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 [email protected]
Mrs. Gillespie [email protected]
Mr. Strawinski [email protected]
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!