1. Welcome to Sixth Grade Mrs. Valerie Wheeler and Mrs. Tracy Son

2. We are Middle School
Even though we are housed in an elementary school, we are still middle school, as are other 6th grades within the West Ada School District.
Students are held to the same standards as other traditional middle schools across the district. This means:
We move at a faster pace than elementary schools, and students are expected to keep up.
There will be homework, and students are expected to complete it on time.
Students are expected to be responsible for their own belongings.
Students are also expected to write daily classroom work into their agendas. We do this together at the end of each class period. This should be used as an organization tool to help with homework and other expectations.

3. New Middle School Attendance Policy
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT
The attendance standard for middle school students is as follows:
Code No
Students are allowed six (6) absences per class period during the semester.  Students who receive seven (7) absences in any class will lose credit unless cleared by the attendance office as extraordinary within five (5) days of the absence.  Verbal communication must come from a parent/guardian within 48 hours of the absence to prevent truancy.  School staff enforces daily attendance and initiates measures to correct attendance problems.  
Students attending one of the alternative middle schools are allowed three (3) absences per class period during the semester. Students who receive four (4) absences in any class at one of the alternative middle schools will lose credit unless cleared by the attendance office as extraordinary within five (5) days of the absence.
Excessive tardiness may result in administrative discipline, as determined by building administration. 
Middle school students must be in attendance at school the entire school day in order to participate in extracurricular activities after school or in the evening of that same day.  Exceptions include situations beyond the control of the student such as court appearance, bereavement, medical/dental appointments, etc. Students, who are suspended, including in- school suspension for a major discipline offense, are not allowed to practice or participate in school activities.
QUESTIONS???? Please address them with Mrs. Leipf 

4. Vacation Absences

5. Assessments~State and District
ISAT II, new name for the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium). To see sample items, go to:
Sixth grade does not take a math outcomes assessment. SBAC scores are used to place students in accelerated math in 7th grade.
There will be semester EOCs (End of Course exams) for Science in January and May. Mrs. Wheeler will be asking for volunteers to help our students study closer to those times.

6. West Ada Website www.Westada.org Home page – Power School CDSA website
Teacher Website

7. Powerschool
PS Parent is an online resource that allows you to see your student's grades, attendance, teacher assignments and notes, and allows you to set up an account to receive progress reports. 
PowerSchool Parent can be accessed on the Internet at:
Or on the district webpage at: then selecting Parents > PowerSchool Parent or use the icon on the top right hand corner.
The student’s school will provide the username and password to the parent(s). We have handouts with instructions if you need them.

8. Discovery Education
Three years ago, our district adopted a “tech book” for 6th and 9th grade Social Studies classes.
The tech-book can be accessed online from anywhere there is internet access. Students have login information.
We will be doing lesson assessments for World Civilizations through Discovery Education. Students are allowed to use their notes to help them on the quizzes. They are allowed to take the quiz a second time after they review their incorrect answers, and can still use their notes. All students have the opportunity to receive FULL credit on the assessments.

9. Contacting us: Son. Tracy@westada. org http://westada
Contacting us:

10. Have you joined PTA. $10 for individuals, $15 for a family
Have you joined PTA? $10 for individuals, $15 for a family. It’s a great way to stay informed and be active at CDSA!
Fall Carnival is on Friday, September 23rd. 6th grade is sponsoring a Spa themed basket. Please send in items with your child to add to the basket, if you can.
Additionally, PTA is in need of parents to sign up to “man the booths” at the Carnival. We have computers set up for you to sign up to help, or visit the PTA booth tonight.
Boxtops and Campell’s labels – Please send in with your children. We have collection boxes in our rooms.

11. Volunteering
We will need volunteers in early Spring to start planning our 6th grade celebration. The celebration will occur on the last Friday of the school year, June 2. Look for an the beginning of April.

12. Upcoming Events Thursday, September 15th – CDSA individual picture day
Friday, September 23rd – CDSA School Carnival, 5:00-8:30 p.m.
No School Thursday, October 6th and Friday, October 7th – State Teacher Inservice
Parent/Teacher Conferences:
Wednesday, October 19, evening only
Thursday, October 20, morning, afternoon, and evening sessions
No School Friday, October 21st
***We will sent out s monthly for reminders of upcoming events and times.
***Please let us know if you did not receive our first sent last week.

13. Thank you for coming! Please remember to sign up to volunteer for the Carnival!!