ELA Welcome 2013 - Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District

Language Arts with Mrs. Walsh 2013During the double period of LA we will develop a respectful community ofreaders, writers, speakers, and listeners. We will spend a lot of time together this year!Materials Provided: Scott Foresman books and lots of novels to readMaterials From Home:2 two-pocket folders1-subject spiral notebook or composition notebook1” binder3x5 index cards for later in the year (100-200)General supplies to be used in all classes: colored pencils, loose leaf paper, highlighter, blue or blackpens, pencils, flash drive, (suggested: pencil case, scissors, glue)Scott Foresman Reading Program K-6 thSelection Tests will be given to assess vocabulary, reading skills, and comprehension.Unit Tests (multiple choice and written response) will be given five times this year.Spelling Quizzes will be held most Fridays.Grammar skills will also be assessed in writing pieces and quizzes.Novels will provide opportunities to learn new vocabulary and investigate character, setting, plot, andconflict/resolution elements of literature. Students will read independently, in small groups, and as a wholeclass. Reading will be followed by group discussion, written responses, and book report projects.Reading Log (RL) with a guardian signature will be collected. Daily reading helps strengthen reading andwriting skills. Students should bring a book to class each day. Please encourage your child to read daily for atotal of at least 100 minutes a week.Writing assignments may be “quick-writes” or process pieces. (typed or handwritten)Homework assignments are assigned four or five nights a week. READ! READ! READ! Always check my teacherpage and homework board in class. I post daily homework assignments and upcoming assessments. I try to uploadworksheets and current unit binder pages, too! Nightly homework should require no more than 30 minutes. There willalso be mini-projects to complete. Work diligently, and ask for help if you need it. Students will receive a lower gradefor work handed in late.Absent students are expected to hand in work previously assigned. Students must ask to find out what work wasmissed in class and assigned for homework. Music Lesson attendance is encouraged. Students should askBEFORE going and drop off homework BEFORE attending the lesson. On occasion, students will be asked to remainin math class to complete the activity. If math class is missed, students must make-up class work and come preparedthe next day.

Grades will be posted on an on-line gradebook for families to view. We have a new system. Please be patient.Students will receive grades for homework, work completed in class, and a variety of assessments (tests andquizzes). Keep an eye out for more information that will be sent home to help you access your child’s account.Additional help…just ask! I volunteer to work with students during lunch, study hall, and my planning periods. Set-upa time, and we will work together!Students and Guardians: Please contact me with comments or concerns. This is going to be a terrific year! Workhard and don’t be afraid to ask for help.Class Rules:Try your best no matter how large or small the task.Make eye contact when speaking to someone.Be prepared for the start of class.Always say please and thank you.Sixth Grade Student Responsibilities:• Always give it your best shot!• Be on-time. Being tardy three times results in a student lunch detention.• Be prepared. Be sure to check the list of materials on the board. You’ll always need something towrite with and a reading book.• Additional help is offered at lunch and study hall by request.In an effort to save paper, I added this note to the student paper.Dear Parents/Guardians:Welcome to sixth grade! I get the pleasure of educating your child during the school day, but I need your help.Reading takes place in and out of school. Students must read a minimum of 100 minutes per week. Everyweek, I will collect and grade a reading log.In an effort to learn more about my students, I would appreciate thoughts about your child as a reader and awriter. Please write a letter to me about your child. You may answer:What is your child’ writing history? Reading history?What are your child’s reading/writing habits? Interests? Favorite books?What are your child’s reading/writing strengths and weaknesses?You may send it with your child or write an e mail. I will not share these with your child without yourpermission. Please keep in touch throughout the school year.J Mrs. Lisa Walsh lwalsh@jd.cnyric.org