Welcome It is a new year with lots of changes. We will all work
together this year to make it a positive and successful transition.
Communication, responsibility, and effort are essential elements
for your childs success. MAJOR DIFFERENCES FROM 5th GRADE: Increase
in amount and type of homework Increased expectations for
organizational skills
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Meet the Teachers Jennifer Neel Math Susan Nielsson Literature
Composition Robin Thoman Social Studies Science
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Jennifer Neel Common Core Math 6 and Common Core Math 6 PLUS
Math class challenges students to develop, communicate, and analyze
mathematical reasoning using many different tools There are a
variety of instructional strategies used including direct
instruction, open-ended problem solving, project-based learning,
investigations and hands-on learning
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The 5 Domains of Common Core Math 6 Ratios and Proportional
Relationships: Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to
solve problems. The Number System: Apply and extend previous
understandings of multiplication and division to divide fractions
by fractions; multiply and divide multi-digit numbers and find
common factors and multiples; apply and extend previous
understandings of numbers to the system of rational numbers.
Expressions and Equations: Apply and extend previous understandings
of arithmetic to algebraic expressions; reason about and solve
one-variable equations and inequalities; represent and analyze
quantitative relationships between dependent and independent
variables. Geometry: Solve real-world and mathematical problems
involving area, surface area, and volume. Statistics and
Probability: Develop understanding of statistical variability;
summarize and describe distributions
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The 5 Domains of Common Core Math 6 PLUS Common Core Math 6
PLUS is a compacted course that contains all of the Common Core
Math 6 standards in addition to a portion of select Common Core
Math 7 standards. Students analyze proportional relationships and
use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems. Students
solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle and
measure.
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Student Criteria for Eligibility Into Common Core Math 6 PLUS
EVAAS is a computer program owned by SAS Institute- a Cary-based,
privately-held corporation that develops and sells specialized
software for a variety of industries. EVAAS uses all available
end-of-grade testing data for every student. Based on past test
performance, EVAAS establishes a predicted score for each student.
One score that is generated is a probability proficiency which
determines the anticipated score each student might receive in Math
I (formerly Algebra I) based on their prior test history. Summative
DataGradesTeacher Observations The student scored a 3 or 4 on their
5 th grade EOG. The student has an EVAAS probability proficiency of
80% or greater for passing Math I. The student has received As and
Bs on the majority of assessments in their 5 th grade math class
(tests and quizzes). The student consistently masters new math
content after a few repetitions. The student retains and can build
on previous taught math concepts
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Susan Nielsson Literature and Composition Literature is an
exploration of poetry, historical fiction, realistic fiction,
nonfiction, short stories and author studies. Literature class is a
combination of individual and group activities, book clubs and
projects. Composition class is rich in grammar and writing
instruction. Students are encouraged to find their individual voice
through the writing of journals, poetry and biographical
vignettes.
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Robin Thoman Science and Social Studies Both science and social
studies classes are rich in the use informational text. Science
class is filled with laboratory experiences, hands on projects, and
field investigations. New information is presented through
discovery, informational text, and guided notes. Social Studies
involves investigation of new information through dramatizations,
individual and group projects, and reading informational text
followed by a collaborative, intellectual dialogue.
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Fine Arts $5 Fine Arts Fee Next year 6th graders will have Fine
Arts in an elective based format once a week. At the beginning of
the semester 6th grade students will choose two electives (art,
music or drama based electives) per quarter. Students will fill out
a form and take it home to be signed by parents the first week of
school. A syllabus will be given in the 1st week of classes with
supplies and classroom expectations. Students should expect to have
homework in Fine Arts classes. Sample class offerings: Intermediate
Drawing and Painting Introduction to Animation Fun with Ancient Art
Stage Combat Introduction to Shakespeare Percussion Ensemble Film
Score Studies
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Fine Arts Drama Club is offered as an extracurricular activity
Band and Chorus are offered as a before school enrichment class
Fine Arts Extravaganza (tentative date March 11th and 12th) Please
see the Fine Arts webpage for information on behavior expectations,
curriculum information, quarterly newsletters, and important dates
and events. Feel free to e-mail the Fine Arts team at
[email protected] with any questions you may have.
