Bust a Move!!!

Who knew our class had so much rhythm?  Haha....enjoy!!!

Im At a Payphone......

Awesome....good job today!!

I want a baby hedgehog.

That's all. Have a good weekend! :-)

Hey all...

Thanks for bearing with me the last few days. I, unfortunately, came down with a stomach bug late Sunday night that I just couldn't shake. And unlike a cold or fever, this I could not work through. I think you all know how much I hate being out of the classroom, and I can say this has been the first time in my seven-plus years at Elmer Avenue that I have been out of the classroom two days in a row-due to illness.

I intend on being in class tomorrow-so I will see you all then. I know you've all been at your best behavior. See you tomorrow.

Mr. Sheridan

The Voice

Many of you have noticed that I have a poem on the classroom door.  The poem, called "The Voice", is written by one of the most entertaining writers of the last few generations, Shel Silverstein.  Although much of Silverstein's writing is funny, this one is poignant.  As the 6th graders leave Elmer in June, you will be going on to bigger and better things - with bigger and bigger consequences.  Study hard, try hard...and you will go places. Make bad decisions, and find yourself in trouble.

But who will tell you what is right, and what is wrong?  YOU WILL.   That's why I like this poem - let me know what it means to you.

This Week's 100 Club!!!

Despite a down week, we still had three classmates make the 100 Club (which, in case you forgot, is EARNED by receiving 100% positive points on ClassDojo for an entire week...not an easy accomplishment!!)

You might be realizing you are seeing some of the same people each week...that is a good thing!  These are people that we should all be looking up to as leaders of the classroom...people that do the right thing, because they know it is right...not because it is popular.

Congratulations to our 100 club!

(Blessin, Alexis, Leina)

Oops....

Sorry all!!  I completely forgot to post last week's ClassDojo averages!!  (Umm...my dog ate it?)  Well, last week was another set back - down to 73%.  I know we can do better than that...know why?  Because you already have!  It's about making good decisions, following directions, and trying your hardest.  You keep those three things in mind, and we will do great!

Let's get back above 80% ASAP!!!

See you tomorrow!

Check this Out - Election 2012!

Well....the 2012 Election is over.  All the commercials, all the yard signs, all the campaigning...over in one quick night.  So, what happened?  Check out this presentation below!

Election Results Prezi on Prezi

This Week's 100 Club!!

Hi again!  Despite a down week, we still had a tremendous number of students earning a 100% this week on ClassDojo!  Congrats to all!!

(Blessin G., John B., Alexis C., Lovell G., Leina E.)

(Jayleen R., Natasha W., Jorge Q., Gabby J., Madison S.)

75% - Time to Get Back Up!!!

Well, after a stellar week prior (85%), we fell back a little bit this week, to 75%.  This was our first down week since late September, so the eternal optimist in me is contributing this week to two big things - Halloween and Hurricane Sandy.  We had a lot of things this week that caused us to be a little bit excited...

But, the best thing about last week?  It was LAST WEEK.  It's in the past - and Monday brings us a brand new week, with everyone at 100%.  It is yet another reason why I LOVE ClassDojo - every Monday we start clean again.  And everything is up to YOU....you raise your hand or volunteer in class? Positive point.  You compliment a classmate?  Positive point.  However....you shout out in class?  Take a point off.  It is solely up to you...not me, not Miss Schleede or Mrs. Gaffney....but YOU.  And, I love that.

See you all Monday...with a blank slate!!

This Week's 100 Club! (Even Bigger than Last Week!!)

We had TEN people this week receive a perfect score of 100% on ClassDojo - up one from last week's previous record of 9.  Will there be 11 next week???  :-)

Congratulations to the winners - it shows your dedication to your time in school and to being a respectful, responsible and productive member of the Elmer community!

(Blessin, John, Alexis, Lovell, Leina)

(Jayleen, Natasha, Ramon, Jorge, Madison)

EIGHTY-FIVE Percent!!!

YOU DID IT!!!  A few weeks ago, I gave you a challenge - to hit 85% positive on ClassDojo.  Well, not two weeks later, you achieved just that...85%!!!  Congratulations!

Now, how did you do it?  Hard work, discipline and teamwork.  This week, I heard many reminders from friends (and less from me...) to stop talking, get back to work, be respectful, etc.  That is simply awesome...I am SO proud of you!  And not to mention, but look at that chart!!  Can it get any higher?  (Can it??  Let's see.....)

Now, my big thought for this beautiful, pre-storm Saturday...can we keep it there all year?  Can we go higher?  Two weeks ago you didn't think 85% was possible...now you see that with teamwork and effort, you can do it...and do anything!!

