Back To School Night Ashley Falls Sixth Grade

1. Back To School NightAshley Falls Sixth Grade • Welcome & Introductions • Common Core Standards • Introductions • Language Arts • Math • Social Studies • 21st Century Learning Rotations • Dress Code • Homework & Communication • Chromebooks • ESC • Camp • The Transition to Middle School

2. California Common Core State Standards • Implementing the new CCSS for the 2013-2014 school year • What that might look like in your child’s class: LANGUAGE ARTS • Analyzing non-fiction test • Write viable arguments using resources to support the argument MATH • Problem Solving • Abstract thinking • Use different strategies to try and solve problems • Report Cards • Will reflect the new CCSS • Informational nights on 9/10, 10/10 and 10/26

3. Language Arts • Fiction Text - Novel Studies • MAROO OF THE WINTER CAVES • THE PHAROAH’S SECRET • THE CAY • Non-Fiction Text • Time for Kids • Wordly Wise • Each lesson takes 2 weeks • Spelling test on words 1st week Fri. (no spelling book) • Test on vocabulary 2nd week Thurs.

4. Writing • Lessons will focus on specific writing styles and strategies. NARRATIVE, ARGUMENT, EXPOSITORY • Choice of topic within a particular genre of writing. • Students will type all of their pieces

5. Mathematics • 6th grade Common Core math standards will drive our instruction to ensure deep mathematical understanding - setting the stage for long term success • Instruction will not be sequential throughout the textbook (Glencoe) and other resources will be used to differentiate so that individual needs are met. • Cognitive Guided Instruction (CGI) will be incorporated into instruction to support analytical math reasoning skills • Students will be placed in flexible groups based on needs and learning styles for each standard group. This will be determined by assessments and observation.

6. Social Studies ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS • Early Man • Hunters & Gatherers • Mesopotamia • Egypt • India • China • Greece • Rome

7. Skills for the 21st Century LearnerScience/Public Speaking/Geography Science Taught by Mrs. Sheffield • Energy & Material Resources, Heat • Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Plate Tectonics Public Speaking Taught by Mrs. Williams • Debates, how to presentations, poem recitation Geography Taught by Mrs. Davis • Amazing Race simulation – students will travel the world. • Students will have these rotations one at a time • Homework will vary accordingly

8. Dress Code • No knit caps – hats for sun protection only • No twins, triplets…dress alike – to prevent exclusion • Sunglasses are only to be worn if prescription or with a doctor’s note • Shoes must have a strap – should be closed toe on PE days • Undergarments may not be visible • Shorts, Skirts, Dresses should be an appropriate length – shirts should not be longer than shorts • If a student is dressed inappropriately they will need to call home or use the loaner clothes that are in the office.

9. Homework & Communication Homework Policy Expectations: • About 60 minutes per/night • Wordly Wise • Math • Typing practice • At least 20 min. nightly independent reading • Quality work • Send work & other items to office • Sign Ins – For missing homework Communication • Self Reflections – Signed Weekly • Wednesday Folders • Pick Up at Benches or at bottom of the stairs • Sign in & out at office • Wear Badges • 6th grade Website • Teacher Email – this is the best way to get ahold of us Melissa Davis – mwdavis@dmusd.org Adrienne Sheffield – asheffield@dmusd.org Caitlin Williams – cawilliams@dmusd.org • Parent/Teacher & Student Conferences

10. Chrome Books What kinds of things will students be doing on the computers? 1. Focus on writing 2. Using Goggle Apps to create documents, presentations, spreadsheets with a secure login. 3. Students can access the items from any computer at home and at school • We recommend downloading Google Chrome at home 4. District adopted curriculum have online resources for student use. 5. Keyboarding Allow it might be tempting please do not edit and revise your child’s work.

11. ESC ART w/ Mrs. Doyle • Wednesday – All Classes LIBRARY • Tuesday - Mrs. Davis • Wednesday - Sheffield & Williams Fridays • PE – Mrs. McBride • Technology – Mr. Cunha • Science Lab – Mr. Miller • Music - TBD

12. 6th Grade Camp March 3rd – 7th Camp Marston Mark your calendar!!!

13. 6th Grade – the transition to Middle School • It is our goal to foster these skills in order to help your child be successful in 6th grade and as they move forward with their schooling. • Independence • writing down homework, bringing necessary items to and from school • Accountability with behavior and homework • Classroom accountability sign in sheet for homework and behavior, green weekly communication form • Time management • Planning ahead (projects & homework), studying in advance, • Organizational skills • Utilizing homework calendar & website for information, filing papers In binder appropriately

14. Next Steps… Sign Ups: • Conferences • Volunteer Sign ups September 4th @ 8:00 in the MUR • Room Parent - tell your child’s teacher if interested Don’t Miss: • Class Wish List • Student Desk – Warm Fuzzy • CCSS Parent Handbook – One per family