"Between the great things we cannot do, and the small things we will not do, the danger comes when we choose to do nothing."

Dear Parents and Students,

I can hardly believe that we are almost to Christmas Break!  This year is going by soooooo quickly and I am having a wonderful time this is indeed one of the best groups of 6th graders that I have had the privledge to work with.  I am planning on relaxing over the holiday and hope you are too, therfore I will not be posting again until we return in January. 

Hope your break is a wonderful one!

Mrs. Wilbert

December Calendar and due dates:

Dec 19^th – Any donations to the “Christmas Sock” project are due.                            THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU for all your generosity.
Dec 20th -- Homework Journal

Dec 20th - #1-"Found poem", #2 Venn diagram compare/contrast assignments on The Christmas Carol due. Of course, these assignments may be turned in early if desired.                                                                                                   

Dec. 21st - (this date has changed) November/December Book Report- see additional instructions below.
Dec. 22nd - Jan 4th - Winter Break!

Jan 5th  Extra Credit Homework Journal/ Writers Notebook

Jan 10th  Regular Homework Journal (5x reading, 5x writing, 5x penmanship)

Weekly Due Dates:
Tuesdays - Homework Journal / Writers Notebook
Tuesdays – Weekly Spelling Test Next Spelling Test 1/18
Friday   – Typically we have a weekly math quiz

Language Arts:
As a reminder, the homework journal is a responsibility credit which means it must be complete to receive any credit. (5 entries in reading log, 5 1-1/2 page journal writing entries and penmanship written 5x)
Penmanship Quote due Tuesday Dec. 20th - "Between the great things we cannot do, and the small things we will not do, the danger comes when we choose to do nothing."

The Christmas Carol: This coming week we will read and view Staves III, IV and V to finish up our study of The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Students are responsible for taking the assigned novel study notes and writing a "found poem" about the changes that take place in the main character Ebenezer Scrooge. Students are working on a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the book with the George C. Scott movie. These are all due before they go on Winter break.  Extra credit is available for comparing the movie we watch to another version.

November/December Book Report:
I have instructed the students about the November/December Book report, and have given them an instruction sheet.  I will give them the entry form when they turn in the letter.   I decided that I will not require drafts for this letter, but if they would like me to read it before we mail it in they can turn it into me on Dec 6th or Dec 13th, only after at least 2 other adults have proof read it. Due date is Dec. 20th.
See previous blogs for further information on the Nov. /Dec. book report.

January Book Report:
The January book report will be due January 31st. The assignment will be to read the novel "The Great Brain" and write in a character journal. I will issue them a copy of the book to each of the students and explain the assignment on Wednesday Dec. 21th. This will give students the winter break plus 4 weeks after their return to read and complete the character journal. I think your students will really love reading this book and making the character journal!

Math:
We are working on factorizations and will begin to work with fraction problems.  Students need to be completing 2 ½ hours on aleks each week.  We are seeing enormous gains, but only in those students who are logging the suggested time.  We will only get better at math by practicing J

Social Studies:
We studied Unit #13 this week and will took the test on 12/13.  Next Social Studies Test 1/10. If students were absent or were unable to take the quiz they need to do so at home or schedule a recess to do so.  Students have a password and username for www.studiesweekly.com . Here students can reread or finish reading the weekly paper on line at home so they are prepared for the quiz. Studies Weekly also has a nifty "speed read" button that students can use to increase their words per minute.(It looks like a lightning bolt)

Country Reports:
Remember Country Reports…Everyone has their due date written in their planner. Please be aware of when your turn is coming!!

Have a wonderful week and a terrific holiday,
Mrs. Wilbert

Happy Thanksgiving!!

December calendar and due dates:Dec. 21th -(this date has changed) November/December Book Report- see additional instructions below.
Dec. 22nd - Jan 4th - Winter Break

Weekly Due Dates:
Tuesdays - Homework Journal / Writers Notebook
Tuesdays – Weekly Spelling Test
Fri – Typically we have a weekly math quiz (Mrs. Wilbert’s math class)

Parents,

It has come to my attention that blog post are not posting.  I apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused and will make certain that I double check to make sure that every thing does post publicly.  Since this coming week is very short I will not be making a blog post next week. I have tried to include all the information needed in this blog post, until after we come back from Thanksgiving break. My sincere wishes are that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

BrainWise:
We will continue with "Fact vs Opinion".  As we separate fact from opinion and identify what our choices are we can make better decisions, thus we create less problems.

Language Arts:
As a reminder, the homework journal is a responsibility credit which means it must be complete to receive any credit  Beginning 2nd trimester we will increase our writing to 1 and 1/2 pages.  We will be giving time in class to write IF students bring their writers notebook.  To obtain credit students must have (5 entries in reading log, 5 (five) 1-1/2 page journal writing entries and penmanship written 5x)
Penmanship Quote due Tuesday Nov. 22nd - Personal Favorite quote --

I have decided that for the week of Thanksgiving break I will require the students to fill out their reading log and make one 1 1/2 page entry titled "What I am Thankful for..."

Spelling:

We will not have a spelling test on November 29th.

We are using the website www.spellingcity.com to post spelling words each week. Students should also have written a copy of the words in their planner. This website allows students to practice their spelling words through interactive computer technology games. Please have them take a practice test at home and quiz them on the words they miss. Our next spelling test will be Week 6 words on Tues. Nov. 22th.  Week 7 words will not be taken until December 6, 2011.

November/December Book Report:

I have instructed the students about the November/December Book report, and have given them an instruction sheet and entry form. If they lose the entry form they will be responsible to go to the website and print out another one. I decided that I will not require drafts for this letter, but if they would like me to read it before we mail it in they can turn it into me on Dec 6th or Dec 13th, only after at least 2 other adults have proof read it.

For this book report we are having our 6th grade students enter the "Letters about Literature Contest" This is an exciting opportunity for students to select a fiction or nonfiction book, a short story, poem, essay or speech (sorry, no song lyrics) that they have read and about which they have strong feelings (think text to self connection). They are to explore those feelings and why they reacted the way they did during or after reading the author’s work. They will then write a letter to the author about how they felt about the book. I have attached the web address and some of this site's information below as a reference. State winners receive a $50 Target gift card and National winners get even bigger prizes!

Math:
We are finishing our introduction to decimals and will begin working with fractions when we return from Thanksgiving break.  Our students have been doing amazing on ALEKS.  Please know that your student is expected to complete 2 1/2 hours on ALEKS in a week for homework.  The growth has been terrific we have students who have increased their "pie" by 45%.  Please know that the greatest improvement is with students who spend the most time.

Remember to check out the math text book online by going to www.go.hrw.com, clicking on middle school math, and then choosing the Course 1 2007 if you absent and need to know what we learned that day in class.

Social Studies:
We will finish up our study of Greece Unit #11 this week and begin Unit 12 for the week of 12/2.

Students have a password and username for www.studiesweekly.com Here students can reread or finish reading the weekly paper on line at home so they are prepared for the quiz. Studies Weekly also has a nifty "speed read" button that students can use to increase their words per minute.(It looks like a lightning bolt)

Country Reports:
We are now full swing into our Country Reports. Please check with your student about what date their report is due.  Additionally, please, please make sure your student is following all the instructions given on the Country Report rubric, including the amount of notes they should be using (approx. one 3x5 card)to give the report.....these reports should only be about 10 minutes long....some are taking up to 45-60 min.+. If a student has truly studied their country they will only need a few notes to refer to as they share the facts that are on the rubric with their classmates.
Our focus is for your student to become an expert on their country, we are not looking for just a retelling of facts, but want your student to really immerse themselves into their chosen country. This is one assignment that will make it possible for your student to create an extraordinary product. All scores for country reports will be entered 3rd trimester.

Thanks for all you do to help us be great 6th graders.
Mrs. Wilbert

http://lettersaboutliterature.org/how_to_enter

Letters about Literature Contest

To our young readers:

Books have wings. You can’t see them, but they are there just the same. On books’ wings, readers can soar to new places where they meet intriguing characters and experience exciting adventures. But a book’s wings can also help a reader rise above difficult situations — like peer pressure, bullying or prejudice, or to cope with disappointment and loss.

Have you ever felt the power and lift of literature? Has one book — or perhaps one author — inspired you to change your view of yourself or your world? If so, we encourage you to enter this year’s Letters About Literature writing competition. All you have to do is write a personal letter to an author, explaining how his or her work affected you.

HOW TO ENTER

Before you can enter, you have to write the letter. And before you can write the letter, you've got to think about how YOU responded to the book.

First, reflect and connect!

Select a fiction or nonfiction book, a short story, poem, essay or speech (sorry, no song lyrics) you have read and about which you have strong feelings. Explore those feelings and why you reacted the way you did during or after reading the author’s work. Consider one or more of these questions when writing your letter:

Did the characters, conflict or setting mirror your life in some way?
What strengths or flaws do you share with a character or characters in the book?
What did the book show you about your world that you never noticed before?
What surprised you about yourself while you were reading this book?
Why was this work meaningful to you?
As you were reading, what did you remember about yourself or something you experienced in the past?
How did the book's characters or theme help you to understand that past experience?
Your letter need not -- and in fact, should not -- answer every one of the questions above. The questions are just prewriting prompts to get you to start reflecting (or thinking) about your reader's response to the book.

Second, write a personal letter (not a fan letter or a book report!)

Express yourself! A letter is less formal than an essay or research paper. Write honestly and in your own voice, as if you were having a conversation with the author. Those are the best letters to read and the most fun to write! Keep in mind these two tips:

• Correspond, don’t compliment! Your entry should inform rather than flatter the author.

• Do not summarize the book’s plot! The author wrote the book and already knows what happened. What the author doesn’t know is how the book affected you.

Third, prepare your letter for submission.  6th grade is a Level 1 entry.

• Entries for Level 1 should be no less than 100 words and no more than 400 words.*

Please refer to the Contest Entry Guidelines in Rules #4 of the Official Rules found at www.loc.gov/letters for complete information on how to prepare your letter.


