Mrs. Atkinson 6th grade Math, Science & Geography Back to School Night 2012 Mrs. Atkinson 6th grade Math, Science & Geography

Contact and Communication Thank you for sharing your children with me each day. I appreciate being able to partner with you. I will try to communicate regularly. (The goal is a mass email each Monday or Tuesday and individual emails regarding specific assignments.) If email is not an option for you, please let me know. I will also post the weekly communication on our class website. If I do not get back to you within 2 school days, please contact me again by phone or email. You can reach me via email (best) or by calling the school office.

Homework and Academics There is Math homework every night (Mon – Thurs) All work must be shown for each math problem We have a Math test or quiz most Fridays, other tests are announced early No name = no credit & no late work accepted Grades: 40% tests, 30% quizzes, 20% homework, 10% class work and participation Being prepared for class is part of the participation grade

Our class webpage

Supplies and Organization There is a direct correlation between organized and prepared students and higher scores. Please check your child’s agenda and backpack regularly. The supplies that your child started the year with will not last for the entire year, be sure to replenished them. Encourage your child to have all homework, PE clothes, supplies (and often the cell phone) in his/her backpack each evening. Ask to see papers as they are completed and/or when they come home. All assignments should be neat, complete, and accurate for full credit.

We start each day with a warm up problem 10 + 4 (5 – 8)

How did you do? -2 10 + 4 (5 – 8) 10 + 4 (-3) 10 + (-12) 10 – 12 The emphasis for these is on effort and problem solving skills – not perfection

Helping your Child with homework Please do not do the homework for your child – it is cheating, and puts them further behind academically. Please provide time and space for your child to do his/her homework (treat school as his/her “job”). If homework seems to take too long (and the child is actively working on it) – please contact me right away. Use the textbook, student notes from class, and our class website to assist your child. Check that homework is complete and neat each evening.

Homework scores Math homework is 5 points per day / assignment. The homework is graded based on the number correct, neatness (including heading and the condition of the paper), and work shown. Credit can only be given for problems with work shown We review homework in class, it is taken home for study / review; then collected on Friday and entered into the grade system. Students who review their homework and ask questions do better on tests and quizzes.

Homework Assignments

Questions and Answers

Science homework There will be vocabulary words to study almost every night. Vocabulary quizzes are usually on Thursdays. I’ll announce anything different and try to avoid Mondays and Fridays. Many homework “assignments” are just finishing what was not finished in class or continuing something we started in class. Larger projects are often given 5 – 7 days to complete in order to teach time management and balance between school, family, sports and other commitments.

Science grades 40% tests & quizzes, 40% projects & homework, 20% participation & classwork (being prepared for class is part of participation) Vocabulary quizzes work out to be a large portion of the science grade, it is important to study Class work, drawings and diagrams, worksheets, etc. are all graded. Most items are 10 to 20 points, but they all add up. Good effort, Complete work, Neatness and Quality participation = Good science grade

OLE Outdoor Learning Environment This a week to concentrate on scientific learning and appreciation of the area around us through hands on activities. Scheduled for 1st or 2nd week of April 2013. Volunteers will be need to help with BBQ at LHS farm. Fun, Fun, Fun!!

Dress Code and Rules Please buy and encourage clothing that fits in the dress code – I will communicate if your child is wearing something inappropriate in my class. No gum – ever No cell phone usage during school hours – please don’t call or text your child during school hours. Class rules: Do your job, Allow others to do their jobs , Be respectful, Be safe (this applies to all and works out very fairly)

In case of absence If your child is sick, or absent for another important reason, please call the office. Check our class website for assignments. If the absence is 3 days or more, contact me or the office and we can have a packet of work ready for you to pick up. Each student has the number of days he/she was absent to make up work. Tests must be made up within a week of absence.

Questions and Answers

Geography The working title of this class is “Where in the World is …… ?” I am not planning to have any homework for students, although they may be asked to bring a news article or travel picture at some point. The grade for this class is based mainly on participation / effort. We do some written work, but each student has plenty of time in class and it is designed for many ability levels.

Geography (cont.) Each unit or week is planned based on a theme, but our schedule is flexible enough to include world events and suggestions. Travel will be an ongoing theme – as we virtually travel, we will learn about the terrain, people, climate, landforms, etc.

Geography (cont.) Semester goals: To learn more about the world around us To have fun while learning To “travel” and build a curiosity for more learning and travel

Questions and Answers