Mrs. Gensler

Our First Monday

2009-08-17T11:58:00.009-05:00

I am excited about starting the first full week of the school year!

Bell work began today. Bell work is a short journal writing or set of five or fewer problems to solve as soon as the students come in the classroom. It normally takes no more than six minutes to complete the bell work. There are five points possible each day for a total of 25 possible points for the week.

The idea behind bell work is that each day the students will independently practice skills that will be assessed by the state and district at the end of each semester. (Plus it gives me a chance to submit the attendance!) Communication Arts I students complete a sheet containing five editing and revising problems. Communication Arts II students journal on a given topic and edit their own writing. Math I students complete a Daily Countdown, one problem that is more involved and requires the students facilitate problem solving strategies. Math II students solve five basic and word problems that incorporate several different mathematical fields such as numerical operations, algebra and geometry.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the bell work - or anything else - call or email me.

Supply Lists

2009-08-11T14:26:00.006-05:00

See the links to the right for a syllabus containing a list of needed supplies for each of my classes. Communication Arts I is generally freshmen and sophomores, and Communication Arts II refers to the junior and senior classes. Math I contains freshmen and sophomores, and Math II is for juniors and seniors. Always feel free to email me with any questions or concerns! See you soon!

Well, I Guess Not!

2008-11-20T10:45:00.003-06:00

I guess we will move the scheduled Pre-Algebra test to Monday as determined by a vote of the students. The students and I agree that they could use some more time to study, and, as much as I hate to give tests on Monday, this is the day that the majority of the students chose. I often check my email at home over the weekends, so feel free to email with any questions.

Upcoming Tests

2008-11-19T18:20:00.003-06:00

On Friday, November 21, the Communication Arts II students will have a test over Chapter 6. Also on Friday, the Pre-Algebra students will have a test over Chapter 3. As always, if there are any questions or concerns, call me between 8:00-8:52 am at 568-2146 or email me at dgensler@boomfield.k12.mo.us. Thank you for your attention and concern for your child's education. Stay warm!!!

SO SORRY!

2008-11-19T18:10:00.003-06:00

No, your kiddo is not fibbing. I really did not send home any progress reports today! I gave the students until the end of the day on Friday to turn in any missing assignments and correct any low grades. I left Sunday for a conference in Columbia and just returned to school at noon today. This afternoon I have finished grading and recording everything from last week. However, our office printer was down today. If it is not up and running tomorrow (Thursday), I will try to print the progress reports to another building printer to send home. Thank you all for your patience.

Another One????

2008-10-30T12:28:00.003-05:00

Yes! Communication Arts I will be having a test tomorrow (yes, on Halloween) over Chapter 3 of the Basic Communication Arts book. There will not be a writing prompt on this test, but the students will be expected to edit sentences correctly incorporating capitalization, punctuation, appropriate and consistent verb tenses, and possessive nouns. The students were encouraged to take their books home today to study.

Tests, Tests....

2008-10-06T13:11:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know - Com Arts II will have a Chapter 2 test Thursday, October 9. Math I/ Pre-Algebra will also have a Chapter 2 test on Thursday. Math II/ Consumer Math will have a Chapter 2 test on Wednesday, October 8.

First Test

2008-09-03T08:14:00.003-05:00

The Pre-Algebra class is preparing for the first test of the school year. The test will be Friday, September 5, and it will be over Chapter 1. They will be responsible for adding whole numbers, subtracting whole numbers, multiplying whole numbers, determining whether an equation is true, false or open, determining the variable in an algebraic expression, replacing variables, and calculating the area and perimeter of simple figures. There will also be vocabulary on the test; the students have wrote the vocab words and definitions for which they will be responsible. A study guide will come home Thursday, if not before.

Communication Arts Book Reports

2008-08-25T10:34:00.003-05:00

Great News! The library is now open! This is great news because everyone who has me for Communication Arts is required to complete two book reports each quarter. You must choose a book that is on your personal reading level and one that you have never read before. In order to pace yourself, you should have the first one completed no later than September 12. The second book report for this quarter will be due October 17.
For those of you who like mysteries, I have a series of books that you may use for one of your book reports. These books are 60 to 65 pages long and have corresponding comprehension worksheets to complete instead of doing a book report. The titles are The Swamp, Mountain Blizzard, Lost at Sea, Danger at 20 Fathoms, Tornado, The Pass, Forest Fire, Desert Ordeal, and Hostages. If you would like to borrow one of these books from me, just let me know and I will "hook you up."

Changes!

2008-08-14T21:36:00.000-05:00

Oh, so many changes! See how many changes you can spot your first day in the room! See you Monday!