What Can Parents Do to Build High Expectations for Students?

WESTWOODWESTWOOD CurriculumCurriculum NightNight

SeptemberSeptember 26,26, 20132013

Focus on Student Success

Grade 6

What can parents do to build high expectations for students?  Actively organize and monitor their children’s time and materials  Discuss or help with homework, assignments and projects  Converse about school matters with their children  Promote reading activities and daily independent reading  Communicate the importance of education to their children and become involved in the school

Grade 6 Language Language Arts instruction is cross-curricular. Grade 6 students will learn and practice language skills in all subject areas.

Writing: - recount writing - summary writing - use of paragraphs - narrative writing - exposition writing - point of view - compare/contrast - research skills –gathering information - procedural writing

Reading: - reading strategies - deconstructing texts - daily independent reading - CASI reading assessments - making inferences - making connections - summarization - finding the main idea - a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts (e.g. biographies, creation stories, poetry, articles, novels and short stories)

Oral: - listening behaviour - listening comprehension - communication of ideas - interpreting oral texts - use of tone and voice - presentation skills - group work skills

Media Literacy: - making inferences - examine and produce a variety of media texts (e.g. advertising, newspapers, magazines) - identifying perspective and point of view Grade 6 Science & Grade 6 Social Studies

RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER AND THE ENVIRONMENT

In addition to demonstrating knowledge through sharing ideas and small and large group work, students will be assessed based on their attitude and participation. “Look-fors” include staying on-task, listening attentively, showing enthusiasm for learning, and showing respect for oneself, peers, teacher, and the classroom environment.

Big Ideas in Science:

-Biodiversity -Space -Electricity -Flight

This year, we will focus on relating Science and technology to society and the environment. What this looks like:  Classifying living things as well as discussing biodiversity, its contributions to the stability of natural systems, and its benefits to humans.  Researching diverse Scientists  Examining how the use of electricity effects people and the environment  Grade 6 Eco-Fair –Project-based learning with a focus on the environment  Participating in Earth Day activities

Big Ideas in Social Studies:

-HERITAGE AND IDENTITY: COMMUNITIES IN CANADA, PAST AND PRESENT Grade 6 Math 2013-2014

There are five strands of Math on which we will be reporting.

PATTERNING AND ALGEBRA GEOMETRY  Number Patterns and Pattern Rules  Angles  Solving Equations  Classifying Figures  Representing patterns  Constructing Figures  Patterns in Geometry  Nets  Transformations  Congruent Figures NUMBER SENSE AND, NUMERATION  Similar Figures  Large numbers: Comparing and  Line Symmetry Ordering Numbers  Rotational Symmetry -Tiling Patterns  Multiples  Prime and Composite Numbers  Order of Operations PROBABILITY  Adding and Subtracting  Describing Probabilities  Multiplication and Division  Probability and Percent  Decimals: Thousandths  Tree Diagrams  Comparing and ordering decimals Conducting Experiments  Rounding Decimals  Adding and Subtracting Decimals Multiplying and Dividing Decimals MEASUREMENT  Fractions  Area and Perimeter  Percents  Capacity and Volume  Ratios  Surface Area  Area and Perimeter  Exploring Triangles, Rectangles, and DATA MANAGEMENT Parallelograms  Interpreting data  Volume and SA of Triangular Prism  Finding Mean and Median Sketching Polygons  Constructing and Interpreting Graphs Coordinate Grid  Surveys ONGOING:  Effective use-of Mathematical Instruments and Manipulatives  Technology: Calculators and Computers The Arts

Grade 6 Drama and Dance

Drama and Dance is incorporated into core subjects such as Language and Social Studies. Students in Grade 6 will develop an understanding of a variety of concepts through participation in various drama experiences.

Some of these concepts include: •role/character: considering in depth the inner and outer life in developing a character; differentiating between authentic characters and stereotypes; using gestures and movement to convey character •focus and emphasis: using drama conventions to reveal or communicate key emotions, motivations, perspectives, and ideas to the audience

ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE:

Getting to know you activities Tableau Increasing awareness of self and Writing in Role / Perspective others Role-playing Cooperative Learning activities Monologue Building Trust activities Scriptwriting Introduction to Movement Reader's Theatre Improvisation Choreographed dance presentation Grade 6 Core French

Teachers: Mme Cooke and Mme Arruda Westwood Middle School Health and Physical Education Gr. 6/7/8 “Weightings by Key Learning Expectations”

