temperature hits
over 100 degrees and lines at the checkout counter are a mile long, you can relax knowing that you have already
purchased your child's school supplies from the comfort of your own home! To purchase a school supply kit, click
on the link below. Orders are due by June 15th; supply kits will be delivered to Hixson at the beginning of
the school year.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Update on School Info from the Hixson Blog
Hixson Highlights - March 25, 2016
Hixson Student Trivia Night - April 8
Student Council and the FACS department are sponsoring a student trivia night from 3:30 to 5:00 on April 8.
Registration forms were mailed in term 4 progress reports, but may also be found by clicking here.
(There was a slight error on the form mailed home; trivia ends at 5:00, not 5:30.) Registration forms are due
in the office by April 6.
8th grade will be testing April 4-11 from 1:30 to 3:15pm
Ear buds are required for some sessions. Please ensure students bring a pair during the testing dates. If you are
unable to provide a pair of earbuds, please contact your grade level counselor.
There are limited MAP test make up dates due to the Algebra End of Course exams taking place April 25-29
for some Hixson students. Please be mindful of scheduled appointments during the testing dates.
Registration forms were mailed in term 4 progress reports, but may also be found by clicking here.
(There was a slight error on the form mailed home; trivia ends at 5:00, not 5:30.) Registration forms are due
in the office by April 6.
MAP Testing Dates
7th grade will be testing April 4-7 from 8:45 to 10:18am8th grade will be testing April 4-11 from 1:30 to 3:15pm
Ear buds are required for some sessions. Please ensure students bring a pair during the testing dates. If you are
unable to provide a pair of earbuds, please contact your grade level counselor.
There are limited MAP test make up dates due to the Algebra End of Course exams taking place April 25-29
for some Hixson students. Please be mindful of scheduled appointments during the testing dates.
2016-2017 School Supplies
We are excited to announce a new partnership with 1st Day School Supplies! We have collaborated
with 1st Day School Supplies to help parents and teachers get the exact supplies needed for next school
year without the hassle and aggravation of shopping at Wal-Mart, Target, or Staples. 1st Day School Supplies
is convenient, easy, and hassle-free! Plus, the prices are competitive! This summer as the temperature hits
over 100 degrees and lines at the checkout counter are a mile long, you can relax knowing that you have already
purchased your child's school supplies from the comfort of your own home! To purchase a school supply kit, click
on the link below. Orders are due by June 15th; supply kits will be delivered to Hixson at the beginning of
the school year.
with 1st Day School Supplies to help parents and teachers get the exact supplies needed for next school
year without the hassle and aggravation of shopping at Wal-Mart, Target, or Staples. 1st Day School Supplies
is convenient, easy, and hassle-free! Plus, the prices are competitive! This summer as the temperature hits
over 100 degrees and lines at the checkout counter are a mile long, you can relax knowing that you have already
purchased your child's school supplies from the comfort of your own home! To purchase a school supply kit, click
on the link below. Orders are due by June 15th; supply kits will be delivered to Hixson at the beginning of
the school year.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Summer School Information
If anyone is interested in summer school this year, the following website is where you can find pertinent information, including a web form to use for registration: bit.ly/hxsummerlearning. A PDF Flier to download is here.
Mr. Dempsey is the summer school principal this year so if you have any questions, please e-mail him at dempsey.patrick@wgmail.org.
Mr. Dempsey is the summer school principal this year so if you have any questions, please e-mail him at dempsey.patrick@wgmail.org.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Conferences, Field Trip, Summer School Information & Student Trivia Night
During the week of March 7, we will conduct parent conferences here at Hixson. This year, we will run student-led conferences. We will have four conferences running simultaneously and each conference will last thirty minutes. This conference will give you a good picture of your child's learning this year. Since we will have four conferences going on at the same time, it is only necessary to sign up for ONE conference strand (A, B, C, or D). We should have enough conference slots so that all parents can have a conference. The link to sign up for conferences is here. Please just sign up for Harmony Team "A" or "B" or "C" or "D". We look forward to seeing you during your conference.
Permission slips for the pig dissection field trip on March 23 are HERE. Please open the forms, print them and sign all of them before turning them in. The trip will be from 9-11 am and if any parents are interested in chaperoning, please let us know. The cost is $12 per student.
We will not be having after school activities this week and we are off school on Friday. Have a wonderful week and a restful spring break.
Hixson Summer School Information:
If you need information about the Hixson Summer School Program click on the link: bit.ly/hxsummerlearning On the site you will find the program description as well as a web form to register.
Student Trivia Night Information:
Permission slips for the pig dissection field trip on March 23 are HERE. Please open the forms, print them and sign all of them before turning them in. The trip will be from 9-11 am and if any parents are interested in chaperoning, please let us know. The cost is $12 per student.
