Well, it seems like it has been forever since I have updated the page, but it turns out its only been about a month! Either way, my apologies to those faithful readers. All two of you. :)
Report cards will be coming out tomorrow, and for the most part, everyone has done well starting out the sixth grade year. The one thing that has hurt the most students has been not turning in assignments. Remember, sixth grade is preparation for middle school, and in middle school, homework and other assignments must be done. As I've said numerous times, if you turn in everything I ask you to, you can't help but get a good grade in my class!
Conferences will be happening at the end of November, right before our Thanksgiving break. There will be a reminder sent home with report cards of parents date and time that they signed up for. If you have not signed up for a conference, I have a few slots still available, so make sure to call Ashford School and leave me a voicemail. Mrs. Beermann and I would greatly enjoy the chance to sit down with you to discuss your student's progress!
What we're working on:
Language: We are nearing the end of Beowulf, one of the oldest stories still on record. Most students seem to really enjoy the book, and we are having fun reading it! We've started discussing the Beowulf and Grendel inside of us, and everyone in the class (teachers included) has begun a writing project describing them. I know personally that it has been a very enlightening experience. I hope it is for students as well!
Science: After finishing Chapter 1 of our ecology text, we are now working on animal research reports. Students have selected an animal (those who desired a challenge had one picked for them!), and are now using the computer labs and library to find out a selection of information. This is a great experience; research reports are a staple of high school and college, so its good to get practice!
Wow, this has been quite the update! My thanks to those who keep their eye on this page. Who knows what wonders are to come?
Mr. Tormey
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Science Units
These are the topics that will be covered this year in Sixth Grade Science.
1. Lab Safety
Being that this is most sixth graders first experience in a science lab, it is vital that we are all experts on safety rules and procedures.
2. Scientific Method and Inquiry
The proper approach to solving problems of all kinds is extremely important. This information will help students not only in science, but in other classes and in the world at
large.
3. Ecology
We will be taking a look at the various ecosystems around the world, drawing comparisons and also seeing what effect we have on the environment as a whole.
4. Chemistry
This particular group of sixth graders seem to be looking forward to this unit most, and with good reason. We will be doing a lot of basic experiments, studying chemical changes, and learning about the periodic table in this unit.
5. Geology
In this unit, we will be looking at how the Earth forms and plate tectonics. Don't worry; we'll get to the "cool" stuff as well. (Earthquake, volcano, etc. )
In addition to these units, we will be having Current Events every Wednesday, in which we discuss a variety of science topics that are changing our world every day. These will mostly be provided by myself, but students are always welcome to bring things in to share!
1. Lab Safety
Being that this is most sixth graders first experience in a science lab, it is vital that we are all experts on safety rules and procedures.
2. Scientific Method and Inquiry
The proper approach to solving problems of all kinds is extremely important. This information will help students not only in science, but in other classes and in the world at
large.
3. Ecology
We will be taking a look at the various ecosystems around the world, drawing comparisons and also seeing what effect we have on the environment as a whole.
4. Chemistry
This particular group of sixth graders seem to be looking forward to this unit most, and with good reason. We will be doing a lot of basic experiments, studying chemical changes, and learning about the periodic table in this unit.
5. Geology
In this unit, we will be looking at how the Earth forms and plate tectonics. Don't worry; we'll get to the "cool" stuff as well. (Earthquake, volcano, etc. )
In addition to these units, we will be having Current Events every Wednesday, in which we discuss a variety of science topics that are changing our world every day. These will mostly be provided by myself, but students are always welcome to bring things in to share!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
We have Rules around here!
I'm glad to see that this website has been linked to the Ashford School webpage so quickly. A special thanks goes out to Mrs. Roy for getting us up and running!
The following are the rules for our science classroom. Students who have language with myself and Mrs. Beerman have a slightly different set of rules, but they are basically the same. All students have a copy of these rules in their science folder.
1. Be Responsible
This means being responsible by doing your homework on time, participating in class, as well as being responsible for your own actions.
2. Respect others.
This goes for any and all life forms in the science room as well as throughout the school and community.
3. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
4. Follow directions!
This is super important, especially here in the science lab!
5. Enjoy learning.
Now that we are all on the same page, we can get started!
--Mister Tormey
The following are the rules for our science classroom. Students who have language with myself and Mrs. Beerman have a slightly different set of rules, but they are basically the same. All students have a copy of these rules in their science folder.
1. Be Responsible
This means being responsible by doing your homework on time, participating in class, as well as being responsible for your own actions.
2. Respect others.
This goes for any and all life forms in the science room as well as throughout the school and community.
3. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
4. Follow directions!
This is super important, especially here in the science lab!
5. Enjoy learning.
Now that we are all on the same page, we can get started!
--Mister Tormey
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
First Post!
Welcome to the inaugural post on Mister Tormey's blog!
As I am writing this, we are just finishing the first day of school for 2007-2008, and I am very excited to say that today has been amazing! It was wonderful to see everyone excited to be back at Ashford and ready for another fun-filled year.
On this blog, you will be able to find out how things work in my classroom (rules, policies and assorted other official business) as well as updates as to how the year is going. My goal is to post at least once a week with new information.
Feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns. The easiest way to reach me is through e-mail (btormey@ashfordct.org), but I can also be reached by phone. (860) - 429 - 6419, extension 323
Once again, keep your eyes peeled for new and exciting information as we head into the new school year!
-- Mister Tormey
As I am writing this, we are just finishing the first day of school for 2007-2008, and I am very excited to say that today has been amazing! It was wonderful to see everyone excited to be back at Ashford and ready for another fun-filled year.
On this blog, you will be able to find out how things work in my classroom (rules, policies and assorted other official business) as well as updates as to how the year is going. My goal is to post at least once a week with new information.
Feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns. The easiest way to reach me is through e-mail (btormey@ashfordct.org), but I can also be reached by phone. (860) - 429 - 6419, extension 323
Once again, keep your eyes peeled for new and exciting information as we head into the new school year!
-- Mister Tormey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)