Aloha Parents/Guardians of KMS 6Th Grade Students

August 2015

Aloha Parents/Guardians of KMS 6th Grade Students:

Welcome to KapaaMiddle School! The 6th grade teachers and KMS staff look forward to working together to ensure a successful year for your child. As consistent with the middle school concept, your child is assigned an Advisory teacher who meets with him/her everyday for the first 30 minutes of school. This teacher is the first line of communication between home and school, so please contact the Advisory teacher if you have questions or concerns.

Along with the telephone, your child’s planner will be another major communication tool. Please review the planner with your child for school wide norms such as the General Learner Outcomes (GLOs), 7 Habits of Highly Effective Learning, Planner Agreement, School Information, attendance policy and the KMSSchool and Home Compact. Please check the planner daily, discuss items with your child, and sign it. The advisory teacher will be checking for your signature weekly to see if your child has been filling out the planner appropriately.

6th grade Advisory teachers and support staff-names/phone extension/room numbers

Teacher/ Subject / Phone 808-821-4460 EXT / Room
Andrea Brassington- English / 164 / I-104
Monica Kawakami- Social Studies / 168 / I-108
Kelsie Nakamura- Math / 169 / I-109
Brooke Ruvalcaba- Social Studies/Science/RTI / 173 / I-113
KristynBranco- Science / 174 / I-114
Jennifer Sutherland
SPED Math / 181 / J-106
Gordon Muramaru-PE/Health / 175 / I-115
Mary Lardizabal- Chorus/Ukulele / 136 / D-102
Julia Sanderl- GT/Art / 197 / G-101
Nicole Fujimoto - Computers / 158
Kelson Sumida - Counselor / 171 / I-111b

A copy of the master syllabus for 6th grade classes is found on the home page of our school website.

Please read and discuss with your child the expectations for each of the classes he or she attends. By signing the statement below, you and your child acknowledge that you have read, discussed, and agree to follow each teacher’s expectations.

Again we welcome the opportunity to get to know your child and o’hana!

6th grade Advisory Teachers and Support Staff

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Please return this page to your advisory teacher after your parents/guardians have signed it.

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Student Name Student Signature

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Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature

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Parent/Guardian Contact Number Parent/Guardian Email

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Date Advisory Teacher

Mrs. Andrea BrassingtonRoom I-104

6th grade English Language Arts

Aloha and welcome to sixth grade English! I am very excited to begin this new school year together with you and your child.

Course Description: This class incorporates a Common Core State Standards-based instruction to improve your child’s understanding and performance in all categories of reading and writing through the SpringBoard curriculum.

Goals/Objectives:SpringBoard delivers a flexible framework for rigorous instruction by integrating a variety of proven teaching and learning strategies, relevant and increasingly complex content, and Innovative methods that engage students on multiple levels. SpringBoard emphasizes: Text complexity, Textual evidence, and Meaningful tasks throughout the course.

SpringBoard tools and supports will help your child get the most from a variety of complex texts. Activities include the following design elements:

Learning Targetsarticulate the new standards in student-friendly language and drive instruction, keeping the focus on key cognitive skills, such as those related to deliberate thinking, reasoning, and remembering.
Check Your Understandingsectionsprovide students with opportunities for formative checks.
Before-During-Aftersections encourage students to read and write with purpose, develop close reading skills, and connect to texts.
Embedded Assessmentsare organized around tasks and questions that guide thinking and analysis.

These criticalfeatures will helpenrich your child’s learning experience:

Academic Vocabulary:terms defined and analyzed in context
Key Ideas and Details:text-dependent questions guide interactions with the text
Language and Writer’s Craft:language and grammar instruction connected to in-context writing
Writing Prompts:text-related assignments in argumentative, informative, and narrative modes
Textual evidence:opportunities to use evidence in written responses and oral discussions
Variety of texts:a balanced selection of engaging nonfiction, literature, and nonprint texts

Homework Policy: Homework assignments are not routinely assigned but given to supplement or complete class work. Homework assignments are written on the Focus Wall for students to copy into their planner. It is recommended that students read 20 minutes per night and share it aloud with an adult listener.

Grading: Achievement in standards-based education reflects proficiency according to specific benchmarks. For example, a student may exceed, meet, or approach proficiency. However, student reports (progress reports and report cards) display traditional letter grades. Letter grades roughly correspond as follows:

A = Exceeds or Meets Proficiency– Student has an advanced understanding.

B = Meets Proficiency– Student has a proficient understanding.

C = Approaches Proficiency– Student has a partially proficient understanding.

