Welcome to Sixth Grade! Open House 9/27/12 Mrs. Clark, Ms. Couch and Mr. Smith

In Sixth Grade WE WILL…. Try our best! Think………………………………..HARD!!!!! Question ideas! Wonder!

A Look at the YEAR!! Exploring and investigating the world through…  Literacy  Math  Science Our goal is to help you reach your goal. We want you to SUCCEED!!!!

Grading You are expected to work hard and do your best each day in class. Grades are based on the following:  Academic Achievement: 3-4 assessments per trimester (tests, performance tasks) ; 25% of grade  Classwork: 20+ assignments (notebook, independent work, centers, projects) ; 25% of grade  Homework: 20+ assignments (readings, worksheets, projects) ; 25% of grade  Citizenship: 6+ reports per trimester (behavior, preparation, respect, safety) ; 25% of grade

Class Preparation Come PREPARED  Pencil/Pen  Agenda  Binder and/or Notebook  Ready to Work Take out your homework and start the “Do Now.”

Notebook  You will maintain a notebook that will be looked at and graded.  Lost or damaged notebooks MUST be replaced and ALL information recopied.  Nothing inappropriate or unrelated to class should be placed in the notebook.

Absenses If you are absent you are responsible for finding out what was missed. You need to make it up. See the teacher if you need help. Check the school website, come before or after school for additional help. Work with a class partner to complete missing assignments.

Homework Given everyday on a daily basis in ALL subjects. Purpose: Review of what was done in class, preparation for the next class and time to work on long term assignments. If you FORGET your HOMEWORK:  Make a good attempt at completing it to the BEST of your ability.  Call a Buddy  Check the Website  No Excuses, FIND A WAY!!!!  Three missing assignments is a phone call home.

Literacy-Mrs. Clark Exploring and investigating the world through the literary lens. This year we will have a focus on the Common Core State Standards. With that being said, literacy instruction will focus solely on comprehension through Accountable Talk and Close Reading. Students will hold Socratic Seminars in order to Summarize, Question, Predict and Clarify concepts in order to increase comprehension. There is a written component, but it is based off of classroom conversation. We will study the following:  Elements of Fiction  Author’s Purpose  Elements of Non-Fiction  Characterization  Author’s Craft

Mathematics-Mr. Smith Introduction: Grade 6 students in Hartford are starting a new national math curriculum called the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The rigor of Grade 6 math has increased. Starting in students statewide will be measured by the CCSS standardized test not the CMT. Pacing Guide Grade 6 1.Using Expressions and Equations – Sept & Oct 2.Operating Positive and Negative Numbers – Oct & Nov 3.Applications of Geometry – Dec & Jan 4.Ratios and Rates – Jan & Feb 5.Algebraic Reasoning – Feb, March & April 6.Statistics and Distribution – April & May

Science-Ms. Couch September-November Matter Materials can be classified as pure substances or mixtures, depending on their chemical and physical properties. Water moving across and through earth materials carries with it the products of human activities. December-February Earth's Atmosphere Variations in the amount of the Sun's energy hitting the Earth's surface affect daily and seasonal weather patterns. March-June Ecosystems An ecosystem is composed of all the populations that are living in a certain space and the physical factors with which they interact. Service Learning Project and Field Experiences w/Mrs. Hays Project Oceanology Fish Hatchery Rocky Neck

If you need HELP…. If you need help in literacy, math or science please contact the assigned teacher. We can meet before or after school or during lunch by appointment only. You can contact us via at:  Mrs. Clark-  Ms. Couch-  Mr. Smith-