Empowering Sixth Graders: Back to School Night Insights

1. Back To School NightAshley Falls Sixth Grade • Welcome & Introductions • Common Core Standards • Introductions • Language Arts • Math • Social Studies • 21st Century Learning Rotations • Dress Code • Homework & Communication • Chromebooks • ESC • Camp • The Transition to Middle School

2. California Common Core State Standards • What that might look like in your child’s class: LANGUAGE ARTS • Analyzing non-fiction test • Write viable arguments using resources to support the argument MATH • Problem Solving • Abstract thinking • Use different strategies to try and solve problems

3. Language Arts • Fiction Text - Novel Studies • MAROO OF THE WINTER CAVES • THE PHAROAH’S SECRET • THE CAY • Non-Fiction Text • Time for Kids • NEWSELA • Wordly Wise • Each lesson takes 2 weeks • Spelling test on words 1st week Fri. (no spelling book) • Test on vocabulary 2nd week Thurs.

4. Writing • Lessons will focus on specific writing styles and strategies. NARRATIVE, ARGUMENT, EXPOSITORY • Choice of topic within a particular genre of writing. • Students will type all of their pieces

5. Mathematics • 6th grade Common Core math standards will drive our instruction to ensure deep mathematical understanding - setting the stage for long term success • Connected Math is the 6th grade supplemental math curriculum. Other resources are also used to help with math instruction. • Cognitive Guided Instruction (CGI) will be incorporated into instruction to support analytical math reasoning skills • Students will be placed in flexible groups based on needs and learning styles for each standard group. This will be determined by assessments and observation.

6. Social Studies ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS • Early Man • Hunters & Gatherers • Mesopotamia • Egypt • India • China • Greece • Rome

7. Skills for the 21st Century LearnerScience/Public Speaking/Geography Science Taught by Mrs. Sheffield • Energy & Material Resources, Heat • Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Plate Tectonics Public Speaking Taught by Mrs. Williams • How to deliver effective public speaking presentations. 3-4 different types of speeches. Geography Taught by Mrs. Davis • Amazing Race simulation – students will travel the world. • Students will have these rotations one at a time. Homework will vary accordingly

8. Dress Code • No knit caps – hats for sun protection only • No twins, triplets…dress alike – to prevent exclusion • Sunglasses are only to be worn if prescription or with a doctor’s note • Shoes must have a strap – should be closed toe on PE days • Undergarments may not be visible • Shorts, Skirts, Dresses should be an appropriate length – shirts should not be longer than shorts • If a student is dressed inappropriately they will need to call home or use the loaner clothes that are in the office.

9. Homework & Communication Homework Policy Expectations: • About 60 minutes per/night • Wordly Wise • Math • Typing practice • At least 20 min. nightly independent reading • Quality work • Send work & other items to office • Sign Ins – For missing homework Communication • Self Reflections – Signed Weekly • Wednesday Folders • 6th grade Website http://www.dmusd.org/domain/204 • Teacher Email – best way to get ahold of us Melissa Davis – mwdavis@dmusd.org Adrienne Sheffield – asheffield@dmusd.org Caitlin Williams – cawilliams@dmusd.org • Parent/Teacher & Student Conferences • Pick Up at Benches or at bottom of the stairs • Sign in & out at office • Wear Badges

10. Chrome Books What kinds of things will students be doing on the computers? 1. Focus on writing 2. Using Goggle Apps to create documents, presentations, spreadsheets with a secure login. 3. Students can access the items from any computer at home and at school • We recommend downloading Google Chrome at home 4. District adopted curriculum have online resources for student use. 5. Keyboarding • Allow it might be tempting please do not edit and revise your child’s work.

11. ESC ART w/ Mrs. Doyle • Wednesday – All classes LIBRARY w/ Mrs. LaBarge • Tuesday –All classes MUSIC w/ Mrs. Zurcher • Monday-all classes-every other week Fridays • PE – Mrs. McBride • Technology – Mr. Cunha • Science Lab – Mr. Miller

12. 6th Grade Camp November 4-7 Camp Cuyamaca Mark your calendar!!!

13. 6th Grade – the transition to Middle School • It is our goal to foster these skills in order to help your child be successful in 6th grade and as they move forward with their schooling. • Independence • writing down homework, bringing necessary items to and from school • Accountability with behavior and homework • Classroom accountability sign in sheet for homework and behavior, gold weekly communication form • 2 signs in a week (homework/or behavior) result in study hall on Thursdays. • Time management • Planning ahead (projects & homework), studying in advance, • Organizational skills • Utilizing homework calendar & website for information, filing papers In binder appropriately

14. Next Steps… Sign Ups: • Conferences • Volunteer Sign ups September 3rd @ 8:00 in the MUR • Room Parent - tell your child’s teacher if interested Don’t Miss: • Class Wish List • Student Desk – Warm Fuzzy • Article