Sixth Grade English

Ms Puma
2015-2016 School Year
Welcome to a new year at Post Oak! I am looking forward to working with you. Within this paper, you
will find a brief description of the course, the grade scale, a list of materials needed for the class, class
rules/expectations, and contact information. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to
reach out to me any time via email at [email protected] or via phone at the school at 540582-7517. Its going to be an incredible year!
Purpose and Goals:
This is a 6th grade English class that meets everyday. This English class encompasses oral language,
reading, and writing on a daily basis. This classroom will be applying blended learning strategies (using a
combination of technology and direct instruction) in most classes. We will be using a variety of fiction and
nonfiction materials throughout each nine week period. For a more informational summary on the
specific goals and objectives for this class, I have included information from the Virginia Department of
Education Standards: The sixth-grade student will be an active participant in classroom discussions. The
student will present personal opinions, understand differing viewpoints, distinguish between fact and
opinion, and analyze the effectiveness of group communication. The student will continue in the study of
the elements of media literacy as introduced in earlier grades. The student will begin the study of word
origins and continue vocabulary development. The student will read independently a variety of fiction and
nonfiction texts, including a significant number of classic works, for appreciation and comprehension.
The student will also plan, draft, revise, and edit narratives, descriptions, and explanations, with attention
to composition and style as well as sentence formation, usage, and mechanics. The student will also
demonstrate correct use of language, spelling, and mechanics by applying grammatical conventions in
writing and speaking. In addition, technology will be used as a tool to research, organize, and
communicate information. As in earlier grades, the meaning and consequences of plagiarism will be
stressed.
Class Supply List:
rBook (provided)
1 binder with paper
1 composition notebook
2 pencils
1 reading book (from home or library)
Homework and Assignments:
Students are required to read at least 20 minutes each night. This can be a book, newspaper, or magazine.
Written homework and assignments will only be assigned only if you do not finish work in class. For
example, if we are working on a project and I have allowed two days of class time on the assignment but a
student may need more time, he or she can take this home to finish.
Assignments and messages will be shared using my website:
https://sites.google.com/a/spotsylvania.k12.va.us/puma/
Grading:
Calculation of scores is achieved by dividing a students total number of points by the total number of
points possible. Larger assignments and tests will be worth more points than class work and homework.
Some assignments will be assessed using a rubric. Assignments graded will be primarily standards based.
We will be using a variety of items including, but not limited to; multiple choice, short answer, essay

questions, exit slips, assessments on the computer (individual), and projects. Homework is not graded.
The exception to this would be if a student is absent and takes the work home to make up the classwork.
Grading Scale: 100-90 A

89-80 B

79-70 C

69-60 D

Below 60 F

Participation: This class is an active classroom. Reading, writing, and oral communication are all
activities that require thinking and processing. Your positive participation is a must (non-negotiable).
Classroom Rules:
1. Demonstrate responsibility.
2. Respect all others and their property.
3. Come to class prepared every day.
4. Show up on time (prompt).
Discipline: Our classroom is a place where you must treat others with respect. Learning cannot take
place in a classroom which is not safe and comfortable. Therefore, we will work together in order to make
our classroom a safe environment for learning. The classroom is a workplace: Do not keep others from
doing their work. School is your job, and it can be fun, but if you are stopping another student from doing
their job, there will be consequences.
Consequences:
1. Warning- (can be oral or written)
2. Relocation within the classroom and student/teacher conference. (Reflection Sheet
Completed)
3. Lunch Detention in ISS and phone call home.
4. Referral
Other Classroom Procedures/Information:
Entering & Exiting the Classroom: Please walk in the room using an appropriate voice and sit in
your assigned seat before the tardy bell rings. Students who do not enter the room appropriately
will be asked to leave the room and reenter as expected. At the end of class, please wait for the
teacher to dismiss you after the bell rings and exit the room appropriately.
Library: We go to the library as a group once every two weeks. The Library is also open at 7:40
each morning and during lunch. I also have a classroom library that students can utilize.
Bathroom: We will follow the bathroom cone procedures. Only one student leaves the class at a
time, with the class cone, to use the bathroom. Students will also sign out to use the bathroom.
Substitute Teachers: Substitute teachers are considered guests in our room and should be treated
with the utmost respect. If you get in trouble with a substitute, you will serve lunch detention
upon my return (depending on the infraction, a referral may warrant).
Additional Resources:
Link to Virginia Department of Education Standards for English 6:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/english/2010/stds_english6.pdf
We have a new curriculum and pacing guide for the 2015-16 school year. Once the link is active on
Spotsylvania Countys site, I will let you know!