We will not be having after school activities this week and we are off school on Friday. Have a wonderful week and a restful spring break.
Hixson Summer School Information:
If you need information about the Hixson Summer School Program click on the link: bit.ly/hxsummerlearning On the site you will find the program description as well as a web form to register.
Student Trivia Night Information:
What: Hixson Student Trivia Night
When: Friday, April 8th 3:30-5:30
Cost: $5 per student includes water, a hot dog, bag of chips, and dessert
Forms Due By: Wednesday, April 6th
Sponsored by Student Council
Monday, March 7, 2016
It's Conference Week!
During the week of March 7, we will conduct parent conferences here at Hixson. This year, we will run student-led conferences. We will have four conferences running simultaneously and each conference will last thirty minutes. This conference will give you a good picture of your child's learning this year. Since we will have four conferences going on at the same time, it is only necessary to sign up for ONE conference strand (A, B, C, or D). We should have enough conference slots so that all parents can have a conference. The link to sign up for conferences is here. Please just sign up for Harmony Team "A" or "B" or "C" or "D". We look forward to seeing you during your conference.
Permission slips for the pig dissection field trip on March 23 are HERE. Please open the forms, print them and sign all of them before turning them in. The trip will be from 9-11 am and if any parents are interested in chaperoning, please let us know. Please do not send forms or money to school until Thursday of this week at the earliest.
We will not be having after school activities this week and we are off school on Friday. Have a wonderful week and a restful spring break.
Permission slips for the pig dissection field trip on March 23 are HERE. Please open the forms, print them and sign all of them before turning them in. The trip will be from 9-11 am and if any parents are interested in chaperoning, please let us know. Please do not send forms or money to school until Thursday of this week at the earliest.
We will not be having after school activities this week and we are off school on Friday. Have a wonderful week and a restful spring break.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Monday Memo: Conferences and Field Trip
During the week of March 7, we will conduct parent conferences here at Hixson. This year, we will run student-led conferences. We will have four conferences running simultaneously and each conference will last thirty minutes. This conference will give you a good picture of your child's learning this year. Since we will have four conferences going on at the same time, it is only necessary to sign up for ONE conference strand (A, B, C, or D). We should have enough conference slots so that all parents can have a conference. The link to sign up for conferences is here. Please just sign up for Harmony Team "A" or "B" or "C" or "D". We look forward to seeing you during your conference.
Permission slips for the pig dissection field trip on March 23 are HERE. Please open the forms, print them and sign all of them before turning them in. The trip will be from 9-11 am and if any parents are interested in chaperoning, please let us know. Please do not send forms or money to school until Thursday of this week at the earliest.
This week, Melissa and I will be presenting about "20% Time" at the RCET Southwest Regional Technology Conference in Springfield, MO. There will be substitutes in both of our classes on Tuesday and Wednesday. We have coached the kids on behavior and hopefully they will rise to the expectation. There will be no morning or afternoon study sessions for the kids on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Permission slips for the pig dissection field trip on March 23 are HERE. Please open the forms, print them and sign all of them before turning them in. The trip will be from 9-11 am and if any parents are interested in chaperoning, please let us know. Please do not send forms or money to school until Thursday of this week at the earliest.
This week, Melissa and I will be presenting about "20% Time" at the RCET Southwest Regional Technology Conference in Springfield, MO. There will be substitutes in both of our classes on Tuesday and Wednesday. We have coached the kids on behavior and hopefully they will rise to the expectation. There will be no morning or afternoon study sessions for the kids on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Monday Memo: Conferences & Field Trip
During the week of March 7, we will conduct parent conferences here at Hixson. This year, we will run student-led conferences. We will have four conferences running simultaneously and each conference will last thirty minutes. This conference will give you a good picture of your child's learning this year. Since we will have four conferences going on at the same time, it is only necessary to sign up for ONE conference strand (A, B, C, or D). We should have enough conference slots so that all parents can have a conference. The link to sign up for conferences is here. Please just sign up for Harmony Team "A" or "B" or "C" or "D". We look forward to seeing you during your conference.
We are sending out permission slips for the pig dissection field trip on March 23. The trip will be from 9-11 am and if any parents are interested in chaperoning, please let us know.
The parent night for incoming sixth graders is at Hixson tomorrow evening. Festivities begin at 6:30pm and go until about 8:30.
We are sending out permission slips for the pig dissection field trip on March 23. The trip will be from 9-11 am and if any parents are interested in chaperoning, please let us know.
The parent night for incoming sixth graders is at Hixson tomorrow evening. Festivities begin at 6:30pm and go until about 8:30.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Come to the Idea Showcase!
