1. Welcome to 6 th Grade Sixth grade is a time of transition and change. Throughout the year you will learn and grow in many ways. You will meet new people and make new friends. You will explore new concepts, new ideas, and different places in the world. Your knowledge and skills will develop and grow, and you will end sixth grade with a wealth of new experiences and new ideas. Transition and change bring with them increased responsibility. This year you will be expected to take on challenges and to claim ownership of your own learning through organization, initiative, and self advocacy. We are all here to help you and to guide you through this journey.

2. Meet Your Teachers Mr. Schlegel Mrs. Marra Mrs. Desmond Mrs. Locke Mrs. Maino Mrs. Ulrich Mrs. Miskis Ms. Gannon Mrs. Coen-Iltis Mr. Petrie Mrs. Schaub

3. Understanding the Six-Day Schedule THIS IS JUST AN OVERVIEW. WE DON’T EXPECT YOU TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE SCHEDULE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK. There are a total of seven blocks: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G Because one block drops every day, you’ll have six blocks (or classes) a day. Classes run on a six-day rotating schedule (Days 1 – 6). So, you’ll think of your weeks in terms of the Day Number, instead of thinking of the days of the week, Monday – Friday. Days 1, 2, 3, and 5 = four academic and two exploratory (or support) blocks Days 4 and 6 = five academic and one exploratory (or support) blocks.

4. Six-Day Schedule Continued Your exploratory/support classes are during Blocks A and D. Exploratory classes follow an odd day/even day schedule. This means you’re exploratory classes meet on Days 1, 3, & 5 or on Days 2, 4, & 6. D block drops on Day 4, and A block drops on Day 6 (you’ll only have one exploratory class on these days). Lunch is always during C Block from 10:39 – 11:09

5. Daily Classroom Respect and Responsibility How can I help my days run smoothly?

6. In the Beginning Make sure I arrive to class before the bell. Read the small whiteboard outside of the classroom to make sure I have all required materials. Enter my classroom only when a teacher is present (if no teacher is present, I should wait in the Huddle or at the door). After entering, go to my assigned seat, take out my homework, sharpen my pencil (if necessary), and return to my seat.

7. Beginning a Class Continued Read the agenda board and make sure I have all necessary materials for the day’s lesson. Read the homework board and copy the homework assignment into my planner Wait quietly for my teacher’s instructions.

8. During Class Raise my hand if I need to leave my seat. With permission, sign out to leave the classroom. Sign back in when I return to class. One boy and one girl are allowed out of class at a time.

9. Ending the Class Return all materials to their designated place, and clean the area around my desk. Remain silent during end-of-day announcements. Wait at my desk for teacher dismissal. Push my chair in or put my chair up if it is the end of the day.

10. Hallway Behavioral Expectations In our hallways, respect, responsibility and safety mean: Walk Speak appropriately Keep your hands to yourselves Avoid blocking the hallway Maintain an organized, secure locker Do not enter other students’ lockers Watch for fingers when closing your locker door Watch your head when standing – locker doors above you may be open Cafeteria: You are required to sign out when leaving the cafeteria for a restroom break.

11. Time Between Classes There are approximately 4 minutes between each class. This time is for: - Getting items from your locker for your next class - Going to the restroom - Checking lost and found for items you may have left behind during previous classes/days

12. Your Locker Keep it stocked with: Pencils Cap erasers Post-it Notes Index Cards Ask for help keeping your locker organized. This can be a challenge! Have fun decorating your locker, but please do not use stickers. Electronic devices may not be used in school from 7:45–2:15. Keep them turned off in the locker. Kindles & Nooks can be used with teacher permission. It may take a few days to master your combination lock. Don’t worry! You’ll get it, and we’re here to help!!

13. Homework Middle School homework is significantly different from elementary school homework. You will receive homework in all of your core subjects and some exploratory subjects. Not completing homework will negatively impact your grade.

14. Homework - continued You may need approximately 1 – 2 hours per night to complete all of your homework. Completed homework is due on the date assigned by your teachers. Students who have not completed their homework may be required to stay after school for help.

15. Make Up Work You are responsible for making up homework and class work when you are absent. If you are absent one day, you should check the homework calendar and call a Study Buddy for the assignments. If you are absent for more than one day, you should see your classroom teacher right when you get back.

16. Make Up Work continued Speaking with your classroom teacher is your responsibility. Do not wait for a reminder from your teacher. Speak with him/her at the end of class. You will make a plan with each teacher for completing make-up assignments. Some assignments may be excused.

17. Retakes It is important that I always try my best the first time. BUT If I score below a 70% on a test or quiz, I can do extra work to bring that grade up to a 70%

18. In Middle School You Will Learn to be a Self Advocate I don’t understand. Can I talk to you after class? What day can I meet you after school for help? Am I studying the right way? Can you help me get organized?

19. What is SELF ADVOCACY? To “advocate” means to support and believe in something. As a “self advocate,” you support and believe in yourself.

20. How to Self Advocate Ask questions when you don’t understand. Communicate openly, honestly, and clearly. Inform teachers of upcoming absences or recently missed work. Connect with classmates when you are absent to find out what you missed. Alert teachers when you need extra information or additional help. Schedule time to make up missed work. Take responsibility for your own education.

21. Snacks You may eat snack during the last block of the day (unless it is an exploratory class): Snacks should be healthy, nourishing foods. Try to bring a healthy snack as often as you can. – REMEMBER to clean up after you eat your snack! Snacks may not be shared Water: You should carry a filled water bottle throughout the day. Once you arrive to class, you may not be allowed to leave for a drink.