September 2, 2008

Dear 6^th Grade Parents,

We hope you had a wonderful summer with your family. We are all excited about the upcoming school year and the opportunity to work with your children. As you may know the students will rotate between all three of the 6^th grade teachers. This may be a new experience for many of them and we hope to make this transition as easy as possible.

You will find a brief overview of our classroom policies below. These policies will be consistent throughout the 6^th grade. Please take the time to read over this with your child. We are making our expectations clear early so there are no surprises later in the year.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

We will expect the 6 Pillars of Character to be practiced at all times.

• For a productive and positive learning environment, cooperation is a must. This includes listening to others, respecting others and helping to create a positive atmosphere.

• Rudeness or violence of any sort toward peers or teachers is unacceptable. Students are expected to solve problems with positive words, not physical actions.

• The classroom is a place for all students to learn. Therefore, all students will be responsible for keeping it clean and comfortable. Water bottles may be brought to class with WATER ONLY. No soda pop, juice or other beverages will be allowed, including hot cocoa and coffeehouse beverages. Eating in class will only be allowed during the designated snack time (no candy) and classroom parties.

• Chewing gum, wandering around, talking at inappropriate times or in loud voices, taking unnecessary trips to the restroom all tend to distract the teacher and other students. Please show your attentiveness and respect by refraining from these activities.

• When you arrive on time, with all the necessary books, supplies and assignments, you are being considerate of your classmates and teachers. The school day beings at 9:00 AM (9:30 on Thursdays). Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to learn at this time. Students may not return to homeroom after class transitions.

HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS

1. Homework should be completed and ready to be corrected as assigned. It is

not acceptable to work on assignments for other teachers in class.

2. If an assignment is late, the score of the paper will be reduced ten percent each

day, except in case of illness.

3. Each FRIDAY homeroom teachers will send home a “Friday Slip” informing parents of any missing assignments in all subject areas from the current week. The student then has until the following Monday to get any listed assignments in to the teacher. These slips will come home EVERY WEEK and are for information purposes only. They will not need to be signed or returned.

4. Quizzes, tests and projects on which students earn less than a 70% will be sent home for parent/guardian signature and need to be returned to school the next day.

GRADING SCALE

A 93-100 B+ 88-89 C+ 78-79 D+ 68-69

A- 90-92 B 83-87 C 73-77 D 63-67

B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62

F 59 and below

EFFORT GRADES

N = Student needs to focus on this as an area for improvement

Ö = Student has shown improvement since previous grading period

S = Student is meeting class expectations

+ = Student consistently exceeds requirements and expectations

ABSENTEE POLICY

1. Absences, unless absolutely necessary, are discouraged.

2. We encourage you to schedule dentist, orthodontist, and physician

appointments on Mondays, or early enough for your child to arrive at school by

9:40am.

3. Vacation absences will be handled according to the school policy (see Parent

Calendar/Handbook.).

4. Students are expected to assume the responsibility for making up assignments

and tests missed during an absence. Students should check with the teacher as

soon as possible to get assignments.

5. Students will have 2 days to make up daily assignments. Long-term

assignments and tests, however, are expected to be completed on time. (i.e.

book reports or science projects) since the students will have due dates well in

advance.

*Extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

1. Students are expected to follow all the school and classroom rules and

procedures.

2. When an infraction of the rules occurs, the students will be counseled about the

inappropriate choice through a Think Time form.

3. Three Think Times in a one-week period will result in a mandatory detention.

4. The principal will directly deal with serious infractions.

*Refer to Parent Calendar/Handbook for school discipline policy.

Let us know if you have any questions. Please sign and date the slip below and return it to your child’s homeroom.

We look forward to seeing you at Open House, Tuesday, September 18, at 6:50PM in the multi-purpose room.

Jenny Hentges Lynne Carrick Will Nye

sign and return

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We have read through the above information together and understand the information as outlined.

Student Signature__________________________________

Parent Signature_____________________________________

Date ________________________