May 17, 2012
Dear Students and Parents of All 6th Graders,
I wanted to take a minute and say a great BiG Thank You! Last week was a continuous flow of apprecation from so many people, and it feels like it hasn't ended as the flowers still look fabulous in the classroom, the fruit is slowly being eaten, and the sweets are in rations to keep me going, and the kind words hanging on my wall to reflect on daily. I am so appreciative of the support, and so happy to be spending this year with each and every one of you.
This is to let you all know we spent the time between nutrition and lunch on Wednesday, May 16th, watching the videos and discussing human development. I have spoken with Mr. Carmer, and we both feel that the students were well behaved, mature and interested in the information. Neither of our class had rude or inappropriate questions. We did have good discussions about the changes they will be experiencing in the next few years. We also encourged all students to discuss with you, the parents, other questions they may have about topics we went over. Likewise, now the door is open and might be a good opportunity to talk to your student about what they learned, and if they have any further questions.
If you have any follow up questions about this subject, please don't hesitate to ask.
Believe it or not we have one more field trip scheduled for this fabulous school year!
On Thursday, June 14th at 10:30 a.m we are scheduled for a guided tour at the Page Museum, "The La Brea Tar Pits".
Traffic can be difficult getting there so I would like to leave between 8:15 and 8:30 on Thursday morning. We will have our guided tour, some free explore time with our parent chaperones, and then a picnic lunch. If traffic is not bad we should be back between 2-2:30PM.
Please email me if you can join us to drive and chaperone. I have tickets for 14 parents.
Thank you so much.
Michele Keefer
April 11, 2012
I would like to Thank all the parents who helped to make our class trip on the American Pride a success. Our chaperones Cathy Archulet, Brett Anderson, Patty Glover, Gary Richardson, Deby Hager, and Andy Bratz, all did a terrific job. They showed enthusiam continually, and left the kids to their experiences with the Pride crew. I thank you all.
I would also like to Thank ALL the parents who helped in the driving duties both to and from the Harbor; Carrie Bak, Lisa Drury, Michelle Reyes, Tanya Haight, Ken Archulet, Karin Grennan, Anna Bunji, Dough Haight, and Ramnik Kanji. For those who donated money for the drivers gas, I will be send that out to them and it is not to late to make a gas donation.
The next few weeks will be filled with review in math for STAR testing, and students will be researching for projects in science. Please make sure they are getting back into good sleep patterns, as we want them on the top of their game for nine more weeks.
Looking ahead, the day before school is out we have a field trip scheduled for the La Brea Tar Pits. Please let me know if you would like to be a driver. I have not announced this to the students yet :)
Thank you all for your continued support, and communications this year.
Michele Keefer
March 9, 2012
Wow, where did February go? We are at the end of Trimester 2 with a new beginning for Trimester 3.
The Tall Ship trips loom on the horizon. All those going need to be sure to turn in all necessary documents and final payments in the next week. I have asked students to bring all paperwork in on Tuesday, March 13. If you are sending in a payment and planning to purchase souvenirs, you can write one check for both. If you have any questions please feel free to email.
*IMPORTANT: IF you are sending any over the counter or prescription meds on the Tall Ship Trip, they need to written on the extended fieldtrip form, signed by you doctor, and turned in (form with meds), in a ziplock bag to Miss Diana by March 26th. She must log all medications going on the trip, prior to the trip.
*IMPORTANT: All chaperones need to send in their necessary paperwork and proof of livescan within the next week.
If you have taken care of the above items, Thank You.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!
I certainly hope everyone relaxed and enjoyed time with their family and friends during the break. The only thing that would have made the break better for me would have been some snow in Camarillo. Ah well.. maybe next year.
I would like to say a large heartfelt Thank You to everyone in the 6thwho participated in the large gift. As the students saw today, the first thing I used with the money was a glasses chain at the Hallmark store. Now I won’t put my glasses down in class and forget where I put themJThank you so much.
One announcement for the New Year, at that is directed to all who come to Math Club on Wednesdays. For the remainder of the year, Math Club will be from 2:40-3:15 in line with the other middle school math club times. This is for easier parent pick up at the end of the day. Students who would like additional assistance can continue to see me during my office hours either Tues/Thurs during lunch recess, or Thursday after school from 2:30-3:15.
Appreciatively,
Ms. Keefer
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Wow! Time goes by fast when we don't have much of it. This week is flying by with only a short time each day. I have a few reminders for everyone, and please disregard if you have finished or turned in any of the following.
First, tomorrow is the due date for the deposit on the Tall Ship trip for both students and parent chaperones. So if you are going, please be sure to have the check turned in. We will notify additional chaperones if their number comes up due to a decline on the list. I also need to know if a student is going to decline the trip in writing.
