Expectations
In our classroom, your child will participate in a variety of learning activities in a variety of ways., including partner work, small group work, individual tasks, experiential activities, lectures and whole class discussions/work. To ensure that these activities take place in an environment conducive to learning, my expectations for students include that they care about their work and actively participate in the learning process, care about and respect others (at play as well as at work), follow directions, make safe choices, and organize themselves, their time, and their materials for success.
In kid friendly terms this means it’s their job to do school well: to learn, listen and participate actively but not blurt out disruptively, write neatly, clean up, help others, choose to do the right thing, and be nice.
Arrival/Dismissal
School hours are from 8:25 am -3:30 pm with the tardy bell ringing at 8:40 am. Please do not drop your child off before 8:25 am as there is no supervision outside. Sixth graders can enter the building via the bus loop door at 8:25 am. Please make sure you have a set meeting place with your child for pick up after school. If there is a change in pick up, please notify the main office and they will call our room to let me and your child know.
Class Rotations
Students will begin the first few weeks of the year moving classrooms with their homeroom as we build routines and expectations. Then, we will transition to a mixed rotation. Students will be attending math and science with me (Mr. Aerenson) and reading, writing and social studies with Ms. Weiss.
Communication
Communication is the key to an optimal learning environment for your child! Parents and teachers working together will create the necessary link to foster this environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. My email is caerenson@dcsdk12.org. I try to check my email a few times each day, please know that I may not respond right away, but I will get back to you within 24 hours. Likewise, I will contact you if necessary. Additionally, we have set conference times throughout the year in both the fall and the spring.
Student Planner
All students will receive a planner or be expected to bring a planner on the first day of school. Students are expected to record homework and import and dates in their planners. This will prepare them for middle school and beyond when they will be expected to keep track of assignments and create checklists of tasks to complete.
Specials
For specials, the sixth-grade class will be divided into three groups. Students will find out which group they are in on the first day of school.
Homework
Sixth graders should expect 60 minutes of homework each night. Examples include:
independent reading (monthly book activities due)
completing a daily math assignment
studying math facts
reading or writing activity
reviewing science and social studies notes
In addition, due at the end of the week
45 minutes of iReady practice for reading and math - Time will be given in class to help complete this task.
Assigned homework will be recorded in student planners.
Friday Folders
Folders will include graded assignments, school-wide information, and details concerning upcoming events. Friday folders need to be returned the following Monday.
Snacks & Water Bottles
It is important to send your child with a healthy snack to help them through the morning. Snack should be something that's quick and easy to consume (and healthy). Snacks cannot be shared. Students will be allowed to eat their snacks during our set snack break times.
Students are also encouraged to bring a water bottle. Please make sure your water bottle is clearly labeled. Only water is allowed in water bottles. Everyone is allowed access to his/her water bottle at all times in our classroom.
I-Ready Lessons
With the iReady reading and math program, students will work on two lessons for both math and reading per week (a total of 4). Students are exected to complete 45 minutes of time for each subject completing these lessons. This is part of homework/classwork and is expected to be done by Sunday evening each week.