Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Welcome to a new school year at Lincoln Academy! I am Ms. Dues and I will be your 6^th grade teacher for the 2020-2021 school year. I am very excited to work with you and your child this year to achieve success. We have a fulfilling year ahead of us with a lot to accomplish, and I am eager to get started! To begin, I would like to inform you that there have been some significant changes with 6^th grade. For starters, we will begin the school year online!!!! The sixth-grade curriculum covers many exciting new topics and this year will be filled with many meaningful learning experiences. I am passionate about learning and feel that students can learn best when their lessons are relevant and useful.

I plan on providing your child with many memorable educational experiences and hands-on activities to help facilitate their learning in a practical way. I have very high expectations for our sixth-grade students and am confident we can meet these expectations with teamwork and communication. A child’s quality education needs support and hard work from the teacher, parent, and student. Let’s work together to reach our maximum potential this year! Sixth grade is a very important year as it is the stepping stone for middle school and we need focus, a positive attitude, and a bit of risk-taking to achieve our goals. My work will be challenging, but very rewarding and I expect students to take initiative and responsibility for their own learning.

In this packet I included my basic "classroom" policies, procedures, and a brief overview of the sixth-grade curriculum. I also included an updated supply list. Please read it thoroughly with your child. At the end of the packet is a survey to help me get to know you and your child a bit better. Please complete the survey and email responses no later than Friday August 21^st. I am truly excited for this year and cannot wait to “meet” you! (virtually)  

Sincerely,

Ms. M. Dues 

Email: duesm@gcsnc.com  

Phone Number: 336-560-4656 (txt preferable)

 

Ms. Dues’ Dynamite Learners

This year the Enrichment Group will strive to be Dynamite Learners! A Dynamite Learner respects peers, works hard, and tries their best at everything they do. Dynamite Learners are global citizens and care about positive school representation and their community. Throughout the year, we will use this theme to make good behavior and academic choices.

 Our BIG Goals

This year we have BIG goals so that we can be successful in 6^th grade ELA!

 Our class will strive to do their best on all test, quizzes, and class work

 We will become better readers and writers according to Common Core State Standards.

Virtual Classroom Expectations

Before you log onto Canvas…

Before logging onto Canvas, I expect that all students are:

1. Ready to learn with a positive attitude
2. On time
3. Prepared with materials/supplies/homework needed for the day

When you’re logged on…

During class time (during live sessions), I expect that all students:

1. Respect and value all members of the Canvas community and virtual visitors
2. Follow all classroom directions and directions of adults the first time they are given
3. Raise hands and wait for permission before speaking or leaving their seat (leaving live sessions)
4. Remain focused and listen to peers and adults
5. Participate actively and give their all to the lessons

*During our first week of school, we will go over these expectations extensively so we are all on the same page and so there is no confusion.*

“Online” Classroom Management Plan

During my live sessions, students will be recognized for their positive behavior as well as receive consequences for disruptive behavior. Students who consistently demonstrate appropriate behavior will be positively rewarded with praise, positive emails sent to parents and/or administrations, small rewards, and other special privileges. On the other hand, students who demonstrate distracting, disruptive, or disobedient behavior will have consequences as follows:

1st Offense - Verbal Warning

2nd Offense – Teacher Conference (student & teacher via Microsoft Teams)

3rd Offense – Email, text, or call to parent/guardian

4th Offense - Formal Discipline Referral (Principal) let’s avoid the “D-Behavior” (distracting, disruptive, disobedient) so we can all learn effectively together

Teacher Expectation’s -I will hold every child responsible for their behavior and attitude. I expect that every child comes prepared to learn and with their homework. I expect that every child keeps their mind’s focused on their work and the lesson; and I also expect that every child respects their peers and every adult present during live sessions.

Homework Policy:

Homework will be assigned every week (weekly). Students will be assigned homework on Monday and should return their homework on Friday. We will check homework no later than Friday morning and will be graded then. Also, students will be required to read at least 25-30 minutes every day. There will be a daily reading log to fill out. Parents will be asked to sign daily reading logs.

 Why I assign homework:

I believe that learning happens everywhere; and, in order to reinforce the day’s lessons and achieve mastery of our objectives, it will be crucial for students to spend time after school with their homework. I will not give homework just for the sake of giving homework – like our lessons, homework will be purposeful.

