Teachers: Ms. Willis

Learning Strategies Course Syllabus

Teachers: Ms. Willis

Class: Learning Strategies

Room: B455

Email:

Welcome Note:

Hello Bulldogs! Welcome to 6th grade! This year is going to be full of fun and lots of learning. Sixth grade is a pivotal year for all students. I look forward to beginning our journey together this year! Please feel free to contact me by email at any time with any questions. 

Directions:

In order to create the best learning environment possible, classroom expectations have been developed for our students. We ask that you and your child read through them carefully. Then, parents please fill out and sign the Cut out Signature Page & Student Information Sheet. Please return to Ms. Willis as soon as possible.

**Please keep this syllabus. This syllabus has important information about the course.

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to provide instruction that enables students to acquire and use strategies and skills to enhance their independence as learners in educational and community settings.

Classroom Curriculum:

Course content may include, but is not limited to: strategies for acquiring and storing knowledge, oral and written expression, problem solving, listening skills, comprehension skills, test-taking, organization, self-advocacy.

Students will begin each class with a mini-lesson based on the 6th grade CPLAMS Standards. Students will then start assigned stations. There will be 3 stations in the classroom. A “Reading” station, “Math” station, and “Meet with Teach” station. Students will rotate stations throughout class times. Due to Wednesday being “Early Release,” Students will focus on organization and completing work for other classes.

Willis’ Words of Wisdom (AKA. Class Rules)

1. Always TRY your best!
2. Be Honest.
3. Be a person everyone will look up to. (Get your BARK on!)

Course Requirements:

Students will:

-follow the “Words of Wisdom”

-come to class prepared—i.e. bulldog binder & pencils

-stay organized

-write down all important information in planner

-be responsible for making up all work if absent

Daily Supplies:

• 1 Composition Notebook
• Pens or pencil
• Bulldog Binder
• Planner

MMS Grade Distribution:

• Homework 10%
• Classwork 30%
• Assessments 60%

*Cheating/Plagiarism will not be tolerated. If caught, student will receive a ZERO on that assignment or test.

Make-Up Work:

Students will be responsible for communicating with teachers when it comes to making up work. Make-up work should be turned in within 1 week after the absence. Students can pick up copies of makeup work from the MAKEUP BIN located in Ms. Willis’ room. Communication is KEY! Students should advocate for themselves. It’s important that students talk to all of their teacher’s about what assignments were missed when they were out. Reading plus is an option for making up assignments.

Re-takes:

All students who earned less than a 70% on a test will be allowed a retake. The highest grade on re-takes will be no more than an 80%. (MMS policy)

Late Work:

For every day late 10 points will be deducted, except in extreme cases (excused absences). Please communicate with teachers at all times.

Behavior:

Class Dojo- Our class will be using Classroom Dojo to track positive student behavior. Classroom Dojo allows students to keep track of their positive behaviors through earning dojo points. Each students has a “dojo bank account”. Dojo points earned can be used to earn rewards and “go shopping” in our Dojo store, please see below for more information.

 Positive Behaviors- On Task, Helpful, Thoughtful Discussion, Participation, Bulldog pride, High Achiever, Persistence, Team Work, Classmate Compliment, Tenacity,, Staff Compliment, etc.

*Behavioral Consequences-Warning, Time-Out, Phone Call Home, Parent Conference, Referral (order may change depending on the action.)

*Zero Tolerance- Automatic referrals will be issued on bullying, physical abuse, weapons, drugs, theft and destruction of school property/vandalism.

Homework:

Homework will be posted on the board at the beginning of every week.

Students should write homework in their planner every week.

Attendance:

Please remember that you must send in note to Mrs. Anderson, our front office secretary, to excuse your child’s absence.

Other Important Websites:

 6th Grade Teacher websites:

 Reading Plus Website:

 Home Access Center Link:

Cut hear. KEEP Syllabus. Return Signature cut out to us for first HW grade and 10 dojo points! 

______

Sign & Return ASAP.

YES, I have read the classroom expectations and I understand their meaning.

______/ ______

Print student nameStudent’s signature

______/______

Print parent nameParent’s signature Date

TO BE COMPLETED BY STUDENT:

1. What are things you are really good at?

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1. What is the favorite thing you did this summer?

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1. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not in school?

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1. What are some things you want to learn about? IT CAN BE ANYTHING!

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1. What do you love about school?

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1. What do you not like about school?

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1. I work best in a classroom that is….

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