Welcome- 6 Green

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”

-John Dewey

Team Teachers

Mr. Allen - Math and Science Phone:716-492-9300 Ext. 2205 E-mail: wallen@pioneercsd.org

Miss Schaper- ELA and Social Studies Phone: 716-492-9300 Ext. 2203 E-mail: aschaper@pioneercsd.org

Mr. Setter- ELA and Math Resource E-mail: dsetter@pioneercsd.org Mrs. Rickerson – Paraprofessional

The Common Core Standardsfor ELA and MathAre aligned with college and work expectations;Are clear, understandable, and consistentInclude rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skillsBuild on strengths and lessons of current state standardsWere prepared in conjunction with other top-performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in a global economy and societyAre evidence-based.

2015-2016Module Implementation for ELA NYS has introduced “Module” units as a way of successfully

implementing all of the Common Core Shifts. A “Module” is an 8 week unit of study which incorporates a

fictional text and several corresponding informational texts. These “Modules” stress high-level analysis and text dissection. In other words, this work will be extremely challenging and

require persistence in the classroom and at home. Content areas will begin applying these modules this year. These modules emphasize rigor, complex informational texts,

close reading, and analytical response to literature. In addition to the Module, ELA classrooms will continue with the

Reading and Writing Workshop Philosophy, maintaining a focus on student accountability.

Weekly Responsibilities

Reading Log – 100 minutes every week after school. Requires a signature and will be graded every Friday.

Reading Response Journal – One written response is due every Friday. The prompt will be given on Monday to ensure enough time to complete.

Reading Log

Date Title Minutes Read

Pages Read Parent Signature

    

     

    

     

    

     

    

     

  

       

    

     

    

     

  

       

    

     

    

     

6th Grade Reading Log for____________________________________ Date_________________________6th graders are expected to complete 100 minutes of independent reading each week. This can be achieved by reading 100 minutes in one day or any combination that adds up to 100 minutes. Students may read their choice of books for this assignment. Reading logs need to be turned in on Friday with a parent/guardian signature.

ELA Workshop

Miss Schaper -60 minute blocksWorkshop model includes students

reading books within their individual reading levels as well as Module texts.

Writing instruction includes conferencing and setting and meeting writing goals.

Book baggies will be coming home!

ELA - A quick glance at the year September/October – Reading Unit – The Lightning Thief

November – Writing Unit – Narrative – stories from our own lives

December – February – Reading Unit – Bud, Not Buddy March/April – Literature/Argument Essay May/June – Research based essay

What to expect…

During reading units there will be reading homework every night. In addition, there will be chapter questions for homework.

During writing units, expect to see their writing notebooks coming home.

First Module Text The Lightning Thief

Writer’s Workshop

Units of study include: narrative, informational/literature essay and argument.

Writing notebooks are “containers” of ideas and possible stories. We encourage you to communicate with your child about his or her notebook…ask to see it!

Through the writing process and conferring a final piece will be created and shared.

Summer Reading Novels

• Organizer and Post-It Notes are due by September 8th

• If you need the forms. They are available on the LMC Middle School website.

Math

Students are expected to:Be fluent in their computationsUnderstand mathematical concepts (the how and why), not just the process (how to get the answer)Apply their knowledge to real world situations which increases rigor

Math

Mr. Allen- 60 minute blocksFocus on being fluent with

operations using whole numbers, fractions and decimals

Units of study- decimals, fractions, expressions, equations, ratios, geometry, and statistics

We often hear from kids or parents that “I was never good at Math.”

Research has shown that emerging mathematicians (students) learn Math bit by bit over time.

Studies have shown that Math achievement is earned rather than inherited.

Studies show that genes account for only 32 -45 percent of Math skills.

Sooooo… What does this mean?

55- 68 percent of achievement is other things like:The teacherStudent’s commitment to

learning

Sample Word Problem

PastMr. Allen is replacing his kitchen counters. One section measures 3 by 5 feet. What is the total surface area of that section?

The New Common Core

Mr. Allen is replacing his kitchen counters. One section measures 3 by 5 feet. Another section measures 3 by 6 feet. What is the total surface area of Mr. Allen’s kitchen counters?Most of our kids can do this!

The New Common Core

If the counter top material is sold in 4 feet by 8 feet pieces, how many pieces will Mr. Allen need to buy?

Will there be any material left over?

Many of our kids find these last parts of the problem challenging!

One more sample problem!

Math Resources

https://learnzillion.com/

https://www.khanacademy.org/

(Khan Academy is also available through You-Tube)

http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Category.aspx?CategoryID=81

http://www.pioneerschools.org/Page/6220

ScienceGrade 6 Science includes study of

Physical Science as well as Earth Science

Units include Matter, Energy, Sound, Light, and Electricity and Inside Earth, Minerals and Rocks, Weather, and Space Science.

