Gonna revamp my curriculum

okay, folks. what did you like and dislike about 6th grade science, this year.

let's start with geology. our study of rocks and things. making rocks, identifying rocks, making sand from rocks by shaking in a jar, understanding the three main types of rocks.

how about the timelines we made of earth?

how about the computer powerpoints on earthquakes?

water? fresh and salt. great mixing bowl. the sand in the soda bottle experiments. how wells work? ground and surface water? life in the oceans? life zones in the oceans? motions of the ocean?

the atmosphere? layers, jet stream. . . weather?

space? c'mon, we need more space. i need more space. send me your ideas, thoughts, reactions.

have a great summer, kids

Fence Posting and Michael

Well, well. Lookie who stopped by my classroom to explain how to convert the speed of light from miles/second to miles/year - or, light-years.

Michael, an 8th grader, utilized the mathematics comparison weapon of fence posts, to explain how to convert that number. Michael used my smart board to construct the fence post and then painstakingly explained each step of the process. The only problem was that 8th graders were enroute to lunch at that time, and my cherubs were more concerned about watching them, than Michael.

Never to be dissuaded, Michael announced, "I'll be back, tomorrow."

Light travels about 186,400 miles per second. How far will it travel in a year?

Have a great night, folks.

The End Is Near

Chapter test on Atmosphere, this week. We reviewed today, tomorrow, they get study guides. Test on Wednesday, except Section 64, their test is Thursday.

Then, we do the universe. I'm gonna cover that unit in light-speed.

Look to edline

Progress reports are due, today. Students with a "D" or lower will have a hard copy of the progress report sent home. I have 'lotsa' hard copies to send, today.

Please, parents, I update edline each week, when needed. If your kiddo did not turn in a paper a month ago, that means I have already spoken to that child three times. Please do not ask me to print-off a copy of that assignment, now, and give it to your child to redo. That time has long passed and we are working on something completely different.

You would not believe how many requests I get for such action or to do extra credit work. Why?

I post my entire unit on my website for easy download and printing. My homework page is always up-to-date. I monitor my email to provide quick response to queries. Short of calling each of you, daily, I am doing things at my end trying to make your child successful.

Feels like pigs flying
Just because I went to San Antonio, last weekend, and am now sick as a dog, means my allergies turned into a cold. I do not have "swine flu."

Have a "cough-free" day, folks.

Know The Chemical Formulas

Okay, folks. Leaving to go see my boy graduate from basic training. I will be back on Tuesday. In the meantime, wewill be in the textbook. pages 15-19. Homework Monday.

Have a great weekend.

Whadd'ya Mean, Not Enough Time?!?

This is a good one. I gave a chapter test. In that test, I returned all homework and project papers several days prior to the test, so kids had something to study. I did two days of review and even handed out study guides to those that asked. The entire chapter is on my website.

The test?
-Well, they had the entire period.
-It was 20-questions.
-They were permitted to use their science notebooks.
-Each question was in chronological order, according to homework.
-I even provided information from which homework assignment that particular test question was taken.
-Each question was worth 5 points, but, I gave partial credit when appropriate.

From the e-mails I received, it appears there was a sale on wool -- the kind that can be worn over the eyes.

Have a great night, folks.

Test on Friday

As we finish the ocean chapter, students are well aware there is a test on Friday. The test also entails the Mixing Bowl project. So, on Wednesday, I will hand back all the papers I have been keeping so the kiddoes can study.

Have a great night, folks.

Did y'all read the newspaper?

Both of our middle school OM teams are advancing to world competition. The older middle school group won first place for Lost Labours of Herakles -- yes, this was a story about a Greek hero, named, Herakles. By the time the Romans stole the story, the name was perverted to Hercules. Sorta like how white men perverted the Indian name of Lawasaquik (Loyalsock). The Teach Your Creature gang -- mostly my current students - won second place.

Long live creativity and intelligence!!!!

Did y'all read the newspaper?

I Done Yolked My Meringue

We restarted clubs, today. Me, the guy that burns water, is helping Mrs. Beard and Mrs. Helminiak, with the cooking club. I did have a ball, today, however. Mrs. Beard taught and I copied making Baked Alaska. It is ice cream sandwiched in a cake and layered with whipped meringue. My first task? Separate the eggs - whites and yolk. Apparently, even the slightest bit of fat from egg yolk, interferes with the protein egg whites in creating meringue. It was only a sliver of yolk, yet, once we added cream of tartar, sugar and set the hand-mixer on super, deluxe, maximum thrust high, were we able to whip those egg whites into a frothy meringue.

From there, it was a matter of encasing the ice cream/cake sandwich in merigue to form a super-tight seal. We baked it in a preheated 500-degree Fahrenheit oven until the meringue turned golden brown. Then, it was matter of slice and serve the 36 kids in our club. Folks, home ec is a small kitchen and how Mrs. Beard managed to squeeze those kiddoes in there is testiment to her remarkable teaching skills.

Oh, Mrs. Beard did admit that she was my teacher, when I was a Loyalsock student back in the 70s. And, I might add, she has the patience of a saint.

Look out, Food Network, here comes your next combination of Paula Deen, Alton Brown, and Rachel Ray!!!!!

Have a great weekend, folks.

Seaweed and Rice Crackers

Gave most of the cherubs a treat - a rice cracker infused with sea salt and sea weed. Although the boys enjoyed the snack, the girls were a bit less receptive. A couple of girls wanted to go the water fountain to wash-down the foul biscuit. Oh well, no accounting for taste.

Three Kinds of Plankton
we use to gauge the health of the Chesapeake Bay: phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macrozooplankton. Ask your kiddo about them.

Have a great night, folks.

Features of the Ocean Floor

Gave an intesting test on the features of the ocean floor. How did your kid do? I handed back the tests to sections 63 and 61. The others will get their test back, tomorrow.

I will be updating my edline gradebook before Thursday. Still grading those pesky Mixing Bowl paragraphs.

Have a great night, folks.

Boy, Did Nature Get Me On April Fool's Day

Started my day, cranky and lazy. I got sick at the gym, yesterday, and spent the night with a high fever and dashing to the potty. Thought I was better, today, until I found myself ill first period. I left school at the start of third period.

The cherubs are reading about the continental margin, turbidity currents, and submarine canyons. While I was there I clarified there is no food chain, but, a food web. Afterall, the continental shelf is a plethera of life, more abundant than anyplace on land.

Glad You Feel Better
A really good guy went under the knife, yesterday, but, reportedly was feeling better by the evening. That's great. Perhaps, we will both be mended enough by tomorrow to function normally.

Have a great night, folks.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Since 2000, I have been teaching about the Chesapeake Bay as part of my ocean unit and as an ecology lesson. This year, my voice is being heard about our responsibility to save the bay. Before it was a buzz phrase, I said, we needed to make changes in order to save that ecosystem. Today, those of us living along the Susquehanna River, are now faced with the multi-million dollar penalty for our inaction the last 20-30 years. My kids understand just a bit more, about saving our environment, at least, being good stewards of our watershed.

Tomorrow, I mark the end of our project, The Great Mixing Bowl, for yet, another year. I really enjoy this unit and miss teaching ecology and the environment.

I Guess It Is Official
Our own superintendent, Richard Mextorf, is leaving 'sock. I know its official because its mentioned in Mr. Fausnaught's blog, today. I have enjoyed working with "Mex." He was a super principal and is a nice guy that takes the time to stop into your classroom, shake your hand and just chat. Yeah, I will miss, him, but, he is moving onto a school district that boasts over 7,000 kids, compared to our teenie 1,500. Good Luck, Boss.

Have a great night, folks.

Redoing Hydrometer Experiment

A couple of classes are redoing their experiment. This time, read the rubrics.

Good Luck!
The manly man will hide his pain whenever friends and women are around. Remember, ain't nothing like a good pillow to muffle those cries, after they leave. Good luck with surgery, buddy.

My Smart Board Is So Cool
Thanks to Mr. Fausnaught, I have an interactive whiteboard in my classroom. It goes through the computer, onto a projector and is flashed on a screen. Imagine a computer image background with an overhead projector foreground -- TOTALLY COOL!!!! Thanks, boss.

Have a great night, folks.

Down Came The Hammer

Okay, I had the cherubs begin activity 2 of the Great Mixing Bowl, last Friday. It is a two-class period lesson. And, Activity 3 is a 15 minute activity. However, enough is enough. I started today's class with a stern warning that both activities are due at the end of the period. No, I will not accept any packets, except from those children that were absent from class yesterday and/or, today.

Since today is the last day of the marking period, the Great Mixing Bowl project will go onto the 4th marking period.

Thanks, Parents
Thanks go out to the parents that took time from their busy schedule to meet with the sixth grade team, regarding your child. To be honest, I don't want them back for another year. Once they've heard my cornball jokes, they do not react a second time. Better to move 'em on to 7th grade. Okay, folks, let's get those kids hustling this last marking period and get those grades - UP!

It's Not Like The Recruiter Described!!
LOL My boy just called, basic training is not at all as the recruiter described. He gets very little sleep, everyone is sick with the flu, and he spent the last two nights on guard duty. HA ha ha. If the recruiter had been truthful, would you have joined the military? At least, the boy said, the food is good. Five more weeks and then graduation and 65 days of tech school. Funny. the boy called his girlfriend, first, then, dad. Hmmmm. I wonder why?