HOW WILL THE LAL JUDGES ASSESS YOUR LETTER?

All entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Exposition (the writer’s use of language skills, organization and grammar).

• Content (the writer’s achievement in addressing the contest theme).

• Writer’s Voice (the writer’s style and originality of expression).

Each criteria will be scored on a scale of zero (0) to five (5), where five (5) is excellent and zero (0) is not fulfilling the judging criteria.



STATE AND NATIONAL AWARDS
LAL awards prizes on both the state and national levels. Each state center has its own panel of judges who select the top essayists in the state. State Winners will receive a $50 Target Gift Cards and additional prizes, and then advance to the National Level Judging.

On each competition level, a panel of national judges for the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will select six (6) National Winners (2 per Level of Competition) and twelve (12) National Honorable Mention Winners (4 per Level of Competition). The National Winners will receive a $500 Target GiftCard, plus each will secure a $10,000 LAL Reading Promotion Grant in his/her name for a community or school library so that others can experience personal relationships with authors and the stories they tell. The National Honorable Mention Winners will each receive a $100 Target GiftCard, plus each will secure a $1,000 LAL Reading Promotion Grant in their name for his or her community or school library. The community or school library selected for the National Winners and National Honorable Mention Winners is at the Sponsor’s sole discretion. Refer to the National Level Judging in the Official Rules for more details.

"You can swim in the Sea of Knowledge all day and still come out dry. Most people do."

October Due Dates:
Tuesdays - Homework Journal / Writers Notebook
Tuesdays – Weekly Spelling Test

GARCIA HOMEROOM
Wednesday  – October 12th  Welcome Home Milo Party – Part1: Final Exam

Thursday  – October 13th –  The Phantom Tollbooth - Part2: Final Exam 

Friday - October 14th -  Literary Outline on The Phantom Tollbooth

WI:BERT HOMEROOM

Thursday   – October 13th  Welcome Home Milo Party – Part1: Final Exam 

Friday – October 14th – The Phantom Tollbooth - Part2: Final Exam

Friday - October 14th -  Literary Outline on The Phantom Tollbooth

Friday October 28th – Country Reports begin (check your date)
Oct. 24-28 – Pride Week (dress-up days)
Sat. Oct. 29th K-6 Fall Carnival 5-8 pm
Monday  - October 31th – October Book Report due (Non-fiction outline)

“Greetings!” “Salutations!” “Welcome!” “ Good Afternoon!” “Hello!”,
(Synonyms from the King’s advisors in The Phantom Tollbooth)

I am often in awe of the amazing students that are in our classrooms. They are sharp as a tack! Ask your student what kind of figurative language "sharp as a tack" is.

BrainWise: Ask Questions
We did not work on BrainWise last week due to the short days of PTC so…. we will continue to practice the skills we have learned so far and learn about asking questions. Asking questions help us determine if something is a fact or an opinion. It has been great to hear our students using the BrainWise ideas and language to problem solve in the classroom and among themselves.

Language Arts:
As a reminder, the homework journal is a responsibility credit which means it must be complete to receive any credit (5 entries in reading log, 5 journal writing entries and penmanship written 5x)
Penmanship Quote due Tuesday 10-4-2011
"You can swim all day in the Sea of Knowledge and still come out dry.  Most people do." - Canby

October Book Report: October’s book report will be a non-fiction outline on an article from National Geographic Magazine for students.  We will be working on this in class the week of October 17 and minus any typing of a final draft, students should be able to finish this in class

Novel Study: The Phantom Tollbooth by: Norton Juster
Our study with this wonderfully imaginative book will focus on figurative language, theme and finding our favorite sentences and identifying if they are simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex sentences.

Welcome Home Milo Party – Part 1: Final Exam Thurs. Oct. 13th
(Character dress-up and explanation)
As part of their final exam students will choose a character out of the book, (excluding Milo and a Lethargarian) dress up like the character, and choose at least 3 proofs from the book to create the costume. They will present their chosen character, using the “voice” of the character, in class pn Wed or Thurs. depending on homeroom. Costume proof must be labeled and include the page # as evidence. For example: If I choose the Miner as my character, one of my costume props might be a plastic number (refrigerator magnet). I would have it labeled as a “Stone” and include the quote from pg.180 “He scooped up a great handful of stones and poured them into Milo’s arms. They included all the numbers from one to nine, and even an assortment of zeros.” This is not intended to be a huge production, be creative, we do not intend anyone to rent or purchase anything for this project.

Part 2: Final Exam Fri. Oct. 14th
This will be a traditional exam that will focus on figurative language, theme and sentence types.

Spelling: We are using the website www.spellingcity.com to post spelling words each week. This wonderful website allows students to practice their spelling words through interactive computer technology games. If you want to see how they are doing, have them take a practice test. We will be taking a spelling test in class every Tuesday.

Mythology Unit:
Upon the completion of The Phantom Tollbooth, students will begin their study and writing about a chosen god or goddess. We will also be learning to summarize through our reading of the children’s version of the Iliad and Odyssey. The 6th grade program coming up on  November 10^th .  We will have a mythology theme and students will be an expert on, and dress up like their chosen god or goddess. It will be a marvelous evening!

