The quiz at the end of this letter is due by Wednesday, August 22. Please note that it needs parent and student signatures.

Achievers’ Social Studies

Class Letter

Sixth grade social studies encompasses the study of the people of the world, where they live and why they choose to live there, and the way of life for them.

Supplies: We will use a college-ruled composition notebook in Social Studies and a pocket (or pocket & clip) folder. Students will be instructed on how to organized their notebooks, and they are expected to keep their notebooks and folders up-to-date with their work. Periodic notebook quizzes will be given and students will need returned papers, notes sheets, etc. to achieve success on these quizzes. They will also use the information in their notebooks and folders to prepare for unit tests. I recommend that students store their notebook in my classroom, but they may take it home as needed to study for tests.

Daily, students will also need loose-leaf paper, pencils and their Student Agenda Planner. The Agenda should be filled out with homework assignments each day the student attends Social Studies. Parents should check and sign the Agenda Planner at least one time per week.

Grading:

A. We follow the JCPS expectation for grading categories as follows:

Student engagement with the standards (20% of grade): Participation in class, warm-ups/reflections, hands-on activities

Student progression toward standards (30% of grade): Written assignments completed in class and/or at home

Student mastery of the standards (50% of grade): Quizzes, Tests, projects, presentations

Some assignments will be given point values based on correctness (for example, they may be worth 10 points or 25 points, etc.) while others will be checked for completeness and general understanding and will receive a grade of √+, √, √- or √- - (equivalent to an A, B, C, or D respectively).

B. Incomplete or Unacceptable Work:

When students receive work back from the teacher, they should look at it, check for a grade, read any notes written by the teacher and try to figure out why they missed any questions. The work you do and that the teacher grades is a great way to assess yourself, to see what you are doing well and what information you need to go back over and/or ask questions about to ensure understanding of the concepts and to prepare for the quiz/test on that topic.

Occasionally, a student may receive a “graded” paper back that has a note written at the top. The note will be dated and give instructions as to what the student needs to do to complete the assignment satisfactorily before returning it to the teacher for a grade. These assignments need to be corrected and returned to the teacher within the week to receive credit and avoid late points being deducted. After one week a score of 0 will be recorded in the grade book.

If an assignment is difficult to read because of handwriting, it will be returned to the student to complete again. Students are welcome to type and print assignments, then staple their answers to the original sheet if this is necessary.

C. Late Work: Students are expected to keep up with assignments and turn them in on time. I would suggest a pocket folder labeled HOMEWORK where the student places any assignments given during the school day. That folder would go home daily, work would be completed and placed back in the folder, and the folder would come back to school the next day. The student would take this folder to every class throughout the day. I will make 10-20 additional copies of worksheets and papers, but, because my resources and time are limited, I will not be able to continually make more copies for students who misplace their work. A progression/short-term assignment is considered late if the student is in class the day it is assigned and in class the day it is due but s/he does not turn it in. A mastery/long-term assignment is considered late if the student has had extended time to complete the assignment before a regularly announced due date but does not have the assignment on the due date.

Late work will lose 10% of its original value per day. After five days, late assignments will not be accepted. No late assignments will be accepted the last week of the grading period. Also, assignments due the last week of the grading period will not be accepted after the grading period ends. Students learn the material best when they complete it during the lesson cycle, not when they try to cram it in at the last minute.

D. Extra Credit: Extra credit will only be offered if a student has completed all regular assignments. The best way to learn the material is to complete the daily assignments.

E. No-Name Papers: The first thing students should always do when receiving a new paper is put their name on it! I require first and last names because I have over 100 students and repeated first names are inevitable; the last name also helps me make sure the grade is recorded correctly. If a paper is turned in without a name, I will circle the place where the name should be, write the date graded across the front of the paper, and hang it on the “No-Name” cabinet.

Students who do not receive a graded paper when work is returned should check the no-name cabinet. If they find their paper, they should put their name (first and last) at the top and turn it back in. I will then record the grade; this work is not counted as late. No-name papers that hang on the cabinet for a week will be thrown away.

F. Student Work: I encourage students to use their time in class wisely, to focus on lessons and to take pride in their work. Also, since all teachers are teachers of reading and writing, I expect students to use capital letters correctly (at the beginning of a sentence and for proper nouns such as the names of continents, states, countries, oceans, seas, mountain ranges, etc.), to use an appropriate punctuation mark at the end of a sentence, and to spell words correctly when copying them from a book, worksheet, the board, etc. I also expect them to apply correct usage of homonyms (to, too, two; there, their, they’re; here, hear). Only by focusing on the lessons learned in Language Arts and concentrating correct application will students improve their writing habits and become proficient users of the English language.

G. Student Absences: When a student is absent, s/he should check the absence folder for any work missed. Students are expected to check with a classmate to get the warm-up and closing questions as well as any notes taken during the missed class. If an assignment was due on the day missed, it needs to be turned in; if a test or quiz was taken on the day missed, the student should ask the teacher for the test.

