6 th Grade Schedule EXAMPLE: PeriodCourse FirstLanguage Arts SecondReading ThirdScience FourthPE Fifth ALunch Fifth BTutorials Sixth PeriodBand or Art or Project Lead the Way Seventh PeriodHistory Eighth PeriodMath

Pre-Ap vs. Regular Courses: The curricula for both Pre-AP and General Ed courses are built on the core academic curriculum following the Texas Education Agency guidelines for each course. (TEKS) Students enrolled in Pre-AP should expect: o a faster class pace o more depth in classroom discussion o increased amount of reading o overall greater academic expectations on assignments and time management. The following characteristics have been found in successful Pre-AP students: Previous performance of 85 or above in course from previous year(s) Pass STAAR test in that course Strong study skills and self-motivation Proficient oral and communication skills Self-discipline to plan, organize, and carry out assigned tasks Above average grade in the previous year related content area

BAND Pay for own instrument and instrument maintenance Concert attendance after school hours Concert attire After school practices Eligibility to participate in field trips ART Project Lead The Way provides a comprehensive approach to STEM Education. Through activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum, PLTW gives students a chance to apply what they know, identify problems, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning. All 6 th grade students are required to take a full year of PE and can choose ONE of these 3 electives. Basic design, drawing, painting

PE Uniforms All 6 th graders will be required to purchase PE uniforms for the school year. Cost: $15 Uniforms will be available for purchase the first week of September through the PE coaches.

Grading Policy: Daily Work: 40% Tests : 60% Students are responsible for turning in work and homework on time. If a student does not turn in their work on time, the highest grade they will be able to earn is a 70. In case of absence: Student is responsible for asking what work was missed. A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher. * Attendance is take each class period, therefore if a student leaves early, they may have multiple absences.

OTHER JUNIOR HIGH CONCERNS: HOMEWORK: The recommended amount of time varies according to the type and number of subjects a student is taking. Students enrolled in advanced courses will require larger amounts of homework time. THE LEARNING CENTER IS OPEN TUESDAY-FRIDAY AT 7:30 AM FOR ANY STUDENT TEACHERS HAVE TUTORING HOURS SISD OFFERS A FREE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM THAT OFFERS TUTORING AND HOMEWORK HELP BACKPACKS/LOCKERS: Lighten the load and use your lockers. All students will be assigned a locker and a lock. Backpacks are to be kept in the locker and not taken to class SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Each student will be required to have ONE 3 inch binder that they will keep all their work in for all of their classes. Complete school supply list will be on the junior high website by June. COMMUNICATION with MULTIPLE TEACHERS: Call, , write…COMMUNICATE! JUNIOR HIGH OFFICE: STAFF first initial and last smithvilleisd.org Example: Stacy TEACHER PAGES ON THE JUNIOR HIGH WEBPAGE IS A GREAT SOURCE FOR INFORMATION

Other Important Information: Homework will increase Grades are put in once a week, not every day. Current grading policy: 60% Test and 40% Daily Parents need to sign up for “Parent Portal” This is not the time to “loosen the reins” (brain research) There is actually a need for MORE parent involvement at this age Check/sign planner daily (even if not required by teacher) TALK to your child every day. Ask them what they did each period (helps them recall what they learned as well as helps them remember any work they need to complete for each class. Have child communicate with teacher FIRST. Imperative that students get to class on time and bring supplies to each class If student starts struggling and/or doesn’t understand something, have them seek help immediately. Catching it early deters snowballing. Passing Periods will now be 3 minutes long

VERY LARGE MAJORITY of drama/conflict at school stemmed from social media posted/sent from outside the school day. Helpful hints for parents to encourage positive/appropriate social media etiquette : -Follow your child on all their social media sites and correct any inappropriate postings/messages -Parents who stay positive on their personal social media set a good example of proper social etiquette, as well as promote healthy/positive relationships. -Know your child’s usernames/passwords for all social media -Refrain from posting negative comments about other students,your child’s teacher and/or school in order to maintain a positive working relationship with your child’s school/teacher/ other parents No CELL PHONES DURING THE SCHOOL DAY: Phones that are seen and/or are being used without permission will be taken up and a $15 fee will be required in order for the phone to be returned.

SO IMPORTANT! Help your child focus on staying organized throughout the school year.

Behavior Expectations: Higher expectations Students with inappropriate behavior will be subject to teacher/student conferences, no contact contracts, parent/teacher and/or student conferences, lunch d-hall assignments, afterschool detention assignments, office referrals, In School Suspension (ISS), out of school suspension, alternative school placement. More information on disciplinary actions can be found on the junior high web page at in the student handbook.

What if there’s a problem? Let’s Talk Follow the chain of command (teacher, principal, etc) Assume the best Don’t overreact…our kids are LEARNING Understand that your child’s teachers want them to be successful Let your child learn from their mistakes Don’t use social media to discuss a problem.

Remember that we are a TEAM and we ALL want your child to be successful!