Math: We will continue working on algebra using tables and real world problems. For those of you who purchased ALEKS passwords they should be here soon. Anyone still interested in purchasing on will have one final opportunity on Nov 1.   We have 1/2 of Wilbert Homeroom with an ALEKS account and for those students, time logged on ALEKS will take the place of paper/pencil homework.

Remember to check out the math text book online by going to www.go.hrw.com, clicking on middle school math, and then choosing the Course 1 2007. I really believe this is a great tool for students to utilize with their homework. Please encourage them to watch the math lessons video and the interactive practices. I showed my students how to use the algebra tiles found in the Lab section of Chapter 2. The algebra tiles are a great way to work out problems and practice algebra! We will continue to work on algebra this week including word problems.

Social Studies:
We are just beginning the series of Studies Weekly papers that will teach us many exciting things about World History. My Social Studies students have a password and username for www.studiesweekly.com Students can reread or finish reading the weekly paper on line at home so they are prepared for the quiz. Studies Weekly also has a nifty "speed read" button that students can use to increase their words per minute.(It looks like a lightning bolt)

Country Reports:
Country Reports begin Oct 28th and continue with 3 reports every Friday through April. Our focus is for your student to become an expert on their country, we are not looking for just a retelling of facts, but want your student to really immerse themselves into their chosen country. This is one assignment that will make it possible for your student to create an extraordinary product. Please ask your student about their country and due date.

It was good to meet and talk to all of you at Parent Teacher Conferences. Being able to focus on one student at a time confirmed in me the fact that we have a remarkable group of 6th graders this year!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Wilbert

"Argue for your POSSIBILITIES and they are yours."

Sept Due Dates:

Tuesdays -  Homework Journal / Writers Notebook

Monday      9/19 --  Have picture book in class (Wilbert Homeroom)

Thursday    9/29 --  Picture book Literary Outline Due

Greetings,

We had a great discussion this week about our quote of the week. The highlight happened when students decided that they would like to change the quote to “Argue for your POSSIBILITIES and they are yours!”  Please take time to ask your student what they learned about arguing for their limitations and the video clips we have watched about people who have ignored their “limitations” and instead focused on their possibilities.

Brainwise: This week we learned ways we can decend on the emotional elevator and will begin the next chapter on separating fact and opinion. We will continue to practice the skills we have learned so far. It has been great to hear our students using the brainwise ideas and language to problem solve in the classroom and among themselves.

Language Arts: As a reminder, the homework journal is a responsibility credit which means it must be complete to receive any credit (5 entries in reading log, 5 journal writing entries and penmanship written 5x)

Penmanship Quote due Tuesday 9-20-2011
"Argue for your limitations and they are yours."  By Richard Bach OR “Argue for your possibilities and they are yours.” By Wilbert 6^th Grade

September Book Report:We have worked hard to complete the notes on Literary Outlines in class. This is the format that the upcoming Book Report, due September 29th should be in. For this book report students can choose a picture book to do a literary outline on. The picture storybook they choose should be one that they can work with. Please avoid books with only a few words per page. This coming week we will continue with activities on figurative language and sentence types to help them with their outlines. We will soon begin our novel study of The Phantom Tollbooth.

MATH:

We began our study of algebra this week using a hands on approach to algebraic equations and I must say that your students did AWESOME!  It was fascinating however, how many students were doing the equations, solving them with no hesitation, but when a student said “this is algebra” they stopped.  Immediately there were about 8 students who said, “WHAT…I CAN’T do algebra” and they stopped working.  It made it evident again that sometimes the greatest barrier to growth in math is the idea in our head that we can’t do it.  I want you to know that this is a priority for me as a math teacher is to help your student move beyond the idea that they “CAN’T” do math.  I need your help to accomplish this by asking your student what they got right in math—talk about what they did successfully, make sure they are practicing and before you know it they will be doing things they didn’t think possible.

This past week I also took my math students into the computer lab and showed them how to access our Holt math text online. Students can access the math text at any time by going to http://www.my.hrw.com/ and entering the username and password taped into their planner.  With this online text, students have the ability to look at the math book at home and get extra help on concepts that we are learning in school. They can watch a video and be retaught the lessons by Professor Burgar. They also have the ability to use the interactive practice. With this tool, as parents you will be better able to help them with their math homework.

What I am most excited about is the ability for students who are absent to be able to makeup the lesson we had that day, with the online text. All they need to know is what chapter and lesson to make up, go online watch the videos,(there are usually 3 for each lesson) do the interactive practice, and hopefully then understand how to complete the homework assignment.

Social Studies: We are just beginning the series of Studies Weekly papers that will teach us many exciting things about World History.

Country Reports: We have discussed, and students have been given the rubric for their Country Report Power Point and Oral Presentation.  They have chosen their country, and date assignments have been given. Country Reports begin Oct 28th and continue with 3 reports every Friday through April.  Our focus is for your student to become an expert on their country, we are not looking for just a retelling of facts, but want your student to really immerse themselves into their chosen country. This is one assignment that will make it possible for your student to create an extraordinary product.

Don't forget to go to www.northdavisprep.com and click on the Online Scheduler to make your appointment for Parent Teacher Conferences the week of Sept. 26-29.  This is available until Sept 20th and after that we will assign any times that are left.  If you want to make sure the time works for you please log on and choose the best time.

Thanks for all you do to help us be great 6^th graders!

Mrs. W

"A mistake is evidence that someone has tried to do something."

Hello Everyone,

Hope you are all having a great Labor Day Weekend. Before we head off to enjoy the fabulous weather I wanted to update you with the latest information.  We just finished week three and are picking up speed but we probably won't begin to really feel in the groove of school for another couple of weeks.   Here is what to expect for the next week (remember it is a short one :)

Brainwise:  We will continue to study the skills we have learned so far adding more about the emotional elevator.  It has been great to hear our students using the brainwise ideas and language to problem solve in the classroom and among themselves.

Language Arts:    As a reminder, the homework journal is a responsibility credit which means it must be complete to receive any credit (5 entries in reading log, 5 journal writing entries and penmanship written 5x)


9/6/2011  Penmanship Quote 

                                   "A mistake is evidence that someone has tried to do something."

     

MATH:

We have been reviewing long division and multiple digit multiplication.  This is an essential math skill that your student needs to have mastered.  Please check with your student and have them show you that they are able to divide a 2 digit divisor into a 4 digit dividend and then check the problem with multiplication.  If they have any struggles they need to continue to practice this on their own at home.  We will continue to review a problem everyday as a warm-up in class.  This week we will be working with order of operations, exponents and number sense.

ALEKS orders are here!!!  We will be placing an order on October 1, 2011.  The cost is $35 for 40 weeks.  This is a SIGNIFICANT savings over the $19.99 per month charge on the website.  If you are interested in learning more please go to http://www.aleks.com/ .  I must share that as a parent and as a teacher I have loved using this program for both struggling students and those that excel.  If you have any questions please feel free to call me.

Make sure you are checking your Friday Notes for important information regarding activities at school.  This week there are instructions on how to set up a gradebook password that will allow you to check ALL of your NDPA students with one log in. 

Thanks for all you do to help us be great 6th graders!  Have a great weekend and we will see you all on Tuesday.

Mrs. W

Own It!!

We had a fabulous week....again!  This week we began continued working in our LA homework journals / writers notebooks, learned more about our brains and decision making skills and began taking the assessments that let us know where we are beginning the year academically.

Brainwise:  This week we are going to  learn about getting off the emotional elevator before acting and recognizing the difference between fact and opinion.  Your students are really learning some great skills to help them in problem solving and decision making.

Language Arts:  There were some questions regarding LA homework journals.  On Tuesday when students bring their journal to school to be graded, I give out the weekly penmanship quote and an article or topic to respond to.  If your student is able to complete this during class time it does count as one of their five journal entries.  We have been writing in our notebooks in class each day and if students are able to complete a full page in class it will count as a journal entry.  If they are unable to complete a full page then it is homework.   As a reminder, the homework journal is a responsibility credit which means it must be complete to receive any credit (5 entries in reading log, 5 journal writing entries and penmanship written 5x)


8/30/2011  Penmanship Quote  "Own It" 
                 ( because it is so short it is 10X this week)

 
Math:  We have been reviewing division and multiplication.  We are going to be working on estimation and number knowledge this week. I should know this week about pricing for ALEKS.  I will let you know as soon as I obtain the information.  (see last weeks post)


I hope your students are having as much fun as I am, this is a great group of kids and I know this year is going to be fabulous.

Here's to another great week!!

Mrs. Wilbert

I Have The Power And Ability To Make A Difference!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Welcome to the new year.  We are off to a fabulous start and are looking forward to an amazing year. This week we have spent time getting to know each other and building the team that will from here on out be referred to as "our class".  We are learning about how our brain works and tools we can use for problem solving and decision making with the Brainwise Program.  This week we have learned that everyone has problems and the difference between our lizard brain and our wizard brain.  Next week we will learn how to recognize our constellation of support, all about red flag warning signs that there might be a problem and the emotions elevator.  Be sure to ask your students to teach you what they have learned.

LANGUAGE ARTS
Your student will begin to see  LA homework next week.....watch for the smiles on their faces :)

As a reminder your student will have the following LA Homework EVERY week. If for some reason (holiday, program, etc..) there is a change I will make sure to post it on the blog--if there is no posting stating otherwise, you will know that there is homework.

Homework Journal
Homework Journal: Due on Tuesdays (first being due on August 23)
Homework journals are a place for your student to record their nightly reading, do their personal writing and practice their cursive with our weekly penmanship quote. To receive credit they need to have a FULLY COMPLETED (5 penmanship, 5 reading log entries and 5 journal entries) journal in class on Tuesdays. The following must be in the journal to be counted as complete:

1- The penmanship quote of the week (will be posted each Tuesday) written in cursive 5 times.
2- Reading log with name of book, number of minutes and pages read and a two sentence summary of what they have read. (minimum of 30minute 5X a week)
3- Five personal journal writing entries with 1 being a response to the quote. To receive credit entries must be 1 page long. These entries will not be read by me unless a student asks me to read them.

