Sixth Grade

Teachers Mrs. Kaldy

Ms. Lenox

Mrs. Wade

Mrs. Wolford

Math• The sixth grade math curriculum is

designed to help students improve and excel in math as they work to master the concepts and skills of the PA State Math Standards.

• The areas of study will include: -Number Systems and Number Relationships

-Computation and Estimation-Measurement-Reasoning and Problem Solving-Statistics and Data Analysis-Probability-Geometry-Algebra-Math and Technology= Graphing

Calculators and Robotics

• Math Textbook- McDougal Littell Middle School Math

• Math Textbook Website- www.classzone.com

• Math Computer Programs-Study IslandMath Facts In A Flash

• Math Materials- -Textbook-Chapter Vocabulary -Calculator -Problem of the Week

• Robotics- Lego NXT Robots

Grade Level Schedule

• Sixth Grade Schedule:

• 9:00-9:10 Homeroom

• 9:15-9:57 Special

• 10:02-11:05 Period 1

• 11:08– 12:02 Period 2 [HR]

• 12:05-12:35 Lunch

• 12:40-1:10 Recess

• 1:15:-1:24 Period 2 [HR] Cont.

• 1:27-2:30 Period 3

• 2:33-3:36 Period 4

• 3:40-3:45 Dismissal

• Students are responsible for coming to class prepared.

• Students are responsible for collecting and making up any work they miss due to music lessons, field trips, and/or academic games.

Language Arts• This class is 63 minutes long

• The focus of this class is communication

• Communication is the exchange of information between people by means of speaking, writing, listening or using a common system of signs or behavior; therefore, the goal of sixth grade language arts is to become an effective communicator through a variety of practices of reading, writing and listening and speaking exercises.

• We will strive to enhance our written communication by placing focus on our word choice, grammar usage, sentence structure, conventions and mechanics of the English language, again, all in anticipation of improving our communication.

• We complete one novel study per nine week period from a pre-selected chapter book.

• We read short stories and complete mini studies from our reading series, Reading Street.

• We complete two creative reading and writing projects.

• Students will give two speeches throughout the year [persuasive and demonstrative]

• We complete a unit on poetry and figurative language.

• Students will be writing open ended responses as well as summarizing fiction and nonfiction passages to demonstrate comprehension of literary content.

• Study Island will be utilized as a learning tool in school and students are encouraged to login at home to pull up scores as well as play learning games.

• We participate in the Accelerated Reader Program.

o Graded Worko Tests will have a study guideo There may be announced and unannounced

quizzeso seatwork o projects o homework o credit for doing homeworko Essays graded according to standard twenty

point rubrico Projects are introduced with instructions and

rubrics/graded based upon the same rubric

• How to be successful in this class:• Listen in class• Review literature study guides periodically• Keep three ring binders organized• Write assignments in planners and complete

them!

o Sixth Grade WIKI is updated weeklyo MMS grade system is updated weeklyo Please call with any concerns o EXT 2426

Accelerated Reader Requirements per nine weeks:

1st report period: OCTOBER 25—10 PTS 2nd report period: JANUARY 14—10 PTS 3rd report period: MARCH 24—11 PTS 4th report period: MAY 23—12 PTS

Over 1,000 books & over 1,000 tests! Incentives, awards, opportunities! AR improves reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, writing

capabilities, test taking skills, study skills, responsibility, and promotes independence!

Daily reading time in class = Daily reading time at home

Grading: I will triple the amount of points earned [capped at total required] out of the amount of points required [tripled]. Students have the opportunity of earning up to three bonus points for reading above the requirements.

Study Island• Online Tool• PSSA Prep• Math and Reading• Aligned to PA Standards• Students may logon at home!• Laurel username and password• Goal: Earn 70% on skills

practice before playing a game

Science• The sixth grade science curriculum

reflects the PA Standards in Science and Technology as well as Environment and Ecology.

• The areas of study will include:*Inquiry and Design

Asking questions, making observations, and using the scientific method to design and conduct experiments

(2 FOSS units: “Variables” and “Mixtures and Solutions”

*Physical Science How heat affects matter

*Earth ScienceWeather, Earth “Processes” (how and why the earth changes over time), Soil, Rocks and Minerals, Fossils, Exploring the Universe, Resources, Water Systems, Ecosystems/Biomes, Environmental Health

The annual Sixth Grade Science Fair will be held this year on May 9 during the school day and from 7:30-8:30 pm in the Elementary Gym.

Check out www.macmillanmh.com for review, games and the online student edition of our text.

Social Studies• The sixth grade social studies

curriculum reflects the PA state standards for Civics and Government, Economics, Geography, and History.

Topics Include:• Lawrence County and

Pennsylvania• Civil War• Canada, and Latin America• World War I• World War II

• Materials needed for class are the Text and various supplements, Notebook, Maps

• Students will earn their grade through tests quizzes homework presentations projects

• Students will also complete a formal research report.

SpellingSpelling Grade:

• Homework – 5 pt (in cursive)

• Final Test – 15-20 pts

• Words for the year are on the Sixth Grade Wiki

• On four-day weeks there will be no worksheet.

Homework:

Monday: 3 times each

Tuesday: ABC order

Wednesday: Worksheet

Thursday: Study for the test

Homework Policy10 minute Rule:

10 minutes x grade = amount of time for

homework.

6th Grade Wiki**Go to Laurel Website

**Click on “Elementary Wiki”

**Click on “6th Grade”

**Click on “Homework”

Incomplete homework =

loss of recess and one check

Three checks = a letter home

Four checks = a detention

Accessing Your Child’s Grades:

• MMS replaces Edline• MMS allows you to access your child’s

attendance, grades and schedule• Easy access from the Laurel website• If you haven’t already, please be sure to return the

informational letter that you received from your child’s homeroom teacher so that you can activate your account!

• Lost the paper? Need help? Please call the library at [724] 658-2673 ext 2942

Fieldtrip

KENNYWOOD

• Kennywood is an all day event (9:00 am – 8:30pm).

• All students will be chaperoned by an adult. No one will walk around the park alone!

• Chaperones will be selected by the 6th grade staff.

Elementary Chorus• For students in Grades 5 and 6

• Meets during recess twice a week

• Opportunities for ‘special parts’

• Chorus T-shirt for performances

• All-school assembly on Tuesday, Feb. 12

• Evening performance on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Fine Arts Festival

Elementary Band• For students in Grades 5 and 6• Meets Tuesday and Thursday before School• 25 minute weekly lessons in the mornings during

school• Band T-shirt for performances• Band Concert assembly Tuesday, Apr. 30• Evening performance Tuesday, Feb. 30 at 7:00 p.m.• See Mr. Daubenspeck for more information (ext.

2505)