Congratulations again!!!

This Week's 100 Club - Our Biggest YET!!!

The following students had a PERFECT score for this week...100% Positives on Class Dojo!!!  Congratulations for an AMAZING Week - all NINE of you!  (Our largest group so far!!)

Keep up the terrific work of being fantastic role models at Elmer!!

79%

Wow---another good week...and look at that chart!  Going up, up, up!!!  We finished up the week at 79% positive overall, up 4% from last week, and 10% over the last 4 weeks!!

Now, the best part is that I KNOW we can do even better next week.  After looking at all the points for the week, if we remove Monday, we were at 87% for the week.  So, let's set a goal, and be the best we can be all week - in the classroom, at specials, lunch, recess, etc.  

Keep up the great work!!

Have You Seen Our Graph??

Hey All...and Happy Saturday!!  What a beautiful day out - hopefully you guys can get outside and enjoy the day! I hope to soon, as soon as my work is done here...but I LOVE my new view from my desk at home:

Look at that blue sky!

Anyway, what I wanted to show you was a very important update to our class website!  If you take a look at the top part of the right sidebar....

Look here...

...you will see a line graph, graphing our first three weeks of behavior from Class Dojo!  And I LOVE what I see!!  Look at that line shoot up!!!  I want to see that line keep going up and up, and for everyone in class to have as much time as possible next week!!  See you all then!

Congrats to this Week's 100 Club!!

Hey - congrats to this week's winners of the 100 Club!  Keep it up...and let's see some more next week!!

Congrats again!  Great job being a terrific role model for the school!!!

The 100 Club!!!

As a recognition of students that consistently show exemplary behavior throughout the week, Mr. Bogosian and I have started the "100 Club".  Students that receive a score of 100% on Class Dojo for the week will be featured in a weekly post here and on a Tab above. 

For the week of October 1-October 5, the following students had 100% behavior for the week...congratulations!!!



Jayleen R.



Natasha W.



Blessin G.



Alexis C.



Remember - ClassDojo!

Hi all - updating here again, soon...just a quick reminder....you always have your ClassDojo points running!  Between myself, Mrs. Schleede and Mrs. Gaffney, someone is always watching!  (you should always behave like someone is watching!!)

See you tomorrow!

8 Major Benefits of Reading

Hey all - for those of you that know, (or will SOON know), reading is an important part of my personal life, as well as my professional life.  I love to read....and I love when students are reading.

Well, I found this today, linked from a terrific website called LifeDev - "Helping Creative People Create".  It is called the "8 Major Benefits of Reading".  

So, check it out, and let me know what you think below!

8 Benefits of Reading (or Ways Reading Makes You Better at Life)

1. Enhanced Smarts

Wow, this may be the most obvious statement of the post, right? Well, it turns out that reading helps in almost every area of smarts. Those that read have higher GPA’s, higher intelligence, and general knowledge than those that don’t. In Anne E. Cunningham’s paper What Reading Does for the Mind (pdf version), she found that reading, in general, makes you smarter, and it keeps you sharp as you age.

No matter what you’re wanting to do or become, you can’t do it without more knowledge. Reading is an excellent way to get where you’re wanting to go.

2. Reading reduces stress

When I’m reading a book, my mind shifts gears. Where I might have a had a stressful day, a book can easily distract me. Fiction is fantastic for this. Reading an awesome fiction book is perfect right before bed time. Though sometimes it’s hard to put the book down if it’s really good. Still, you’ll be relaxed ;)

3. Greater tranquility

Reading can soothe like no other. Given that I’m a pretty high-energy person, reading forces me to sit and be still. This daily act of making myself be quiet and still has been nothing short of miraculous for my anxiety and my “fidgety factor”.

4. Improved analytical thinking

That’s right, ladies and germs. Cunningham’s studies have found that analytical thinking is boosted by reading. Readers improve their general knowledge, and more importantly are able to spot patterns quicker. If you can spot patterns quicker, your analytical skills receive a boost.

5. Increased vocabulary

Increased vocabulary is especially crucial for bloggers or writers. All successful writers will tell you that in order to write well, you need to read. Every day. You’ll be surprised at the words you start incorporating into your writing.It’s no secret that reading increases your vocabulary and improves your spelling, but did you know that reading increases your vocabulary more than talking or direct teaching? Reading forces us to look at words that we might not have seen or heard recently at the pub. In fact, language in children’s books are likely to be more sophisticated than your average conversation.

A beefier vocabulary isn’t just for writers though. Knowing what other people are saying and using the perfect words to convey your feelings is a critical part of being a better human. Better listeners are more successful in life.

