COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
History Topic 1 Test is Wednesday, October 7th! Study guide has been posted in Google Classroom!
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Student goals this year will focus on finding evidence in texts, understanding word meanings, analyzing themes, and comparing and summarizing different texts. They will also work to improve their grammar, expand their vocabulary, write clear arguments and informative texts, and conduct research. Additionally, they will learn to interpret information from various media and evaluate and present arguments effectively.
Novels we will read this year:
📚 A Long Walk to Water***
📚 The Great Wall of Lucy Wu***
📚Tuck Everlasting
📚 Refugee
***These books are required by the district.
The rest of the list may or may not be read depending on time permitted and class interest.
Please DO NOT read them ahead of time. If you have read them in the past, please NO SPOILERS. We want everyone to experience reading each novel for the first time.
HISTORY
Sixth grade history focuses on Ancient Civilizations. Students will be expected to learn note taking strategies, think critically, participate in class discussions, and perform presentations. Students will learn about the geography, religions/belief systems, achievements, politics, economic structures, and social structures (GRAPES) of each of the civilizations covered this school year.
Units to be Covered:
🌍Origins of Civilizations
🌍Mesopotamia
🌍Egypt & Kush
🌍India
🌍China
🌍Greece
🌍Roman Republic
🌍Fall of Rome
CLASS Materials
Priority Supplies:
Two Composition Notebooks
One Binder (shared among all classes is okay) with a tab designated for English and History
Colored Pens for notes and correcting
Pencils
3’x3’ Sticky Notes
3’x5’ Index Cards
Suggested Supplies:
Colored pencils or markers
Glue Sticks
Binder Paper
Reusable water bottle
Personal Headphones
**If for any reason, students cannot obtain the supplies needed by the second week of school, please reach out to the teacher for assistance. No questions asked.
Class donations are always appreciated. If you would like to contribute to the classroom, please see our class wishlist here. Items are continuously added throughout the year. Thank you!
Grading policies and Expectations
GRADEBOOK –
The Aeries Gradebook will be updated regularly. Please use this platform to check your grades and ask Mrs. Wahedi about any questions you may have.
LATE WORK –
Late work will be accepted up until the end of each grading period with a 20% deduction. Grading periods end with each unit or novel. After the grading period, work may be submitted with a 30% deduction by the end of the semester unless stated otherwise.
ABSENSES –
It is the student’s responsibility to check in with their peers and teacher to find out what was missed during their absence. If a student is absent, they have two days for the first day absent to make up their missing work, then an additional day for each additional day absent. Please speak to the teacher if you need more time.
For example: Absent 1 day = 2 days to make up work. Absent 2 days = 3 days to make up work.
QUIZ MAKE-UPS -
Students who were present during instruction of the content will take the assessment upon their return. Students who have prolonged absence will need to schedule a FLEX with the teacher to catch up on missed content. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule to make up their missed quizzes and assessments.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY –
Academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, and abusing AI, will not be tolerated. If a student is found guilty of academic dishonesty, a score of zero will be given for the assignment, and a referral will be issued.
BEST PRACTICES -
Students are encouraged to keep graded work in a binder or folder until the end of each quarter for review and in case there are discrepancies in the gradebook.
If you have questions regarding any policy above, please ask!
Class policies and procedures
Below is a list of classroom expectations and procedures. This document is designed to help you understand how we operate in our class, so you know what to expect and how to contribute to a positive and respectful learning environment. By following these guidelines, we can work together to make our classroom a place where everyone can thrive and succeed. If you have any questions about any of the following items, please don’t hesitate to ask. You will be notified if there are any changes to this document.
Safety – Safety is the top priority in class. All students have the right to feel safe in our classroom, physically and emotionally. If you see or hear something unsafe or makes you or a friend uncomfortable, say something. Use walking feet indoors and in the hallways, and always use materials, furniture, and tools in class the way they were intended. Know where to go in the event of an emergency, be alert, and listen for instructions from the intercom or staff members.
Entering and Exiting the Classroom – Enter the classroom on time and quietly. Have all materials ready, write the agenda and homework in your planner, and get started on the bell ringer. Before the end-of-period bell rings, the teacher will give you enough time to pack up, so please refrain from packing up before class is over. Leave the classroom in better condition than you when you entered it.
Tardies – You are tardy if you are not in your seat by the time the bell starts to rings. If tardy, you will be issued a lunch detention (per school policy). If you are held back by another teacher or staff member, ask them for a pass.
Restroom/Water Breaks – Students are not restricted from using the restroom; however, they are responsible for what they miss when out of class. For safety reasons, the teacher must be made aware if you are leaving the classroom. Be sure to sign out and back in on the 5-Star computer.
Student Work – Assignments should be the student’s original work and be submitted in legible, neat handwriting. Assignments should be labeled with the assignment title, full name, student number, class and period, and date. Students are expected to ask questions when they do not understand an assignment as soon as questions arise. If you feel like “I don’t even know what I don’t know,” tell the teacher so you can figure it out together.
Classroom Etiquette – Raise your hand to share and stay seated during instruction. Give your full attention to the speaker. Be mindful of your peers – you can disagree, but you may not be disrespectful. Listen to instructions and “ask three before me.” Treat others how they wish to be treated. Most importantly, be your best every single day.
Online Etiquette – When emailing teachers or class peers, use proper etiquette. Refrain from using slang, include a clear subject, start with a greeting, use complete sentences, and close with your full name and class period. Keep the email clear and concise. You’re more than welcome to email again if you do not get a response within 24 hours.
Conflicts in Class – Middle School is more than just your classes; it’s about building foundation skills you’ll need in life – communicating clearly, advocating for yourself, solving problems, and building meaningful relationships with the people you work with. Students are encouraged to solve minor conflicts on their own. Use “I” messages to be clear and assertive about how you feel. If another peer tells you they dislike how you are treating them, it’s important to consider their perspective as well. Fortunately, we can’t read others’ minds, so respectfully tell others you dislike their actions towards you can help them see your perspective.
Chromebooks – Each student will have access to a Chromebook in class. Chromebooks are numbered, so students should use only their assigned Chromebook throughout the school year. Inform the teacher of any new or unusual damage to your Chromebook. If you damage a Chromebook due to neglect, you may be responsible to pay for the repair or replacement. Chromebooks are a privilege and must be used responsibly to keep this privilege.
Community Supplies – The community supplies belong to the class. The purpose of community supplies is so that all students have access to materials needed during class. Please take only what you need, borrow if you’d like, and respect all materials so that they can last us through the year.
Eating in Class – Eating is NOT allowed during class. Snacks outside during independent work and with teacher permission is permitted. Water bottles are encouraged in class. Please stay hydrated!
The Couch – The couch can be used during open seating opportunities. If you have already sat on the couch during the week, priority goes to students who haven’t yet had a chance to sit on the couch. If two students reach the couch at the same time, they are to “rock, paper, scissors” for the seat.
Amendments – The teacher has the right to amend or add to the Class Rules and Procedures page as she sees fit. Students will be made aware to any updates ASAP. The students of Room 44 have the right to request an amendment or an addition to this document. It must be in writing with strong claims and evidence to support your stance. If the teacher chooses to consider it, the class will hold a vote.