Welcome to Rockfield

6th Grade

Open HouseAugust 4, 2015

What should I expect this year?

• We will work hard while having a lot of fun!

• We will set personal and class goals.

• We will meet and exceed the goals we set.

• You will become better prepared for the rigors of Middle School!

The Leader in Me• We are continuing to work with Stephen Covey’s

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens to inspire all students to serve as leaders.

• 6th grade students will be expected to take responsibility for themselves and their actions.

• Students will apply and interview for jobs within the classrooms and the school to become experts and leaders.

Our Focus

*Ms. Hatfield: Language Arts/Writing*Mrs. Lecoffre: Mathematics*Ms. McMurray: Reading*Mrs. Thornberry: Science/Social Studies

We will be using Math in Focus and Journeys curriculum to align our

teaching with Common Core Standards.

Language Arts and Writing with Ms. Hatfield

Get ready this year to jump into writing and language arts!

We are going to be looking at 3 different types of writing:

-Narrative-Informative

-Argumentative

We will also focus on language conventions in speaking, writing, and

listening: -Correct capitalization and punctuation

-Spelling-Varied sentence patterns

-Style and tone-Pronouns

-Vocabulary

Mathematics with Mrs. Lecoffre

This year, we will be working through 7 math units derived from common core standards and guidelines:1. Fractions and Decimals2. Ratios and Proportional Reasoning3. Rational Numbers4. Expressions and Equations5. Variables and Equations6. Area and Volume7. Statistics and Probability

• Student math grades will be based upon performance with a variety of assignments: participation, in-class completion, weekly homework, target quizzes, and unit tests.o Math homework will be assigned each Monday and due each Friday. A

transparent, regular schedule may allow students to set their own pace and assume broader responsibility for long-term benefits!

• Students can expect to expand their knowledge and tackle challenges all while singing, dancing, interacting, creating, and enjoying the journey!

Reading with Ms. McMurray

This year, we will be using the Journeys series for our reading curriculum, and we will explore several related novels as well!

I look forward to diving in and working with each of you as we explore the

wonderful world of reading.

Social Studies and Science with Mrs. Thornberry

This year, students will have Social Studies/Geography

during 1st semester and Science during 2nd semester. We will be also be incorporating SS and

science skills into reading and math, when applicable.

6th Grade Citizenship and Behavior Management

Our new Behavior Management system has been outlined on one of the documents you will find in your packet. We will go over the plan

together.We will also be utilizing ROCKS slips with

weekly tallies/drawings to reward good behavior alongside the 7 Habits!

Homework Policy• It is our belief that the purpose of homework is to practice and reiterate

important information. Each 6th grade teacher will determine the amount and schedule of homework for that subject.

• Students will often be given the opportunity to work on homework before they leave class. It will your child’s responsibility to determine how much of this work will be completed in class.

• Students may use provided homework passes with no penalty for an incomplete assignment. HOWEVER, they must turn it in the following school day to avoid consequences.

• WHEN/IF your child misses a day of school, it is HIS/HER responsibility to collect any notes and/or makeup work before or after the day missed.

• The first day any homework assignment is late, it will automatically be dropped to a 75% (C).

• The second day any homework assignment is late, it will be dropped to a 50% (F) and the student may not make it up for credit.

• Students will stay in the homework room during recess on days they are missing their homework and use that time to complete it.

Mailboxes and Newsletters • Each 6th grade student has a mailbox where completed papers

and important documents will be filed throughout the week.• Students should be prepared with a folder they can use to

take such completed work and newsletters or other announcements home every week. It will be the student’s responsibility to check his/her mailbox and communicate its contents to parents or guardians at home.– Mrs. Lecoffre will also upload a copy of the 6th Grade Newsletter to her

teacher website/classroom webpage each week if you would prefer to view a digital copy.

• Any notes to teachers may be written on your student’s weekly organizer or sent via e-mail.

Attendance

• The expectations in place for 6th graders at Rockfield Elementary are high. Having your child at school on time is very important.

• Please note that changes have been made to WCPS Elementary School start times for the 2015-2016 year.

• R.E.S. school doors are open to students at 8:00 A.M.* each day. Students are considered late after 8:30 A.M. and they are dismissed at 3:30 P.M.

• Students are considered truant if they are absent or tardy from school without a valid excuse for 3 or more days. No make-up work is allowed or accepted for unexcused absences.

Dress Code• Please make sure that your child is appropriately dressed for a

comfortable and enjoyable learning environment. • Spaghetti straps are NOT allowed to be worn at school.• Halter tops that show stomachs are NOT allowed to be worn at

school.• Shorts and skirts may be worn at school, but they may be no

shorter than 2 inches above the knee. • Sunglasses are not to be worn at school without a doctor’s note.• If the Dress Code is broken, students may be asked to sit in the

office until an appropriate outfit has been brought to school.

Electronic Devices

• Cell phones, cameras, iPods, and all other cool electronics are not to be visible or active during regular school hours.

• If students possess any of these items, they MUST stay in their backpack and OFF during school. If we see or hear any of these items during the day, they will be taken to the office. Items taken to the office may be retrieved at the end of the day at Mr. Cassady’s discretion.

• Students may NOT access Facebook or any other social media at school. Please caution your child about using Facebook at home, too, as bullying is not tolerated!

Internet Policy• The R.E.S. internet policy is clearly defined in

the paperwork your student will receive. If any student chooses to ignore the computer policies set by the Warren County School District, he/she will not be allowed further access to any electronic device.

Weekly Organizer• Students are expected to fill out their weekly

organizer daily. They should note any assignments or homework, as well as their behavior results as described in the behavior plan. They should also complete the weekly reflection question correctly each week.

• Weekly organizers are an excellent way to communicate with teachers. Feel free to leave a message on or attached to your child’s agenda for a teacher.

• Our team is also more than happy to discuss concerns over the phone, via e-mail, or during a scheduled conference meeting.

• Weekly organizers are organizational tools. Students WILL NOT be allowed to call home for forgotten assignments.

Where are we going?

• We are planning a series of field trips this year.

• As part of the Leader in Me initiative, we are focusing on long term goals for students, including careers. Therefore, we plan to take several local field trips as we explore various careers.

• This plan is tentative with consideration of administrative approval.

How can your student get involved?

• Try out for the Academic Team• Join the Fitness Club• Run for Student Council• Interview for a student worker job• Try out for choir• Volunteer outside of school• ... & many more opportunities!

**Please help your child

decide which club (or

clubs) will best fit their

schedule. Many

activities are held before and/or after

school.**

How to Reach Us

• Feel free to call, write an e-mail, send a note, or set up a meeting to discuss any concerns you might have. Please make an appointment BEFORE coming to speak with us directly.

• Instructions for accessing all teacher websites have been outlined on one of the documents you will find in your packet. Teacher websites may include announcements, photos, links, important documents, and so much more. Check it out!

Paperwork

• Please fill in all sheets completely and return them before you leave tonight OR send them with your student on the first day of school. A checklist has been included for your convenience! If possible, please complete the tan emergency card before you leave tonight.

• Please note the student supply list that has also been included. Several items are required while others are on the Classroom Wish List.

Ask the Teacher!

• What questions do you have for me?

This Open House PowerPoint will be uploaded to Mrs. Lecoffre’s teacher website for your reference. Again, instructions for accessing

all teacher websites have been outlined on one of the documents you will find in your packet.

Before you leave…• Visit all four of our 6th grade classrooms and

meet the teachers!• Make sure you receive all paperwork,

materials, and student goodies from your child’s homeroom.

• Ask any additional questions you might have.