Welcome to Sixth Grade Language Arts! In reading, we will enjoy many genres in literature as well as informational texts from Scope magazine. We will study story elements and literary devices used to create interest in a story.

In English, we will focus on activities related to the writing process. We will refine our mechanics, usage and grammar (MUG) skills by using the Simple Solutions workbooks. Our vocabulary units will consist of learning Latin and Greek word parts and combining them to make new words (morphology). Knowledge of these ancient languages helps students to know the meanings of words without a dictionary!

Throughout the school year, students will need home access to a word processor and a printer. Please make every effort to keep your computer and printer updated and in good working order. When they are not in service, always have a PLAN B ready (neighbor, friend,relative,etc.). We encourage problem-solving rather than excuses. Also, sixth grade publishing guidelines will be found in the R/LA notebook.

Chunking! All year and in all classes, students will be encourage to use a study method know as “chunking”. Simply stated, chunking is a quick, concentrated daily review of new material instead of marathon studying at the last minute before a test. “Cramming” before a test or starting a project at the last minute is like stuffing too much food at one time. We “choke”. Just as we take small bites when we eat, we can effectively study in “little bites” over numerous short time periods. Information can be easily digested”.

Homework- Homework is assigned on most evenings and should be viewed as a valuable practice opportunity. Homework will be checked in class for understanding then returned. Extra practice is available for anyone who needs additional practice to learn a skill or concept.

Homework is practice and is marked as such in the grade book. The score that matters is the test that follows the practice. I do not take late homework. Therefore, students who miss homework have missed the opportunity to practice (with teacher feedback) for the test. Homework and all graded assignments are the most important school-to-home communications. In sixth grade, we do not use the Friday Folder method of returning papers. The student is responsible for taking graded papers home to the parent.

Absences- Regular school attendance is vital to success. Excessive absence and tardiness mean missing instruction and interaction. Sending work home cannot truly replicate our day nor compensate for what your child has missed. Please note the following protocol and policies for absences.

  • For security and time management purposes the teacher and/or other students are unable to access your child’s locker in order to retrieve books. Please keep your child’s locker number and combination in your wallet for times when you must pick up your ill child. Parents may access the locker to get books at that time.
  • When your child is ill, he/she should focus on recovery. Make-up work can be started upon return to school. (Work done while the student is ill is usually not quality work.) Students have the same number of days to turn work as the days missed. (i.e. 2 days out = 2 days to complete work and tests.)
  • All class announcements, activities, and assignments are on the sixth grade calendar and each teacher’s webpage. Consult them daily.Students should make their own “to do” lists when absent.
  • To ensure that important papers are received, all handouts and important papers will be linked online (if possible) or retrievable from a specific classroom location designated by each teacher.
  • Good attendance goes hand-in-hand with success! Students missing more than 28 days (excused or unexcused) as well as students who do not master the majority of standards for sixth grade will be required to attend summer school in order to be promoted to seventh grade at St. Paul. (Please see pgs. 3-5 in the online Student Handbook.)
  • Teachers do not prepare assignments for family vacations that do not fall within the school calendar. (See online Student Handbook, pgs. 3-5.)
  • Ultimately, every sixth grader is responsible for obtaining/completing missed work and scheduling missed tests within the days allotted (# of days missed = # of days to complete work and tests).

Student Responsibilities- These are expectations I have of sixth graders:

  • Be nice. Common courtesy and respect for others are always in style. This is a Catholic school, not a private school. Behave in a way that reflects your Christian, Catholic heritage. (Most demerit slips given are for problems in this area.)
  • Arrive ready to learn with needed materials. No locker passes are given during or between classes. Demerits are given for being unprepared.
  • Treat all books, lockers, desks, etc. with respect. They are costly to replace.
  • Homework is practice and recorded as such by the teacher. The score that matters is the test that follows the practice. As mentioned previously, I do not take late homework. Therefore, if you miss homework, you have missed the opportunity to practice (with teacher feedback) for the test.
  • Use of the assignment notebook is mandatory. You’ll need it as a back up if the computer is down and you are unable to check to webpage.
  • Communicate accurately and in a timely manner between school and home.Take home all papers including demerit slips. This is a sign of maturity and trustworthiness.
  • Absence from school requires YOU to seek out assignments, missed tests, and due dates. I will not ask for or track you down for missing work or make-up tests. Check the online calendar and the webpage. YOU must reschedule missed tests with your teacher. Make your “to do“ list.
  • Work hard. Always do your best. Your parents work hard to send you here.
  • Follow the dress code to the letter.
  • Demerit points and detentions are given for a reason. Learn from your mistakes, and don’t repeat them. Verbal warnings... demerits ...email/call home ...detentions ...office. (This order is usually followed, but skipping steps to go directly to the office is sometimes necessary.)

