6 West News

Friday, May 22, 2026

A Quick Note:

LAST NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR!

• 6W End of Year Celebration - May 28, 8:30am - THANK YOU for all of the families who are providing donations and help for this event.  Feel free to send in non-perishable items at any time to Scatizzi (I'd love to get the juice in the fridge by the day before).  If you are bringing donuts or fruit, our parent volunteers will be in Main Street that morning setting up.

• BOWLING FIELD TRIP:  On the last day of school, we will go to Tropicana Lanes - cost is $10 per child - .  Please send cash or check to Wydown to Dr. Hardt in a marked envelope - PLEASE send in by TUESDAY!  If students want to bring money for the snack bar/arcade, they are welcome to.

• Locker clean out - It will "officially" take place during Pack on Wed, 5/27.  Students are encouraged to start taking stuff home on Tuesday.  Bring an extra bag if needed!  Students may find random extra school supplies in their lockers - they can take them home or donate them to 6W for future kiddos.

• Pizza and Packing- If a 6West student wants to help Mrs. Wolbert pack up her room, she will supply the pizza!  Wednesday, May 27.  Please email me your RSVP and a favorite pizza topping.  TIA!

Upcoming Dates:

May 25 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day) 

May 26-27 - 

• Chromebooks + Chargers will be collected over these 2 days

• Science Ecosystem Project Showcase  - if you'd like to come by, this is when the students will have their projects on display in Scatizzi's room:

  • May 26:  1st period 8:45-9:30; 2nd period 10:15-11:00

  • May 27: 7th period 11:40-12:05 & 12:35-12:55; 8th period 1:40-2:25

• May 27 - Locker clean out during pack 

May 28 - 

• 8:30am - 6W Celebration Breakfast

• Yearbook Signing during Pack - bring a Sharpie or pen of choice! (No yearbook? We'll have an autograph sheet available.)

May 29 - Last day of school (B day - Early Release) - Schedule is below. (Students should wear tennis shoes - not renting bowling shoes).

• Attend 5th/6th period as normal

• Eat Lunch

• Bowling Field Trip to Tropicana

• Dismissal is 12:52

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We had a BLAST putting together our ecosystem dioramas.  Students created 3D mini versions of a Missouri Ecosystem.  They used craft supplies and creativity to create these models.  They used their knowledge from our unit to create written connections to their ecosystem.

• Next week we will have a museum display of our projects.  Feel free to come by at see their projects at the times listed in the calendar above.

• Thanks for sharing your kids with me.  My content is rigorous and they rose to the challenge.  They learned new vocabulary that may have felt like a foreign language class.  They learned how to write scientifically, pushing themselves to include evidence and details. They learned how to take comprehensive tests to display their knowledge. They experienced science field trips to Johnson Shuts, Fossil Hunting, Onondaga Cave, and the City Nature Challenge.  They did labs, collaborated, and (I hope) had some fun along the way.  Everyone grew SO MUCH as a learner and a citizen in my class.  I'm so proud of everyone.  

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

Thank you all for a wonderful year!  I am overcome with emotion seeing these NWEA scores come in!  I know it's just one data point, one day, but the kids have shown so much growth!  I can't wait for the 7th grade teachers to meet them!  

*Next week, I'll be sharing NWEA scores and asking the kids to bring home their NWEA reflection, drop file and Amplify Workbook..

*Summer math "opportunities" are listed under the Math Tab.

*As grades are getting finalized, please encourage your child to check Powerschools and grab an extra credit sheet if they are looking to increase by 2%..

*I'm an email away this summer if you have any questions.

I'm moving back to 8th grade!  So, this isn't goodbye.  This is see ya soon!

Jessica Wolbert

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

-This week, students had the opportunity to dive into their books to find possible themes with their Book Club groups.  They chose a final theme, and then students had the class period on Thursday/Friday to complete a CER.  Next week, we will wrap up our narrative drafts (we are just drafting these, so there won't be a final draft).  

-IMPORTANT NOTE: I have attached a copy of the Summer Reading Assignment here.  Students are expected to read a book (whatever book they choose) this summer, and then they have to fill in the Google Form linked on the assignment.  7th grade Literacy teachers will be expecting these assignments by the first day of school if possible. 

Thank you for supporting us over the course of the year! :) 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt): 

This week in Social Studies we are doing a laid back, self paced research dig into Industrial polution and our environment. Any work will be completed in class and we will wrap up and debrief next week, Monday A day and Tuesday B day. I am loving this strong end to a great year. Thank you for all of your support over the year!

6 West News

Friday, May 15, 2026

A Quick Note:

• 6W End of Year Celebration - May 28, 8:30am - A SignUp Genius was sent out in a separate email on Thursday.  Last I checked, it was almost!  Just a couple more donations needed.  

• BOWLING FIELD TRIP:  On the last day of school, we will go to Tropicana Lanes - cost is $10 per child.  Please send cash or check to Wydown to Dr. Hardt in a marked envelope.  

• Squishies and Fidget Toys -  To maintain a focused learning environment on 6West, we are not permitting fidget toys and other distracting personal items during class.  Students with documented accommodations that include the use of fidgets are, of course, permitted to use approved tools as outlined in their learning plan. Thank you for helping us keep our classroom productive and respectful for everyone as we near the end of the school year!

• Finishing the year strong - Please help your child monitor PowerSchool for any missing assignment or incomplete notations.

• Please alert the 6W teachers of any known absences - we especially need to know about the end of the school year to make sure there are no gaps in the grade book that would affect the 4Q report card.

Upcoming Dates:

May 25 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day) 

May 26-27 - 

• Chromebooks + Chargers will be collected over these 2 days (except for students attending Summer Academy)

• Science Ecosystem Project Showcase  - if you'd like to come by, this is when the students will have their projects on display in Scatizzi's room:

  • May 26:  1st period 8:45-9:30; 2nd period 10:15-11:00

  • May 27: 7th period 11:40-12:05 & 12:35-12:55; 8th period 1:40-2:25

May 28 - 

• 8:30am - 6W Celebration Breakfast

• Yearbook Signing during Pack - bring a Sharpie or pen of choice! (No yearbook? We'll have an autograph sheet available.)

May 29 - Last day of school (B day - Early Release) - Schedule is below. (Students should wear tennis shoes - not renting bowling shoes).

• Attend 5th/6th period as normal

• Eat Lunch

• Bowling Field Trip to Tropicana

• Dismissal is 12:52

Shout Outs:  

6W Townhall: We gather periodically to shout out kids on our team.  See the picture below the content updates for this round's recipients.

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• A few weeks ago, we participated in the City Nature Challenge to document local species for scientists.  I'm proud of the impact that 6W students made for this study:  We were 3rd place in St. Louis for both species observed and species identified.  Way to go!  Thanks again to all of my parent volunteers!

• Early in the week, we reviewed for our final assessment of the year and students took the test mid-week.  

• We ended the week by starting our final project:  3D Dioramas of Missouri Ecosystems where students showcase their connections to the ecology content they learned but applied to a natural environment in Missouri.  

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

The NWEA is Monday (Aday) and Tuesday (Bday)!  Please make sure to send your child to school rested, with a snack/water bottle, and something silent to do in case they finish earlier than others.  Students will review their scores from Fall and Winter as well as their reflections and goals before starting the assessment.  If they want to review these earlier, please remind them they are in their Google Drive.  

6th Grade Math: We have one more standard to complete and that is Box (and Whisker) Plots!  This measures the middle and spread of a set of data.  For the remainder of the quarter, students will be using current data from a survey given to all 6West students to complete an in-class "project".  They will work in pairs or trios to complete this assignment.  Any work assigned outside of class would be items not completed in class.  

6/7 Accelerated:  We finished up Unit 8 with sampling and probability.  We've been playing silly games of chance, which has been a fun way to end the unit.  There will be a Unit 8 Test next Friday.  We will review next Wednesday for it.  This will assess Data and Probability.  I don't want this test to cause stress- students should find it easy peasy and I will ensure they all end on a high note.  :-)

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, we continued with our adversity book clubs, and students were required to read their pages for week 4. All students should now be finished with their books!  Next week, students will be completing an in-class constructed response (CER format) about the major themes of their book club books.  

• Students have now completed their final STAR Reading test this week! 

• In the next week, we will also be finishing up drafts of a narrative scene in our writer's notebooks, and then we will add sensory details and dialogue.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):  This week in Social Studies, we started a mini-unit on Industrialization, Urbanization, Progress and the Environment. We studied the impact industries and waste have on our environment and how that trickles down to humans. We took a hard look at Coldwater Creek and Times Beach.  The students are SUPER hyped about this topic. And, dare I say a little outraged? Looking forward to a strong finish!  

6 West News

Friday, May 8, 2026

A Quick Note:

• BOWLING FIELD TRIP:  On the last day of school, we will go to Tropicana Lanes - cost is $10 per child.  Please send cash or check to Wydown to Dr. Hardt in a marked envelope.  

• Squishies and Fidget Toys -  To maintain a focused learning environment on 6West, we are not permitting fidget toys and other distracting personal items during class.  Students with documented accommodations that include the use of fidgets are, of course, permitted to use approved tools as outlined in their learning plan. Thank you for helping us keep our classroom productive and respectful for everyone as we near the end of the school year!

• Finishing the year strong - Please help your child monitor PowerSchool for any missing assignment or incomplete notations.

• Please alert the 6W teachers of any known absences - we especially need to know about the end of the school year to make sure there are no gaps in the grade book that would affect the 4Q report card.

Upcoming Dates:

May 25 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day) 

May 26-27 - Chromebooks + Chargers will be collected over these 2 days (except for students attending Summer Academy)

May 28 - Yearbook Signing during Pack - bring a Sharpie or pen of choice! (No yearbook? We'll have an autograph sheet available.)

May 29 - Last day of school (B day - Early Release) - Schedule is below. (Students should wear tennis shoes - not renting bowling shoes).

• Attend 5th/6th period as normal

• Eat Lunch

• Bowling Field Trip to Tropicana

• Dismissal is 12:52

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• Ecosystem Test will be Wed., 5/13 (A) and Thurs. 5/14 (B).  Students received this study guide on Mon/Tues.  All missing work is due by the test day and will not be accepted afterwards.  I have a review day scheduled for Mon. 5/11 (A) and Tues. 5/12 (B) but any students with missing work will be working on that instead of reviewing.

• We reviewed Symbiosis and ecosystem interactions by watching fun video clips of real-life animals and categorizing their relationships.  

• Energy Flow in Ecosystems was our next topic, where we reviewed a lot of old, familiar words:  Producer, Consumer, Decomposer, Herbivore, Omnivore, Carnivore, food chain, and food web.  We looked at a sample food web of the African Savanna to identify eating relationships.

• Students worked with their Missouri Ecosystem teams and used the Missouri Department of Conservation site to figure out what eats what.  The assignment for this topic is to create a color-coded food web for their MO Ecosystem.  This is due on Mon. 5/11 (A) and Tues. 5/12 (B).

• Finally, we learned about Native, Non-Native, and Invasive species.  We used a reading and an EdPuzzle to gain information.  Soon, they will be researching an invasive in their MO Ecosystem.  

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

The NWEA is Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19.

6th Grade Math: We are ending the year with Unit 8, Describing Data.  Students will learn how to calculate, organize and analyze the Center, Spread and Shape of a data set.  There will be a Sub-Unit Quiz over Lessons 1-10 next Friday, May 15.  After this, we will wrap up the unit with a data project related to a survey taken by all all 6West students.  Students will be bringing home the Unit 7 Test next week- a correction/reflection sheet will be assigned and a parent signature is required for credit.  Thank you for your time and attention to this!

6/7 Accelerated:  We are ending the year with Unit 8, Data Sets and Distributions.  Students took a Sub-Unit Quiz over the Data standards.  This score will be posted soon.  We will wrap up the year with Sampling and Probability.  We will do most of the work in class, so you may not see as much homework at home.  There will be an extension packet in their folder if they have extra time at home.  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, we continued with our adversity book clubs, and students were required to read their pages for week 3.  The breakdown of the pages that need to be read before particular dates can be accessed here if you need it.  Students received a hard copy of this handout during class as well. 

• During these last few weeks of school, we will be finishing up our book clubs, writing about our reading, and adding detail to our narrative scene.  

• Students will take their final STAR Test for Reading May 13th & 14th, next Wednesday and Thursday. 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt): This week, we took turns presenting our Humans Impact the Environment Research. The presentations were AMAZING!  Your students did a SUPER job! Some of them have a future in research writing or being a travel agent! haha. 

Next week we are going to start a mini-unit on the impact and consequential long term impact of radiation on our environment.  There should not be any homework for the remainder of this year. All work, from this week forward ~ can be finished during class. 

6 West News

Friday, May 1, 2026

A Quick Note:

• Finishing the year strong - Please help your child monitor PowerSchool for any missing assignment or incomplete notations.

• Please alert the 6W teachers of any known absences - we especially need to know about the end of the school year to make sure there are no gaps in the gradebook that would affect the 4Q report card.

• Session 2 of our Choice groups during Pack started on Thursday, April 30!  

Upcoming Dates:

May 25 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)

May 29 - Last day of school (Early Release) - Bowling Field Trip (more details to come!)

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• Science classes were chosen to meet with Mrs. Chellie McClellan from the All In Coalition.  By hearing and participating in this lesson, students will:

• Describe how alcohol and other depressant drugs affect the brain and body.

• Identify the real and perceived harms using alcohol and other depressant drugs.

• Gain awareness of the warning signs of alcohol poisoning.

• We completed a CER using data from our last lab about owls hunting mice.

• Next, we worked on our next set of vocabulary with an EdPuzzle and article:  Symbiosis, Mutualism, Commensalism, Parasitism.

• Next week, we will do activities about symbiotic relationships as well as work on energy roles and food webs.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

Students were given a progress report during class this week.  They were given time during class on the MAP days to work on missing/current work.  The crazy schedule the past couple of weeks forced us out of our routines a bit.

6th Grade Math: We wrapped up MAP testing and Unit 7 this week!  There will be a Unit Test on Monday (Aday) and Tuesday (Bday).  Students were given time in class to review, but Slide 21 of the Unit Outline has some review items. I'm still accepting Unit 6 Retakes, but I'd like these done ASAP.  Students can retake a test during Pack or after school.  

As you are making plans for summer, I wanted to encourage your child to use this assignment I made on Delta Math to help them prepare for 7th Grade Math.  It's really long-it's estimated to take 11+ hours.  There is no pressure to finish it.  Just an opportunity I wanted to share.  :-).   I will be listing other ideas under my "Math" tab on this website.

6/7 Accelerated:  This is an exciting time for our class!  MAP testing is over and we only have one more unit to get through!  Data and Stats is always a fun way to end the year!  

As you are making plans for summer, I wanted to encourage your child to use this assignment I made on Delta Math to help them prepare for 7/8 Accelerated.  It's really long- it's estimated to take 8+ hours.  No pressure, just an opportunity.  :-).   I will be listing other ideas under my "Math" tab on this website.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, we completed the MAP Test, and the students worked hard! 

• We continued with our adversity book clubs, and students were required to read their pages for week 2.  The breakdown of the pages that need to be read before particular dates can be accessed here if you need it.  Students received a hard copy of this handout during class as well. 

• During these last few weeks of school, we will be finishing up our book clubs, writing about our reading, and adding detail to our narrative scene.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt): This week in Social Studies, students were asked to review and reflect on their 4th quarter research report or project. They were assigned 2 tasks for the week (we've had shorted classes because of MAP):

•  Task #1: self - score their work.   

• Task #2: peer edit / score with 2 classmates

Next week, we will begin sharing out / presenting our work to our class.

6 West News

Friday, April 24, 2026

A Quick Note:

• The City Nature Challenge goes through the end of the day on Monday, April 27.  Students can earn extra credit if they use iNaturalist (with your permission) to make observations of wild organisms under my account.  User: sarahscatizzi; Password:  1234qwer

• The Week of April 27 is MAP testing.  6th Grade is testing Tuesday (Math) and Wednesday (ELA).  The week will be CABAB and there will be NO PACK Monday-Wednesday

• Finishing the year strong - Please help your child monitor PowerSchool for any missing assignment or incomplete notations.

• Please alert the 6W teachers of any known absences - we especially need to know about the end of the school year to make sure there are no gaps in the gradebook that would affect the 4Q report card.

