Sixth grade students are working hard to master the world of fractions. We're working with our favorite recipes to practice multiplying, adding, subtracting, and dividing fractions. Once we've worked our mathematical magic on our recipes we will cook for our parents and special guests. I know our first annual Christmas Tea will be a huge success.

On February 26, 2008, the sixth grade competed in a math contest presented by Math League. The students had 30 minutes to complete 40 questions. The students were allowed to use a calculator, but even then the questions seemed really tough. A score of 30 on the test is rare. A score of 15 is to be applauded. Our top 5 scorers and their scores were: Aaron W. (20), Samira C. (14), Phillip E. (12), Jordan L. (12), and Ciara S. (12). Congratulations, boys and girls!! You should be very proud of yourselves, because your teacher is extremely proud of you! Keep up the good work!

How to Help Your Child Do Well in Math

Have you ever wondered how you could help your child improve his or her math grades? Parental guidance is a key component in a child's education. Here are a few pointers parents can follow to help their child be successful. 1. Get to know your child's teacher and what your child is learning. 2. Help the child keep up. Math is a subject that requires continual building on skills already learned. Help your child by stressing how important regular attendance is. 3. Give your child a place and time to do homework and stress its important. 4. Point out that math is everywhere. 5. Encourage your child's interest in measuring, mapping and computational technology. 6. Play games that develop decision-making, computational and strategizing skills. There are lots of board games, counting games and card games that can become family traditions and encourage children to use math while having fun. 7. Encourage your child to stick with math. Even if you think you're not good at it, try not to send the negative message that math is "hard." Stress that anyone can learn it, and get extra help to find the ways your child learns it best. 8. Show your child how math is used in your work or the work of others. 9. Stress that math is a skill that improves with practice. 10. Convey positive attitudes about math. How you think and feel about math and how you express yourself will have a big effect on your child. Try not to use negative words about your or your child's ability or the subject itself. Help your child believe that he or she is already a mathematician who can only get better. Click here for more information on improving math scores.

Tiggerific Students of the Month

These girls sure are "TIGGERIFIC"! I just wanted to take a few seconds to introduce three lovely young ladies in sixth grade. Jayla, Maiya, and J'Lyricc are always willing to help with any task and know how to keep a smile on your face. Thanks girls for keeping me smiling!

Before Christmas Student Council had a recycling drive to collect used cell phones and empty computer printer ink cartridges. We sent the box of old cell phones and computer printer ink cartridges to the recycling center. Student Council earned 186.5 points for our first box. We can buy items needed for school using our points or convert the points to cash (186.5 points = $75). If we convert the points to cash, the money will be spent on trophies for Award's Day and/ or to help with Field Day in May. The faculty and staff at Hal Henderson believe our students deserve the very best, and we ask now for your help again in collecting more empty computer printer ink cartridges and used cell phones. The more money we can manage to raise will only result in a bigger and better Field Day and Award's Day. Thanks for your help. We greatly appreciate our parents.

Making the honor roll can be exciting, but what can we do if setbacks prevent your child from making the honor roll? In fifth and sixth grades your child's assignments will be more challenging than those in lower grades. Before your child can complete his assignments, he needs to know how to get a good start. He also needs your help planning what to do when a problem occurs. Here are a few suggestions to help your child:
* Always read the directions first. Many students skip this step and assume they know what to do. They may miss information and miss the point of the assignment.
* Look for examples. Your child may find examples of what to do in his textbook.
* Use other resources. If your child is having trouble with an assignment, he can ask an adult, call a classmate, or try getting help from a homework help site on the Internet.
* Speak to the teacher. If your child continues to have problems, you should talk to the teacher as soon as possible.

Check the calendar for homework and future events

Parents,
Did your child leave his/her planner at school and forgot the homework assignment given in class? You can now find homework assignments and dates for upcoming events right here on our class blog. Check out our calendar for any homework assignments or upcoming events.