Weekly Update (Dec. 12 - 16)

Monday - Canada:  What's Built Where
Tuesday - Canada: How Its People Make A Living
Wednesday - Global Connections / Jeopardy Review
Thursday - Chapter 3 Test
Friday - Fun Holiday Activities

*Please make sure that your child is studying for the test on Thursday.  They have a study guide with answers in their social studies folder.

USA/Canada Mapping Lab Test Results

             Study Guide Signed                        Study Guide Not Signed
A           38 students (85%)                              25 students (46%)
B            6 students (13%)                               11 students (20%)
C            0 students                                           5 students (9%)

D            1 student (2%)                                   6 students (11%)
E            0 students                                           7 students (13%)

Total Students Passing Test = 83%

Weekly Update (Dec. 5 - 9)

Monday - Introduce Chapter 3 "Settlement Patterns in Canada"

                *Study for 50 States Quiz

Tuesday - Geoterms 3 (Due Wednesday)

                *Study for 50 States Quiz

Wednesday - 3.4 Population: Who Lives Where?

                *Study for 50 States Quiz

Thursday -  3.5 Language:  Who Speaks What?

                *Study for 50 States Quiz

Friday -  3.6 Climate:  Having Fun in the Cold

                *Study for 50 States Quiz

Weekly Update (Nov. 28 - Dec. 1)

Monday - Finish Challenge #4 / USA Coloring Activity (Due Monday)
Tuesday - Start Challenge #5
Wednesday - Finish Challenge #5 / Study Materials for Test (Study for Test)
Thursday - Review for Test / Play Jeopardy (Study for Test)
Friday - Mapping Lab Test

*The last test of the first trimester will be this week Friday.  Please make sure that your child is studying Challenge #1 and #2 at home.

Winter Wear Drive

As the weather turns colder, many of our students are without warm winter clothing. I am conducting a Winter Wear Drive with some of my students as part of my student teaching at Sparta Middle School. Starting November 21st, students can bring in donations for the Winter Wear Drive. We are asking for donations that are new or used but are still in very good condition.

We are asking for:

• Hats (New only please)

• Coats

• Scarves

• Mittens/Gloves

• Boots

• Snow pants

We appreciate any items that can be donated. Students can bring all donations to the office. Items will be redistributed to students who are in need of warm winter wear. The drive will wrap up on December 15th.

Thank you for your support!

Ms. Rollston
jessyrollston@gmail.com

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Parents,

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and be thankful for what you have. One of the things that I am most thankful for is my job. I get to go to work every day and work with students that make me laugh and smile. I get to watch learning happen and be a part of new understanding. I love my job and I love working with your children. I am truly thankful to be teaching in Sparta. Enjoy your time with family and friends this Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Mr. Tidey

Weekly Update (Nov. 21 - 22)

Monday - Complete Challenge #3 / Canadian Mad Minutes
Tuesday - Start Challenge #4 / Canadian Mad Minutes
Wednesday - Enjoy Thanksgiving Break

Weekly Update (Nov. 14 - 18)

Monday - Finish Canada & U.S. Jigsaw
Tuesday - Memory Map of Canada & U.S. / Challenge #1 (Due Wed.)
Wednesday - Canada Coloring Activity / Start Canada Mad Minutes (Study Provinces)
Thursday - Challenge #2 / Computer Lab - Canada Game (Study Provinces)
Friday - Challenge #3 (Study Provinces)

*** Quiz on Canadian Provinces will be next week Monday and Tuesday.

Weekly Update (Nov. 7 - 11)

Monday - Cornell Notes on Canada & U.S.
Tuesday - Jigsaw Activity on Canada & U.S.
Wednesday - Camp Pinewood
Thursday - Camp Pinewood
Friday - Camp Pinewood

Weekly Update (Oct. 31 - Nov. 4)