Many units of study include lab work using the Scientific Method of Investigation

Social StudiesEmphasis on reading and writing in

the content area. Students will be reading and analyzing a variety of informational text.

Units include: Early Man, Egypt, India, China, World Religions, Greece and Rome

Annotations

Reading fluency and comprehension is very important in all subject areas

When a student reads a text - regardless of the content area -  they can annotate, or mark up the text to reflect their thinking.

The following slide displays the strategies that will be used on a consistent basis in all subject areas.

Final Exams

Final exams will be given in grades 5-8 for all core subjects (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies)

Exams will account for 1/5 of your child’s overall average

Final exams will be given between June 16, 2015 and June 23, 2015

Team Homework Policy

In Math, daily homework (circular review) consists of a review of all skills learned. Daily homework is graded. Daily homework is returned the next day and reviewed. Students can AND SHOULD make corrections and gain back one half of the lost points. No one will fail a homework- if they do corrections! Homework is worth 20% of their grade.

There may be ungraded homework given as a new skill is introduced.

Review work is ALWAYS given prior to a quiz or a test.

In ELA, there is weekly homework due every Friday that includes 100 minutes of reading and log signatures as well a weekly writing response based on the current book. Additional homework will include daily chapter reading questions during reading units and short, informational texts with questions during writing units. Homework is 20% of the overall ELA grade.

Check your child’s agenda daily. Homework assignments are recorded on classroom agendamates and also posted on the team website.

Homework will be posted on our team website 6 Green daily.

PowerSchool

“Parent Portal” is now available Parents are able to check student’s grades at

home Students are able to log on to check their own

grades If you have never used Parent Portal, you will get

a letter in the mail explaining what to do If you forgot your password or need other

assistance, leave your name at the greeters desk and you will be contacted to help you take care of the issue

After School Program

Is composed of two components:Academic Program: Work on homework, project or a quiet place to

read.

Recreation Program: Various athletics, crafts, or hands-on activities.

*Permission slips are necessary for all after school activities.

Forms will be available in your folder of forms, at the Main Office, the Greeter’s Desk or on the Pioneer homepage.

If students are failing 2 or more subjects they may not participate in

any recreational afterschool activities.

BEGINS SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2015

Office 365

Student accounts have been set up and each student will be trained in using this new database throughout the year.

Students will be able to access their file from any computer as long as they have online access

This will eliminate the need for thumb drives

Account Creation Agreements (located in packet) must be signed and returned in order for your child to have access to Office 365

Tablets

All 5th and 6th graders will have access to a personal tablet throughout the school year.

The tablets will not be allowed to go home with the students.

See technology use form for rules and procedures regarding tablet

use

Overdrive eBooks and audiobooks are now

available online through the school’s Overdrive account

Students have access 24/7 to thousands of online books

Online books can be loaded on devices such as: Smartphones Computers Laptops Kindles Nooks Other tablets

For more information or assistance accessing Overdrive on your device, please see Ms. Muhlbauer in the LMC today, 9/2.

Some Activities You Can Do to Support Learning at Home

ELA Ask your child…”Tell me

what you read today?” Sign reading log Ask to see your child’s

writing notebook Have conversations

about reading and writing…

Have your child converse with you about the word of the day

Math Look for word-problems

in real-life (recipes) Arithmetic with decimals

(balancing check book) Using area and volume

to solve landscaping questions (garden size, topsoil requirements, etc.)

Try to create a quiet place for your child to study and devote time every day when your child can concentrate on academics uninterrupted.

I-Ready

Web based program designed to assess student’s academic level in ELA and Math.

The program delivers customized lessons based on student’s level of performance.

All students will be using this program starting in September in either the classroom or the computer lab.

I-Ready can also be used at home for additional practice.

Agenda/ID Card Use New Agendas every 10 weeks Agendas are used for:

Passes to travel CBG signatures Record homework daily

School code of conduct is found in the agenda ID card is required to borrow books

from LMC

Team Supply List

Field Trip

In past years, the 6th grade has enjoyed a trip to see the Buffalo Bisons play on their scheduled Kids Day.

What is PBIS? Positive Behavioral Interventions and

Support It is PBIS’s goal to improve student

academic performance, attendance and behavior by focusing on positive behaviors and remediate problem areas through interventions

Homebase connection with teachers, Targeted Learning Labs, CBG Cards, School Spirit, Behavior Incentives,

Reward Afternoons

DASA

The Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) was established with the broad legislative intent to provide a school environment free of discrimination and harassment.

Harassment is defined as “creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being;…”

The law requires that the school must deal with cyber bullying anytime that it happens - even if occurs off campus and/or during non-school hours.

DASA violations are serious. Please refer to the Parent Handbook for more information.

• Please complete the emergency card before you leave.

• Turn in completed forms to homeroom teacher as soon as possible.

• Questions/Comments/Concerns?

In Closing…