6th grade Academic Habits

Mrs. Coulombe/Ms. Madani

Course Purpose

  • To equip students with literacy skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) that will assist students to navigate and practice 21st century academic expectations (Collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication) that are expected in college and the work force
  • To assist students with building stamina to navigate complex, academic text and vocabulary in order to support learning in all content areas
  • To assist students in the development of the following skills: organization, notetaking, and collaborative learning
  • To teach students “how to” study for content-specific areas

Grading

The following system of percentages will be used to categorize assignments. Student grades may be monitoredusing Parent Vue. Should you need to obtain a username, please contact Paul Gandolfo.

  • Major Grades

(Projects, tests, end-of-unit performance tasks, extended classwork) 40%

  • Secondary Grades

(Class work,diagnostic checks, strategy exercises,quizzes,

presentations)35%

  • Practice, Preparation and Participation-PPP(Sustained silentreading (SSR),

quick writes, notebook checks, independent reading logs)25%

Homework

Daily homework will not be assigned. However, reading outside of class may be necessary in order for students to complete novel study assignments.

Assignment Due Dates –

Students will be given notice regarding long-term projects so that they can schedule time accordingly. Class time will be provided for students to work on long-term projects; however, there may be times work will need to be completed at home. The expectation is for students to maximize class time and productively manage time outside of class in order to meet due dates. Late work will be accepted; however, points will be deducted for each day late, not to exceed two weeks.

Make-up Work and Absences

If a student is absent from class, naturally he/she will need to make up any missed work. Please be advised that it is the student’s responsibility to obtain missed work. Class time will not be provided to make-up tests, quizzes, or assignments.However, opportunities will be made available--please see Tutoring Opportunities below.

Tutoring Opportunities: I will be available Thursday mornings (or by appointment) for the purpose of making up any missed work/incomplete work, or for retaking (as needed) major/secondary assessments. Students will sign up (or register) for this opportunity in advance.

Books~

Novel Study

The first novel we will be reading is Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Students will be required to purchase this book and to bring to class each day.

Independent Reading Choice--required for class each day

This is a novel that the student chooses and utilizes in class for instructional purposes. My classroom library is available for this purpose.

Sustained Silent Reading (SSR)

SSR will be scheduled for every Friday. Students are required to bring reading material of their choice (book, magazine, something of interest to him/her) to class for this purpose. To accompany this reading time, quick writes will be assigned so that students are continuously practicing good literacy skills

Behavior

All students are expected to follow McClure’s Behavior Plan including (but not limited to) being on time to class and having necessary class materials with them every day.

Supplies

The items listed below are required supplies for reading class:

  • Fish in a Treeby Lynda Mullaly Hunt (available in paperback)
  • Three-ring binder (one and one-half inch) with college ruled paper

  • pencils/pens
  • notebook paper
  • dividers
  • Post-it notes
  • agenda(given by school)
  • 5-6 clear sheet protectors

Teacher Contact

Email:

Visit my blog on the McClure Web page

Note: This syllabus is subject to change in order to best meet the needs of the students.

Please return this portion of page to Mrs. Coulombe by August 7, 2017

My child and I have reviewed and understand this Syllabus, including the course guidelines, required supplies, grading procedures, and class expectations.

______

Parent signature (date) Student Signature (date)

Parent contact information:

Print Name: ______

E-mail:______

Phone: Home______Cell______Work ______

This will allow me to keep the lines of communication open regarding your son’s or daughter’s progress during the school year.