Sixth-Grade English Language Arts
Course Syllabus
Ms. Reniewicz
1st Sergeant Kevin A. Dupont Memorial Middle School
Room 408 Cornell Team
Email: [email protected] Website: cornellela.weebly.com
Course Description
Sixth-Grade English Language Arts is focused on building skills and knowledge in the following literacy areas:
Throughout the year, students will utilize reading strategies that facilitate reading comprehension and the development of critical thinking skills. Students will also work on using the writing process and developing good writing practices.
Course Expectations
In ELA, all students are expected to:
Course Text
Required Materials
Student Work & Grading Plan
The school year is separated into four terms. Report cards with term grades are issued at the end of each term (approximately every 10 weeks). Additionally, progress reports are issued midway through each term. Grades for report cards and progress reports will be based on the following:
Tests 30% Homework 15% Classwork 35% Participation 20%
Absences
If a student is absent, it is HIS/HER responsibility to obtain all missing work and return it in a timely manner. Students are allowed the number of school days they were absent to complete the work.
Classroom Rules
A set of rules is posted in the classroom. They are:
Academic Honesty Policy
There is a zero tolerance policy for academic dishonesty of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to, copying a classmate’s work, using notes/books on tests when prohibited, talking during tests, and plagiarism (copying work from another source and passing it off as one’s own). If a student is discovered to have cheated, or attempted to cheat, on any assignment, he/she will receive a failing grade for that assignment. This includes tests.
Technology Policy
We are very fortunate to have access to various technologies within the classroom, including computers and iPads. Access to this technology is considered a privilege which can be revoked if students do not use it respectfully and appropriately. Students are expected to:
Parent/Teacher Communication
It is very important for teachers and parents to be on the same page. My email is [email protected]. Please feel free to contact me there or by calling the school at any time. I also have a classroom website which details homework assignments and classroom activities. You can access it here: cornellela.weebly.com.
Additionally, you can sign up for the SchoolBrains parent portal to access your student’s grades at any time. More information on how to sign up will be coming soon.
Sixth-Grade English Language Arts is focused on building skills and knowledge in the following literacy areas:
- Reading Comprehension
- Reading Fluency
- Writing
- Vocabulary
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Speaking and Listening Skills
Throughout the year, students will utilize reading strategies that facilitate reading comprehension and the development of critical thinking skills. Students will also work on using the writing process and developing good writing practices.
Course Expectations
In ELA, all students are expected to:
- Come to class prepared
- Be respectful
- Listen carefully
- Focus on learning
- Try their best
Course Text
- Pearson myPerspectives
Required Materials
- Pencil or pen (blue or black ink only!)
- Classwork folder (to be kept in classroom)
- Homework/take-home folder
- Agenda
Student Work & Grading Plan
The school year is separated into four terms. Report cards with term grades are issued at the end of each term (approximately every 10 weeks). Additionally, progress reports are issued midway through each term. Grades for report cards and progress reports will be based on the following:
Tests 30% Homework 15% Classwork 35% Participation 20%
- The lowest test grade each term will be dropped.
- Students are assigned an independent assignment every day. Independent assignments are to be submitted in a completed work packet each Friday. Any independent work not completed by Friday of the week assigned shall be considered homework.
- A homework packet will be assigned once a week (typically on Fridays) and will be due one week from that day.
- If assignments are late, students will lose 20 points from their grade for that assignment. Work will not be accepted after it is 5 school days late.
- Students who are behind on work may be assigned to Power Lunch or Academic Thursday School.
- All student work is expected to be neat and turned in by the due date. Students are expected to use complete sentences, proper grammar, and correct spelling for all assignments.
- Note: In an effort to instill student responsibility and accountability, the Cornell team teachers do not accept "extra credit" assignments or allow for test/quiz retakes.
Absences
If a student is absent, it is HIS/HER responsibility to obtain all missing work and return it in a timely manner. Students are allowed the number of school days they were absent to complete the work.
Classroom Rules
A set of rules is posted in the classroom. They are:
- Respect your teacher(s), the paraprofessional(s), and your classmates.
- Respect school and personal property.
- Listen to and follow directions.
- Raise your hand for permission to speak. (Exception: partner/group work)
- Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.
- Use your indoor voice.
- Stay on task.
- Transition quickly, quietly, and safely.
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
- Follow all school rules (no gum, cell phones, hoods, etc.).
Academic Honesty Policy
There is a zero tolerance policy for academic dishonesty of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to, copying a classmate’s work, using notes/books on tests when prohibited, talking during tests, and plagiarism (copying work from another source and passing it off as one’s own). If a student is discovered to have cheated, or attempted to cheat, on any assignment, he/she will receive a failing grade for that assignment. This includes tests.
Technology Policy
We are very fortunate to have access to various technologies within the classroom, including computers and iPads. Access to this technology is considered a privilege which can be revoked if students do not use it respectfully and appropriately. Students are expected to:
- Only use computers/iPads for the assignment given
- Never change the settings on computers/iPads
- Never damage computers/iPads in any way
Parent/Teacher Communication
It is very important for teachers and parents to be on the same page. My email is [email protected]. Please feel free to contact me there or by calling the school at any time. I also have a classroom website which details homework assignments and classroom activities. You can access it here: cornellela.weebly.com.
Additionally, you can sign up for the SchoolBrains parent portal to access your student’s grades at any time. More information on how to sign up will be coming soon.