Class Supplies, Routine, Grading, etc.


Students are required to have their binder with notebook and all necessary papers, blank sheets of paper, as well as their agenda, a highlighter, and a pencil in class at all times.

In general, students enter the room and check the posted Agenda for the day. They then proceed to complete the "you do" portion of the agenda, which usually consists of the daily warm-up and copying that night's homework into their personal agenda.

Within the first minutes of class, I bring us together for the "we do" portion of the Agenda, which usually consists of reviewing the warm-up, confirming all have written down the night's assignment, checking / reviewing the previous night's homework, and working with the day's lesson. 

Student work is used throughout the activities via the use of a document camera. Students volunteer their work to be used so that we may celebrate their successes and learn from their errors.


Homework, Assessments, and Grade Weight Distribution


HOMEWORK:

Homework is due the next school day after assigned, unless otherwise noted. If a student is absent, s/he will have the same number of days to make up the work as absent.

When absent, it is up to the student to obtain homework and class handouts from the teacher and notes from another student. There is a calendar in the room where each day's activities for the month are posted. Students can pick up the previous day's materials at the desk under this calendar. Materials for multiple day absences must be obtained from the teacher as there will most likely be a need for 1:1 time as well to discuss classroom lessons missed prior to completing classwork, homework, etc.

If new content was introduced the day(s) the student missed, it is up to the student to come for after school help on my scheduled day for the instruction material and then to complete the homework. Homework make-up dates can be extended in this instance if arranged with me.

If a student is not absent, and does not have homework on the day it is due, s/he may turn in the homework the next day for half credit.

If on any given day, homework is mostly completed, it is best to turn in what is done for credit and take half credit on the other portion the next day.

ASSESSMENTS:

Formal classroom assessments are given periodically throughout the year. Assessments are quizzes, tests, and projects. Formal assessments can be traditional independent type or partner, group, and even based upon completed homework. I do my best to offer a variety of ways for students to demonstrate understanding. At times, I allow students to chose certain binder materials to be available to them during assessments.

Projects are broken down and are long-term and due when specified.

If a student cannot complete an assessment in the class time allowed, s/he can arrange with me to come to the classroom during extended homeroom (if no school activities are taking place), at lunch, or after school. The student will decide when s/he is done with the test...within reason.


GRADE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION:

Homework  - 15% of trimester grade
Classwork - 20% of trimester grade
Quizzes - 30% of trimester grade
Tests / Projects - 35% of trimester grade


Text, Skill Practice, and Real World Connections

The sixth grade curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Mathematics Incorporating the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, March 2011. The District has chosen IMPACT Mathematics as the core of the Middle School Curriculum. We supplement as needed.

This is a spiraling curriculum with Course 1 being presented in sixth grade, Course 2 in seventh grade, and Course 3 in eighth grade.

A book is assigned to each student to leave at their home. We have a classroom set for work in school. Please make sure this book is covered and kept in a safe location. The books are very expensive, and if damaged while in your child's care, replacement cost will be required.

In addition to referring to the various resources within the text while assisting your child, you can also use the various links and instructional videos available on this site as well as throughout the Internet. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in guiding you toward resources appropriate for your child.

Independent of nightly homework, please take the time to practice basic math facts with your child. I have provided links within this site to assist your child in mastering these basic skills. Also, whenever possible take the time to point out the multitude of uses of math in your life. Real world connections are vital to the learning experience.
 
One final thought, if you struggle with math or did so in school, please do your best to keep this to yourself and not have your child think this is his or her path as well. Thank you.
 
Last Modified: Wednesday, Sep. 26, 2012
 
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