Upcoming Dates:

Week of April 27 - MAP Testing (see above for more details) 

May 25 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)

May 29 - Last day of school (Early Release) - Bowling Field Trip (more details to come!)

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• Our Onondaga Trip was so fun last week!  Check out the pics using this link.

• This week we put together several of our concepts with an Owl/Mice Lab Simulation.  We practiced predator/prey, limiting factors, competition, carrying capacity and adaptations.  We also collected and analyzed data.  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures of the Owl/Mice lab in action.

• Next week, we will look at graphs of our Owl/Mice data and complete a CER to communicate the learning.

• We also participated in the City Nature Challenge this past Friday, gathering observations about biodiversity in our area.   

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

**We have been doing a lot of work in class- finishing up Unit 7 and previewing Unit 8.  I'm trying to teach as much content as I can before MAP testing.  The homework has been related to MAP prep.  Students have a Delta Math assignment called "Data and Stats" due Tuesday, April 28.  Here is the slideshow I'm sharing with my classess on Monday to give them an overview of how to prepare for the MATH MAP Test.  

6th Grade Math: We are finishing up Unit 7, Positive and Negative Numbers.  We will review for the Unit Test next week, which is scheduled for Monday, May 4 (Aday) and Tuesday, May 5 (Bday).  Slide 20 of the Unit Outline has some review items to help students prepare for the test.

6/7 Accelerated:  We started Unit 8, Data Sets and Distributions, this week.  I'm teaching through the priority standards related to data, which are 6th Grade Standards.  We will move Sampling and Probability after MAP testing is over.  Students got their Unit 7 Tests back and were asked to make corrections for homework.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week in Literacy,  we began our final unit! Students began reading their chosen book for the Adversity Book Club Unit.  The breakdown of the pages that need to be read before particular dates can be accessed here if you need it.  Students received a hard copy of this handout during class as well. 

• For week 1, we studied our main characters and the relationships they have with others.  I modeled how to jot about characters/traits/relationships as we began our whole-class read aloud of New Kid by Jerry Craft. Then students applied this to their own books. 

• During writing workshop, students are in the beginning stages of crafting a narrative scene.  They chose a conflict and created a main character.  We will continue to enhance these scenes over the coming weeks. 

• We ended the week with a mini-lesson on social issues that appear in books and how we can analyze the book through this lens.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt): 

• This week, students finished up their Humans Interact with the Environment Research notes. I will be scoring these notes twice: Check-Point #1 and for students who need some more work ~ Check-Point #2. Their grade on Check-Point #1 can ONLY go up. So, if you're looking at PowerSchool, check it out. 

• Next week, we have MAP testing, so we wil squeeze in some polishing and practicing of our research reports or presentations. Pretty, please ~ REMIND your 6th grader to drop a book in their backpack next week. 

6 West News - SPECIAL EDITION

Monday, April 20, 2026

City Nature Challenge Field Trip to Forest Park by bus - April 24 (based on the schedule below).  

NOTE:  I have not explained this field trip to the kids yet.  They will be getting information on Tues(A) & Wed (B).

April 24 City Nature Challenge Field Trip Schedule:

8:25-9:55 1st period (will miss 5th period elective)

9:58-11:23 2nd period (will miss 6th period elective)

11:48-1:16 7th period

1:19-2:44 8th period

• We will be using school iPads to collect data for a bioblitz.  This helps scientists understand the diversity of ecosystems around the world.  

• IT MAY RAIN! KIDS NEED TO BE PREPARED WITH A RAIN JACKET OR PONCHO! 

• EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: With parent permission, students can use a family device to load iNaturalist, login with my class credentials, and make observations Fri-Mon.  

6 West News

Friday, April 17, 2026

A Quick Note:

• City Nature Challenge Field Trip to Forest Park - April 24 (based on the schedule below).  I have just enough parent volunteers to take the trip but could definitely use more help during 1st, 7th, and 8th periods.  The smaller the groups, the better the experience.

April 24 City Nature Challenge Field Trip Schedule:

8:25-9:55 1st period

9:58-11:23 2nd period

11:48-1:16 7th period

1:19-2:44 8th period

• Next week (week of 4/20) the schedule is:  CABAB

Upcoming Dates:

April 24: City Nature Challenge Field Trip to Forest Park (organized by class period - see above)

The Week of April 27 is MAP testing.  6th Grade is testing Tuesday (Math) and Wednesday (ELA).  The week will be CABAB and there will be NO PACK Monday-Wednesday

Shoutout(s):  We were given many compliments from the hosts at the cave!  The kids were enjoyable, respectful and well prepared for the trip!  Thanks for Mrs. Scatizzi (and Mrs. Kee) for all your hard work and preparation!  

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• Early in the week, we continued our work on Predator-Prey relationships.  We reviewed limiting factors and carrying capacity through a graphing activity.  We added the word adaptation to our studies and did a "toothpick" lab to simulate predator-prey with various adaptations. 

• We enjoyed our visit to Onondaga Cave! I will compile the pics and put them in next week's newsletter.  After the field trip, the kids wrote a reflection that included many of the vocabulary words from our unit.  

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

On the cave tour... Students were reminded that math is everywhere!  And so is our humor.  :-)

Guide- "Each inch of the stalagmite equates to about 100 years.  This one is 14 feet tall!

Me- "Lets do the math!"

Student (with a confused look)- "We're in a cave!  I'm not doing math!"  

Guide- "This cave was founded in the 1800's!"

Student- "Mrs. Wolbert remembers!"

Me- "Ouch!"

6th Grade Math: This week, students quizzed over Negative Numbers and Absolute Value.  We will move onto Inequalities and Graphing on a Coordinate Plane next week, which wraps up Unit 7.  While we are meeting Unit 7 Standards in class, I will be posting MAP review for students to do outside of class.  When doing the practice, I've asked them to set a timer for 20-30 minutes.  The MAP test isn't timed, but I don't want them stressing over the preparation for the MAP.  I just think it's good for them to refresh math skills learned and practice taking this type of test.  Thank you in advance for your help at home with the review.

6/7 Accelerated:  This week, we finished Unit 7, Positive and Negative Numbers.  I postponed the Unit Test to Monday, April 20.  We will do a small review in class today.  Next week, we will begin Unit 8, Data Sets and Distribution, and prepare for the MAP test.  I will be posting MAP review for students to do outside of class and we will do practice related to current studies in class.  When doing the practice at home, I've asked them to set a timer for 30 minutes.  The MAP test isn't timed, but I don't want them stressing over the preparation for the MAP.  I just think it's good for them to refresh math skills learned and practice taking this type of test.  Thank you in advance for your help at home with the review.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week in Literacy,  students addressed and stamped their letters to the person they interviewed for their Family Interview Project. If students did not have an address of the person they interviewed, I told them to take the letter home and give it to their person whenever they get the address or see them next. A special thank you goes out to all of those who generously donated extra stamps to our classroom! 

• We continued to learn more about poetry this week as we read Kobe Bryant's famous poem, "Dear Basketball." Students identified figurative language, mood, tone, and theme within the poem, and then they answered some analysis questions that required deeper thinking about author's craft.

• Finally, students were placed into book clubs for our final unit of the year! Our adversity book clubs will require students to think deeply about the text and apply strategies and skills they have learned all year in class.   The breakdown of the pages that need to be read before particular dates can be accessed here if you need it.  Students received a hard copy of this handout during class as well.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):  

• This week in Social Studies we assigned and began working on our 3rd and final research goal for the Humans Interact with the Environment Research Project. We should finish our research this week and begin synthesizing our learning later in the week. 

• Next week students will begin writing and creating their final presentation of learning. All due dates and resources can be found in the Student H&E Google Slide Deck.

6 West News

Friday, April 10, 2026

A Quick Note:

• Onondaga Cave Field Trip - April 16:  

  • Some students still owe $15 for the Onondaga Field trip.  I put an entry into PowerSchool with an M notation if it hasn't been turned in (there is a checkmark if I received payment).

  • Students need to pack a sack lunch and a drink.  It does not have to be a disposable container - we have the ability to transport lunchboxes back and forth.  The following students requested to purchase a sack lunch from the cafeteria and don't need to bring one:  Alma, Ayla, Vaughan, Will R, Alex, Nora, Larry, Theo, Nick.

  • We will not be taking backpacks on the field trip and no electronic devices.  We'll channel the olden days and talk to peers and look out the window on the drive :).  Students will be checking in to a 6W classroom upon arrival to school and may leave belongings in that classroom if necessary.

  • Students need to dress in layers, as the cave is cool inside - having a hoodie or a jacket they can put on/take off is a good option.  They can do the super uncool yet convenient trick of tying it around their waist if they don't want to hold it.  If it looks like there will be rain, students need to be prepared with a waterproof jacket/poncho.  In that situation, a small bag (like a tote or drawstring cinchsack) may be brought along.

  • Students need to wear close-toes shoes:  sneakers or hiking boots.  We will be walking around the park to view the beautiful scenery and ecosystems. 

• City Nature Challenge Field Trip to Forest Park - April 24 (based on the schedule below).  I have just enough parent volunteers to take the trip but could definitely use more help during 1st, 7th, and 8th periods.  The smaller the groups, the better the experience.

April 24 City Nature Challenge Field Trip Schedule:

8:25-9:55 1st period

9:58-11:23 2nd period

11:48-1:16 7th period

1:19-2:44 8th period

Upcoming Dates:

April 15:  $15 for Onondaga Field Trip due (turn in to Scatizzi)

April 16: All day field trip to Onondaga State Park (pack a lunch!)

April 24: City Nature Challenge Field Trip to Forest Park (organized by class period - see above)

The Week of April 27 is MAP testing.  6th Grade is testing Tuesday (Math) and Wednesday (ELA).  The week will be CABAB and there will be NO PACK Monday-Wednesday

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• This week we added several new ecology terms to our toolbox:  limiting factors, carrying capacity, predation, and competition.  We used print resources, videos, and partner scenario activities to practice what these mean.  Next week, we will start applying those ideas to our Missouri Ecosystems.

• Thursday, April 16th is our Onondaga Cave field trip!  Bring a sack lunch!  All of the announcements about the trip are at the top of the page.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: This week, we started Sub-Unit 1, Negative Numbers and Absolute Values.  We will wrap up Lessons 1-6 and then review at the beginning of next week.  The Sub-Unit Quiz will be on Wednesday (4/15).  The students did great on the Unit 6 Test- please review their corrections/reflection with them, sign it, and send it back to school.  Another item to look out for is MAP prep material.

6/7 Accelerated:  This week, we explored multiplying and dividing signed numbers.  It's pretty simple- if the signs are the same, the answer is positive.  If the signs are different, the answer is negative.  :-).  There will be a We will begin next week by practicing all four operations.  We will end the unit with graphing on the coordinate place.  As of now, the Unit Test is next Friday, 4/17.  However, we have a busy week that week!  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• Important Note: We will be starting our book club unit soon, and it is about overcoming adversity.  Please read this letter about the book choices and email me at any time if you have questions or concerns.  Students ranked their top choices this week, and they will get their books next week some time.  

• This week in Literacy,  students finished their independent reading books to prepare for their book talk.  Book talks were due April 10th on the Padlet link in Google Classroom.  

• Students also learned about "Now & Then" poems. We read the example and created our own. 

• If you have not yet done so, please fill out this Google Form with the name and address of the person your child interviewed for their Social Studies project.  We have finished our letters, and I want to make sure the letters get to the correct place. :) 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):  

• This week in Social Studies, we rolled out and discussed all of our Humans Interact with the Environment Research, goals, tasks and questions.  Students have been hard at work examining how humans interact, impact, and effect the environment; inclusive of flora and fauna.  

• Next week, we will wrap up our research and begin organizing our notes and preparing to write our research reports.

6 West News

Thursday, April 2, 2026

A Quick Note:

• THANK YOU to Mrs. Wolbert for organizing a variety of Pack activities for 4th quarter!  Our next choice group day is 4/8.

• Onondaga Field Trip - April 16:  Fee is $15 cash or check to Wydown & turned in to Mrs. Scatizzi.  Students will need a sack lunch that day.  A big thank you to the parent volunteers who signed up!

• City Nature Challenge Field Trip to Forest Park - April 24 (based on the schedule below): I still need a parent volunteer to go during 1st period and 7th period - this trip cannot happen without another adult.  You have to be a registered volunteer (updated yearly) - information about volunteer registration can be found here.  Please email me if you are able to help me with this field trip.  

April 24 City Nature Challenge Field Trip Schedule:

8:25-9:55 1st period

9:58-11:23 2nd period

11:48-1:16 7th period

1:19-2:44 8th period

• For Mrs. Anderson's Literacy class, students will need to bring in a stamp to mail letters they wrote based on their Social Studies interview.  If you are willing to donate some extra stamps, please send them in to Mrs. Anderson.

Upcoming Dates:

April 3: NO SCHOOL

April 15:  $15 for Onondaga Field Trip due (turn in to Scatizzi)

April 16: All day field trip to Onondaga State Park (pack a lunch!)

April 24: City Nature Challenge Field Trip to Forest Park (organized by class period - see above)

The Week of April 27 is MAP testing.  6th Grade is testing Tuesday (Math) and Wednesday (ELA).  The week will be CABAB and there will be NO PACK Monday-Wednesday

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We have a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

6W Townhall: We gather periodically to shout out kids on our team.  See the picture below the content updates for this round's recipients.

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We reviewed the characteristics of life by observing a "visitor" in a petri dish - we were able to conclude that it was, in fact, NOT alive even though is had some of the characteristics of life.  

• Students were assigned one Missouri ecosystem to focus on this quarter and did their first round of research based on biotic/abiotic factors.  We use resources from the Missouri Department of Conservation for the majority of our research.  

• Have you ever heard the story about how the Gray Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone after almost being driving to extinction?  We used this phenomena to understand the interconnectedness of all the components of an ecosystem.  We will refer to this phenomena often during the unit to learn ecosystem concepts and them relate those concepts to our Missouri ecossytems.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: It's Crunch Time!  I have big goals for us to meet before MAP Testing!  In Class, will be begin and complete Unit 7, Positive and Negative Numbers.  During this time, I will be adding mini lessons related to Unit 8, Describing Data.  My plan is to work really hard on current standards in the classroom and assign homework related to MAP review/prep outside of the classroom.  If a student doesn't finish the practice assigned in class, this will be additional homework as well.  Parents- please monitor your child's planner and Powerschools to make sure they are keeping up with the MAP practice at home.  I will be busy monitoring their progress in class!  Thank you in advance for your help with this.

I will be returning the Unit 6 Test next week and another reflection/correction sheet will be assigned.  Overall the kids did really well on this test!  We have a strong group of Algebraic thinkers, which is cool to see!

6/7 Accelerated:  By the end of next week, students will have learned and practiced all four operations of signed rational numbers.  There will be a sub-unit quiz Wednesday, April 8 to assess signed numbers, absolute value and adding/subtracting signed rational numbers.  Students were given Task Cards to help them study.  While we finish this unit, we will begin to prepare for the MAP test.  Please look out for assignments related to this in addition to our classroom work.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• Important Note: We will be starting our book club unit soon, and it is about overcoming adversity.  Please read this letter about the book choices and email me at any time if you have questions or concerns.  

• This week in Literacy, students drafted their letters to the people they interviewed for their Social Studies project.  We will be finalizing these and mailing them soon!  If possible, your child will need to bring in a stamp to mail the letter.  They can bring it in and I will hold it for them until we address the envelope.  

• If you could, please fill out this Google Form with the name and address of the person your child interviewed.  I want to make sure the letters get to the correct place. :) 

• Students should be finishing up their independent reading book this week/weekend, and then they should jot ideas for their book talk.  Book talks are due on April 10th, and the book talk will need to be recorded on the Padlet link in Google Classroom.  You can read more about the book talk by clicking this link. 

• April is National Poetry Month! We will be voting on particular spoken-word poetry performances we watch in class. Additionally, we will be discussing the techniques and styles portrayed in each.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

This week in Social Studies we rooled out our Unit 4 Research Project. This week has been simple set up and a little surface research. Next week we will dig into the environment's ecosystem (flora & fauna only) and how humans impact the environment. Have a happy holiday!

6 West News

Friday, March 27, 2026

A Quick Note:

• Science Field Trip: Thursday, April 16: Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg, MO.  This field trip ties into the ecology unit, which has a focus on Missouri Ecosystems.  Parent volunteers are needed - Please email Mrs. Scatizzi if you are interested.  You have to be a registered volunteer (updated yearly) - information about volunteer registration can be found here.  

