2. We are always kind, safe and responsible in our school, Yes we are the Spartans together I am Laurel You are Laurel We are Spartans Together

3. The school is not a building, the school is not a classroom, the school is not an athletic complex, the school is a people. I am Laurel You are Laurel We are Spartans Together

4. We're many kinds of people, with many kinds of faces, all colors and all ages, too, from Hickory, Scott and Slippery Rock I am Laurel You are Laurel We are Spartans Together

5. And when the Spartans gather, there's reading and there's learning, there's competing and there's challenges sometimes, all of it saying: I am Laurel You are Laurel We are Spartans Together

6. At Graduation our students receive a School Diploma and are prepared to go into and throughout the world and forever remain a Spartan. I am Laurel You are Laurel We are Spartans Together

7. I am a Spartan Teacher I do my best to teach every student to be proficient in Reading and in Mathematics I will be kind, safe and responsible as I teach and the students will do the same. I am Laurel You are Laurel We are Spartans Together

8. I am a Spartan Sixth Grade Teacher 1) I teach to read with independence through fiction texts 2) I teach effective communication skills through grammar, mechanics, and sentence structure. 3) I teach mathematics through technology and robotic representations 4) I teach students to discover and make conclusions from their own investigations 5) I teach about the world we live in and the impact of historical events. I will be kind, safe and responsible as I teach and the students will do the same. I am Laurel You are Laurel We are Spartans Together

9. Teachers 1. Mrs. Kaldy 2. Mrs. McMillin 3. Ms. Traggiai 4. Mrs. Wade 5. Mrs. Wolford Phone Extensions 1 *2418 2 *2428 3 *2424 4 *2425 5 *2426

10. Reading The sixth grade reading curriculum is designed to help students improve and excel in reading as they work to master the concepts and skills of the PA State Reading Standards & Anchors. Some of the areas of study will include: -Teaching the reading genres of Biography, Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Plays, Poetry, Fantasy & Informational Text -Reading and understanding narrative, expository and persuasive passages -Elements of plot, characterization, perspective, author’s purpose and visualization -Following multi-step directions, proving why their answers are correct or why answers are incorrect, reference skills, etymology, affixes, root words, basic Latin words & figurative language - An ongoing process to develop a student’s decoding and encoding skills, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency and their ability to process and apply what they have read in various situations -Realizing the necessity of a life long development of their reading to help ensure a successful life There is no one Reading textbook. We use a variety of different genre novels, computer programs, nonfiction National Geographic magazine and reference materials to teach the students. I tutor students before and after school but I must test them to know if they can be grouped or worked with individually. On the mornings of most of my tests, I will have a review session. Reading Computer Programs -Successmaker-Reader’s Workshop -Accelerated Reader Reading Materials -Word-Day composition book -Literature & Strategies composition book -National Geographic magazine -Novels -Informational Texts -AR book -Book Report book -Any packets we are working on at that time

11. Language Arts Sixth Grade English will improve our formal and informal communication skills so that we will be more effective communicators in both our spoken and written languages. This will set the ground work for writing reports to taking notes and tests in high school. This will then foster a positive impact on composing reports in college to filling out applications for employment to speaking in front of a group of coworkers. We are preparing a future full of effective and fluent communicators. COMPONENTS OF SIXTH GRADE ENGLISH: oHoughton Mifflin English Text -as a guide to enhance our understanding of grammar usage, mechanics, parts of speech, & sentence structure oJournals -to apply our skills through writer’s workshops oThree-Ring-Binder -our creation of a writer’s reference tool [ very useful ] -will assist with essay writing -will assist with test prep o4 common styles of writing - descriptive –persuasive [campaign speech] -informative [research China] -personal narrative oPoetry - writing poetry -analyzing figurative language oComputer Programs - micro soft word; word processing -success maker; spelling -Culture Grams Online -World Book Online -Power Library -net Trekker oGraded Work -End of unit tests [prep w/study guide, game] -quizzes throughout a unit of study -seatwork -journal writing -credit for doing homework -essay writing [standard state rubric] oHow can you help your student? - Encourage student to review notes -Play scrabble -Get your child a tablet of MAD LIBS