Quote for 8/23 Journal:

I have the power and ability to make a difference. 
                                                                                  6th Grade Motto

The purpose of the journal is to give them a place to cultivate ideas that they can use in their writing, while providing them an opportunity to demonstrate responsibility for their own work. Credit for homework journal can be found under RESPONSIBILITY CREDIT in the SIS online grade book and are given as complete or incomplete.

Greek and Latin Roots:

We will begin our vocabulary unit with a study of the orgins of our language using the Word Detective program.

MATH

I will be doing a variety of assessments this week to determine the math needs of the students in the Wilbert Homeroom math class.  We will be sending home a flyer to offer ALL 6th grade students the opportunity to purchase a password for the ALEKS math program next week.  Some have thought that the ALEKS program is only for struggling math students but, as a 6th grade team we have used ALEKS very successfully in meeting the wide variety of needs for our math students--from the struggling students to the excelling students. I hope you take an opportunity to look into the program at http://www.aleks.com/ --it is an amazing program and we are able to offer NDPA parents at a significantly reduced rate compared to the online pricing..  If you have any questions I encourage you to contact me.

Well.....there we have it for the first week.  Everyone have a great weekend and we will see you Monday.

Mrs. Wilbert 

I was so happy to see so many students at Back to School Night, it is so exciting when I finally get to meet the amazing people that I will spend the next 9 months with :)  But in all of the excitment there were a few things that I forgot to mention, so here goes......

1-Students will not be allowed into the building until 8:25-PLEASE make sure that they are dressed appropriately to be comfortable waiting outside.  (The school does have a weather/air quality policy that you can find in your Friday notes)

2-LOCKERS--we will be using lockers as a place to store backpacks, lunches and coats.  With this in mind the 6th grade policy is that there will be NO decorating lockers.  You may bring what you need to ORGANIZE your locker, but pictures, stickers, mirrors, etc... will not be permitted.

I have posted a copy of all disclosures and our daily schedule for your referrence.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at any time.

Thank you in advance for all you do to help us be great 6th graders!!

Mrs. W

6th Grade Behavior Policy

Students are expected to obey all classroom rules and procedures.

Classroom Rules

Respect and Responsibility

*I will treat you with respect so you will know how to treat me.

*If you cause a problem you will be asked to solve it.

*If you can’t solve the problem or choose not to, I will do something.

*What I do will depend on the special person and the special situation.

6^th Grade Citizenship Policy

Character development and responsibility for self are fundamental principals in the 6^th grade.  Your student is expected to respect him/herself, respect the class, and respect the teacher.  By following the policies and procedures set forth, your student will have honorable citizenship.

1.  Be on Time to Class

2.  Follow Classroom Rules

3.  Come to Class Prepared to Work

4.  Use Class Time Wisely

5.  Respect Others at All Times and in All Locations

Citizenship Consequences

1^st Offense-Warning

2^nd Offense-Logical Consequence for 1 Day

(Late to class-make-up missed work during recess, Unprepared-make-up missed work during recess , Waste Class Time-make-up missed work during recess, Disrespect class-apologize and make amends, Disrespect lockers-loose locker privileges, Disrespectful Hallway Behavior-practice walking halls, Disrespectful Lunchroom Behavior-lunchroom duty, Disrespectful Recess Behavior-sit on the wall during recess, etc.) 

^3rd Offense-   Week long Logical Consequence (see above)

Student/Teacher/Administration Conference   Parents will be notified.

4^th Offense- Student/Teacher/Administration Conference

·         Parents will be notified/possible Parent/Teacher Conference

·         Behavior Plan drawn up.

Can my student use the bathroom during class?

We are trying to prepare students for the 7^th grade transition and encourage students to use the bathroom during the morning break, lunch, and afternoon recess.  Extreme instances will be given leniency. 

Can my student visit the drinking fountain during class?

No; we are preparing your student for Jr. High.  They can bring a water bottle and refill it during lunch and recess. We encourage students to stay hydrated.  Due to the bacteria that can grow in/on water bottles, water bottles should be discarded daily and/or taken home each Friday and returned clean on Monday.  Unclaimed water bottles will be discarded each Friday.

How are student expected to enter and exit the building?

6^th grade students should only use the 6^th grade door to enter and exit the building.  At no time are they allowed to enter the jr. high without a parent.

Late Work Policy (All 6th grade classes)

One of the most important skills that you can perfect in 6^th grade is being responsible for your own work.  This will benefit you not only now, but also in the 7^th grade when you are required to organize and turn in work for several classes.  Therefore, assignments will be given credit only on the due date and credit will not be given for ANY work turned in after the due date.  Extreme circumstances and illness will always be considered, but it is one of your primary responsibilities to turn in your work on time.

