"Always Prepared for the Challenge"

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

Team Business

English

Mrs. Mignanelli

Room 227

Topics Covered

The following content areas will be covered in the sixth grade English program at Western Hills Middle School:

· Literature Genres: short story, novel, drama, poetry
· Grammar
· Composition
· Speaking and Listening
· Vocabulary
· Spelling
· Accelerated Reader

Grading Policy

70% Compositions, Tests, Quizzes, Special Projects and
Accelerated Reader
20% Homework
10% Participation

Accelerated Reader Program

(see the accelerated reader list)

The Accelerated Reader Program encourages all students to read both fiction and non-fiction. Western Hills presently has over 4,000 titles available for computerized testing. Each students AR points will be converted to a test grade each quarter. The following is how grades are determined:

20 points = A+ = 100
17-19 points = A = 95
13-16 points = B = 85
10-12 points = C = 75
6-9 points = D = 65
1-5 points = F = 55
0 points = 0

Homework

Homework will be assigned a minimum of three times per week. All students should also be reading their Accelerated Reader books each night.

Tests and Quizzes

· Tests are announced in advance.
· Quizzes may or may not be announced in advance.

Materials Needed in Class:

o one inch three ring binder
o five page dividers
o loose-leaf paper
o dictionary for home use
o two-pocket folder
o pencil case with pencils and pens

Mathematics

Miss Kanaczet

Room 226

In our Sixth Grade Math program the following topics are introduced and reviewed: Problem Solving Number Patterns Algebra Statistics Decimals Fractions Integers Ratio Proportion Percent Geometry

Homework

• Homework is given at least four times per week.
  
• Problems assigned for homework will reinforce concepts and skills taught in class.
  
• Studying math facts is a daily homework assignment.
  

Grading Policy

·    80% Test and Quiz Grades
·    20% Homework and Classwork

Assessment

• Quizzes are given approximately every three to five sections in each chapter.
  
• Chapter tests are given at the end of each chapter.
  
• Performance assessment problems:

• Students will complete at least two problems per quarter.
• Students will work both independently and cooperatively to solve performance assessment problems.
  
• When problems are turned in late, eleven points will be deducted for each day late.
  

• At the end of each chapter, students will compile all of their tests, quizzes, and worksheets and create a portfolio of their work.
  

Math Fact Proficiency

• All students will be quizzed weekly on specific math tables. Please refer to the schedule.
• At the end of each quarter all math fact quiz grades will be averaged together and count as ONE math quiz grade.
  

Math Book Online

• Glencoe Course One: msmath1.net
• Students can complete extra examples, self-check quizzes and review study guides at this site.
  
• In addition, they can access their textbook online
  

Materials Needed in Class:· Mead Five Star ONE SUBJECT notebook One notebook per quarter = 4 TOTAL (This notebook has a pocket folder in it!!) · soft pencil case · pencils (regular or mechanical) · erasers

Extra Help Extra help will be offered every Wednesday from 2:20-2:50 pm. Students must fill out an entrance ticket in order to sign up and arrange for a ride home promptly at 2:50 pm.

Science Mrs. Roth Room 102

1. Earth’s Waters – We will discuss topics ranging from properties of water, oceans , ponds , to the water cycle.

2. Cells and Heredity – Topics such as cell parts, genetics and the use of microscopes will be touched upon.

3. Bacteria to Plants – Students will learn about parts of plants , photosynthesis, viruses , + bacteria.

Grading Policy

Tests : 30%

Quizzes : 20%

Labs : 20%

Projects + Participation : 15%

Homework : 15%

Textbooks

Students are required by the Science Department to have their textbooks covered. Please no sticky paper book covers.

Broken bindings - $7

Lost or damaged books - $20

Homework

*Students are to keep work in their science folders for each chapter until the unit is complete. (Folders must be brought to class.)

*Late homework will drop one letter grade.

*Late work not handed in by the next class will receive a zero.

*Students who are absent have the same number of days missed to make up their work.

*Homework will be handed back on a weekly basis.

Homework Expectations

* Black/blue pen or pencil may be used. No gel pens please.

*Homework must be completed on time.

*All work should have proper headings.

*Students should answer questions in complete sentences.

*Students should follow verbal and written directions carefully.

Materials Needed in Class:

The following supplies need to be brought to class:

*Science book

*Science folder

*Science notebook

*Pens + pencils (several of each)

*Planner/Agenda book

*Schedule (Should have three copies for home use, binder, + locker.)

*Index cards

Websites Your Children Might Enjoy

*Internet Public Library : www.ipl.org - This site is a great resource for all the core academics.
*Bill Nye the Science Guy Labs Online : www.billnye.com - Bill Nye the Science Guy makes learning about science experiments fun and shows you neat science experiments you can try at home.
*Science Master : www.sciencemaster.com - You can learn about any science topic you want to explore.
*Science Explorer : www.science-explorer.phschool.com
This site will lead you directly to tests and quizzes about information from your very own science books!

Social Studies

Mrs. Lynch 228

The goals of our sixth grade Social Studies curriculum are to discover and explore the following topics: · Ancient Cultures and Civilizations · Cultures and Countries of Asia and the Pacific · History of Africa

Grading Policy · 25%    Test and Project Grades · 25%    Quiz Grades · 25%    Homework Assignments · 25%    Class Participation

Homework Homework will be given three to four times a week. Homework will serve as a tool to reinforce subject matter that is presented during class. Half credit will be given for a homework assignment that is turned in late.. Students will also lose homework points when they fail to use complete sentences.

Assessment Quizzes are given approximately once a week. Tests and projects are normally given at the end of each chapter. Students are also required to save their assignments. These assignments will be compiled in a portfolio for a quiz grade at the end of each quarter. Journals are written weekly. Geography questions are also given on a weekly basis to improve map skills. Project grades will drop ten points for each day late.

Materials Needed in Class: textbook pencil and pen 2 -- one subject notebooks homework folder daily planner colored pencils (as needed)

TEAM BUSINESS