DodgeIntermediateSchool

Mr. Willis Mrs. Black

Homeroom Class 6-7, 6-8

Rooms 218-219

We’re excited to be working with your child on his or her “Sixth Grade Adventure”. Below is a brief overview of some important information for the 2017-2018 year.

CURRICULUM AND PROGRESS

There are four basic subjects: social studies, science, language arts, and math. Our broad goals and objectives come from the Common Core Standards. Methods for meeting objectives are determined by the grade level teams and the individual teachers. Please encourage your child to volunteer for small group when we ask, “Who wants a follow-up?”

We encourage you to please become involved with your child's schoolwork and classroom activities. Please discuss the importance of your child demonstrating good behavior in class. The less time spent on classroom behavior, the more emphasis we can put on academics.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Language Arts is based on The New Ohio Learning Standards with many opportunities for enrichment, fluency and comprehension development.
This year we will implement the Guided Reading Program which includes leveled texts. This program creates the environment that builds a sense of success in students, and in the group as a “community of readers.” As the teacher I will create a culture conducive to in-depth study of a variety of books, genres, topics, authors, writer’s tools and comprehension strategies. Students will be required to select books, topics, and authors appropriate for their level, challenge their interest and engage in book discussions.

We will be setting a goal for each student to independently read 50-60 books! The goal is for students to develop a life-long love of reading. Students will be expected to read from a variety of genres. This will ensure that students explore books that they might not ordinarily choose. Students will develop an understanding of the literary elements and text features that are inherent to the various genres:

  • Realistic Fiction
  • Historical Fiction
  • Fantasy
  • Science Fiction
  • Mystery
  • Poetry / Fairy Tales / Folk Tales
  • Nonfiction
  • Biography/ Autobiography / Memoir

Students will record the titles and authors of books chosen in their Reader’sNotebook. We will be discussing students’ adventures in reading through reading response notes, conferences and letters.

SPELLING/GRAMMAR/VOCABULARY
Students will continue to use the Spelling Connections series along with additional resources. Students will be given words to study and activities to complete at the beginning of the week. All activities will be due at the end of each week.

WRITING
Students will create a number of writing pieces this year ranging from narratives, informative / explanatory reports, opinion pieces, and poetry.

Math

Online textbook:

Student password:

Common Core Strand / Topic
Operations and
Algebraic Thinking / Multiply/Divide Whole Numbers,
Properties, Order of Operations, Expressions, Patterns
Number and Operations in Base Ten / Place Value, Compare/Order Decimals
Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Decimals
Measurement and Data / Graphing, Line Plots/Graphs, Convert Units of Measure in Customary & Metric
Geometry / 2-D and 3-D Shape Classification and Volume of 3-D Shapes
Number and Operations-Fractions / Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Fractions & Mixed Numbers

Science

Online textbook:

Student password:

Strand / Topic
Science Inquiry and Application / The Nature of Science
Technology: Design & Function
Life Science / Classifying Organisms &
Ecosystems
Earth Science / Earth & Space
Physical Science / Forces & Motion
Changing Forms of Energy

Homework Policy

We believe that it is important for students to develop good work habits and independence in 6th grade. We will do our best to help your child develop their organizational skills this year.

  • Each morning you child will take time to fill out agendas. Students are responsible for listing all homework assignments in their agenda.
  • Homework is generally due the day after it is assigned, any special projects will be given specific due dates that your child should have written in their agendas or on their assignment.
  • Best effort is expected at all times. Students will be asked to redo work that is not done to his or her best effort.
  • We do our best to collect and distribute make up work to students who were absent. However, it is the responsibility of the student to check with all teachers to make sure they received all work missed from an absence.

Math and Science

Most Math and Science homework assignments are worth 3 points.

  • 1 point for completion and effort (showing their work in Math)
  • 1 point for turning it in on time
  • 1point for checking and making corrections during class

Study guides are given 2-3 days before Unit tests and are expected to be completed prior to the test date.

There will be a few long term Science projects done at home with parental assistance.

***Important***

Textbooks and master sheets are available online for assistance at home. Please follow instructions provided to log in at home. Please begin exploring these sites at home. There are many helpful tools to help you child with homework and study skills.

Note: Your child’s username is the same as his/her username at school.

Classroom Expectations

We will be using a positive behavior reward system called “Class Dojo.” Students will receive points when they are caught displaying appropriate behavioral expectations.Points are also taken way when expectations are not being met. Students can see their points immediately, this helps to provide immediate feedback. Parents can also keep track on a daily bases by following the class through the “Class Dojo” app. See the attached letter which provides additional information on this process.

Students that do not follow the classroom expectations will first be given awarning. This will help the student re-evaluate previous actions and make better choices. If a student continues to make inappropriate choices, he/shewill be asked to fill out their “Accountability Card.” After five inappropriate choices the student will be required to obtain a parent signature. Severe behaviorsmay result in a lunch detentions, parent phone calls, or an office referrals.

Treats and Food Items:According to our district wide policy, "Dodge recognizes that there has been a significant increase in the number of students with severe food allergies. As a result, students are no longer allowed to bring in edible treats to school for their classmates. We suggest celebrating your child's special day by donating a book for the classroom library or sending in stickers, pencils, or other non-edible items to share with their classmates. Thank you."

HOW TO CONTACT US

We want to hear your praises, comments, questions, suggestions, and concerns.Your child’s holistic education is central to our practice. We want to understand your child’s strengths and needs, both in and out of school.

Mr. Willis

/

Mrs. Black

Phone: 330-486-2229
Email: / Phone: 330-486-2228
Email:

Thank You,

Mrs. Black Mr. Willis