 Welcome to Sixth Grade Mrs. Freeman, Miss Scism, Mrs. Silver, Mrs. W.G – 2016 School Year

Introduction and Communication Mrs. Freeman  Sixth Grade Website:  Reading ~ Mrs. Freeman:  Math ~ Miss Scism:  Science and Soc. Studies ~ Mrs. Silver: Our preferred method of communication is . Student Teachers: Victoria Vanzo- 6F, Sarah Eannace - 6S, Kim Macica- 6sc

Classroom Organization Mrs. Freeman  Raffle tickets and our expectations  Extra help can be accessed during the Intervention Block, during Dismissal (Study Hall), and Recess  Planners/Study Skills  Schedules (Sneakers; Instruments, and Lesson Days)  Technology- Chrome books and GAFE  Water bottles and Peanut-Free Snacks  Birthdays (peanut-free snack that students can have during lunch or other activity)  Book Orders (Freeman code: JC73C Scism code: FMPVV Silver: GZP68)

Student Progress Miss Scism  Progress Reports  Report Cards  CAT tests (9/24, 9/25, 9/28)  NYS ELA Test & NYS Math Test  In-School Conferences, Room Parents, and Sixth Grade Activities (Please Sign Up)  All tests and quizzes need to be signed

Homework Policy Miss Scism  Monthly homework parties  Missing assignments are to be completed that night and returned to school  New positive approach, not having “detention” Homework contracts on an individual basis  Homework helped offered at recess and dismissal

Science FOSS (Full Option Science System) Kits Mrs. Silver  Hands on group work  Outdoor exploration  Textbook/ebook  Notebook Writing  Movie clips  Units: Soils, Rocks, Landforms and Sun, Moon, Planets  Assessments: Check up quizzes, Tests, and a Final

Social Studies Integrated Social Studies/ELA Curriculum Putnam/Northern Westchester Boces Mrs. Silver Units  Neolithic Revolution  River Valley Civilizations  Classical Civilizations  Middle Ages  Emerging Modern World  Contemporary Issues

Reading Mrs. Freeman  This year in reading we will be working with rigorous texts to build comprehension and skills.  Students will be reading and writing on a daily basis. Your student will be immersed in fiction and non-fiction reading.  We will spend time working independently, in partnerships, and also in small groups.

Reading Logs and GAFE Mrs. Freeman  Students are asked to record their daily reading in school and at home. Students will be required to read 4 days during the week and can choose a day to read on the weekend, for a total of 5 days.  Logs will be checked daily. Please sign these nightly.  This is an important part of their reading development. It allows them the opportunity to practice comprehension strategies we learn in class, build stamina, and increase fluency.  GAFE- used in all classes, Google docs, Google classroom. Etc. safe and secure.  If students do not have internet access at home they may use: Band and orchestra time, morning arrival or dismissal time, recess or the IE block.

Reading Report Card Info Mrs. Freeman  Students will receive grades for a number of skills. For students who are meeting grade level expectations you can expect to see 3’s. If students are achieving above grade level they may receive 4’s in some categories.  In the past, a students ELA score has been reflective of their reading grades on the report card.  Please keep in mind although the skills are the same as last year, students are asked to demonstrate these skills with a challenging sixth grade text.

Writing and Vocabulary Mrs. Freeman  This year in writing we will be writing with increasing frequency across subjects  The CCSS maintain that sixth graders need instruction and practice in determining or clarifying the meaning of unknown and multiple- meaning words and phrases. More emphasis on vocab as opposed to spelling in isolation  Instruction will take place at the end of the day. Students will be assigned a 6 th grade teacher based on the band and orchestra schedule

Math Miss Scism  Centers approach to learning using GoMath series  Homework  Labels provided in class located in math notebook  Videos to support understanding are located on the sixth grade website  Assessment (all require a parent signature):  Open Book/Open Note Quizzes  Unit Tests  Each assessment will include an in-class post-review lesson and a homework post-review activity

Curriculum Additions/Extras Mrs. Silver  Adolescent Growth and Development  Steps to respect with Mrs. Satterlee  Foreign Language last trimester  Bronx Zoo Field Trip  June is Busy!  Jr high visitation