Update for the Last 8 days!!!

Due to Christmas Musical practice and some special activites we will be doing in class next week, I have changed some of the upcoming test days.

Wed. Dec. 11 - Practice Final Map Test (counts as an assignment grade) & Final Social Studies Test
Thurs. Dec. 12 - Final Science Test
Number the Stars Test Cancelled!!! (16-Afterward & Vocabulary for 16-Afterward)
Mon. Dec. 16 - Practice Number the Stars Final Test (Vocab. Ch. 1-Afterward & Comprehension)
Tues. Dec. 17 - Final Number the Stars Test (Vocab. Ch. 1-Afterward & Comprehension), Final Bible Verse Test (Turn in Number the Stars Books)

Thurs. Dec. 19 - Christmas Party - Everyone bring a sweet or salty snack to share for the party.

Gift Exchange - Bring a WRAPPED favorite drink, candy, or snack (about R$5-8) for a white elephant game we will play during our party. 

November 22 - December 5, 2013

Four Weeks Until the Break!!!

Can you believe that school is almost out for Chrstmas?  I have loved every minute of this first semester with you kids and have enjoyed watching them mature, learn, and become more responsible this semester! 

Food & Hygiene Drive
We are doing a food & hygiene drive for a local creche in Brasilia.  Please join us by sending the following items to school with your children!  Our class is collecting:

Cleaning Supplies: bar dish soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, liquid dish soap, bleach, rubbing alcohol, veja (all purpose cleaner), sponges, disinfectant cleaner, mops, brooms, floor towels, bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and toilet paper.

Food needs: rice, beans, sugar, pasta, oil, tomato sauce, sardines, canned vegetables, canned meat, flour, milk, cookies, juice and coffee (for the workers).

Field Trip: 
Where: CCBB Renaisance Exhibit (located off the JK Bridge)
When: December 6, 2013 from 9:30 - 1:00
What to bring: Sack Lunch or $ for lunch at McDonalds, Social Studies Notebook, Pencil, Positive and Mature Attitude, and permission slip (will be issued the week before the trip)
Please note: The Renaisance Exhibit contains paintings and sculptures with nudity.  I will do my best to guard the eyes, hearts, and minds of the students from most of the nudity in the exhibit, but your child will probably see various paintings/sculptures with nudity in passing.  We have discussed this is class.
Cost: $15 + Money for McDonalds (or a sack lunch)

Christmas Musical

Our class has will be performing a very nice song and dance at the Christmas Musical!  Be sure to make it!  Invite your family and friends.  The event will be at Mackenzie on December 13th.  This is a mandatory event. 
The students will need to pay R$5 for their entire costume for the Christmas Program.  This will include a shirt and hat to be worn with jeans and flat tennis shoes (converse type shoes are preferred). The money is due on Monday, November 25th. 


Bible Verses and Deadlines:

Due: Dec. 3 - Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Due: Dec. 17 - Hebrews 13:15 - "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name."

Important Dates: (As more events come, I will add them.)

Monday, December 2 - Reading Test (Ch. 10-12 Vocabulary and Comprehension)

Tuesday, December 3 - 3rd Grade Multiplication Test (0-10)

Wednesday, Dec. 4 - Map Quiz
Wednesday, December 4 - 5th Grade Math Test (Ch. 5 - Dividing and Multiplying with decimals)
Monday, December 9 - Reading Test (Ch. 13-15 Vocabulary and Comprehension)

Wednesday, December 11 - Map Quiz

Thursday, December 12 - All School Music Practice @ Mackenzie (8-11) Drop kids off at Mackenzie by 8:00 a.m.
Thursday, December 12 - Social Studies Test (Chapter 6)

Friday, December 13 - All School Music Practice @ Mackenzie (8-11) Drop kids off at Mackenzie by 8:00 a.m. & Christmas Program @ Mackenzie. Students must be at Mackenzie at 6:15 p.m.

Monday, December 16 - Reading Test (Ch. 16-Afterward Vocabulary and Comprehension) & Science Test Unit B Chapter 2.