Monday - 2.8 Regions / Study Guide (Study for Test)
Tuesday - Jeopardy (Study for Test)
Wednesday - Chapter 2 Test
Thursday - Introduction to Canada
Friday - Jigsaw on Canada and United States

Weekly Update (Oct. 24 - 28)

Monday - Student Led Conference Prep / Climate Act It Outs
Tuesday - 2.5 Earth's Vegetation
Wednesday - 2.6 Population Density
Thursday - 2.7 Economic Activity
Friday - Economic Activity Act It Outs / 2.8 Earth's Regions

Student Led Conferences

Just a reminder that student led conferences are coming up next week.  The dates are Thursday, October 27 and Tuesday, November 1 from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.  Your child will be preparing information to share with you.  They will show you work for each of their core classes, goals that they have written, and discuss their progress report.  It is very important that students have an opportunity to share this information with you.  Teachers will be available in the class to discuss how you child has been doing so far this year.  Thanks for taking time out of your schedule to attend conferences.

Weekly Update (Oct. 17 - 21)

Monday - 2.3 Physical Features
Tuesday - MEAP
Wednesday - MEAP / Physical Feature Act It Outs
Thursday - 2.4 Earth's Climates
Friday - Climate Act It Outs / 2.5 Earth's Vegetation

Chapter 1 Test Results

Here are the results for the Chapter 1 Test.  As you can see, only 40% of the students had their study guide signed.  Please make sure that your child is studying for each test.

                 Studied                                    Not Studied
A           11 students                                 10 students
B           13 students                                  22 students
C            9 students                                     9 students          
             81% Passed                                64% Passed
D             3 students                                    6 students
E             5 students                                  17 students          
             19% Failed                                  36% Failed

Overall 71% Pass  29% Failed

Weekly Update (Oct. 10 - 14)

Monday -  Preview 2 (Due Wednesday) - Many students have not completed this and it needs to be finished at home.
Tuesday - MEAP Testing
Wednesday - MEAP Testing / Introduce Chapter 2
Thursday - Start Geoterms 2
Friday - Finish Geoterms 2 (Due Monday)

*We are MEAP testing on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.  We will not have social studies class on Tuesday and Wednesday's class will only be 30 minutes long.  Please talk with your child about the importance of sleep, eating breakfast, and doing their personal best on the MEAP test.

Weekly Update (Oct. 3 - 7)

Monday - Complete Missing Work / Fill Out Study Guide (HW: Study for Test)

Tuesday - Study Strategies / Create Slider Frame for Test (HW: Study for Test)

Wednesday - Jeopardy Review (HW: Study for Test)

Thursday - Chapter 1 Test

Friday - Go Over Test / Introduce Chapter 2

Weekly Update (Sept. 26- 30)

Monday - No School
Tuesday - 1.6 Continents, Oceans, & Hemispheres
Wednesday - 1.7 Earth & Sun
Thursday - 1.8 Map Projections
Friday - Complete Any Missing Work / Study Guide

Camp Information

Here are a few reminders about 6th Grade Camp:

1. Camp dates are Monday, November 7 through Wednesday, November 9.  Our goal is that every 6th grade student goes to camp.  If you are aware of an issue that would keep your child from going to camp, please let me know ASAP.
2. Coffee fundraiser forms are due this Friday, September 23.  This is a great way to lower the cost of camp.  For every bag of coffee sold, the student will receive $3 off from their camp fee.
3. We are still in need of many chaperones for camp (especially dads).  We have several moms signed up, but we do not have any dads signed up.  In my opinion, 6th Grade Camp is the best three days in the middle school.  Time with your kid, a way to get to know their friends better, exploring in the woods, watching your child accomplish things that they did not know they could, are just a few of the benefits.

