Welcome to Sixth Grade!

Dear Parents and Families,

We are off to a wonderful start at Miles River Middle School! I look forward to building relationships with you and your students over the school year. Now that we are off and running I wanted to share a few notes about English Language Arts expectations this year.

Grading

You may see your student’s grades at any time on ASPEN. You are always welcome to email me questions you have about grades, but I ask that you have a conversation with your student first. This helps them gain independence and accountability as they adjust to letter grades.

25% Classwork

• a blend of effort based work and mini summative assessments (evaluations on the objective that day)
• includes exit tickets, oral conferencing, group work, small presentations and worksheets

25% Homework

• work expected to be done out of school
• includes Independent Reading responses and completion, whole class novel reading checks, and short responses on reading

50% Assessments

• grades that reflect a student’s competence on Common Core Standards after direct instruction and practice
• includes the occasional vocabulary/content written quiz
• predominantly writing assignments
• students always have a “Criteria for Success” checklist to utilize before handing in graded writing assessments, they have received their first checklist this week

Independent Reading

All middle school students are expected to have an independent reading book at all times. This is helpful in class if they have completed an assignment and during IE blocks. I have a library in my classroom and students may check out books from the library that we share with the High School. Our local library is also an excellent resource. I will also place Scholastic book orders if there is an interest, to order online use classroom code: HM99L. If you do choose to buy your student their own books, please consider donating them to the classroom if they are no longer of use; we are always looking to expand our selection!

Sixth grade students are expected to read and respond to two independent reading books this year.

Young adult literature is tricky to navigate. Students are generally excited to read more mature novels, but be sure to check on what your student is reading to make sure you are comfortable with the content and themes.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful students!

Never hesitate to email, I love to discuss student growth as the year progresses (and the funny anecdotes that pop up in our day to day!) Shoot me an email to say hello - if it is in my inbox I will reply which starts our communication early! If you have concerns, TEAM NILE is always available to arrange a parent conference during the school day.

I hope to see you on Curriculum Night (Tuesday, September 17th, 6:30-8:00.) Although this is not a conference time, if we do get a chance to chat, please let me know your student’s first and last name and class (6-1, 2, 3, or 4) - so I can try to place a face with the family!

All the Best!

Jacquelyn Craig

j.craig@hwschools.net