H. Student Progress: Parents are encouraged to check the Student Agenda Planner at least once a week and question students about assignments that should be listed. Parents (and students) may also access Infinite Campus to see their (student’s) in-progress grades. If students have questions about any missing assignments, they may approach the teacher about it at a time that will not disrupt instruction time (during independent work, before going to related arts, at the end of the school day, etc.).

Projects:

Students will have enrichment projects during most grading periods. The purpose of these projects is to allow students to delve deeper into Social Studies areas of personal interest and to show mastery of Social Studies concepts. The work on these extension projects will be completed at home. While you may guide your student and help him/her make choices concerning these projects, please refrain from doing the work for them!

Some grading periods all students will present their projects to the rest of the class or a small group; other grading periods they will be given the option to present their projects, but presentations will not be required. At times we will may have a gallery walk during class in lieu of presentations. It is always amazing to see their creativity and they enjoy learning from their classmates!

These projects are assigned early in the grading period and due toward the middle or end of the grading period to give students plenty of time to consider their options, decide upon their approach and materials, research and complete the project. They will need to plan their time so they can complete these projects throughout the grading period!

Students will receive a copy of the project options, and we will take time in class to discuss the projects, ask/answer questions, and look at examples when possible. The date the project is due will be listed every day on the board for students to write in their Agendas; at least once per week, I will ask during the beginning of class if there are any questions about the project.

Please note these project assignments when they are listed in your child’s Agenda and ask them about their plan, ideas, etc. Also, please work with your child to schedule their time over the grading period so they can complete these projects in a timely manner and (hopefully) a stress-free environment.

Other Homework:

Other than projects assigned each grading period, students will also have one Article of the Week (AoW) each grading period. This article uses the cloze method to help students learn comprehension skills. An example of the AoW is attached in this packet. Students will have one week from the time the article is assigned to complete their work and turn it in.

Any other homework in Social Studies will be occasional classwork that the student may need to complete at home.

Textbooks:

We have class sets of textbooks. We use them at times, but assignments from the books are rare. Students may check out a book to bring home at any time. I will be going over the check-out procedure with them. Please be aware that the student is responsible for any book s/he signs out in my classroom. If the book is not returned, payment will be expected to compensate for the book.

Behavior:

In addition to the school rules and team rules, the following apply to Social Studies.

A. Entering the Classroom: Check the white board outside of the door to see what you need to get when you come into the classroom, enter the classroom quietly and maintain your quiet voices during the beginning activities, organize your materials, gather any class materials needed for the day (you should get your notebook every day), fill in your Agenda with the homework, begin the warm-up by filling in the date, question/task and answer on the sheet you have been given for the week. Do not use this time to visit with your friends around the room or at their desks. Everyone should be busy.

Please do not approach Mrs. Rosenberger during the first five minutes of class unless you have an emergency. She will be taking attendance, passing out graded work, and organizing materials for the lesson so we can begin quickly.

LOOKS/SOUNDS/FEELS LIKE: Organized, safe, quiet, everyone being productive

B. During All-Class Instruction: Face the speaker; keep your hands, feet, pencil, etc. quiet; focus on what is being said, demonstrated, taught; raise your hand and wait if you have a question; follow directions quickly and quietly

LOOKS/SOUNDS/FEELS LIKE: Focused, quiet, learning

C. Leaving the Classroom: Most days we will complete a closing question or reflection activity at the end of class. Then you should make sure your Agenda is filled out with any homework; turn in your work or put it away in your notebook/folder (You will have to LISTEN to the teacher’s instructions about this); correctly put up your notebook, classroom books and supplies; gather all items you brought with you and place them on top of your desk; check under & around your desk for trash, pick it up to throw away when you leave; quietly thank a classmate near you for something s/he did to help you today; remain quietly seated until Mrs. Rosenberger dismisses your section. I WILL POST THIS LIST OF THINGS TO DO IN THE ROOM!

LOOKS/SOUNDS/FEELS LIKE: orderly, calm, low voices, productive

D. Leaving During Class: Students are expected to be in class so they can engage in the learning activities planned. Occasionally a student will be called to the office or another teacher’s room; the time outside of class should be minimal. Scheduled restroom breaks are included in our team schedule. Please take advantage of these restroom times because I will very rarely let you leave class to go to the restroom.

You may visit your locker before and after school. Supplies for the day should be gathered before you go to the first class of the day. Teachers are strongly encouraged by administration to keep students in class so that learning may occur, and I will pass this expectation along to my students!

E. Classroom Rules: SMART

S=Say kind words and Stay on task

M=Make friends by being kind and Make good choices

A=Arrive on time, prepared (Agenda, pencil, homework, brain engaged) and ready to learn.

R=Respect yourself, others (Active Listening), and all property

T=Try your best and Think to learn (read, write, discuss, etc.)

F. Consequences: If you don’t follow a classroom behavior expectation, the following will happen:

1) First offense per SS class: Teacher will write your name on the board; this is a friendly reminder that you need to correct your behavior.

2) Second offense per SS class: Teacher will place a √ after your name on the board; at this time you will have a quiet seating change in the classroom for 5 minutes. You should still participate in class but use this time to get your choices back in line with the classroom expectations.