D = Lacks Evidence of Proficiency – Student has a novice understanding.

Inability to provide evidence of meeting standards will result in a failure.

Evaluation: Students are evaluated through formative and summative assessments and will be assessed on their understanding and proficiency of the Social Studies Standards and Benchmarks for sixth grade.

Behavior Expectations: Students are expected to abide by the school wide expectations:

Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Cooperative

It is also important to me that the classroom and school is a safe and positive learning environment. I try to solve problems within the classroom first; however, I will call home if necessary. If any negative behavior persists I will refer the student to the Vice Principal. In severe cases, I automatically refer to the Principal.

Communication: If you have any questions or concerns you can contact me by:

Phone: (808) 821-4470 ext. 164
Email me at: .
Through your child’s planner.

I am looking forward to a great year getting to know your child and supporting them through their journey of success in Social Studies. Let’s work together to ensure that your child receives the best education possible. Thank you for your continued support, it is very important and greatly appreciated!

Mahalo,

Andrea Brassington

Mrs. Monica Kawakami

Room I-107

Tel: 821-4470 ext.168

Social Studies, Grade 6

Ancient World Civilizations

Aloha! Welcome to sixth grade Social Studies. I am very excited to begin a new school year with you and your child. Sixth grade Social Studies follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English/Language Arts (ELA) to help students develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse democratic society in an interdependent world.

Students examine selected societies in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas using the five themes of Social Studies: Commonality and Diversity, Conflict and Cooperation, Continuity and Change, Individualism and Interdependence, and Interactions within different environments.
Students identify possible causal relationships in historical chronologies.
Students offer fact-based explanations for change and continuity in history.
Students develop historical empathy and appreciation of the global diversity and interdependence of the world’s people, institutions, traditions, values and environment.

The course content will emphasize:

Geography
Current Events
Mid-Quarter and quarterly projects
Class discussions
Daily journal writing and/or notes
Cooperative learning with a partner or in groups

General School-Wide Rules

Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Cooperative
Be Safe
Be on time and ready to learn

Textbook:

Horizons: The World. (2003). Harcourt. New York.

We will be utilizing a class set in school, so your child does not need to bring their assigned textbook with them to school everyday. Please keep it in a safe place at home for the entire school year.

Grading:

Student grades will be based on their understanding of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) covered in each quarter. Class work, homework, quizzes, and projects will be used as evidence when determining student grades. If a student demonstrates:

Advanced understanding they will receive an:A

Proficient understanding they will receive a:B

Partially Proficient understanding they will receive a:C

Novice understanding they will receive a:D

Inability to provide evidence of meeting standards will result in failure.

Kapaa Middle School

Math and Honors Math-6th Grade

Ms. Nakamura

808-821-4460 ext. 169

Room I-109

Course Outline

Welcome to sixth grade math! I am very excited to start this new school year with your child. 6th graders will use a curriculum called, Go Math! Go Math! is specifically written to provide thorough coverage of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Lessons include concrete, context‐based situations, models, math talk, sample questions and other tools to insure student understanding.

You can find the 6th grade Common Core State Math standards at the website:

Honors Math Students will cover the same 6th grade Common Core State Standards mentioned above. They at times may cover material at a quicker pace and will receive work at an advanced level.

Workbook

Students will receive a GoMath! workbook. These workbooks will be used to complete math lessons and assignments. If workbooks are misplaced, students are responsible to purchase a new one. The cost to replace a GoMath! workbook is $25.00.

Behavior Expectations

It is important that our classroom is a safe and positive place for students to learn. Students are expected to follow all classroom rules and come to class prepared with all necessary items. If students are absent they are responsible to get missed work from the teacher.

*Students who are off-task or disruptive will receive 3 warnings and then a referral to the Vice Principal.

Homework

Homework will be given to students approximately 3 times a week. It is my expectation for students to complete homework since itallows your child toreview and practice what has been covered in class.

Grading Policy

Student grades will be based on their understanding of the standard benchmarks covered each quarter. Students will be given multiple opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of each benchmark. If student demonstrates:

Advanced understanding, they will receive an:4/A

Proficient understanding, they will receive a:3/B

Partially proficient understanding, they will receive a:2/C

Novice understanding, they will receive a:1/D

Inability to provide evidence of meeting benchmarks will result in failure.

