classroom booklet 2011-2012gwasixthgrade.weebly.com/uploads/7/2/7/5/7275914/... · rationale for...

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Classroom Booklet

2011-2012

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Contents Welcome 3

Meet the Teacher 4

Homework Binders 5

Homework Expectations 6

Classroom Rules 7

Classroom Procedures 8

Classroom Economy 9

Classroom Economy – Jobs 10-11

Grading Scale 12

Parent Permission 13

Parent Involvement 14

Important Dates 15

Classroom Info/Website 16

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Welcome to Sixth Grade! I am looking forward to an exciting,

and productive year working with your children. This school year,

our class will be exploring many different topics. In math, your child

will be learning many different concepts using the Saxon math

program. This program allows students to learn new concepts as

well as review past concepts learned throughout the year.

In Language Arts/Reading, we will be working on grammar,

reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and phonics skills. We

will be reading some classic novels such as The Iliad, the Odyssey,

Julius Caesar, the Prince and the Pauper, Onion John, the Bronze

Bow, and many more. We will also be working on writing skills

through reports, journals, stories, etc. while using the Shurley

English and Six Traits strategies.

Science topics include Plate Tectonics, Oceans, Astronomy,

Energy, Heat, and the Human Body from the Core Knowledge

outline. The students will be participating in science projects,

writing papers, and hopefully developing a science fair project at the

end of the year.

History/geography from the Core Knowledge outline includes

topics such as; Spatial Sense, Deserts, Judaism and Christianity,

Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, the French Revolution,

Industrialism, and many more. Students will also take part in a

geography bee sometime in the spring.

As you can tell, Sixth grade is full of many interesting topics

and concepts! It will be an excellent year for discovery and building

knowledge.

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My name is Steve Erickson. This is the beginning of my

seventh year as a teacher. I have taught six years in fifth

grade and am excited for my first year in sixth grade. I

graduated from Utah State University in 2005 in elementary

education and taught my first year in Houston, Texas. I

moved back to Utah in 2006, because my family is closer. I

have been at George Washington Academy since it opened

its doors in the 2006-2007 school year. I have my Masters in

Administration and Supervision from the University of

Phoenix.

I am married and have four wonderful children. My

hobbies are sports, camping, hiking and playing games with

my family. I enjoy teaching and as well as learning from my

students. I am excited to get the school year started and

know we will have a great year.

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Listed below you will find a description of each section in the Binder.

Please read this section carefully as we will be using the Binder all year long.

Inside front pocket You will find notes from school. All papers in this pocket need to be removed every night. If there are any forms, such as field trip forms, permission slips, etc. which need to be returned, please sign and place back inside this pocket.

3 hole pencil pouch This is where the students will keep at least 3 sharpened pencil, big eraser, red pen

Sheet Protector 1 The students will be filling in their assignments on this weekly planner daily. Please make sure this is filled out each day.

Sheet Protector 2 Contains each week's spelling list and assignment. The students will have until Thursday to complete each assignment.

Sheet Protector 3 Contains our classroom rules and Economy system

Homework Folder Contains your child’s homework for each night. After your child completes his/her homework, please be sure that he/she places it back into his/her homework folder. This should be the child’s responsibility, not yours!

Take Home Folder Contains your child’s completed work. Please remember to take out all completed work. You may want to place all work in a safe place just in case the grade entered is incorrect.

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Rationale for assigning Homework: Homework is important because it teaches responsibility and helps students develop good study habits. In addition, homework helps to reinforce lessons that have been learned in class, and helps prepare students for upcoming lessons and tests. Homework Expectations: Homework should generally take about 1 hour a night. It may take some children longer. In addition, time should be set aside daily for independent reading (30 min.), studying spelling, and studying math facts. Students should study spelling, math facts, and read on a daily basis. This does not have to take a long time. Just 10 or 15 minutes a day spent reviewing spelling and math facts can significantly help your child's performance on tests. Please encourage your child to do his/her best work. Homework should be neat. Please contact me if your child has any special learning needs or has an Individualized Education Plan. When is Homework Assigned?: Homework is assigned Monday- Thursday. While homework will not be assigned on most Fridays there will be homework or a project that will need to be worked on during the weekend. If for some reason no homework is assigned on a designated homework day, your child should still spend some time reading or studying. Expectations for Turning in Homework Late: If for some reason (sickness, emergencies, etc.) a student is unable to complete homework, please write a note, and the assignment will be excused until the next day or longer if needed. However, please don't write a note asking for more time to complete homework if the reason is due to lack of materials, or because your child left their homework at school. Please remember, this will hurt your child in the long run because it sends the message that it is okay to not pay attention when we are going over homework. When students face the consequences of their actions it helps to prepare them to become more responsible, independent workers in the future. (I know this is hard. Please work with me on this.)