12. Math The sixth grade math curriculum is designed to help students improve and excel in math as they work to master the concepts and skills of the PA State Math Standards. The areas of study will include: -Number Systems and Number Relationships -Computation and Estimation -Measurement -Reasoning and Problem Solving -Statistics and Data Analysis -Probability -Geometry -Algebra -Math and Technology= Graphing Calculators and Robotics Math Textbook- McDougal Littell Middle School Math Math Textbook Website- www.classzone.com Math Tutoring is available every Monday and Friday morning from 8:00- 8:30 am. Math Computer Programs- Success Maker Math Facts In A Flash Math Materials- -Textbook -Notetaking Guide -Calculator -Problem of the Week

13. Science The sixth grade science curriculum reflects the PA Standards in Science and Technology as well as Environment and Ecology. The areas of study will include: *Inquiry and Design-using skills to solve problems and applying the Scientific Method *Physical Science- How heat affects matter *Earth Science- Weather, Earth “Processes” (How and why the earth changes over time), Soil, Rocks and Minerals, Fossils, Exploring the Universe, Resources, Water Systems, Ecosystems/Biomes, Environmental Health The annual Sixth Grade Science Fair will be held this year on Thursday, XXXX during the school day and from 7:30- 8:30 pm in the Elementary Gym.

14. Social Studies The sixth grade social studies curriculum reflects the PA state standards for Civics and Government, Economics, Geography, and History. Topics Include: Civil War Lawrence County and Pennsylvania The United States and Canada 1861 - present Materials needed for class are the Text and various supplements, Vocabulary Notebook, Maps, and Time for Kids. Students will earn their grade through  tests  quizzes  homework  presentations  projects

15. Lions Quest The program is designed to promote: The positive potential of all youth Essential life skills and character development Personal and social responsibility Parents as primary educators Caring adults supporting all youth everywhere Values Promoted Self-discipline Healthy drug-free lifestyle Respect for self and others. Commitment to family Kindness Responsibility Honesty Courage Service to others

16. Homework Policy 10 minute Rule: 10 minutes x grade = amount of time for homework. Homework Hotline: Call (724) 658-2673 Ext. HWK6 to check daily homework assignments. Incomplete homework = loss of recess and one check Three checks = a letter home Four checks = a detention

17. Classroom Rules Rewards Parties Field Trip 6 th Grade Sleepover Carnival Consequences Step 1- When a student breaks a rule, he/she will receive a checkmark and will lose the next recess. A reflection sheet will be completed. Step 2- A parent letter will be sent home after a student has received three checkmarks in one class. Step 3- If a student receives four checkmarks in one class, he/she will be assigned a detention. All checkmarks will be erased at the end of each nine weeks. *Cheating will result in an automatic detention. Step 4- Continual misbehaving will result in a loss of privileges (parties, carnival, sleepover, field trip, etc.).

18. Specials Letter Days A-E Library Art Gym Music Piano/Guitar

19. Grade Level Schedule 8:58–9:05 Homeroom 9:05–9:55 Period 1 9:58–10:48 Period 2 10:48–10:59 Spelling 10:59-11:34 Special 11:34-11:45 Spelling [cont] 11:45-12:35 Period 3 12:40-1:10 Lunch 1:15-1:45 Recess 1:50-2:40 Period 4 2:43-3:33 Period 5 3:35-3:45 Homeroom/Dismissal Students are responsible for coming to class prepared. Students are responsible for collecting and making up any work they miss due to music lessons, field trips, and/or academic games.

20. Fieldtrip KENNYWOOD Kennywood is an all day event (9:00 am – 8:30pm). All students will be chaperoned by an adult. No one will walk around the park alone! Chaperones will be selected by the 6 th grade staff.