Classroom+Expectations

Classroom Expectations  6th Grade Social Studies Grading Policies

 The purpose of this letter is to inform you about grading policies, homework, make-up work, and general classroom policies. It will also help to explain how to contact social studies teachers as well as explain classroom rules and procedures.

The 6th grade social studies classes will be studying Ancient Civilizations. The four units that we will cover are: Dawn of Civilization River Valley Civilizations Mediterranean Civilizations Early European Civilizations

Sixth grade is an important time in the development of your child. In addition to covering the curriculum this year, it is our job to help students successfully transition into middle school. We have high expectations for ALL students including academics, organization, preparation skills, time management, and character development. Our classrooms are designed to help students discover new unique traits, while nurturing and strengthening those characteristics that already exist. We will be working on these aspects all year in order to make a smooth transition into middle school.

We encourage you to register for Power Schools to access your student’s grades online, if you have not already done so. Contact the Guidance Office at 410-996-6210 for more information.

WEBSITES: There are several websites you may find useful. County Webpage: [|www.ccps.org] NEMS School Webpage: [|www.ccps.org/nems] Mrs. Bifferato: http://bifferato.wikispaces.com/home

cbifferato@ccps.org trobertshaw@ccps.org lmshires@ccps.org  Thank you in advance for doing your part in making this year a success!
 * E-mail is an EXCELLENT way to contact us: **

Mrs. Bifferato Mr. Robertshaw Mrs. Shires
 * The 6th Grade Social Studies Team: **


 * CLASSROOM MATERIALS: **
 * 1) 1. Planner
 * 2) 2. Binder with 5 dividers
 * 3) 3. Lined 3-hole loose leaf Paper
 * 4) 4. Pencils (2 at all times)


 * CLASSROOM RULES: **
 * 1) Be on time or have a pass.
 * 2) Have materials (journal, textbook, binder, planner, paper, pencil)
 * 3) Speak and behave respectfully at all times.
 * 4) Stay on task.

// First Strike // - A verbal warning // Second Strike // - Conversation with teacher and/or phone call/e-mail home // Third Strike // - School detention and a phone call/e-mail/or MIR home
 * CONSEQUENCES: **

If a detention is missed, the teacher will reschedule the detention once. If it is missed again, the matter will be referred to the office, per school policy. Violent or blatantly disruptive behavior will immediately be referred to the office.

High Fives will be given to students for exceptional behavior and citizenship. These slips will go to the office for further recognition. Your child may accumulate High Fives and redeem them at the Bull Dog store throughout the year.
 * INCENTIVES: **

Student attendance is very important! Please do everything you can to see that your child is in school everyday. It is your child’s responsibility to ask for work that was missed during his/her absence.
 * ABSENCES AND MAKE-UP WORK **

Assignments previously issued are due the day the student returns to class or work will be graded according to the late assignment policy. Students are responsible for rescheduling missed tests, quizzes, and class work. Students have 2 days per day missed to make up class work and/or homework missed during the absence.

If students miss class due to band, chorus, or any other school club, they are responsible for any and all work completed that day in class. The student will need to come to class first, turn in any assignments that are due that day, and be aware of any assignments that are due the following day.

Grades are classified into two categories: **__summative__** and **__formative__**. Formative measures are “brief checks on learning” and Summative measures are “Comprehensive assessments used to document mastery of content outcomes.” The two types of assignments are weighted differently. Summative assignments are worth **__70%__** and Formative assignments are worth **__30%__**. Below is a list of sample assignments and their classifications. Projects Performances/demonstrations Extended Writing Assignments Presentations Reports or Research Writing Prompts || Open book test Homework Class work assignments Class preparation Notebook Checks Writing Prompts ||
 * GRADING POLICY **
 * ** Summative Assessments (70%) ** || ** Formative Assessments (30%) ** ||
 * Tests/Quizzes

L etter grades are calculated using the following scale:
 * 100-93% || Below 93%-90% || Below 90%-87% || Below 87%-83% || Below 83%-80% || Below 80%-77% || Below 77%-73% || Below 73%-70% || Below 70%-67% || Below 67%-65% || Below 65%-50% ||
 * A || A- || B+ || B || B- || C+ || C || C- || D+ || D || F ||

The above information is available in detail in Cecil County Public Schools Policy IKAF, “Middle School Grading and Reporting.” **__ Homework __**__ : __ Homework assignments are used to encourage the review of materials or the development of skills taught in class. Homework plays a significant role in the success of the student. Homework assignments will be **announced** during class---the assignments will also be posted on the chalkboard and on the class website. Students will also record their homework in their planner. Homework will be collected the day after it is assigned unless otherwise noted.

**__ Late Assignments __** : There is **no** excuse for not turning work in on time! Any assignment that is not turned in on time will automatically be deducted by 5 percent per day late. The highest grade after 10 days late will be 55%
 * __ Assignments Not Turned In: __** Any assignment that is not turned in for a grade will receive a grade of 50%. Students should turn these assignments in as soon as possible to be graded according to the late policy.

**__ Retaking Summative Assignments __** - Students can retake summative assignments once to receive the better grade. It may be the same or comparable assignment. It must be completed within two weeks after the original assignment has been graded and returned. The retake will occur at a mutually agreed upon time. If a summative assignment was originally late, the late work policy will apply.


 * __ Extra Credit __**** : ** Extra credit will not be given for any reason as stated in the CCPS Grading Policy.


 * __ Extra Help: __** We are happy to assist students with any questions they have. We are here to help! Students may arrange to meet after school. A note from parents giving permission is required before the student may stay. Students need first to ask if the teacher is available 24 hours PRIOR to staying.