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General Rules

1. Follow directions the first time they are given

2. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak

3. Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise

4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

5. Treat others how you want to be treated

All rules have consequences. In life every action results in a consequence. Take for instance

basketball game. If you hit someone, you may get a foul called on you. What happens when you

get too many fouls? Consequences are not punishments. It is simply what happens when a

person does something. For instance, if I overeat, park in a no parking zone or speed there is a

consequence for each action. Study hard, save money, or show kindness and there is a

consequence for each action as well. If you break a rule you are not being punished. Rather,

you have consciously made a choice to break a rule and accept whatever happens.

Consequences

1. Warning

2. Warning with Action Plan

3. Parent contact

4. Parent conference

5. Student sent to office

There can also be rewards if you follow the rules

Rewards

1. Praise (daily)

2. Positive notes home (random)

3. Whole class FREE time (weekly)

4. Certificate (monthly)

5. Party for class

6. Various other positive perks; treasure box, lunch with teacher (throughout the school

year)

7. The joy of learning (each day of the school year)

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Morning Procedure

• The school day starts at 8:15 am. To avoid any distractions or missed work, please have your students here on time or earlier. The first bell rings at 7:55 am and the tardy bell rings at 8:15 am.

• Place book bags and lunch boxes in designated areas

• Be sure all items needed for class are taken to desk

• Sharpen pencil and put Binders on top of desk

• Begin Warm up work

When I want your attention I will say “Give Me Five” then you need to go over these five steps:

1. Eyes on the Speaker 2. Quiet 3. Be still 4. Hands free (put things down) 5. Listen

Restroom

1. There are two passes, one for the girls, and one for the boys. Only during independent

work may you use the restroom. Please do not ask while I am teaching unless it is an

emergency.

2. It should only take a few minutes to use the restroom. Please be quick because others

may need to go too.

Where to find assignments when absent

1. If you are absent I will have a folder ready with all the assignments that were handed out

for the day

2. You will have one extra day for each day you miss to finish the work.

Fire Drill Procedures

• Line up quietly and quickly into one line.

• Last person out of class closes the door.

• Follow Fire Drill Escape Plan.

• No talking in line or outside.

• Re-enter building quietly.

• Resume normal class routine.

End of Day Procedures

• Clean up around desks

• Retrieve bags, coats, and lunch boxes

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Economy: This year I am trying something new. I am setting the classroom up like an economy. Students

will apply for certain jobs and will be paid (classroom money) for their work. The jobs will be

switch once a month and the students will be paid twice a month.

Payday:

Pay Day: 1st and 3rd Monday Amount: $200

Fines: Not putting away materials when asked to: $10 Bathroom Break (during class time): $10 (must sign in & sign out) Not following direction in line: $10 Missing Textbook or Binder: $25 Messy Desk or Homework binder not organized: $25 Tipping back in your chair: $25 Dishonesty of any sort: $50 **This list may be added to during the school year. Prices may also change due to excessive use (prices go up) or non-excessive use (prices go down).

Earn Bonus Money: Student may earn extra cash certain things they accomplish. $10 - 100% on Spelling test. Amount doubles after 3 in a row. $25 - 90% -99% on any test in any subject (excludes spelling, timed tests, & quizzes). $25 - Receiving a compliment from another teacher. $50 - 100% attendance for month (including no tardies). $100 - 100% on any test in any subject (excludes spelling, timed tests, & quizzes).

Store: At the end of the month, the students will have the opportunity to “spend” their Classroom Cash in the classroom store.

Desk Rent $50.00

Chair Rent $10.00

Supply Fee $10.00

Classroom Library Fee $10.00

Utilities Fee $10.00

Trash and Sewer Fee $5.00

Water Service Fee $5.00

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $100.00

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Salary Job Description

$200 President Teacher

Vice President (1) This person will be the helper to the teacher for anything the teacher is in need of.

