Sixth-grade students will change electives every quarter, approximately every 9 weeks. All 6th grade students have started out with Academic Strategies and they will rotate through 3 other electives (in no particular order) for the remaining quarters. 

✏️ ACADEMIC STATEGIES -Students learn and practice essential academic skills to prepare them for the challenges of middle school, focusing on time management, effective study habits, and critical thinking techniques to ensure long-term classroom success.

💻 DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP - Students explore the digital world to understand appropriate and inappropriate online behaviors, learning about internet safety, data privacy, responsible communication, and how to maintain a positive and respectful digital footprint.

🎢 INNOVATIONS - Students collaborate in a dynamic environment to create, experiment, and design unique projects, allowing them to develop practical problem-solving skills, embrace creative thinking, and learn the value of teamwork through hands-on challenges.

🥑 LIFESTYLE ESSENTIALS – Students discover the foundations of physical and mental well-being by exploring healthy nutrition, active exercise habits, constructive social interactions, and essential strategies for building positive self-worth and emotional resilience.

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.

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.

GOOD 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!

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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!

12. 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.

13. 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.