2015-2016 WELCOME! Mrs. Lowery Mrs. Dyer Mrs. Phillips Mrs. Vinson Mrs. Rodopoulos

English—Dyer and Rodo 6th grade level Notebooks for each unit—count as daily grade (Organization is KEY!) Don’t worry if you don’t see the English book come home—we use note sheets from a variety of sources. First two daily grades—not in book (Procedures Quiz and Using a Planner Quiz) Unit 1 (Grammar) started this week.

Writing—Dyer and Rodo *Paragraphs and essays * Home and in-class assignments * Essays count as major grade in Language Arts * Writing is across the curriculum **System assessments each nine weeks count as major grade

Wordly Wise—Dyer and Rodo 6th grade level Test each week and a half Spelling and definitions Tests consist of synonyms, antonyms, and sentences using words in context www.wordlywise.com for words and activities www.spellingcity.com/jrodopoulos--spelling practice www.vocabtest.com--great source for practice tests Wordly Wise app also available Flash cards encouraged, not required

READING—Lowery and Dyer Novel based curriculum Supplemented by basal reader Projects—1st nine weeks speeches Skills and vocabulary taught according to novel or basal story 6th grade level Accelerated Reader

Social Studies—Lowery and Vinson 5th Grade Level Projects—Globe project 1st nine weeks **BUY GLOBES EARLY—Styrofoam, ball, etc. U.S. History Cover Indians and early explorers through Civil War Novels to supplement book Study guides given prior to unit tests

Math—Phillips and Vinson 6th Grade Level Project—Information will come home soon regarding 1st nine weeks project Book available online (encouraged) Expect homework regularly Compass Learning

Science—Phillips and Vinson 5th Grade Level In class project first nine weeks on weather patterns Science included in ACT Aspire testing in spring Study guides given prior to unit tests

“O” and “R” Preparing students for Baldwin Write down assignments Homework each night—studying is homework Keep backpack clean Restock supplies as needed Child is held responsible for all school-related tasks. Only emergency phone calls from the office—forgotten projects or field trip forms are NOT emergencies.

Field Trips Summary of field trips for the year Policy--$1000 BB for getting forms and payments in on first day PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE OR DAY OF THE TRIP TO SIGN FORMS/PAY! We have our deadlines, so we give you deadlines.

Miscellaneous Christmas shopping trip Book covers provided Conduct and homework logs are located in planner. Homework will be counted as a minor grade at the end of the nine weeks. Micro economy Contact by e-mail preferred—24 hour response time INow for grades Conferences through office Check planner for homework Instant Replay Water bottles and snacks each day

Social Media Students, please be careful what is put on Instagram, Facebook, etc. It can be hurtful to classmates, and sometimes those hurt feelings affect our school day. Parents, remember that your posts are shared and spread around—even to teachers. Complaints should be directed to us by email or through a conference. Complaining on social media provides very little in the way of solutions to your problems. MPS/Forest Avenue needs all of the “positive” that it can get! Keep your comments focused on what is good about school, and contact us directly if you have concerns or questions.

Homework/Tests       *Homework is not considered complete unless: 1. All directions have been followed completely. 2. Homework has been completed. Students should ask parents for help rather than leave blanks. *Students will sign homework log for incomplete work or if directions were not followed. *Points will be deducted on tests if directions are not followed completely/accurately OR if a student fails to answer test questions. *Students should always check their work to be sure all directions were followed and no answers were left blank.

Don’t panic with early grade averages! We have to “settle in”. One Last Thing… Don’t panic with early grade averages! We have to “settle in”.