Secretary (1)

This person will be in charge of marking who is absent on the attendance form and putting it on Mr. E’s desk. Students who apply for this job must be here on time each day and responsible.

Accountant (1) This person will be in charge of entering paychecks into the computer. Students who apply for this job must be trustworthy and responsible.

Clerks (2)

These students will hand out and collect papers from each group. These students will collect fines from students daily and help hand out bonuses each day. Students who apply for this job must be trustworthy and responsible.

Custodians (3)

These students will keep the classroom clean by wiping down counters and tables. Make sure desks and cubbies are kept clean (they will inform Mr. E of any student who needs to clean their desk or cubby. They will erase the whiteboard at the end of each day. Students who apply for this job must work well with others and be trustworthy.

Mailmen or Mailwomen (2)

These students will put all graded papers into the correct mailboxes. The mailmen/mailwomen are to tell students when to pick up their graded papers. Students who apply for this position must be trustworthy and not share grades with other students.

Rent Collectors (2)

These students will be responsible to collect rent once a month from each student in the classroom and give to the accountant. They must give a receipt to show that the rent has been paid. These students are responsible to notify any student who has not paid rent by the 15 of each month. They will also charge a late fee for late payments. Students who apply for this position must be trustworthy and good at math. – *Students can place their payment in a designated area in an envelope.

Homework Monitor (1)

This person will be in charge of writing the daily homework down on the whiteboard at the end of the day. If a student is absent, they will collect any necessary papers and put together an absent folder. Must have neat handwriting and be able to explain assignments to absent students.

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Floor Managers (2)

These students will make sure that the floor around desks and tables is clean. They will also make sure that materials are put back in their proper places. They will inform student who have not put up their chairs at the end of the day. All students must help the floor managers by keeping their area neat and free of clutter. Students applying for this job must be kind to others and helpful.

Librarians (2)

These students will be in charge of straightening the books on a daily basis in the classroom library and dusting the shelves. They will also be responsible for checking out books properly to students and collecting fines for any lost books. Students applying for this job must be organized.

Line Leaders (2)

One boy and one girl will lead the class to the designated locations throughout the school. He /she will let Mr. E know when the class is ready to go and keep the students quiet in line. Students who apply for this job must be trustworthy and have great communication skills.

Line Enders (2)

One boy and one girl will be at the end of the line to make sure no one is left behind. They will also turn the lights off and lock the door as we leave the classroom. They will make sure everyone is in a straight line and facing forward as we are walking down the hallway. They will pass out fines to any student not following the traffic rules. Students applying for this job must be trustworthy as well as kind and understanding to others. *Traffic tickets for students not following the Rules.

Substitute Worker (2)

These two workers will take the place of anyone who is absent. They will take over the jobs and do them for the day. The student who applies for this job must learn all of the jobs in the classroom and be trustworthy.

Equipment Manager (2)

These two workers will make sure that any supplies that are needed are ready and accessible. They will sharpen pencil each morning and make sure the paper trays are full. They will straighten each supply bucket and let Mr. E know if anything is missing or needs to be replaced. The student who applies for this job must be on time for school each day and be trustworthy.

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Sixth Grade Policies

This letter is a copy of the grading procedures and policies for the Sixth grade. We will be

compiling all grades on PowerSchool. It is important that you and your child are aware of the

expectations. The following are a few of the procedures and policies that are for the Sixth grade:

Grading Scale*: 93-100 A 73-76 C

90-92 A- 70-72 C-

87-89 B+ 67-69 D+

83-86 B 63-66 D

80-82 B- 55-62 D-

77-79 C+ Below 55 F

� Late Work Policy: Students will be given a Homework Planner. Each

student is to fill out what is to be completed for homework for the day.

Students will have until that Friday to complete and turn in any missing

assignment with no loss of points. However, anything not completed by

Friday will receive a zero score.

� Redo/Make-up Work: Any assignment can be redone at any time.

Students have a two-day grace period after an absence before the

assignment is due with no loss of points. An assignment which received

a zero cannot be made up.

� Book Reports: Students are to complete a book report once a month.

A Book Report assignment will be distributed by teacher the first week of

the month indicating the due date(s). Each student will be responsible

for completing a project.

