SUMDOG COMPETITION

Below is a link to a Math contest I have entered our class in that will begin Oct. 3rd and last through Oct. 13.  Please be sure to check out the link below which gives details. 

http://www.sumdog.com/contests/central_ohio/how_to_enter     --- This give you info.

www.sumdog.com     ------This is where you log in.

The students will have log in usernames and passwords that will be on cards stapled in their agenda books.  I encourage you to log in and try the practice games beginning NOW to "train" for the competition.  During the competition, (Oct. 3-Oct. 13) the sumdog competition will be their Math homework.  This can also count towards their Math minute.  If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Mr. H 

HARDY HAPPENINGS WEEK OF 9-26-11

Hardy Happeing Week of 9-26-11

SWACO Landfill Field Trip

Today we made a trip to the SWACO landfill to see just what kind of a carbon footprint Franklin County is responsible for.  The kids learned about items that are made from natural resources that can be recycled.  They also learned about the basic design of a landfill and much more.  Be sure to ask you child to tell you about the following from his/her trip.....
     -the compactor (and its awesome tires)
     -the tipper
     -why mt. trashmore is so tall
     -what natural resouces glass, paper, plastic, and aluminum are made from (aluminum is the hard one!)
     -what the old landfill was reused as (hint: Mr. H has lost many-o-golf balls there!)

Oh, and enjoy the pictures!

VOLUNTEERS

Many of you have expressed interest informally about volunteering to help.  As we begin to build routines I have found a few areas in which I would greatly appreciate some assistance.  At this point in time most of the "jobs" will be clerical in nature.  If you are interested in helping please take a look at the list of jobs below and decide if any of these are for you.  If so email the following to me:

1. which job(s) you are interested in
2. how often you would be willing to come in (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, as needed)
3. days of the week and times you are available


         JOBS       

• general copying ( and/or possibly filling word work folders weekly)
• laminating/cutting
• building games and FUSION journals (copying, laminating, cutting, etc)
• managing our reading web (tabulating student logs and helping to assemble the reading web using paperclips on a weekly or bi-weekly basis)

Thank you very much for you willingness to help.

INVESTIGATIONS FAMILY LETTER

Click below to read the Investigations Family Letter for Unit 1.

Family Letter Unit 1

HARDY HAPPENINGS

Click on the link below to read the Hardy Happeings for the week of Sept. 19th.

Hardy Happenings

GARBOLOGY

On Wednesday we practiced Garbology (the study of garbage) to investigate the waste that comes from SSE at lunch time.  It was pretty messy and a little smelly, but we learned a lot about the carbon footprint SSE is already leaving on our Earth.  In the coming days we will be designing a plan to reduce our carbon footprint.  Be sure to ask your child about this.  Enjoy the pictures below!!

RECYCLED ROBOTS

                                                                                       
Our students were discussing the fact they we have a COOL mascot at Summit STEM, but unfortunately we have no three-dimensional statues of him.  So Tuesday we decided that we would take matters into our own hands.  We used the recyclable materials that we brought and (after sorting them) decided to reuse them as building materials.  With help from our design cycle...it was a success!  Scroll down and see it with your own eyes!!

SUMMIT STEM SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

HARDY HAPPENINGS

Click on the link below to view the newsletter.

Hardy Happenings 9-12-11

TAKE HOME FOLDERS AND HOMEWORK

Folders:

The kids will be bringing home "take home" folders tonight.  One side will be marked Keep at Home and the other side will be marked Return to School.  Be sure to check those nightly.

Reading Log:
Each student will bring home a Reading Log to keep in his/her folder in the front sleeve to record readings at least 4 nights per week.  Be sure to read the letter on the reading log for info on completing the log.  The log does not need to be turned in weekly.  It should be turned in when it is full.  As a rule of thumb, it should take no longer than 3 weeks to fill.  Students will be given paperclips for reading as we build our spiderweb towards the Media Center.

Math Fact Practice:
It is important that we become fluent in our addition and subtraction facts so that we can use those foundational skills as building blocks for more complex tasks.  There will be a "Math Minute" fact practice log sent home in the "take home" folders to record progress in this area as well.  Practice can be done using flashcards or websites for fact fluency.  Be sure to look for it in the folder tonight as well.  Below are a few websites for great for fact practice!

**Please note that this is in addition to any homework that will come with our Investigations Math program, which will begin within the next week.


http://aplusmath.com/Flashcards/index.html


http://www.thegreatmartinicompany.com/

Mr. H

AGENDA BOOKS

We are testing out our agenda book skills today for the first time.  Your child should have came home with his/her agenda book.  This will contain homework related information and should be checked and initialed nightly.
Thanks,

Mr. H

WE NEED JUNK!

Our 1st quarter FUSION unit is all about Conservation and how we can make a positive impact on our Earth.  As part of the kickoff to our unit I am asking the students to bring in materials that they think can be recycled.  We will be sorting the materials and then reusing them in a creative way, with help from our Design Cycle!  Please be sure to help your child with this so that he/she has at least one item to share this Monday, September 12.

Welcome to Mr. Hardy's class at Summit STEM Elementary!

It was a pleasure to see all of you at the Parent Orientation Open House night!  Thank you so much for your support and interest in our school.  Please click on the link below to view the Parent Information Packet that we discussed last night.  Please let me know if you have questions.

Mr. H

Parent Information Packet 2011-2012