August 27, 2009
Dear 6th Grade Parents/Guardians,
We hope you had a wonderful summer with your family. We are all excited about the upcoming school year and the opportunity to work with your children. As you may know the students rotate between all three of the 6th grade teachers. This may be a new experience for many of them and we hope to make this transition as easy as possible.
You will find a brief overview of our classroom policies below. These policies will be consistent throughout the 6th grade. Please take the time to read this over with your child. We are making our expectations clear early so there are no surprises later in the year.
*NOTE: Please be sure to read Mr. Handelman’s letter (on blue paper in the First Day Packet) regarding standards-based assessment and the new report card. It is important that you attend our Open House to learn more about these changes.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
We expect the Pillars of Character to be practiced at all times.
v For a productive and positive learning environment, cooperation is a must. This includes listening to others, respecting others and helping to create a positive atmosphere.
v Rudeness of any sort toward peers or teachers is absolutely unacceptable. Students are expected to solve problems with positive words, not physical actions.
v The classroom is a place for all students to learn. Therefore, all students will be responsible for keeping it clean and comfortable. Water bottles may be brought to class with water only (No flavored mix-ins). No soda pop, juice or other beverages will be allowed, including hot cocoa and coffeehouse beverages. Eating in class will be allowed only during the designated snack time (healthy choices, please). As per school-wide rules, NO CHEWING GUM.
v Wandering around, talking at inappropriate times or in loud voices, taking unnecessary trips to the restroom all tend to distract the teacher and other students. Please show your attentiveness and respect by refraining from these activities.
v When you arrive on time, with all the necessary books, supplies and assignments, you are being considerate of your teacher and classmates. The school day beings at 9:00 AM (9:30 on Thursdays). Students are expected to be in their seats at this time. Students may not return to homeroom after class transitions.
HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS
1. Homework should be completed and ready to correct as assigned. It is
not acceptable to work on assignments for other teachers in class.
2. Each FRIDAY homeroom teachers will send home a “Friday Slip” informing parents of any missing assignments in all subject areas from the current week. The student then has until the following Monday to get any listed assignments in to the teacher. These slips will come home EVERY WEEK and are for information purposes. They will not need to be signed or returned unless otherwise indicated by the homeroom teacher.
3. Any formally assessed work on which a student does not meet standard (score of 2 or 1) will be sent home for parental review and signature.
CONTENT ACHIEVEMENT CRITERIA FOR GRADING
4 – Above Standard At This Time – Student consistently demonstrates exceptional skills and knowledge at grade level expectations.
3 – Meeting Standard At This Time (EXPECTED OUTCOME) – Student consistently demonstrates grade level skills and knowledge.
2 – Approaching Standard At This Time – Student is making progress toward meeting the grade level expectations, sometimes showing evidence of meeting standards, at other times showing lack of understanding or ability to apply the concepts or skills.
1 – Below Standard At This Time
X – Not Graded At This Time – Not all concepts and skills are assessed during each trimester.
EFFORT GRADES CRITERIA
3 – Consistently 2 – Sometimes 1 – Rarely
Participation That Promotes Learning
- Conversation and behavior are focused on task
- Works cooperatively
- Follows directions
- Engages in classroom activities
- Seeks assistance when needed
Completes Assignments
- Turns in work on time
- Turns in quality work
ABSENTEE POLICY
1. Absences, unless absolutely necessary, are discouraged.
2. We encourage you to schedule dentist, orthodontist, and physician
appointments on Tuesdays, or early enough for your child to arrive at school by
9:40am.
3. Vacation absences will be handled according to the school policy (see Parent
Calendar/Handbook.).
4. Students are expected to assume the responsibility for making up assignments
missed during an absence. Students should check with the teacher as
soon as possible to get assignments.
5. Students will have 2 days to make up daily assignments. Long-term
assignments and tests, however, are expected to be completed on time. (i.e.
book reports or science projects) since the students will have due dates well in
advance.
*Extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
1. Students are expected to follow all the school and classroom rules and
procedures.
2. When an infraction of the rules occurs, the students will be counseled about the
inappropriate choice through a Think Time form.
3. Three Think Times in a one-week period will result in a mandatory detention.
4. The principal will directly deal with serious infractions.
*Refer to Parent Calendar/Handbook for school discipline policy.
Let us know if you have any questions. Please sign and date the slip below and return it to your child’s homeroom. Keep this letter for your reference.
We look forward to seeing you at Open House, Tuesday September 15, at 5:45PM in the multi-purpose room.
Jenny Hentges Lynne Carrick Will Nye
sign and return
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We have read through the above information together and understand the information as outlined.
Student Signature__________________________________
Parent Signature_____________________________________
Date ________________________
□I will attend Open House on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 5:45PM
□I will be unable to attend Open House and need to make other arrangements to receive the important information presented.