Philosophy
Course Overview
Expectations
Classroom Rules
Homework
Grades

 

 

 

 

 

 

Philosophy
Students need a safe, predictable and stimulating environment where they can take risks, are encouraged to expand their ideas, and to pursue their desire to learn. In order to be successful in the 21st century, children need to be able to read and write effectively, think critically, make decisions, know how to learn and reason, be organized and know how to relate well with others. Students need an environment where they are encouraged to become socially and academically responsible.

Course Overview
Core encompasses three subjects: Reading, English and Social Studies.

Reading
It is the Hillview philosophy that a good reading program includes both skill building and literature exposure. As a reading teacher, I give the students ample solid reading time. Time spent reading is a wonderful tool for learning. The students will be reading free choice books as well as assigned selections throughout the year.

English
Throughout the year, students will be exposed to many genres of writing. Students will continue building on the six traits of writing taught in the elementary schools. Grammar will be taught in the form of mini-lessons and reinforced by writing assignments and daily grammar. Spelling and vocabulary will also be an important part of the English curriculum.

Social Studies
The sixth grade curriculum covers ancient civilizations. Students will expand their understanding of history by studying the people and events of major ancient civilizations from early humans to
the Roman Empire. Geography, our first unit in Social Studies, is emphasized in the study of each of the civilizations.

Expectations respect others be an active listener have a positive attitude do your personal best be honest trust others

 

 

Classroom Rules
In order to guarantee all the students an effective classroom environment, I have established rules, routines and procedures. My classroom discipline plans is based on respect: I will respect your child, and expect students to reciprocate this respect to me and the other students.

I have five simple rules:

1. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings of the room.
2. Take responsibility for yourself and your work.
3. Have all appropriate materials and supplies at your table and be seated when the bell rings.
4. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself.
5. Use appropriate language and adjust your voice level to suit the activity.
   

 

Backpack
It is a concern for all of us that students don't carry unnecessary weight in their backpack. I have a few suggestions:

Students should regularly clean and organize their binder to rid their backpack of unnecessary weight. I encourage students to keep folders or a small box at home to keep graded papers. It is important to keep the papers until the end of the year "just in case." Occasionally there may be a grade discrepancy that can be clarified with a graded paper.

Also, I recommend that students regularly use their locker/cubby so as to not carry excess weight. Developing a schedule to visit the locker (before school, recess, lunch, after school) will help students recognize what is necessary to carry in their backpack. I regularly use the Social Studies book in class, but only occasionally require students to use the book at home. Therefore, students should not be carrying their Social Studies book back and forth to school. Parents can also purchase textbooks so students have a copy of the book at home and at school.

 

 

Homework
Homework is necessary to reinforce what is learned at school and to develop good work habits. Students will have approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes of homework during the week nights; one hour of that is devoted to Core class.  Rarely is homework given that is not started in class together. This ensures that your child will come home knowing what is expected of them. 

It is the responsibility of the student to complete and turn in his/her homework on time. If an assignment is turned in late unexcused, the student will lose points on it. However, we encourage the students to complete all assignments and turn them in with a signed late coupon, even after the due date.  

 

 

Grades
Grades are posted on-line at www.TeacherEase.com . You can login and access your child's subjects, assignments, and progress. From time to time you may also receive email for good grades, missed assignments, behavior, etc. The goal is to involve parents and improve student performance.

Feel free to login and browse the site. Also, please allow some time for me to enter this information. Typically I update the website weekly. If you ever have any questions, please first ask your child to talk to me directly and together we will try to solve any problems. If your child has talked to me and you still have questions, please call or email.