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training development.  All these activities, student's will be tested on rules and grades are also based on participation.
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• 6th grade news - Mr. Hawkins
• In Math we recently wrote and evaluated algebraic expressions.  We then went on and solved addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division equations.  We will now be getting into the geometry portion of our textbook.  That will be followed by ratio, proportions, and percents.
• In Science, we have completed the life science and earth science sections of the textbook.  We will now enter the physical science portion. In physical science we will study matter, atoms, elements on the periodic table, etc.  We will then study forces, motion, and machines as related to science.  We will also learn about different forms of energy, how they are created, and how we use then.
• In Health, we study different body systems and learn about today's issues concerning teenage health in our Current Health magazine.  We will end the year by dissecting hearts in the 4th quarter.
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• Elementary Principal~ Dan Dalchow
• The staff here at Groton Area Elementary have been busy and working hard.  This time of year is the time of year where teachers are able typically able to move through a lot of material.  Students understand classroom expectations, they know the routines and schedules of the classroom and teachers are into the parts of the curriculum that usually involve new concepts.  It is amazing how much students learn this time of year when we have school on a regular basis. 
• Mother Nature is getting in the way of some of this.  The question has been asked about what can be done at home during snow days.  Here are a few things that have been suggested by teachers:
• • Having your child take some time at home during these snow days to read can help maintain what is being done at school. 
• • Taking some time to work on math facts.
• • Write a letter to a friend or relative.
• Fifteen minutes working on a particular skill can be a small, yet powerful and effective use of time that can have long lasting effects.  So if you are wondering what to do next time mother nature decides to dump more snow on us and/or blow it around to the point where it is unsafe to have school, have your child read a book to you and then have them tell you about it afterwards.  Play a game or two that involves math.  Break out the pen and paper and have your child write a letter to

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