NOTE:  The fee for this trip is $15 per student, due by April 15 (cash or check to Wydown in an envelope - give to Scatizzi).   This field trip handout went home on Wednesday.  *If students want to order a sack lunch from the cafeteria, I have to submit those by April 1.  I will "take orders" early next week.  

• ANOTHER Science Field Trip:  Friday, April 24: The City Nature Challenge in Forest Park.  Each year, Wydown 6th Graders participate in the City Nature Challenge (a BioBlitz) where citizen scientists help identify the diverse species in their area.  This ties wonderfully into our Missouri Ecosystems unit.  I will take each of my classes to Forest Park (by bus) during the times listed below.   There is NO FEE for this trip.  NOTE: It is a B day, so 1st period will miss 5th period elective & 2nd period will miss 6th period elective - I will notify teachers.

I DESPERATELY NEED 1 PARENT VOLUNTEER PER CLASS for the City Nature Challenge. You have to be a registered volunteer (updated yearly) - information about volunteer registration can be found here.  Please email me if you are able to help me with this field trip.  

April 24 City Nature Challenge Field Trip Schedule:

8:25-9:55 1st period

9:58-11:23 2nd period

11:48-1:16 7th period

1:19-2:44 8th period

• For Mrs. Anderson's Literacy class, students will need to bring in a stamp to mail letters they wrote based on their Social Studies interview.  If you are willing to donate some extra stamps, please send them in to Mrs. Anderson.

• We are offering Choice Groups during Pack Time this quarter!  After surveying the kids, the 5 main options are:  Exercise and Games, STEM, Art, Volunteer/Service and Quiet, Chill Time.  Your child will be given their group on Monday, March 30 and the first meeting will be March 31.  The groups will meet about 5 times over the next few weeks.  We will then have a second session to finish out the quarter.  We will still have "HOP" days regularly to allow kids time to do homework and get help from other teachers.

Upcoming Dates:  

April 3: NO SCHOOL

April 15:  $15 for Onondaga Field Trip due (turn in to Scatizzi)

April 16: All day field trip to Onondaga State Park (pack a lunch!)

April 24: City Nature Challenge Field Trip to Forest Park (organized by class period - see above)

Week of April 27: MAP testing.

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We have a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter.

 **Let's fill up this space next week!  Tell us some awesome stuff about your kids!**

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We had a great kick off to our Ecology Unit!  Students have learned that our focus will be on Missouri Ecosystems.  We spent time getting to know the 9 main ecosystems in Missouri.

• Next, we pondered "How do you know something is living?" and the students realized it's a lot harder to explain than you'd think.  We dove into a lesson about the characteristics of life.

• To end the week, we took a walk around the neighborhood and made observations about the environment around us.  Next week, students will be assigned one Missouri ecosystem to focus on for a quarter-long project.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: We are wrapping up our Expressions and Equations unit this week by representing relationships in tables, graphs and equations.  The unit test is Wednesday, April 1 (Aday) and Thursday, April 2 (Bday).  There will be a review slide in the unit outline to help students study outside of class.  Main ideas that will be assessed include:  solving one-step equations, the distributive property, order of operations and 2-variable relationships.  Here is a summary of each lesson and a practice problem that goes along with it if you want to help your child study at home.

6/7 Accelerated:  We have started Unit 7, Positive and Negative Numbers, by exploring and comparing signed numbers and defining absolute value.  Next week, students will learn all four operations of signed numbers.  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week in Literacy, we went over the requirements for the book talk again.  Book talks are due on April 10th, and the book talk will need to be recorded on the Padlet link on Google Classroom.  You can read more about the book talk by clicking this link. 

• Students have been going over their transcripts for their interviews from Social Studies this week.  We began drafting a letter to the subjects of those interviews, and we will be mailing them within the next couple of weeks.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

Welcome back. I hope everyone had a restful and FUN Spring Break. I traveled, by train, through the Rocky Mountains in Canada! What a beautiful trip!  This week in Social Studies we are introducing and setting up our 4th quarter unit and learning project. 

This quarter our focus will be on How humans interact and impact the environment.  There is a unit project. MOST of this quarter's work should be able to be completed in class. If your student is doing excessive amounts of Social Studies work at home, please shoot me an email so I can check in on them. Thanks and I am looking forward to a strong 4th quarter finish!

6 West News

Friday, March 13, 2026

A Quick Note:

• Science Field Trip: Thursday, April 16: Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg, MO.  This field trip ties into the ecology unit, which has a focus on Missouri Ecosystems.  Parent volunteers are needed - Please email Mrs. Scatizzi if you are interested.  You have to be a registered volunteer (updated yearly) - information about volunteer registration can be found here.  

NOTE:  The fee for this trip is $15 per student, due by April 15 (cash or check to Wydown in an envelope - give to Scatizzi).   This field trip handout will go home in planners after spring break.

Changes to the A/B/C Calendar:

• Week of April 20th- CABAB

• Week of April 27th- CABAB

• May 15th- C Day

Upcoming Dates:

March 16-20 NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK

March 26:  3rd quarter grades are final

April 3: NO SCHOOL

April 16: All day field trip to Onondaga State Park (pack a lunch!)

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We have a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

Emma R.:  Emma just celebrated her 12th birthday!  She loves to be super helpful at home! 

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• This week the students engineered a building to withstand the earthquake forces of my shake table.  We had a BLAST doing this project!  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures of the students building their structures.

• When we return from Spring Break, we will be in our final unit:  Missouri Ecosystems. Our topic is ecology and the 6th grade science teachers developed a "place based" unit where students could learn about life/environments around them.  The Onondaga Cave field trip ties into this topic perfectly.  Missouri is the Cave State!  Also, we hike around Onondaga to see other natural ecosystems that are around the park.  

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: We will wrap up Unit 6, Expressions and Equations, after Spring Break.  We will finish with simplifying expressions with exponents and representing relationships using tables, equations and graphs.  The test is scheduled for the week of March 30.  I was able to meet with most of the students this week about missing work.  I'm happy to accept late work from the current unit (Unit 6) after Spring Break. 

6/7 Accelerated:  We wrapped up Unit 6, Percents and More Proportional Relationships.  We will begin Unit 7, Positive and Negative Numbers, after Break.  Ask your child about terminating and repeating decimals.  We did some exploration before Break!

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• We finished up quarter 3 this week by writing our theme analysis of Bamboo People.  Students were required to develop a common theme in the book, and then they found three pieces of evidence from the text to support their theme.  They then had to give reasoning that tied back to their claim.  

• We also finished up the visual component of the theme analysis.    You can read more about the project and the requirements by clicking on this link.    

• The theme analysis paragraph (CER) and the visual theme project were both due 3/13.  However, these grades will be entered for quarter 4 because I want to give students the opportunity to read my feedback on the rubric and revise if they would like a better grade.  

• Students received their book talk assignment two weeks ago, and they should now be reading an independent reading book of their choosing.  The book talks are not due until April 10th, so there is time to read the book and complete the book talk video on Padlet.  You can read more about the book talk by clicking this link. 

• Just a reminder that we read independently in class, but students should also be reading at home whenever possible! 

• I hope you and your family have a wonderful Spring Break! :) 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

We are wrapping up our 3rd Quarter unit, Movement & Migration. Monday and Tuesday were the last work days before our Unit assessment and our final project share out. Wednesday was the Unit 3 Common Assessment and Identity Share Outs were Thursday and Friday.  All study and preparation materials can be found in our Google Classroom. 

When we return from Spring break, we wil begin our 4th and final unit, Humans Interact and Impact the Environment. We will look at the impact humans have had and are having on our environment. Thank you for all your trust and support this year! I'm looking forward to a strong finish! Have a terrific Spring Break holiday!

6 West News

Thursday, March 5, 2026

A Quick Note:

Changes to the A/B/C Calendar:

• Week of April 20th- CABAB

• Week of April 27th- CABAB

• May 15th- C Day

Science Field Trip: Thursday, April 16: Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg, MO.  This field trip ties into the ecology unit, which has a focus on Missouri Ecosystems.  Parent volunteers are needed - Please email Mrs. Scatizzi if you are interested.  You have to be a registered volunteer (updated yearly) - information about volunteer registration can be found here.  NOTE:  There will be a fee associated with this trip that will be communicated soon.  

Upcoming Dates:

Week of March 9: Spring Conferences 

March 13: Early Release Day

March 16-20 NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK

April 3: NO SCHOOL

April 16: All day field trip to Onondaga State Park (pack a lunch!)

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We have a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

6W Townhall: We gather periodically to shout out kids on our team.  See the picture below the content updates for this round's recipients.

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We used Mon/Tues to review for the assessment we took this week.  There was a whole group review followed by time for students to review labs, ask questions, and use class time for studying.

• We took our Plate Tectonics test on Wed/Thurs.

• Next week, we will finish the quarter by creating buildings to withstand earthquake forces on our classroom shake table.  They will be adding to their portfolio slideshow.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

As we near the end of Quarter 3, I want to remind students that Extra Credit is due Friday, March 13.  You can find options in the blue basket near my door.  If you complete one, correctly, you will receive an increase of 2% to your overall grade.

6th Grade Math: We are in the middle of Unit 6, Expressions and Equations.  Students took the sub-unit quiz this week.  We will continue Sub-Unit 3 next week by exploring exponents and applying order of operations to multi-step expressions.  We will end the unit after Spring Break.  As of now, the Unit 6 Test will be Thursday, April 1 (Aday) or Friday, April 2 (Bday).  

6/7 Accelerated:  We are wrapping up our unit on Percents!  We have spent this week exploring percent change.  Next week, we will wrap up the unit and review.  The Unit 6 Test is scheduled for next Wednesday, March 11 (It's a Cday).  We are in the middle of math competition season!  I've listed two opportunities below:

1) The Mustang Math Tournament is Saturday, March 28 at Parkway Central Middle School.  8am-5pm. Get a group of 3-4 friends to participate in this unique experience.  This is NOT a school sponsored event.

2) Purple Comet Math Meet is Thursday, April 16 after school in my room.  We will meet till 4:15.  This is a world-wide contest!  It's difficult, but all the answers are positive integers!

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• It has been a busy week in Literacy Class! We discussed the many themes of Bamboo People, and then students chose a theme and completed the theme graphic organizer on Google Classroom.  It is very important that students have this completed by the end of the weekend because we will use these to write our CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) next week.  Students will be finding three pieces of evidence to support their theme, and then they will need to justify with reasoning.  

• Students also learned about the visual component/project for their theme CER.  Each student will need to pick a style (collage, narrated video, scrapbook, diorama, poster, Google Slides, etc.) to visually convey their chosen theme.  This will be due by next Friday before Spring Break.  You can read more about the project and the requirements by clicking on this link.  

• Additionally, we learned more about embedding quotes in our text and how to properly cite them.  We are continuing to practice. :) 

• Students received their book talk assignment last week, and they should now be reading an independent reading book of their choosing.  The book talks are not due until April 10th, so there is time to read the book and complete the book talk video on Padlet.  You can read more about the book talk by clicking this link. 

• We read independently in class, but students should also be reading at home whenever possible! 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• I can NOT believe we are wapping up 3rd quarter. Jeez, time flies! This week we are finishing our Immigration Identities. Students created a fictional character, from ANY country in he world, and built a story of immigration. 

• NEXT week, we will share out our stories! This was meant to be a FUN learning experience and a way to practice research, writing and public speaking in a safe place. Have a GREAT weekend!

6 West News

Friday, February 27, 2026

A Quick Note:

• Spring Parent-Teacher Conference Sign Ups: A link for spring conference sign-ups was shared in Dr. Jordan's weekly newsletter last Sunday.  Conferences are held during the week of March 9, with many Zoom options available.  In person conferences will be on the evening of March 10. For the 6W team, you will sign up by last name. If you want conferences with any elective teachers, you need to do those separately. 

  • To sign up for conferences, click here or paste this url into your browser: https://www.schoolbookings.net/code/u4dc2

  • If you need to make changes or additions to your bookings, please go to: https://www.schoolbookings.net/code/u4dc2, and enter this code if needed: u4dc2 OR, follow the confirmation link sent to your email address.

  • Please remember that sign-ups close at noon on Thursday, March 5th to ensure our teachers have time to thoughtfully prepare for your time together.

Can't make Spring Conferences or don't feel the need to attend at this time?  Please let us know- we are happy to send you a quick update via email!

• Fidgets/Squishies:  We would prefer squishies be smaller than your hand.  The size keeps getting larger and students are starting to pass them and trade them.  It's getting too distracting and lets not forget it's FLU season!  

Upcoming Dates:

March 5:  last day to sign up for Spring Conferences

Week of March 9: Spring Conferences

March 13: Early Release Day

March 16-20 NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK

April 5: NO SCHOOL

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We have a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

**Let's fill up this space next week!  Tell us some awesome stuff about your kids!**

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• To understand how tectonic plates move, scientists studied temperature differences in those area.  To practice this, we did a series of labs about heating/cooling of particles so that we could have background knowledge to apply to plate movement.  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures of our Matter & Energy labs.

• Next, we did series of labs called Mechanisms of Plate Movement  - we applied our knowledge of particle movement.  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures of our Mechanisms of Plate Movement Labs. 

• Students got back their open-notes assessment about plate boundaries.  Per usual, I used an extensive checklist to show them what level of details need to be present to show their knowledge.  Since this was open notes, I was seeing if they could apply the concepts that we had been studying to finding evidence of plate boundaries.

• An end of quarter test has been scheduled for:  3/4 (A) and 3/5 (B).  This study guide was given out on Wednesday of this week.  Students have also had the opportunity to work through an in-class study activity called Dynamic Earth Webquest.  Additionally, a Wayground practice set has been linked in Google Classroom on Wed. 2/25.  The best way to study is for your child to teach someone else about what they have been learning.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

Ms. Tucker and Ms. Holyan were here to visit every Math Class on Wednesday.  They used The Myers-Briggs to help our students understand themselves as people and learners.  Please take a minute to ask your child what they learned about themselves.  Are you an extrovert or an Introvert?  Are you a Thinker or a Feeler?

6th Grade Math: We have finished up our work with solving one-step equations.  At this point, students are able to solve a one-step equation, which includes fractions and decimals, using the inverse operation.  We did a lot of practice in class, but please use Delta Math if you want more practice.  We will begin to look at variables and how the value can change this week.  We will also decide if two expressions are equal.  Some students would like to retake the Unit 5 Test- they cannot do this without filling out the blue retake form and doing some practice.  Retakes mainly happen in pack or after school. 

6/7 Accelerated:  This week, we are learning how to calculate percent change.  This includes percent increase and decrease as well as percent error.  Students participated in the MML last Friday.  It's a fun (I think :-), multiple choice contest that challenges the kids to apply their skills in 30 novel questions.  Congrats to the top 2 scorers in our class:  Evren Carter and Nora Sommerville.  Almost all of our classmates scored above 15/30, which is really hard to do!  I'm lucky to teach this large group of mathletes!

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week in Literacy, we discussed the requirements for students' independent reading project.  Students have been assigned to read an independent reading book & create a book talk on Padlet.  The book talk must contain certain elements we discussed in class.  

• The requirements for the book talk are linked here.    All handouts can also be found on your child's Google Classroom. 

• Students watched a series of book trailers at the beginning of the week and added books that looked interesting to their TBR (To Be Read) List.  We then went to our school library to renew and/or check out books.  

• I have told students that they should be checking in with their parents to discuss their chosen books & to make sure parents approve of what they are reading.  They are also not allowed to read a graphic novel for this assignment. (Graphic novels are wonderful, but it is also great to try new genres. :) 

• We have been discussing the author's use of symbolism in Bamboo People, and students created a one pager about the symbolism they found.  This was due at the end of the week.  

• Last, students learned about different strategies to identify theme in books.  They practiced finding theme in smaller excerpts, and then they began to trace theme throughout Bamboo People.  They will be using their findings to complete a long write about the themes of Bamboo People next week.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• This week in social studies, we are digging in to and buuilding our immigration identities. We will use these fictional characters to build research skills and learn from one another in a full class round table share out. 

• Next week we will finish up our identities and save one day to review for the 3rd quarter common assessment ~ which is Wednesday, March 11. 

6 West News

Friday, February 20, 2026

A Quick Note:

• Get well wishes for Dr. Hardt: She had a successful procedure this week to address her heart issues.  We are thankful that all went well!  She will be off for several days for recovery.

• Spring Parent-Teacher Conference Sign Ups: A link for spring conference sign-ups will be shared in Dr. Jordan's weekly newsletter on Sunday.  Conferences are held during the week of March 9, with many Zoom options available.  In person conferences will be on the evening of March 10. For the 6W team, you will sign up by last name.  

• Donate Pennies for the Science Fair: On March 29, CHS is hosting the science fair.  Other science activities and demos will be happening at the event.  We are looking for penny donations to use for a chemistry demo... the shinier the better.  If you have any you'd be willing to donate, please send them into Mrs. Scatizzi.

• Tech "reset":  Dr. Jordan has been reminding students that personal devices and headphones/earbuds may not be used once they enter the building.  Devices will be confiscated.  Also, wireless headphones may not be worn as an accessory.

• Fidgets/Squishies:  We would prefer squishies be smaller than your hand.  The size keeps getting larger and students are starting to pass them and trade them.  It's getting too distracting and lets not forget it's FLU season!  

Upcoming Dates:

Week of March 9: Spring Conferences

March 13: Early Release Day

March 16-20 NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK

April 5: NO SCHOOL

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  Here's a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

Alex: Won a 5th place medal in regional Science Olympiad!

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• This week we revisited our engineering project and learned about support structures that are used for earthquakes.  Students built base isolation systems that we tested on our shake table.  We had a good laugh at a few failures and carefully observed the ones that worked better.  Students communicated their results with a paragraph of writing.  (Wish I would have taken some pictures/video but I was running the shake table.  We had a blast!)

• We ended the week by reviewing how particles move at different energy levels.  This sets us up for how and why tectonic plates move.  Next week we will do a series of labs about particle movement followed by mechanisms of plate movement.

• Heads up - an end of unit test will be given on 3/4 (A) and 3/5(B).  A study guide will go home a week prior.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: This week, we started to solve one-step equations.  Students should use the inverse operation to solve, but if they get stuck, they can draw a diagram.  As of now, Practice 6.6.1-6.6.4 has been assigned.  I didn't get many test corrections back, so please remember to review the corrections and sign the reflection so your child can get credit.  I'd like retakes done by the end of the week.

6/7 Accelerated: We wrapped up the 6th Grade Standards related to Percentages.  We will move onto Percent Change next week, which is a 7th Grade Standard.  The MML was fun!  Hope to post scores in PowerSchools before class on Tuesday (This is NOT for a grade!).  The deadline for Unit 5 Retakes ended today.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, we finished Bamboo People! 

• Next week, we will be digging into some of the themes of the book and writing an extended CER paragraph with evidence from the text. 

• I had quite a few students who did not turn in some of their assignments and quizzes.  It would be greatly appreciated if you could touch base with your child and make sure they have completed their weekly assignments in Literacy.  

• You can click on this unit guide to see the required assignments for your child. This guide also gives the pages that need to be read each week.  

• The Bamboo People Resources Website is linked here.  Students can access the text on this website (if they forget their book), the audio if they would like to listen and follow along, chapter guides, descriptions of characters, and more! 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

This week in Social Studies we are starting a mini-project. Students will create an immigrant identity. They will create this ficticious identity, build a life for it, and create a story about the identity's experience immigrating to America. Our culminating activity and assessment will be a share out of our stories. We should be able to get most or all of the work done in class. Next week, we will continue to add depth to our identities! 

6 West News

Thursday, February 12, 2026

A Quick Note:

• Charging Chromebooks - It's imperative that students charge their Chromebooks nightly and also bring their charging cord to school.  Thank you in advance for your help in setting up a system for your child.

• In Pack on Feb. 5, your child should have registered for 7th grade classes.  If they missed this OR if you want to make any changes, the deadline for registration is Feb. 15.  Here is the slideshow about course selections and how to do it in PowerSchool.  Please contact Mrs. Tucker if you need help: liztucker@claytonschools.net

Upcoming Dates:

Feb. 15:  Deadline for 7th grade registration in PowerSchool (your child should have completed during Pack on Feb. 5)

Feb. 13 & 16: NO SCHOOL

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We decided to start a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

**Let's fill up this space next week!  Tell us some awesome stuff about your kids!**

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• This week we wrapped up our "discovering plate boundaries unit".  Students did some final collaboration with their teams to answer questions about data maps that correspond to the tectonic plate boundaries.

• Students also took an open notes assessment using CER to identify types of boundaries.  This assessment showcased students' abilities to use evidence to prove a claim.  

• Next week we will do a bit more with our engineering project of designing buildings with earthquake support before continuing our studies of plate tectonics.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: We wrapped up our Decimal Arithmetic Unit and tested this week!  Next week, we will begin Unit 6.6, Expressions and Equations.  If your child benefits from pre-teaching or previewing content, Khan Academy has videos and exercises compiled for this unit.  Here is the link.  Ask your child about the country they are following during the Winter Olympics!  We are doing an informal data collection on the percent of gold medals and their rank.

6/7 Accelerated: This week, we learned how to find percents of a number and unknown percents.  I did a small sub-unit quiz today to check in with their progress.  No new homework was assigned over the long weekend- please ask your child to focus on test corrections and the retake if they need it.  Next week, we will explore percent change.

During class next Friday, we will be participating in the Missouri Math League contest.  The MML is hosted by The Math League who states, "Math contests give students an educationally enriching opportunity to participate in an academically-oriented activity and to gain recognition for mathematical achievement."  Wydown's accelerated math students have been participating in this contest for years!  Although it's just for fun, if a student scores high enough, they will be invited to a summer camp!  :-)

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, we read our next section of Bamboo People .  The required pages to read are 137-197.  Students also have a comprehension quiz to take for week 3.  (Reminder: Students can listen to the audio and follow along in their books!)

• We will have some class time to work on these tasks each week, but it is likely that some of these tasks will need to be finished at home.  

• I had quite a few students who did not turn in their week 1 AND 2 assignments.  It would be greatly appreciated if you could touch base with your child and make sure they have completed their weekly assignments in Literacy.  

• You can click on this unit guide to see the required assignments for your child. This guide also gives the pages that need to be read each week.  

• The Bamboo People Resources Website is linked here.  Students can access the text on this website (if they forget their book), the audio if they would like to listen and follow along, chapter guides, descriptions of characters, and more! 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

This week, in Social Studies, we have been reviewing and preparing for the 3rd Quarter Common Assessment. The assessment will not be till March 11. But, our content this quarter has been a little chalenging. 

Next Week, we will start a fun project. It will button up our learning in a fun way. Students will be creating an immigration identity, research the likely immigration experience would have been like and create an immigration story.  That will take the remainder of 3rd quarter! Ask your historian to share their immigration story with you. 

6 West News

Friday, February 6, 2026

A Quick Note:

• In Pack on Feb. 5, your child should have registered for 7th grade classes.  If they missed this OR if you want to make any changes, the deadline for registration is Feb. 15.  Here is the slideshow about course selections and how to do it in PowerSchool.  Please contact Mrs. Tucker if you need help: liztucker@claytonschools.net

• Many children do not have PENCILS.  Pencils may seem trivial, but think about trying to teach a class and many students have nothing to write with.  There were hundreds of pencils ordered for our classrooms at the beginning of the year and they are all gone. A box of 24 was donated to Mrs. Scatizzi earlier this week and they were all gone by Thursday. Can you please have your child show you if they have pencils in their backpack?  Thank you in advance!

Upcoming Dates:

Feb. 15:  Deadline for 7th grade registration in PowerSchool (your child should have completed during Pack on Feb. 5)

Feb. 13 & 16: NO SCHOOL

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We decided to start a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

**Let's fill up this space next week!  Tell us some awesome stuff about your kids!**

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• It was a fascinating week using map evidence of volcanoes, earthquakes, elevation, and sea-floor age to make connections to the tectonic plate boundaries.  Each student became an expert on one of the maps and shared their findings with a group of classmates that studied the other maps.  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures of our MAP JIGSAW organized by PERIOD.

• We learned about what happens at each plate boundary type (divergent, convergent, and transform) through guided notes and using paper models.  This allowed students to make more connections to the data maps they studied.  

• Next week, students will take an open notes assessment to showcase their knowledge about the maps activities + notes that we used to introduce the section of our unit on plate tectonics.  Students should not need to study for this assessment - everythings was reviewed extensively in class in multiple ways and they are able to use any/all notes.  

• ALL MISSING WORK is due by:  Mon 2/9(A) or Tues 2/10(B).  Missing work has a notation in the PowerSchool gradebook.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: We are wrapping up Unit 5, Decimal Arithmetic this week.  We have spent most of the week practicing and applying all four operations.  The Unit Test is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 12.  Students will be given time in class on Monday/Tuesday to prepare, but will need to put in extra review time at home.  There is a review slide on our unit outline they can use.

6/7 Accelerated:  We started Unit 6, Percentages and More Proportional Relationships.  This week, our focus was benchmark percents and finding percent of a number using a double number line or benchmark percents.  This unit is a mix of 6th and 7th grade standards.  Students got their Unit 5 Test back today and were asked to reflect, make corrections and get a sheet signed by a parent.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, we read our next section of Bamboo People .  The required pages to read are 65-134.  Students also have a slideshow with questions to answer and a comprehension quiz to take if they did not finish these assignments in class.

• We will have some class time to work on these tasks each week, but it is likely that some of these tasks will need to be finished at home.  

• I had quite a few students who did not turn in their week 1 assignments.  It would be greatly appreciated if you could touch base with your child and make sure they have completed their weekly assignments in Literacy.  

• You can click on this unit guide to see the required assignments for your child. This guide also gives the pages that need to be read each week.  

• The Bamboo People Resources Website is linked here.  Students can access the text on this website (if they forget their book), the audio if they would like to listen and follow along, chapter guides, descriptions of characters, and more! 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• This week students are transcribing and polishing their Family History Interviews.  They should double check they have credit for the interview recording and have their transcribed interview ready by the end of Friday.  Of course, any student needing more time can simply let me know and I will happily work with them.  

• Next week, we are BACK to our Movement & Migration Unit.  We will examine how culture and aspects of culture move and migrate, along with humans. 

6 West News

Friday, January 30, 2026

A Quick Note:

• WATER ONLY in the classrooms- Please remember that only water can be brought into the classrooms.  It is really hard for the teachers to be the bad guys making students throw away expensive Starbucks & alike drinks.  Our custodians thank you for helping avoid sticky surfaces and curious critters.

• We feel like a broken record here... many students never have PENCILS.  Could you please have your child open their backpack and show you if they have pencils?  Thank you in advance!

• Did you know only 4% of females globally choose a career in CS/Engineering? And at Wydown this semester, female students make up only 18% of students in our amazing STEM electives!  On Monday, February 2, there will be an info session in the library for girls who may be interested in a STEM elective.

Upcoming Dates:

Feb. 5:  7th grade registration happens in Pack

Feb. 13 & 16: NO SCHOOL

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We decided to start a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

JP:  JP Price and his soccer team TowerGrove Soccer Club had an UNDEFEATED season and won their division with JP in goal, having several shut-outs. His second team placed 2nd in the division and both teams have advanced to a higher division with JP serving as Captain of both teams. 

6W Townhall: We gather periodically to shout out kids on our team.  See the picture below the content updates for this round's recipients.

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We began our studies of plate tectonics by learning about Alfred Wegener and his theory of Continental Drift.  We made Pangea puzzles that documented his evidence and wrote a CER about his theory.  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see a few Pangea Puzzle pics.  

• We also got out current world maps populated with data about volcanos, earthquakes, seafloor age, and elevation - we analyzed these maps and made connections to the plate boundaries.  This is a great way for students to see what's happening at the plate boundaries before we assign names to the types of boundaries (convergent, divergent, transform - that will happen next week!) Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see a few Data Maps pics.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

We will not have Math Class Wednesday, February 4!  Ms. Tucker and Jani Hoylan a parent educator from the Family Center, will be doing a presentation.  The goal is to help our kiddos learn more about themselves as people and learners.

6th Grade Math:  We wrapped up our sub-unit on Dividing Decimals this week.  There will be a quiz Monday (Aday) and Tuesday (Bday) over this concept.  The rest of the unit is applying all four operations of decimals.  We will revisit finding a percent of a number too!  As of now, the Unit Test will be Wednesday, February 11 (Aday) and Thursday, February 12 (Bday).

6/7 Accelerated: We are finishing our Proportional Relationships Unit with Area of Circles.  We will review in class today (Friday) and there will be a Unit Test on Tuesday, February 3.  I will provide a review slide, as usual, on the Unit Outline to help students prepare for this.  Friendly reminder- sub-unit quiz corrections are due before the Unit Test.  Our next unit is Percentages and More Proportional Relationships- content will be 7th grade standards as well.  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• Students began reading Bamboo People this week! This week's required pages to read are 3-64.  Students also have a slideshow with questions to answer and a comprehension quiz to take if they did not finish these assignments in class.

• We will have some class time to work on these tasks each week, but it is likely that some of these tasks will need to be finished at home.  

• You can click on this unit guide to see the required assignments for your child. This guide also gives the pages that need to be read each week.  

• The Bamboo People Resources Website is linked here.  Students can access the text on this website (if they forget their book), the audio if they would like to listen and follow along, chapter guides, descriptions of characters, and more! 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

Wow! What a start to 2026. Another sneak attack of A-Fib with RVR. The students are pivoting and handling my absences with grace! Even a positive note from our Guest Teacher. 

• This week students did lessons on stories of immigration and jounies of immigrants. 

• Next week, we will take a short break form Movement & Migration to do a mini-unit on Paraphrasing. 

• I apologize for not having social studies grades updated, but will have them entered & up to date by the end of day, tomorrow. I appreciate your grace and kindness during this time! 

6 West News

Friday, January 23, 2026

A Quick Note:

• Help us send get well wishes to Dr. Hardt as she continues to navigate a medical issue.  She was out this week but hopes to be back next week.  In the mean time, thank you for your understanding and flexibility.  The other 6th grade social studies teachers have been supporting the substitute during her absence.  

• PENCILS!  PENCILS! PENCILS! Please, please, please check with your child to see if they have any pencils.  Many of our students request a pencil every single time they come to class and we have run out.  

• Now that 3Q is a few weeks in, grades are being posted in PowerSchool.  Please help your child monitor missing work by checking regularly for notations about missing work - an M will appear for the assignment.  

• Learning Lounge will be meeting next week, January 27, in Dr. Hardt's room from 3:15-4:15.

Upcoming Dates:

Jan. 27:  Mrs. Tucker (counselor) visits our team to talk about scheduling for 7th grade

Feb. 5:  7th grade registration happens in Pack

Feb. 13 & 16: NO SCHOOL

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We decided to start a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

Nathan: Since moving from Australia to the United States in 2024, Nathan has shown incredible growth—embracing new challenges like learning Spanish and the clarinet. We are so proud of his courage and enthusiasm as he explores this exciting new frontier!

Daphne:  The only 6th grader to make the girls basketball team at Wydown!  She is fierce on the court!

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We had so much fun this week working on our earthquake engineering project!  The students were tasked with creating a simple structure out of either wood, metal, or bamboo to test on our shake table.  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see action pictures of the construction.  

• Want to see the buildings being tested on the shake table?  I posted the videos in Google Classroom - ask your kid to show you. :)

• Next week we will look at maps and evidence of tectonic plate movement.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: This week, students learned long division.  We started with no remainder, then moved to remainders.  Students have been taught how to add zeros past the decimal point to find the terminating decimal.  This all takes lots of practice, so you should see worksheets and Delta Math assignments coming home this week and next.  Next week, we will be developing the algorithm for dividing by a decimal.  There will be another sub-unit quiz by the end of next week to assess how students are doing with using long division to divide by a decimal.

6/7 Accelerated:  We continued our study of Proportional Relationships this week by exploring perimeter of squares and circles.  Next week, we will look at the non-proportional relationship when calculating area of a circle.  By the end of next week, we will be reviewing for the Unit Test.  Speaking of assessments- the class average of the recent sub-unit quiz was low.  So, I provided an opportunity for students to earn 1/2 credit back by doing test corrections.  To get the credit, they must have all homework submitted AND complete the Boost Activity assigned in Amplify Desmos.  I'm not worried about the recent performance- this tends to happen when we get into 7th Grade Standards.  The Standards are more abstract and students tend to rely on old habits.  For example, they think they are more prepared than they really are and don't study.  Or, they don't ask clarifying questions when grading their homework, because they will just figure it out later.  I know I will see a significant improvement on the Unit Test!

