1. 6 th Grade Back-To- School Night 2013-2014

6. Newtown Elementary Goals  School-wide Positive Behavioral Support System (SPBSS)  Develop and maintain a safe, clean and positive learning environment based on mutual respect, clear expectations and shared accountability (see website for more details!)  This year our school will continue our focus on the issue of bullying, especially during recess and lunch. RESPECT COOPERATION SPORTSMANSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

7. My Classroom Philosophy Instilling confidence POSITIVE! Boosting self-esteem Reaching potential Fostering independence Promoting community Nurturing Creating success Inclusive Environment

9. Mathematics ***See our website for 6 th grade packet 4 th year using-McDougal Littell Math Course 1McDougal Littell Math Course 1 Fast pace-students MUST advocate for themselves Clinic at recess-come prepared with ?’s Homework every night-written or studying (log must come home each night) Most HW will be using online textbook Course 2-7 th grade math book

10. Language Arts: Reading Literature Anthology (Journeys) to teach :  Vocabulary  Comprehension Skills & Strategies  Fluency and Decoding  Differentiated Instruction  Whole Group  Small Group  Independent Practice *Independent Daily Reading (IDR)Independent Daily Reading (IDR o 20 minutes/night o 5-6 books/marking period

12. Language Arts/Writing  Variety of Writing Pieces- narrative, persuasive, informational, poetry, response journals  5 Domains of Writing-FCOSC  Writing Process  Modeling  Skill lessons  Prewriting, Drafting, Revise/Edit, Publish  Spelling/Grammar

13. Social Studies  Harcourt Brace Social Studies (book not online)  Evaluations (tests, quizzes, notes, classwork, homework, group/individual projects)  Study Skills  Outlining  Flashcards  Note taking strategies  Organization  Mnemonic devices Culture Day-Beginning of November (get your display board now!)

14. Science  Biomes & Animal Adaptations ( Miss Urban )  Astronomy ( currently - Ms. Grimes )  Variables ( Mrs. Galanti )  Levers and Pulleys ( Mr. Eckelmeyer )  Switching each quarter  preparation for middle school The Scientific Method 1. State the Question 2. Collect Information 3. Form a Hypothesis 4. Test the Hypothesis 5. Observe 6. Record and Study Data 7. Draw a Conclusion

15. Elementary Performance Assessment  Formulating a research question  Research-books, internet  2-3 page paper  Works Consulted  Visual-poster or PowerPoint  Oral Presentation-3 to 5 minutes  Time Frame: 8 hours (2 days) to complete  April/May 2014

16. Transition to Middle School  Preparation  Independence  Study Skills  Organization  Responsibility  Advocacy  Collaboration with NMS  Course Selection (spring)

17. Homework  60 minutes (written, studying, reading)  Reading EVERY night!  High Expectations  Consequences for missed assignments  Phone calls, emails, conferences  Tests/Quizzes signed and returned  Class webpage, as backup  Homework Buddies

18. Memos  Respond to your child’s letter  Conference & healthy snack sign-up on back table  Feel free to use a post-it to write down your date/time  PSSA results are in! See me before you leave!  Complete quiz about your child-and grade theirs about you!

19. Thanks for coming! I’m looking forward to a great year with your children! Betsey Urban