Welcome to 6Th Grade Language Arts

Welcome to 6th grade Language Arts

Introduction

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the new school year begins, I wanted to take the time to introduce myself. As a teacher, I believe it is important to build relationships not only with students, but also with their parents and guardians. I am looking forward to working with you this year as we work together to help your child learn and grow. I am very excited to begin my fourth year at Swansboro Middle School! A native of the state of Kentucky, I graduated from Berea College with my Bachelor’s degree in English Education in December 2012.In February of 2016, I completed my Master’s degree in Education with a focus on adolescent literacy. My favorite thing about teaching is seeing students realize their achievements and their potential. Every child has so much to offer the world, and it is my job as a teacher to help them discover their gifts. As your child’s teacher, I will not only be teaching them, but they will also be teaching me.

Attached to this letter is an outline of the routines and procedures we will be establishing in my classroom as well as my expectations for your child and an outline of the topics we will be exploring this year in Language Arts. If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. My email address is or you can contact me via the school phone number: 910-326-3601. In addition, I will update my teacher website frequently. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Torres

Classroom Expectations

1)Show respect to everyone: Listen when others are speaking and wait for your turn, agree to disagree, and do not allow your actions to interrupt class time.

2)Be prepared, on time, and ready to learn: You should have your pen, pencil, notebook, laptop and homework everyday.

3)Be positive! Avoid saying “I can’t…” Instead think “I can!” and ask for help if you don’t understand!!

4)Follow classroom procedures for working in small groups, going to the restroom, class discussions, make-up work, etc.

Students are also required to adhere to all rules and guidelines in the student handbook.

Consequences

Please refer to the tiered levels of discipline in the student handbook which can be found on the school website

policies and procedures

Make-Up Work: Students will be responsible for retrieving their make-up work from the trays in my classroom. Students have three days per day they were absent to make up the work missed.

Late Work Policy: Please see the attached late work policy that has been established across the sixth grade team.

Homework Policy: Students will be expected to complete homework when it is assigned. I will not assign homework every night and it will be relevant to what we are learning in class. Homework will be turned into the appropriate bin in the classroom, not handed to the teacher or placed on the desk. Electronic assignments will be submitted according to directions specific for that assignment.

Seating: Students will have assigned seats in my class. However, I will change the seats they are assigned frequently so that students have the opportunity to work with different peers.

Textbooks: Students will not be assigned textbooks. Whenever we need textbooks they will be used in class.

(10 Point) Grading Scale:

90-100 A Homework 10%

80-89 BQuizzes 20%

70-79 CTests/Projects 40%

60-69 DClasswork 30%

50-59 F

I will keep students informed of their grades on a regular basis so that they know where they stand. Please be aware that progress reports are sent home every three weeks and need to be returned to school signed.

remind

In addition to updating my website, I also use a program called Remind to keep parents and students up to date about assignment due dates and important projects. Through this program you and your student can sign up to receive text message reminders as well as send messages to me should questions arise. In order to sign up for Remind, find the code for your child’s class below and text that code to the number 81010.

Core 1: @elatorres1

Core 2: @elatorres2

Core 3: @elatorres3

Core 4: @elatorres4

independent reading

Students will be required to have an independent reading book at all times. We will begin each day with independent reading. Students will also be required to read for homework. As a Language Arts department, we will be having a celebration each nine weeks honoring the students who have met independent reading requirements. More details will come soon.

Extra credit

There are various ways students can earn extra credit in my class. Students need to take advantage on bonus questions on tests, quizzes, or homework assignments. I have a “When I’m Finished” basket for student to complete activities when they finish classwork that are counted as extra credit. Thirdly, students can volunteer or participate in a community service project for at least one hour and write a brief reflection. *See my website for more detailed information.

Parent and student signature sheet—Mrs. Torres’ Class

I, the parent/guardian of ______have read the classroom expectations and procedures for Mrs. Torres’ class. Below are questions I have for Mrs. Torres:

______

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date: ______

I, ______have read and understand the classroom expectations and procedures for Mrs. Torres’ class. Below are questions I have for Mrs. Torres:

______

Student Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent/Guardian email address or best form of contact: ______

The best time of day to contact you: ______

Any extra information you would like me to know: ______