1. Late Bloomers Some children have a more difficult time achieving in school. In many cases, these children are “late bloomers”. Many important people have had rough beginnings, yet have persevered, and have gone on to greatness. Beethoven’s music teacher said that as a composer, he was hopeless. Edison’s teacher told him he was unable to learn. Einstein couldn’t speak until the age of 4, and couldn’t read until the age of 7. Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because he “had no good ideas”. Henry Ford was once evaluated as “showing no promise”. Isaac Newton’s work in elementary school was rather poor.

2. WELCOME TO CURRICULUM NIGHT Debbie Bonacci Kevin Lavin Dianne Sato

3. Common Core Standards Require that reading, writing, speaking/listening are integrated into learning experiences. We are using reading and writing resources to support the transition to the new standards from Teachers College at Columbia University.

4. Focus of Common Standards Comprehending what is read Writing using text evidence Building vocabulary Working collaboratively in small groups

5. Common Core for Literacy Students will … Read a balance of literary and informational text. Read and annotate text electronically. Integrate literacy in science/social studies. Write from sources and use text based evidence (4 corners of the text). Experience collaborative experiences in small groups/partners to increase learning.

6. Standards continued Students will … Speak about their thinking and ideas connected to texts. Use “signposts” to increase understanding of text. Explore vocabulary by learning about word parts and other letter patterns.

7. 6 th grade Literacy Expectations Read a minimum of 1,000 pages each quarter. Be prepared for 60 minutes of independent reading. Have more than one independent reading book with them. Participate in small group discussions on a regular basis. (Guided reading is 10% of the reading grade.) Be prepared with all assigned work. Read and write at home. Type 3 pages in a single sitting. (12 pt)

8. Research for Reading Correlational studies The major finders were: –The amount of reading is related to their reading achievement. –Reading at home = higher achievement

9. Reading Benefits Achievement percentileMinutes of reading per day Words per year 90 th 40.42,357,000 50 th 12.9601,000 10 th 1.651,000

10. Literacy Assessments Developmental Reading Assessment Developmental Spelling Assessment Mid-quarter: Performance Based Assessment End of quarter: Summative reading Assessment Guided reading notes Writing rubrics and continuums 3 = competent/end of year standard

11. Math- presented by Kevin Lavin College Preparatory Math (grades 6-12) Grade is based on the child’s level of understanding Focus is on: –Problem-solving –Developing new ways of thinking –Building connections & explaining their thinking

12. Math- continued WE LEARN… 10% of what we READ 20% of what we HEAR 30% of what we SEE 50% of what we SEE AND HEAR 70% of what we DISCUSS 80% of what we EXPERIENCE 95% of what we TEACH OTHERS

13. Math- continued Cooperative learning is key –Groups of 4 –Team Roles Interacting and communicating with team members enlightens the group to different perspectives Problems can be solved in multiple ways Every child has something important to share

14. Math- continued The teacher is there to support, not dictate information We want to develop the child’s ability to think and investigate for him/herself Topics are continuously revisited (spiral) and connected in homework & tests - 60% previous, 40% current Success= active participation and new, deeper understanding of math

15. Math- continued CPM has created a multitude of resources for you, as parents, to utilize –Homework help –Parent guide –Extra practice Find these and more at cpm.org!

16. Science-presented by Debbie Bonacci Guided Inquiry Approach Cells Rocks Energy Minerals Soil Matter Assessments in science: Process labs Application worksheets (formative) Midterm (summative up to that point) Final unit (summative) Vocabulary knowledge is necessary to answer application type questions. Q1 and Q4 SCIENCE Q2 AND Q3 Social Studies Binder is needed for class-no textbook Please pick up assessment schedule on the table in my room.

17. Social Studies-presented by Debbie Bonacci 6th Grade Social Studies Curriculum World Geography is the focus Ancient River Civilizations West Asia- RELIGIONS (Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism) Africa- GOVERNMENTS East Asia- ECONOMICS Oceania Europe Please share personal experiences at home/school MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS: Loose leaf paper 1 binder Books are provided in class for certain units Many projects done in class using technology. Learning is a group effort! Next Generation Ohio ODE Social Studies Performance based test is in March 10-application through reading and writing End of Year Social Studies Assessment is May 12th

18. Common Assessments- Kevin Lavin Avoid making appointments on these days. Common Assessments- Must be signed by a parent/guardian Formative Assessments: (exit slip/entrance slip)- a type of in class “quiz” given to check each child’s understanding along the way. These provide information as to who needs intervention/enrichment. Great idea to use to study for assessments.

19. Success Criteria/Learning Targets Debbie Bonacci state indicators for 6th grade terrific study tool for the assessment found in the binder for each subject filled out by the student

20. Grading- Debbie Bonacci Rubrics are used to grade writing. (Mechanics, Expository, Narrative, Persuasive) Reading is a letter grade- based on evidence from the mid-quarter (45%); end of quarter (45%); guided reading (10%). Science and Social Studies and Math are letter grades based on percentage.

21. Homework/FIS- Kevin Lavin Practice No more than an hour a night Use the agenda Posted on website Homework is lighter on the weekends. A homework DROP SPOT is a great idea. Students are discouraged from calling home to bring in forgotten items-SORRY!

22. Team Discipline -Debbie Bonacci Team Rules I keep hands, feet, and objects to myself. I bring appropriate materials to class. I raise my hand and wait to be called on. I follow directions the first time given. I keep classroom materials in the proper place, in an orderly fashion. School Rules BE POSITIVE BE POLITE BE PROMPT BE PREPARED BE PRODUCTIVE BE PERSISTENT Rewards Positive note home, Call home, Chip in jar, Prize bin, Luncheon, Quiet ball, Sent to Mrs. Minneard or Mr. Schiarabba for a positive meeting * Be sure to look at the behavior checklist each week as you sign your child’s agenda. ( Signatures are due on Monday-or first day of week.)

23. Snack Time is at the start of second rotation (10:50-11:05). Please send a healthy snack!

24. Activity Period- Dianne Sato Every morning from 8:45-9:20. The activity period teacher takes attendance and lunch count each day. Please ask your child for his or her schedule. If you need to make appointments-this time is the best, rather than during rotations.

25. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Due to the limited number of conference spots available at OMS, a first round of conference letters will be sent to parents of students we need to see in October. A second round of conference letters will be sent to all others who we may not need to see at this time, but who may still wish to schedule a conference with teachers. As always, conferences occur at OMS year-round. If you need to arrange a conference at any time during the school year, please contact the OMS Guidance Office.