Grade Six Social Studies

Grade Six Social Studies Mr. Stearns Classroom – [email protected]

Suggested Supplies (OPTIONAL):

• One 2-pocket folder • 1 Flash drive (may be used for all other classes) • Pen (blue or black), pencils, RED checking pen/pencil • 1-inch binder for current unit • 3-inch binder to store completed units at home until June • lined paper • Scissors • Tape • Hand held pencil sharpener • Hand held stapler • Glue sticks

o Colored pencils

Dear Sixth Grade Students, Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to Berkshire Middle School and Sixth Grade Social Studies. I am your social studies teacher, but I am also here to help you make the transition from elementary to middle school. Everyone is nervous the first week or two of school, but you will be surprised how quickly you catch on to the routines of Berkshire. If it doesn’t come easily – no worries – I can help you manage that challenge as well.

Social Studies Key Elements of Study: The Ancient World

In social studies, we will utilize two key textbooks published by the Teacher’s Curriculum Institute (TCI): History Alive: The Ancient World and its companion workbook: The Interactive Student Notebook (the ISN).

Academic Information

● A planner is strongly suggested for recording all assignments and projects. ● There are two categories of work in PowerSchool: practice work and summative assessments. ● Practice work includes homework, class work, and formative assessments. It is reviewed for completion and timeliness. Students who make multiple mistakes on practice assignments may still receive a check mark for the work if it is thoughtfully completed with effort and care. The philosophy behind this is to encourage practice. The feedback on practice work is very important in helping a student improve, as practice work is NOT included in the overall grade for this class.

NOTE: You are WELCOME in my classroom… Please go to our Volunteer and Meeting sign up page to reserve your day and time… http://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/cms/Workspace/Section/Section.aspx?DomainId=919 ● Summative assessments include tests, quizzes, self-reflections, projects and presentations. These scores WILL BE USED to determine the overall grade for this class. ● Tests/quizzes will be announced prior to test day.

Practice Work (Homework/Class work) Procedures:

• I expect practice work the day it is due (unless a student is absent). • Practice work should be on the student’s desk at the beginning of the class, or placed in the “Turn In” Basket” or submitted online when directed. • Assignments are due at the beginning of class. (Work left in a locker or in another class is still regarded as “late”.) • All assignments must be completed to retake a test or quiz. (See Grading System/Philosophy page.) • Students may attend ZAP during lunch hour to work on the missing assignment; however it is still considered “late”. • It is YOUR responsibility to turn in the late assignment to the teacher with the word “LATE” written on top. (I will not ask you for your late work.) • Check Power School once a week to monitor your progress in class.

Absent Procedures: 1. Check our class website for the agenda and HW (homework) for the day. 2. Call your classmates to obtain the homework or other information.

Classroom Procedures/Expectations: • Be prepared for class: o Read TV monitor or whiteboard for the warm-up as you enter class. o Have required supplies and materials with you daily. (This includes your History Alive textbook, ISN and your assignment book/planner.) o Be seated and working on warm-up before bell chimes. • Participate in class positively o Be mindful of the energy YOU bring to the room daily. • Use class time effectively. (Do what you say you are doing.) • Show kindness and consideration to everyone. (This includes guest teachers). • Treat community and private property with care. • Check Power School once a week.

Grading Scale:

100 – 93 = A 87-83 = B 77 – 73 = C 67- 63 = D 92 – 90 = A- 82- 80 = B- 72 – 70 = C- 62 – 60 = D- 89 – 88 = B+ 79-78 = C+ 69 - 68 = D+ 59 – Below = E

Classroom Routines:

1. Enter room… pick up worksheets/information and place in your journal… 2. Read the boards… follow directions… 3. Attendance… 4. Instruction… NOTE: You are WELCOME in my classroom… Please go to our Volunteer and Meeting sign up page to reserve your day and time… http://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/cms/Workspace/Section/Section.aspx?DomainId=919 5. Work time… work not completed in class becomes HOMEWORK… 6. Organize your work; make a plan for completion, document in your planner…

Key Tools:

1. Your TEAM 2. Your Brain 3. Your textbook 4. Your ISN workbook 5. Your Binder 6. www.teachtci.com (online textbook) 7. Student Back Channel (BAND APP) 8. Class page (sign up for a morning meeting – WITH YOUR CHLD) 9. Google Classroom – Under Construction

NOTE: You are WELCOME in my classroom… Please go to our Volunteer and Meeting sign up page to reserve your day and time… http://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/cms/Workspace/Section/Section.aspx?DomainId=919