Welcome to Mr. Costill’s Navigator Team Classroom Back to School Night Garnet Valley Middle School

Education/Background Susquehanna University – B.L.A. Wilmington University – Masters Special Education (Expected 2016) Elementary Education Certification – K-6 2 nd year at GVMS; 1 year at Bethel Springs; 2 years at GVE(5 th Grade) Community member – Coach Football, Wrestling and Lacrosse at GVMS

Contact Information Phone number: Best times to reach me: 12:30-3:00 p.m (by phone) (anytime) Navigator Team parent 1:45 p.m. T, W, Th Fall parent conferences: November, 23,24 and 25, 2015 (usually by invitation in Middle School)

Key Words for 6 th Grade: Responsibility/Accountability Homework, studying, planners, PowerSchool Transition/Freedom Growth – Academic & Social Who am I as a student? As a person? Confidence!

Grading System Point system See GVMS grading scale (letter grades; 8-point scale) Assignments weighted by points possible Students final grade is calculated by: Total points earned X 100 Total points possible

Math Grades (letter grades) Students can earn points in the following ways: Homework (Help your child!) – temporary zero in PowerSchool if missing Class work Quizzes & Tests Binder/Notebook Checks (organization) Extra credit is earned by bonus points on quizzes & tests.

Extra Help Opportunities I am available to offer extra help, clarification of assignments, and study help for quizzes/test to students: During Study Hall daily

Homework Check PowerSchool for your child’s assignments & current grades; Review with your child once per week; Click on anything that is blue for more detail. Homework can be expected 4 nights a week (~25% of grade); Help your child. HW is self-checked in class. Students should be reviewing concepts discussed in class minutes per night or in Study Hall Late homework (one day) – 1.5 points out of 2, 3 out of 4 (Depending on length of assignment) More than 1 day late-no credit LATE HOMEWORK IS BETTER THAN NO HOMEWORK!

Math Overview Math classes in 6 th grade are leveled. Accelerated (Pre-Algebra), Enrichment, Level 1 (on-level), Level 2 The Math textbook complements the instruction in class. Math State testing window is April 19 through 21, 2016 Homework counts! 4 marking periods with letter grades Honor Roll/Distinguished Honor Roll

Math Overview New curriculum based on PA Core State Standards Introduced in 5 th grade school year Less focus on memorization More emphasis on understanding and problem solving Equal exposure to discovery and direct instruction 8 Standards of Mathematical Practice

Major Units of Study The Number System – fraction & decimal operations; rational numbers (numbers that can be written as a fraction) Expressions & Equations – write, interpret & use expressions, equations & inequalities Ratios & Proportional Relationships – understand ratio concepts; use ratio reasoning Geometry – solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume Statistics & Probability – summarize & describe distributions; understand variability

Resources Class notes Textbook: Big Ideas Learning: Big Ideas Math (Green book) Textbook website My teacher website Me You!

Thank you very much for coming tonight. I am looking forward to a great school year! Feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions.

Social Studies

Contact Information Phone number: Best times to reach me: 12:30-3:00 p.m (by phone) (anytime)

Materials Needed (most students already have these materials) 1 section in binder designated for social studies Colored pencils Pencils

Social Studies Foundations of Geography Themes of Geography Geographic Tools Physical Characteristics of Place Human Characteristics of Place Patterns of World Settlement

Social Studies World Cultures Mesopotamia Ancient Egypt Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Mesoamerican Civilizations-Olmec, Aztec, Mayan Civilizations South American Civilizations-The Incas

Social Studies Textbooks Prentice Hall: “World Studies: Foundations of Geography” Pearson: “My World History: Early Ages” (online also)

Homework Check PowerSchool for your child’s assignments & current grades Homework can be expected 2-3 nights a week Students should be reviewing concepts discussed in class minutes per night/study hall Late homework (1 day) - 4 points out of 5 More than 1 day late – 10% deducted per day LATE HOMEWORK IS BETTER THAN NO HOMEWORK!

Grading System Point system Assignments weighted by points possible Students final grade is calculated by: Total points earned X 100 Total points possible

Social Studies Grades Students can earn points from the following assignments: Homework Classwork Quizzes Tests Projects Group Projects

Extra Help Opportunities I am available to offer extra help, clarification of assignments, and study help for quizzes/test to students: During Study Hall daily

Thank you very much for coming tonight. I am looking forward to a great school year! Feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions.