6th Grade Informational Meeting September 11, 2014

6th Grade Informational Meeting September 10, 2015

About Mrs. Casciola21th year teaching, 19th year in Peters Township School District Elementary Education/Environmental Education CertificationsMasters in Educational Administration/ Principal CertificationHead Coach for Peters Township High School Field Hockey Team Mom to Megan, 9th grade and Luke, 6th grade in PTSD

Team Zenith WebsiteOut sick? Forgot your assignment book? Have no fear, our classroom website is here! Students and parents may use our classroom website to view daily homework assignments, print/view important documents and videos, and view student work. The website is updated daily, but not all resources will be available. Parents/Students: www.schoolrack/CasciolaAStudents are still expected to use their student planners for all homework assignments. The website should be an additional resource for checking work and ensuring that all assignments are done.Any emails sent to the group will be done through Powerschool so make sure your information on the website is current and accurate.

Parent Support/ HelpVolunteer Opportunities include working at Parties (Halloween, Holiday, and Valentine) and 6th Grade Celebration on last day of schoolField Trip Chaperones- Tentative for Fall- Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium and Spring- The University of Pittsburgh Nationality Rooms**Spanning the Globe- May 13, 2015This is the big event where speakers come and talk about various countries. We need numerous parents to help on this day.Food Festival- students eat ethnic foods from around the worldMrs. Casciolas country is IrelandMrs. MacKays country is Czech RepublicHomework/Absentee PolicyWhen your child is sent home from school due to illness, homework will not be sent home.

When your child is sick for one day, homework will not be sent home. You may have a childs friend in class gather homework information together.

When your child is sick for a second day, you may request by noon via phone or email to have the work sent to the office for you to pick up from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. The homework will be on the bookshelves in the office. If you cannot have it picked up during that time, you may arrange for a student in the building to go down to the office at the end of the day to get it. The teacher will not arrange this with the student. Make sure it is ok with the student and their parent providing the work to your child. Educational TripsWhen going on an approved educational trip, if you request your childs work prior to the trip, then the work is expected to be completed when he/she returns. Often the work is requested and not done.

You must remember that it is time consuming for teachers to gather work from his/her teachers and extremely frustrating when the work is collected and not completed.

If you do not request your childs work prior to an educational trip, they will receive the appropriate time frame as referenced in the handbook. If its a four- day absence, then the student will receive four days to complete. However if a child wants to take a quiz or test before the set days, they may at their request. Students must also remember to keep up with their daily homework as well during this time.

Whatever work is missed due to an educational field trip, it is the childs and parents responsibility to make it up and learn the material. It is not the teachers responsibility to go back and teach what was missed due to the trip. Rules of the ClassroomLISTEN TO THE TEACHER THE FIRST TIME YOU ARE TOLD.Take responsibility and ownership for your behavior and school work. ALWAYS do your homework PROPERLY. Follow directions.ALWAYS have a pencil in class. Sharpen your pencil BEFORE class begins.LISTEN when others are speaking. DO NOT CALL OUT AT ANYTIME!Participate in class by RAISING your hand.KEEP HANDS AND FEET and objects to yourself. DO NOT tip your chair back-you can be injured. Keep your chair ON THE FLOOR.DO NOT chew gum.Snack time is provided daily. Do not eat at other times. THROW AWAY your trash in the trash can.Walk QUIETLY and in a straight (single-file) line in the hallways. Sit in your ASSIGNED seat.TOYS- you may only use and have toys out during INDOOR recess. If I see them at any other time, they will be mine.Bring all necessary materials with you to class.ALWAYS have a book to read at all times. Make sure that you SIGN OUT when leaving the classroom. Let me know when you have some place to go (Guidance, Band Lesson, etc.)ONE person at the restroom at a time.Put back any materials you use NEATLY. Close the closet door.At the end of the school day, put your chair on your desk and put all other belongings in your desk or cubbie.Do not WRITE in your textbooks or on your desks. Repair any torn pages in your books.You may get a drink of water in the classroom when needed. One person may go at a time.Treat all students and adults with RESPECT. DO NOT TALK BACK.During indoor or outdoor recess, follow rules established by the MONITOR.SSR (Silent Sustained Reading) is designed to give students time to read not to do homework. Computers may be used with permission from your teacher. You must ask to use the computers. Put computers back in the appropriate place and charge them when finished.Do not write on the chalkboard unless asked to do so.Only put your belongings in your cubbie, desk, or closet.When any of the above rules are broken, you will be given a checkmark. After two checkmarks, your parent will receive an email or phone call. When you have earned three checkmarks, you will be sent to the office and receive a think sheet. ______________________________________________________________Student SignatureDate