Tuesday, December 17 - Map Quiz (All of Asia Countries)

Wednesday, December 18 - 3rd Grade Division Test (0-5 Divisors)

Wednesday, December 18 - Final Reading Test (Ch. 1-Afterward Vocabulary and Comprehension)

Nov. 7 - Nov. 15, 2013

Important Dates:

Thursday, November 7 - 3rd Grade Math Test: Chapter 5
Thursday, November 7 - Number the Stars Test Ch. 1 - 3 (Vocabulary & Comprehension) 
Friday, November 8 - Social Studies Test: Chapter 5
Friday, November 8 - SMASH Lock-In (6th - 12th Grade)
Monday, November 11 - Section B Chapter 1 Science Test
Monday, November 11 - Bible Verse Test: Psalm 121:1-2
Tuesday, November 12 - Dress Down Day
Wednesday, November 13 - 5th Grade Math Test: Chapter 4
Wednesday, Nov. 13 – Map Quiz
Thursday, November 14 - Number the Stars Test (Vocabulary & Ch. 4-6)
Thursday, November 14 - Brazil Day & Lunch with Your Child @ BIS
Friday, November 15 - No School!
Monday, November 18 - Bible Test (I will pick 2.)
Wednesday, November 27 – Map Quiz
Thursday, November 21 - Science Quiz over Inertia, Speed, Velocity (Book & Video Quiz)
Friday, November 22 - 2nd Quarter Progress Reports Sent Home
Wednesday, November 27 - School Spirit Day! 
November 28 & November 29 - No School!

December 3 - 3rd Grade Multiplication Test (0-10)

Bible Test on Monday, Nov. 11: Psalm 121:1-2

I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Bible Verse for Test Nov. 18: (I will pick 2 of the following verses and you will have to write them.)

Psalm 121:1-2 

Ephesians 2:8-9

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast."

1 John 1:8

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."

Joshua 1:7

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go."

Hebrews 10:11-12

^"Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God."

Videos to Watch on BrainPop:

Acceleration

Distance, Rate, and Time

Force

Kinetic Energy

Newton's Law of Motion

Christopher Columbus

Columbian Exchange

Conquistadors

Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 2013

Thanks Parents!  Every year at BIS, I leave parent conferences encouraged!  I am so thankful for your children and the impact that each of you have on their lives.  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to meet with me about your kids' progress.

Upcoming Important Dates:

Monday, October 28 - Bible Verse Test: Ephesians 2:8-9

Wednesday, October 30 - Social Studies Map Quiz over Central and Northern Asia Countries

Wednesday, October 30 - Christmas Musical Rap Try-Out
Thursday, October 31 - School Spirit Day

Friday, November 1 - Early Dismissal

Monday, November 4 - 10 Commandment Test

Wednesday, November 6 - Social Studies Map Quiz over Central and Northern Asia Capitals

Thursday, November 7 - 3rd Grade Math Test: Chapter 5

Thursday, November 7 - Number the Stars Test Ch. 1 - 3 (Vocabulary & Comprehension) 

Friday, November 8 - Social Studies Test: Chapter 5

Monday, November 11 - Section B Chapter 1 Science Test

Monday, November 11 - Bible Verse Test: Psalm 121:1-2

Tuesday, November 12 - Social Studies Map Test

Tuesday, November 12 - Dress Down Day

Wednesday, November 13 - 5th Grade Math Test: Chapter 4
Thursday, November 14 - Brazil Day & Lunch with Your Child @ BIS
Friday, November 15 - No School!

Friday, November 22 - 2nd Quarter Progress Reports Sent Home

Wednesday, November 27 - School Spirit Day! 

November 28 & November 29 - No School!

Bible Verse for Test October 28: Ephesians 2:8-9

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast."

Bible Test on Monday, Nov. 4: 10 Commandments

1. You must have no other god but me. 

2. Don't make or worship any idols.

3. Don't misuse the name of the Lord your God.

4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and mother.

6. Don't murder.

7. Don't commit adultery.

8. Don't steal.

9. Don't lie.

10. Don't covet.

Christmas Program Costume

All 5th & 6th grade students will need to pay an estimated  R$40 for their Christmas Program costume.  This will include a hat and a "Set The Record Straight" t-shirt.

The shirts will also be available for students outside of 5th and 6th grade as a shirt to wear on Fridays for R$28.00

October 21 - 25, 2013

Sign Up for Parent Conferences ASAP! Wednesday - Friday!

Important Dates:

Monday, October 19 - Shiloh Test (Chapters 12 - 15)
Tuesday, October 22 - Shiloh Test (Chapters 1 - 15 Comprehensive Test: Vocabulary and Book)

Tuesday, October 22 - Social Studies Chapter 4 Test
Wednesday, October 23 - Friday, October 25 - Early Dismissal (Parent Conferences in the Afternoon)
Wednesday, October 23 - Shiloh Movie Party (4th & 5th Grade Boys bring plates or snacks, 6th Grade Boys bring drinks or cups)
Thursday, October 24 - Shiloh Movie Party (4th & 5th Grade Girls bring plates or snacks, 6th Grade Girls bring drinks or cups)
Friday, October 25 -  Christmas Musical Song Memorized
Monday, October 28 - Bible Verse Test: Ephesians 2:8-9
Wednesday, October 30 - Social Studies Map Quiz over Central and Northern Asia Countries

Wednesday, October 30 - Christmas Musical Rap Try-Out
Thursday, October 31 - School Spirit Day
Friday, November 1 - Early Dismissal
Monday, November 4 - 10 Commandment Test
Wednesday, November 6 - Social Studies Map Quiz over Central and Northern Asia Capitals

Thursday, November 7 - 3rd Grade Math Test: Chapter 5

Monday, November 11 - Section B Chapter 1 Science Test

Tuesday, November 12 - Dress Down Day
Thursday, November 14 - Brazil Day & Lunch with Your Child @ BIS
Friday, November 15 - No School!

 

Bible Verse for Test October 28: Ephesians 2:8-9

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast."

 

Videos to Watch on BrainPop:

Compounds and Mixtures

Property Changes

Anne Frank

Adolf Hitler

Holocaust

Great Wall of China

 

Reading Class

We are going to begin reading "Number the Stars." This book is historical fiction and is about the Holocaust, please be prepared if your children beginning having questions about this time period and horrible event of history.  Thank you.

 

The Atoms Family

The Atoms Family Song (Click to Watch on YouTube)

They're tiny and they're teeny,

Much smaller than a beany,

They never can be seeny,

The Atoms Family

CHORUS:

They are so small (snap, snap)

They're round like a ball (snap, snap)

They make up the air.

They're everywhere.

Can't see them at all.

Together they make gases,

And liquids like molasses,

And all the solid masses,

The Atoms Family

CHORUS

Neutrons hang around,

Where protons can be found;

Electrons circle round

The Atoms Family

CHORUS

October 14-18, 2013

Important Dates: 

Monday, October 14 - No School
Tuesday, October 15 - Teacher's Day - No School

Thursday, October 17 – Grade 3 Unit Test (Chapters 1-4)

Thursday, October 17 - Bible Verse Test: 1 John 1:8 

Friday, October 18 - South Asia Map Quiz
Monday, October 19 - Shiloh Test (Chapters 12 - 15)
Tuesday, October 22 - Shiloh Test (Chapters 1 - 15 Comprehensive Test: Vocabulary and Book)

Tuesday, October 22 - Social Studies Chapter 4 Test
Wednesday, October 23 - Friday, October 25 - Early Dismissal (Parent Conferences in the Afternoon)
Wednesday, October 23 - Shiloh Movie Party (4th & 5th Grade Boys bring plates or snacks, 6th Grade Boys bring drinks or cups)

Thursday, October 24 - Shiloh Movie Party (4th & 5th Grade Girls bring plates or snacks, 6th Grade Girls bring drinks or cups)

Friday, October 25 -  Christmas Musical Song Memorized
Monday, October 28 - Bible Verse Test: Ephesians 2:8-9
Wednesday, October 30 - Christmas Musical Rap Try-Out
Thursday, October 31 - School Spirit Day
Friday, November 1 - Early Dismissal
Monday, November 4 - 10 Commandment Test
Tuesday, November 12 - Dress Down Day
Thursday, November 14 - Brazil Day & Lunch with Your Child @ BIS
Friday, November 15 - No School!

Bible Verse for Test October 17: 1 John 1:8

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."

Bible Verse for Test October 28: Ephesians 2:8-9

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast."

BrainPop Videos to Watch:

Periodic Table of Elements

Atoms

Atomic Model

Download The Christmas Musical Music

Please use the following links to download the music our class will sing during Christmas Musical. 
There are 2 versions of the song.  The students will need to learn the version will all lyrics in order to sing the version with some lyrics.

All students must know the how to sing song using correct lyrics by Friday, October 25.  We will have a try-out for the RAP section in the beginning of November.  Although it is a boy rapping in the song, the try-out is open for boys and girls.

Set The Record Straight (with all lyrics)

Set The Record Straight (with some lyrics)

Lyrics

Verse 1
This ain't a song about lights
A song about treats
A song about toys
Not a song to sing about trees
And naughty little girls and boys

Not another pointless rhyme
That has to do with Christmas time
You can make it what you want it to be
But this song is bigger than you and me

Pre-Chorus
This holiday
Let's set the record straight

Chorus
This is the Christmas song of the year
Let's go and spread the news with cheer
I'm not talking about Santa's sleigh
But how Jesus Christ is born today!

Verse 2
Way back once upon a time
The night that big star shined
Right there in heavenly peace
Was born that night
The King of Kings
He came to save the lost
He came down from the cross
He came and made a way for us to be saved
And this is why we celebrate

Pre-Chorus
This holiday
Let's set the record straight

Chorus
This is the Christmas song of the year
Let's go and spread the news with cheer
I'm not talking about Santa's sleigh
But how Jesus Christ is born (today!)

This is the Christmas song of the year
Let's go and spread the news with cheer
I'm not talking about Santa's sleigh
But how Jesus Christ is born today!
Bridge
Joy to the world
Joy to the world

Rap
Yeah!
Not about pumpkin spice
Lattes, o' yo' grandmas' turkey and gravy
Y'all crazy!
It's about a Jesus who was sent to us as a baby
So He could save me.
Come on can you hear me now when the beat drops!
It's not about Santa and when he makes his stops
It's time we celebrate the birth of the new born king
And stop makin' Christmas about all these other things!

Chorus
This is the Christmas song of the year
Let's go and spread the news with cheer
I'm not talking about Santa's sleigh
But how Jesus Christ is born today!

This is the Christmas song of the year
Let's go and spread the news with cheer
I'm not talking about Santa's sleigh
But how Jesus Christ is born today!

Parents Please Note - The students will also be required to wear a certain costume for Christmas Musical.  This will be determined.  Plan to spend about R$30 - R$40 on this year's costume.

Engrade Sign-Out

Please LOG-OFF of Engrade at 5:00 p.m. today (Monday, Oct. 7) and do NOT log back in until further notice from BIS staff.  We are upgrading our Engrade to have more benefits and need everyone to comply.

Thank you!

Miss Duke

October 7-11, 2013

Important October Dates: 

Last day to turn in work for the 1st quarter - Thursday, October 10

Children´s Day Celebration - Friday, October 11 from 1:00 - 3:00 - Buy tickets now at the office! Our class still needs helpers! Please email me if you are available to help from 12:30 - 3:15 on Friday.

No School - Monday, October 14

Teacher´s Day (No School) - Tuesday, October 15

Parent Conference Days: Wednesday, October 23 - Friday, October 25 - Early Dismissal

Spirit Day - Thursday, October 31

Test Dates: 

Monday, October 7 - Bible Verse Test: Joshua 1:7

Wednesday, October 9 – 5^th Grade Math Chapter 3 Test

Friday, October 11 – Science Test Section A Chapter 3 (Adaptations & Traits)

Friday, October 11 – Grade 3 Chapter 4 Math Test

Thursday, October 17 – Grade 3 Unit Test (Chapters 1-4)

Thursday, October 17 - Bible Verse Test: 1 John 1:8

Tuesday, October 22 - Social Studies Chapter 4 Test

Bible Verse for Test October 7: Joshua 1:7

"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go."

 

Bible Verse for Test October 17: 1 John 1:8

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."

Sept. 30 - Oct. 4, 2013

Attention Parents: 

1. The 5th and 6th grade needs your help!  We need parent volunteers to help us with our games on Friday, Oct. 11 from 1:00-3:00.  Please email me if you are interested! 

2. I would like help with some upcoming in-class science experiments.  Please email me if you are interested!  You would present and lead the experiment!  

Buy your tickets now for our Children's Day Celebration!  

Friday, October 11 - 1:00 - 3:00 @ BIS

Bible Verse for Test Sept. 30: Hebrews 10:11-12 

“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.”

Bible Verse for Test October 7: Joshua 1:7

"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go."

Videos to Watch on BrainPop:

Social Studies:

Maya Civilization

Aztec Civilization

American Indians

Science:

Camouflage

Fats

Body Weight

Antibiotic Resistance

Math:

Exponents

Reading

Reading Skills

Important Dates: 

Monday, September 30 – Bible Verse Test: Hebrews 10:11-12

Monday, September 30 – Social Studies Test: Maya, Aztec, Anasazi, & Time Lines

Monday, October 7 - Bible Verse Test: Joshua 1:7

Wednesday, October 9 – 5^th Grade Math Chapter 3 Test

Friday, October 11 – Science Test Section A Chapter 4

Friday, October 11 – Grade 3 Chapter 4 Math Test

Thursday, October 17 – Grade 3 Unit Test (Chapters 1-4)

September 23 - 27, 2013

Upcoming Tests:

Monday, September 23 – Bible Verse Test – I will pick two of the previous 5 Bible verses and the students will write them from memory.