Sample Rubric

Topic: Compare and Order Fractions, Decimals and Percents

Benchmark: CC.6.NS. 6c Compare and order fractions, decimals, and percents

Advanced / Proficient / Partially Proficient / Novice
Compare and order fractions, decimals, and percents, with accuracy, and justify the comparisons / Compare and order fractions, decimals, and percents, with no significant errors / Compare and order fractions, decimals, and percents, with a few significant errors / Compare and order fractions, decimals, and percents, with many significant errors

Mrs. Brooke Ruvalcaba

Room I-113

Tel: 821-4470 ext.173

Social Studies, Grade 6

Ancient World Civilizations

Students examine selected societies in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas using the five themes of Social Studies: Commonality and Diversity, Conflict and Cooperation, Continuity and Change, Individualism and Interdependence, and Interactions within different environments.
Students identify possible causal relationships in historical chronologies.
Students offer fact-based explanations for change and continuity in history.
Students develop historical empathy and appreciation of the global diversity and interdependence of the world’s people, institutions, traditions, values and environment.

The course content will emphasize:

Geography
Current Events
Mid-Quarter and quarterly projects
Class discussions
Daily journal writing and/or notes
Cooperative learning with a partner or in groups

General School-Wide Rules

Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Cooperative
Be Safe
Be on time and ready to learn

Textbook:

Horizons: Horizons. (2005) Harcourt. New York.

We will be utilizing a class set in school. Your student will not need to have a book at home.

Grading:

Advanced understanding they will receive an:A/4

Proficient understanding they will receive a:B/3

Partially Proficient understanding they will receive a:C/2

Novice understanding they will receive a:D/1

Inability to provide evidence of meeting standards will result in failure.

KapaaMiddle School

Physical Science-6th Grade

Mrs. Ruvalcaba

808-821-4470 ext. 173

Room I-113

Course Outline

Welcome to sixth grade physical science. I am very excited to start this new school year with your child. Sixth grade science follows the grade level benchmarks explained in the Hawaii Content Standards which can be found on the website:

Textbook

Holt Science and Technology: Physical Science

Topics Studied

The World of Physical Science
The Properties and States of Matter
Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
Matter in Motion, and Forces in Motion
Work and Machines
Energy Resources and Heat Technologies
Introduction to the Atom and the Periodic Table
Chemical bonding, reactions and compounds
Introduction to Electricity, Electromagnetism, and Electronic Technology
The Energy of Waves (Sound, Light, and Heat)

Behavior Expectations

It is important to me that our classroom be a safe and positive place for students to learn. Students are expected to follow all classroom rules and come to class prepared with all necessary items: pencil, pen, composition or notebook, binder paper, drawing materials, and pocket folder exclusively for science materials. Students may bring an excused note to the office if returning from an absence and are required to check with teacher for any missed assignments.

*Students who are off-task or disruptive will receive 3 warnings and then a referral to the vice principal.

Grading Policy

Advanced understanding, they will receive an:4/A

Proficient understanding, they will receive a:3/B

Partially proficient understanding, they will receive a:2/C

Novice understanding, they will receive a:1/D

Inability to provide evidence of meeting benchmarks will result in failure.

Sample Rubric

Topic: Energy and its Transformation

Benchmark: SC 6.6.4

I can describe and give examples of different types of energy waves.

Advanced / Proficient / Partially Proficient / Novice
Compare and explain the different types of energy waves and provide examples of real world applications / Describe and give examples of the different types of energy waves / Give examples of a few types of energy waves / Select from a given list the different types of energy waves

Kapaa Middle School

Math 6th Grade

Mrs. Ruvalcaba Mrs. Sutherland

Email: Email:

808-821-4460 ext. 173 808-821-4460 ext. 181

Room I-113 Room J-106

Course Outline

Welcome to sixth grade math! I am very excited to start this new school year with your child. 6th graders will use a curriculum called, Go Math! Go Math! It is specifically written to provide thorough coverage of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Lessons include concrete, context‐based situations, models, math talk, sample questions and other tools to insure student understanding.

You can find the 6th grade Common Core State Math standards at the website:

Workbook

Behavior Expectations

*Students who are off-task or disruptive will receive 3 warnings and then a referral to the Vice Principal and a phone call home.

Grading Policy

Advanced understanding, they will receive an:4/A

Proficient understanding, they will receive a:3/B

Partially proficient understanding, they will receive a:2/C

Novice understanding, they will receive a:1/D

Inability to provide evidence of meeting benchmarks will result in failure.

Sample Rubric

Topic: Compare and Order Fractions, Decimals and Percents

Benchmark: CC.6.NS. 6c Compare and order fractions, decimals, and percents

6th Grade Math Standards In Grade 6, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking..