Chilhowie Middle School
Mrs. Powers | English 6 | 2025 – 2026
Email: brittanypowers@scsb.org
Course Goals:
This course is designed to facilitate readers and writers who can: approach a variety of texts successfully, think critically, and write to a given audience proficiently.
Course Overview:
Middle school English consists of reading, writing, and word study. The Virginia SOLs will be taught using a variety of resources and activities such as:
Reading
We will read and respond to multiple texts daily in preparation for our Reading SOL in May. This will be completed through whole-class novel studies, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, digital media, drama, etc.
Writing
We will work on grammar and sentence editing weekly; however, our main focus as sixth graders is to master basic grammar/mechanical rules and work on developing a well-written paragraph/essay. We will complete 2 – 3 writing assignments per nine weeks. Some of these will be done together, others will be done independently.
Word Study
We will primarily focus on Greek and Latin roots and affixes. Students will use the etymology, morphology, and phonology of words to decipher meaning, spelling, and parts of speech for words each week.
Materials:
All digital work and assignments will be posted and submitted through Google Classroom. You will need to come to class each day with your school-issued Chromebook, charged.
Along with your Chromebook, you will need:
3 ring binder (1-2 inch) with paper
Dividers (Bell Ringers, Reading, Writing, Lexicon)
Pencil pouch with: pencils, highlighters, scissors, colored pencils, erasers, post-it notes, and earbuds/headphones
Independent reading book
Grading System:
The purpose of grading in this course is to assess student mastery of Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs). For this reason, zeros on any assignment are unacceptable. Per school policy, zeroes on classwork, homework, tests, and quizzes will be made up in after school tutoring or being pulled from PE by administration to complete missing work.
From time to time, students may not show adequate mastery at the time of an in-class assessment, resulting in a low grade. Students may request to redo any test with proof of work completed to gain mastery of a standard. This is usually done through completing an additional assignment or attending after-school tutoring. Requests to retest must be made within two weeks of the original assessment.
Grades will be updated weekly and can be accessed via ParentPortal. Both students and parents/guardians have access to ParentPortal.
Google Classroom
Digital assignments and texts will be posted to Google Classroom. Families can sign up for weekly summaries from Google Classroom by accessing their student’s account.
Class
Google Classroom Code
First Block
xgmjeibu
Second Block
paupg55k
Fourth Block
c7mi2h5r
Homework:
I do not frequently give homework beyond finishing up assignments from class. From time to time, students may be asked to review, complete a vocabulary activity, pre-reading, or other short standards-based activity that will be due the next day. Students are expected to read every night.
Accelerated Reader (AR) and Library Visits
At the beginning of each nine week grading period, you will take a STAR reading assessment. This assessment will provide your teacher important information about your reading ability and what your reading level is. It is vital that you do your very best on this assessment each time you take it.
After the STAR assessment is given, you will be given a range of reading levels that are a best fit to help you grow as a reader independently. This will be called the ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development). Your ZPD range will help guide your book choices from in the library.
After the STAR assessment is given, you will also be given a points goal you will be expected to achieve by the end of the nine week grading period. This will be taken as a test grade (tests are 40% of your grade) and it is vital that you hold yourself accountable and work towards achieving this goal daily. Your goal takes into account your reading level and is based on 30 minutes of independent reading daily. We will read 10 minutes at the beginning of each class, but the remaining 20 minutes, you will be expected to do on your own (after finishing assignments in any class, SMART block, or at home).
The Big Classroom Rules:
Respect yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and all materials.
Remain sitting and raise your hand silently to speak. (Control your voice and body)
Come to class prepared and follow all class expectations & directions quickly
No gum, no snacks, water only
Classroom Management:
Students will abide by all school and district behavior expectations in the classroom. Disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated. If a student prevents learning from happening in the classroom, they will be removed and sent to administration for the remainder of the class period. Disciplinary decisions come from administration.
How to become a Successful Middle School Student:
Be self-motivated and self-disciplined. Freedom and flexibility requires responsibility. You should take ownership of the learning process and stay organized and on-task. Successful students are independent!
Ask for help when necessary. If you are struggling or do not understand, do not hesitate to ask for help! We are here to help you! That’s our job!
Have regular, daily attendance. We cannot teach you if you are not here. The best instruction is the instruction you will get face-to-face with your teacher. When you do have to be absent, remember that our class continues. You will be responsible for your missed work. This may require you to come in during PE the following day or stay after school to get help.
After-school English help is available on Wednesdays. Please make arrangements with your teacher if you will be staying. You will need to be picked up at 4:15.
Avoid late work penalties by completing work prior to the due dates.
Return emails from your teacher in a timely manner. When you need to contact your teacher outside of class, please send a proper email.
Strive to be the best YOU everyday!!! Stay focused, Take responsibility, Respect yourself and others, Invest in your future, Value education and learning, Expect success!
Plagiarism:
Students found plagiarizing, cheating, or utilizing AI as their own work will receive a disciplinary action and must redo the assignment(s). This will include those students that allow others to copy their work. Do your own work – if you are having trouble, please see your teacher and she will help you. Do not share your work with another classmate.
Contact Information:
We will contact parents about good and bad behavior, academic progress, etc. Parents are also encouraged to contact us anytime – the best way is through email, but you can also leave us a message through the main office and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
I am here to make sure that your child has a successful year. If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements, policies, or your child’s progress please contact me at any time.
Your Partner in Education,
Brittany Powers