Sixth Grade Overview Letter
Dear Sixth Grade Parents/Guardians:
The sixth grade teachers and counselor welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year. For your information, we have prepared this brief course overview. We look forward to a successful year with your child and invite you to attend the Back to School Night on August 17th from 6:00pm-7:30pm to meet with us and learn more about plans for the coming year.
Language Arts:The Common Core State Standards are integrated into all areas of language arts: reading, writing, language conventions, and listening/speaking. Writing skills and vocabulary are emphasized within the rich context of fiction/non-fiction text, class novels, and Accelerated Reader book choices. The refinement of sentence and paragraph structure precedes the instruction of essay writing. Spelling and grammar instruction complements the reading and writing curriculum.
Science: The focus of the State of California Standards for Science is primarily on earth science, ecology, and resources. Specific topics include the study of earthquake zones, fossil formation, the natural effects of weathering and erosion, as well as the responsible use of the Earth’s resources. Students will be engaged in a variety of hands-on discovery activities, including the use of lab equipment, critical thinking skills, and decision-making strategies.
Social Studies: Students will explore key developments of the past from a human perspective. Students will learn that they live in history, that their present experience is a product of the past, and that their future is an outcome of the present. The interaction of change and continuity is shown in the development of prehistoric times through the Roman civilization. In addition, students will be responsible for knowing current events presented in the class.
Math: This course will review addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers. Students will continue to work with decimals and fractions. Basic geometry will be introduced as well as graphing and problem solving. Ratio, proportion, and percent will be covered. Students will experience situation lessons and extension activities to enhance the curriculum. Students will be scheduled into math classes according to a variety of criteria to meet their individual needs.
Physical Education: The sixth grade physical education program includes team, as well as individual sports activities. Students are graded primarily on participation, written assignments, and dressing for activity. We stress teamwork, cooperation, responsibility for self and others, performance according to ability, and the desire to participate and have fun. Sports covered include soccer, basketball, distance running, track and field, volleyball, frisbee, paddle ball, and paddle tennis.
Enrichment: Sixth grade students explore a variety of current topics through an enrichment rotation. Topics align with the teachers’ areas of expertise. These courses enlighten while capturing student interest. Topics include art fundamentals, keyboarding, and Project Lead The Way Design and Modeling. As an alternative to the enrichment program, students may choose to become involved in Cadet Band or Orchestra 6.
At Suzanne, in order to ensure that classroom climates designed for excellence in learning may be maintained, the following discipline plan is in effect for sixth grade. Students must behave appropriately for maximum learning.
Classroom Rules
1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2.Be in the place where you belong.
3. No talking without permission.
4. No disturbances, physical or verbal.
5. No chewing gum, eating, or drinking.
Rewards
Special programsStickers
Certificates School recognition
Positive family contactChallenger Cards
Consequences
1. Warning
2. Parent contact (either a note or phone call home)
3. Time out in another classroom
4. Office referral
Severe Disruption
1. Immediate office referral
2. Teacher discretion
Late Work Policy
All work is expected to be turned in on time. Late work is not accepted for full credit. If your child is ill, teachers will give full credit for work turned in within a specified amount of time. It is a student’s responsibility to obtain this missed work the day of his/her return. If a student is absent for more than one day, parents may request homework from the teachers by calling the school office.
If you wish to pick up your child’s homework assignments by 3:00 pm, requests must be received by 8:00 am.
Each student is issued a binder reminder to keep track of their assignments. We encourage parents to support us by having their students follow through with the use of this valuable tool! We hope you encourage your students to complete their work and be active participants in their classes.
P.E.
P.E. uniform information will be discussed with your child during the first week of school.
Suggested Supplies: To begin the year prepared to learn, it is suggested (not required) that the students obtain the following items:
1. Three ring binder and separators for each subject
2. Several pencils with erasers and several pens
3. Red ball point pen for grading- NO MARKERS
4. Lined notebook paper (Paper torn from a spiral notebook is not acceptable.)
5. Graph paper for math
6. Colored pencils
7. A sturdy backpack or school bag to carry items from class to class
8. ACCELERATED READER (AR) BOOK EVERYDAY
We hope to encourage your son/daughter to complete all assigned work to ensure a successful year. Please check your child’s binder reminder everyday so you know what assignments are due for each class. Should you have any questions, feel free to call your child’s teachers or the 6th grade counselor, Mrs. Aceves.
Student Fees:The California Constitution mandates that public education be provided to students free of charge, unless a charge is specifically authorized by law for a particular program or activity. This constitutional right of free access encompasses all educational activities, whether curricular or extracurricular, and regardless of whether credit is awarded for the educational activity. The right of free access also prohibits mandated purchases of materials, supplies, equipment or uniforms associated with the activity, as well as the payment of security deposits for access, participation, materials or equipment. A process that allows for a waiver process for an otherwise mandatory fee, charge or deposit does not render it constitutionally permissible.