Daughter also called. Seems she wants to stay in Texas all summer and maybe even until Christmas. Ain't parenting grand? The empty nest did not feel so empty with my two precious phone calls.

Have a great night, folks.

Back to the books, today

Yeah, we went about reconstructing our plastic straw hydrometer and testing it in fresh and salt water. Also, we modified our simple device by creating a scale for the straw which will make it a valuable tool in measuring the density of fluids.

Got my smartboard
Talk about a totally cool toy. A white board that you can draw on from the computer and even touch the screen to give the computer commands. Well, the board was installed, today. Mr. Gee and Mr. Black still need to install the software.

Got a letter from the boy and my daughter is now 20.
All alone on the Galveston campus during Spring break, my baby observed her 20th birthday on Sunday. I got a letter from my boy, today. He is in week #2 of Air Force basic training. He is doing a mile and a half in 13 minutes -- hee hee, I do three miles and on the treadmill in an hour -- not bad for an old man in his fourth week at the gym, eh?

Have a great night, folks.

Some Shocking News, Today

I repaired a van de Graaff generator, over the weekend. This electro-static generator delivers a low-voltage lightning bolt. There was absolutely no educational value to today's class, other than electrical safety. Hey! I just wanted to have some fun after last week's PSSA tests.

Okay, we did learn a little about positive and negative polarity, but, most importantly, we saw some phenomenal sparks.

Back to the Chesapeake Bay project, tomorrow.

Have a great night, folks.

PSSA - Day 2

God love these kids - I'm spent.

Have a great night, folks.

Hi. My Name is Murphy.

Laws were meant to be broken. Well, not the one set forth by Murphy - if something can go wrong, it will. Yep, our first day of PSSA testing occurred that way. But, I work with some fantastic people. We rolled with the punches and all went as smoothly as possible as we dealt with every new fiasco without our charges even being aware of any problems.

Big kudos go out to Mrs. Preisch and Miss Porter for assembling all the materials for a school over 500 kids. Big task and they should be thanked publicly for performing that job.

Guess what?
We get to do it all again, tomorrow.

Have a great night, folks. I need a few aspirins.

We Reviewed The Salinity Test

Did your cherub bring home his/her corrected science test? Well, they are to use it as a study guide and return it to me, tomorrow. I wanna see they fixed all their errors in preparation for a scaled-down retest on pages 44-48.

I am not doing them any favors by permitting them to retest. In fact, it is a disservice to them by minimizing the importance of self-preparation for a graded assessment. "If I screw-up, oh well, I can take it, again." That perception scares me when I see teenie-boppers taking their driver's test, over and over and over. At what point do we hold ourselves and our charges accountable for their actions. We learn best by lessons learned through failure.

Oh, well. I know I will never adopt a revolving door policy when it comes to tests, an occasional retest will not adversely affect my munchkins psyche or overall performance -- or will, it?

Have a great night, folks.

Late to post

Sorry. I have been grading some dismal science tests, this afternoon. How could I spend 3 days covering four pages of textbook material and still have so many kids fail? What did I do wrong? I used a powerpoint presentation as a teaching tool and posted the presentation on my webpage.

Okay, I'm going to review the test with them, tomorrow, and on Friday, I will retest. I will take the average of both test grades.

Am I Getting Sick?
I feel funny, tonight Very sick to the stomach. Okay, who breathed on me?

Have a great night, folks.

Test Tomorrow

Well, notes on pages 44 to 48 are on my website as a powerpoint. We went over the textbook and the powerpoint, in class. They better be ready for my short answer test, tomorrow.

Have a great night, folks.

P.44-48 (20-question) test on Wednesday

review my powerpoint on my webpage.

OoTM Was A Blast
I was given the honor of serving as a style judge in the division 1 category of problem #5 (superstition), during Saturday's regional competition of OM. A busy day, but, loads of fun. Division 1 is elementary school. Some of those cherubs were dolls and so darned smart. Whew!

Mucho congrats to our two middle school and one high school teams that now advance to state competition at WAHS in April.

Have a great night, folks.

Why Gargle With Saltwater?

My kiddoes know why. Yep, we talked about the properties of ocean water, today. We also compared the fallacy that sea salt is better for you than table salt. HA HA!! It's the same thing.

Have a great weekend, folks. Don't forget about tonight's dance, and, OM regional competition at Berwick, tomorrow.

I Plum Forgot, Yesterday

Sorry. Hey! My kiddoes learned today that an iodine regiment dissuades a thyroid malady, called, goiter. Yep, not only did they learn about a goiter, but, discovered that seafood is rich in natural iodine. And, for all you people that don't care for seafood - Mrs. Dincher - we added iodine to certain containers of table salt. Now, it is added to a myriad of other foods and we have discovered it is also contained in soy, as well. Live healthy. Gee, now I'm in the mood for oysters on the half-shell. Yummy.

My Social Studies class
started individual group projects from the civil rights movement, to Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., to Brown vs. the Board of Education. We are using Google.docs, that way, each group member can share in producing this project, and I can view their progress from my computer.

Dance Tomorrow, and OM Regional in Berwick on Saturday

Have a great night, folks.

We Feel The Pressure

The next stage in hydrology is the ocean. Today, we started Chapter 2 and learned a bit about converting from metric to standard measurements and a bit about underwater pressure. Ask your kiddo about pressing a square-inch thumb onto the other forearm. Ah, pressure. The weight of the atmosphere on our fragile little bodies. Combine that weight with the weight of water and we get some heavy-duty pressure. That is why Godzilla could only be six-inches tall, if he were to attack Tokyo.

Band Concert, tonight

Have a great night, folks.

Sand to Rock

Well, we layered sand inside our two-liter soda bottle. We chose a couple of different colors. With water added,we permitted the sand to settle - i.e.; sediment. Then, we opened the cap to the bottle and let the sand and water run out. Some interesting patterns, emerged. Ask your kiddo to share with you the drawing he/she made of the display. We recapped the bottles and I added sodium silicate, a matrix, to bond the sand particles together resulting in a newly-formed rock - by tomorrow - I hope.

My Boy Is Gone
He left for Air Force basic training, this morning. Did I cry? You'll never know. Mr. Conoway's son is finishing his 8-week basic training, this week, and Mr. Gee's son leaves soon. It's tough being a parent - ain't it?

Have a great night, folks. Give your child a little extra hug tonight - they'll be gone before you know it. Now, where did I put those blueprints for the boy's bedroom conversion to my new computer room?

Do You Have A Sinus Headache?

Whew! Had a doozie this a.m. With the storm coming in the head pounded. All three grade levels were off-the-wall by lunchtime. I saw two 8th graders about to duke it out, but, stopped when they saw me in the hallway. A herd of 7th graders stampeded past my room coming back from lunch, and the sixth graders were climbing the walls and crawling on the floors. It was nuts.

One group opted out of our experiments
One section of students opted to destroy my equipment, throw sand on the floor or play water tag at the sink. The continued to chatter and refused to listen, much less, follow directions. I ended their hydrology project and tossed their labs into the garbage. The frequency and severity of the misbehavior of several Cretans in the classroom forced my move. I am saddened by the fact that a dozen or so children that do not misbehave are suffering. However, it is a matter of safety and when it goes beyond my control, I must take action to restore order.

Thanks for the help, Ms. Silvagni
My parent volunteer, who comes in on Fridays to help with PSSA preparation has been a Godsend. She is not only adept at mathematics, but, the kids pretty much know her and respect her. Plus, we went to high school, together. So, when the cherubs are out to lunch, we get caught-up on post-high school news. I work with a couple of former high school classmates. It keeps us from getting old, ya know.

Have a great weekend, folks.

Do You Have A Sinus Headache?

This is NEWS!!!!

I have nothing to say. I am actually dumbfounded.

Have a great night, folks.

At What Point Do You Realize.. .

you actually do make a difference?

I received a hug, this morning, from a young lady that I thought was so terrified of me, I was concerned she would learn to hate school. Folks, I simply melted.

I made an appearance at History Night, last night. I was overwhelmed by the number of cherubs that ran-up and joyously greeted me, excited that I came to their presentation.

A young man that hauntingly teased me about how well he is doing in Mr. Conoway's 8th grade science. How easy 8th grade is compared to 6th grade science. Did I have anything to do with him finding 8th grade easy?

My Boy Leaves Monday
His four-year hitch in the Air Force begins on Monday. Talk about nervous. At 22, my boy, it is time for you to live your life. Enjoy the ride.

Have a great night, folks.

Not One Kid Asked Me. . .

a.) what it was like during the fall of the Roman Empire
b.) if Ben Franklin and I hung-out, as kids
c.) my age
and for that, I eagerly await History Night in the middle school, at 7 tonight. Mrs. Walls' students are presenting some of the things they have been working on in her classroom. If it is anything like Museum Night, a couple of weeks ago, at Schick elementary school, I am in for a rewarding night.

I hope to see lotsa my current and former students - and their folks - tonight.

T'Ain't Gatorade
A new use for old plastic bottles. Filled with colored-water, they served well in offering my students a chance to discover tracing the water flow through an aquifer.

Have a good night, folks.

Flow Rate

A couple of groups, today, worked on the permeability of a one-liter sample of sand. Setting a countdown stop watch to 40-minutes, they activated the stopwatch when the water poured through the sand began to trickle through the other end of their two-liter soda bottle. Not a very dramatic experiment other than to determine the flow rate of water through a material that is one-third pore volume.

Have a great night, folks -- Spring is a'comin'!!!!!!

Capillarity

The soda bottle hydrology labs continue as two groups learned about capillarity, and another two groups started on permeability. I must say, the munchkins loved class, today -- For the most part, I lost my voice. Science without the bellowing sounds of PappaZ? Unforgiveable. How will they know I love them if I can't yell at 'em?

Have a great weekend, folks.

When Does Your Head Swell?

I received a most gracious compliment, today, from Mrs. B-B. She was subbing for Mrs. Phillips. The compliment stems from today's lesson on Permeability. That little pat on the head recharged me.
In turn, my coworkers.

Mrs. Helminiak
A last minute substitution for Mrs. Pulizzi, who is out on sick leave. This woman picked up the ball and has been running with it, ever since. The kids love her and she is here each night to somewhere closer to 5 p.m. A remarkable lady and, as turns out, has become a valuable friend.

Miss Porter
Another last minute substitution for Mrs. Fry. She has become a no-nonsense kinda reading teacher that makes her kids accountable, responsible and mannerly. She invites them in for tutoring during lunch and stays after school, every night, helping kiddoes maneuver through the perils of comprehension. She has taken ownership of the reading classroom and is a true asset to the sixth grade department.

Mrs. Antonacci
Whew! Remarkable woman. With two of our number out, she has become our team leader. She gives 150% to her kids and coworkers. Gotta tell ya, those days I am ready to pull out what is left of my hair, she is there to calm me down. And, now that she has included me in the "Buckle-down" math series during BASE, I often ponder how she manages. Such a talented and gifted woman. Oh, did I share? She is unofficially, my little sister.

Well, that's my team, my cohorts, my friends, my buds, my family. But, I also sing praises to the other teachers that have direct contact with my sixth graders.

Do you have a favorite teacher? Who? Why? There will be a quiz, later.

Have a great night, folks.

The Experiments Continue

Section 62 got to do an experiment on permeability, today. Kinda neat in the fact that some set-ups had water literally dumping out, while others dripped slowely. Say what? Permeability is the ability of water to easily flow through rock and soil. Another group discovered 30% of their sand sample is made-up of air pockets - pore space.

The Bug Got Me
People have noticed this week I can move quite rapidly through the hallways. A new exercise program? Naw. The bathrooms are a slight jaunt from my classroom. Hurry is the key word.

Have a great night, folks.

A New Coffee Mug Joins the Team

Thanks, Courtney, for the Montana State University coffee mug. She was on a planned family vacation, last week, and thought of her grisled old science teacher. Wow! I got some cool kids, this year.

Bottles and Sand
Check out the Mrs. Helminiak, the pollution lady, project. A couple of 7th graders stopped by at lunch to see the latest and greatest in my science class. We did not do this project, last year. The older cherubs were impressed at the fact my kiddoes will be dealing with recharge, discharge, pollution and all aspects of the hydrologic cycle using two bottles, sand, and water.

Have a great night, folks.

Gonna Gang-up on Mrs. Helminiak

It has been an agonizing couple of days, but, I've come to the conclusion my "Safe to Drink" project is not conducive to my sixth graders, this year. Therefore, starting on Tuesday, I will dump that project and all of my sixth grader will do the same, "Mrs. Helminiak, the pollution lady," hydrology project. That means, I gotta get about 20 more two-liter bottles, over the weekend. Somebody wanna serve as lookout, while I go Dumpster diving?

Congrats to our middle school bballers
I enjoyed watching our 7th and 8th graders trounce those Millville upstarts, last night. I sat with Mr. Miller, Mr. Ellis, Mr. and Mrs. Bomboy, and several of our student teachers from Lock Haven University. Ms. Born came by with a camera and risked life and limb taking my photograph. It was a nice, enjoyable night. I got to chat with several parents and students.

My ladies got feather roses
Who said I ain't cultured!?! I gave each of my female co-workers a Dollar Tree feather rose, stapled it to a computer-generated Valentine's Day card and taped the whole shebang to each teacher's classroom door. Who said I ain't romantic? It even scored me a couple of hugs. Oh, yes, being 50 is grand.

No school on Monday
Man, do I need a break. Thank goodness.

Have a great weekend, folks. See y'all on Tuesday. Or, if something cool happens before Tuesday.

Building Soda Bottle Laboratories

Two of my science classes are building these mini-labs in order to replicate, or simulate, a hydrologic cycle, in nature. Kinda cool project. All it cost me was two 50-pound bags of sand from Lowes.

Bye Zaria
She snuck out, this morning. All her friends gathered at lunch, only to find Zaria was gone. She moved to another part of the state. She is such a sweetie, I will miss her.

Yes, we have school, tomorrow!! It's a snow make-up day. We are off on Monday.

Have a great night, folks.

I Updated My Webpage

Sections 62 and 64 started the hydrology soda bottle project, today. I added a link on my homepage. Then, another link for Sections 63 and 61's projects.
Still think teachers are paid too much? Try following my exploits during these projects. All in-class, and I even have two groups doing daily journal entries that I must read, each night!!
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT!!!! I see my munchkins evolving from baby school to responsible middle-schoolers.

Short blog, today, I am itching to get outside with the dog. It is a beautiful day.

Have a great night, folks.

They ain't no Xerox machines - that's fer sure

I gave my cherubs a chapter test, today. It was the same as the study guide we reviewed, yesterday. It even had a word bank attached. Absolutely no reason why the words on the word bank could not be spelled correctly on the test. It was a matter of finding the right answer to the question and copying it word-for-word. I must have given several children that test back, three or four times to correct misspelled words before I graded it. OIY!!!!

Progress Report time
Check out edline.net. The sixth grade teachers will only send out a hard copy of the progress report upon request or if your child has a "D" or lower in that particular subject.

I went to my first middle school basketball game, yesterday
As I stated yesterday, I am not a bball fan. However, I went to cheer on our 7th and 8th grade boys. I actually did enjoy the 7th grade game. The guys played their hearts out against Jersey Shore. Coleman made a phenomenal shot - it was called, half tripping backwards and half tipping the ball off. Hey, it went in!! I stayed for the first period of the 8th grade game. I was more than a little annoyed at the inappropriate language used by some of our boys, and they were called on it. GOOD! You're too young to swear. Hey, who am I kidding, you're never old enough to swear. Where's that bar of soap?

Have ya seen my addition to my website?
Beneath the photo of me, I have a link to a Toby Keith song. Yeah, I know, but folks. I love all genres of music -- 'ceptin' rap - yuck.

Have a great night, folks.

CHAPTER 3 TEST - TOMORROW!!!!!!!

The munchkins will have their first real serious science test, tomorrow. Twenty fill-in the blank questions. My learning support cherubs will get 20 multiple-choice questions. Either way, I've spent a lot of time going over and over the material. I hope they do well.

My name is not, Mr. Glacier
Kiddoes, tell your folks where that came from.

Did 'ya see my webpage?
I added a song beneath my photograph. It lends itself to my life. Let's have a show of hands, guys, who can relate?

Trained on Saturday
A most fascinating day in Lewisburg, as I underwent training to be an OM judge at the Berwick regional competition on March 7.

Are going to the bball game, tonight?
I am not a big basketball fan, but, I am going tonight to cheer-on our middle school boys. Since I am going stag, are there any volunteers to sit with me?

Have a great night, folks.

Chapter 3 test slated for Tuesday

The chapter test for freshwater entails fill-in the blanks or short-answers. I need to get away from multiple-choice.

Goin' to Lewisburg
tomorrow for OM training. Although I am excited about participating in OM, I do not relish spending a Saturday playing student.

Hmmm. What Could Be The Reason
why a couple of 8th grade boys chose to stop and visit with the beautiful Mrs. Rogers, our 7th grade science teacher, after school, rather than me? If you know me, you would understand. LOL.

The sun is shining and the weekend promises to be fantastic. Have a great weekend, folks.

Integrating Math and Science

Sort 'a. Today, we described the words solvent and solution in terms of water. It's when I wrote Solvent, on the whiteboard, that they understood the math phrase, to take apart a math problem. And, when I wrote, Solution, that they understood in science it is to mix substances together to make a new substance, or, to mix numbers together to find the solution to the math problem. Am I amazing, or what?

Have you been keeping up with edline.net?

Have a great night, folks.

I'm attracted to magnets

LOL. Today, we started the study of polarity, using water molecules. Aside from an illustration of a molecule that looked more like the Disney logo, I used a set of floating magnets to illustrate how like charges repel and opposites attract.

We also discussed the definitions of solvent and solution, with a make-believe glass of milk and cocoa powder. Then, we talked about hardwater and softwater. I challenged my cherubs to wash their paws before lunch to determine if our water is soft or hard -- I GOT NO RESPONSES!!??!!!

My first period class asked some really neat questions. First, does hard and softwater freeze at the same rate? I don't know. We placed 50-mL each of hard and soft water into my freezer at 8:50 a.m. - at 11:05 a.m. both specimens were frozen. Okay, the next question was, do they thaw at the same rate? How about evaporation? WOW!!! Great questions. I'm going to Walmart, now, to buy this group a treat for tomorrow.

Have a great night, folks.

Mrs. BB would be so proud of me!

I came in, this morning, and started the most colorful design of an aquifer. Ya, I drew, freehand, the zones of aeration and saturation. I identified permeable and impermeable materials. I explained how the water table is similar to surface runoff and flows downhill. My design even showed an artesian well, and how all water eventually makes it to the ocean. It was a most dramatic lesson, as I quizzed each class to recite the actions of an aquifer. It must have worked. I gave a quiz, afterward, and most of the sixth graders scored a 100%.