� Weekly Newsletters: A weekly newsletter is provided so parents and

students know what will be required and covered for the week. Parents

should refer to the newsletter for information regarding class instruction.

The newsletter will be emailed to every student and will be posted on

the classroom website.

PowerSchool, the school wide grading system, can be accessed online.

Access numbers and passwords will be sent home shortly. Parents and

students please sign and return this form by Friday August 19th.

______________________________________ _______________________________

Parent Signature Student Signature

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George Washington Academy

2011-2012 Academic School Year

___Yes ___No My child’s work may be displayed in his/her classroom.

___Yes ___No My child’s work may be corrected and recorded by parent volunteers

and/or other.

___Yes ___No My child may work with parent volunteers on class activities.

___Yes ___No My child may be photographed participating in class and school activities

to be used in the year book and/or end of the year video.

___Yes ___No Photographs of my child participating in class activities may be displayed

in his/her classroom.

___Yes ___No Photograph my child participating in class activities may be displayed in

his/her teacher’s portfolio.

___Yes ___No Photograph my child participating in class activities may be displayed on

the classroom website.

___Yes ___No I have been finger-printed or had my background checked for educational

purposes.

___Yes ___No If no to the last question, I would be interested in being finger-printed or

having my background checked for educational purposes at my own

expense.

Child’s Name:_______________________________________________________

Parent Name(s):_____________________________________________________

Parent Signature:____________________________________________________

Date:____________________

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Dear Parent or Guardian:

Studies show that parental involvement in a child's education is one of the most important

factors in raising student self-esteem and academic achievement. Moreover, most experts agree that

parental involvement should go beyond attendance at teacher conferences and open house. I realize,

however, that each of our families is unique – with its own priorities, needs, talents, and time

constraints -- and so I try to provide as many different kinds of opportunities for parental involvement as

possible. Please review the volunteer opportunities suggested below, and check any you are interested

in -- or tell me what you would like to do. Then return the form to school.

Please keep in mind that throughout the year I may need additional help that is not on the list above. I would

contact the room parent, who would then contact other parents. I would appreciate anyone that would volunteer

at that time.

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Phone: ________________ When can you be reached at this number? _______________

Please check Yes/No if the room parent can contact you at this number. Yes__________ No_________

Adapted from © 2003 by Education World®. Education World grants users permission to reproduce this page for educational purposes.

� Room Parent (help organize class parties, contact other parents, etc.)

� Volunteer in classroom

� Tutor individuals or small groups of students.

� Teach a P.E. class. Wednesdays from 9:45 - 10:30 (There is not a P.E. teacher this year so the

classroom teacher is responsible)

� Help maintain a classroom Website (Downloading spelling contract, newsletters, etc.)

� Manage a classroom project. (Such as Science fair, State fair, Character education, etc.)

� Help with Fall Carnival and/or end of year Field day

� Offer to donate books, art materials, musical instruments, games.... the list is endless.

� Correct papers.

� Join a school committee.

� Other ________________________________________________________________________

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Here is a list of important dates to remember. However, more events will take place throughout

the year, so these dates will be posted in the newsletter each week and on the website.

August 15 - 1st Day of School

August 15-19- Kinder Assess.

August 17- Back to School Night

August 22- 1st Day for Kindergarten

Aug 31-Sep. 1- SEP’s 4pm-7pm

September 1- School Pictures

Sept.5 - Labor Day

Oct.13-14- Fall Break

October 29- Fall Carnival

Nov. 4- End of 1st Trimester

Nov 14-18- SEPs Minimum Days

Nov. 23, 24, 25- Thanksgiving

Dec. 19 -31- Winter Break

Jan 16- MLK Day

February 17- End of 2nd Trimester

Feb.20- Washington and Lincoln Day

Feb 27-March 2- SEPs Minimum Days

March 12-16- Spring Break

April 6-9 – Spring Recess

May 25 - Last Day of School – End of Trimester 3

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Teacher Email Address: [email protected]

Classroom Website: http://gwasixthgrade.weebly.com

School Website: http://www.gwacademy.org

**YOU DO NOT NEED TO MAKE A COPY OF THIS BOOKLET.**

I will be sending home a hard copy of the pages that need a

signature on the first day of school. Please sign them and send back

by Friday August, 19th.

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