1. Welcome To NMS!!Welcome To NMS!! Please take the following from the table: -Name Tag (please fill out) -Child’s Schedule

2. Welcome To NMS!! Mrs. Ventura Mrs. Verna 6 th Grade Blue Team Reading

3. Welcome To NMS!! Mrs. Ventura 6 th Grade Blue Team Reading

4. About Mrs. Ventura… 6 th Grade Reading- Blue Team Seventh Year at NMS 2004 Penn-Delco Graduate Graduated from West Chester University in 2008 Masters degree from Wilkes University in 2010 Personal note- daughter just turned 1 year old

5. About Mrs. Verna… 6th grade learning support 4th year at NMS Graduated from St. Joes in 2010 Masters degree in Literacy in 2011 I will be going back to school in January

6. Goals for 6 th Grade Reading –To expand existing reading levels –To expose students to a variety of literature (poetry, short stories, novels, nonfiction, and drama) –To introduce, expand and analyze literary elements and devices –To foster an innate desire to read for pleasure (Book It, Reading Counts, Silent Sustained Reading)

7. Topics covered –Plot –Characterization & Point of View –Theme –Mood & Tone –Literary Devices & Skills –Argumentative Pieces –Non-Fiction –Novels: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry Lost on a Trail in Maine & Lost Trail by Donn Fendler

8. Reading & English Connection –Aligned curriculum Similar topics and skills being taught and used in simultaneously –Writing skills practiced in reading as well as English

9. Polite towards myself and peers Listen Classroom Expectations Prepared with supplies, homework, etc. Stay on task Responsible Respectful Safe Stay in seat unless other wise directed Keep hands and feet to self Report bullying

10. Possible Consequences Verbal warning Green slip Behavior reflection Parent contact Detention Office referral

11. Grading System Based on points earned throughout the marking period on various assignments Total points Total possible points Student Grade

12. NMS Grading System 92 – 100 = A 84 – 91 = B 76 – 83 = C 70 – 75 = D 69 & below = F

13. Grading Policy Quizzes Tests Homework Projects Class work –Corporative learning tasks –Journal prompts Reading Counts

14. Grades online http://gradebook.pdsd.org/Pinnacle/PIV OR 1.Going to www.pdsd.orgwww.pdsd.org 2.Click Northley Middle School from the drop down box at the top of the screen 3.Click Grades On-line in the left hand margin

15. Student’s ID number with the leading zero Student’s eight digit birth date

16. Understanding gradebook X = exempt 0 or Z = incomplete Blank = teacher has not entered grade yet – don’t worry! Point System (2/3=67%)

17. Reading Counts Students will be graded on reading counts every marking period! It is worth 50 points! –Honors goal: 175,000 words –Accelerated goal: 125,000 words Students that do not reach their goal will lose some points depending on their word count. Exact grading scale can be found on my website.

18. Reading Counts Progress check half way through marking period; parent signature will be required If help is needed finding a book or passing a quiz, please ask Reading Counts computers are available in most classrooms and the library –Students can take quizzes at various points throughout the day.

19. Homework At least three times a week. Encourage daily reading for a minimum of 20 minutes Graded on completeness and/or accuracy Can be turned in one day late for half credit May consist of unfinished class work

20. Teacher webpage Updated weekly with: –Classroom news –Daily class agenda –Homework, including upcoming tests and projects Please use this as a resource for missed and/or unsure assignments !

21. Book Orders… Yes, we still have them in middle school!!! There are two convenient ways of ordering books for your child: –Traditional Method: Send in order form & money (check please-no cash) –High-Tech Method: Scholastic website Every time a parent places an order online-we get a free book for our classroom library!!!

22. Communication….. Is the secret to a successful academic year!!

23. Ways You can communicate with me… You can call or email me whenever you feel necessary! Email is my preferred method cventura@pdsd.org (610) 497-6300 x3213

24. Ways your child can communicate ….. Written note Conversation: before or after class to ensure privacy Email

25. Thank you! If you have any questions or comments about this evening or throughout the school year, please contact me! Thank you for spending the evening with me! As a team, I am confident that this will be a very successful year for everyone