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week,  we began our pre-reading activities for the book, Bamboo People, by Mitali Perkins. Students will be assigned particular chapters to read each week, and we will work on a variety of skills and strategies to grow as readers and writers.  

• Please CLICK HERE to access the parent letter that will explain a bit more about our upcoming class anchor text.  

• We will begin reading Bamboo People next week! :)

• Starting next week, you should be seeing Bamboo People coming home with students, and they should be reading assigned chapters at home.  They will be given some class time to read, but they will likely have to finish at home. 

• Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• This week we dug in to immigration. We studied Ports of Entry and origins of America. 

• Next week, we will take a break from our unit and have a mini-unit: Paraphrasing.

• Thank you ALL for your patience as I navigate this heart condition and the treatment. I plan to be back Monday. 

6 West News

Thursday, January 15, 2026

A Quick Note:

• Dr. Hardt has returned from her medical absence and is doing well!

• Please check with your child to see if they have pencils for school.

• Mrs. Scatizzi is collecting empty egg cartons and cardboard tubes (paper towel & TP) for an engineering project - send them in at any time during 3rd Q.

• Learning Lounge is still being offered, on team, after school on Tuesdays.  The main purpose is to provide a space for kids to do homework, get help with math and get organized, if needed.  We are in Dr. Hardt's room from 3:15-4:15pm.  We do offer light snacks, but pack one of your own if you can.

Upcoming Dates:

Jan. 16 & 19: NO SCHOOL

Jan. 27:  Mrs. Tucker (counselor) visits our team to talk about scheduling for 7th grade

Feb. 5:  7th grade registration happens in Pack

Feb. 13 & 16: NO SCHOOL

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We decided to start a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

Morgan: Morgan competed in her first gymnastics meet of the season for Level 8 in December at the Crossroads Classic in Bloomington, Illinois. She had a great showing winning 1st place All Around for her level and age category. She placed in all four events:  Floor: 9.550 1st; Vault: 8.650 4th; Bars: 9.175 3rd; Beam: 9.10 2nd. Morgan is very passionate about gymnastics and trains 25 hrs a week. She is a scholar athlete and focused on balancing both as best she can. 

Callie:  Callie was selected to be a sweeper for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships last weekend!

Ella: Ella plays soccer and piano and does horse back riding. But mostly awesomely she is fully bilingual in German and English and spends each summer in Berlin, where she goes to school since the summer break there doesn’t align with the one in St. Louis. She is on her grade level in German with her peers and friends there and learns other things like track and field (mandatory for German kids), and different aspects of history and of course she is best in class in English there and has given a presentation about her school life in the US. 

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We are learning about Earth's interior layers - this will lead to understanding of where tectonic plates are and why they move.  The kids made a color-coded Earth layers model in their journal.

• We also connected our learning to seismic waves, as that's how scientists figured out Earth interior layers.  

• Next week, we will learn about how temperature change affects matter's particles and relate this to Earth's mantle.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: We ended the week with a review of adding, subtracting and multiplying decimals.  After the quiz over these skills, we did a "Quotient Quest", which reviewed divisibility rules and partial quotients.  Students will learn long division and dividing decimals next week.  

6/7 Accelerated: This week, we finished up our exploration of Proportional Relationships.  Students connected four representations- a description, table, graph and equation.  Next week, we will explore a non-proportional relationship, area of a circle.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, we finished our informational text unit and took the informational text test.  Students read an article and answered questions to assess their skills with making inferences, finding central idea, summarizing, and finding the best text evidence.  

• We also worked on CER format (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) and practiced writing paragraphs that support our answer with evidence.  

• Next week, we will begin our pre-reading activities for the book, Bamboo People, by Mitali Perkins. Students will be assigned particular chapters to read each week, and we will work on a variety of skills and strategies to grow as readers and writers.  

• Please CLICK HERE to access the parent letter that will explain a bit more about our upcoming class anchor text.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

Whew! I'm BACK. Thank you for your patience! I'm feeling pretty strong.  This week we began our 3rd unit: Movement & Migration. We had a slow start with pre-teaching vocabulary & key concepts. By the end of the week, we will be digging deeper into the grit. Next week, we will be learning why people move, how they move, how ideas move, how food moves, how culture moves......you get it. WHAT people take with them when they move.

IMPORTANT DUE DATES:

THESE ASSIGNMENTS WERE DUE BY THE END OF CLASS THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 ~ C DAY. If you check with your student ~ and they missed an assignment ~ have them complete it & turn it in as soon as they can.

• Key Terms & Vocabulary ~ handout: done 1/5/2026

• Traditions From Around the World: done Tuesday, January 6, 2026 (A DAY) & Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (B DAY)

• U.S. History Push & Pull Factors ~ key terms & packet: done Thursday, January 8, 2026 & Friday, January 9, 2026

• Immigrate * Emigrate * Migrate handout: done 1/12 & 1/13

6 West News

Friday, January 9, 2026

A Quick Note:

• Dr. Hardt is unexpectedly out while navigating a medical issue.  The other 6th grade Social Studies teachers are working with her sub to keep class rolling.  

• Please check with your child to see if they have pencils for school.

• Mrs. Scatizzi is collecting empty egg cartons and cardboard tubes (paper towel & TP) for an engineering project - send them in at any time during 3rd Q.

• Learning Lounge is still being offered, on team, after school on Tuesdays.  The main purpose is the provide a space for kids to do homework, get help with math and get organized, if needed.  We are in Dr. Hardt's room from 3:15-4:15pm.  We do offer light snacks, but pack one of your own if you can.

Upcoming Dates:

Jan. 16 & 19: NO SCHOOL

Feb. 13 & 16: NO SCHOOL

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We decided to start a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

**Let's fill up this space next week!  Tell us some awesome stuff about your kids!**

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• Our new unit is called Dynamic Earth with a focus on plate tectonics.  We do an engineering project during this unit to go with our driving question:  How can we design building to reduce the thousands of earthquake deaths that occur each year?  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures of our inital shake table experiments.

• To understand plate tectonics, we need to know about the interior layers of the Earth.  We studied how density affects the layers of the Earth and did a density lab to model this layering effect.  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures of our Earth's Layers models.

• Next week, we will continue learning about the layers about the Earth with a focus on temperature changes affecting matter (in the mantle).

• REMINDER:  We no longer have a "pre-printed" science journal to work out of, so students are using a traditional notebook and will have more papers in their science folders this semester.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math:  Happy New Year!  Our focus this week was adding, subtracting and multiplying decimals.  There will be a Sub-Unit Check next Wednesday (1/14) to assess these skills.   After this, students will review partial quotients and learn how to do long division.  This will lead into our final operation, dividing decimals.  There will be skill practice sent home for division.  Please look for this at home and offer support if you can.

6/7 Accelerated:  Happy New Year!  This week, I introduced Proportional Relationships.  By the end of the week, students should know how to find the constant of proportionality (k) given a situation or table.  They should also know how to write an equation given k.  Next week, we will explore proportional relationships in graphs.  There will be a sub-unit quiz over these topics next Thursday (1/15).

Math Strategies:  Some Reminders/Updates- In addition to supporting the current learning in class, we will focus on improving our NWEA scores 2nd semester as well.  Math Fact Lab Monday will now be Math Fact Monday.  We will do our 10 minutes of Math Fact Lab and then practice Order of Operations.  Thinking Thursday will focus on "Middle School Minutes" (10 problems, 1 minute).  We do not do homework during this class.  I do, however, offer help on homework if there are certain needs.  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

-This week in Literacy, students set some academic goals for 2026. 

-We jumped back in to independent reading, and we will continue to read in class on a daily basis.  Students should be reading at home for 20-30 minutes if possible. :) 

-We are finishing up our informational text unit, and we will be taking an assessment next week over these skills. (central idea; making inferences; summarizing; supporting details; text evidence)

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

The students are working on push & pull factors of migration.

6 West News

Friday, December 19, 2025

A Quick Note:

• We'd like to wish you all a wonderful winter break!  Thank you for sharing your children with us!

• Please refresh your child's stash of pencils and do a backpack clean out during the break.

• WATER ONLY in the classrooms- Please remember that only water can be brought into the classrooms.  It is really hard for the teachers to be the bad guys making students throw away expensive Starbucks & alike drinks.  Our custodians thank you for helping avoid sticky surfaces and curious critters.

• ACKNOWLEDGMENTS... Check the Content Area Updates for both the Spelling Bee winners as well as the Camp Projects chosen for display at the Johnson's Shut-Ins Visitor Center!

Upcoming Dates:

Dec. 22-Jan 2: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We decided to start a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

• Callie Gross:  She was in a production of The Nutcracker...On ICE!!!

• Dare to Dream Participants: Some of our students were in this musical theatre performance - Great job! See the picture below the curriculum updates!

• 6W Townhall: We gather periodically to shout out kids on our team.  See the picture below the content updates for this round's recipients.

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We wrapped up the quarter with our end of unit test on Mon/Tues.  Those grades will go on 2nd quarter but the tests won't be able to be handed out until when we come back.  

• Our Geologic Timelines, our quarter-long project, got a few more additions this week.  We learned about scientists' evidence for Earth's formation and other important markers, such as the continents forming and the oxygenation of our atmosphere.  We got our information from a fascinating documentary from the History Channel.  I posted it in Google Classroom on 12/17 - we only watched 25ish minutes but the full length is 1:30.  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures of our geologic timeline work.

• When we return, we will kick off our unit called Dynamic Earth.  It involves studying plate tectonics and the effects of plate movement.  During this unit, we incorporate an engineering project about earthquake resistant buildings.  

• NOTE:  Our pre-printed science journals have come to an end - the 6th grade science teachers piloted this resource first semester.  Creating it was an intensive summer-long process of writing our own articles and creating resources.  We will be using traditional composition notebooks during 2nd semester.  Creating it proved to be a worthwhile endeavor so the teachers will gather this summer to create the second half.  A BIG THANK YOU to your students for their feedback about the journals.  They told me it was a great resource and they are jealous that next year's kiddos will have a full year journal.  

• CAMP PROJECTS CHOSEN FOR DISPLAY:  The following students will have their camp modeling projects on display at the Johnson's Shut-Ins Visitor Center from Spring-Fall 2026:  Emma A, Samuel, Alma, Evren, Blaise, Sawyer, Nick, Sadie, & Abigail.  CONGRATS!

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

As we wrap up 1st Semester, I want to wish you all a fun Holiday and a Happy New Year!   We will be spending our Winter Break in PCB where my son, Mason, will be playing in a national baseball tournament!  I've never visited somewhere warm for the holiday, but I think it will be good for my soul!

In class this week, students wrapped up the quarter by reviewing their math test and making corrections.  We also reflected on our recent NWEA scores.  Please ask your child to show you their Google Doc that shows a summary of Fall and Winter if you have the time over break.  Finally, students will be bringing their workbooks home.  They will get a copy of Volume 2 after break.  We will continue to leave them in the classroom, but students are welcome to bring them home any time.

I'm looking forward to applying all of our hard work to Semester 2!  When we return, we will begin our Operations of Decimals Unit in 6th Grade Math.  In 6/7 Accelerated, we will begin our Proportional and Non-Proportional Relationships Unit.  Please make sure your child has many pencils, a grading pen, a CHARGED Chromebook and a math folder when they return from break.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week in Literacy, we took our STAR Reading Test.  Teachers will use this data to guide instruction after sifting through and noting trends.  

• We also continued our research of the Alcatraz escape, and this evidence will be used in a writing piece when we return from winter break. 

• We now have our four SPELLING BEE WINNERS!  Congratulations to the following students who will be taking part in the school-wide spelling bee in January: 

-Nora Sommerville (Perfect Score!) 

-Akshay Amberker

-Evren Carter

-Madison O'Leary 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

This week we wrapped up our research and FUN Cultural Geography Showcase projects. Thank you to EVERY parents who helped make the showcases SO fun and special. The students had a BLAST learning about and enjoying cultures from around the world. Happy holidays! Happy New Year! AND, see you next year!  Friendly reminder bout our upcoming Family History Project. The interviews may be easier to do over the holidays:  HERE  is a copy of a letter I sent home 

6 West News

Friday, December 12, 2025

A Quick Note:

• A big THANK YOU from Mrs. Scatizzi for the popcorn donations!  We were able to do the radiometric dating lab at the end of the week.  Check on the SCIENCE TAB on the 6W website to see pictures of that activity and many others we did this week!

• With wrapping up the semester next week, kids need to make sure they are meeting their teachers' deadlines for late/missing work.  Please help them check PowerSchool for any notations that indicate work needs to get in ASAP.

• Please continue to keep us in the loop of any known absences coming up.

Upcoming Dates:

Dec. 22-Jan 2: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We decided to start a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

Roman: Our very own, Roman Boric, is on his way to BROADWAY!  He has made many big strides in that direction just this school year! He performed on stage at the City of Kirkwood's Greentree Festival, magically became Pepper, the Elf, on the Union Station Polar Express and, next week, he will be appearing in the Wizard of Oz at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. ATTAWAY, Roman!

 Daphne: HUGE congrats to Daphne for being the ONLY SIXTH GRADER to make the girls basketball team! We are so proud of you!

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• I have scheduled a test and gave out this study guide early in the week.  The test is:  Mon. 12/15(A) & Tues. 12/16(B). The best way to study is to have your child teach you about what they learned. *All missing work is due by test day.

• Throughout the week we reviewed how index fossils can be identified and used to date rock layers.  

• We studied igneous rocks to further understand how they affect sedimentary layers and the dating process. We learned about igneous crystal formation, too. Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures 2 Igneous Rocks activities: Salol lab, which is a chemical that mimics the crystal formation that happens in igneous rocks & clay models of igneous rock formation.  The science tab has the action shots, but this picture folder has finished creations.

• Thurs/Fri was the last lesson of the unit.  We practiced identifying index fossils again but used a CER format. We also used popcorn to model the radiometric dating of igneous rocks.  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures of the popcorn models.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

The Unit 4 Test for all classes is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17.  We will spend the last block of the quarter reflecting on our NWEA scores, setting goals for next semester and finalizing grades.  Friendly reminder, Extra Credit is due Friday, December 19!  

6th Grade Math: We are finishing up our exploration of Dividing Fractions this week.  We will be reviewing in centers on Monday and Tuesday.  Slide 15 will have a list of review items to help you prepare.  The main objective is for students to be able to divide fractions.  We have practiced using Tape Diagrams in class.  We will move to the algorithm, which is finding common denominators or multiplying by the reciprocal.  You will be given a packet of practice that I will assign in and out of class.  It will be due next Wednesday.

6/7 Accelerated:  We are quickly moving through our exploration of Expressions and Equations.  Because the set of skills are introductory, I've provided more challenging work in class.  The practice you do outside of class is related to the goals for the unit.  We will finish up the unit and review on Tuesday.  My hope is to test on Wednesday, so you don't have to test the last day of the quarter.  There will be review items on Slide 13 to help you prepare.  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, we continued reading and analyzing several informational texts.  

• We are currently working on a mini-argument after reading an article about escaping Alcatraz.  Students will sift through a variety of texts, news stories, and videos about the subject, compiling research for both sides.  They will then make a claim about whether or not the 3 men we read about escaped and lived or escaped and died.  Students will be writing a CER paragraph with several pieces of evidence to support their claim when we return from break.  

• Our classroom spelling bee took place this week!  There were several absences on that day, so I will have a list of the 4 official team winners next week (after I give the test to our absent students). Stay tuned! :)

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• This week we finished up our Cultural Geography Showcase projects. 

• Next, week, students will be sharing their culture with their classes. 

• I sent home information about an upcoming 3rd quarter research project. I know it's early, but the project is to interview a family member from an older generation ~ to get a family history. My thinking is that students could use the break to contact or plan with their family members. HERE  is a copy of a letter I sent home with students to help explain the project. Thank you for your continued support. Happy holidays!

6 West News

Friday, December 5, 2025

A Quick Note:

• CONCERNING TREND - SOCIAL MEDIA RELATED:  Students are creating "paper darts" using post-it notes and a sharp object (safety pin/unraveled paper clip).  They are throwing them up, trying to get them to stick in our ceiling tiles.  These could be considered weapons. We will not hesitate to send a discipline write-up to the office.  We would appreciate you discussing this with your child.