Math Grading Policy and Classroom Expectations

About Utah Math Standards…

Our classes are organized to prepare students to meet or exceed Utah State Standards in math.  The main intent of our mathematics instruction is for students to value and use mathematics and reasoning skills to investigate and understand the world.  With this in mind, our students will write, question, investigate, explore, and solve math in ways that connect to their world.  You can find a complete listing of Utah State Standards and Objectives at   http://www.uen.org/core/core.do?courseNum=5060  and a Parent Guide at http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/math/elem/pdf/Parent%20Guides/Par%20Guide%206w.pdf

What math program is used?

Holt Mathematics Course 1.  It is a highly-rated, classroom-tested middle school program aligned with state and national math standards.  The entire student book can be access via the internet along with Lesson Tutorial Videos, Homework Help On-line, Interactive Practice with Feedback, On-line Study Tools, and On-line games and projects.  On-line resources can be accessed at  www.go.hrw.com.  Your student will be given a username and password to access all these resources at the first of the school year. 

Is homework assigned?  Yes, 4 times a week and occasionally on weekends, approximately 30 min. per assignment.     Homework is intended to be independent work (review of what was taught in school).  If your student is unable to complete a homework assignment with very minimal assistance from an adult, please let me know.   Often your student will be sent home with a problem to think about, investigate, and/or write about.  These assignments are critical for students to do independently.

How do I know what my child’s homework assignment is?

Students keep track of assignments and due dates in their school planner.

What if my child get’s “stuck” on their homework?

1-Figure out what you understand and what you don’t understand.  It’s easier for someone to help if the helper knows what you are confused about.

2-Check to see if there is something in your text, or a previous assignment, or online tutorial that can help—text book website:   www.go.hrw.com

3-Ask an adult for help

4-Call several classmates (3).

5-Make an appointment with me for additional help before or after school.

When are assignments due?

They’re due the next school day, unless otherwise specified.  Check your student’s planner.

Is late work accepted?

NO LATEWORK will be accepted.  Quizzes and Tests however, may be made up after school or during recess.  Students are responsible to arrangement a make-up time if absent.

How can I know if my child has turned in an assignment?

Check the school grade system.    Grades are entered weekly.

How are students assessed?

Math Journal (GRAPH notebook) which will include your students notes, classwork, and homework.  These assignments provide me with helpful information about how your child approaches and solves math problems. 

Quizzes and Unit Tests.  Sometimes these are short answer, other times more lengthy responses are needed.  Journals may be used on Quizzes and Tests. 

CRT’s. Formal assessments are given to all 6^th Grade Students, known as the CRT’s or Criterion Referenced Tests. 

Grade Scale

70%        Unit Tests / Quizzes

                Students will be given partial credit on any reworked/fixed problems they missed.

                Math Facts and review of weekly concept.

20%        Journal / Classwork / Participation

                Vocabulary, board work notes, and neatness.

10%        Homework               

I have read and understand the Math syllabus and the grading breakdown.  I am aware that in 6^th grade credit will only be given to assignments turned in on the due date.  No credit will be recorded for any late assignments.

                                     
6^th Grade Language Arts Syllabus

Welcome to 6^th grade Language Arts.  We are so excited for the fabulous adventure we are going to be taking together this year.  We will be learning and studying various strategies for communicating verbally and in the written word, as well as, strategies for reading comprehension.  Through effective communication our journey will take us beyond our wildest imaginations. 

The following areas will help us achieve our goal:

Novel Studies / Personal Reading

Greek and Latin Root Studies

Writing Portfolios

LA Journal Homework

Novel Studies / Personal Reading -- You will have the opportunity to participate in several classroom novel studies.  These studies will include in class reading and some out of class reading assignments.  There will be class discussions, journal writings, quizzes, and final projects.  It is through our literature studies that you will learn and practice strategies that will increase your reading and comprehension skills.

You are expected to read a minimum of 30 minutes a night.  You will keep track of what you are reading in your LA Homework Journal by writing down the book title, minutes and pages read.  This will be checked every Tuesday during our journal check.  You are also required to complete book report for one book each month—see attached outline of book report assignments. 

Novel Studies and personal reading are worth 40% of your LA grade.

Vocabulary / Spelling:  You will be given a weekly unit that will cover a variety of Greek and Latin Roots and spelling words. Learning roots will help you improve your reading and spelling skills, and are designed for in class and at home practice.  Vocabulary / spelling test will be given on Fridays and count as 10% of your grade.

LA Journal AKA Writers Notebook:  Your weekly LA homework will always be the same.  You are responsible for writing in your writers notebook (composition notebook) 5 nights a week.  One night you will respond to an assigned topic and the remaining four nights you may write on anything you choose.  Your entries must be a minimum of 1 page the first trimester and will increase each trimester.  You will also copy the quote of the week 5x, in cursive, and log the book, number of minutes and pages you read each night in your Notebook.  You  need to have your notebook with you every day and they will be graded on Tuesdays.  Scores for writers notebook are given as complete or incomplete—you will receive weekly credit if you have 5 entries, quote 5x and reading log for 5 days—if any portion is missing it will be marked incomplete.  Writers notebooks are worth 10% of your grade.

Writing Portfolio:  6^th Grade Levels of Writing

Level 1 Writings are personal journal writing, Thought Shots, Snap Shots, response essays, and quick writes.  These writings will be assessed as completed or not completed.