Grades are entered. Look on edline.net to see how your kiddo, did.

What did all this have to do with Mrs. BB? She's an art teacher, and whenever she subs for me, I come back to find the most fascinating artwork of the lesson she taught.

MUSEUM NIGHT AT SCHICK!!!
I had the honor of attending Tuesday night's show at the elementary school. Folks, I was literally bedazzled by a first-grader that explained to me, about blood.

Another munchkin that explained the differences between organic and man-made dyes. Or, everything, and then some, you wanted to know about the pyramids of Egypt.

There was even one cherub that did a presentation on the stock market -- I fully understand P/E ratio, now.

I am jealous of Austin, who showed up with what he called, a plasma ball (Van de Graff generator), and he got it at a yard sale for $1! His presentation was on cathode-ray tube - (your television picture tube).

Wanna know more about diamonds, how to battle the affects of aging skin? How about tea at the Governor's mansion at Williamsburg, Va.?

If it wasn't for the fact I had to get down on one knee to look these children in the eyes, I would have sworn they were college-educated adults.

All this was organized by our own, Mrs. Walls. What a fantastic lady! To be able to inspire children to succeed in such a manner-and at such an early age. TERRIFIC!!!

Have a great night, folks.

Well, well

We discussed wells, today. Ya know, the underground puddles o' water that we pump out for drinking, cooking, bathing, flushing potties. Sure, we discovered the zone of saturated is the layer of rock and soil soaked with water and held in place by an impermeable layer of small "pored" soil and rock. When that zone can hold not more water, the extra floats on top and forms a water table. Above that is permeable rock, or the zone of aeration.

Then we got into artesian wells -- ya know, springs. Wells forced to the surface by water pressure. The water that bubbles up from the ground.

Finally, we talked about carbonic acid and caverns. Seems like this lesson gets harder and harder to teach in the prescribed time period. Could it be I talk too much? Naw.

Five question multiple-choice test, tomorrow. I gave out a study guide.

Have a great night, folks.

Ew. Da Blog

I'm back. We are knee deep in the hydrology unit, starting freshwater under the earth, tomorrow.

Steelers won!!!

Have a Terrible Towel night, folks.

How Did You Do On 4-Sight?

So, how did you do on the test? My first period class was with me doing the math part. Tomorrow they move to Mrs. Pulizzi for the writing test.

Have a good night, folks

Thanks For Noticing

Wasteful Americanoes
My kiddoes learned, today, that they are typical Americans willfully and woefully wasteful of water. In a weeklong, take home experiment, my students kept track of water useage. Although several came in with about 200 gallons a week, I did have a few that used 'twix 800 and a 1,000 gallons of water. Average is 325 gallons per person, per week.

4-Sight Tomorrow
First and second period in homerooms.

Have a great night, folks.

A Moving Speech. Was That MLK?

Okay, Mr. Fausnaught and Miss Porter wrote about President Obama. I did not vote for the gentleman, but, I was moved by his speech. I pray he holds true to his words.

Quietest Volleyball Tournament
I've ever attended. The sixth grade tournament during related arts was so quiet I felt our library has more noises and cheers. Have the kiddoes succumbed to the winter blahs? Really, the spectators just sat there.

Water Tally Sheet Due T'marrow
You started the tally on Friday and ended it tonight. Tomorrow, we perform the lesson. Better be ready or you will fail this project. No kidding. No excuses, save for being absent last Thursday, or tomorrow.

Have a warm night, folks

Zero Hour Was 8 Below

The drive to the airport, this morning, seemed so much longer. At 8 below zero, the fan in the car did not work, and so, the defroster was not clearing off the windshield. It took some time, but, finally, we had a fan, defrost, and we were pulling into the airport. My 19-year-old baby was going - as she put it - "home," back to Galveston. She was delayed an hour, here, as they had to de-ice the plane three times. Other than that, the trip to Philadelphia and now to Charlotte, N.C., was uneventful. She leaves Charlotte at 1 p.m. for Houston. Her boyfriend, hopefully, will be there to meet her.
Will update, later.

She made it to Houston about 3:30. However, the boyfriend was not there. Seems his mother took his car shopping and lost track of time. At 4:30, she had to call a friend for a ride. However, that friend lives an hour away. She is having such a long day. She really hasn't eaten since 5:30, this morning.

The boy is on his way out to go ice skating in Lewisburg. Here with a storm coming. Oh well.

Have a safe night, folks.

Excuse Me, While I Panic!!

We are watching live coverage of the US Airways plane crash in the Hudson River, in New York. Yeah, Flight 1549 from New York to Charlotte, NC., went down at 3:26 p.m. today, with 155 people on board. The daughter leaves for Charlotte, Saturday morning, on US Air. Just a couple of days ago a Blackhawk helicopter crashed on the Texas A&M campus. Things happen in threes, so I am now in panic-mode as my daughter prepares to go back to school.

Weekend Homework
My kiddoes have science homework, this weekend. Better get it done. I will not be dissuaded to hand out zeroes to those students that do not complete the assignment.

Have a good weekend, folks.

A Couple 'O' Bucks Worth

Hey, some Dollar Tree Slinky(s), some cotton rope, and a couple of pieces of scrap wood from Mr. Wheeland's wood shop, and I have manipulatives for Earthquakes. Today, some of my munchkins attached a slinky to my classroom door handle to demonstrate a Compression Wave, while the rope served to simulate Shear Waves. The wood? Well, rubbing them together simulates plate tectonics and faults.

I'm Seeing Agendas Getting Signed
Thanks parents. You get to see, daily, what's going on in my classroom.

Did Ya See The Mrs. Fry Photo?
On Mr. Fausnaught's blog, today. She was seen at Monday's bball game, in the bleachers. She stopped by, today, for a quickie visit. She is lookin' good. She is such a phenomenal teacher and I pity the cherubs that did not have her in class the last two years. However, I am enthralled with Miss Porter, Mrs. Fry's substitute. I certainly hope the district finds a place for this talented young lady. Even old dogs, like me, learn from the young talent coming into our schools. Check out Miss Porter's web page and blog -- good stuff.

Mrs. Antonacci Is Tireless
in her duties as sixth grade math teacher and sixth grade team leader. I am using her Buckle Down math series for my BASE classes. Once you get into the swing of it, it is really cool. However, you have to have the stamina of an Olympic athlete to keep up the students, each of whom are working in different parts of the book. You have to check problems and then provide one-on-one help for those having difficulty with a particular skill. It is really cool, but, tiring. Hats off to Mrs. Antonacci. Only a totally dedicated individual would do this everyday, five times a day.

Snow?
Ya gotta be kidding!!!!!!! Possible four inches!!!!!!!! My one kid goes to school in Texas, the other is leaving for the Air Force in Texas. They want me to move there. The PERK? NO SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay warm and safe and have a great night, folks.

It's Da Wolf!

According to native American folklore, tonight's full moon, known as Wolf moon, is roughly 15% larger, at moonrise, than any other part of the year. Too bad I won't be able to get a snapshot of moonrise. This darned storm.

I Can't Win
My bad leg went bad, again. Since I have no feeling in my feet, I was unaware of the infection in my big toe. The result? My large, swollen right leg -- the result of lymphedema from sepsis (blood poisoning) -- is infected, again. I zipped out of school at 3 p.m., yesterday, to get to the doctor's office. So, back on antibiotics. The swollen leg makes it difficult to shovel snow. You work up a sweat falling over everytime you toss a shovelful of snow, and then struggle to get back up.

Have a safe weekend, folks.

Just No 'scapin' It

I felt the cold icy stare of Mother Nature, yesterday, as I broke and scraped ice from the driveway, patio and sidewalk, at home. It was then, I decided, the Christmas decorations had to go. Despite it all, I still have the holiday spirit as I look at my "Mr. Z Rocks" cup, I got from Dalton, for Christmas.

Have a great night, folks.

We Got Slimed!!!

To reinforce the notion that the mantle is a molten, solid rock, that flows like a liquid - we did an experiment in Plasticity. Okay, we made slime. It's a simple third grade experiment that should take a group of five kids about 30 minutes to do. Believe it or not, not all the munchkins made their slime. They ran out of time!?!?!?!

They Have The Recipe
The kiddoes are now armed with the recipe for making slime. All they need is a 4-oz. bottle of Elmer's glue, a smidgen of corn starch or borax, water, and a squirt of liquid hand soap.

Have a great night, folks.

It's My Mom's Birthday

My mother passed away in 2002, but, we still visit her grave on her birthday. I miss my mom. My kids miss their grandmother. Kids, have you hugged your mom, lately?

Welcome to 2009
Time is fleeting. Oh, thanks to those who wished me well on my birthday, and my students that gave me cards and gifts for Christmas.

How Was Christmas and New Year?
Christmas was spent at my dad's house. Most of the Zdun clan assembled for several days. My daughter, Krysia, took command of Christmas Eve dinner (Wigilia), the most solemn time of Christmas in Poland. She cooked, served, and played the hostess as my mother taught her. We all enjoyed the family time. What did you do for Christmas?
For New Year, the fridge konked out about 10 p.m., so I toasted in the new year by defrosting the freezer. I did stop for several minutes at midnight, then, stayed up 'til 2 a.m. - fridge is working well, now. How did you spend New Year's Eve?

