1. How to be Successful in 6 th Grade

2. Welcome Meet your 6 th grade teachers: Ms. Gina Golden – Science/Social Studies Mrs. Natalie Rigney– ELAR Ms. Rachel Meinecke– Math

3. Communication Email – this is the best way to get a hold of any of us Agendas – student initiated Conduct Sheet- check daily for behavior Tuesday Folders – please look for them and sign the conduct sheet Newsletters – sent through Tuesday folders first and third Tuesday of every month

4. Communication Cont. Family Access – grades and messages (Please sign –up thru AISD website under parents-then Family Access) EdmodoEdmodo, Showbie – student/parent communication REMIND.COM- Please sign-up at our 6th grade website

5. Parent Conferences We will be sending homeroom links for Sign-up Genius for you to sign up for a Parent Teacher Conference. At this time, please bring any questions or concerns you may have. This is a great time to learn about the progress your 6 th grader is making at this time: RIGNEY:www.SignUpGenius.com/go/409094DAFAD2BAB F94-elaparent www.SignUpGenius.com/go/409094DAFAD2BAB F94-elaparent GOLDEN:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080544AAAC2 FA13-parenthttp://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080544AAAC2 FA13-parent MEINECKE:

6. STAAR Testing There are two STAAR tests for 6 th graders – Math – May 8 th Reading – May 9th We will be closely monitoring student progress all year in our classes, as well as through district benchmarks and simulations. Science will have an SCA (Science Comprehensive Assessment) test is May 24th.

7. IMPACT IMPACT is our school-wide intervention/enrichment program to help students in small groups progress in their academics. Your 6 th Grader works on an A/B weekly rotation for IMPACT. On A week they will receive 2 reading lessons and 3 math lessons. On B week they will receive 3 reading lessons and 2 math in their leveled Tier Groups.

8. Tutorials *Monday– Math (on an invitation basis) *Tuesday – ELAR (on an invitation basis) Wednesday’s are not available *On an as needed basis Thursdays Mornings- Help with Math Re-dos Tutorials should be about getting extra help, not homework completion.

9. Grading Policy Homework and Class Work – 60% Tests and Projects – 40% District Policy can be found on the Allen ISD website.

10. Scheduling Appointments Please try to schedule appointments during non-academic times. We have a middle school curriculum that moves quickly, and it is easy to fall behind if students are missing class time.

11. ELAR SpringBoardSpringBoard curriculum combines reading and writing into one seamless curriculum. Each 9 weeks we will have 2 process papers as assessments.

12. ELAR Theme for the year is CHANGE Topics covered this year are reading and writing narratives, expository writing, non- fiction studies, broadcast journalism, book studies, and literature circles. Grammar, punctuation and vocabulary are important aspects to our writing this year.

13. ELAR …what YOU can do The best way to grow as a reader is to READ often and to read a variety of materials. Encourage your child to build this habit! Read with and alongside your child to model lifelong reading. Talk to your child about what you are reading. Ask your child about what he/she is reading. This is a great way to learn about what your child enjoys and an excellent way to know if your child is understanding what he/she is reading. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com 13

14. Math Topics of study: decimals, integers and integer operations, coordinate plane, order operations, fractions, introduction to algebra, expressions and equations, ratios/rates/proportions, percents, data analysis, geometry and measurement, inequalities, problem solving and financial literacy Vocabulary will be a vital part of the math curriculum. Accelerated Math will follow the same TEKS, but will move at a quicker pace and dive deeper into some topics.

15. Math... what YOU can do Master multiplication tables! Help with Weekly Math Homework. Help students with redo papers. Help study and practice for Unit Tests.

16. Science Topics of study: The Nature of SciencePhysical Science Physical Science Earth Science Earth/Space Science Life Science Vocabulary will be emphasized in the science curriculum in a variety of ways. All students will be required to participate in the science fair. More information will be sent home later.

17. Science... what YOU can do Help your child to think like a scientist. When he/she asks a question about why something works the way it does, etc., ask him/her questions to guide to the discovery of the answer instead of immediately supplying the answer or reason to his/her question. Encourage your child to READ! Science is another form of informational reading, and students have to practice this in order to build successful comprehension strategies.

18. Social Studies Topics of study include geography and contemporary world cultures. We will focus on a variety of themes for each unit of study including economy, language, religion, customs, and the government systems of many countries from around the world.

19. Work Habits Please have your child check their agenda nightly for required assignments and due dates. Students are responsible for their assignments Encourage your child to return their assignments On Time. Late work will have points deducted according to AISD grading regulations. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com 19

20. Conduct Sheets Please check your child’s conduct sheet on a regular basis for teacher notes on your child’s behavior. This sheet is located in front of their agenda Please sign these sheets weekly so you are aware of your child’s conduct. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com 20

21. Arrival Expectations 6 th grade students need to be in their classroom at their desk ready to learn at 7:55 am Please be mindful of helping your child arrive at school on time. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com 21

22. Before you go Are you receiving emails from us? Ms. Golden – Gina_Golden@allenisd.orgGina_Golden@allenisd.org Mrs. Rigney- Natalie_Rigney@allenisd.orgNatalie_Rigney@allenisd.org Ms. Meinecke- Rachel_Meinecke@allenisd.orgRachel_Meinecke@allenisd.org Thank you so much for joining us!!

23. Check your Knowledge! 1. Name two ways teachers will communicate with parents? Possible Answers: Email, REMIND.COM (text), and Family Access (Skyward) 2. What should be checked each night to remind about assignments? Answer: Agendas 3. What two items should be signed by parents weekly? Answer: Conduct Sheet and Tuesday Folder Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com 23