Welcome to Curriculum Night!

1. Welcome to Curriculum Night! Paper, pens & pencils are located on the side table if you’d like to take notes… Leslie Johnson 6th Grade Language Arts Room 603

2. Contact Information Email address: leslier.johnson@cms.k12.nc.usWebsite: http://lesliejohnson.cms.wikispaces.net

3. About Me • I grew up in Charlotteand attended CMS • I have taught 3rd grade and served as a literacy teacher/facilitator at Hawk Ridge Elementary and at JMR • I have two sons who are in 7th and 9th grade

4. About Ms. Franks • I grew up in Greensboro • Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from NC State • Master’s degree from UNCC in Special Education general curriculum • Thirdyear teaching 6th grade at Jay M

5. What exactly is language arts? Language Arts is a class consisted of thinking, reading and writing opportunities focusing on personal experiences and expression.  Students will read poetry, novels, short stories, news articles, and other non-fiction selections as well as write poems, stories, and essays. Students will have presentations as well as work in groups to develop and enhance their communication and public speaking skills.

6. Supplies Daily supplies needed: binder, pencil, highlighter, agenda EXPO markers and colored pencils/markers (child will be informed day ahead of time)

7. Grading Policy Percentage Breakdown • Informal Assessments- 35% of quarter grade • Homework 10% • Quizzes and Class work 25% 2. Formal Assessments(tests and projects) 65% of quarter grade

8. My expectations & rules • I expect the kids to come to class prepared each day. I expect them to be active participants in class discussions and activities. **** A small tote bag or a draw string bag is very helpful • I expect the kids to learn organizational skills ****Know your child and their organizational skills **A weekly clean-out of binders can be helpful to those who struggle with organization • Rules posted above pencil sharpener…straightforward • Cheating or bullying will not be tolerated at Jay M Robinson

9. Homework • Homework will be assigned weekly. • Students are expected to complete assignments to the best of their abilities. • Complete homework the night it is assigned with A/B day classes. • Help your kids with time management and teach them how to “break down” large projects/assignments so that the task is manageable. • It is imperative that students write their homework in their agendas every day!!! • I write the assignments on the board and explain them daily • I also post daily lessons on my wiki. To locate these, please click the language arts resources tab.

10. Novels • 3novel studies this year • Touching Spirit Bear • Crispin-The Cross of Lead • The Call of the Wild

11. Library/media center • We are going for our first visit on Friday • Once every two weeks • Can check out up to three books per visit • Students will pay late fees on overdue books after 10 days- 10 cents per day

12. Topics/Skills • Literary elements- characterization, plot, theme, mood, tone, conflict (all parts that make up stories) • Foreshadowing, making inferences, character traits • Grammar, writing, dialogue • Essays, poems, novel studies • Socratic seminars & group projects

13. Common Core Mission Statement • The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. • Common Core is being implemented across the USA in order to maintain an accurate and equal educational experience from students from New York to Washington state, California to Florida

14. Tutoring • I will be available for tutoring will on Wednesday mornings from 7:15 - 7:45 a.m. • Students should come with a specific assignment or skill they need to work on • do not show up and say, “I need help.” • I have a sign up sheet. This gives me an advanced notice so I know how many kids are coming in.

15. Academic Assistance Program Program Description: • There are a number of different academic programs within our building that we provide to support our struggling students. This year we will be implementing an Academic Assistance Program that will be offered during lunch. Once a student’s team identifies a child that is in need of more individualized support, he or she will receive an invitation to our program. This invitation will provide the student with an opportunity to receive remediation and small group tutoring in all academic areas. • AAP also provides students with the opportunity to: • Complete missing assignments • Make up/retake test or quizzes • Complete any missed work due to absence • Group Work • Remediation

16. Test • The first unit test will be on the material the students have learned thus far this year. • The test will be on Tuesday, September 24

17. Thank you for your generous donations this year • Thank you for coming. I hope you found this information to be helpful. • I wish your child great success this year!

18. Where to go next… • Swanson is across hall (Science) • Kistler is room next to mine (Social Studies) • King/Travis down hall (Math)