Level 2 Writings are Level 1 Writings that have been refined.  A rough draft and some revision is required.

Level 3 Writings are Level 2 Writings that have been revised, refined, and published.  Rough drafts, revisions, notes, etc, shall all be all handed in with the final draft.  Publishing Criteria:  typed, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font.

Assigned Topics:

Trimester 1

Level 2 and 3 topic: Mythology and Modern Day Myth  (only a portion will be Level 3)

Trimester 2

Level 2 and 3 topic:  Biography Album (only a portion of the album will be Level 3)

Trimester 3

Level 2 and 3 topic:  Me to We Project (only a portion of the project will be Level 3)

One of the most important skills that you can perfect in 6^th grade is being responsible for your own work.  This will benefit you not only now, but also in the 7^th grade when you are required to organize and turn in work for several classes.  Therefore, assignments will be given credit only on the due date and credit will not be given for ANY work turned in after the due date.  Extreme circumstances and illness will always be considered, but it is one of your primary responsibilities to turn in your work on time.

Grading Breakdown:

Novel Study/Personal Reading ………40%

Writing Portfolio…………………..…...40%

Vocabulary/Spelling………………..….10%

LA Journal Homework ……………..….10%

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I have read and understand the LA syllabus and the grading breakdown.  I am aware that in 6^th grade credit will only be given to assignments turned in on the due date.  No credit will be recorded for any late assignments.

Language Arts Year at a Glance

 *all dates are subject to change

First Trimester

Mythology Project

Weekly LA Homework Journal –EVERY Tuesday

Second Trimester

Biography Project

Weekly LA Homework Journal –EVERY Tuesday

Third Trimester

Me to We Project

Weekly LA Homework Journal –EVERY Tuesday

Book Reports

                                    Due Date                     Genre                     Report           

September                  September 30             Picture book                Literary Outline  

October                       October 31                  Non Fiction                  Non Fiction Outline

November                   November 30              Your Choice                 Letters about Literature

December                   December 21              Newberry Award         Your Choice

January                        January 31                   The Great Brain          Character Journal

February                      February 29                 Biography                    Biography Outline

March                         March 29                    After Dancing Days     Letter to Author

April                            April  30                      WWII …                       Literature Exhibit

Because book reports are a large portion of Novel Study /  Personal Reading category, missing just one book report will have a significant impact on your grade.

Social Studies Grading Policy and Classroom Expectations

The most important goal: a well-lived life

Excitement, wonder, inquiry, delight, and puzzlement are central to meaningful learning in social studies. Social studies should be fun and intriguing for all students, and provide opportunities to make important life-long connections between the past, present, and future. Students who appreciate the sacrifices that have been made in the past and understand the challenges that lie ahead can make better decisions in the present.

In the sixth grade, the focus for social studies turns to the world. Students will continue on their lifelong social studies journey with a study of people and places of the world from a variety of historic eras. Attention has been paid to reinforce relevance by connecting the past to the present whenever posible.  Areas covered are ancient civilizations, selected regions of the world, societies, governments, rights and responsibilities and how they have changed over time.  We will focus on various epochs of time ending with current issues facing the world and potential opportunities for solutions. (Utah Core Curriculum) 

We will be working with a social studies text book and the  weekly newspaper “Studies Weekly” .  There will be daily work, projects, quizzes and tests.  Students will be required to complete a country report that they will present to the class (see attached rubric).  Once countries are chosen, presentations will begin the 2nd week in October.  Scores will be recorded but will not post to grade book until 3rd trimester. 

Grading breakdown

25% Participation / classwork

25% Test and Quizzes

50% Projects (Including country report that will only be recorded into grade book 3rd trimester)

I have read and understand the Social Studies syllabus and the grading breakdown.  I am aware that in 6^th grade credit will only be given to assignments turned in on the due date.  No credit will be recorded for any late assignments.

	WILBERT HOMEROOM SCHEDULE
	Monday-Thursday Start in Wilbert Room	Friday- Wilbert Room Only
8:30 – 10:00	Math	Math 8:30 -9:30
10:00-11:20	Language Arts	Library 9:30 -10:00
11:20-11:50	LUNCH	PE 10:00-10:30
	Rotate to Garcia Room After Lunch
11:50-1:45	Science / Spanish	Social Studies 10:30-11:10
1:45-2:00	RECESS	LUNCH 11:10-11:40
2:00-2:30	Social Studies	Language Arts 11:40-1:00
2:30-3:00	Study Hall
	GARCIA HOMEROOM SCHEDULE
	Monday-Thursday Start in Garcia Room	Friday Garcia Room Only
8:30 – 10:00	Math	Math 8:30 -9:30
10:00-11:20	Science / Spanish	Language Arts 9:30 -10:00
11:20-11:50	LUNCH	Library 10:00-10:30
	Rotate to Wilbert Room After Lunch
11:50-1:45	Language Arts	Social Studies 10:30-11:10
1:45-2:00	RECESS	LUNCH 11:10-11:40
2:00-2:30	Social Studies	Science / Spanish / PE 11:40-1:00
2:30-3:00	Study Hall