Welcome to Sixth Grade !

1. Welcome toSixth Grade! HAINE MIDDLE SCHOOL SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT Mr. Tolomeo - Room 311 Mrs. Fagan - Room 313 Mr. DeSanzo - Room 314 Mrs. Tanda - Room 315

2. Welcome to sixth grade! • We are looking forward to a wonderful year with your children. This has been compiled to help increase your understanding of what will be expected of your child and what we will be doing this year. We hope that you find the information helpful. • Table of Contents • Class Schedules • Curriculum • Class Expectations • Rewards • Homework Expectations • SV Portal • Communication

6. Curriculum Reading • In Reading this year we will explore various texts and work on gaining a better understanding of the author's message as well as continue practicing reading comprehension strategies. We will engage in a number of small and large group discussions, relating texts to our own lives as well as writing about these texts. Students will be making independent reading selections each nine weeks, as well as, assigned genre selections. We will be completing book reviews, book projects, taking AR tests, as well as engaging in various discussions on novels. We will include three novels in our reading explorations this year: • Out Of The Dust by Karen Hesse. The story takes place during the dust bowl era of the Midwestern United States in the early-mid 1930’s. The novel is written in free-verse poetry and the author utilizes many poetic elements that we will study. The story is about overcoming obstacles and celebrating what you already have. Tragedy strikes the main character when she causes an accident that results in her mother’s and unborn brother’s death. • The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank. We will read the short play form of the story: In Nazi-occupied Holland, Otto Frank and his family have decided to go into hiding, because of the increasing persecutions against Jews. The businessman Kraler and his assistant Miep prepare a hiding place in the rooms above their place of business, and arrange for the Franks and another family, the Van Daans, to stay there. Later on, they are joined by the dentist Dussel. Together, they try to avoid detection while hoping for Holland to be liberated by the Allies, but even meeting basic needs can become a challenge, and even minor incidents could present a grave risk. • Number The Stars by Lois Lowrey. Set in Europe during WWII, the story is about how the main character helps her friend, who is Jewish, escape the torture from the Nazi’s. The story is about friendship, citizenship, and loyalty. • Language Arts • In Language Arts we will become more comfortable with the planning process to make their writing more precise and organized through continued practice and peer editing.  We will also focus heavily on parts of speech and vocabulary development which will in turn improve our writing tremendously. This will assist us as authors to become more eloquent and deliver our words with more precision. Each week we will engage ourselves in learning new vocabulary that students will use in their writing as well as look for in their reading. We will also work with Compass and complete a variety of research of many topics, work on public speaking, and being active listeners.

7. Social Studies • Students will learn about the geography, government, economics, culture, and history of Asia and the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and Africa. Additionally, they will be involved in various instructional activities that focus on the integration of map skills, interpreting data, research skills, communication skills, technology, and process writing into a comprehensive study of today's society and yesterday's history.  From this, they will gain a working knowledge and understanding of the symbiotic relationships of geography, government, economics, culture, and history in the world. • Science • Students are using the SEPUP module Issues & Earth Science (IAES). It is an engaging hands-on earth science course based on the educational approach of scientific inquiry. A combination of experiments, readings, models, debates, role-plays, and projects will allow students to discover the nature of science, learn science content, and experience the relevance of science in today’s world. Specific topics include: Studying Soils Scientifically, Rocks and Minerals, Erosion and Deposition, Plate Tectonics, and Weather and Atmosphere. • Health • The sixth grade health curriculum includes four units: • Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco/Steroids • Reproductive System • Immune System • HIV/AIDS

8. Math • The students will continue to expand their knowledge of the number system this year. Specifically, we will explore decimals, fractions, and percent and discover how these three concepts are related. We will also investigate integers and focus on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing negative numbers. Additionally, students will expand their knowledge of geometry, measurement, probability, data analysis, and algebra concepts. Many new mathematical concepts will be introduced through hands-on activities that allow the students to use manipulatives in order to build their own understanding. • Students will be given homework on a regular basis. Because homework is an opportunity to practice new skills, it will not be graded for correctness. Instead, it will be graded based on completion and effort. I will use the assessments such as homework as a gauge of where each student is to drive further instruction. Additionally, beginning in October, students will receive a weekly problem solving activity. These assignments WILL be graded. Homework is due on the date assigned. I will accept homework one day late for half credit. Any assignment more than one day late will not be accepted for points; however, I will be more than happy to correct it for feedback. • Students will be using a math binder daily. I will review and grade binders periodically to ensure students are current with class notes. If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to copy the notes from a classmate.

9. Class Expectations • Be respectful of others and yourself. This includes your words, actions, and mannerisms. • Be on time to class with all appropriate materials. • Complete classwork, homework, and projects by due date and to the best of your ability. • Behave appropriately. We expect students to behave so that they are not a disruption to other students’ learning. • Ask permission to leave your assigned area.

10. Rewards • We will be utilizing a ticket system to recognize positive behavior. When teachers notice students acting in a positive manner (helping others, participating in class, consistently completing assignments, etc.), they will hand out tickets, which students will save to trade in for various rewards. Failure to follow class expectations (incomplete homework, disrespect of others, etc.) will result in appropriate consequences. • Possible Rewards • Sit with a friend all day • Homework pass • Use the teacher’s chair • Choose from the prize box • Postcard mailed home • Phone call to parent/guardian • Possible Consequences • Loss of recess/fun room • Phone call to parent/guardian • Visit to the office • Loss of special event (assembly, field trip, etc.)

11. Homework Expectations • We will be assigning homework regularly for several reasons. Not only does homework allow students to review and practice important concepts, but it also teaches responsibility and time management skills. We expect that homework be completed on time to the best of the student’s ability. If homework is not completed, students will lose points and/or recess time. • Parents always wonder how much help they should provide during homework time. Sixth grade students should be able to manage homework routines on their own; utilizing their assignment books, they should be able to complete nightly homework, keep track of deadlines for long-term projects, and prepare for tests. We all know, however, there will be times that both parents and teachers will need to provide some extra help. In those cases, we suggest that you have your child complete what he or she can on the assignment, and then approach you, with specific questions, about the assignment. Please do not do the work for your child. Homework is a way for students to review and practice skills. If you notice your child is struggling with specific concepts, please let us know and we will continue to practice these skills at school during CARE time and class.

12. SV Portal-Gradebook-Updates • https://portal.svsd.net/

13. Communication • Communication between parents and teachers is essential in the education of children. By working together, we can provide the best experience for your child. Since we have regular access to our e-mail throughout the day, it would be easiest for you to contact us in this manner. Our e-mail addresses, as well as the school’s phone number, are listed below. If you would prefer to communicate via phone, please either call and leave us a message, or send us an e-mail with your phone number and a good time to contact you. In case of an emergency or urgent matter, please contact the office. • Phone: Haine Middle School • 724-776-1325 • E-mail Addresses: • Mrs. Tanda (Inclusion Support) • tandaam@svsd.net • Mr. Tolomeo (Math) • tolomeop@svsd.net • Mrs. Fagan (Reading/Language Arts) • fagandl@svsd.net • Mr. DeSanzo (Science/Social Studies) • desanzonr@svsd.net

14. Thank you