1. Welcome to 6 th Grade Language Arts Mrs. Szymanski Contacts: 1. cszymanski@chisholm.k12.ok.us *bestcszymanski@chisholm.k12.ok.us 2. Phone: 234-0234 ext. 311 3. Written notes

2. Supplies You will need the following items every day for reading and English class. Please bring them with you every day to each class. Paper (for assignments) Spiral Notebook (for reading and English notes only)  This notebook will be for notes only. Please have separate paper for assignments so that you do not have to tear paper out of your notes. Pen Pencil Library Book Travel Binder and Planner*  Please purchase a CMS planner from the PTO if you haven’t done so. One 2” or 3” Language Arts Binder (This will stay in class unless the student checks it out to study or go over assignments. All completed assignments, tests, and note handouts will be kept here.) Kleenex- Please give 1 box to your advisory teacher!

3. Expectations Bring everything you need everyday. Be on time to class everyday. Ask for help when you need it. Be an active learner everyday. Do your own work. Be respectful of yourself and everyone else. Show P.R.I.D.E.

4. Lesson Plans My lesson plans are posted on the 6 th grade team page every Monday morning for the entire week and will cover both reading and English. If you are planning to be gone, you may check the website or check the lesson plan sheet in my room. Please let me know if you have questions or need help with a lesson you miss. My tutoring schedule is available on my web site and posted in my room. Please let me know ahead of time if you know you will be absent from class. This will allow you to catch up more quickly. It is ultimately each student’s responsibility to know the learning objectives and activities for class.

5. Benchmark Book Projects Students are required to read one book from the 6 th grade reading list per 6 week benchmark period. Each student will be required to read the book and complete a project as part of your benchmark test in reading. The project will be based on the objectives for each respective benchmark; therefore, projects will change from benchmark to benchmark. We DO NOT use AR at CMS. I will give each student 1 copy of the requirements at the beginning of each benchmark. I will also post the information on my book project link on the class website.

6. Grading and Tutoring My grading philosophy is it is about the learning not the grade! Please see the planner for grading scale information. Both a standard score and a numeric score will be given on all assessments and benchmark exams. No extra credit will be given. Please do not ask. Look to increase proficiency on objectives instead through additional practice, reteaching, and retaking assessments. Please see the planner or the link on my website for my up-to- date tutoring schedule. Please let me know ahead of time if you plan to come in early or stay late so that I know to expect you!

7. Practice and Study Habits Homework is considered practice in order to improve proficiency on objectives. This practice will only be given as needed. (2-3 times per week per class) Practice is due at the beginning of the hour of the date due. No credit will be available for late or incomplete practice. However, I will still provide feedback because learning is the goal. Review and study notes and practice assignments on nights you do not have an assignment. Be an active learner everyday!

8. Vocabulary Quizzes There will be a vocabulary quiz at the end of each week. It will cover vocabulary for both reading and English. All vocabulary will come from lessons in class or from the word of the day posted in class and should be defined in your notes. Notes, not the dictionary, should be the study source. Taking organized notes is important to doing well. All vocabulary quizzes will be considered reading assessments.

9. Studying for Tests I will review for each benchmark test in both classes. Students should use their past assignments and assessments, notes, textbooks, and review outlines to study on their own as well. (available in language arts binders) I will give a list/outline of skills, ideas, and words to be tested plus examples of each. These outlines may be handed out or copied from the board in the students’ notes. The best way to study for benchmarks is to achieve proficiency of standards along the way instead of trying to cram.

10. Leaving the Room You must have permission to leave the room. Please do not ask to use the restroom unless it is an emergency. Class time is important for maximum learning. Try to use the restroom between classes. You will need to have your planner (hall pass) in order to leave the room. The bell is my signal. I will dismiss you when I am ready. Please do not get up and run out as soon as the bell rings.

11. Daily Objectives Please write the daily objective in the proper location in your planner each day. That is the best way to keep track of what you are supposed to learn. You will have separate objectives for reading and for English. Know what your objectives are! Know whether you are proficient or below before the assessment happens. I will expect you to be able to reflect about your progress on each objective daily.

12. Welcome to a New and Exciting Year! Please sign in the space provided below and return to Mrs. Szymanski by Wednesday, August 21.