Helpful Hints for Parents- Sixth grade is a time of transition. The elementary students sent to us in the fall will be ready for junior high by June. It is reasonable and appropriate that they take more ownership and responsibility for their work and actions. Our challenge is to introduce them to age-appropriate responsibilities, consequences, and rewards. Sixth graders should rely less on parents to “rescue” them when they fall short of expectations or forget something. Students want to enjoy the success that comes with new maturity.

  • Insist on daily study/review even when homework is done.“Chunk” a little now to avoid“cramming” later.
  • Resist the temptation to rescue! Please do not drop off forgotten assignments, notebooks, etc. to the office. Help us to foster the responsibility and discipline needed in today’s world. Responsibility and discipline practiced now will promote responsibility and discipline later.
  • As mentioned previously, please review pgs. 3-5 regarding attendanceand tardiness to school.
  • Examine the assignment notebook and visit the web pages/calendar daily. Use a “receipt” system. Just like a store requires a receipt for a merchandise return, you should require a finished assignment when you hear, “My homework is done.” A graded paper is a receipt and the most important communication from the teacher to you, the parent. Again, homework is practice; the test that follows the practice is what matters. No homework? The student must take the test without the benefit of practice.I do not take late homework.
  • Model effective Christian communication for our students. Relying on hearsay or gossip at ball games is not in the best interest of your child. As teachers, we work hard to maintain an honest, open rapport with students and parents. Please extend that same courtesy to us. Send an email or note if you have concerns or questions.
  • Let your sixth grader do his/her own work. Hesitate before you “take over” an assignment. Help with time management, proofreading, and focus on purpose/clarity. Teachers know sixth grade work and when parents have done too much.
  • Hesitate to commiserate. Encourage the “learning experience” approach when your sixth grader hits a snag or challenging time during the year. He/she is watching your reaction. Offer help with coping skills and prioritizing instead of the crying towel.
  • We strive to make this year one of spiritual growth. Join us for our praying of the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and Holy Hours. Attend Holy Mass each week as a family. Participate in Reconciliation regularly, too. Enrolling your child in a Catholic school, not a private school, is a great blessing, but it is not enough. Faith and values come from you. We simply reinforce it during the school day.

My Pledge to You-

  • I will be prepared everyday with a comprehensive lesson of instruction based on our state and diocesan standards.
  • I will evaluate student work fairly, objectively, and according to established criteria made known in advance to students.
  • I will communicate with home regarding positiveachievements, concerns, assignment requirements/expectations, and scheduled events related to class activities. (This will be done online via the online calendar and my webpage, comments on graded papers, and personally in conference settings.)
  • I will offer support to students needing assistance with mastery of any sixth grade language arts instructional standard.
  • Understanding the developmental level and needs of the middle school/junior high student, I will provide a safe environment for the physical, social, spiritual, and emotional development of all sixth graders.
  • I will design my lessons and routines to foster independence and self-confidence in your child and foster his/her accountability through age-appropriate expectations, consequences, and rewards.
  • I will answer emails and notes as soon as possible within 24 hours and make myself accessible to parents via email daily. (Due to my schedule and students in my charge, I am not always available to receive phone calls during the school day. Email is the preferred contact method. Please use email to contact me when necessary.)
  • Like my SPS colleagues, my job requires that I work many hours outside the regular school day, on my own time, and often at my own expense. I will continue to devote myself, my personal time, and personal resources to the students of St. PaulSchool.

It is going to be a terrific year! Students, get ready to show what you know and work hard for yourself, your parents, and for God. Parents, I respect and appreciate your sacrifice and choice for a faith-based Catholic education for your children. My husband and I made the same sacrifices for our children. We are indeed blessed to have this opportunity for our children and for our Church.

Pax et bonum,

Angela Kuhn

St. PaulSchool

Sixth Grade, R/LA

Please feel free to send any questions or comments about this newsletter to my email address above.