Sixth-Grade Social Studies
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 Social Studies focuses on ancient civilizations. Throughout the year, students will learn about the ancient people, ideas, cultural contributions, and events that have shaped our world. As students learn about ancient civilizations, they will also be enhancing their skills and knowledge in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing.
This year, we will study the following ancient civilizations:
Course Expectations
In Social Studies, all students are expected to:
Course Texts
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 25% Homework 15% Classwork 40% Participation 20%
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:
Students are expected to adhere to these rules at all times and will receive consequences if they fail to do so. Depending on the severity of the infraction(s), consequences may include a verbal warning, moved seat, recess detention, office write-up, or being excused from the classroom via the buddy pass. Multiple infractions may result in the loss of rewards and privileges, such as field trips and school dances.
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 to classmates 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.
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 Social Studies focuses on ancient civilizations. Throughout the year, students will learn about the ancient people, ideas, cultural contributions, and events that have shaped our world. As students learn about ancient civilizations, they will also be enhancing their skills and knowledge in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing.
This year, we will study the following ancient civilizations:
- Ancient Mesopotamia
- Ancient Egypt
- Ancient Phoenicia
- Ancient Israel
- Ancient Greece
- Ancient Rome
Course Expectations
In Social Studies, all students are expected to:
- Come to class prepared
- Be respectful
- Listen carefully
- Focus on learning
- Try their best
Course Texts
- World History: A Journey Across Time (Glencoe)
- The Ancient World (Prentice Hall)
- Various supplementary texts will also be used
Required Materials
- Pencil or pen (blue or black ink only!)
- Classwork folder (to be kept in classroom)
- One-subject notebook (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 25% Homework 15% Classwork 40% Participation 20%
- The lowest test grade each term will be dropped.
- Students are assigned an independent assignment on most days. Any independent work not completed by the due date shall be considered homework.
- A homework assignment will be given 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 significantly 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.
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.).
Students are expected to adhere to these rules at all times and will receive consequences if they fail to do so. Depending on the severity of the infraction(s), consequences may include a verbal warning, moved seat, recess detention, office write-up, or being excused from the classroom via the buddy pass. Multiple infractions may result in the loss of rewards and privileges, such as field trips and school dances.
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 to classmates 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.
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.