Weekly Update (Sept. 19 - 23)

Monday - Finish 1.3 Map Titles & Symbols / Social Contract

Tuesday - Start 1.4 Global Grid

Wednesday - Finish 1.4 / Social Contract 

Thursday - Start 1.5 Dealing with Distances

Friday - Finish 1.5 / Finish Social Contract

Wordle

Weekly Update (Sept. 12 - 16)

Monday - Pretest Chapter 1
Tuesday - Intro Activity - Gold Mining
Wednesday - Intro Ch. 1 / Start Geoterms 1
Thursday - Finish Geoterms 1
Friday - Complete Social Contract

A Greeting from Ms. Rollston

Hello! My name is Jessy Rollston and I am student teaching with Mr. Tidey this fall.  I am currently a student at Central Michigan University.  I am majoring in Social Studies and History.  I also have a minor in English.  In 2006 I graduated from Sparta High School.  During the past four summers I have worked with children and young adults ranging in age from five to thirteen years of age.  I am very excited to get to know students and parents this fall!

Weekly Update (Sept. 6 - 9)

Here is the plan for the week:

Tuesday - Teacher Intros / Name Game
Wednesday - Top Ten / Procedures / Warp Speed
Thursday - Syllabus / Procedures / Warp Speed
Friday - Room 1 Activity / Warp Speed

The only homework this week is to get the social studies syllabus signed by a parent and put into your social studies folder.

Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year

Dear Parents/Students,

Welcome to the new school year.  I am looking forward to meeting everyone at Open House on Tuesday, August 30 from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.  Open House is an informal night for your child to meet his/her teachers, become familiar with the halls, practice using lockers, etc.  I am sure many students are nervous and excited about the transition to the middle school.  I know my own sixth grade son, Mason, is a little of both.  Open House is a great way for students to calm some of these nerves. 

Open House will also be a great time to meet our student teacher, Jessy Rollston.  Miss Rollston is a former Sparta graduate.  She is looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday as well.

Looking forward to meeting everyone on Tuesday.

Mr. Tidey & Miss Rollston

Weekly Update (May 31 - June 3)

Tuesday - Introduce Chapter 10 / Geoterms 10
Wednesday - Introduce Mayan Dramatizations
Thursday - Prepare for Mayan Dramatization
Friday - Finish Mayan Dramatizations

We are quickly coming to the end of the school year. Students will receive a progress report on Thursday.  This will show any missing work that is due.  All missing work must be turned in by Tuesday, June 7.

Weekly Update (May 23 - 27)

Monday - Neighborhood Visit #3
Tuesday - Neighborhood Visit #4
Wednesday - Global Connections / Study Guide
Thursday - Jeopardy Review
Friday - Chapter 9 Test:  Spatial Inequality in Mexico City

Discussion

How Do We Slow Down Deforestation in the Amazon?

What Are We Losing in the Amazon Rainforest As A Result of Deforestation?

What/Who is the biggest threat to the Amazon Rainforest?

Please click on comment below and add your thoughts.  You must do the following in your response:

1.  I agree/disagree with your comment about ...
2.  Tell the audience what you think.
3.  Provide your supporting evidence.
4.  Sign your first name only.  No last names.

Ex)  I disagree with your comment about how the loggers are the biggest contributors to deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest.  I believe that the cattle ranchers are the number one threat to the Amazon.  According to my research, the cattle ranchers were responsible for 38% of Amazon deforestation from 1966-1975.

Please remember that this is available for all to see on the web.  Be appropriate.  Use correct spelling and punctuation.  This is not like texting.  Write words our completely and please be professional.

Weekly Update (May 2 - May 6)

Here is the plan for this week:

Monday - Amazon Rainforest Research
Tuesday - Amazon Rainforest Research (Last Day)
Wednesday - Multi- Flow Map on Deforestation in the Amazon
Thursday - Self Reflection Paper
Friday - Study Guide for Chapter 12 Test

Canned Food Drive Ends April 29

It's time to clean out those pantries and cupboards.  Student Government is collecting any non-perishable food items for the local pantry.  Please help support this worthy cause.

