WELCOME to 6th GRADE

1. WELCOME to 6th GRADE St. Martin de Porres School

2. THE UPPER HOUSE • This is a very exciting time in the educational career of the students. They are no longer in a self-contained class accountable to only one teacher. From now on --- yes, I mean through college, too --- they will be having multiple teachers throughout the course of their day. The expectations and responsibilities for the student have increased with each step they have taken from the “Lower House” to the “Upper House”. It is a big adjustment and the best way for everyone to handle it is to “BE ORGANIZED”!!!

5. 6th Grade at St. Martin de Porres School • Christ in the center of our school and therefore, the center of our classroom. • Students will be kind and respectful to everyone at all times during the day. • As a student of St. Martin de Porres School, your child represents our school both “on campus” and “off campus” . Christ is to shine forth in our daily lives !!

6. Grading System 65% Tests/Quizzes 10% Class Participation 10% Homework 15% Portfolio/Projects TOTAL: 100%

7. Honor Roll: Principal’s: Overall average 95 + w/no grade lower than a 90 and no grade lower than a B Scholars: Overall average of 90 w/ no grade lower than an 85 and no grade lower than a B. High Achievers: Overall average of 80 w/no grade lower than an 80 and no grade lower than a B.

8. Be on time for school! (2 “Lates” – No Honor Roll) • Check for proper uniform! (Please make sure your child is following the SMDP dress code.)

9. Check for assignments in a planner! -Assignments should be written during class when the assignment is given! This way you won’t be rushing at dismissal time to find out the HW. -Books need to be brought home from school in order to do the homework !! -”Electronically” sent homework is not acceptable.

10. HOMEWORK: -Students: •  To be successful at HW, have a positive attitude about it! •  No distractions (TV, Facebook, texting, loud music, etc.)

11. -Parents: • Homework is a unique opportunity to be involved on a daily basis with your child’s education. • With your child, set up a specific homework time. • Set up a designated area that will keep your child focused on his/her studies. • Make sure there is adequate lighting and that your child has the supplies that are needed.

12. Don’t “DO” their HW for them, but please look at it and study the qualityof the work they’re handing in. • Have your child “re-tell” to you what they’ve read to make sure they comprehend it. • Set a good example for your child! Do some HW of your own from your job. This helps foster the POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD LEARNING!

13. Mid-Term Exams begin January 15, 2015 • New York State Exams: ELA: April 14, 15, 16 2015 Math: April 22, 23, 24 • Final Exams begin June 4, 2015 PLEASE :Do not schedule any vacations, or doctor or dentist appointments during any exams. Thank You 

14. “Other Important Things” • Absent Note: -required by NYS law when returning after an absence. • Cell Phones: Not Needed! Please leave home. • Blue Folders: go home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please review items and return folder the next day.

15. “Most Important Things” • Be a “KNOWSY” Parent!!! - Know what your child is watching on TV! - Know what they are listening to on radio, iPod, etc. - Know WHAT they are saying on the computer & cell phone - Know WHO they are talking to on the computer & cell phone - Know WHO their friends are

16. Email • Contact me via the school website st.martindeporresschool.org • My email is mcastelli.stmartindeporres@yahoo.com • Please sign up tonight for the November Parent Conferences

17. THIS IS GOING TO BE A FANTASTIC SCHOOL YEAR !! 