The Idea Showcase is a gallery walk of Harmony Team 20% Time projects. We will be set up in the Hixson library on Tuesday, February 16 from 8:45-11:15. The showcase is an excellent chance to see the work these kiddos have put into their projects so far and the course they have charted for the next few months. This day represents one of the "high-stakes" events during 20% Time and we are hoping for an authentic audience what will ask good questions and provide good feedback. Each student will be looking for a mentor as well. If you have an area of expertise that matches up with one of the projects, please considering being their mentor. We hope to see you on Tuesday, February 16 between 8:45-11:15.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Monday Memo: Career Fair, Spring Conferences and Idea Showcase
Today, the items that we asked for on our Donors Choose grant arrived. Our grant was funded by Merck Pharmaceuticals last week and our things arrived today. The kids are very excited about getting to work with these new tools. Here is a link to our Harmonized Learning blog post about this grant.
Tomorrow we are out of the building for a Career Fair field trip. We return about 12:30 and we will have lunch on team. Regular schedule resumes when we get back.
For any students who want to reassess on the Scale Factor assessment, they can arrange a time with Mrs. Hellwig by February 11. Kids must request a reassessment and all of the necessary prep work must be done by then.
Spring conferences will be student led conferences this year. Conferences will be a half hour long and will be conducted by the students. We teachers will be on hand to answer any questions we can, but the kids will be responsible for highlighting their learning and talking about their grades. A letter which goes into a detailed explanation of student led conferences can be found here (Student led conference link). We will have conference sign-ups like we have in the past and time slots will be publicised in February. There should be ample time slots available. Over the next couple of months, we will be periodically talking to the kids about conferences and preparing them for this experience.
Tomorrow we are out of the building for a Career Fair field trip. We return about 12:30 and we will have lunch on team. Regular schedule resumes when we get back.
For any students who want to reassess on the Scale Factor assessment, they can arrange a time with Mrs. Hellwig by February 11. Kids must request a reassessment and all of the necessary prep work must be done by then.
Spring conferences will be student led conferences this year. Conferences will be a half hour long and will be conducted by the students. We teachers will be on hand to answer any questions we can, but the kids will be responsible for highlighting their learning and talking about their grades. A letter which goes into a detailed explanation of student led conferences can be found here (Student led conference link). We will have conference sign-ups like we have in the past and time slots will be publicised in February. There should be ample time slots available. Over the next couple of months, we will be periodically talking to the kids about conferences and preparing them for this experience.
On February 16 from 8:45-11:10 in the Hixson Library, we will have our 20% Time Idea Showcase. This is a chance for kids to show the progress they've made on their 20% Time projects. The event is open to all Hixson students and staff as well as district staff, parents and community members. Come by the library to see some amazing projects. We hope many of you are able to attend.
Digital volunteers are needed! As part of our 20% Time projects, kids are keeping blogs. If you have time, please read a couple of the kids' blog posts and leave a comment or two. The blogs can be found on the right-hand side of our 20% Time blog, harmonizedlearning.blogspot.com. Kids really light up when they see that they have a real audience. Thanks in advance for taking the time to offer feedback to the kids.
Digital volunteers are needed! As part of our 20% Time projects, kids are keeping blogs. If you have time, please read a couple of the kids' blog posts and leave a comment or two. The blogs can be found on the right-hand side of our 20% Time blog, harmonizedlearning.blogspot.com. Kids really light up when they see that they have a real audience. Thanks in advance for taking the time to offer feedback to the kids.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Monday Memo: Student Led Conferences & Idea Showcase
Spring conferences will be student led conferences this year. Conferences will be a half hour long and will be conducted by the students. We teachers will be on hand to answer any questions we can, but the kids will be responsible for highlighting their learning and talking about their grades. A letter which goes into a detailed explanation of student led conferences can be found here (Student led conference link). We will have conference sign-ups like we have in the past and time slots will be publicised in February. There should be ample time slots available. Over the next couple of months, we will be periodically talking to the kids about conferences and preparing them for this experience.
Next Tuesday, February 2, we are out of the building for a Career Fair field trip. We return about 12:30 and we will have lunch on team. Planet Sub orders are due this Friday. For $7.00, kids get an 8" sub, chips, drink and cookie.
On February 16 from 8:45-11:10 in the Hixson Library, we will have our 20% Time Idea Showcase. This is a chance for kids to show the progress they've made on their 20% Time projects. The event is open to all Hixson students and staff as well as district staff, parents and community members. Come by the library to see some amazing projects. We hope many of you are able to attend.
Digital volunteers are needed! As part of our 20% Time projects, kids are keeping blogs. If you have time, please read a couple of the kids' blog posts and leave a comment or two. The blogs can be found on the right-hand side of our 20% Time blog, harmonizedlearning.blogspot.com. Kids really light up when they see that they have a real audience. Thanks in advance for taking the time to offer feedback to the kids.