Lunch Coverage Recess 10:40-11:10 Lunch 11:10-11:40 You can
sign up for lunch with your homeroom parent. PLEASE try to join us
for at least 3 lunches per quarter. This helps make coverage
equitable for all families. If we do not have coverage, YOUR child
may not get to meet with us if needed, we may not get to do other
important things during this time, and you will miss out on a great
chance to volunteer and come see your middle school child in their
natural habitat.
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Communication/Conferences Email! We return emails promptly and
professionally. Contact us anytime for questions, clarification, or
concerns. **Please do not rely solely on a students account for
complete information. Conferences are typically scheduled by
request ** Most conferences are a team approach meaning more than
one core teacher may be present. Newsletters will be posted
bi-monthly on our website. Please read all the information written
in these newsletters as this is the best way to communicate all the
WONDERFUL things that are occurring throughout the year.
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BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS Behavior affects learning. We foster the
best learning environment possible for all students. We encourage
and reward positive behavior and expect students to be: Prepared
with ALL materials Polite &Respectful to all adults and peers
Engaged in learning and on task during class Multiple or excessive
class disruptions will result in at recess detention for the day.
Detention held before and after school will be reserved for major
infractions We want students to make the BEST choices, take
responsibility, and learn from their mistakes.
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ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS Parents are notified of late or missed
assignments through [email protected]. Late work
policy for homework - students will receive a zero, but need to
complete the work for partial credit. There is a 10% deduction per
day for late work. Failure to complete assignments is not an
option. Students should complete all assigned work.
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Make Up Work Policy If your child is absent or plans to be
absent, he or she will need to ask each teacher for make-up work
upon returning to school. Each teacher has designated folders for
students to get make up work, and it is the students responsibility
to get the work. Websites are updated weekly, but asking a teacher
is best.
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Grading Breakdown Homework 15% Classwork 15% Quizzes and minor
projects 30% Tests and major projects 40%
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Special Events Carolina Tiger Rescue Festival of the Ancients
Space Camp Renaissance Faire Spring Art and Music Extravaganza
Winter Concert Day of Reading, Math, and Writing
and heres what you need to bring! Binder Organization Loose
leaf paper 1 Purple 3-ring binder for Fine Arts (1 inch) 3 Clear
view 3-ring binders (1 inch) 1 Green single subject spiral notebook
6 Two pocket 3-hole punched plastic folders (blue, green, black,
red, yellow, purple) Individual Student Materials Flash drive (2 GB
or larger on a lanyard) 1 package of pencils 1 composition notebook
(yellow) 1 composition notebook (your favorite color or design ) A
pencil pouch or box An individual pencil sharpener that can be
emptied 1 Graphing Calculator (TI-83+, TI-84+ or TI-84+
Silver)
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1 package of clear heavy duty page protectors Post It notes 3
packs of index cards (2 lined, 1 unlined) 2 green pens, 2 purple
pens (not markers) Colored pencils 1 pack of markers (please wait
for $1 sale at Target/Wal- Mart) 1 pack of highlighters 4 black
sharpies (2 fine point, 2 ultra-fine point) 1 bottle of white out
Glue sticks Adult scissors (optional) 1 box of tissues (prefer the
square box due to storage issues) 1 container of hand sanitizer
Disinfectant wipes/cleaner, such as the Method brand found at
Target or Lowes Foods (it cannot contain a Keep out of reach of
childrenlabel) 1 x 2 5/8 Copier Label Stickers Classroom Shared
Supplies
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School Fees Agenda = $3.32 DGP = $5.34 DRP = $5.34 Fine Arts
Fee = $5.00