• Please let the 6W teachers if there are any known absences coming up, especially with winter break approaching.

• As we near the end of the quarter, please continue to help your child monitor any "M" notations (missing work) that appear in PowerSchool.

• From Mrs. Laurie Creach in the front office:  To report an absence or tardy for your student, please call the main Wydown number (314) 854-6400 and select 4 to leave a voicemail with the attendance line. Partial days when the student has been out ill are not permitted. If the student is absent for three or more consecutive days due to illness, please check with the nurse before their return.

Upcoming Dates:

Dec. 22-Jan 2: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We decided to start a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

• Vaughan: Vaughan's 6th grade boys volleyball club team won 1st place in their district for their season, and won 1st place in the district end of season tournament! 

• Sawyer:  Performed in the Nutcracker over the Thanksgiving Day weekend!  

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• THANK YOU for your support of my fossil hunting field trip.  We had a great time!  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures from our trip (organized by Morning/Afternoon).

• I have scheduled a test and will give out this study guide Mon/Tues.  The test is:  Mon. 12/15(A) & Tues. 12/16(B)

• This week we worked on rock disturbances as well as absolute dating (our final topic of this unit).  We will practice and expand our knowledge about absolute dating (index fossils and radiometric dating) next week.  Check out the SCIENCE TAB to see pictures from an activity called "It's a Date" that requires kids to put together several pieces of knowledge about relative/absolute dating, index fossils and disturbances.  

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

*It's crunch time!  We have 2 weeks to finish up Unit 4 and take a test.  The test for all classes is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17.  Friendly reminder, Extra Credit is due Friday, December 19!  

**The Winter NWEA is this Monday (Aday) and Tuesday (Bday)!  Please make sure your child comes to school rested and fed with a pencil and a charged chromebook.  I'm excited to see their progress since the Fall!

6th Grade Math: This week, we explored the idea of division- we are either determining How many in each group? or How many groups?  This will lead us into our ultimate goal, which is to divide fractions.  By the end of the unit, students should know two main strategies when dividing fractions:  Find a common denominator OR the algorithm.  There will be a packet of notes and practice that students will work on next week in and out of class.  Any help at home to get to the finish line would be much appreciated!

6/7 Accelerated:  This week, we explored two main ideas:  Solving One-Step Equations and Writing Equivalent Expressions.  My goal in this unit is to cover the standards quickly while challenging them with deeper algebraic ideas in class.  Yes, they will have a lot of practice outside of class, but my hope is that I can support the difficult math in the classroom.  I'm excited to expose them to a lot of Algebraic topics this week and next!  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• Students continued working with informational texts this week.  We learned more about central idea and how identifying the different types of text structures can help lead us to the central idea.  We discussed author's purpose as well.  

• Students should also be making progress in their current independent reading books.  If at all possible, these books should come home with students daily to be read.  This is one of the best things students can be doing to make progress with their reading and writing skills! :) 

• PLEASE NOTE: Our classroom Spelling Bee has been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 10th, during Literacy Class. The top 4 winners from 6 West will move on to the school-wide Spelling Bee that will take place in January.  Interested students went home with a study guide before Thanksgiving break.   (Students may be asked to spell words that are not on the study guide.) 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):  

• What an awesome job 6 West Geographers did on their Culture Research last week! 

• This week we began planning and creating projects to showcase our learning. Students are in charge of how they share their country's culture. Some teams have planned food demonstrations, some art presentations and a coule of athletes too! 

• This week, I sent home a Family Geography project that is NOT DUE TILL 3rd quarter. BUT, it involves an interview with the a family member or family like member from an older generation.  Next week, I plan to send a letter explaining the project. 

6 West News

Friday, November 21, 2025

A Quick Note:

• On Monday, November 24, 6W teachers will host an alternate schedule during our core time. Students will have all 4 core classes in the morning between 8:25-11:23.  Please help your child remember to pack all of their stuff that day (not just A day stuff).  This ensures that core teachers will see every student on Monday due to Tuesday being a field trip day.

• FOSSIL HUNTING FIELD TRIP INFO - 11/25:    Click here for a short video from Scatizzi about our upcoming trip!

  • Long pants and close-toed shoes like a tennis shoe or hiking boot (no slides, Crocs, Uggs, etc)

  • Dressed for the weather - BRING A PONCHO  if there is rain in the forecast - we won't go if there is lightning or torrential rain, but we can handle a little drizzle!

  • NO PHONES are allowed on the bus or at the site - must be left at home or in their bag/locker at school.

• Interested in participating in the 2026 Regional St. Louis Science Fair? Register today HERE using Clayton's password g4ming. Contact Mr. Griffith at aarongriffith@claytonschools.net for more information and/or questions.

• Thank you for your continued support at home by reviewing general classroom expectations with your child:  Classrooms are learning environments -  excessive talking and disruptive behavior affects the environment and classroom culture.  

Upcoming Dates:

Nov. 25: Fossil Hunting Field Trip!   *See note below about some changes to balance bus numbers.

• Scatizzi Science 1st/2nd period period (minus the 10 kids listed below): 11/25,  8:30-11:15 (will miss electives). NOTE:  To balance bus numbers, 10 kids from Scatizzi's 1st period have been moved from the morning trip to the afternoon trip:  Alma, Ayla, Vaughan, Jacob, Alina, Alicia, Will, Sophia, Samuel, & Catherine.  These kids will go to electives like normal in the morning and report to me in the afternoon for the trip

• Scatizzi Science 7th/8th period + 10 kids listed above: 11/25, 11:45-2:30 (will eat lunch before we leave; will be back for Pack)

 Nov. 26-28: NO SCHOOL

Dec. 5: Winter Wonderland Event, 6-8 PM. Tickets will be sold 12/1-5 during lunches. $7 in advance, $10 at the door. Parents can sign up to help out here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EA5A723ABF9C07-60289269-winter#/

Shout Outs:  6W has some amazing kids!  We decided to start a "shout-out" section for things happening outside of our classroom walls. Use this form to submit a "shout-out" for next week's newsletter. 

• Jonah: competed in the St. Louis Fall Regionals of the National Geography Bee and won first place (gold medal) and a spot at the 2026 National Championships.

• Akshay: competed in the Middle School Math League contest on Saturday, November 15!  Thanks for representing 6West!

• 6W Townhall: We gather periodically to shout out kids on our team.  See the picture below the curriculum updates for this round's recipients.

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• Please continue to help me monitor missing work by looking for the "M" notation in PowerSchool.  

• We opened up our mold/cast fossils to see if they worked.  We had several good results!  Check out the science tab to see pictures of the mold/cast fossil results.

• This week we took a walk through Earth History, learning about the Geologic Time Scale as we added eras and extinctions to our giant timelines.  We added also researched and added events about important fossil discoveries. 

• Next week, I will go over expectations for the fossil hunting field trip using this slideshow.  Slide 6 showcases a rare starfish fossil that I found at the site!  It shoes a level of complexity that is uncommon for the timeframe we are hunting.  

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

Hope you all have a GR8 Break!  I'm thankful for all my mathematicians!

6th Grade Math: We have finished up Unit 3, Rates and Percentages.  I'm impressed by their performance so far!  :-). Students will get their tests back on Monday and be given time in class for corrections.  After break, we will begin Unit 4, Dividing Fractions.  

6/7 Accelerated:  We finished up Unit 3, Fractions and Decimals.  After break, we will move to Unit 4, Expressions and Equations.  We have a few math competition opportunities coming up this Winter!  Look out for information after break!  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, students learned more about informational texts.  We discussed how text features and text structures can help lead us to the central idea of a text.  

• Students practiced finding the central idea of some short texts with marker boards, discussing their answers with their groups.  

• We also compared different types of media and their differing perspectives--students read an article, watched a news clip, and analyzed a TED Talk about similar topics while also evaluating a speaker's/writer's claim and their effectiveness.

• Students' Snapshot Writing Assignments were due last week, and there are still many students who have not turned them in.  If possible, touch base with your child to make sure they have turned in this assignment.  It will be one of our biggest grades for quarter 2.   Thank you! :) 

• PLEASE NOTE: We will have our classroom Spelling Bee on Wednesday, December 3rd during Literacy Class.  Only students who are interested will take the test.  The top 4 winners from 6 West will move on to the school-wide Spelling Bee that will take place in January.  Interested students will go home with a study guide before Thanksgiving break.   (Students may be asked to spell words that are not on the study guide.) 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• We wrapped up our Study of a People. Ask to hear all about the music, customs and traditions of many different people of our world.

• On our final days, before Thanksgiving break, student research groups will share / present their research to their class. 

Town Hall Shout-Outs from November 21  (not pictured:  Roman)

6 West News

Friday, November 14, 2025

A Quick Note:

• If your child will have a known absence (especially around longer breaks like Thanksgiving or Winter Break), please let us know ahead of time.  

• 6W Core teachers have noticed an uptick in classroom distractions.  We are reviewing classroom expectations and consequences with our students.  Please support us at home by reviewing general classroom expectations with your child:  Classrooms are learning environments -  excessive talking and disruptive behavior affects the environment and classroom culture.  

Upcoming Dates:

Nov. 19: Camp Reunion Night, 7-8:30pm

Nov. 25: Fossil Hunting Field Trip!  Here is the handout that will be stapled into planners on Mon/Tues next week - top half of the page is morning trip and bottom half is afternoon trip.  *See note below about some changes to balance bus numbers.

• Scatizzi Science 1st/2nd period period (minus the 10 kids listed below): 11/25,  8:30-11:15 (will miss electives). NOTE:  To balance bus numbers, 10 kids from Scatizzi's 1st period have been moved from the morning trip to the afternoon trip:  Alma, Ayla, Vaughan, Jacob, Alina, Alicia, Will, Sophia, Samuel, & Catherine.  These kids will go to electives like normal in the morning and report to me in the afternoon for the trip

• Scatizzi Science 7th/8th period + 10 kids listed above: 11/25, 11:45-2:30 (will eat lunch before we leave; will be back for Pack) 

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• Please check Power School for notations of missing or incomplete assignments.

• Students took their Sedimentary Rocks & Relative dating test early this week.

• We kicked off our next unit about Geologic Time by observing fossils and discussing how they are made.  There are 2 picture galleries this week in my science tab:  Creating Mold/Cast fossils and Observing Fossils to Infer Environments

• Next week, we will learn about the divisions of Geologic Time and add more to the giant timelines we started this unit.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

Please make sure your child has plenty of pencils, a grading pen and a charged chromebook for school each day.  Packing a charger in their backpack would be helpful too.  

6th Grade Math:  We have ended Unit 3 with Percentages.  Students have learned strategies like finding benchmark percents or using a double number line to find unknown parts, percentages or wholes.  We will wrap up the unit and review next week and the Unit 3 Test will be Thursday (Aday) or Friday (Bday).  Slide 21 of the unit outline has items available to help students prepare for the test.  If students want to retake the sub-unit quiz, they will need to do this before the test next week.  

6/7 Accelerated Math: We are finishing up Unit 3 with all four operations of decimals.  We will review briefly before the test next Friday, November 21.  Retakes for the sub-unit quiz will need to be done before next Friday.  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• We finished our Snapshot revisions this week! Students have until Sunday, 11/16, to get their final draft submitted on Google Classroom. 

• Students are making progress in their independent reading books.  I have now conferred with each student about how their reading is going for them.  Some students are reporting that they are not reading at home.  It would be very beneficial for all students to read at home on a daily basis if at all possible.  

• Our next area of focus will kick off next week, and we will be working with some informational texts and strategies.

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):  

6 West News

Friday, November 7, 2025

A Quick Note:

• If your child will have a known absence (especially around longer breaks like Thanksgiving or Winter Break), please let us know ahead of time.  (Mrs. Scatizzi especially needs to know about absences on 11/25 since that is the Fossil Field Trip and needs numbers for the bus)

• PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE label all outerwear and water bottles.  Our lost and found is insanely packed.  

Upcoming Dates:

Nov. 19: Camp Reunion Night, 7-8:30pm

Nov. 25: Fossil Hunting Field Trip!  Parents are welcome to come along, but need to complete the Volunteer Enrollment Training OR Renewal prior - it can take some time to get through the process - site with volunteering info.  Please email Mrs. Scatizzi if you are planning on going. 

• Scatizzi Science 1st/2nd period period: 11/25,  8:30-11:15 (will miss electives)

• Scatizzi Science 7th/8th period: 11/25, 11:45-2:30 (will eat lunch before we leave; will be back for Pack) 

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• This week we wrapped up and reviewed our topics of sedimentary rock formation, rock properties, and relative dating.  Check out the science tab to see pictures of the kids sorting fossil cards by the Law of Superposition & complexity.

• Here is the study guide that students received.  Test is:  11/10(A) & 11/11(B).  

• The best way for students to study is to teach someone else!  Also, I always "over plan" review activities so that kids can do some at home if they want - there is a Study Materials post in Google Classroom.

• After our test, we will begin our study of fossils!

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

Thank you for your patience this week as I updated Powerschools throughout the week and updated homework and quiz scores.  I didn't assign homework over the weekend to allow all kids to get caught up and focus on the retake, if needed.

Math 6:  We will be finishing up Unit 3 with Percentages.  We will use double numbers lines and benchmark percents to find percents of a number.

6/7 Accelerated:  We will be finishing up Unit 4 with all four operations of decimals.  While dividing decimals, we will review partial quotients and learn long division.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week in Literacy, we continued with revision mini-lessons for our Snapshots.  

• Students learned about ways to hook the reader and keep them reading, adding external and internal dialogue, and vivid verbs and adjectives.  They then went back into their drafts to revise for these things.  

• Final drafts of the Snapshot will be due the week of November 17th.  This will be one of the biggest grades for Quarter 2, so it might be helpful to ask your child about their snapshot and how that process is going for them. :) 

• One of the best things students can be doing at home to show progress with Literacy skills is to read independently! Even just 10-20 minutes can be helpful. 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• In Social Studies, this week, we completed phase 1 of our research project. Several students asked if they could add details and notecards to their projects for a better understanding and score. OF COURSE and I love this. 

• Next week we will kick off phase 2, A study of a SPECIFIC group of people from their country of research. There will be plenty of time in class to conduct their research, and I suspect they learned a valuable time management lesson during phase 1. :>) Thank you for your continued support and have a terrific weekend.

6 West News

Friday, October 31, 2025

A Quick Note:

• If your child will have a known absence (especially around longer breaks like Thanksgiving or Winter Break), please let us know ahead of time.  (Mrs. Scatizzi especially needs to know about absences on 11/25 since that is the Fossil Field Trip and needs numbers for the bus)

• If your child has missing work, we enter an "M" in PowerSchool.  Due to the number of students we service, we are unable to send individual emails for every missing assignment.  If you have questions about a missing assignment, please check in with your child and feel free to send us an email with any further questions/clarifications.

• If you would like to order a Camp 2025 sweatshirt, please use this order link to order your sweatshirt on/before Tuesday, 11/4/25, at 3:12 PM. 

• HUGE SHOUT OUT to Dr. Hardt and Mrs. Wolbert for leaving the comforts of home, their families, and their students to go on the Jekyll Island field trip with our 8th graders... A big thanks to them for supporting our programs at Wydown.  There were several staff members who went to both 6th grade camp and Jekyll in the same month!  

Upcoming Dates:

Nov. 5:  Picture Retakes

Nov. 19: Camp Reunion Night, 7-8:30pm

Nov. 25: Fossil Hunting Field Trip!  Parents are welcome to come along, but need to complete the Volunteer Enrollment Training OR Renewal prior - it can take some time to get through the process - site with volunteering info.  Please email Mrs. Scatizzi is you are planning on going. 

• Scatizzi Science 1st/2nd period period: 11/25,  8:30-11:15 (will miss electives)

• Scatizzi Science 7th/8th period: 11/25, 11:45-2:30 (will eat lunch before we leave; will be back for Pack) 

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• This week, students learned the CER writing format for science and completed their first independent CER response.  This is a structure we will use all year and I'm proud of seeing everyone get off to a strong start.

• We took a formative assessment (practice quiz) about sedimentary rocks and their properties.  That score will be put into PowerSchool for informational purposes only (won't calculate into the grade). Based on what we have done, I would expect strong knowledge up to this point, so low scores mean extra practice is needed.

• We are creating a timeline of Earth History throughout this unit.  We rolled out our timelines and got started this week.  The scale is mind-blowing:  1 millimeter = 1 million years!  Check out the Science tab to see pictures of kids setting up giant geologic timelines.