(Side note: If you’re concerned with your well-being at previously mentioned pub, you might lay off the more obnoxious terms you’ve picked up.)

6. Improved memory

I have an awful memory. Just ask my fiancee. I usually can’t remember what I’ve eaten for breakfast, let alone things like names and addresss. Yet I’ve been finding that I can remember stuff much easier when I’ve been reading consistently. Do I have any scientific data to match this up? Not really. But I’d say it’s a pretty safe bet that reading has somehow given me memory mojo.

7. Improved writing skills

This isn’t much of a stretch, considering that reading improves vocabulary and critical thinking. I feel like a better writer, as I’m constantly surrounding myself with works from people who are better than me. That’s why English classes in High School make you read “the classics”. That’s why art students learn to copy masterpieces, so they know what creating something incredible should feel like.

The more you read, the better of a writer you’ll become.

8. Helps prioritize goals

Many times we’re certain we know what we “really want” in life. Yet I’ve found that activities like reading show me things I didn’t know about myself. My mind will drift to things that I’d really like to do, and it isn’t long that these little lapses in reading start to cycle. The same sort of goals keep popping into my head, allowing me to see what I really want to do.

For example, I’ve been playing music on a consistent basis, but I’ve always wanted to produce and distribute my own music. As I’ve been reading, I’ve found that song ideas and other general thoughts on music keep popping into my head. It’s my times reading that have really pushed me into giving music a serious go.

When you remove yourself from your work environment, you’ll start to see things that you might really want to do, that you’re not doing yet. Reading gives you a chance for your to wander.

Everyone Having a Good Summer?

Well, summer is certainly in full swing - and the weather has been great!  Hope you're all having fun, getting outside, and reading (of course!).

Anyway, stop in and drop a line...and allow me to leave you with a wonderful rendition....

Thanks for a GREAT year!!

Enjoy - and keep in touch!!

20112012 from Mr. Sheridan on Vimeo.

Thank You SO Much!

Well, a day later - and I can finally put into words what it meant to have you guys throw a party at the end of the day.  Thank you so much for thinking of the class, and me, like that.  As a person who you ALL know likes to talk a lot...I was speechless :-)

I can't believe this year has gone by so quickly - as much as I look forward to spending time with my family over the summer, I will miss each and every one of you a great deal as you progress on your journey.

Ill see you all Monday!

(Oh, and for a bonus, Matthew proving that his "hips dont lie")

Congratulations Matthew!

Great job in the last chess tournament, taking first place!!

Greetings from Maine

I hope you are all enjoying your break so far! I know I am-we drove up to Cape Elizabeth, Maine today-holy cow was it nice. And what a view!! Take a look:

Liam is thoroughly enjoying his trip so far too-he's currently trying to count all the minivans he sees. Too funny.

See ya soon!

Congratulations Matthew!!

Awesome job winning tournament 2 in chess today! Great job!

Congratulations Ben!!!

In today's Chess Club, Ben beat all oncomers and won the first Chess tournament! Great job today!!

What a singer!

Cant wait to hear more!!

When did it become March?

Seriously, didnt we just start this year?  Seems like yesterday we were all meeting each other for the first time, WAY back in September...that was months and months ago!  Wow...only 4 short months to go before all of you are middle school students!  Wow!!

On a sadder note, we say goodbye to Jalesia this week, who is moving to Pleasant Valley.  You will be missed...please stop by soon!

But, on a happier note, we welcomed Tashea to the class this week - and she certainly can sing!  

Cant wait to come back and get started next week!

HAD to Laugh.....

And yes, Liam LOVED this :-).  Have a great weekend!

The Last 100 Years....in TEN Minutes!

I love videos like this - end of year, capsule kind of stuff. Enjoy!

Remember the day....

Hope all of you are having a TERRIFIC day off!  I certainly enjoyed a TERRIFIC night, watching the Giants beat the Packers, 37-20!

Today is Martin Luther King Day, and please remember why we have today off from school.  This was a man who gave more to this country to ensure that all people could be considered and treated equally - and ultimately paid the biggest price.

Enjoy the following:

Congratulations Alyssa!!!

As we all know, our very own Alyssa H. recently competed in the Schenectady City School District's Spelling Bee at Mont Pleasant Middle School.  She did herself proud by making it into the deeper rounds in the very tough contest.
Congratulations again - we're all very proud of you!! :-)

2011, According to Twitter.

Many of you know, I love Twitter.  Its a great way to get news in a quick, quick fashion.  Well, found this gem this morning going around the internet.  Enjoy!