Pappa Z Baked
I made, from scratch, pumpkin rolls for Mrs. Antonacci, Mrs. Dincher, Mrs. Phillips, Miss Porter, and Mrs. Pulizzi. They were my Christmas present to the womenfolk. To date, I heard only from Mrs. Antonacci about how much she enjoyed my baking effort. Either I poisoned the others, or, they were too afraid to taste something I made. I keep telling them I can cook and dance, and although I choose not to display my prowess, I do have those skills.

Will We Be Back On Monday?
Weather guys are calling for a nasty storm for Sunday night. I suppose I should make my own prediction, but, I am not yet back in the swing of prognostication.

Plasticity
The ability of a solid to flow like a liquid. Hmmm, Kiddoes. In your Earth Innerds unit have you encountered a substance that is a solid, yet, flows like a liquid? Hopefully, you made the connection, because I am planning on making Monday a day to make our own homemade example of plasticity.

The Core
Saw the movie on FX at 5 p.m., today. Even my daughter saw the connection with what we are doing in science class, right now. You gotta rent the video.

Have a great weekend, folks.

It's My Birthday, And I'll Blog If I Want To

Yepper. I am officially 50. And, ya know? It ain't that bad. My kids and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning and then, I was up at and showered by 5:30. Coffee is brewing, the dog is outside, the cat's have gone out and are back sleeping on the radiators, the bird is flying around the house, and I am blogging.

I am getting my new driver's license picture, today. My old one, has the most horrendous photo of me when I weighed over 400 pounds. Yuck.

So, what's new at 50?
a.) I've dropped 150 pounds and feel great.
b.) I realize I've lost track of every childhood friend. And, am picky about whom I call friend, today.
c.) My life is centered on my children, who are both grown and about to leave - for good - to start their own lives.
d.) The dog and I have become inseparable as we spend every afternoon walking three or more miles through the Vallamont area of Williamsport. You get to ponder life during such walks.
e.) I can get away with flirting.
f.) I feel intellectually alive!
g.) Maturity still escapes me
h.) Love is underrated, overstated, and, misunderstood
h.) I understand the phrase, "Life begins at 50."

Have a great weekend, folks.

Mr. Z! Is That Your Daughter?

Yep. She's home. A race to State College, last night, because our local airport cancelled all flights from Philly. No wonder I never use this airport. Anyway. The baby is home. We called family and friends to notify of the safe arrival. Krysia came to school, with me, this morning. She already misses her boyfriend.

Pangea to Present
Most groups are working on the Pangea packet in science. It is an introduction to Plate Tectonics.

Do You Think School Will Be Cancelled?
Unfortunately, yes. Looks like about three-inches of snow for us for tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Antonacci!!
She still looks like a teenager. It's hard to believe my baby sister, whom we found under a cabbage leaf, has grown to be such a beautiful woman. All I can tell you is, she is over 21 - barely.

Have a great night, folks.

Bad Weather

I hate two-hour delays! Why? Because it means the weather was bad enough for my daughter's flight to be moved from 10:45 a.m. to 3:07 p.m., today. That means, she will not arrive in Philadelphia until after 7 p.m. That means, she misses her flight to Williamsport, which leaves at 6 p.m., which means, she will have to catch a puddle-jumper to State College at 9 p.m. Which means, I have to drive to PSU, in this weather, to pick her up and return home.

I hate two-hour delays.

Have a grumpy night, folks. Hhhhrrrruuuummmmpppphhhh.

Welcome To My Nightmare

Okay, imagine this. Six groups per class. Some getting ready to test on a powerpoint lesson, others testing, others finishing the packet to test, still, others finished testing and starting the next powerpoint. I am barraged with kids coming, going, flipping, tipping, fanning, banning, tearing, swearing, mixing, fixing, tickling, etc. Suddenly, half my computers go down because I overloaded the internet server with a computer switch. Aaaaarrrrrrgggghhhh! Thank God, Mr. Black happened by. He got me up and running by noon.

Looking For Parents Signatures
Are you signing your kid's science agenda? Each signature counts as 20-points on a 100-point scale. I have one kid that did not get a single signature, last week. She got a zero for that grade.

The Good News?
My baby is coming home, tomorrow. Haven't seen the youngest of my offspring since late June. I stink at this empty nest stuff.

Got An Interesting Text
It appears my daughter's boyfriend is preparing a birthday gift for me. He is sending it home with my daughter. I really like this guy. He is a good and caring man. Actually, after she leaves Houston, he is going to Colorado to ski. Hhhrrrmmmppphhh.

Have a great night, folks.

SIGN THEM AGENDAS!!!!!!!

Please parents. Sign those science agendas. But, first, check with your child as to where they are at in the current science assignment. Quiz them as to what they learned on the computer, today. They are working in groups, sharing one computer per group, trying to find the answers to nearly two dozen questions pertaining to a powerpoint lesson.

Hope Mrs. Pulizzi
feels better, tomorrow. She was flushed, today, and complained of being cold and "headachy." More importantly, I hope she stays clear of me, Mr. "I get sick just by looking at'ya."

Have a great night, folks.

OMG!!! I WAS WRONG!!!!

I thought for certain there would have been enough ice to prompt a tw0-hour delay, today. Nope. It never got to freezing. Actually, I'm glad. A Friday and a two-hour delay would have made today nearly impossible to survive.

Have a great weekend, folks. In particular, best wishes go out to our resident "grandma-to-be." December 18 is getting awfully close.

It Done Snowed In Houston, As Rare As Mr. Z Smiling

The daughter sent this photo from the University of Houston. She is visiting with her friends and boyfriend before heading home, next week. The boyfriend, Eric, told me it is very rare to see snow, much less, enough to make this snowman.

This is the storm heading our way.

Can you say two-hour delay tomorrow?

Have a great and safe night, folks.

Is It Time To Go Home, Yet?

Such a long day. Whew. I've got a weather headache and my cherubs are nervous about a simple six-question multple-choice quiz, tomorrow. Hey, guys! I quizzed you during the movie. You know the answers. Unlax. It will be fine.

Have a great night, folks.

Trying Desperately To Save Time

All the timelines fell off the hallway walls, overnight. Oh well. Fear not. I gathered them "up" and placed them on a desk outside of my classroom. Mrs. Pulizzi suggested using them to decorate a Christmas tree. Hmmm. Methinks, I have an old 7-footer at home. Whaddya' think?

Have a great night, folks.

Blame Mr. Fausnaught

The boss kept us after school for a faculty meeting. I did not get home in time to go for my daily walk with the dog. So, here I am, sitting at the 'puter, blogging, instead of walking. Do I feel guilty. Arrrrgghhh!! Well, better make some coffee to comfort, myself.

Timelines Are UP
I got nasty looks from our maintenance guys. We're not supposed to hang anything from the walls in the hallways. I have about 11o, 15-foot long geologic timelines hanging in the sixth and seventh grade hallways. The epoxy paint they used on the walls does little good in permitting masking tape to hold. By the time I left the building, half the timelines were on the floor. But, ya know, they look good.

Oh, here is where I wanna thank Section 62, my first period class. They not only got their timelines up, but, all the students in that class did a timeline. Also, we got a chance to review the timeline packet. Mrs. Dincher suggested a candy reward, tomorrow. To be fair, Section 64, my second period class, also did a nice job in completing the assignment, getting timelines up, and reviewing the material. Okay, I'll give them candy, as well.

Timeline Quiz
on Thursday. Six questions. Multiple-choice. Hopefully, easy.

Funny Day, Today
Two members of my harem were a bit out of sorts, today. Something that never happens, with them, they were relatively quiet. I am concerned. The only good part of that is my ears got a well-deserved respite. I know, that comment will earn me some time in the boo-boo box.

Another one of my girls said she is feeling the impending weather, and, although she was not "bummed-out," she was on the reserved side. Still another of my girls, who is normally bouncy, bubbling and excitable, actually kept both feet on the ground. In fact, she was serious in several of our conversations. Thank goodness the last member of my gorgeous harem was back to normal, today. The last two weeks she was kinda stand-offish with me. Today, we joked and I even smiled. Shhhh, don't tell anyone. If the media were to find out I smiled . . .

I'm Not Ready For A Two-hour Delay
I hope the storm passes without affecting the school day, tomorrow.

Jealous Of My Boss
Not only did he infuriate me, today, by reminding me he is about a dozen years younger, but, Mr. Fausnaught tells me his blog has had over 1,500 hits since the third week of October. Is anybody reading my blog? Hello, lo, lo, lo, lo.

Have a great night, folks.

Pages 4,5, and 6

Ho, ho, ho. Only 21 more days until Christmas is over.

Okay, so you've pasted the time labels on your timeline. Now, you need to answer the questions on page 4. Which eon are you discussing on page 4? What's an "eon?" A definition is on the first page.

Anyway, you have answered all on page 4 and now move to page 5 and the first thing you are asked is to color in that eon. You know, the one you answered questions about on page 4. The eon that lasted 700 million years. That's right. The first one. Color it in on the timeline. I asked you use blue, but, if you prefer another color, go ahead. Just tell me what color you chose on your agenda sheet.

Look at that, you have a time line with the first 700 million years of Earth's existence, colored-in. Easy to see and recognize this first stage of Earth's development.

So, you have two other eons to color-in. Get it? The questions deal with those eons. Gee, that was easy.

Pages 4,5, and 6 are due on Friday. For Mrs. Phillips' crew, that went on the field trip, today, you will be working on your pages in class, tomorrow. They went, today, to see the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble.