Grading Scale:

A(90-100%) = Performing well above grade level

B(80-89%) = Performing above grade level

C(70-79%) = Performing on grade level

D(60-69%) = Performing below grade level

F(59-Lower) = Performing well below grade level

Tests, quizzes, and class work, etc., will be given periodically throughout the school year. Progress reports and report cards will be sent home throughout the school year for your information.

PowerSchool:

 I encourage parents to use PowerSchool to view their child’s grades in very specific detail. This will help with parent-teacher communication and put students on the right track. Learning happens in AND out of School!

At Home Expectations:

In order to reach the maximum learning potential, students will be expected to complete regular homework assignments (see homework policy). I also expect that each student is reading AT LEAST 25-30 minutes each night. Reading is vital for success in all subjects, and I expect students and parents to take this very seriously.

Parent-Teacher Communication:

I will send home progress reports when available and am always available via email. Appropriate hours for phone calls are before school from 7:00am-8:30am or after school until 4:00pm. If you would like to have a “face-to-face” conversation about your student’s progress, please contact me via email to set up an appointment. I appreciate a two-way street of communication and enjoy contact even when things are going right, so don’t be surprised if I contact you to share good news!

School-Wide Policies and Highlights:

-Lincoln Academy students are expected to log on to Canvas DAILY for live sessions with their teachers.

-Lincoln Academy students are expected to read daily and record their reading times

-Lincoln Academy students are expected to try their best at everything they do. If there is any confusion, students are expected to ask questions for clarity.                                                                                                       

What We Will Learn in the Sixth Grade

Reading: Informational	Reading: Literature	Writing
Define ‘textual evidence’	Define ‘text evidence’	Develop an argument with supporting evidence
Determine central idea	Define ‘theme’	Use transition words and phrases
Summarize informational text utilizing text evidence	Draw inference from the text	Write a full paragraph and essay
Determine word meaning	Distinguish between fact and opinion	Write a conclusion
Determine figurative language	Analyze the plot of a story	Choose an appropriate topic and write an introduction
Identify text structure of nonfictional text	Recognize character development	Support a topic with facts
Identify authors point of view and purpose	Determine word meaning	Use topic specific vocabulary
Compare and contrast different texts	Determine story elements	Write a narrative properly using story elements (plot) in order
Read nonfictional text on grade level	Determine point of view	Develop and describe characters, setting, and plot
Use text evidence to support arguments	Comprehend on a 6th grade level	Use dialog Follow the writing process

Supply List

-2 Composition Journals

-Pencils

-Pens 

***These items are needed for the 2020-2021 school year***

Survey To be completed by parent/guardian and emailed by Friday August 21^st

 

1. How does your child study? Where does your child study? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Does your child wear or need glasses? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What additional information would be helpful for me to know as your child’s teacher? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Do you have a computer in the home? YES NO
4. If yes, do you have an internet connection? YES NO
5. Do you have an email address? YES NO
6. If yes, what is your email address? ______________________________________________________________
7. Your contact information:

Home Phone: _____________________

Work Phone: ____________________

Cell Phone: _____________________

Address: _______________________________________________________ City _______________________ Zip Code: _____________

Best way to reach you (circle preferences): Phone Call Text Email

10. List any other contacts that could be reached in the event that I cannot reach you.

Contact Name:__________________________ Relationship_______________

Number:_________________________ (cell/home)

Contact Name:__________________________ Relationship_______________

Number:_________________________ (cell/home)

Parents: Please read and sign this section. I have received the syllabus and procedures outline for Ms. Dues’ sixth grade class for the 2020-2021 school year. I am aware that I can contact Ms. Dues in the following ways:

By email: duesm@gcsnc.com

By phone: 336-560-4656

Parent(s’) Name(s) (Please Print):____________________________________________________ Parent signature:_________________________________________________ Date: _____________

Students: Please read and sign this section. I have read this packet with my parent(s)/guardian(s). I understand what is expected of me during online sessions and for homework. I agree to try my best and will ask for extra help if I need it. Student Name (Please Print):_______________________________________________________

Student signature:____________________________________________________ Date: __________