Welcome to Back To School Night2015 to 2016

Mrs. Johnson – Science Mr. Huebner – Social Studies Mrs. Heil – Math

Mrs. McKenna – Learning Support Mrs. Zisk - Reading SupportSupport Staff : Mrs. Davis; Mrs. Haley; Mrs. Hinderliter

Grade Six Schedule• 9:00 to 9:15 Homeroom/Get Ready for the Day• 9:15 to 10:00 Special Area Classes• 10:05 to 11:00 Switch 1(Math, Science/Health, or Social

Studies)• 11:00 to 11:15 Recess• 11:15 to 11:45 Lunch• 11:45 to 12:40 Switch 2 (Math, Science/Health, or Social

Studies)• 12:40 to 2:05 English/Language Arts (ELA)• 2:05 to 2:35 STAR• 2:40 to 3:35 Switch 3 (Math, Science/Health, or Social Studies)

• 3:35 to 3:40 Dismissal

Assignment Book

The agenda or assignment book should travel with students each and every day.

It is an expectation that sixth graders write homework in the agenda or assignment book.

Homework (part 1)• The purpose of homework is to reinforce skills taught during the school

day, extend classroom learning, as well as to develop student initiative and responsibility.

• Each student in grade six is given a homework assignment/agenda book.

• This assignment/agenda book is required to be in the student’s possession at all times.

• Students are given the opportunity to fill in their homework, and other important information, throughout the school day with teacher support and direction.

• Parents/Guardians are strongly encouraged to review the homework book on a daily basis.

• The responsibility of doing homework rests with the student. Parents, guardians, or other members of the family are asked to not complete homework for their student, but instead to provide support, act as a resource, and communicate with teachers as observers not enforcers.

Homework (part 2)

• If a student has difficulty completing homework, parents and guardians are asked to inform the teacher the next day via written note or phone or e-mail contact.

• Please communicate homework concerns to your student’s teacher so that together you can develop meaningful solutions.

• Parents/Guardians are also encouraged NOT to bring in forgotten homework assignments. Students learn responsibility and mature more quickly and deeply when they recognize the rewards and consequences of completing assignments on time and in a quality way.

• Below are the minimum guidelines which classroom teachers will follow when assigning homework:• Grade 6: Minimum of 5 hours per week (1 hour per major subject area)

Math• There are two texts for Math: Big Book

(Textbook – in color) and Practice Book (Where most assignments are – in black and white).

• Go Math! Chapters of Study!• Whole Numbers & Decimals• Fractions• Rational Numbers• Ratios & Rates• Percents• Units of Measure• Algebra: Expressions, Equations,

Inequalities, and Relationships Between Variables

• Area, Surface Area, & Volume• Data Displays and Measures of Center• Variability and Data Distributions

The Common Core State Standards for Grade 6 cover the following:

Ratios & Proportions The Number System Expressions &

Equations Geometry Statistics & Probability

Go Math! is a program that allocates for differentiation daily through checkpoints and quick activities allowing for intervention, progress, and enrichment.

English/Language Arts• The FACE of a Good Reader

• Fluency

• Accuracy

• Comprehension

• Expanding Vocabulary• New materials including Journeys and supplements• Focus on Fiction and Nonfiction• Independent Reading should occur nightly, including on

weekends… at least 30 minutes…• One response in the Reader’s Response Notebook is required

weekly.

Writing Arguments (persuasive)Informational Narratives (real vs. imagined)

Use of technology to gather and present research

Draw and cite evidence from texts to support analysis and reflection

Routinely write over multiple time frames (daily assignments, weekly assignments, and long-term)

Elements to Writing will include:

Different forms of writing

Command of grammar in writing

Figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in meaning

Vocabulary development

SCIENCE/ HEALTH

Units of Study: Scientific Method Measuring Time Magnets and

Motors Light and Color Solar Energy

Stress Personal Wellness Nutrition Human Growth and

Development

Social StudiesAncient Civilizations

Civilizations studied:

• Prehistory• The Fertile Crescent• Ancient Egypt and Nubia• Ancient India• Ancient China• Ancient Greece• Ancient Rome• The Middle Ages• The Renaissance

Identify and name the U. S. States and Capitals

Name the 7 Continents and 5 Oceans

The United States Constitution, Branches of Government and Law

How Do I Study? An organized notebook is the key!!!