Ephesians 4:31-32 - "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every from of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you."

Genesis 50:20 - "As far as you you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Ephesians 4:24 - "You were taught with regard to your former way of life to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Hebrews 11:17 & 19a - "By faith, Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son. Abraham reasoned that even God could raise the dead."

Romans 15:4 - "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."

Tuesday, September 24 – Science Test Section A Chapter 3

Thursday, September 26 – Reading: Shiloh Test (Chapters 8 – 11 & Vocabulary Section 3 Part 2 )

Thursday, September 26 – 3^rd Grade Math Chapter 3 Test

Monday, September 30 – Bible Verse Test: Hebrews 10:11-12

Monday, September 30 – Social Studies Test: Maya, Aztec, Anasazi, & Time Lines

Wednesday, October 9 – 5^th Grade Math Chapter 3 Test

Friday, October 11 – Science Test Section A Chapter 4

Bible Verse for the Week of Sept. 23-27: Hebrews 10:11-12 

“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.”

Videos to Watch on BrainPop:

Social Studies:

Maya Civilization

Aztec Civilization

American Indians

Science:

Camouflage

Fats

Body Weight

Antibiotic Resistance

Math:

Exponents

Reading

Reading Skills

Anne & Miss Duke's Birthday Party

When: Sunday, September 22, 2013

Where: QI 28 Conjunto 8 Casa 24

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Anne and Miss Duke have a tradition of celebrating their birthdays together!  Join us on Sunday for our "HOE-DOWN." The theme is COWBOY/COWGIRL.  So, dress accordingly!

Sept. 16-20, 2013

Our Silly Class Photo

Bible Verse Test Due Monday, Sept. 23, 2013
Study all of the Bible Verses that you have learned this quarter. I will choose 2 of them for your test on Monday.

Important Dates:

Sept. 18 - Progress Reports Sent Home
Sept. 21 - Pancake Breakfast
Sept. 26 - Spirit Day
Sept. 27 - Early Dismissal @ 11:45

Test Dates:
Sept. 16- Bible Verse Test over Genesis 50:20
Sept. 17- Quiz over last weeks' Science Videos (BrainPop Videos: Pollination, Honeybees, Heredity, Genetics, DNA, Genetic Mutations)
Sept. 19- Section 3 Part 1 Vocabulary Quiz
Sept. 24- Section 1 Chapter 2 Science Test
Sept. 26- 3rd Grade Math Test: Chapter 3

Sept. 9 - 13, 2013

Dress Down Day on Tuesday, Sept. 10 for R$2.00

No School Friday, Sept. 13!

Bible Verse of the Week (Test Monday)
Genesis 50:20 - "As far as you you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Upcoming Tests:
Tuesday, Sept. 10 - Quiz over Blog Videos (Watch the Mitosis video on YouTube from last week's blog and the BrainPop videos about cells, mitosis, and growth).
Wednesday, Sept. 11 - Reading Test on Vocabulary Section 2 Part 2 & Shiloh Chapters 1-7
Thursday, Sept. 12 - 5th Grade Math Test over Chapter 2
Thursday, Sept. 12 - Social Studies Test over Chapters 1 & 2
Monday, Sept. 16 - Bible Verse Test: Genesis 50:20
Thursday, Sept. 19 - Vocabulary Section 3.1 Quiz
Tuesday, Sept. 24 - Science Test Section A Chapter 2
Thursday, Sept. 26 - 3rd Grade Math Test over Chapter 2

New Videos to Watch on BrainPop this week! 

BrainPop Videos: Pollination, Honeybees, Heredity, Genetics, DNA, Genetic Mutations

Sept. 2 - Sept. 6

Bible Verse of the Week: 

Ephesians 4:31-32 - "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every from of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you."

Miss Duke is coming back!  I will arrive back in Brasilia on Saturday, Sept. 7!  See you Monday!  Thank you for being so well behaved and flexible while I took this very necessary trip to take care of my mom.

Upcoming Tests & Quizzes

Science Test - A - Chapter 1 - Test Wednesday, Sept. 4.
Reading Vocabulary Section 2 Part 1 Quiz Thursday, Sept. 5.
5th Grade Math - Chapter 2 Test - Tuesday, Sept. 10

Videos!
We are going to start studying Mitosis, Chromosomes, and Genetics!  Here are some videos that will help you get started.  We will have a quiz over the first video on Tuesday of next week!

BrainPop Videos to Watch: Cells, Mitosis, Growth

BrainPop Game: Control of the Cell & Cell Command

Check your Engrade Messages for the BrainPop Username and Password.  

August 26 - 30

Bible Verse of the Week: 

Ephesians 4:24 - "You were taught with regard to your former way of life to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Thanks for praying for my mom and for all of your sweet notes on Engrade.

Remember that you have a Vocabulary test on Monday.  This will have questions from all of the vocabulary words you have learned so far in Reading class.

You also have a Social Studies test on Wednesday.

Continue to watch the videos from last week's blog, especially the one about conifers, mosses, ferns, and flowering plants.

I love you all and miss you very much!  Keep doing your best and thank Mrs. Owsley for all of her hard work!

See you soon!

Miss Duke

Open House Information

Welcome to the 5th and 6th Grade Class at Brasilia International School!  I am so happy and honored to teach your child this year.  

Here are a few things you need to know about our class:

Blogging: I will communicate to you through the blog.  If you have any questions you are always welcome to email me: dawnadukeatgmaildotcom You can also message me using the online grading system.

I frequently post YouTube videos or names of BrainPop videos for your children to watch at home for homework. Please allow them to watch the videos during their homework time, or free time.  I recommend that they watch them multiple times to have more exposure to the new concepts.

Grading: All grades will be available for student and parent access at www.engrade.com All of your children have access codes and passwords.  You can set yours up tonight at Open House!

Percent Breakdowns: 50% assignments 50% Tests

Discipline: All students are expected to respect all teachers, parents, staff, and peers. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in the following consequences:

1. Write 10 sentences during break - Student will write their name under the word discipline.
2. Write 20 sentences during break - Student will write an "X" by their name.
3. Write 40 sentences during break(s) & Note home - Student will circle the "X" by their name.
4. Parent/Teacher Conference
5. Principal's Office

Please note: If a teacher has to send or call for a student to complete his/her consequence, the consequence doubles.  It is the student's responsibility to complete the consequence without being reminded by the teacher to do so. 

Homework is to be completed at home.  I will check for completion of homework between 8:00 and 8:10 every morning.  Students without all assignments completed and agenda/documents signed will receive consequences.  The consequences include:

• Agenda not signed  - Write 10 sentences during recess.  When consequence is complete, student may attend the remainder of recess.
• Reading Log not signed - Read 15 minutes during recess and complete reading log.  When completed, student may attend the remainder of recess.
• Homework not complete - Student will complete homework during first recess and miss the remainder of recess writing sentences.  If homework is still not complete by second recess, the student will finish during second recess and may attend the remainder of recess when homework is complete. 

Testing: Here is some information regarding testing procedures.  It is the students responsibility to study and prepare for them.  Cheating of any kind will result in a grade of 0%.  No retakes or extra credit will be given if a child cheats on any test or assignment.

1. Spelling - Typically occurs on Fridays, but on short weeks, it will take place on the last day of the school week. Be sure to complete all assignments from the unit and turn them in on test days.
2. Bible Verse - Typically occurs on Friday, but on short weeks, it will take place the last day of the school week, or the following Monday.  It is the students responsibility to copy the memory verse from the board, or if applicable, the blog.  
3. Science/Social Studies/Math/Language/Reading - Upon completion of each lesson, or unit, there will be a test.  The students will know a few days in advance and will have at least one in-class review day to cover any material that they are having trouble with.  Some tests and quizzes will be posted on www.engrade.com These tests must be taken at school.  Students cannot take online quizzes and tests at home.  The student will receive a grade of a 0% if he/she takes a quiz at home.  Students are not allowed to use online assistance, books, or other resources to complete online tests/quizzes.  This will be monitored by the test administrator at BIS. 

Homework:  Homework is for home.  Some assignments will be posted on www.engrade.com If the assignment is for the students to complete at home, they are allowed to use their books, internet, etc. I would not want to tempt them to cheat.

Please save my email.  dawnadukeatgmaildotcom 

Feel free to email me anytime.  Please allow 24 hours for a response.  Especially since I am currently out of town due to a family emergency.

I look forward to this school year!

Thank you,

Miss Duke