Welcome to Garvy’s Open House   

Introduction to Sixth Grade

Mrs. Hehn

  Mr. Strawinski

Mrs. Gillespie

Sixth Grade

September25, 2015

AGENDA

Student Expectations

Language Arts Curriculum

Science Curriculum

Social Studies Curriculum

Math Curriculum

Grading Scale

Summer School

Homework Policy

Discipline Pyramids, Pink Slips, and PBIS

Communication

Questions

WELCOME TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

We are preparing your child for a successful future. We emphasize personal responsibility as they enter this new phase of their life. We are guiding them through making positive choices, problem solving and acquiring life skills.

Use respect and courtesy in speech and behavior

Come to class prepared and ready to work

Listen carefully and completely

A great attitude and a positive work ethic

Arrive on time and ready to work

Complete all homework and classwork on time

Follow Garvy and classroom rules, this includes dress  code.

Be responsible with technology

LANGUAGE ARTS/READING

Promotes comprehension and increased vocabulary Integrates reading strategies and focus skills

Incorporates fluency, word study, grammar, listening, speaking and writing (Constructed Responses)

Small and whole group instruction

Leveled readers

Centers

AR/Renaissance Reader

Novel studies

Grade is base on:

40% Assessments/projects                30% Classwork

10% AR/Renaissance Reader           20% Homework  

LANGUAGE ARTSWRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Mini-lessons followed by application of writing strategy

Narratives, memoirs, informational, poetry, expository and persuasive writing

Teacher conferencing – individual feedback

Writing, revising, editing, publishing, sharing

Reinforce proper grammar and spelling within writing and as skills lessons

Grade is based on:

   45% Final essays

   30% Grammar work and assessments

   25% Spelling work and assessments

SCIENCE

5 units

• Fossils

•Climate and Weather

•Dynamic Planet

•Earth’s Resources

•Space Science

Grade is based on:

Labs/journal: 40%

Quizzes/Projects 40%

Homework: 10%

Participation: 10%

SOCIAL STUDIES

Students will explore the ancient civilizations of

•Egypt

•Greece

•Rome

•China

•The Americas

There is a focus on primary reading sources, comparing sources of information,  and connections to the world today.

Grade is based on:Projects - 25%Assessments - 25%Classwork/participation - 40%Homework - 10%

CONNECTED MATH PROGRAMKHAN ACADEMY – FOR HELP WITH HOMEWORK Focus of each lesson is to have students explore real life

problems to find their own solution and learn other strategies from classmates.

Work in small groups and partners. Notes are very important and will be uploaded (when

necessary) to the website for reference Unit outline provides what we are learning, vocab words,

and color coded homework. Color coded hmwk meets the needs of all learners!

Strict grading on homework. √+( 100),√ (75%),√- (65%)

55% Assessments, 25% all classroom graded assignments, 10% Homework and 10% Participation and Preparation

HOMEWORK POLICY

School homework policy is followed

Homework is posted on whiteboard daily and should be written in homework planner, we do check this as a routine at the beginning of the year.

Homework is also posted online. Garvy has a new site: garvyschool.org. While we used classjump in the past, we will transition to this new site in the near future and deactivate classjump when everyone is comfortable.

Unexcused late work is due the following day for 50% off final grade.

DISCIPLINE PYRAMID

Students will receive warnings and calls home for a targeted off task/ negative behavior. After warnings and phone calls home a detention may be given.

PINK SLIPS

Each time a student misses a homework assignment they must fill out a pink slip. One part stays with the teacher, the other part is to go home, be signed by a parent and returned to school the next day.  It is the child’s responsibility to get the slip signed and returned. We will follow up with the parent if a pattern forms, but we really want the students to take ownership of their responsibilities

Bathroom passes

WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO USE THE BATHROOM WITHOUT DISRUPTING CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION. WE HAVE CREATED A PACKET OF PASSES TO ASSIST IN THIS ROUTINE AND ALSO TO TEACH SOME RESPONSIBILITY. STUDENTS ARE GIVEN A NEW PACKET OF PASSES AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH MONTH. THEY ALSO HAVE THE MORNING, LUNCH AND RECESS TIME TO USE THE BATHROOM. WE DO HAVE BLANK PASSES FOR STUDENTS TO USE IF PASSES ARE LOST OR FORGOTTEN. NO CHILD IS DENIED USE OF THE BATHROOM.

WE ARE FLEXIBLE AND AWARE SOME STUDENTS MAY NEED MORE OFTEN AND WE WILL WORK WITH THESE STUDENTS INDIVIDUALLY.

PBIS

School wide we have implemented a Positive Behavior Intervention System where positive choices and actions are rewarded and encouraged, while negative behaviors are corrected with interventions.

PAWS tickets - Issued to any student by any staff member. Used to purchase items in the Bulldog Bazaar.

Success links – Earned by classes “caught” being good. Rewarded with the “Golden Bulldog” for receiving the most links.

Bulldog Bazaar – Specific dates for students to purchase items at the school store.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Last year’s promotion policy* was: 3rd, 6th, and 8th grades are considered the Bridge years for Summer school.****

• Students who received an F in Reading or Math attended summer school.

• Students who did not score above 11% on the Spring NWEA Tests in Reading and/or Math attended summer school

• Students that scored between 12-24%, and received a D in Math or Reading attended summer school.

Please be aware the NWEA test questions and content change at the middle school level.

COMMUNICATIONS

Please use the emails listed below for communication. Parent portal does not notify us if a note has been written: (but the new website should)

garvyschool.org

Mrs. Hehn tmhehn@cps.edu

Mrs. Gillespie joconnor1@cps.edu

Mr. Strawinski jgstrawinski@cps.edu

Phone: 773-534-1185

CPS Parent portal is the best place to check on student progress daily/weekly. A score of “M” or “msg” indicates a missing assignment. See/contact Mr. Ravury if you need assistance with parent portal.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING!

YOUR SUPPORT AND INVOLVEMENT IS APPRECIATED!