Click here to see another kind of geologic timeline. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs/glossary/TimeScaleShort.html
https://mail.ltsd.k12.pa.us/owa/attachment.ashx?attach=1&id=RgAAAACl9G32MkHjSJKlqgm5pnhaBwA3NGFcNmF%2bT4O7ZSPJVtLpAAAAASi0AADggd0dkjceTqLu%2f8NPv%2fwxADp8wm%2fiAAAJ&attid0=EAC%2fXIRv7rvuQp3vP%2fuxTOnj&attcnt=1

Have a great night, folks.

Getting Closer To Earth

The cherubs are putting labels on their geologic timelines, spaced every 100 million years apart. Then, they will highlight each of Earth's four eons by coloring each eon a different color. When you're dealing with a 15-foot length of paper, well, sometimes you have to spread out on the hallway floor.

Last Day For Nice Weather
I hope you enjoyed today's weather. It's the last you will see for a while. I am looking forward to getting out for my nightly walk with the dog. The crisp air has made for some terrific three-mile excursions. Feelin' good, folks.

My Baby Is Taking Her Finals
The countdown is on as my daughter finishes her semester in College Station, Texas. She has been housed in an old hotel since Hurricane Ike damaged her Galveston campus and displaced her. The kid is so anxious to get outta there. She had a wonderful turkey day vacation in Houston. Although she stayed with a friend, she managed to spend a lot of time with her boyfriend. Both Shirin and Eric are terrific kids. I'm glad she met such wonderful people. She is finished at College Station on December 9, but, will spend a week in Houston before coming home on December 17. She already has decided to come to school with me on December 18 -- oh, oh, watch out sixth graders - she's a taskmaster. Makes me look almost housebroken.

Have a great night, folks

Whatsa Constant?

Yepper, the cherubs learned the meaning of a constant in mathematics. They applied that knowledge in learning how to determine the number of centimeter marks required on their geologic timelines. I mean, they knew they needed 450 marks, they just did not know, why. Well, now they know.

Reading from the geologic timeline packet
Homework, tonight, is reading the articles about the first three eons of Earth. The students are to underline three unique items from each of the articles. Nice introduction for tomorrow's class.

Was it tough coming back?
I think only the teachers were dragging, today. The kids looked full of life and energy and ready to learn, today. Well, they were here. I did miss a number of kids, who apparently went hunting.

Have a great night, folks

To Post Or Watch Boring Commentators?

I will post a blog as I await the Bears/Vikings game at 8:15.

So, how was Turkey Day? It was a nice get-together at my sister's house. Her husband passed away in September, so this was the first family holiday without Kurt. My sister's girls came in, my family, and my dad. Although I can no longer eat turkey, I did sample a little of everything else.

When they were in Poland several years ago, my son, sister, her family, and my dad, were served a soup - zurec - prior to each meal. So, my sister got the soup fixins' from a Polish deli and made the soup for Thanksgiving. Man, was that good. We all filled-up on soup prior to the turkey. Heh, heh.

My dad and sister live in Middleburg, along the ridge of a hill that overlooks the valley. A most tranquil setting. My dog, Missy, and my sister's dog, Molly, and I, took a long walk along the ridge. The dogs ran, played, kept vying for my attention by frequently stopping me for a pat or petting. After all that fresh air, I nodded off a couple of times in my sister's Florida room as the women folk prepared the meal. My son and niece's boyfriend played video games.

Well, the game is about to start. See y'all on Tuesday!

I Am Thankful For. . .

. . . a loving family
. . . my daughter found a terrific boyfriend
. . . my son has found his niche in life
. . . my son got over a very difficult relationship and is dating again
. . . wonderful friends
. . . a loving school family
. . . Mrs. Antonacci, Mrs. Dincher, Mrs. Phillips, Miss Porter, and Mrs. Pulizzi
. . . a job I love
. . . consistently great groups of sixth graders over the last 15 years
. . . my new lease on life -- I feel great
. . . the drive to prove to Mrs. Antonacci, I can dance - just gotta train my crippled leg

Happy Thanksgiving, be careful if you are travelling, good luck if you shop on Black Friday, good luck if you are hunting, enjoy life. Have a great vacation, folks.

Time For Conferences

I'm here 'til 9. Hope my coffee holds out. Actually, I did flee for an hour. Had to get puppy out for a walk - quick quarter-mile. Boy, did she give me a nasty look. I told the pup to blame the parents.

Tomorrow
can't come soon enough. These holiday weeks are getting tougher the older I get. Hey, you try keeping up with a hundred something 12-year-olds.

Have a good night, folks

I Love, My Girls

Whew! That wind and snow is fierce. Dog and I cut the walk down to one-mile. I got the coffee pot a'brewin'.

Today, my classes started building a geological timeline. First, we need to make a 15-foot long timeline and mark-it-off in centimeters. One centimeter equals 10 million years. The Earth is 4.5 billion years old. Quick, how many centimeter marks will we need? Hope you said 450. If not, check your math work.

Anyway, Mrs. Dincher, always the mommy, spent the first class period fussing over the cherubs - rolling-up their timelines to keep them tangle-free, and cleaning-up after the kids. She just kept showing the munchkins what to do and I had to keep yelling at her that this is inquiry-based learning and directions are written-out. That means they learn through self-discovery. I came short of wrapping my arms around her to keep her from doing the work for the students. Yes, I love this woman and she does very well for herself, thank you, ordering me around. She is almost as good as Mrs. Antonacci. In the end, my students in that class completed the timeline format. I will not see them again, until Wednesday and next week, we begin assembling.

My other love is Mrs. Phillips. Her second period class is doing the same project. She, however, took students to the floor to lay-out their timelines and mark the centimeter points. There she was, crawling around on the floor with the kids - guiding, facilitating, advising; not doing the work for them. I did get a picture of her on the floor, but, did not download it yet, for this blog. Mrs. Phillips is well-aware of my teaching style and she does a wonderful job offering support when and where needed. Yes, they completed the assignment in preparation for assembling the timeline. I will not see them again until Wednesday.

In the end, I had a blast, today. My students are terrific and my two girls - Mrs. Dincher and Mrs. Phillips - are a godsend. Even Mr. Fausnaught stopped in to see us having -- dare I say it? FUN!!!!

Student-led Conferences
began today. The afternoon was spent meeting parents as wonderful as their children. Several conferences were enjoyable, others informative, all were interesting. You should have seen my kiddoes take charge of their conferences and lead me and their parents through the conference. I chuckle thinking of the several very nervous children anticipating the meeting of parent and teacher. Hey! sixth graders! Y'all done good. Thanks for your hard work.

PappaZ says this snowy weather will end by midnight. No need to fear a two-hour delay, tomorrow. You know I won't live this down, if I am wrong. Have a great night, folks.

Today's Topic? -- FOOD!!!!!

I know, I should be writing about science, but, you shoulda' seen the food, today. First, I got the left-over turkey, gravy, stuffing lunch from the cafeteria. Yum, but bread expands too quickly and I ended-up tossing more than half the plate of food, away. Then, the Cultures of the World club - our English as a second language kids, cooked up a mess o' vittles fundraiser that made me cry because I can no longer eat foods like corned beef and cabbage, etc. -- Aaarrgghh! Boo-hoo. I did see Mr. Fausnaught smiling as he walked with a bowl of corned beef and cabbage. However, today was club day and the club "There's a Chef in my Soup" featured local chef Paul Mach. What can I say, I sampled the escargot (snail) -- to die for. I never had escargot so perfectly seasoned and so tender. I also got to sample the “Quick Meat and Bread with Vegetables.” Totally, awesome. Chef is a really nice guy. He not only knew some of the Polish dishes I shouted out, but, he knew them by their Polish name.

Back to Business
Miss Riggs, a third-year education major at Clarion University, and daughter of our own ESL teacher, played the part of teacher in my classroom, today. She is focused on English and Library Science, but, taught a lesson on the rock cycle. She did very well. Nasty me, I gave her this large lesson plan and we ended-up teaching just a portion of it. You see, I already taught most of that lesson, earlier.
My students were so well behaved for Miss Riggs. I am so proud of them. I hope Miss Riggs asks to come back and teach, again. Getting your feet wet and doing a cannonball into cold water are two different things. The more she gets wet, the more acclimated she will be to getting into the water.

The Malady that ate the Sixth Grade
struck. yesterday, Mrs. Antonacci, Mrs. Pulizzi and Miss Porter were sick -- they were really uncomfortable. Today, I learned that Mrs. Dincher, our aide, became very ill after leaving here for the day. She said she spent Thursday night in a near comatose condition -- not really, but, she did say it sent her to bed. Not sure how Mrs. Phillips, did. She went to a conference, today. Me? Well, I got nailed last weekend after being bitten by some type of creature in Mr. Conoway's room. I spent last weekend with a very uncomfortable rash on my jaw and neck. Similar to the rashes Miss Porter and Mrs. Antonacci suffered. My week has been a gnawing headache just above my eyebrows.

Ready for Conferences
The cherubs should have given you the student-led conference time slip. If you did not get one, better call Mrs. Antonacci on Monday morning.

Well, have a great weekend, folks.

Holy Cabolees!