Field Trips

In-district: NPHS Planetarium; Middle school visits

including attendance at performances

Out-of-district: The Renaissance

Fair on

October 8, 2015…

Stay Tuned!

What makes 6th Grade so special?

Reading OlympicsENACT Club Math 24 Club NEW: OPTV Greek Olympics Herb Assembly Farewell Assembly (also known as Graduation Day!)

And more…

Activities and special events specific to grade 6:

OAK PARK STUDENTS Show SHARK Pride!

Be Prepared.• I bring everything I need (school supplies, books, completed homework, signed tests, etc.)

to class on time.• I listen actively.• I am ready to learn.   

Be Respectful. • I respect everyone around me at school.  • I raise my hand and wait to be called on.  • I am kind and thoughtful of others. • I know bullying, teasing, put-downs, arguing, and bad language are not acceptable.  • I use good manners.  

I am In control. • I keep my hands, feet, and objects to myself.  • I respect personal space.  • I don't cause problems for myself or anyone else.

I am Disciplined.  • I follow adult directions the first time given.  • I stay focused and pay attention.  • I keep trying and don't give up, even when it is hard. 

I give my best Effort. • I take pride in what I do.  • I take time to do my best at whatever I try.• I do not settle for less than my best.  

Home Support for School Learning

• Please encourage students to read and respond to self-selected books. Each student will have a Reading Response binder; one response completed for homework will be required during full weeks of school.

• Beginning in October, have students access ThinkCentral to review language arts and math resources. A letter will be sent home that includes the specific log-on information for your student.

• Students are also encouraged to access Xtramath for additional practice of basic math facts.

Cell Phones• Students may not display or use cell phones in school

during the instructional day.

• Cell phones are not to be used on school buses.

Birthday Treats

• We enjoy celebrating student birthdays.

• This year, birthday treats cannot be foods or drinks.

• Instead of food, consider other ideas, like purchasing a book for the classroom or school library in the birthday student’s name or a birthday treat that is not edible, such as pencils, etc.

Revised Trimester Progress Reports• Trimester progress reports will indicate student performance

levels in meeting grade level standards.

• Parent Guardian Information Nights:

Monday, October 5th at 7:00 PM Gwyn Nor Elementary School

and

Tuesday, October 6th at 7:00 PM Walton Farm Elementary School

• Also, see the Frequently Asked Question document and other materials available this evening.

Free and Reduced Breakfast/Lunch Program

Free and Reduced Lunch Program:• The request for Free or Reduced Lunch and/or Breakfast is for

use if parents/guardians wish to apply for students attending North Penn School District.

• One form is needed for each family. If more than one student attends this school, they both can be covered by one form.

• The forms are always available in the Health Suite, at the Educational Services Center, or online at www.npenn.org if a decision to apply is made later in the year or if it is necessary to update the form because of changes in income or size of household.

• A two page, front back form is all that is required. Applications are returned to the Oak Park office.

Home Access Center (HAC)• Please check family emergency contact information in Home Access Center.

Change of Address/Phone Number:• The school must have the student's current address and phone numbers at all times. This information is especially important in cases of emergency.

Please notify the school immediately if there is a change of address, telephone number, or emergency contacts.•  This can be completed by making changes through Home Access Center directly.

QUESTIONS???

Contact Information

Mrs. Heil - heilsg@npenn.org

Mr. Huebner - huebneel@npenn.org

Mrs. Johnson - johnsojl@npenn.org

Mrs. McKenna - mckennma@npenn.org