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Dear 6th Grade Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to Tenafly Middle School! The 6th graders are already overcoming many obstacles with a sense of endurance and joy. I am eager to start my 12th year here in TMS with growing writers and readers and excited to share the 2025-26 school year with you. This site will share some quick information about my classroom and will display an overview of the 6th grade Language Arts course. However, feel free to contact me directly through my email (jtak@tenafly.k12.nj.us) if you have any further questions after this night.
Welcome to Tenafly Middle School! The 6th graders are already overcoming many obstacles with a sense of endurance and joy. I am eager to start my 12th year here in TMS with growing writers and readers and excited to share the 2025-26 school year with you. This site will share some quick information about my classroom and will display an overview of the 6th grade Language Arts course. However, feel free to contact me directly through my email (jtak@tenafly.k12.nj.us) if you have any further questions after this night.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Alternating between units, our class will be engaging in writing & reading workshops....
Alternating between units, our class will be engaging in writing & reading workshops....
How Readers & Writers Work (Week 1-4. September)
Narrative Writing (Week 5-11. Sept - Nov)
Close Reading Unit: Scrawl (Week 12-16. Nov - Jan)
Rigorous Read Aloud (Week 17-24. Jan-Feb)
Literary Essay (Week 25-29. Feb-March)
Compare & Contrast for Literary Analysis (Week 30-31. March)
Reading & Responding to Narratives (Week 32-34. March-April)
Holocaust & Genocide Unit: The Cage (Week 33-End. March-April)
Vocabulary (All Year)
Writing Workshop
Writing Workshop
What We Write:
Narrative Tasks
Expositions & Vignettes
Literary essays
Writing about Reading: Using evidence to support our thinking
On Demand Writing Tasks
Novel directed Journal Entries
Reading Workshop
Reading Workshop
What We Read:
*Please Do Not Read AheadWhole Class Read:
Scrawl by Mark Shulman
The Cage by Ruth Minsky Sender
Short Stories & Various Texts
Independent Reading Book (IRB)
Independent Reading Book (IRB)
As homework, students will be required to read their IRB for 15 minutes every night.
Please encourage your child to choose a new book that he or she finds interesting! This is the same homework and book as literacy class.
Self-Sustained Learning Tools
Self-Sustained Learning Tools
Vocabulary.com
Assigned one week in advance to review new and relevant vocabulary terms for class. Goes in as a vocab.com assignment.
iReady
School program where there are personalized lessons called "mypath" that students can explore
Grading Policy
Grading Policy
All Language Arts Classes use a point system in which points are accumulated throughout the marking period.
Homework: 1-5 points
Quizzes and/or Tests: 10-20 points
Writing Assignments: 30-45 Points
At the end of the marking period, the grade is calculated as followed:
**Points earned by student ÷ Maximum # of points possible
Keep in mind: In the beginning of the marking period, there are fewer grades in the gradebook so grades will fluctuate in the beginning but will eventually stabilize as the MP continues. So, if a student forgets a 3-point assignment, gradebook will calculate the score as 0/3 and show an “F” on the portal. Please do not panic, as more grades come in, this letter grade will change drastically.
Genesis Marks: M = Missing E = Exempt (by teacher) I = Incomplete Work
*Must make up missing and incomplete work unless stated otherwise. Exempted work is excused.
Homework Policy
Homework Policy
Homework is given throughout the marking period and are given 1-5 points depending on the weight of the assignment. In 6th grade, homework will always be accepted even for partial credit unless it is for the following reasons:
reviewed in class
study tool for a test/quiz
one-time assignments
If an assignment is not submitted, there will be an “M” on parent portal that signifies that it is “missing”. Once the assignment is received, the “M” will disappear and points will be given. Please know that an assignment can be handed in until the end of the marking period. Or, if your child would like to make it up immediately, please have them stay after school for extra help! Thank you!
6 Indigo Extra Help Sessions
6 Indigo Extra Help Sessions
Monday, Wednesday, & Fridays 8:00am-8:20am
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 3:00pm-3:20pm
Students can just come and join.
Click Below for Any Additional Information
Click Below for Any Additional Information
Thank you for learning more about 6Indigo! Feel free to email me if you have any further questions or concerns.
Thank you for learning more about 6Indigo! Feel free to email me if you have any further questions or concerns.
Or, if you have any concerns that need to be discussed with all of the 6Indigo teachers, feel free to set up a parent meeting via the school office. We look forward to meeting with you!
Or, if you have any concerns that need to be discussed with all of the 6Indigo teachers, feel free to set up a parent meeting via the school office. We look forward to meeting with you!
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