EVERYDAY EXPECTATIONS:
It is never expected that a student master a new skill the very first time it is introduced. Sometimes a skill sticks right away, and sometimes it takes days of practice. I never want a student to feel like they have failed if a skill doesn't stick right away and feel like they 'can't.' A more accurate statement might be 'I can't yet.' The goal is that we get a little bit better each day. With continued practice in class, through homework, studying notes, ALEKS, and IXL students will gain mastery with time and effort!
It is OKAY not to know, but it is NOT OKAY not to try!
STUDENTS WHO ARE ABSENT (for any reason):
Any day that you are absent you are expected to:
Log onto Google classroom to check the agenda
If possible, attempt the lesson or assignment listed on the agenda
Email me if you have any questions
If your book is at school, you can request to pick it up. You just need to email me, and I will send it to the office for pick up. I can also email you a copy of the lesson digitally. You just need to let me know what you need!
Each lesson has an interactive student edition through GoMath and an instructional video. I encourage you to use this resource as it will be very helpful when having to do a lesson on your own. (You can find the instructions on all weekly agendas)
HOMEWORK:
With most lessons, your homework will be the "practice and homework" page at the end of every lesson. This should be completed at the end of math class and at study hall time. Most days you will have enough time at school to get the "homework" completed as long as you are using your time and resources wisely.
Homework will not be turned in daily, but should be completed the day it is assigned. It will be due for turning in the day after the last homework for the week is assigned.
For example:
Monday: Lesson 1-3
Tuesday: Lesson 1-4
Wednesday: Lesson 1-5
Thursday: Lesson 1-6
Friday: Quiz
With this example schedule, you would have homework on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Friday morning, you would need to staple and turn in 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6. If there is a Friday homework assignment, then the stapled packet would be due Monday morning. The due date along with the homework assignment will be listed on the weekly agenda found on google classroom.
ALEKS and IXL
In addition to the regular class lessons, students will have to complete topics of learning on the ALEKS program.
First Quarter= 3 topics per week (27 point grade: 3 x 9 weeks)
Second Quarter= 4 topics per week (36 point grade: 4 x 9 weeks)
Third Quarter= 5 topics per week (45 point grade: 5 x 9 weeks)
Fourth Quarter= 6 topics per week (54 point grade: 6 x 9 weeks)
Students will also have to complete weekly assignments on IXL. Students must get to a smart score of 80 in order to get credit for the IXL. This does not mean they get an 80%. Students either get full credit if they get to 80 or above, or no credit if they are below 80. Specific IXL skills will be assigned with math lessons that they will complete during math (or homework if not finished).
Students will use RTI time to complete other IXL assignments, but if they need more time, they may need to complete it for Homework. The assignments take as long as it does the student to master the skill, so effort is key. If a student does not "get it," there are tutorials embedded in the program for them to use.
AR Points:
For the first quarter, students are expected to gain at least 10 AR points plus at least two books that are non-fiction. For the second quarter, they must get at least 12 points plus at least 2 non-fiction books. For the third quarter, they must get at least 12 points plus at least 2 non-fiction books. For the fourth quarter, they must get at least 14 points plus at least 2 non-fiction books. Students will have the opportunity to use my classroom library, as well as the other 6th grade class libraries, or their library special to check out books. The goal for students beyond just earning their points is to have an average comprehension score of at least 80%. Mrs. Hale will take grades on this for her class.
LIVESCHOOL/DISCIPLINE SYSTEM:
For our discipline/reward system, we will be using a program called Live School. It will join together the usual card pulling system with a mini economy that the kids will get to participate in. To sum it up in the most simple of ways, students will get $1 for showing up to school (or completing the work if an absence occurs). If a student has an infraction the student will “pull a card” and will be deducted money. If a student displays a positive behavior they can earn additional money.
Any money they earn can be used toward our classroom store. If you would like to donate to our classroom store, some items that would be helpful are extra school supplies, candy (small or large size), bags of chips or snacks, bottled water, cans of pop, or small items that you think a 6th grader might be motivated by. Of course this is optional, but any donation is greatly appreciated. We have an amazon wish list (see link below) with items if you need ideas, but shopping at a local store is perfectly fine if that works better for you! Thank you to those who have already donated!