Classroom Information

Welcome to sixth grade at Sequoia Middle School. My name is Trisha Clark and I am your child’s English and social studies teacher. In English, your child will be exposed to a rich curriculum. It will consist of excellent literature, specific instruction in essay writing, critical thinking skills, note-taking, grammar and spelling instruction. Our social studies program focuses on the fascinating world of Ancient Civilizations.

As this is your child’s first experience in secondary school, there is a great emphasis on organization and problem solving. Sixth grade is a transition year and the students have much to remember, but we work continually with the students by teaching them to think about how they can help themselves and become more self-sufficient when problems or questions arise. You will see your child grow an amazing amount in maturity this year.

Every student in my classroom must learn to punctuate properly, to spell well or to find a method to eliminate spelling errors, to know and apply capitalization rules, to select and use sophisticated vocabulary, to write neatly or type, to organize paragraphs properly, to vary sentence length and structure, and to be responsible to turn in assignments on time.

I will assign homework daily. Homework should take the average student approximately thirty minutes to complete each night. Working neatly and accurately does take time, however no child should be spending hours struggling through assignments. Please contact me if this occurs and we will work together to improve the situation.

Please feel free to contact me by phone: (805) 498-3617 ext. 1309 or e-mail: trishaclark@conejousd.org

Academic grades are based on:

Reading Selection Tests - comprehension and vocabulary

Writing Assignments – content and grammar

Social Science - chapter tests, quizzes, maps, homework, classwork and projects

* Citizenship/Work Habits grades – please refer to assignment notebook.

Class Guidelines:

1. Be prepared for class. Come to class prepared with supplies, homework and SURE book.

2. Class work and notes need to be kept in a spiral or 3 ring binder. This will help a child stay organized and prepare for assessments.

3. Homework will be checked every day.

4. Do not throw any papers away, even if graded or recorded, unless instructed by the teacher. Assignments will be used for tests, quizzes, and projects.

5. Students are encouraged to see me after school if they need any additional assistance.

6. Use the restroom before class.

Class Expectations:

1. RESPECTFUL

Do not disrupt the learning environment with talking or other distracting behaviors.

2. SCHOOL RULES

School rules will be observed. No hats, food, cell phones or gum.

3. WATER ONLY

A bottle of water is encouraged, but no sports drinks, juice or soda are allowed.

4. MAKE-UP WORK

If you are absent, check the website. You may also call a classmate. Upon your arrival, check the assignment crate in the back of the room.

5. MAKE-UP TEST

If you miss a test, you are expected to make it up on your immediate return. It is the student’s responsibility to request the make-up.

6. CHEATING

Cheating on a test or quiz or copying someone else’s homework will result in an F on that assignment and a retake of the assignment.