Welcome to 6th Grade English!
It is expected that students will come to class prepared and participate in their learning every day. English is a two period block that focuses on reading and writing. In sixth grade our major focus is on applying skills taught in elementary school.
READING
In reading, independent reading and cooperative book clubs are the two main avenues for applying those skills. Students have time in class to read everyday. Research shows that the only way to be come a better reader is to read, and we think it is extremely important to offer that time in class. It is also expected that students will be reading outside of class for at least twenty minutes a day.
During class students will have a variety of opportunities to practice reading through independent reading, book clubs, small groups, and conferencing with the teacher.
Each quarter students will give a book talk about one of the books read as a response to their reading. This is an opportunity to find new books as well as practice listening and speaking skills.
WRITING
In writing, students will be expected to write in their Writer’s Notebook and turn it in at least once a month on the assigned date. The Writer’s Notebook is an opportunity to practice the writing skills we talk about as well as collect ideas to be used for future writing assignments.
Throughout the year we will focus on various writing skills that build into a final paper. Students will write a wide variety of genres throughout the course of the year.
Grammar, spelling, and vocabulary will be infused in both reading and writing throughout each class period.
MATERIALS
Students will use two textbooks in English, however both will stay in the classroom. If needed for homework, a student may check the textbook out overnight. Students will come to class prepared with the following materials:
Please make sure you have extras of these materials so that you are able to participate in every activity.
GRADING
The English grade is divided into three parts, Daily Work, Reading Assessments, and Writing Assessments.
Daily Work - Daily work will be 10% of the grade. These assignments will be completed in class or as homework and based on completion. Assignments turned in late or incomplete will receive half credit.
Reading Assessments and Writing Assessments - Assessments will each be worth 45%. The assessments consist of projects, final drafts of writing, book club assignments, quizzes, and tests. Students will have the opportunity to retake or redo any of these assessments to earn up to 100% credit. In order to do so, students will need to obtain parent consent through the retake form, meet with their English teacher, and if necessary schedule a time before or after school to retake/redo within 1 week of receiving the assessment back. Teachers have discretion to not allow a retake. If those circumstances arise, parents will be notified.
Grading Scale
A+ = 98% - 100%
A = 93% - 97%
A- = 90% - 92%
B+ = 87% - 89%
B = 83% - 86%
B- = 80% - 82%
C+ = 77% - 79%
C = 73% - 76%
C- = 70% - 72%
D+ = 67% - 69%
D = 63% - 66%
D- = 60% - 62%
F = 59% and below
Grades are updated weekly on PowerSchool. You can receive email notifications of all grades by selecting that option in PowerSchool. It is a great way to stay aware of what is happening in class. If you have questions about using PowerSchool, please visit the website at http://www.waukee.k12.ia.us/powerschool/index.html or call the office at 987-5177.
LATE WORK
It is expected that students will turn in all work on the assigned due date.
In English, assessments are on-going and continually building upon previous skills. Therefore you will have one week to turn in any missing assignments after the due date. Until it is turned in, the assignment will be recorded as a zero in PowerSchool.
Work will be allowed to be completed if a student is absent. Two days will be given for each day of absence. For example, if a student is absent two days, he or she will get four days to complete the work. It is also the student’s responsibility to get any make up work and to complete the work by the due date. If the student is gone for a band lesson, it is his or her responsibility to find out what we did during class and get any missing notes or handouts. If a student knows he or she will be gone, it is expected that the student will hand in any assignments prior to leaving (vacation, appointments, etc.).
HELPFUL INFORMATION
Please visit your English teacher’s webpage for more information. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email the teacher or call the school, 987-5177. We look forward to working with you this year!
Purple Team
Mr. Goerend, rgoerend@waukee.k12.ia.us
Mrs. Quam, aquam@waukee.k12.ia.us
Gold Team
Mrs. Griess, agriess@waukee.k12.ia.us
Mrs. Martin, lmartin@waukee.k12.ia.us