August 2014

Hello 6
th
Grade Reading Students and Parents,

I am so excited to be your (childs) 6
th
grade Reading Teacher! This year is going to be an amazing
journey into the world of reading! We will explore and master the mysteries of reading through short stories,
informational texts, novels, various writing projects, and presentations throughout the school year.

The class syllabus is a guide to help the students be successful. It outlines the basic expectations and content of
Core Reading. Additional information and details will be provided during the first few days of school, and at
RSMS Open House. Please read it together, discuss the content, and contact me with any questions or concerns.
This is your childs first grade for Reading.

We are scheduled to visit the Media Center during the second week of school. Students will be oriented to the
procedures and expectations of the Media Center, and will also have the opportunity to check out a library book.
Students are encouraged to read at home on their own time from literature of their choice. Please help guide
your child in selecting appropriate, and interesting reading material.

Please review the following information with your child:
Materials for 6
th
Grade Reading: Pencil or pen, RSMS planner, 2 pocket folders, and notebook paper
Always have a book to read. Independent reading is always encouraged. The students comprehension,
vocabulary, and fluency will be monitored regularly.
Assessments: Formative 40% (informal, ongoing measure to help guide instruction), and Summative
60% (measures proficiency at the end of a unit of study), Diagnostic Evaluations are not included in the
final average.

The most efficient way to communicate with me is through email. I will also return calls, and respond to
notes before or after school.

Please provide your most recent contact information, and send it via email, or with the signed syllabus
assignment.

Heres to a great year at River Springs Middle School! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Lauren Marchione,
RSMS Reading Teacher
lemarchi@volusia.k12.fl.us
(386) 968-0011
Class website: rsmsreadingstars.weebly.com



River Springs Middle School
6
th
Grade Core Reading Syllabus
2014-2015

Mrs. L.E. Marchione, B.A., M.Ed
Email: LEMARCHI@VOLUISIA.K12.FL.US
Phone: (386) 968-0011
Portable 1


Course Description
The Core Reading course is designed for all students scoring at Level
3, 4, or 5 on the FCAT reading assessment. Core Reading is also
appropriate for students scoring Level 2 on the FCAT Reading
assessment and fluency is Low Risk. This course addresses reading
skills and strategies that lead to thinking and reading critically in
both literary and informational texts. Writing instruction will focus
on reader response to literary and non-fiction selections. Core
Reading instruction is approximately 45 minutes per day. The Core
Reading course curriculum is designed to support reading in the
content area subjects.




Course Objectives
and Outlines

Reading
Literary Text

Reading
Informational
Text

Writing to
Support
Reading

UNIT 1
Embracing Heritage

Literature:
The Circuit
Names and Nombres
The All American Slurp
Saying Yes
Grandpa and the Statue
Restoring the Circle


UNIT 2
COURAGEOUS CHARACTERS

Literature:
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Matthew Henson at the Top of the World
Speaking and
Listening

Language

The Story of My Life

Unit 3
Title: Figure It Out
Literature:
The Westing Game
Phantom Tollbooth
Ghost of the Lagoon
Lobs Girl


Unit 4
Title: Winging It
Literature:
Dragonwings by Laurence Yep
Daedalus and Icarus




Rationale
Reading is a complex, cognitive process that involves the printed, and
spoken word. People all over the world learn to communicate in their
own languages, using a variety of symbols, vocalizations, and
movements. We all develop an appreciation for reading at some point
in our lives, some sooner than others.
Critical reading, however, is an important strategy that we will be
exploring throughout the year. Students who master this strategy
will gain the most knowledge possible from any reading activity, which
ultimately translates into success in all subjects!



Classroom conduct
and Expectations
FAMILY: Students are at their home away from home! This will be
a safe and productive environment where academic enrichment will
be a priority, and college and career readiness will be the ultimate
goal!
BYOT: Students have access to technology every day. They are
expected to utilize available tools for academic purposes including
research, clarification of vocabulary, and also may read appropriate
material from their device.
Students using devices for non-academic purposes will be reported
to the building principal and receive a discipline referral.
RESPONSIBILITY: Students must come on time, prepared with
required materials.
TARDY: Students on time are in their seat before the late bell.
CLASSWORK consists of active reading, writing, and discussion.
Daily HOMEWORK consists of reading for 30 minutes after school.
Students need to be in possession of reading material every day:
book, magazine, etc.
An umbrella or poncho should be considered, as the classroom is in a
portable.
CLASSROOM LIBRARY: Books are available in the classroom for
students to check out at any time.
MEDIA CENTER: Classes are scheduled in the media at least once a
month. Students may visit the media center during reading class
(after instruction), before school, after school, or between classes
to return books.


Assessments
0% Diagnostic: Data chats, Interest Inventories, Pre-Tests, etc.
40% Formative: Informal class assessments
60% Summative: A minimum of 3 summative assessments will be
scheduled each quarter

Binder checks: weekly
Discussion: whole group, small group, weekly
Presentations: quarterly
Reading Counts: quarterly
Writing prompts: daily
FAIR: Three times/year
District: quarterly
State: one/year


Materials
1. Pencils/Pens, index cards, 2 pocket folders, loose leaf paper
2. Book or magazine
3. The Interactive Reader (I.R.) is one of the class textbooks.
There is one per student and it remains in the classroom.
4. The novels are provided by the school and are shared between
2-4 classes. Students may choose to purchase a personal copy to
mark-up, and keep for future enjoyment!
5. The Literature Textbooks are also a class set, and are shared
between 2-4 classes.



Website
Rsmsreadingstars.weebly.com




This is your first grade for Reading.
1. Review the above syllabus with your parent or guardian.
2. Complete the following information.
3. Have a parent or guardian sign below, indicating they have read and
understand the syllabus.
4. Return the following day.



Student name:________________________________________ Grade: ____ Period: ____


Parent/Guardian Name: _____________________________________________________


Phone number: (day) _________________________ (evening) _______________________


Email:_________________________________@________________________________


Preferred method of communication: ___________________________________________


Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________________________



Score: _______ /15