Sixth Grade

Teachers Mrs. Kaldy Ms. Lenox Mrs. Wade Mrs. Wolford

Math The sixth grade math curriculum is designed to help students improve and excel in math as they work to master the concepts and skills of the PA State Math Standards. The areas of study will include: -Number Systems and Number Relationships -Computation and Estimation -Measurement -Reasoning and Problem Solving -Statistics and Data Analysis -Probability -Geometry -Algebra -Math and Technology= Graphing Calculators and Robotics Math Textbook- McDougal Littell Middle School Math Math Textbook Website- Math Computer Programs- Study Island Math Facts In A Flash Math Materials- -Textbook -Chapter Vocabulary -Calculator -Problem of the Week Robotics- Lego NXT Robots

Grade Level Schedule Sixth Grade Schedule: 9:00-9:10Homeroom 9:15-9:57 Special 10:02-11:05Period 1 11:08– 12:02Period 2 [HR] 12:05-12:35 Lunch 12:40-1:10Recess 1:15:-1:24 Period 2 [HR] Cont. 1:27-2:30Period 3 2:33-3:36 Period 4 3:40-3:45Dismissal Students are responsible for coming to class prepared. Students are responsible for collecting and making up any work they miss due to music lessons, field trips, and/or academic games.

Language Arts This class is 63 minutes long The focus of this class is communication Communication is the exchange of information between people by means of speaking, writing, listening or using a common system of signs or behavior; therefore, the goal of sixth grade language arts is to become an effective communicator through a variety of practices of reading, writing and listening and speaking exercises. We will strive to enhance our written communication by placing focus on our word choice, grammar usage, sentence structure, conventions and mechanics of the English language, again, all in anticipation of improving our communication. We complete one novel study per nine week period from a pre- selected chapter book. We read short stories and complete mini studies from our reading series, Reading Street. We complete two creative reading and writing projects. Students will give two speeches throughout the year [persuasive and demonstrative] We complete a unit on poetry and figurative language. Students will be writing open ended responses as well as summarizing fiction and nonfiction passages to demonstrate comprehension of literary content. Study Island will be utilized as a learning tool in school and students are encouraged to login at home to pull up scores as well as play learning games. We participate in the Accelerated Reader Program. oGraded Work oTests will have a study guide oThere may be announced and unannounced quizzes oseatwork oprojects ohomework ocredit for doing homework oEssays graded according to standard twenty point rubric oProjects are introduced with instructions and rubrics/graded based upon the same rubric How to be successful in this class: Listen in class Review literature study guides periodically Keep three ring binders organized Write assignments in planners and complete them! oSixth Grade WIKI is updated weekly oMMS grade system is updated weekly oPlease call with any concerns oEXT 2426

Accelerated Reader Requirements per nine weeks:  1 st report period: OCTOBER 25—10 PTS  2 nd report period: JANUARY 14—10 PTS  3 rd report period: MARCH 24—11 PTS  4 th report period: MAY 23—12 PTS  Over 1,000 books & over 1,000 tests!  Incentives, awards, opportunities!  AR improves reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, writing capabilities, test taking skills, study skills, responsibility, and promotes independence!  Daily reading time in class = Daily reading time at home  Grading: I will triple the amount of points earned [capped at total required] out of the amount of points required [tripled]. Students have the opportunity of earning up to three bonus points for reading above the requirements.

Study Island Online Tool PSSA Prep Math and Reading Aligned to PA Standards Students may logon at home! Laurel username and password Goal: Earn 70% on skills practice before playing a game

Science The sixth grade science curriculum reflects the PA Standards in Science and Technology as well as Environment and Ecology. The areas of study will include: *Inquiry and Design Asking questions, making observations, and using the scientific method to design and conduct experiments (2 FOSS units: “Variables” and “Mixtures and Solutions” *Physical Science How heat affects matter *Earth Science Weather, Earth “Processes” (how and why the earth changes over time), Soil, Rocks and Minerals, Fossils, Exploring the Universe, Resources, Water Systems, Ecosystems/Biomes, Environmental Health The annual Sixth Grade Science Fair will be held this year on May 9 during the school day and from 7:30-8:30 pm in the Elementary Gym. Check out for review, games and the online student edition of our text.

Social Studies The sixth grade social studies curriculum reflects the PA state standards for Civics and Government, Economics, Geography, and History. Topics Include: Lawrence County and Pennsylvania Civil War Canada, and Latin America World War I World War II Materials needed for class are the Text and various supplements, Notebook, Maps Students will earn their grade through  tests  quizzes  homework  presentations  projects Students will also complete a formal research report.

Spelling Spelling Grade: Homework – 5 pt (in cursive) Final Test – pts Words for the year are on the Sixth Grade Wiki On four-day weeks there will be no worksheet. Homework: Monday: 3 times each Tuesday: ABC order Wednesday: Worksheet Thursday: Study for the test

Homework Policy 10 minute Rule: 10 minutes x grade = amount of time for homework. 6 th Grade Wiki **Go to Laurel Website **Click on “Elementary Wiki” **Click on “6 th Grade” **Click on “Homework” Incomplete homework = loss of recess and one check Three checks = a letter home Four checks = a detention

Accessing Your Child’s Grades: MMS replaces Edline MMS allows you to access your child’s attendance, grades and schedule Easy access from the Laurel website If you haven’t already, please be sure to return the informational letter that you received from your child’s homeroom teacher so that you can activate your account! Lost the paper? Need help? Please call the library at [724] ext 2942

Fieldtrip KENNYWOOD Kennywood is an all day event (9:00 am – 8:30pm). All students will be chaperoned by an adult. No one will walk around the park alone! Chaperones will be selected by the 6 th grade staff.

Elementary Chorus For students in Grades 5 and 6 Meets during recess twice a week Opportunities for ‘special parts’ Chorus T-shirt for performances All-school assembly on Tuesday, Feb. 12 Evening performance on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Fine Arts Festival

Elementary Band For students in Grades 5 and 6 Meets Tuesday and Thursday before School 25 minute weekly lessons in the mornings during school Band T-shirt for performances Band Concert assembly Tuesday, Apr. 30 Evening performance Tuesday, Feb. 30 at 7:00 p.m. See Mr. Daubenspeck for more information (ext. 2505)