Sixth Grade Core

Mr. David W. MasenhimerSchool Phone: (503)554-4500

E-Mail: masenhimerd@newberg.k12.or.us

Blog: http://masenhimer.blogspot.com/

Curriculum_____________________________________________Here at Mountain View Middle School, Core classes consist of

Language Arts (reading, writing, spelling, and listening and speaking) and Social Studies (history, geography, economics, and civics). While reading is a major attribute of Core, students will attend a level appropriate Reading class every other day.

Language Arts__________________________________________Writing Notebooks: Each student will have their own notebook in class. By no means will this notebook leave the classroom for any reason. The in-class notebooks will be checked off and graded multiple times per trimester. If the notebooks are lost or damaged, a notebook may be purchased from Mr. Masenhimer at cost.

Independent Reading: As stated in the Student-Parent Handbook, one of many goals here at Mountain View is to instill a deep appreciation for reading. This being so, students are required to read approximately one book per month. In order to accomplish this, each student will read at least 2.5 hours outside of school per week. Independent reading logs will be distributed and due every week with parent/guardian signatures indicating that all requirements have been met. As well as reading outside of class, an hour per week will be allotted for in-class reading. Therefore, an independent reading book is required in class every day (Please see the Student-Parent Handbook page 10). Daily Oral Language (DOL) & Spelling: DOL will be practiced as often as three times a week. Spelling tests will be administered 3-4 times a month and will cover 10 required words with 2-3 extra credit challenge words. Spelling lists will be handed out four or more days prior to the tests.

Social Studies____________________________________________1st Twelve Weeks: The year will begin by learning some commonly used geographical tools to study the earth and its inhabitants. The

primary focus will be the five overlying themes of geography: location, place, movement, region, and human-interaction. 2nd Twelve Weeks: The geographical terms learned at the beginning will continue into this trimester as the class moves towards the countries in the Western Hemisphere. The students will use key research skills to teach peers about Native Americans and Canada. 3rd Twelve Weeks: Students will further their geographical knowledge as we explore South America’s geography and culture. The year will end focusing on the Aztec, Inca, and Mayan civilizations.

Expectations____________________________________________It is my firm belief that learning cannot happen unless the classroom provides the necessary environment; therefore, students are expected to follow Mountain View’s specific behavioral expectations: Be Responsible; Be Respectful; Give your Best Effort and; Show Integrity. Along with the above expectations, students will be expected to follow my classroom guidelines: Come to class prepared with the right material Be in your seats ready to listen when the bells rings Give me your entire attention while I am teaching Always raise your hand to speak Refrain from interrupting me or a peer; everyone has an equal chance to speak Stay seated unless instructed differently DON’T LAUGH AT, MOCK, OR BELITTLE A CLASS MEMBER!

Procedures_______________________________________________Starting Class Always come to class with: a sharpened pencil with an eraser, a pin, paper, a planner, homework assignments (if due), and a reading book. When you come to class, grab your writing notebook and be in your seat before the bell rings. If you are out of your seat when the bell rings, YOU ARE TARDY!Signaling Attention When I need your attention, I will say, “Okay ladies and gentlemen, may I please have your attention!” In my opinion, this is a respectable way to ask for attention and in return I mandate respect by ceasing all conversation and being attentive. Ending Class● It is important to know that the sounding of the bell does not mean class is dismissed. Students will be excused when I have given the okay after supplies are packed, and the room is properly cleaned and chairs are tucked in.

Miscellaneous___________________________________________

Getting HelpI am available to help most days after class. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; rather it is the true sign of a good student. If help is needed, please ask! Don’t hesitate to ask before a test or the due date of an assignment.HomeworkThe homework for the week will be explained at the onset of each week. If an assignment is not turned in at its due date, the student has the option of using a Homework Coupon (Please see Student-Parent Handbook), or fill out a Missing Deadline Form (MDF). Something must always be turned in to me regardless if it is the assignment or the MDF. Absence If and when you are absent, it is the responsibility of the student to practice being responsible and independent. A few steps need to be taken: Check the weekly calendar and website online for the assignments (http://masenhimer.blogspot.com/) Upon returning, get copies of the assignments in the five-day files in class Check with a peer in class I will be available to talk about missed assignments during passing period or after class, not during class. ContactE-mail is the most efficient way to reach me. I am able to respond the quickest through e-mail, and helps to avoid phone-tag. However, communicating by telephone works, but I will not be able to return a call during the school day. The best time to meet one-on-one is during conference times, and after school. I am available for appointments if an issue requires a meeting.

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Pleas sign and detach this portion of the syllabus and return it to Mr. Masenhimer by Friday, September 10, 2010

I have read the above syllabus and understand the expectations/procedures for Mr. Masenhimer’s Core class.

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Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature