March 2010

Dear Parents,

Spring is almost here! We are still doing our Nutritious Nibbles Program and are in need of more natural applesauce. Please pick up a package when you do your grocery shopping. Thank you for your support! Here is what the 6th graders are learning in March:



Science – In March, students will begin to explore the conservation of life. In addition, labs will include demonstrating habitat loss and modeling the effects of acid rain. Lastly, students will research and report on what can be done to conserve the rain forests.

Math – This month the 6th grade will increase their knowledge of geometry by classifying triangles, constructing precise angle bisectors, and identifying congruent figures. Students will learn how relationships between the lines and angles of triangles and parallelograms determine the classification of a figure. Students will complete this unit by reviewing the characteristics of a circle and converting percentages to the precise central angles required to construct a circle graph.

English – The 6th graders will read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor during the month of March. They will study the time period of the novel to give them better understanding of the events in the story. Also, they will study characterization, drawing conclusions, and comparing and contrasting. In grammar, the students will finish their unit on verbs and begin their study on modifiers. The 6th graders will also be expected to write a persuasive essay on a topic of their choice.

History – Having completed Ancient Greece, the 6th grade will begin studying Rome. They’ll achieve an appreciation for various innovations and groundbreaking ideas put forth by the Romans. They’ll examine topics such as republicanism, the rise of the empire, gladiators, personalities of emperors, cultural legacies, and Roman culture, music, and food. The students will also write an independent study paper on Meso-American cultures such as the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs.

Spanish – During the month of March, the sixth graders will learn the names for various places in Lesson 19.  They will also learn to say how they are getting to those places using the irregular verb "ir".  In Lesson 20 the students will be introduced to two stem-changing verbs, "pensar" and "poder"

Enjoy the month!
Teacher Kelly

March Events

• Tuesday, March 2: Dr. Seuss Day! FAW Reading Event
• Friday, March 5: Bowling for Books, 6-8 pm
• Monday, March 8 - Friday, March 12: Scholastic Book Fair
• Wednesday, March 10 and Thursday, March 11: Parent conferences, 3:15pm -6:00pm
• Thursday, March 18: Coffee and Tea with Rose and Michelle, 8:30am