• We are close to the end of our unit on Sedimentary Rock Layers.  Here is the study guide that students are getting.  Test is:  11/10(A) & 11/11(B).

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

Believe it or not, I feel rejuvenated and ready to get back to teaching 6th Grade Math!  The trip to Jekyll was amazing and I appreciate your patience and support while I was out.  

6th Grade Math: We are finishing up our work with Rates and Unit Rates and there will be a Sub-Unit Quiz on Thursday (Aday) and Friday (Bday).  We will review in class before the quiz, but students could review using this document:  Caregiver Support.  We will have completed Lessons 1-8, so these are the lessons to review.  In addition to this, students will get their Unit 2 Test back and will be given practice if they want to retake certain problems or the entire quiz.  Retakes can be done during Pack or After School.

6/7 Accelerated:  We are finishing up our exploration of dividing fractions!  Could I have just taught the cute "trick"?  Sure!  But, instead we had two main questions:  How many in each group?  and How many groups?  We explored dividing by a unit fraction, dividing fractions with like denominators, etc.  We will wrap up our study Wednesday and there will be a sub-unit quiz on dividing fractions on Friday, November 7.  Here is a document to help review Lessons 1-11:  Caregiver Support.  IIn addition to this, students will get their Unit 2 Test back and will be given practice if they want to retake certain problems or the entire quiz.  Retakes can be done during Pack or After School.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• In Literacy this week, students wrote the rough draft of their Snapshot Writing Assignment.  Students are taking a moment from their lives and writing about what happened while also including vivid sensory details. 

• Rough drafts are due in Google Classroom by Sunday evening.

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt): 

• This week, while I was away with 8th grade scientists, students began the 2nd phase of their research project: deep dive into Cultural Geography!

• Next week we are wrapping up our work and sharing with our classmates. 

6 West News

Friday, October 24, 2025

A Quick Note:

• Please remind your child that only water is allowed in the hallways and classrooms.  We have to take away non-water drinks and dispose of them.

• Please label all jackets/coats with your child's name. The lost and found quickly fills up with unnamed outerwear.

• We held a 6W Town Hall meeting to celebrate the successes of 1st quarter.  Look under the curriculum updates to see a picture of who received teacher shout-outs!

• Please make sure your child is coming to school with pencils, a charged Chromebook and their planner.  

Upcoming Dates:

Nov. 5:  Picture Retakes

Nov. 25: Fossil Hunting Field Trip!  Parents are welcome to come along, but need to complete the Volunteer Enrollment Training OR Renewal prior - it can take some time to get through the process - site with volunteering info.  Please email Mrs. Scatizzi is you are planning on going. 

• Scatizzi Science 1st/2nd period period: 11/25,  8:30-11:15 (will miss electives)

• Scatizzi Science 7th/8th period: 11/25, 11:45-2:30 (will eat lunch before we leave; will be back for Pack) 

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We continued our studies of sedimentary rocks:  we built knowledge about how they are formed as well as how they relate to Earth History (Law of Superposition).

• We did a lab Creating Sedimentary Rock Layers where we mimicked the process of sedimentary rock formation.  Check out the Science tab to see pictures of our Creating Sedimentary Rock Layers lab.

• We began working on CER writing and will continue next week.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

I will be on the 8th Grade Jekyll Island trip next week and will return Monday, November 3.  Please reach out with any questions or concerns - I will try to check my email as much as I can while I’m gone.   Your guest teacher will be Dr. Koenig, and 8th Grade Math Teacher.

6th Grade Math: We are staring Unit 3, Unit Rates and Percentages.  It will be a shorter unit, so students need to be up to date on homework regularly.  If students have a calculator at home, please encourage them to use it during the unit.  Just a reminder- I only assign homework on block days.  Please check my syllabus posted in the "Math" tab for helpful resources.  When I return, students will get their Unit 2 Test back and will have time to make corrections and decide on a retake.  Please look for this the week of November 3.

6/7 Accelerated:  We are staring Unit 3, Fractions and Decimals.  There are three sub-units in this unit:  Dividing Fractions, Adding, Subtracting and Multiplying Decimals and Division and Dividing Decimals.  It's a skill-heavy unit, so expect a lot of practice in and out of class.  I sent an email today with details of an upcoming Math Contest Opportunity!  Please let me know if you have any questions of if your child is interested.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• Quarter two is officially underway, and we hit the ground running with our new unit.  This unit will include a narrative snapshot piece of writing. 

• The students worked this week to brainstorm topics about significant moments in their lives.  They will finalize their topics and write their rough drafts next week.  From there, I will teach a series of mini-lessons that will show them how to revise their drafts to include vivid sensory details, figurative language, dialogue, concise word choice, and more! 

• Additionally, Ms. Tucker, our 6th-grade counselor, came into our room on Wednesday to lead the students through a discussion about empathy.  The students did a great job adding to the conversation and brainstorming ways we can value others and have empathy for those around us!  :)

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

This week in Social Studies we started our new unit: Cultural Geography. We also started a research project. Students picked one country to study. They will study the cultural geography of the country of choice. We set up our projects and began the early stages of research. They will dive deeper into their research next week. I am excited to watch them learn and share that learning about SO many countries and cultures!

Town Hall Shout-Outs from October 23

6 West News

Thursday, October 16, 2025

A Quick Note:

• One of our traditions when we return from Camp is to open up the Camp Sweatshirt Design Challenge for all 6th graders.  If your child is interested, the details are in the WMS Important Info Google Classroom. The deadline is Monday, October 20, 2025, at 3:12 PM.

• Mrs. Scatizzi is planning the annual FOSSIL HUNTING field trip (awaiting bus approval), so I don't have an exact date yet - most likely mid-late November. Parents are welcome to come along, but need to complete the Volunteer Enrollment Training OR Renewal prior - it can take some time to get through the process - site with volunteering info.

Upcoming Dates:

Oct. 17: No School

Nov. 5:  Picture Retakes

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• Camp projects were assigned this week - students chose one area of Johnson Shut-Ins State Park (Scour or Shut-Ins) and develop a model that explains how that area has been shaped by Earth's forces.  A project checklist was given and is also posted in Google Classroom, along with a video explanation.  

  • Our standards include students creating explanatory models for a phenomena; therefore, it is NOT a digital project - it done by hand on a larger size paper that I provide. 

  • The "answers" to the prompts on the project checklist should not be "googled" - students worked for many weeks ahead of camp to learn about processes that shape Earth's surface, so this project should be their own words applying their knowledge.  I posted a Camp Slideshow in Google Classroom that can be used for support but the answers to the project will not be found word-for-word in there.  Their camp journals also can help with the project.

  • I have given class time to work on the project and to help with planning, I chunked the project into sections with suggested completion checkpoints. The completed projects are due:  A:Thurs, 10/23 & B:Fri, 10/24.  Camp journals will be turned in on the project due date.

• How do scientists prove that Earth is billions of years old?  That is the driving question for the unit we started this week.  We talked about how scientists study fossils, which are found in sedimentary rocks.  We began our study of understanding sedimentary rocks and will continue next week.  Check out the Science tab to see pictures of our Sedimentary Rock investigations.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

Whoa!  Time flies when you're doing math!  All grades are final.  We have a fresh start on Monday!  Please makes sure your child has sharpened pencils and charged chromebooks Monday morning.

If you have time this weekend, please ask your child to show you their math reflection as well as their NWEA reflection- both are in their Google Drive.  It will help remind them of goals they have set for themselves this semester.

Please check out my tab to access the syllabus, which includes resources that will help you and your child succeed in math this year!

6th Grade Math: 

We have a bit of work to finish before the Unit 2 Test on Wednesday, October 22.  We will review the entire block Monday (Aday) and Tuesday (Bday).  Students should use slide 18 of the unit outline to help them prepare for the test.  We will end the week by exploring LCM and GCF for fun.

6/7 Accelerated:

We will wrap up Unit 2, Intro to Ratios and Rates next week.  There will be a Unit 2 Test next Wednesday, October 22.  It will include standards assessed on the recent quiz as well as new standards related to Unit Rates.  We will review in class on Tuesday, but slide 16 of the unit outline will help you prepare too!

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, ​s​tudents went to the library to pick out new independent reading books!

• ​Independent reading books should be coming home with students each night, and students should be aiming for about 30 minutes of independent reading per night whenever possible .

• ​I know some students like to read on their computers and access books that way, but during class I would like them to take a break from screens and read a hard copy of a book.  I am okay with them reading on a screen at home if that works better for your family, but that is totally up to you. :)

• During class, students reviewed for their unit 1 test. We completed an inference carousel in groups to practice making inferences in text chains. Their inference skills are getting stronger! 

• ​Students completed their Unit 1 Test Wednesday/Thursday. Grades for this test will be posted in the gradebook under Quarter 2. 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• This week we are wrapping up our study of the 5 Themes of Geography. Students took the unit assessment last week and have the opportunity to make test corrections and re-take the test this week. Grades will be updated by the end of the Thursday 10/16. 

• We will kick off 2nd quarter with our new unit ~ Cultural Geography. Students will be doing some light research. Much of this research will happen in class. There may some some finishing up at home. 

6 West News

Sunday, October 12, 2025

A Quick Note:

• WE HAD SO MUCH FUN AT CAMP! Thanks for sharing your awesome kids with us!  Our camp director, Chris Chisholm, is the powerhouse behind this event.  If you'd like to drop him an email and share the impact it had on your child:  christopherchisholm@claytonschools.net

• Parent-Teacher conferences are this week.  If you signed up for a conference on Mon, Wed, or Thur, they are virtual and you should have a Zoom link.  TUESDAY ONLY are in person - come to the 6W area.  Last name A-K will be held in Dr. Hardt's (142) room and Last name L-Z will be held in Mrs. Anderson's room (141).

• CAMP JOURNALS:  Your child worked in a blue camp journal while they were away.  Camp Journals need to come back to school to be used in SCIENCE class this week.

• The only content area update in this newsletter is from science class.  Watch this quick video for a message from Mrs. Scatizzi (slides).

Upcoming Dates:

Week of Oct. 13 - Parent-Teacher Conferences

Oct. 16: Early Release (12:54pm)

Oct. 17: No School

Nov. 5:  Picture Retakes

6 West News

Friday, October 3, 2025

A Quick Note:

• Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups are live and open until NOON on OCTOBER 9. To sign up for conferences, click here. 

• • Sign-ups for 6W are done by last name - you will meet with two of the core teachers and they will have notes from the other two.

  • ONLY Tuesday, October 14 conferences are IN PERSON - all others are done via Zoom.  

  • Since PowerSchool provides parents with an ongoing look at grades and notes of missing assignments, conferences are focused on your child's transition to middle school and areas of concern academically & socially.

  • Signing up for a conference is optional. If you prefer to get an end-of-quarter update specific to your child via email, we can provide that if requested.  

  • If you need to make changes or additions to your bookings, please go here, and enter this code: 29f3g or, follow the confirmation link sent to your email address.

Upcoming Dates:

Oct. 6-9: 6th Grade Camp

Oct. 9:  Noon deadline for Parent-Teacher Conferences sign-up

Oct. 10: No School

Week of Oct. 13 - Parent-Teacher Conferences

Oct. 17: No School

Nov. 5:  Picture Retakes

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• Students took their Geologic Processes test this week - those grades will be returned after 6th grade camp.  

• Students spent time preparing for the science lessons they'll do at 6th grade camp - the learned about the 2005 Taum Sauk Reservoir Breach that created the Scour as well as the ancient calderas that formed the rocks that became the Shut-Ins.  Check out the Science tab to see pictures of our Camp Preview Activities.

• A Camp Project will be assigned when we return - students will have another opportunity to use their knowledge of weathering, erosion and deposition while applying it to an area of Johnson Shut-Ins State Park.  Details to come! 

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: 

We are finally in a great routine- students come in and do 3 things when they enter the room:  Fill out their planner, do a warm-up and grade their homework.  I'm so happy with how many kids have thrived during this routine!  

Students have been busy correcting and reflecting on their Unit 1 Test.   The retake process, although tedious, has been successful for all kids who have taken advantage.  After Camp, we will wrap up our Ratio Unit with comparing ratios and finding unknown parts.  Based on the recent Quiz/Exit Slip, students are doing great with ratios!  We have pushed the Unit 2 Test back to the start of Quarter 2.  Don't forget extra credit is due by October 16!

6/7 Accelerated:

We wrapped up the first half of Unit 2- Intro to Ratios.  We will finish up the unit after Camp, which is an Intro to Rates.  We are finally in the groove and accomplishing a lot as a class.  I'm loving the energy and excitement for learning!

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week, students had the opportunity to read over their feedback on their "Ellison's CORNucopia" Analysis Slides & revise/resubmit for a new grade.  They have been doing a great job of reflecting on their work and making changes as needed! 

• Students also finished "Reina Madrid" by R.J. Palacio and analyzed the story for the various skills we have been practicing (Figurative Language, Making Inferences, Theme, Mood, and Characterization).  

• We further practiced our analysis skills with a station activity.  Students rotated through 4 different stations, including a station where they worked on strategies and skill work with the teacher.  

• We will be completing our big skills assessment after we return from camp.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• This week we finished up Unit 1, Basic Geography & 5 Themes. Students completed the assessment Wednesday 10/1 & Fridy 10/3.

• There will be a TRY #2 on 10/15 A day and 10/16 B day. In order to get the opportunity for TRY #2, students will have to make corrections to their TRY #1 test.  

• Next week, we will put our Basic Geography skills to the test, at Sherwood Forest. Camp is going to be GREAT!

6 West News

Thursday, September 25, 2025

A Quick Note:

• Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups go live on Sunday, Sept. 28 in Dr. Jordan's Principal Newsletter.  Please note:

  • Sign-ups for 6W are done by last name - you will meet with two of the core teachers and they will have notes from the other two.

  • ONLY Tuesday, October 14 conferences are IN PERSON - all others are done via Zoom.  

  • Since PowerSchool provides parents with an ongoing look at grades and notes of missing assignments, conferences are focused on your child's transition to middle school and areas of concern academically & socially.

  • Signing up for a conference is optional. If you prefer to get an end-of-quarter update specific to your child via email, we can provide that if requested.  

Upcoming Dates:

Oct. 3:  Camp Luggage Drop-Off, 3:30-5:30  PM

Oct. 6-9: 6th Grade Camp

Oct. 10: No School

Week of Oct. 13 - Parent-Teacher Conferences

Oct. 17: No School

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi):

•  To prepare for our upcoming test, we practiced changes to Earth's surface in many ways:  journals, videos, writing about a how landscape formed (including peer edits), and even did a wind lab.  Check out the Science tab to see pictures of our Wind Lab. 

• We will have an end of unit test on:  9/29(A) and 9/30(B)- a study guide was given out quite a while ago.  The best way for your child to study is to have them TEACH YOU about the content.  Pull up a seat next to them and use the journal or study guide for prompts.

• ALL MISSING/REDO WORK  for this unit must be turned in by Thursday, Oct. 2 or the grades will stay.  *Work is normally due by test day but with the unusual schedule this past week, I'm offering a bit of extra time.

• Before heading to camp, we will introduce our next unit, which is Earth History.  

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: 

Students got their Unit 1 Test back on Thursday, September 24.  They are expected to bring home the test and a green reflection sheet to be signed by a caring adult.  At the end of reviewing the test and making corrections, students were given the option of a retake.  If they want to do a retake, they should have a blue form as well.  Please do this all by Monday (Aday) or Tuesday (Bday) of next week.  I will give them practice based on what they want to retake and once I think they are ready, we will schedule a date to retake.  Students can do a retake during Pack or After School as soon as next week.  

As we work through this process, we are starting a new unit on Ratios.  Be the end of next week, students should be able to find equivalent ratios using strategies like scaling and a double number line.  In addition to Delta Math and Khan Academy, this activity, "Thinking Blocks" is a fun way to explore and practice ratio concepts.

6/7 Accelerated:

We are quickly moving through our exploration of ratios.  By the end of next week, we will have finished it and quizzed over it. Students need to know how to find equivalent ratios and how to find an unknown using a given ratio.  We will use tape diagrams and double number lines to help find an unknown.