1. Mrs. Antonacci became ill and left.
2. Miss Porter and Mrs. Pulizzi were ill, but, stayed.
3. We gave 4-sight tests
4. Kids were spread out throughout the building
5. We prepared for student-led conferences.
6. A kid kept a milk bottle in his locker and it soured and popped sending the most obnoxious odor throughout our hallway.
7. Progress reports were printed for the office
8. They served turkey, gravy and stuffing in the cafeteria and I could not tear away for lunch.
Why? Because we had cherubs with no place to go after their lunch, so I opened my room to them during my lunch. That has been my favorite lunch since I was a kid, here - and that was before turkeys were even invented. I missed out on turkey, stuffing and gravy --MAJOR BOO-HOO.
9. Skipped breakfast.
10. Mr. Fausnaught advised us not to eat yellow snow.

I left pooped, yesterday -- came in pooped, today. Am super-pooped, right now. Supper is on my mind, but the dog probably wants her walk. My remaining kid and wife, both, work second shift, today. After walking the dog would I really want to go out to buy supper? Should I make something? Naw, last night, I opened a can of corned beef and sat in front of the tube eating it right out of the can. I hate eating out alone and do not feel like bringing something home.

The day has been one dilemma after another. Worse, yet, the holidays are coming.

Have a safe night, folks. Here's to all the special people in my life -- my family, my school family, and my friends. I proclaim this, the summer of George.

Summation of My Day?

Ugh!
I am pooped!!!
4-sight testing today and tomorrow
progress reports are due
getting ready for student-led parent conferences
assembling lesson plans.

Have a great night, folks. Give your cherubs a bear-hug, tonight.

There Is A Little Known Law. . .

That if snow flurries are present for more than 10 minutes, after 2 p.m. and before 3 p.m., bloggers are not required to post a blog. Heh, heh.

I Meta Mor Phic
and he was boring. Okay, the cherubs were introduced to metamorphic rocks, via Power Rangers. Say, what? Ask your kid.

4-Sight, Tomorrow
I get to do mathematics. My homeroom, tomorrow. Mrs. Pulizzi's homeroom on Thursday.

Have a great night, folks -- think there is enough snow to build a snowman?

Boy, We're All Fired-up, Now

Our brief study of igneous rocks -- means, born of fire -- resulted in learning the definition of extrusive and intrusive rocks, identifying basalt, granite and obsidian rocks, and the definitions of those three rocks. Then, using magnifying glasses, we looked at several rock samples and made comparisons. That's about it, folks. It's Monday, snowy, cold, and we're all still pretty "weekended. "

Have a great night, folks.

I Don't Like Shorter Days

These shorter afternoon daylight hours means I leave school by 3:30 to get home to get the dog for a walk. I hurt my knee, yesterday, in a fall. So, I decided to take dog to Canfield Island, but it was far to muddy. We ended up walking around the school. We strolled through the fields and parking lots and ran into Mr. Conoway as he was leaving the building. Not the most pleasant of walks, but, it gave me a chance to stretch out my sore knee.

Student-Led Conferences
are coming up on Nov. 24 and 25. My social studies class today forged ahead with composing their long-term goals in all their classes. We will share that during conferences with the parents. If you've never been involved in a student-led conference, you're in for a treat. Ya know, I still remember when we introduced that concept. Mr. Fausnaught was a 7th grade teacher and permitted me to sit in on one or two of those conferences. Gee, this is going back to before my current stock of cherubs even started pre-school.

Science Reports Are Completed
and I for one am happy to hang-up my language arts teacher role. I don't know how Mrs. Pulizzi teaches that day-in and day-out. Gimme somethin to blow-up, instead. Science is what rules. Yes, Nancie, I know, my science curriculum, this year, is boring. She keeps reminding me how my kiddoes conducted a leaf-collection project, and, built balloon-powered race cars and launched paper airplanes, a couple of years ago. You did not know, Nancie, that last year, my students took off their sneakers and used an incline to measure the rate of friction on a dry and wet surface at various angles. Or how several centuries ago, we built and launched soda bottle rockets and used protractors to measure the rockets' height.

News of the Daughter,
She is coming home from college on December 17, just in time for daddy's birthday. I really love being a daddy, but, my babies have both grown. Until I become a grandpa, I may have to start a business, "Rent-a-daddy." My best friend is already a grandpa, and a coworker will soon be a grandma. Ya know, my buddy, his wife, and my coworker look great for entering the "grand" stage of life. Me, I looked like a typical grandpa since I turned 21. Kinda says a lot for taking care of your body, throughout your life. No kidding, you gotta see these people. The look like they are in their 20s.

No School, Tomorrow
You lucky stiffs - I gotta work. Dread, dread. Well, the yucky weather, the walk in wet grass and the darkness all around me signals a time for another cup of coffee and maybe some supper. The wife works second shift, so this guy, whose only talent is to burn water, is stuck trying to cook. The cats and dog refuse to share their food with me, anymore, and the cockatiel has never offered to share his birdseed. Maybe a hot meal, tonight - peanut butter on warm toast. Was that the phone? Oh, thought someone was calling to offer me a home-cooked meal. Oh well, the peanut butter, awaits.

Have a great weekend, folks.

Write On!!!!

Intro paragraphs and conclusions are now being incorporated into the final draft of the Conglomerate rock report. Today and tomorrow, we are working in the classroom to complete this project. PARENTS!! The kiddoes do not have homework, tonight. However, you may want to review what has been completed, thus far.

Have a great night, folks.

What Makes Conglomerate Rock So Special?

How can you turn this prompt? How would you use it as part of expressing the main idea of a science report? Well, the cherubs were posed that question today, when asked to compose an introductory paragraph and conclusion for their ongoing science report.

Did I confuse them? Eh?!? I think they know that the introductory paragraph needs to be statement with supporting statements. Oh well, we'll see tomorrow.

By the way, they will be writing their sloppy copy of the report, tomorrow and Thursday.

Mrs. Fry Shared Some Good News
She is feeling on the mend and is itching to someday return to teaching. Mr. Fausnaught came along and was there when she shared the good news with us. Geez, I love these people.

Mrs. Antonacci's Visitor
A combat veteran of World War II. A most appropriate Veterans Day observance. Kudos, Mrs. Antonacci.

Freedom of Speech
My social studies class debated a 1951 court case which asks if a man's rights were violated after he was arrested for making "un"American speech on the streets of Syracuse. I was dazzled as Sydney and Braxton took opposing sides and presented fantastic arguments. It cost me a bag of candy, but, was well worth it to see this group engaged in this lesson.

It Was A Nice Visit
Michael came down from the 8th grade, today, to help his mom and some of our munchkins with writing their introductory paragraphs. He stopped by my room during lunch and we chatted. It's always nice when Michael visits the sixth grade. Mom got a bit testy with me because science is not as much fun as when I taught her son using my old environment curriculum. Sorry. I am trying to make rocks - FUN! Maybe if I wore my Fred Flintstone outfit?

Have a great night, folks.

Does My Rock Look Too Fat?

The conversations were about comparing one group's homemade conglomerate rock with another group's rock. Today, students were asked to write that comparison in paragraph form. A comparatively simple task, except, I did not tell them the prompt or the main idea.
Tomorrow, we write the project introductory paragraph and conclusion.

Have a great night, folks.

That Was Kinda Cool

A teacher dreams of hearing those words following a lesson. It took a couple of class periods, but, one young man told me that as he left my classroom. He was referring to the lesson, today, in which I had each group member leave their table and create another group with other group's members. There, they discussed their homemade conglomerate rocks and made comparisons and contracts about the rocks, they made. The "uniqueness" of each rock heightened awareness that this type of sedimentary rock is special. I really liked listening to some of the discussions in all my classes.

How About A Roll Call?
If you are reading my blog, please drop me a comment. Mind you, I have to approve your post before I add it to the comments. I am also curious if the blog informs, entertains, or simply annoys you. Heavens, I am quick to criticize other blogs, I read. If I am not your cup of tea, please tell me why. For my loyal fan out there, I wish we were together, right now. I really miss you.

Have a great weekend, folks.

Ouch, Another Writing Assignment

In nature, conglomerate is a sedimentary type of rock found, primarily, where waters run slow or still and sediments are permitted to sink to the bottom.
This type of rock looks like a mixture of sand and different sizes of rounded pebbles. The pebbles are important because they are unique to the stone.
Sand and pebbles collect along sea shores, lake shore, or river banks. They are compacted by the weight of sediments that collect above them and cemented by material dissolved in the water that seeps through them.

Miss Porter is Ill
Talk about the living dead. Whew! Take another day off, kiddo.

Fewer Hugs, Today
I must look bruised. I only got a half-dozen hugs, today. I must feel like a roll of Charmin, big and soft.

Hey! Mike! Let Me Know If The Brother and Sisters Like My Idea from Wally-World.

Have a great night, folks.

Zowie!! Wow!! and, OMIGOSH!

What a great day!!! The majority of munchkins had their agendas signed, and they worked so well on the computers researching and collecting background information on conglomerate rocks. I feel bad, because I wanted to reward my last two classes for making such a wonderful comeback, that I ran out of time, and did not get a chance to pass out a reward. Okay, you know, they will each get an M&M fun pak, first thing, tomorrow. Yay! Sugar in the morning!

I psyched-up the kids telling them their finished reports will be so informative parents will be going to work bragging about their newly-learned knowledge about this sedimentary rock.

I just love when these kids react in an eager manner. God, I wish I could instill a love of learning in them that I did not achieve until I started journalism in college.