On February 16 from 8:45-11:10 in the Hixson Library, we will have our 20% Time Idea Showcase. This is a chance for kids to show the progress they've made on their 20% Time projects. The event is open to all Hixson students and staff as well as district staff, parents and community members. Come by the library to see some amazing projects. We hope many of you are able to attend.
Digital volunteers are needed! As part of our 20% Time projects, kids are keeping blogs. If you have time, please read a couple of the kids' blog posts and leave a comment or two. The blogs can be found on the right-hand side of our 20% Time blog, harmonizedlearning.blogspot.com. Kids really light up when they see that they have a real audience. Thanks in advance for taking the time to offer feedback to the kids.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
JA Field Trip Information
On Tuesday, February 2, we will be going on a field trip, the Junior Achievement Career Fair. We will leave Hixson at 9:55am and be at the career fair until 12:15pm. We will be making arrangements to eat on team when we get back to school. If you do NOT want your child to go on the field trip, then please sign the form linked here.
For lunch this day, we students can bring their own lunch, get a sack lunch from the cafeteria or order from Planet Sub. The Planet Sub box lunch includes an 8-inch sub, chips, cookie and drink for $7.00 per student. It is a choice to order. If your student decides to order from Planet Sub, we will need money by January 29th to turn the order in by the weekend. When students bring in their money, I will have them fill out an order form. Click here to view the menu.
Let us know if you have any questions!
For lunch this day, we students can bring their own lunch, get a sack lunch from the cafeteria or order from Planet Sub. The Planet Sub box lunch includes an 8-inch sub, chips, cookie and drink for $7.00 per student. It is a choice to order. If your student decides to order from Planet Sub, we will need money by January 29th to turn the order in by the weekend. When students bring in their money, I will have them fill out an order form. Click here to view the menu.
Let us know if you have any questions!
Friday, January 15, 2016
Monday Memo: Career Fair and Digital Volunteers
On Tuesday, February 2, we will be going on a field trip, the Junior Achievement Career Fair. We will leave Hixson at 9:55am and be at the career fair until 12:15pm. We will be making arrangements to eat on team when we get back to school. Look for more information about lunch later this month. If you do NOT want your child to go on the field trip, then please sign the form linked here.
We are looking for Digital Volunteers. As you know, we have been working on our 20% Time projects for a couple of months now. One of the things that we ask kids to do is blog about their learning. We would like some of you to take a look at the kids' blogs, read a few posts, and leave a comment or two. Kids are very excited when they see how many views their blogs are getting and closely track where those views are coming from. It will be even more exciting and relevant for them when they see comments on their blogs. To see the list of student blogs, go to harmonizedlearning.blogspot.com and look at Must Read Student Blogs on the right side of the page. Each blog title is a link to that blog. Thanks for helping out.
We are looking for Digital Volunteers. As you know, we have been working on our 20% Time projects for a couple of months now. One of the things that we ask kids to do is blog about their learning. We would like some of you to take a look at the kids' blogs, read a few posts, and leave a comment or two. Kids are very excited when they see how many views their blogs are getting and closely track where those views are coming from. It will be even more exciting and relevant for them when they see comments on their blogs. To see the list of student blogs, go to harmonizedlearning.blogspot.com and look at Must Read Student Blogs on the right side of the page. Each blog title is a link to that blog. Thanks for helping out.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to Hixson! We hope that everyone had a great winter break. The kids seem well-rested and ready to go! On February 16 during hours 1-3 (8:35-11:10), we will have our 20% Time Idea Showcase. This is an opportunity for students, teachers, administrators, parents and community members to come into the Hixson Middle School library to see the kids' projects so far. Each of the kids will build a visual (usually resembling the science fair tri-fold posters) that tells about their project. They will also be on hand to talk about their project and learning goals with interested guests. This is always a fun and informative day so please put it on your calendars and come by if you can. Click this link to see photos of previous Idea Showcases.
This March, we will have student-led conferences. We will begin preparing the kids for those conferences within the next two weeks. Each conference will last 20-30 minutes. The students will talk about their learning, using work examples to explain their strengths and weaknesses. Teachers will be on hand to answer any questions that parents may have. We will have more information about student-led conferences in February.
Semester grades will be coming out in the next week or so. Second semester is a fresh start and grades will be cumulative from January 5 through the end of school.
This March, we will have student-led conferences. We will begin preparing the kids for those conferences within the next two weeks. Each conference will last 20-30 minutes. The students will talk about their learning, using work examples to explain their strengths and weaknesses. Teachers will be on hand to answer any questions that parents may have. We will have more information about student-led conferences in February.
Semester grades will be coming out in the next week or so. Second semester is a fresh start and grades will be cumulative from January 5 through the end of school.
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