Rules of the Classroom continuedMake sure that you SIGN OUT when leaving the classroom. Let me know when you have some place to go (Guidance, Band Lesson, etc.)ONE person at the restroom at a time.Put back any materials you use NEATLY. Close the closet door.At the end of the school day, put your chair on your desk and put all other belongings in your desk or cubbie.Do not WRITE in your textbooks or on your desks. Repair any torn pages in your books.You may get a drink of water in the classroom when needed. One person may go at a time.Treat all students and adults with RESPECT. DO NOT TALK BACK.During indoor or outdoor recess, follow rules established by the MONITOR.SSR (Silent Sustained Reading) is designed to give students time to read not to do homework. Computers may be used with permission from your teacher. You must ask to use the computers. Put computers back in the appropriate place and charge them when finished.Do not write on the chalkboard unless asked to do so.Only put your belongings in your cubbie, desk, or closet.When any of the above rules are broken, you will be given a checkmark. After two checkmarks, your parent will receive an email or phone call. When you have earned three checkmarks, you will be sent to the office and receive a think sheet. ______________________________________________________________Student SignatureDateTaught by Mrs. MacKay

6th Grade English Language Arts

Students will be instructed reading/word study through novels. They will be expected to apply concepts and skills they learn with each new novel. Novels include, but are not limited to, Tuck Everlasting, Watson Go to Birmingham, Long Walk to Water, and Among the Hidden. Greek and Latin Root mini-lessons will provide our foundation for word study.Reading/Word Study

Accelerated ReaderTBD

Restate the question use the question stem to write your topic sentence.

Answer the question- make sure to answer all parts of the question. If there are 2 questions, you should answer each question in its own paragraph.

Cite evidence from the text.- You MUST quote the text. Use evidence based terms to begin your sentences.

Explain and extend - Explain how this evidence supports your answer. Give examples from connections you made.

RACEFormal Writing PiecesNarrativeInformative/ResearchArgumentative

6th Grade Math- new Envisions 20152nd year

Taught by Mrs. CasciolaDaily Math ObjectivesReviewCommon Core standards practicePrior nights differentiated homeworkInteractively Develop the Concept Essential Question to focus learningProblem of the Day to engage collaborative learningVisually Develop the Concept Short video clip with vocabulary and examplesTeacher-driven guided practiceStudent-driven independent practice and problem solvingClose/Assess/Differentiate Whole class review and Essential Question reflectionQuick Check quiz to determine level of understandingTypically:0-3 points Reteaching4-5 points Practice6 points EnrichmentPrescribed and immediate Intervention for struggling learnersEnrichment activities and extension performance tasks will be utilized regularly.Differentiated center activitiesHands-onCollaborative and appropriate groupsLeveled Homework

Envisions Topic Titles (14)Variables and ExpressionsEquations and InequalitiesPatterns and EquationsAdding, Subtracting and multiplying DecimalsDividing Whole Numbers and DecimalsDividing FractionsIntegers and Other Rational NumbersCoordinate GeometryRatiosRatesPercentsAreaSurface Area and VolumeStatistics

GradesDaily quick checks will be corrected but will not be put in the grade book.Topic quizzes (10 pts) and tests will be graded.Benchmark tests will be graded.All tests are graded and doubled in points.Homework will be graded for completion each quarter consisting of 2 points for each completed assignment. (1 point for answers, 1 point for written work)

Benchmarking- Math TestsThree times a year--1st benchmark will not be graded.The 2nd and 3rd benchmarks will be graded.The End-of-the-Year Test in June will be graded.

Supplements: studyisland.comTenmarks.comOnline Textbook: pearsonrealize.comOnline AccessPearson Realize AccessGo to pearsonrealize.comClick on the sign in buttonLogin with your Username and PasswordChoice 1- ProgramsUnder Programs- click on BookPick the Topic you want to accessPick the Lesson you want to accessChoice 2- ClassesAccess Student bookMath Tools, Glossary, etcUsername: _____________________Password:______________________Keep this in a safe place at home!

Taught by Mrs. MacKay

6th Grade Social Studies

Textbook: My World GeographyStudents will have online access to their Social Studies text.Students should keep their unique username and password in their binders at all times. Additional directions for access on Team Zenith website.

Topics of study:McMurray HandbookCore Concepts:Tools of GeographyEconomics and GeographyPopulation and MovementCulture Government and Citizenship

Other units of study include:Unit 1 Europe and RussiaUnit 2 Southwest AsiaUnit 3 South and Central AsiaUnit 4 East and Southeast AsiaUnit 5 AfricaSpanning the Globe a culminating activity in May6th Grade Science

Taught by Mrs. CasciolaScienceWhat is a Scientist? What does a Scientist do?Three Branches of Science Be a Scientist and study wildflowers, common trees and pests of PennsylvaniaWildflowers and trees unit/projectsSTEM unit: Focus on renewable sources of energy (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)

Ecology and Environment

Populations and Communities

Ecosystems and Biomes

Resources and Living Things

Land, Air, and Water Resources

Energy ResourcesEarths Surface

Mapping Earths Surface

Weathering and Soil

Erosion and Deposition

A Trip Through Geologic TimeQuestions???

