Sixth Grade Orientation 2011

1. Sixth Grade Orientation 2011 Team Supreme

2. Schedules • 6-day cycle, 9 periods • Exploratories • 9 week classes (MP 1,2,3,4) (Tech. Ed., Music, Family Consumer Science, Art) • 12 Week Classes (T = Trimester 12 week classes) (Health, Keyboarding, Phys. Ed) • 2 week transition period • (1st wk=training, 2nd wk=practice)

3. Daily Procedures • A.M. Prep • restroom, pencils, library, office, excuses, late bus, appointments. • Assignment books – all homework on boards and online, please check on a daily basis. Thanks for your support!  • Period 9 – pack up before coming in homerooms, during period 9 Q.S.T./D.E.A.R./Extra Gym/Clubs (Chess, Drama, Math Counts) • Day 1 & 4 = choir • Day 1, 3, & 5 = band/orchestra

4. Homework Policy • Overnight homework is due at the beginning of class the next day • Points will be deducted for incomplete and missing assignments (allowed 1 miss in each core subject) • After 10 misses, letter sent home to let you know • Please contact your child’s exploratory teachers with any concerns

5. Homework (cont.) • Assignment book should be used daily • Check for Incompletes in the assignment book • Long term assignments/projects handed in late result in a 10% deduction of the total points per day • Read, read, read!!!

6. Online Grades • http://www.eastpennsd.org/Technology/ • Grading timeline • Internet access • E=excused and I=incomplete

7. Grade Tracking • Parents are strongly encouraged to go online and check student grades. • Students are responsible for organizing and keeping all graded papers throughout each quarter. • Students are responsible for submitting all papers to the homeroom teacher at the end of each quarter.

8. Progress Reports & Parent Conferences • Sent home at mid-term to show current progress • Four times a year : October, December, March, May • Conferences occur twice a year • November and February • Not required ; based on parent or teacher requests • All parents will receive a conference form outlining details, which must be signed and returned.

9. Classroom Management • Main goal is to catch students being good (Super Loot) • Students expected to follow rules at all times • Wipeouts & Consequences • 1 warning, each week starts off fresh • Think Sheets, parent phone calls, and administrative referrals are used

10. Special Events • Extra gym (day 6 & Friday) if earned • Perfect homework parties each marking period • Student of the month parties • Field trips (volunteers with clearances) • 6th grade activity nights (Oct. 21st from 6-8 pm) • 6th grade homeroom activities (volleyball, kickball) • 6th grade end of year picnic and field day • 6th grade field trips: see letter for details

11. Reading • Prentice Hall: Literature • Standards based • Independent reading requirements (D.E.A.R.) • Novels (lit circles) • PSSA’s in March

12. Language Arts • Glencoe: Writer’s Choice • Various styles • Expository, descriptive, persuasive, narrative • Grammar lessons - covering the basic parts of speech • Editing and Journal Practice

13. Science Concepts • Process Skills • Metric System and Measurement • Matter and Energy • Scientific Method • Force and Motion • Geology

14. Science (cont.) Expectations • Be prepared for class with binder, pencil, and textbook (when needed) • Participate in class discussions • Complete assigned homework • Review notes when homework is not assigned • Always put forth Supreme effort!

15. Science (cont.) • Studying will be very important for science this year. Organization is also important with the science binder. During each unit we will work on many labs. Technology will be incorporated within the classroom. • GRADING SYSTEM • Based on total accumulated points during nine week marking period • Grades consist of labs, quizzes, tests, journals, DSR, graded assignments, open notebook quizzes, homework, and class work. • Student’s responsibility to make up missed work due to absence.

16. Math • Holt McDougal: Mathematics Course 1 • Units covered: • Whole Numbers, Decimals, Percents, Probability, Statistics, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Fractions, and Ratios and Proportions • Problem Solving-Ongoing

17. Math (cont.) • Instruction: • Problem of the Week -POW • Homework check • Daily concept/lesson • Group and independent practice • Assessments: Quizzes, Tests, Projects, Graded Assignments, POW, and homework completion

18. Social Studies • Prentice Hall: The Ancient World (accessible online) • We will study the culture, geography, and histories of six civilizations; meanwhile, focusing on 5 essential questions. • What historical accomplishments is each civilization known for? • How did physical geography affect the growth of ancient civilizations? • What were the beliefs and values of ancient people? • How did ancient peoples develop governments? • How did ancient peoples earn a living?

19. Social Studies (Tentative Plan) • Introduction to Ancient Civilizations • The Fertile Crescent • Ancient Egypt and Nubia • Ancient Greece • Ancient Rome • Ancient India • Ancient China *Map and globe skills throughout the year

20. Social Studies (Possible Projects) • Survivor Map Project • Chicken Mummification (Class Project) • Egyptian Wax Museum PowerPoint • Greek Model Project • Caesar Video Project *Grading: quizzes, tests, projects, graded assignments, and homework *Optional: current events

21. Communication • Newsletters • Homework/Calendar • Email is best • Contact exploratory teachers directly Team Supreme @ LMMS • Note: In case of an emergency and you need to contact us, please call the main office during school hours. (for example: early dismissal)

22. Miscellaneous • Lockers: we will help the students with their combinations. Locker space is limited, please keep this in mind with your personal belongings. • Dress guidelines: refer to student handbook the first week of school.

23. Thank you! • We’re looking forward to a magnificent year!!  • We appreciate you taking the time to come in and learn about your child’s 6th grade year!