Weekly Update (April 25 - 29)

Monday - Double Bubble Map on "Lorax" vs. Deforestation in Amazon
Tuesday - Start Amazon Research Project
Wednesday - Amazon Research Project
Thursday - Amazon Research Project
Friday - Amazon Research Project

Weekly Update (April 11 - 15)

Here is the plan for this week.

Monday - South America Coloring Activity (Due Tues.)
Tuesday - Preview 12 (Due Wed.)
Wednesday - Intro. Ch. 12 / Geoterms 12 (Due Thurs.)
Thursday - Preparing for News Reports
Friday - Practice News Reports

*Mad Minutes on South America will start next week Monday.  Students can use their coloring activity to study or the link on the blog.  The link will take them to an online game.

Start Texting Each Other! Ugly Sweater Day is Tomorrow

Tomorrow is Ugly Sweater Day.  Wear those ugly sweaters.  Better yet, ask you parents to borrow one of theirs.  Yes, you know the sweater. 

Sparty Cup Dress Up Days

Here are the dress up days for Sparty Cup.  Make sure you text each other reminders.  Go 6th Grade!

Thursday - Ugly Sweater Day
Friday - Decades Day (Dress like the 60's, 70's, and 80's)
Monday - Beach Day (No swim suits)
Tuesday - Career Day
Wednesday - Color Day (Wear White)

Make sure you participate.  We receive points for each person participating.

Weekly Update (March 21 - 25)

Here is the plan:

Monday - Finish Challenge #3 and #4 (Study for Test)
Tuesday - Challenge #5 (Study for Test)
Wednesday - Jeopardy Review on Latin America (Study for Test)
Thursday - Latin America Mapping Lab Test
Friday - Movie "Sweet 15"

The Haiti Fundraiser is going well.  Last week, students and teachers raised over $1200.  We have a week and a half left.  Please continue to encourage your child to find a way to help.  It is always better if they have to do something to earn the money to donate.  Thanks for your support.

NCAA Standings

Here is the top ten in the NCAA tournament, so far.  Do not let Mr. Busse win.  :)  We will never hear the end of it.

1 Greg Busse 46 points
2 diane olivia saenz saenz 45 points
3 matt mauer 43 points
3 Renae Barr 43 points
3 Teegan Galdeen 43 points
6 brad rinal 42 points
6 caleb buren 42 points
6 Christopher Westers 42 points
6 Connor Willcox 42 points
6 David Hyde 42 points

March Madness Competition

March Madness is here.  We are having a student competition for March Madness.  Students need to click on the link below and predict who they think will win the NCAA basketball tournament. 

http://tidey.mayhem.cbssports.com/e
Pool Password:  Go Blue

Winners will receive:
1st Place = Pop a day for a week
Top Ten = Pop

This is always a lot of fun.  Predict games based on knowledge.  I had a girl win once who picked their favorite mascot in each game.  Have you parents help.  Just get involved in the fun.

Weekly Update (March 14 - 18)

Monday - Finish Tree Maps on Inspiration
Tuesday - Present Tree Maps to Group/Challenge #2
Wednesday - Latin America Challenge #3
Thursday - Latin America Challenge #4
Friday - Finish Challenge #3 and #4

Please remember that Mad Minutes start this week on Mexico and Central America.  Students need to know where these countries are by the end of the week.  There are links to games on the blog.

Haiti Fundraiser is ON!

Today, students were finally able to meet Christina Rockwell, a former Sparta graduate.  Christina presented to Sparta students about the issues that people in Haiti face.  Now, it is time to act.  This presentation kicks off the annual 6th Grade Haiti Fundraiser.  The goal is to raise $5,000 from now until Spring Break.  We have been talking about this for weeks.  The students have been encourage to:

• Babysit and donate the money to UMCOR or Pure Water for the World.
• Ask to complete extra jobs and donate the money earned to Haiti.
• Donate their hard earned money and try to get relatives and friends to match their donation.
• Do a neighborhood pop can drive with a friend.
• Create something to sell (bracelets, bookmarks, etc.) and donate the proceeds.
• Find a way to help in their own way.