3) Third offense per SS class: Teacher will place another √ after your name; at this time you will have a short time-away (TAB or Take A Break) in another team classroom and (probably) a reflection sheet to fill out while there. The purpose of the reflection sheet is to help you identify your struggle to follow expectations and give you time to reflect on how you can make better choices. You may return to class with the sheet filled out in 5 minutes. Place the reflection sheet on the teacher’s desk, sit back in your desk, and participate in class. NOTE: If the reflection sheet does not show honest reflection on your classroom choices for the day, you will be sent back to the TAB classroom to correct it. Also, you and Mrs. Rosenberger will usually have a short conference about your choices and about implementing your chosen strategy to make better choices in the future. You are responsible for any classroom work missed during your TAB time.

These reflection sheets will be filed with those from other team teachers and consistent behavior problems will be addressed with you and your parent.

4) Fourth offense per SS class: Teacher will place another √ after your name; at this point your parent will be contacted via phone, email or Agenda note concerning your poor choices in class AND you will receive an essay to complete that evening and get signed by a parent. The essay should be returned to Mrs. Rosenberger the following morning; if it is not returned, not completed or not signed by a parent, an after-school detention will be assigned. A detention slip will be sent home with you. Your parent will sign it, and you will return it to Mrs. Rosenberger the next school day. If you do not return the signed detention slip, you will have lunch detention that day and every day until it is returned signed, and you will call home from Mrs. Rosenberger’s class to remind your parent to please sign the slip so you can return it.

You will be expected to stay after school on the assigned day of your detention until 3:00. If you do not stay, the detention will then be turned over to an administrator, and s/he will give you a consequence. The assigned essay will need to be completed.

5) Fifth offense per SS class: After a short seating change, a TAB and reflection sheet, a contact with home and assigned essay, if you still have a behavior problem that day in Social Studies, a discipline referral will be written. This goes to the administrator and you will receive a consequence from him/her. This also goes in your permanent record.

6) Per the JCPS Student Code of Conduct, some behaviors require that a discipline referral be written immediately.

Your actions and choices should help you learn our content and should contribute to the learning environment of our classroom.

G. Behavior Points: During the first three grading periods (18 weeks), time will be spent in class to go over, practice and review the classroom policies. Classes will be reminded often of what is expected. Students who struggle to follow the expectations will have consequences as stated above in section F.

During the last three grading periods reminders of the expectations will continue and the consequences in section F will continue, but behavior points will also be kept. You may check with Mrs. Rosenberger at any appropriate time to see how many behavior points you have accumulated for the grading period. Please self-modify your behavior if needed. These behavior points will affect your grading period behavior grade.

Contact:

Parents, if you have questions or concerns at any time you may contact me by writing a note either in the Agenda Planner for your student to show me or on a sheet of paper for him/her to give me; by emailing me at sharon.rosenberger@jefferson.kyschools.us; or by calling the front office and leaving a message for me. Please do not hesitate to contact me about any issues.

Students, if you have any questions or concerns, please talk to me at a time when I am not giving all class instructions or information. Such times include during quiet work time, before or after school or before you go to related arts class.

Student AND Parent SS Class Letter Quiz

Show your knowledge of the SS classroom by completing this quiz with your parent/guardian. Refer to the SS Class Letter.

1. List 3 things that you should bring to class every day.

* _______________________________________________________

* _______________________________________________________

* _______________________________________________________

2. Why is it important for you to keep social studies papers in your social studies notebook and/or folder?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3. How will you know if an assignment is unacceptable or needs more work before you receive a grade for it?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

4. What strategy is recommended in the letter to help you keep up with your homework assignments and get them turned in?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

5. “Late work will lose _______ % of its original value per day.

6. Who can receive extra credit work? _______________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

7. The ____________ thing students should always do when receiving a new paper is put their name (first AND last) on it!

8. Where will you find competed papers that are missing a name? ____________

____________________________________________________________________________

9. List three expectations I have for your work (HINT: Look under the heading “Student Work” on page 2 of the letter).

* ____________________________________________________________________

* ____________________________________________________________________

* ____________________________________________________________________

10. When you are absent you should check the absence ______________ for any

missed work AND check with a ___________________________ for the warm-up,

closing and any notes you missed. If you missed a test or quiz you should ask

the _____________________ for that so you can make it up.

11. You can check for your current grade (“Progress”) by using

_______________________________________________________________________.

If you do not have an account, your parent can contact Janet Seibert (janet.seibert@jefferson.kyschools.us) to set up an account.

12. Projects are assigned early in the grading period and due toward the middle

or end of the grading period to give you plenty of ____________to consider your

options, decide upon your approach and materials, research and complete

the project. You will need to ____________ your ____________so you can complete

these projects throughout the grading period!

13. I verify that I have seen the SS Information Letter and completed this assignment with my parent/guardian.

______________________________________________________ (Student signature)

I verify that I have seen the SS Information Letter and completed this assignment with my child.

______________________________________________________ (Parent signature)