6th Grade CORE Syllabus 2011-12 Ms. Espo I.

The Big Idea Identity

Sixth grade is a time when students begin to look at themselves in new ways as they prepare for middle school. This year students will be exploring the idea of identity. In some units, students will be given choices as to the books they read and the subjects they study. In other units, students will read the same texts. In every unit, students will be looking to answer the following questions: Who are you? How do you know who you are? How do you think others would define you? How can authors help you better understand yourself, others, and the world around you? What is the role of the author?

II.

Reading and Writing Workshop

This is a tentative list of units of study for the upcoming year: Calvin & Hobbes Biography Edgar Allan Poe Fiction Poetry Twelfth Night Research paper

III.

Grading Information

If you or your child are concerned about his/her grade, please encourage them to come discuss what can be done to improve it. A. Grades will be computed on the following scale: A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69% F 59% and below B. Grades are weighted based on the following percentages: 50% - Final Assessments 25% - Quizzes 15% - Class work 10% - Homework Test/Projects: A final assessment (test and/or project) will be given for each unit and will be announced prior

to its scheduled date. Guidelines and rubrics will be handed out at the time the project is assigned. Students will be expected to work on projects in class, though some work will likely be required out of class. Quizzes: Quizzes will be given regularly throughout the quarter. Material covered will include class notes, homework, and assigned reading. Vocabulary (stems) quizzes will be given every other Friday. Class work: Students will be completing a wide variety of assignments in class. These will include grammar exercises, vocabulary, reading and writing assignments. Homework: Students will be required to complete homework each night. Please see below for a more detailed explanation of homework expectations.

6th Grade CORE Syllabus 2011-12 Ms. Espo IV. Homework

One important part of homework in CORE is helping students learn to plan ahead. Students will have two predictable, recurring homework assignments (listed below). If they wait until the last minute the homework load will become overwhelming.

A. Reading Logs

Students are required to read a minimum of 25 minutes a night, every night and turn in a reading log that shows what and for how long theyve read each night. Reading logs are located in the classroom and can be found on the blog.

B. Stems (Vocabulary)

Students will be given a new stems packet every two weeks. Specific assignments will be due during the course of those two weeks. Quizzes will be given on the second Friday. These assignment are very challenging, and as a result, I require that the homework be complete, not necessarily correct. The homework grade will be given based on its completeness. We will go over the assignments in class and students should be correcting their work. These packets will be collected at the end of the two weeks and at that time students will be given a class work grade based on its accuracy.

C. Additional homework

During some of our units, students will be required to do reading outside of class. Students may (and should) include this on their reading log. Students will be given a calendar of due dates which will allow them to plan ahead and take their sports and music practice schedules into account. Very often students are asked to complete questions in addition to the reading assignment. Some assignments are more challenging than others. If your child has worked on the assignment and is struggling, please send me an email or a note letting me know how long s/he worked and what the issue was with the assignment so that I can assist him/her at school. As a general rule, Id set that threshold at 45 minutes, but you know your child better than I some will be able to work longer than that and others may hit their frustration point earlier.

V.

Make-Up Work Policy

All students are responsible for their own work. This includes make-up work. It is your responsibility to make sure all make-up work is completed and turned in. You will have 1 day per day of absence to make up for missed work due to sickness, unless special circumstances apply. If you miss a test or quiz, you will be responsible for making it up the day you return to class. In the case of extended absence, you and I will work out a reasonable make-up policy.

VI.

Classroom Behavior Expectations

Respect yourself and others.
Take responsibility for your actions.

VII.

Staying in Touch

I am always available for extra help. Please come and see me if you have questions or concerns about the class. You can also keep up with class assignments by checking out the class blog and/or Twitter feed. Contact information:

6th Grade CORE Syllabus 2011-12 Ms. Espo

THIS PAGE IS TO BE SIGNED AND FILLED OUT AND KEPT IN YOUR NOTEBOOK ALL YEAR. 1. I have read and understand the CORE Syllabus.

Student Signature

Date

2.

I have read the CORE Syllabus and will support my student in the study of the class.

Parent/Guardian Signature

Date

3.

Please write the names of two responsible classmates who can give you class assignments when you miss class.

Classmate #1

Phone Number and/or email address

Classmate #2

Phone Number and/or email address