Bounce into 6th Grade

             Chances are if you have walked down the west wing at Marshall, you have noticed that one of the classrooms is sporting some unique classroom furniture.   Thanks to generous donations from a ‘teacher champion’ and several others, 6^th graders are testing out stability balls in place of regular classroom chairs. 

Research has shown a great connection between cognition and movement.  Circulation has a lot to do with it.  Movement creates better circulation (even small movements).  Better circulation means more blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which in turn, help to improve focus, behavior and alertness. 

Don’t believe for a minute that the balls turn the classroom into a playground.  There are rules, just like all classrooms.  There are times we ‘bounce’ more actively and times that we ‘slo-mo’.   We have even tried out some great ‘team building’ exercises that utilize the balls.  The students are still engaged in learning, but so far the 6^th graders appear to be much more attentive for the entire class period. By using the balls, students are actively engaged as they’re bodies are shifting and moving ever so slightly to maintain balance.  This in turn, helps strengthen our core muscles as well. 

If you ask the 6^th graders, they say, ‘the balls are fun’.  ‘I like them, they are only a distraction if someone isn't following the rules.’  ‘I feel like I’m more focused and I can wiggle if I need to’. 

Marshall has been involved with a variety of KAGAN cooperative activities as well as ‘active learning’ for several years now.  This classroom setting just takes it one step farther.  Feel free to ‘bounce’ in and observe our students as they engage their bodies with movement and their brains become more actively engaged. 

          
            (There are all kinds of research articles about the use of stability balls.  Check into them if you'd like to learn more.  They can be beneficial for everyone - not just kids!) 

Burning Questions About 6th Grade LA/Reading

Welcome to 6th Grade

                                                                                                                   August 10, 2015

Dear 6^th grade Student and Parents,

Welcome to 6^th Grade!

Allow me to introduce myself, I am Melissa Barkus.  I teach 6^th grade Language Arts and Reading here at Marshall Elementary.  I’m so excited to begin the new school year and get to know each and everyone of you.

First, let me tell you a little about myself.  I grew up in Howard, Kansas and attended K-12 at West Elk.  I currently live in Eureka.  Aside from my eager and amusing 45+ students each year, I have one dog, Minnie.   
     What else can I say about me?  Well, I am not your traditional teacher. Teaching is actually my second career.  In 2004, I graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education.  It was a good decision!  And, to make a long story short, I love my students! 
     This is my fifth year at Marshall Elementary.  I was hired in as a 4th grade teacher and then moved up to 6th grade three years ago.  I work with two seasoned teachers on my team, as well as a large group of wonderful people.
      There are so many things to learn, see and do in 6^th grade.  I can’t wait to teach them to you.  There are also lots of changes to look forward to as you grow and begin to transition from children into teenagers.  

Parents, I know that whether this is your first baby or your last one, you want them to be successful this year as well.  Together, you and I can make this an unforgettable year for your child.  “Research has proven that when parents and teachers work together, everyone benefits: students tend to earn higher grades, perform better on tests, attend school more regularly, have better behavior, and show more positive attitudes toward themselves and toward school.”  Andrea Canter, Ph.D., NCSP

Isn’t that what we all want?  So, I challenge you to get involved in your child’s education.  Attend a PTA or a SITE Council meeting, make a lunch date with your child once a week or even once a month.  Or, just stop by the classroom whenever you have a chance.  You can volunteer, or just observe a typical class period with your child – you are always welcome!  

Please feel free to email me or call the school at any time.  Or, feel free to text or call me at 620-222-4890 outside of school hours, if needed.  If you prefer to be contacted by text message, please make sure that I have a valid cell number for you. 

Again, students, Welcome to 6^th grade!  Parents, thank you for sharing your child with me.  It’s going to be a great year!        

                                                  Sincerely,

                                                  Ms. Melissa Barkus 

Costumes & Props Needed....

The following message is from Mrs. Aadalen, our Music teacher, regarding the 6th grade program: 

Hello all,
6th Grade just started working on their music program yesterday, but wanted to get word out as soon as possible to be on the lookout for props/costumes! The program is set in the 1950’s and all about a live teeny-bopper singing/dancing show (think Hairspray the musical storyline). Anyway, if you or anyone you know (parent, grandparent, neighbor, etc.) has ‘50s era stuff, then we’d love to borrow it! Ideas: poodle skirts, neck scarves, cat-eye glasses, saddle shoes, records, leather jackets, empty hairspray cans, perfume bottle, bath brushes/loofahs, retro telephone, etc.The program isn’t until Oct. 22, so feel free to drop them by my office anytime up until then.

September 2014

Unbelievable!  I can't believe that we have been in school a month already!  Sixth grade is up and running.  Every year I set professional goals for myself.  One of them is to continue to improve parent and student communications through my blog.  I feel like the better the relationship with parents and students, the happier we all will be.  I have always been very open to having students and parents contact me outside of school should they have any questions.  Sometimes, however, we don't always know when to ask questions because we didn't know about something to begin with.  I'm hoping to update my blog with things that are relevant to all 6th graders as well as what is going on in my classroom.  They say time flies when you're having fun!  I guess I'm having a BLAST then! 

4th grade vs. 6th grade

     Some say that "change is a good thing"....... well, lets hope so.  Two years ago I started out at Marshall as a 4th grade teacher.  It was a 'good thing'.  I love the people, the students and my job.  Now, I've been given the opportunity to go back to teaching 6th grade.  I'm not sure what is in store for me but I'm willing to embrace 'the change'. 
     Previously I taught Reading and Math in Winfield at the Intermediate School.  I loved it then and plan to love it again.  This year, I will be teaching Language Arts/Reading only.  One of the positives is that by being the only teacher in 6th grade teaching these subjects, I will get to see every student each day.  Yeah!  As a 4th grade teacher I only got to see a handful of the 4th graders for a variety of subjects. 
     I'm also blessed to have the same group of students this year that I had my first year at Marshall.  They were a good group then and I'm sure that, as they have matured, they will be even better this year! 
     There are even more positives, like being closer to the restroom and the office, that I'm slowly discovering.  LOL!  As the year begins, I'm sure that I will find that I do love 6th grade just as much as before.  After all, it's the students and their smiles that make my job a blessing! 

Did someone say "Enrollment"?

     Wow!  It's hard to believe that school is just around the corner.  Today, I'm sitting at enrollment and doing a little people watching.  It's fun to see the differences in reactions of parents and students as they enter the school. 
     Most parents are anxious to get the buses rolling to school.  They love their kiddo's but some say they just can't get as much done at home when the kids are underfoot.  Meanwhile, the students would like to put the brakes on and enjoy a few more weeks of summer.  Many of them share my way of thinking-- anxious to see their friends/students but not quite as anxious for the work that is sure to follow. 
     Enrollment is from 9am-8pm today, August 8th, 2013.  Open house will take place on August 19th from 6pm-7pm.  Students can bring all of their supplies with them to open house and put them away so there is not so much to carry the first day of school.
     Last but not least, school starts on August 20th.  School doors unlock at 7:40 and students are considered tardy if they arrive to their classroom after 8:20.  Help prepare for 'back to school' by getting into a routine for bedtimes and early rise. 
     Can't wait to see everyone soon!