Please email Mrs. MacKay or Mrs. Casciola with concerns or questions.

Open House is October 14, 2015 at 6:30 The purpose of the Open House will be to come and see the work your son/daughter have been working on. You may sign up that evening for Parent Conference. Open House is not to be used as a Parent Conference.

Thank you for coming!Mrs. MacKayI graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelors degree in elementary education. I then obtained a masters degree in elementary and secondary school administration from Duquesne University.My first year at McMurray Elementary School was in 2007. Prior to working in Peters Township School District I had been a teacher and administrator in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Diocese of Greensburg, and in Quaker Valley School District. I have over 20 years of experience in education.I am happily married for 20 years; and have two awesome children Abby (16) and Brenden (10).

Team Zenith - Room 321 - Jamie MacKay (6-13) HR 8:45 - 9:05HOMEROOM (1st 12 weeks)HOMEROOMHOMEROOM (3rd 12 weeks)

PD 1 9:05-9:39 (34)ELA 321 Mrs. MacKayELA 321 Mrs. MacKayELA 321 Mrs. MacKay

PD 2 9:42-10:16 (34)ELA 321 Mrs. MacKayELA 321 Mrs. MacKayELA 321 Mrs. MacKay

PD 3 10:19-10:53 (34)SCIENCE- 316 Mrs. CasciolaSCIENCE- 316 Mrs. CasciolaSCIENCE- 316 Mrs. Casciola

PD 4 10:56-11:36 (40)Recess/LunchRecess/LunchRecess/Lunch

PD 5 11:39-12:19 (40)SOCIAL STUDIES- 321Mrs. MacKaySOCIAL STUDIES- 321Mrs. MacKaySOCIAL STUDIES- 321Mrs. MacKay

PD 6 12:22-1:02 (40)MonTuesWedThursFri

W.LangSpanishMakrCOMPHallPEShawMUSIC CygrArtBorra

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W.LangFrenchCheneCOMPHallPEShawMUSIC CygrArtBorra

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W.LangGermanGansCOMPHallPEShawMUSIC CygrArtBorra

PD7 1:05-1:39 (34)MonTuesWedThursFri

ART BorraFLEX 321LIBRARYOwensPEShawFLEX 321

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FLEX 321W.LangCheneLIBRARYOwensPEShawFLEX321

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PD 8 1:42-2:16 (34)MATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. CasciolaMATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. CasciolaMATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. Casciola

PD 9 2:19-2:53 (34)MATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. CasciolaMATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. CasciolaMATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. Casciola

PD 10 2:56-3:30 (34)RTI FLEX 321RTI FLEX 321RTI FLEX 321

Team Zenith - Room 316 - Amy Casciola (6-14) HR 8:45 - 9:05HOMEROOM (1st 12 weeks)HOMEROOM (2nd 12 weeks)HOMEROOM (3rd 12 weeks)

PD 1 9:05-9:39 (34)MATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. CasciolaMATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. CasciolaMATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. Casciola

PD 2 9:42-10:16 (34)MATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. CasciolaMATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. CasciolaMATHEMATICS- 316 Mrs. Casciola

PD 3 10:19-10:53 (34)SOCIAL STUDIES- 321Mrs. MacKaySOCIAL STUDIES- 321Mrs. MacKaySOCIAL STUDIES- 321Mrs. MacKay

PD 4 10:56-11:36 (40)Recess/LunchRecess/LunchRecess/Lunch

PD 5 11:39-12:19 (40)SCIENCE- 316 Mrs. CasciolaSCIENCE- 316 Mrs. CasciolaSCIENCE- 316 Mrs. Casciola

PD 6 12:22-1:02 (40)MonTuesWedThursFri

ArtBorraW.LangSpanishMakrCOMPHallPEShawMUSIC Cygr

MonTuesWedThursFri

ArtBorraW.LangFrenchCheneCOMPHallPEShawMUSIC Cygr

MonTuesWedThursFri

ArtBorraW.LangGermanGansCOMPHallPEShawMUSIC Cygr

PD7 1:05-1:39 (34)MonTuesWedThursFri

FLEX316ART BorraFLEX 316LIBRARYOwensPE Shaw

MonTuesWedThursFri

FLEX 316FLEX 316W.LangCheneLIBRARYOwensPE Shaw

MonTuesWedThursFri

MUSIC CygrFLEX 316FLEX 316LIBRARYOwensPE Shaw

PD 8 1:42-2:16 (34)ELA 321 Mrs. MacKayELA 321 Mrs. MacKayELA 321 Mrs. MacKay

PD 9 2:19-2:53 (34)ELA 321 Mrs. MacKayELA 321 Mrs. MacKayELA 321 Mrs. MacKay

PD 10 2:56-3:30 (34)RTI FLEX- 316RTI FLEX- 316RTI FLEX- 316