In addition to the homework, students have an extension packet they work on in class if they get finished early.  This is not an expectation and is not for a grade.  Some students are also working on retakes- I don't want to get in their way of wanting to master a concept, but I also don't want to create a culture where we are only striving for an A+.  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week in Literacy, students read the short story, "Reina Madrid" by R.J. Palacio.  They then took a brief comprehension quiz to make sure they understood the basic plot of the story.  

• We also began our analysis slideshow for "Reina Madrid" and students are continuing to work on this independently. We are focusing on skills such as making inferences, analyzing character traits, identifying and analyzing figurative language, theme analysis, and identifying fiction sign posts.  

• We will be taking an assessment over these elements after students come back from camp and we have had time to do a brief review.  

• Students should be continuing to read their independent reading books for about 30 minutes at home each night, or around 2 hours total per week.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• This week we finish up our learning of the 5 Themes of Geography. We have our unit assessment 10/1 A day and 10/3 B day. There will be an opportunity for corrections and a retake.

• We will have a CAMP: What to Expect & What is Expected lesson next week also! 

6 West News

Friday, September 19, 2025

A Quick Note:

• If your child will be having a known absence, please email your child's teachers.  Thank you!

• In PowerSchool, please help your child monitor if an "M" appears next to an assignment - that means it is missing.

• Students participated in Camp Prep Day this week, where they made leather name tags, prepared their t-shirts for tie dying, wrote letters to their counselors, and reviewed the camp packing list.  Check out the pictures of students making leather name tags at the bottom of the curriculum updates :)

Upcoming Dates:

Sept. 22:  Prescription Medicine Drop-Off AND Camp Forms Due 

Oct. 3:  Camp Luggage Drop-Off, 3:30-5:30  PM

Oct. 6-9: 6th Grade Camp

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We continued our studies of erosion and deposition by doing the "Power of Water" lab, where students simulated a stream carrying and depositing sediments.  Students answered lab questions that we will use a discussion point on how to create complete, scientific responses - students will have an opportunity to edit their responses to meet the expectations before I grade them. Check out the Science tab to see pictures of our Power of Water Lab. 

• At the end of the week, we learned our last two vocabulary words about Earth's changing surface:  uniformitarianism (slow) and catastrophism (fast).  This wrapped up all "new" information for this unit. 

• We will have an end of unit test on:  9/29(A) and 9/30(B)- a study guide was given out this week.  Between now and the test, we will use our time practicing more scenarios of changes to Earth's surface.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: 

We are finished with our first Unit of Study!  We will begin Unit 2, Introducing Ratios, on Monday.  As we begin our work, we will be reflecting on two things:  Our Math Test score and Our NWEA score.  Expect a green reflection sheet with the math test for you to review and sign.  If a student wants to retake the entire test or parts of a test, they need to get a test retake form from me.  The process is larger than a quiz.  

6/7 Accelerated:

We started Unit 2, Ratios and Rates.  Students will be introduced to ratios and learn strategies to write equivalent ratios next week.  They will apply these skills by the end of the week.  Students were asked to bring their Unit 1 Test home this weekend along with a green reflection sheet to be signed by a parent.  Please take time to review their work and encourage them to ask for a retake form if they need one.  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• In Literacy class this week, we read "Ellison's CORNucopia" by Lamar Giles and analyzed/annotated it for figurative language, characterization, and inferencing.  

• Students also completed some characterization practice by watching movie clips and identifying character traits.  This was homework if it was not finished (It is called "Station 1: Characterization Analysis Practice" in Google Classroom). 

• Students also finished up their "Station 2: 'Ellison's CORNucopia" Slides" in Google Classroom.  

• We took a formative assessment (this is just a quick check) this week that will help us see where students currently are when it comes to the skill of making inferences.  We will continue to work on this skill throughout the school year. 

• Students should continue to bring home independent reading books. Reading for 30 minutes every day can help improve students' reading abilities! :)

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• This week we kicked off our 5 Themes of Geography Unit. We started with place, location & region. Next week we will learn movement & humans interact with the environment. 

• The 5 Themes of Geography Assessment is scheduled for A day 10/1 and B day 10/3. Just before 6th grade camp!

Camp Prep Day - Leather Name Tags - a carousel of pictures

6 West News

Friday, September 11, 2025

A Quick Note:

• Now that we are a few weeks in, the PowerSchool gradebook is getting updated regularly by teachers.  If you are unsure about how PowerSchool is set up, check out this video from one of our 6th grade teachers explaining it.  

Upcoming Dates:

Sept. 22:  Prescription Medicine Drop-Off AND Camp Forms Due 

Oct. 3:  Camp Luggage Drop-Off, 3:30-5:30  PM

Oct. 6-9: 6th Grade Camp

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• This week we continued to firm up our ideas on the difference between physical and chemical weathering.  We took a formative assessment (practice quiz) on Wednesday to see current understanding.  The score will be posted in PowerSchool, but it is not part of their grade. If they score low, it means they may need to practice their science more frequently - the amount of vocabulary feels a bit like learning a new language.  We will do review activities at school, but please practice at home, too.  The journal is a great tool.   

• We also began to learn about erosion and deposition, which will continue into next week along with a lab. Check out the Science tab to see pictures of our deposition of sediments lab & weathering Gizmo. (I only took a few pics - I was leading the lab and simply forgot - but you can see what we were doing and look at pg. 33 in the science journal.) 

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

6th Grade Math: 

After finishing NWEA, we spent time reflecting and responding to the Unit 1 Sub-Unit Quiz.  Students were given time to do corrections and do practice related to standards not met yet.  Most retakes are done and scores will go live this weekend.  We ended the week exploring Volume and Surface Area of Rectangular Prisms.  We briefly defined Polyhedra, which are  three-dimensional solid objects with flat surfaces called faces, straight edges, and sharp corners called vertices, where the faces are polygons.  We will focus on Prisms and Pyramids.  

As of now, the Unit 1 Test is scheduled for next Thursday (Aday) and Friday (Bday).  Please encourage your child to start reviewing- Slide 42 of the Unit Outline has a list of options to help them.

6/7 Accelerated:

We ended the unit by exploring Surface Area.  Students reviewed in class on Friday and will be taking the Unit 1 Test on Tuesday, September 16.  They were given a list of options on Slide 28 to help them prepare too.  After this, we will begin Unit 2, Ratios and Rates.  This combines 6th grade units 2 and 3.  

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• In Literacy this week, we read the short story, "One Wish" by Ronald L. Smith.  We analyzed the story for figurative language, fiction sign posts, and made inferences about characterization.  

• After turning in their analysis slideshow over the story, students then graded themselves by completing the self-assessment. 

• We are continuing along with our independent reading books as well. Students should also be reading these books at home. :-) 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• WOW!  1st quarter is FLYING right by. This week, we are wrapping up our study of Continents, Oceans and basic Geography skills.  We have our test Thursday 9/11 for A day and Friday 9/12 for B day. 

• Next week we are diving into our 5 Themes of Geography Unit. 

6 West News

Friday, September 5, 2025

A Quick Note:

• Afterschool Activities are underway! Here is the WMS Activities Booklet - students have access to weekly updates in Google Classroom in the "WMS Important Information" section.  A couple clubs to note:

  • Math Club begins Thursday, September 11!   It's hosted by Mrs. Wolbert and Mr. Powers.  Math Club is a fun and welcoming space for students who enjoy problem-solving, creative thinking, and exploring math beyond the classroom. We participate in several math competitions on-site and off-site throughout the year too.  We meet in Room 132.   

  • Science Olympiad for 6th Graders has its first meeting on Thursday, September 11 (Scatizzi's room 134) and will meet approximately monthly. It is hosted by retired science teacher Barry Crook. Each year, Science Olympiad teams all over the country compete with each other in 23 different events. This year we will offer a 6th grade club to explore these events, participate in design challenges, and compete in trivia contests based on the Science Olympiad science categories.

• There is an intruder Drill next Friday.  Each class will be preparing them on the Wednesday before (Cday).

• Please remind your child to pack a water bottle, snack and a charged chromebook each day.

• Please label ALL of your students' personal belongings, especially water bottles, jackets, and lunch boxes.  (Scatizzi personally loves the XS clothing labels from NameBubbles - I use them on water bottles, too)

Upcoming Dates:

Sept. 8 (Aday) and Sept 9 (Bday): NWEA Math 

Sept. 10: Picture Day

Oct. 6-9: 6th Grade Camp

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• We kicked off our first official unit by exploring Johnson Shut-Ins State Park via Google Earth.  We will spend the next month of school learning about how forces (weathering, erosion, deposition) shape Earth's surface and then will visit Johnson Shut-Ins State Park during 6th grade camp to see the geologic features first hand.  After camp, the students will create a project to show what they learned.

• Our labs this week included sediment observations under stereoscopes as well as setting up weathering simulations that we'll let sit over the weekend and observe them next week.  We will be solidifying our knowledge on the difference between physical and chemical weathering and then begin building background knowledge on erosion and deposition to prepare for the next round of labs. Check out the Science tab to see pictures of our sediment observations, weathering lab, and using our new journals. 

• Students received their graded Safety Quiz this week and grades have been updated in PowerSchool.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert): 

The NWEA is Monday (Aday) and Tuesday (Bday).  To prepare, get a good night's sleep, pack a water bottle and snack and charge your Chromebook.

6th Grade Math: 

We have finished up our exploration of Area of Polygons and will be moving to Surface Area of Figures.  Students will get their Sub-Unit Quiz back next Wednesday.  We will do corrections in class and if a student decides to do a retake, they will do so during Pack Time or After School.  Students will need to ask for a pass through email or during class if they want to do a retake.  

6/7 Accelerated:

We have finished our work with Area of Polygons and will quickly end the unit with Surface Area of Figures.  We will review for and take the Unit 1 Test next Friday.  To prepare, students should review homework and quizzes from Unit 1.  I will also have a slide in our Unit Outline with items they can use to study.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week in Literacy, students went to the library for the first time to pick out an independent reading book.  All students should now have a book and should be bringing them home nightly to read for 20-30 minutes. :-) 

• We also practiced identifying and analyzing figurative language, and we discussed fiction signposts to look for when comprehending and analyzing texts.  Students practiced identifying memory-moment signposts and aha-moment signposts in video clips.  We will later identify these in the short stories we will be reading in the coming weeks.  

• Students were given the opportunity to look over their rubrics for the "How to Email a Teacher" assignment, and if they were not happy with the grade they earned, they were allowed to revise their email and resubmit it for a new grade.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• In Social Studies THIS week, we will continue developing our skills in using atlases, globes, digital maps and paper copy maps.  

• NEXT week: 9/11 for A day and 9/12 for B day there is a test. Students will be given a world outline, where they will identify the 7 continents and 5 major oceans.  

• Thank you for your continued support! All assignments and materials can be found in our Social Studies Google Classroom.

6 West News

Thursday, August 28, 2025

A Quick Note:

• If you missed open house, here are core teacher's slides:    Scatizzi Science   Wolbert Math     Anderson Literacy    Hardt Social Studies 

• We are super excited to get to know these kids. Please complete this form to help us get to know your child better.  (This is relinked from last week - thanks for those of you who have already completed it)

Upcoming Dates:

Aug. 29:  No School (PD)

Sept. 1:  No School (Labor Day)

Oct. 6-9: 6th Grade Camp

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): 

• This past week, students received their custom science journal.  This was created by the 6th grade science team and houses all of our readings and notes.  Students will be writing and highlighting as we go.  This resource is great tool for reviewing at home.

• Our focus this past week was Lab Safety & Tools.  Students took a quiz that I hope to get graded and back to them by next week.  There is a carousel of pictures on my Science tab showing our Color Lab, where we practiced lots of lab safety techniques.

• We begin our first official unit on Tuesday,  Sept. 2, which is studying geoscience processes that change Earth's Surface (weathering, erosion, deposition).  We will bring our studies into the local realm by using Johnson Shut-Ins (visited during Camp) as our phenomena.

Math (Mrs. Wolbert):

**NWEA is Monday, September 8 (Aday) and Tuesday, September 9 (Bday).

6th Grade Math:

• This week, we developed formulas for finding the area of parallelograms and triangles.  If your child needs a review of this, please encourage them to look at the summary/notes packet in their math folder.  We also took a progress check- a quick way for me to assess how they are doing after the first few lessons.  They will get this back next week and it will be in their folder.

• Next week, we will be finishing up our work with area.  We will prepare for and take the Unit 1 Sub-Unit Quiz on Thursday, Sept. 4 (Aday) and Friday, Sept. 5 (Bday).  There will be a review given to students if they want to prepare for the quiz.

6/7 Accelerated:

• We are quickly moving through our exploration of area.  Now that we have norms established, we will be moving even faster.  I hope to prepare for and take the Unit 1 Sub-Unit Quiz on Wednesday, September 3.  This will be over Lessons 1-9, Area of Parallelograms.  We will then move into Surface Area by the end of the week.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week in Literacy, students learned how to write a professional email with the proper components.  We drafted our email on slide 18 of their Google Classroom assignment, and then they sent a real email to me for a grade.  

• We also reviewed figurative language terms( simile, metaphor, alliteration, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, idiom, personification, and puns)  that will appear in our upcoming short stories.  We practiced identifying figurative language on dry-erase boards, and we even created our own sentences with particular figurative language based upon pictures I shared.  

• Summer Reading Google Form is due by 9/5! The link to the form is located in the Literacy Google Classroom. 

• Click here to view a copy of the parent letter that was given at Open House. (This letter goes over book choice in our libraries. Email me any time if you have questions or concerns.) 

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• Last week we introduced the 5 Themes of Geography. This week we will learn the Basics of Geography and students will be able to identify the 7 continents and major oceans on a blank map. 

• There will be a test on September 11 for A day and September 12 for B day. Students will add the continents and oceans to a blank map.

6 West News

Friday, August 22, 2025

A Quick Note:

We are super excited to get to know these kids. Please complete this form to help us get to know your child better.

Upcoming Dates:

Aug. 26: WMS Auditorium- Camp Info Night 6-7pm; Open House 7-9pm

Aug. 29:  No School (PD)

Sept. 1:  No School (Labor Day)

Oct. 6-9: 6th Grade Camp

Content Area Updates:

Science (Mrs. Scatizzi): What an AMAZING group of scientists!  

• Students participated in an Egg Drop Challenge with their new table mates.  They were given a raw egg, only a few supplies, and very limited time to design a contraption to protect the egg from a 2-story drop onto concrete.  We had a lot of fun - click on the SCIENCE tab above to see a carousel of pictures from that activity.  

• We began learning about lab safety by conducting the Color Lab (pics to come next week!).  Students will take notes early next week and be given a Lab Safety & Tools Quiz on Wed. 8/27(A) or Thurs. 8/28(B).  You can use their packet of notes to help them study and I also posted a lab safety video in Google Classroom.  

Math (Mrs. Wolbert):  

Please see my tab for more resources like the current unit outline and my syllabus.

6th Grade Math:

What a great group of Mathematicians!  We had three main goals this week and we crushed them all!

• Begin to create a classroom culture that is safe and productive.

• Begin to explore area of irregular and regular shapes.

• Learn routines that we will use all year long (please see the handout in their folder).

Next week, we will explore area of parallelograms, triangles and other shapes.  By the end of the week, students should have formulas for all of these shapes.

6/7 Accelerated:

What a great group of Mathematicians!  We had three main goals this week and we crushed them all!

• Begin to create a classroom culture that is safe and productive.

• Begin to explore area of irregular and regular shapes.

• Learn routines that will allow us to have a productive, accelerated class. (please see the handout in their folder).

Next week, we will explore area of parallelograms, triangles and other shapes.  By the end of the week, students should have formulas for all of these shapes.  They will also have a yellow packet of challenge problems related to the current learning.  We will explore some of these in class, but they are free to try them at home too.

Literacy (Mrs. Anderson):

• This week in Literacy, students were introduced to Literacy Class and each other.  Students filled out an "All About Me" Interests and Reading Habits survey--if they did not finish in class, they should be finishing this and turning it in next week. I look at these for many reasons, including to help students find independent reading books that are interesting to them.  

• Students created a one-word goal for this school year. We will finish this activity next week.

• Thursday and Friday we completed our first STAR Reading Test.  This will be our baseline to measure growth for the school year.  

Social Studies (Dr. Hardt):

• Students were introduced to the 5 Themes of Geography the first week. 

• Next week, week of August 25 - August 29, we will dig into the World; map of the continents and oceans. 

• There will be a "complete the map" quiz (continents & oceans ONLY) 9/11 for A day and 9/12 for B day.