1. Welcome to 6 th Grade Core Tina Ahmed Room 406, WCI Please come a sit at the desk with your child’s picture. Please write them a note of encouragement and fill out the Student Information Sheet for me.

2. What is core?  Core is made up of three periods during the school day.  It covers social studies and English

3. Family Concept  Students are placed in “families” to provide smaller, more manageable groups of 6 th grade peers. Students in a core family share the same math teacher, science teacher and one of two core teachers.  Your child is in this family: Tina Ahmed - core Jann Taylor - core Kirsti Davis - math Mike Delnista - science

4. 6 th grade stages of emotions  Eagerness and fear  Shock  Indignation  Fatigue  Confidence

5. Common Core: ENGLISH  Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion. (Speaking and Listening, Grade 6, S.L.6.1)  Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. (Reading Informational Text Grade 6, R.I.6.1)  Write arguments to support claims…W. 6.1  Write informative/explanatory texts…W.6.2  Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events…W.6.3

6. Common Core: HISTORY-literacy standards  Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources. RH.6-8.1  Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. WHST.6-8.4  Want to know more or have questions?  Wednesday, October 23 rd, 7PM, WCI Gym

7. Curriculum Language Arts writing, reading, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary development  The Language of Literature by McDougall Littell.  Accelerated Reader.  vocabulary workbook is Wordly Wise  Writer’s Workshop using the 6 Traits of Good Writing  Novels  Giggles in the Middle  Word Generation (school wide)

8. Curriculum – continued  Social Studies includes study of geography, archaeology, early humans and early ancient civilizations of the world. Ancient Civilizations, published by Glencoe. TCI, which emphasizes multi-sensory learning and problem solving skills.

9. WCI grading policy  6 th grade core classes follow the grading guidelines for WCI and the school wide policies for assignments (pages 12 and 13 in the handbook)  Students are responsible for work they miss when they are absent. They have time to make up their work with no penalty.

10. Grading - tests and quizzes  Tests and quizzes: these are the assessments that give students and teachers feedback if the material is being studied or understood. Tests and quizzes are graded in the traditional way.

11. Grading - projects  We have a few projects throughout the year. They are graded on following directions, understanding the assignment and effort. You don’t have to be a fabulous artist, or have a parent who is a fabulous artist, to earn a good grade!

12. More on Grades  Grades are posted online for you to review.  A progress report will be sent home mid- quarter from all the core family teachers.  A report card comes home at the end of every quarter. Grades are not cumulative from quarter to quarter – students have a fresh start each new quarter.

13. Even more on Grades  Grades matter. Pay attention to how your child is doing, where his or her weak spots are. We are trying to build a foundation for success.  Grades don’t matter. This is 6 th grade – Stanford has never called WCI for a student’s 6 th grade report card. If your child struggles this year, the important thing is to discover why and find the ways to make the next quarter or next year more successful.

14. Potential trouble spots  Not completing homework  Not reading directions  Not realizing that due dates are hard, not soft  Not taking advantage of class time provided for work

15. Communication  Feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is by email: tahmed@wcsd.k12.ca.us tahmed@wcsd.k12.ca.us

16. Contact Information  Tina Ahmed  Room 406  tahmed@wcsd.k12.ca.us tahmed@wcsd.k12.ca.us  Homework website: walnutcreeksd.org/wci  A.M. core 2 nd, 3 rd, and 4 th periods  P.M. core 5 th, 6 th, and 7 th periods