BFCCPS Curriculum NightSeptember 27, 2012

Grade Six

Mrs. Marjorie Ward, M.Ed6th Grade ELA and Geography

mward@bfccps.org508-541-3434 x116

Major Topics Covered this Year Include:

English/Language ArtsWriting

The writing processThe use of EmPower to help organize writingCreative writing, compare/contrast, persuasive Research Skills

GrammarReview parts of speech, sentence types and sentence structureClauses and phrasesPunctuation

Vocabulary and spellingWordly Wise vocabulary/spelling booksWord rootsAnalogies

Reading Texts may include:Fluency and comprehension are the focus of all readingRoll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred TaylorCall it Courage by Armstrong Sperry The Ear, the Eye and the Arm by Nancy FarmerThe Prince and the Pauper by Mark TwainHomesick: My Own Story by Jean FritzBaseball in April, short stories by Gary SotoVarious readings from Realms of Gold v. 1: A Core Knowledge ReaderPoetry

World Geography/Social StudiesGeographic Perspective

Five themes of geographyGeographer’s roleMap skills

Social Studies (These concepts will be studied on each continent.)People, cultures, societies, movementPhysical geography, landscapes, location, environmentsHistory, government, countries and capitals

Mr. Artur Duque, M.Ed6th Grade Math and Science

aduque@bfccps.org508-541-3434 x118

Major Topics Covered this Year Include:

Math

● Connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication, division, and problem solving

● Division of fractions ● Positive/negative numbers● Writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; ● Developing understanding of statistical thinking.

Science

● Astronomy● Physics (motion, forces, heat)● Transportation● Bridges

GradesStudents begin the term with an A, thereby starting at their academic goal. Their job each term is to do all they can to maintain that grade. Science FairScience Fair will be in mid March, 2013. Students will be given the job of building something. In years’ past, it has been Rube Goldberg machines, rollercoasters, egg-launching devices, and cars equipped with safety features. The science fair task will be announced in mid-January, giving everyone involved approximately 2 months to complete.

Sixth Grade Grading Policy

Homework compliance counts as 20% of the final gradeClass work, journals, and classroom citizenship count as 25% of the final gradeTests/Projects/Major writing assignments count as 30% of the final gradeQuizzes count as 25% of the final grade

Thoughts on 6th GradeWelcome to 6th grade! We are looking forward to working with you and your students this year. Sixth grade is a great year with lots of fun and hands on activities. It is also a big transition year for our students. They will gradually become more independent in their school work as well as in their organization, self-advocacy, and study skills. For example, encourage them to find out what they missed when returning from an absence, or help them learn from their mistakes on a low quiz instead of focusing solely on the grade. We look forward to working with you to help them with this process. Homework:Please read the BFCCPS Homework Philosophy (attached to this document) 6Th Grade Homework PhilosophyWhat is homework?:

Students should be moving beyond simply completing daily homework assignments. Homework time should be spent reviewing concepts learned in class, reading over notes taken, and organizing materials. Additionally, all students should be doing at least 20 minutes per day of independent, silent reading.

Guidelines for time on task:As a rule of thumb, 6th grade students should spend approximately 30-40 minutes per subject per night. Actual time will vary depending on ability and focus. For example, if you child is distracted, s/he may need more than 40 minutes to complete one subject’s assignment. If your child is spending an inordinate amount of time doing homework, please sign his/her paper and return the work to school when it is due.

Homework grades:

The homework grade is strictly based on homework compliance. If the homework is complete and in when it is due, students will receive full credit. Since many of the homework assignments are reviewed in class the day they are due, students who do not come to class with their homework will not receive credit for it.

Absences It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher upon returning to school to find out what was missed and to discuss the time table for makeup work. We will not chase after students for owed work (this includes exams, which are generally announced ahead of time). Keep current with what’s going on when absent by looking on the teachers’ websites, checking e-mail, and calling a fellow student. Due dates for make-up work are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. On average, students usually get one day to make up their work for every day they’re out. Extra HelpAll 6th grade students have study hall available to them during recess. Additionally, students have one 50-minute period on Tuesdays where they can catch up on work, seek assistance, and study. Mrs. Ward and Mr. Duque are generally available to students during lunch and recess, as well as before & after school (by appointment) and via e-mail1. Also, each class has its own website and is updated regularly. Lots of information and useful links can be found here. Character EducationCharacter education is an important part of everyday here at BFCCPS. As part of the ELA and World Geography curriculum, students will examine the lives and choices of historical figures and characters in the books we read. Through journal writing, the students will be asked to reflect upon their own character development. Every Thursday, students break into smaller groups to meet for a class we call ADVISING. This is time is specifically

1 E-mail is checked regularly and we are usually good about responding promptly. However, please note it may take 24 - 48 hours for a response. For time-sensitive issues, please also contact the Assistant Head of School

used to explore the many ways the core virtues can be practiced in their lives. In addition, issues about and surrounding bullying will be addressed monthly and as needed.

Community Service( -Learning) Community Service-Learning is an exciting way to get students out of the classroom for meaningful, educational experiences. This year all students will work to support the school-wide community service project, Heifer International. This is an organization dedicated to providing sustainable food sources for underprivileged people. In addition, as a 6th grade the students will work together to explore possible group community service projects to support local and regional needs. Major Field TripsNature’s Classroom (early October)McAuliffe Center (mid-February) – Approximate Cost: $30MIT Museum (mid-April) - Approximate Cost: $30If you see a topic on the monthly Scope & Sequence and have an idea or connection for a field trip, please let us know!

BFCCPS Homework Philosophy

At BFCCPS, it is our belief that homework contributes toward building responsibility, self-discipline, and lifelong learning habits. Students who take an active role in completing their homework assignments are better prepared to participate in classroom activities and perform better on assignments and assessments. It is our goal to assign relevant, challenging, and meaningful homework assignments that reinforce classroom learning objectives and aid in assessing student comprehension. Homework should provide students with the opportunity to practice and apply the information they have learned and complete unfinished class assignments. Homework is a tool toward developing independence through time management and organizational skills. Teacher Responsibilities:

● Assign relevant, challenging, and meaningful homework that reinforces classroom learning and curriculum.

● Provide clear instructions and rubrics to insure students understanding of purpose.● Involve parents and keep them aware of late or incomplete homework patterns.● Has the responsibility to support children in making up missing work.

Parent Responsibilities:

● Establish a quiet, distraction free, well-lit study area.● Review student’s organization tools (planners, folders, binders, & Edline) and assignments.● Help student work to find the correct answer, not just get it done.● Be supportive when the student gets frustrated with difficult assignments.● Keep communication open with teacher regarding overload or frustration level.● Review monthly Scope & Sequence to keep abreast of classroom activities. ● Let teachers know in advance of planned absences.

Student Responsibilities:

● Find a quiet, distraction free, well-lit study area.● Utilize the organizational tools provided in class (planners, folders, binders, & Edline).● Produce quality work.● Make sure assignments are done according to the given instructions and completed on time.● Take the responsibility to inquire on what you have or will miss