1. WELCOME PARENTS! Mrs. Kassander 6 th grade Language Arts

2. About Mrs. Kassander  This is my third full year at River Bend. I was also here for the last half of the 2012-2013 school year.  I have a Bachelors in Education from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a minor in Special Education.  I have a dual certification in English and Social Studies. I taught both in Pennsylvania before moving to Virginia.  I got married over the summer, so my email will be changing as soon as my name is officially changed through LCPS.

3. During the B-Day Schedule…  When your child has Language Arts for the second time, there is no need to return here.  Instead, please report to the cafeteria for a guidance presentation.

4. What can you expect from me?  Professionalism  Respect  An open line of communication  Fairness  Enthusiasm and energy  Creativity

5. Class Practices  Students have already started creating their own “Reader’s Notebooks.”  Students are required to bring this to class every day.  We will go to the library every Wednesday. Each week will rotate between lessons with the librarian and book browsing/check-out.  There will be homework most weeks, consisting primarily of reading logs, vocabulary study, and study guides.

6. Scholastic  I will send home Scholastic book orders each month. Our classroom code is MCW4T if you would like to order online.  It’s tax-free and there is no shipping/handling fee.  Orders help us to grow our classroom library and resources!  The first order is due 9/25.

7. Course Overview  Our department believes that the best way to become a better reader and writer is to practice!  Everything we do in class is based on that belief, Loudoun’s curriculum, and Virginia’s Standards of Learning.  Our SOL will be in May. In 6 th grade, students will take the Reading SOL to assess specific reading skills.

8. One to the World  LCPS is part of the One to the World initiative this year.  We will be incorporating more project-based learning that connects content to the real world.  This is designed to show students the relevance of what they are learning and take learning outside of the classroom walls.  Your child will have at least one OttW project in each semester.

9. Reading  25 Book Challenge  Interactive reading notebook  Class novels  Book clubs  Close reading  Library lessons

10. Preparing for the Reading SOL  Reader’s Notebook  Vocabulary study  Reading Comprehension activities  Practice SOLs  OnTrac test system  Study Island

11. Writing  This year we will work on the following types of writing:  Blogging – each class has a separate blog page that you also have access to! Once the blog is set up, the password will be your child’s student ID number.  Descriptive  Narrative/Reflective  Poetry (including the spring Poetry Slam!)  Creative free-writes  Research  Grammar/editing focus pieces

12. How Do We Grade?  Grading is calculated using percentages.  Tests = 50%  Quizzes = 30%  Classwork = 20%  A progress report is sent home first quarter.  Sign up for Phoenix so that you have access to your child’s grades whenever you’d like.

13. Incentives  Ravens-We are a PBIS school, so students will have the chance to earn “Ravens” in each class for exhibiting outstanding behavior. Our main focuses are respect, responsibility and readiness. Students can use their Ravens at the Raven store where they can “buy” various items including a ticket to our quarterly Raven Rally using the Ravens as “money.”  25 Book Challenge- For every five books, your student will receive a Pizza Hut coupon for a free personal pan pizza. When a student finishes the challenge, they will also receive prize bag and will be encouraged to keep going with a special star behind their original.

14. Contact Information  Jennifer.Kreps@lcps.org  Please be aware that I may not discuss grades via email.  School phone number: 571-434-3220  Planning blocks: 1 st and 7 th  I often use this time to work with students when I am not in meetings. If you call during these blocks and I am unavailable, I will return your call as soon as possible!

15. Thank you! Everyone shares the goal of helping children learn and feel successful. I would like to thank everyone for coming in tonight. I am looking forward to a great school year! Mrs. Kassander