WELCOME! 6th Grade Parent Orientation Night 2013 Please find a seat.

Introduction Experience 12 th year at Wilson – Returning to Social Studies after 11 year hiatus Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Master of Arts in Educational Leadership Research experience with NSF and with NASA Principal Certification My Goals Maintain a safe, well-managed, nurturing and organized classroom Inspire students to become life long, inquisitive learners Prepare all students for 7 th grade by meeting state standards and teaching them responsibility Differentiate instruction to meet the needs and learning styles of all students (challenge/modify)

Rules/Behavior School Rules: – Be respectful – Be responsible – Be a problem solver Consequences/Rewards: – 1. Warning 2. Behavior Journal/Call home 3. Referral to teen court/office – ZAP/TASK – PBIS slips

Grading Standard grading scale on most assignments (letter grades) – Check system – Credit/missing Late homework= 60% (of points earned) – Will be a grace period before implemented – Will accept late homework with note/call/ from parent Late projects= 11% off per day Grade weights – 70% tests/quizzes/projects – 20% classwork/practice – 10% homework

Donations Needed Give “Fundraisers” the boot – not fundraising. Each family is encouraged to make a donation to PTO (this is not AZ tax credit donation, but is still a tax deductible donation). PTO money has purchased smartboard software, printer, and supplies for my classroom!

Social Studies Newest State Standards (2006) – All students have a SS book at home. – Geography Unit: Maps (differences, purposes, how to read them, vocabulary) – Primary vs. Secondary sources – Ancient Civilizations: Ancient Mesopotamia Ancient Egypt, India, China, America Ancient Greek and Roman Civilizations Medieval Europe and Africa Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment Major Religions (tied to their influence on cultures and civilizations) including geographic origins, founding leaders/teachings, traditions, customs, and beliefs

How Do We Learn? Daily Oral Geography (D.O.G.) – Practice using an atlas and geographic terminology – Students will keep spiral with questions/answers for weekly or bi-weekly quizzes Textbook Reading Hands-on Learning (mummification) Computer Simulations (Decisions, Decisions) Project-based Learning Research Textbook website

Social Studies Homework Map locations (memorize for quizzes) Textbook reading assignments (book at home) Study for tests (using notes from units studied) – online support: Completion of tasks started in class 5 paragraph Essay