Key Learning Expectations Mark STRAND A: ACTIVE LIVING

A1: Active Participation  Regular participation, variety, lifelong activity  Enjoyment, motivation

A2: Physical Fitness 80%  Fitness development through daily physical activity  Personal fitness plans

A3: Safety  Personal safety and safety of others during physical activity  Wearing full gym uniform and proper footwear  Injury Prevention

STRAND B: MOVEMENT COMPETENCE

B1: Movement Skills and Concepts  Stability, locomotion, manipulation  Body awareness, effort, spatial awareness 20%

B2: Movement Strategies  Components of physical activities  Strategies and tactics in all physical activities STRAND C: HEALTHY LIVING Health is evaluated separately as it has its own learning skills section on the report card. At Westwood, students cycle through three health units throughout the year.

TOPICS: Healthy Eating, Substance Use and Abuse, and Growth and Development 100%

C1: Understanding Health Concepts  Understanding factors that contribute to healthy growth and development

C2: Making Healthy Choices  Applying health knowledge and making decisions

C3: Making Connections for Healthy Living  Link to personal health and well-being Westwood Middle School Music Department 2013-2014 Long Range Plans for grades 6, 7, & 8

Classroom Program: Each Westwood student during the school year will receive 100 minutes of music instruction over each six-day cycle.

The program consists of both a performance and non-performance component. The material played in class stresses proper technique, tone development, application of their knowledge of musical terms, and personal skills building. Independent practice at home is an extension of the performance component and HIGHLY encouraged for each student. The non-performance component focuses on the study of music theory, music listening skills development through the understanding of the elements of music, an introduction to the history of music, opportunities for creativity, and responding to a variety of music-based activities and experiences. Most of these activities and tasks are completed by an individual or group situations.

Extracurricular opportunities for music students exist in the form of participation in different concert bands(Junior- gr 6 & 7, and Senior-gr 7 & 8), the school choir (all grades), percussion ensemble, small ensembles, as well as possible solo/duet opportunities. Public performance opportunities may be at music festivals in and out of the school board, at school and community events.

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Non-Performance: Non-Performance: Non-Performance: -Rules and Expectations for -Rules and Expectations for -Rules and Expectations for music music music -Introduction to instruments -Review of instruments -Review of instruments -Choosing an instrument -Review and continued -Review and expansion of -Introduction to music development of music music theory knowledge theory; music notation, theory knowledge (music (music notation, musical musical terms, note values, notation, musical terms, terms, note values, scales, metres, elements of music note values, scales, metres, metres, elements of music) -Introduction to Music elements of music) -Introduction to Music History: The Baroque -Introduction to Music History: The Romantic Period History: The Classical Period Period Performance: Performance: Performance: -Introduction to playing -Development of playing -Continued development of instrument of choice technique on instrument of playing technique on -Playing technique choice instrument of choice -Embouchure development -Embouchure, posture, -Embouchure, posture, -Posture, range range development range development development -Music (notation) reading -Music (notation) reading -Music (notation) reading including a variety of styles, including a variety of styles, -Introduction to large metres, dynamics, metres, dynamics, ensemble playing (unison) articulation articulation -Application of music -Small and large ensemble -Solo, Small, and large theory knowledge playing (unison and intro to ensemble playing (unison divisi parts) and divisi parts) -Application of music -Application of music theory knowledge theory knowledge

Homework: Working on music at home reinforces what has been done/taught in the classroom and facilitates the learning of new skills and techniques. The development of a student’s skill set increases with regular review and practice. This can be achieved with regularly signing out their instrument and is HIGHLY encouraged to ensure each student is meeting the performance expectations for their grade level. Each term, students will be required to maintain a practice log that will form part of their mark.

Music theory and the study of music history will be done occasionally during class, but it will also be assigned as homework. All work should be kept in a MUSIC BINDER (three ring with dividers for music, theory, and history) and is required by each student. A mark will be given for the maintenance.

Students who require extra help in playing and/or theory are invited to meet with myself at an agreed upon time on the following days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 to 8:35am. Other times may be available with advance notice.

