Welcome to the Junior High, 6th grade students and family members! We arehappy to have you as a member of our team as you make this new move to our school. We are also excited to develop positive relationships based around learning. We look forward to working together as a team to create a classroom community. It is our goal for our community to enjoy learning how to become better English students while also learning to work with others, become more responsible, and share our love of English, grammar, writing and learning!
6th Grade English Topics:
Prepositions, kinds of sentences, subjects and predicates, fragments and run-ons, conjunctions, interjections, nouns- irregular and possessive, verbs- action, linking, regular and irregular, direct and indirect objects, predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives, verb tenses, subject/verb agreement, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, punctuation and capitalization, poetry, writing- informative, argumentative, and narrative consecutively by genre.
We use the follow materials during English class:
Groundwork for a Better Vocabulary 4th EditionGrade Level: 6
An intensive words-in-context approach to vocabulary practice
Vocabulary Journals
Used to record and study weekly vocabulary definitions and compose sentences using the vocabulary words in the correct context
Writing Journals
Used in the classroom for daily journal writing
English Binder
Students will utilize this binder to organize important papers, packets and assignments used to develop their abilities.
Grammar Minutes Packets Grade Level: 6
Builds basic skills, integrates a variety of skills, motivates and challenges students
Take-Home Grammar Packets
Introduces, reviews, and reinforces grammar concepts mentioned in the previous section above. These pages are potential means of homework assignments.
Grading Scale:
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: 59 and below
English Grades:
Students earn points toward their grade in the following areas for demonstrating their knowledge and always using their best effort.
Tests & Quizzes
Vocabulary Journals
Writing
Poetry
Report cards are sent home at the end of each nine-week grading period. In sixth grade, students are responsible for delivering their report cards to family members at home. These documents do not need to be signed or returned to school.
Tests & Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given periodically, and students may or may not be informed in advance. These quizzes will involve questions regarding grammar, poetry, and writing. Vocabulary tests will be given after each individual chapter, and will be announced approximately three days in advance. If your child is absent on the day of a test, the test must be made up within three days of his/her return. For both quizzes and tests, students are expected to bring all materials home to adequately prepare themselves.
Homework:
Homework will not necessarily be assigned in a paper/pencil fashion each night. Instead, students will be responsible for studying vocabulary terminology and grammar concepts throughout each grading period.
Daily Classroom Procedures:
Arrive before the bell rings with your materials including a pencil and an approved SRC novel.
Sit at your seat and read the board to know what supplies we need for the day. Get those supplies ready and sharpen your pencil.
Read our plan for the day so you know what activities we will be doing.
Complete the “Bell Ringer” activity each day.
Actively participate in class discussions, lessons, or activities.
Listen to the person talking. Raise your hand if you would like to add to a conversation, answer a question, or ask a question.
Keep cell phones and other electronics turned off in your book bag or locker.
Respect yourself, others, teachers,materials, and school at all times.
Clean up your area before leaving class.
Complete the “Exit Ticket” to demonstrate an understanding of learning objectives.
Always do your best and have a positive learning attitude.
Procedures from the Somerset Student Handbook will also be followed.
If students need extra support to follow the procedures, I will have a personal discussion with them about what they can do to improve their behavior. If a need for improvement remains, I will speak with family members, the guidance counselor, or the principal to discuss further options to support students.
Expectations:
Extra Help and Practice:
There are several ways and times for students to receive extra help if needed.
Work with a classmate who may be able to help explain something you do not understand.
Visit the “Helpful Websites” page on our websites.
Become active with The Boys and Girls Club of Somerset County to take advantage of their after school time which includes time for homework completion and support. Visit their website or call 814-445-1802 for information about how to attend.
Make-Up Work:
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to collect your missed work.All missed assignments will be clipped to the board according to the day(s) of the week you were absent. You are given three days to complete all missed assignments. If you are absent for an extended period of time, you must arrange an individual conference with your teacher to discuss an appropriate time frame to fulfill your classroom responsibilities.
Welook forward to a great year of working together to grow as better writers and team members!
September 1, 2015
Dear Families,
We are looking forward to supporting your student in English this year as a member of our classroom community. You are a part of our team, too, and we welcome the opportunity for communication at any time throughout our year. By making everyone aware of our classroom management plan, it is our goal to create an environment in which all students can reach their individual potential.
Our classroom team has reviewed this plan together, and we ask that you review it with your child at home, as well. There are a few additional pieces of information below that pertain more specifically to families for your review.
Please feel free to use our individual contact information below to call or e-mail at any time should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about how we can work together to better support your student. We can make this a successful year for your student by working together!
Sincerely,
Mr. Robert Bowers, Mrs. Heather Custer,
Ms. Sheena Zolla, & Mrs. Susan Kuzmiak
Online Resources:
Parent Portal:
Family members may access students’ grades by taking advantage of the online Parent Portal. If you need assistance to create a Parent Portal account, please call the Junior High Office at 814-443-2831 and ask to speak with the Information Technology Help Desk.
Visit
Select “Parent Portal” below the district logo.
Login or follow the instructions to create an account.
Contact Information:
Mr. Robert Bowers Mrs. Heather Custer Ms. Sheena Zolla Mrs. Susan Kuzmiak
ext: 3518 ext: 3521ext: 3516 ext: 3513
Please complete and return this page of the classroom management plan by Friday, September 4, 2015. Please keep the rest of this classroom management plan for your reference throughout the year.
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We have read and reviewed the classroom management plan. We know that the plan provides an opportunity for all students to do their best growing and learning as part of the classroom team. We understand all parts of the plan and agree to follow this classroom management plan.
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Student’s Signature Student’s Name (Print) Date
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Family Member’s Signature Family Member’s Name (Print) Date
Robert Bowers, Heather Custer,
Sheena Zolla, Susan Kuzmiak
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Teachers’ Signatures Teachers’ Names (Print) Date
Contact Information:
Family Member Name: ______
Home Phone: ______
PleaseCell Phone (if applicable): ______
circle best method
of contact.E-Mail Address (if applicable): ______
Best Time to Contact: ______
Family Member Name: ______
Home Phone: ______
PleaseCell Phone (if applicable): ______
circle best method
of contact.E-Mail Address (if applicable): ______
Best Time to Contact: ______