Mrs. DeFOnzo
6th Grade Language Arts
Red Team
(814) 355-5466 ext. 5403
Embedded Files
Class Overview:
This year, 6th Grade is piloting the Arts and Letters program for both reading and writing. This will continue where the students left off in 5th Grade.
We will be reading nonfiction texts, as well as fictional novels, that are connected to our three unit-module themes:
The Great Depression
Free to Learn
Jade and Water
We will write narratives, informational essays, and argument essays. These will tie directly to our reading.
Throughout the year, we will also build on the students’ knowledge of Text-Dependent Analysis writing (TDA essays).
Class Expectations:
Come to class each day with all of your materials, a positive attitude, a growth mindset, and a willingness to work hard and persevere through challenges.
Be ready to work hard each day, but also have fun! In Middle School, class periods are short, so be ready to buckle down and get right to work when you enter the classroom!
Ask questions or ask for help if you're not sure how to do something! If you see someone else could use a hand or a kind word, help them out!
Be kind, respectful, and encouraging to others- everyone is in different places as readers and writers. Our classroom will be a safe environment where it's okay to make mistakes, and it's okay to be growing at your own pace. Everyone will be expected to contribute to a positive classroom community.
⭐Required Supplies for Red Team ELA⭐
Pocket folder (NOT a 3-ring binder!)
Should ONLY be used for ELA
Any school-appropriate color/pattern/design is fine
Please label with student's first and last name
Headphones/earbuds
Students will be responsible for these! I recommend labeling with the student's name.
At least 2 sharpened pencils with erasers!!
We do a lot of handwritten work every single day!
Colored pencils
Just a basic 8-pack is fine for my class.
Independent reading book- EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Students may choose a book from my classroom library or bring their own. No e-readers, please!
Your fully-charged school Chromebook
Please be sure to charge them at home each night and bring them back 100% charged each day!
Optional Supplies:
(Mrs. DeFonzo has these items, too)
Highlighter
Scissors
Individual pencil sharpener
*I recommend a small pencil case/pouch to keep items in.
*Note- Students do not have desks that have storage space, so they should not bring extra stuff to class!
About Mrs. DeFonzo
This is my 22nd year of teaching overall, and my 1st year of teaching 6th Grade at BAMS. Prior to coming to the Middle School, I taught 5th Grade ELA at Marion-Walker Elementary for 16 years. I've also taught 4th grade, and even 3rd grade for half of a year! I'm very excited for my move to Middle School!
Language Arts is my favorite subject to teach! My passion is helping students learn to love reading as much as I do, even those who don't think of themselves as readers.
I live in Bellefonte with my husband, my daughter, my son, and our dog. You will most likely see me out and about in the community, so please don't be afraid to say hello if you do! 😄
Outside of school, I love to read, do crafts and puzzles, exercise, listen to music, go for walks with our dog, do anything outdoors, watch my children play sports, and spend time with my family.
AI Disclaimer from Bellefonte Area School District Board Policy: Student use of Generative AI software/platforms is not permitted on any coursework/assignments/assessments unless explicitly outlined by the teacher.
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