Second, all the students have been working hard in the class on the mineral research projects and I was very pleased with how many are ahead of schedule for completion. They are due this Friday. The last assignment guides and this week's work will be posted to Jupiter soon, so if a student knows there is something not completed, break is a good time to get it done. ** IMPORTANT reminder - beginning second trimester, any late work will only be accepted for 2 weeks for partial credit. The responsibility to complete assignments on time and ask for assistance is up to the individual student. You cannot wait until an assignment is or is not posted. When you do not turn it in, you know it is still up to you to finish and turn in. Finally, I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving respite. I hope students enjoy relaxing time with their families, and safe travel to all on their way somewhere. Ms. Keefer
Monday, November 7, 2011 We are in the final week of the first trimester. This Thursday, the 10th, is the last day of the trimester and last day to turn in any late work. Remember there is no school this Friday, due to the observance of Veteran's Day. Monday we will be starting fresh for the second trimester. Next week students are dismissed at 11:15 all week, for Parent Conference week. Please remember that beginning in 6th grade not all students will be having conferences. If you have not received notice from Mrs. Schlemmer and myself requesting a time, then we do not have you scheduled for a conference.
I would like to address late work. Second trimester, I will accept late homework and class work assignments for up to two weeks from the date due. However, there will be a 20% point deduction automatically for late work. This means that most assignments usually worth 10 points will only receive 8 points. Full credit will not be given for late work unless a student was absent and turns in the missing assignment within two days of an absence.
This week on Wednesday, we will be taking the first math benchmark test, which covers chapters 1-4. In science, we will be starting our closer look into Minerals. There will be a small research project that each student will be working on for two weeks. Our goal will be to have them finished by Friday, November 18th.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Red Ribbon week proved to be fun for many! Each day we had a strong number of participants in the dress up motif of the day.
I would like to send a big Thank You out to Gina Gutierrez, Mrs. Thunell and her sister Andrea, who presented on the Artist and Composers of the Month. As always, they bring expertise and enthusiasm to our students.
There will be no further stalling… the Tall Ship information is really on the way. I will be sending home a note in the Wednesday folder this week giving you the details for a meeting that will be held on Monday, November 14th in the evening. We will be giving details of the trip and will be asking for a deposit of $50 by Thursday, November 17th to save a space on the trip for your student. Chaperons will be selected in December by lottery. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Ms. Keefer’s
Office Hours
Tuesday and Thursday
during lunch recess
Thursday
after school from 2:30-3:15
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The CAPE-A-THON seems like just yesterday! And now the money is due. Please make sure to turn in your Cape-A-Thon money pledges by this Friday. Thank you again to everyone who showed up to help and support our kids. I saw many parents having a great time out there. Thank you to Mrs. Estoppey for taking pictures during the event.
Tonight is the first night of the Mandatory Parent meetings. If you made the choice to come tonight, the meeting begins at 7pm in the CCR.
Remember this Friday is a minimum day and students are out at 11:15am. Enjoy the longer weekend J
Please be on the lookout next week for a note regarding the 6th grade Tall Ship Trip. Check your calendars as we will be taking a survey to find out who will be attending the trip this year. Both trips will be during Spring Vacation, the first week of April. Details to come.
Thank you,
Ms. Keefer
Monday, September 26, 2011
Welcome to another busy week! This Friday is our annual CAPE- A-THON. We have a number of parents who have volunteered to help out this year and I would like to extend a huge thank you in advance for their help. Additionally, I would like to extend an invitation to any parents who have the time on Friday morning and would like to come and cheer our students on during their participation time from 8:20-8:55. We will be on the field during our PE time.
I would like to send out a big thank you also to our parents Patty Glover and Gina Gutierrez, who have worked in our classroom in September, presenting on the Artist and Composer of the Month. I thoroughly enjoy when parents bring their enthusiasm into the classroom. Thank you.
PTSO is having their September member meeting tonight at 6pm in the CCR and everyone is welcome.
Have a terrific week.
Ms. Keefer
Monday, September 12, 2011
I hope everyone had a relaxing and reflecting weekend. I am sure for many families, spending time remembering the events of 911 is a somber time.
Last week was very short, but never-the-less productive in class. We continued to move forward each day and pick up the pacing of our academic time. I am so proud of how everyone is settling right in with our daily routine, and transitioning from subject to subject and class to class smoothly.
This week for those interested, Math Club will begin on Wednesday. My apologies for the confusion last week with the notice regarding the day of the week – it will be on Wednesdays. All middle school math clubs will be held on Wednesdays this year. Remember to please pick up your student promptly at 3:30 if they are participating.
The first math quiz will be returned to the students this week, and they will be instructed in how to receive credit for corrections. The form they must use is located on the “printable documents” page of my Teacher Web page. I will also have copies in the classroom. It is a choice, not a requirement. The corrections are due back within 2 days if a student would like to receive any credit.
Picture Day is Tuesday, so get a good night sleep and comb your hair. 
Ms. Keefer
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Welcome Back! Today went too fast – can we do it again tomorrow? I had a great day today meeting my new 6th graders. This week will go by rather quickly as we settle in, take care of getting set up, and moving on to more academic activities.
Remember to take the time to get logged into the new Jupiter Grades online, and bookmark both Mrs. Schlemmer and I on Teacher Web.
I hope everyone has a terrific first week. We finish Friday with our first spirit day – wear you CAPE gear!
` Sincerely,
Ms. Keefer
CAPE (805) 384-1415
Michele.keefer@cape.k12.ca.us
karen.schlemmer@cape.k12.ca.us