I Glanced At My Homeroom Report Cards
Ten kids in my homeroom achieved distinguished honor roll, and one on honor roll. Not bad for a class of 23. Are the grades inflated? I don't know. I do know most of them work very hard in science and I try to encourage that by permitted fixing graded papers and such.

I Am Getting Hugs
I am getting more hugs from kids, this year, than ever. Could it be I am beginning to look more and more like Santa Claus? I get kids passing through the hallways stopping to give me a hug, 7th and 8th and even high schoolers. It feels so good to be loved. When was the last time you gave your kid a hug?

Social Studies Was Fun If You Just Try
I overheard one student from the first marking period respond to a kid in the second marking period, who stated he did not like my social studies class. The first kid said we do fun and neat things in social studies when students take an interest in what is being taught. Hmmm. Food for thought. Is it fun to take a court case about one of the Constitutional Amendments and initiate a debate, or construct a powerpoint presentation on your take on another court ruling? Funny, I never remembered civics as a fun class. Go figure.

Hope You All Voted
My daughter registered but never got her card from Lycoming County, they kept sending her correspondence about correcting her social security number. She did, they didn't. She did not get to vote. The boy and I went together to the polls. I saw several former students voting for the first time. I love America. Good luck, Mr. Obama. I'm gonna miss seeing that pretty Sarah Palin, in the news.

Have a great night, folks

My Blonde Angel

I started by posting a passionately pathetic blog, today. Sort of, feel sorry for Mr. Z, post. I then erased that and substituted a blurb stating I wanted a break from blogging.

I ran into Mrs. Dincher on the way out the door. She said she wanted to read my blog. I explained to her how depressed I felt, today, because students are getting their parents to sign the agenda without verifying work was completed. I told her how discouraged I felt because I wanted parents involved and quite a few are not doing that. Mrs. Dincher gave me a pep talk. Made me feel pretty good that I am working as hard as I can to make these children successful.

Mike, Mrs. Dincher's son, was with her. He was always such a good kid and it reminded me how much I enjoy what I do.

Report Cards, Tomorrow
Oh, oh.

Writing a Science Report
Today, the cherubs wrote a paragraph about the conglomerate experiment. Some figured out our homemade rock is nothing more than concrete. Go figure. I was so dazzled by my first two classes, today. These kids wrote coherent, cohesive, and relevent paragraphs about the experiment. Hey, I gave each one an M&M fun pak. The last two classes were not as eager. Kinda ruined the mood, The last class were so eager to write a paragraph they wrote too much. They discussed computers, internet, etc. No, no, no. The paragraph was only about the hands-on experiment, not the project.

Tomorrow, we do research on the 'puters about conglomerate rocks.

Have a great night, folks, and thanks, Nancie, for the shot in the arm.

The Dog Got Skunked

Sorry, no blog, today. The dog encountered a skunk, last night. The house wreaks, but, the dog is outside and waiting to be doused with hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap. Got my rubber gloves. Out I go.
Have a great night, folks.

I Got My Bag of Goodies!

The 50's for Halloween. Next year, I should dress as the 80s singer, Meatloaf. Could you see me in a tux with frilly shirt? "But, I won't do that!"

My Kids Are All Mixed-Up

We started an examination of conglomerate rock - a hodge-podge of rocks, sand, mud, and silt. I was not there. The sixth grade team was in conferences all morning. We had subs. They lived, so it couldn't have been a bad day.

Have a great night.

That Long Awaited and Dreaded Day, Came. It Wasn't Too Bad

Yes, I gave a test. Not just any test. A 10-question, multiple-choice test on sedimentary rocks. I ended with an open-ended question about why these children feel frost and/or ice wedging is a more common form of erosion. I not only asked for an opinion, but, proof derived from experimentation.

Most of the munchkins gave fantastic answers, others only a half answer and only one that was completely off mark. The stats prove our kids are capable of forming coherent and relevent sentences and paragraphs. So, the next time you read those unflattering stories in the local newspaper, calling attention to low PSSA scores and Adequete Yearly Progress, remember, the kids get one shot at a PSSA test, even if its a bad-hair day. I see real progress, each and every day, and I salute the elementary school teachers for their tireless efforts in creating purses out of sow's ears.

Did Ya Read Mr. Fausnaught's Blog, Today?

He mentioned how lucky I am to be working with so many beautiful women in the sixth grade department. Darn right!!! I adore them, all. They are beautiful, talented, intelligent, caring, understanding - did I mention, beautiful? I did? Well, I should say that, repeatedly, every day, all day. If I had teachers that looked like that when I was in school, I would have stayed after-school, often. Notice the artistry of the photograph, something large and horrendous to off-set the sublime, petite, and beautiful.

Have a great night, folks.

Don't Feel Like Blogging

I took a bit of a respite from blogging. I think I am burning out. Gettin' old, I suppose.

Quiz Tomorrow
10-question, multiple-choice with one open-ended question - all on sedimentary rocks.

Photographs, Today
I nearly smiled, but, opted not to chance breaking the camera lens. Oh well, that grumpy old Mr. Z will appear in the yearbook with a grizzled look on his face. Why not, there was Jack Lemon, Walter Mattheau, and me. C'mon, think of that movie title about old men.

Miss Porter
Ain't she just doing a grand job filling in for Mrs. Fry? She is a little sweety - about my son's age. I know my sixth grade boys like her -- great taste in women, boys. Go to Miss Porter's website -- she too, maintains a blog.

Keep Signing Them Science Agendas
Did your kiddo finish the assignment on the agenda? Please verify completion and initial the agenda. They are receiving a weekly project grade for that.

New Marking Period
Begins on Thursday. Nine weeks has gone by quickly. The grades are not awfully, too bad. Please do not email me about your kiddo's grade. I will hand out progress reports since the report card does not come out until the following Wednesday.

Meet Ya At the Breakfast Cart
I volunteer to man the lobby before school. Sort of mingle with the cherubs and then dismiss them to the lockers at 7:50 a.m. The one thing I have noticed is more and more kids choosing a nutritious breakfast at the lobby cart. As one that just returned from one step in the grave, eating right has become a big thing with me. Hats off to Mrs. Hufnagle and our Food Service staff, for the breakfast wagon. I even spotted Mr. Conoway eyeing the food, this morning. Kinda like the old adage, if you see truck drivers eating there, the restaurant must be good.

Okay, all talked out. Have a great night, folks.

Loyalsock Limestone

Recognize the place in the old photograph? It is the lime kiln on East Third Street, just before the overpass going from Sheetz to Super 8 motel. Well, only the stonework remains. This kiln was used to bake limestone rock into lime powder for use on farm fields and as mortar for building. The limestone was created by dead critters and plants sinking to the bottom of an ocean floor about 300 million years ago. Yep, we were located near the equator, then. Today, my munchkins investigated their own homemade limestone. We froze our sample and then baked it. Although we did not make lime -- that would take 8 hours in an 800-degree Fahrenheit oven, some sample did begin to crumble. Where Sheetz is today, was once a rock quarry for limestone. Carl McDaniel, of Loyalsock, submitted several photos of that quarry to the Sun-Gazette's CU Galleries. Those galleries are really neat to view. Anyway, the old kiln is falling into disrepair. Since it is a historical place it could not be removed to make way for I-180. However, 30 years of traffic vibrating through that area has damaged the old kiln. I told my cherubs that little piece of Loyalsock history may soon succumb to the ravages of man's technology. Too bad, we have so very little left to call our heritage.

Have a great night, folks. Don't forget yesterday was mighty grand, as well.

An Episode of the Grumpy Gourmet

I froze rocks in the freezer, I baked rocks at 500-degrees Fahrenheit, I let rocks set at room temperature. And, in-between, I had munchkins examine their homemade rocks with magnifying glasses. Today, they examined and tossed their homemade sandstones. Tomorrow, they will finish the examination of shale and toss them, and begin an examination of limestone. More baking, more freezing.

Are You Signing Those Agendas?
Hey! C'mon, parents. You are to verify your kiddo has completed the science assignment and signed the agenda. A week's worth counts as one project grade. Each signature is worth 20-points. If your kid "ain't" gonna remind you, then, step-up and ask for the science paper and the agenda. We are in this, together.

Have a great night, folks.

What Are Rocks?

I'll bet your kiddo, knows. This vocabulary lesson is due, tomorrow. Parents, please initial your child's science sheet agenda after you verify the packet has been completed. I would say half the kids came in today without daily parent signatures. They are worth 20-points each and count as a project grade, each week.

Parents, you have to review your munchkin's work to verify it is completed. I only get 'em for 40 minutes a day, you have them all evening. Please help.

Have a great night, folks.

You Write My Blog, Today

How about some comments about your day? C'mon, you write the blog, today.

Work Turned In Or Due

Section 61 and 63 must turn in Lab notebooks 10 and 11, tomorrow. Sections 62 and 64 still have tomorrow to work on those packets.

Making Rocks
A little of this and a little of that and a little Sodium Silicate, and we should have sandstone, shale, conglomerate and limestone, by Monday. Sections 61 and 63 begin that project, tomorrow.

Have a great night, folks.

Changes in Agenda

Okay, I would go around and sign agendas. Still, for some, assigned work was not completed. Today, I handed out the week's worth of agenda as something to keep in the science notebook. Parents are urged to review the agenda, each night, verify assigned work has been completed, or, at least started, and initial the agenda handout when work is completed. This way, we will work together to ensure your child is fulfilling the requirement of keeping an agenda, notebook, and completing homework.

Have a great night folks.