INFORMATION

Welcome to 6th Grade Introduction Another exciting year has begun for your child. Sixth grade is an important and final step in your child’s elementary education, and I am very excited to be a part of it! This handbook is to be used as a guideline of the expectations of Ms. King’s Sixth grade. It contains course description, policies, and other information of what you will see throughout the year. Your child’s 6th grade year is very important in many ways. Being the oldest students in the school, they set the standard for behavior and academics for the rest of the student body. In addition, 6th grade students are anxious about what lies ahead for them as they make the transition to middle school. Therefore, we will work on strategies to make 6th grade a year of building a strong academic foundation on which to carry over to the intermediate grades, as well as teaching responsibility and instilling leadership qualities in every student. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions, comments, or concerns. School phone: 671-4130 E-mail: cindy.king@sjsd.k12.mo.us I want this to be a successful year for you and your child. My goal is for children to accept responsibility for their learning with a minimum of teacher/parent prodding and a maximum of student self-discipline. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child. I feel certain we have a great year ahead of us!

**__ Classroom Expectations __** I expect the following from students in my classroom: **1) Complete all assignments; give every task your best effort.** **5) Ask for help when needed.**
 * 2) Be courteous; respect the rights and property of others.**
 * 3) Work diligently and in an appropriate manner.**
 * 4) Always have reading material available.**

With the leadership of our new principal also comes the opportunity to try new and different methods for discipline and behavior. School wide we are piloting PBS, or Positive Behavior Support. This system awards individuals for a job well done and deals with behavior issues on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, a system will be in place for whole class behavior as well. Please look for more information to come on this matter in the weeks ahead.

**__Grading__** Sixth graders will be responsible for keeping accurate homework assignments. This is to instill responsibility and accountability for the student. It is very important to keep an accurate record of all assignments in their student planner. Papers turned in with no name, date, or subject title will be deducted five points. Grades are taken on most daily assignments, all projects, and on all tests/assessments. Students will always know exactly when tests will be given and what information will be covered. Test grades are weighted to reflect the time and effort required to culminate a unit of study. The student, in class, often grades daily math work so they can ask questions, clarify information, and gain immediate feedback. Not all daily work will be given a percentage grade as I may make assignments based on need to gauge how the class is doing with a concept. In this case, I will issue a participation grade on whether or not the student attempted the assignment. The standard grading scale will be used. ** ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE THE FOLLOWING MORNING unless I collect it in class. Students will lose 10 points daily for all assignments turned in past the due date unless they have been gone due to an excused absence. ** The weeks prior to progress reports and the issuance of grade cards I will check to see if students still have outstanding assignments. I will issue a “//Missing Assignment//” sheet for any outstanding work. It will be dated with the final due date for which the late assignments will be accepted. These late assignments along with the “//Missing Assignment//” sheet will need to be returned with a parent signature. Failure to return them signed will result in loss of recess &/or a phone call to parents. If late work becomes a routine a conference will be scheduled.

**__Student Planners__** Again this year we will provide planners to each of our 5th & 6th grade students. These will arrive shortly and students will be expected to take them home on a daily basis. This is another line of communication to see what we are working on in class, what homework has been assigned, and if there are any reminders for you and your student. Signing or initialing your child’s planner ensures me they are being responsible for sharing their learning.

**__Book Orders__** Periodically, I will send home Scholastic book orders. You are under NO obligation to order. If you do decide you would like to purchase books, please make checks payable to Scholastic. **__Tutoring__** Tutoring will be available to students needing extra assistance with homework or select skills. It will begin soon and end in early March. I hold tutoring sessions before school from 7:30-8:20. Tutoring can also be arranged with other teachers for after school hours and a bus would be available if needed. Please contact me if interested. **__ Conferences __** Regular conferences will be scheduled during the first and third quarters. If you have and/or concerns about your child’s progress, learning abilities, behaviors, study habits, or otherwise PLEASE feel free to contact me to schedule an additional conference time.

**//__ Birthdays __//** Birthdays and unbirthdays can be celebrated at school. You are more than welcome to bring treats or send them to school. Notification ahead of time is appreciated. Please follow all of the district guidelines in regards to treats.

Please take this end of year survey..... http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7ZS66D3