Please encourage your child to get involved.  Part of being an active citizen in our society is to help those in need.  Students have been told to get their parent's permission before starting to raise any money.  If you have any questions, let me know.

Weekly Update (Feb. 28 - March 4)

Monday - 8.5 How Does Immigration Affect the U.S.?

Tuesday - 8.6 How Does Emigration Affect the Homelands?

Wednesday - Global Connections / Study Guide

Thursday - Jeopardy Review

Friday - Chapter 8 Test

Weekly Update (Feb. 14 - 18)

I have been bad about posting this week.  Sorry.  Here is the plan for Thursday and Friday.

Thursday - Circle Map on Push Factors and 8.4 Pull Factors
Friday - Circle Map on Pull Factors and Interview Preparation.

Weekly Update (Feb. 6 -10)

Monday- Personal Computer Consumption

Tuesday - Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - On Your Own Activity Due Wed.

Wednesday - Global Connections / Study Guide / Foldable Study Strategy
Thursday - Jeopardy Review

Friday - Chapter 7 Test

*Reminder that conferences are this week Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.  These have been rescheduled from last week due to the blizzard.

Weekly Update (Jan. 1 - Feb. 4)

Monday - Introduce Food Consumption

Tuesday - Finish Food Consumption

Wednesday - Introduce Oil Consumption

Thursday - Finish Oil Consumption

Friday - Complete Personal Computer Consumption

*Just a reminder that student led conferences are this week Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.  We are going to try something different at conferences tonight.  The students are going to sign in on the white board in the order that they enter the class.  This will hopefully help us with knowing who to meet with next.  We will try it and see how it goes.

Chapter 5 Test Results

Here are the results of the Chapter 5 Test.  As you can see, test grades are lower than they have been in the past.  Please ask your child to see his/her test.  They have them in their social studies folder.

             Study Guide Signed                    Study Guide Not Signed
A                  27 (40%)                                          3 (8%)
B                  17 (25%)                                          8 (22%)
C                  14 (21%)                                        13 (35%)
D                    1 (1%)                                            5 (14%)
E                     8 (12%)                                          8 (22%)

Total Passing = 79%

Weekly Update (Jan. 24 - 28)

Monday - Chapter 5 Test

Tuesday - Intro. to Chapter 7

Wednesday - Student Led Conference Prep.

Thursday - Geoterms 7 (Due Friday)

Friday- Food Consumption

Weekly Update (Jan. 17-19)

Monday - Processing 5 (Due Wed.)  Study for Test

Tuesday - Jeopardy Review (Study for Test on Wed.)

Wednesday - Chapter 5 Test

Thursday - No School

Friday - No School

Please make sure that your child studies for the upcoming test.

Weekly Update (Jan. 10 - 15)

Monday - Start Urban Sprawl - Toronto, Ontario
Tuesday - Finish Urban Sprawl - Toronto, Ontario
Wednesday - Start Urban Sprawl - Atlanta, Georgia
Thursday - Finish Urban Sprawl - Atlanta, Georgia
Friday - Global Connections

*Our next test is going to be on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.  The study guide with answers in on the blog.  Please make sure that your child is studying for this test.

Weekly Update (Jan. 3 - 7)

Monday - Intro. Chapter 5
Tuesday - Geoterms 5 (Due Wed.)
Wednesday - Introduce Planning Committee Activity
Thursday - 5.4 Portland, Oregon Activity
Friday - 5.4 Finish Portland, Oregon

Chapter 3 Test Results

                Signed Study Guide                      Study Guide - Not Signed
A                     30 (52%)                                         25 (49%)
B                     21 (36%)                                         15 (29%)
C                       6 (10%)                                           8 (16%)
D                       0                                                      0
E                       1 (2%)                                              3 (6%)

Students Passsing = 94%