Evaluation: All Westwood students will receive a grade for their participation in music. Students in grade 6 will receive letter grades, and students in grades 7 & 8 will receive a number grade out of 100 on their report card each term. These grades will be based on a combination of performance and non-performance based activities based upon the following tasks and activities:

Music Binder, Practice Log, Journal, Daily playing in class, Homework, Assignments, Written Tests, and Playing Tests

Resources: Resources will include a band method book, specific exercises for specific instruments, teacher created exercises and worksheets (performance and non-performance), band repertoire, videotapes, DVDs, CDs, overhead transparencies, computer access (where possible), and music instruments. Occasionally we may be able to attend a performance and/or have guest musicians/clinicians come to our school for workshops and other presentations. Certain DVDs and CDs will be available for sign out to aid in your child’s musical development. I will also be able to make recommendations to your child for any other materials that may be determined to reinforce or complement their study/development.

Mr. M. Grieco Head of Music Westwood Middle School 6/7/8 A: LD CLASS CURRICULUM PLANS 2013-2014

LANGUAGE Writing Term 1: Poetry, Mystery Unit, Short Text Forms (Articles: News, Feature, Columns, Editorials, Reviews) Term 2: Formal Speech, Longer Text Forms (Descriptive, Narrative, Expository, Persuasive) Spelling (common and leveled words) Reading All Terms: Novel Studies, Word Studies, Individualized Comprehension/Vocabulary Studies Oral Communication All terms: Debates/Discussions, Speech and Other Presentations, Book Reports Media Literacy Term 1: Filming Term 2: Scanning Media

MATHEMATICS Term 1 Gr.7/8 Strand: Number Sense and Numeration – Place Value, Rounding, Estimating, Powers Strand: Geometry – Angles, Triangular Properties, Symmetry Strand: Measurement –Perimeter, Area, Circumference Strand: Number Sense and Numeration – Number Theory, Factors, Divisibility, Prime and Composite, Multiples

Term 2 Gr. 7/8 Strand: Geometry – Geometric Figures, Transformational Geometry Strand: Number Sense and Numeration – Fractions: Equivalent, Improper, Comparing, Ordering, Estimating, Operations Strand: Data Management – statistics, collection, graphing Strand: Pattern and Algebra – Integers, Symbols, Equations

SCIENCE Gr.8 Term 1:Mechanical Efficiency, Pure Substances and Mixtures Term 2:Inventions and ScientificMethod, Structures and Mechanisms

HISTORY Gr.7/8 Term 2: First Nations

GEOGRAPHY Term 1: Physical Geography WESTWOOD 6/7/8B CLASS

PROGRAM:

The Mild Intellectual Disability Program (MID program) provides students with a safe and nurturing environment to help them be successful at school. Our program is guided by the expectations outlined in the Ontario Curriculum and in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) of each student, which range from accommodations and modifications to alternative expectations. This class serves to increase students’ knowledge of Literacy and Numeracy across the curriculum otherwise known as functional academics. Other skills that are essential to future success such as social and organizational skills and various forms of positive communication, self advocacy and life skills are also the focus of this program. Some of the activities unique to our class that promote basic life skills include financial literacy, nutrition, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

SUPPORT:

 The maximum class size is 16 students.  Special Education Teacher (Ms. Garda)  One Educational Assistant (EA) (Mrs. Peters)  Overall school support: Guidance Counselor, Administrators, Social Worker

All students in this program have access to computer equipment both in the classroom and in other locations. All of the students in the MID class have access to the Learning Commons which has a number of additional educational software programs to promote student success.

During the rotary subjects, as listed below, the EA accompanies students to their designated areas and supports the students in that class.

Rotary classes are as follows:

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

Health and Physical Health and Physical Health and Physical Education: Education: Mr. Dwyer Education: Mr. Dwyer Mr. Delac/ Ms. Dharsee Visual Arts: Ms. Press Visual Arts: Ms. Press Visual Arts: Ms. Tidgwell Drama and Dance: Ms. Fay Drama and Dance: Mr. Pantioras Music: Mr. Grieco Music: Mr. Grieco Music: Mr. Grieco

HOME/ SCHOOL COMMUNICATION:

 Regular communication through the use of the agenda as well as regular email updates through the Homework/Reminders/Announcements Chart  Check out the school website schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/westwoodms  Follow us on Twitter westwoodms  Homework will be sent home at times. Please read the agenda and Homework/Reminders/Announcements Chart that arrives by email

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact Ms. Garda at (416) 396-2480 or [email protected] Grade 6 Home School Program

Teacher: Ms. Cooke

 Grade 6 HSP students are integrated into the grade 6 classroom and spend half the day with their HSP teacher, working on modified or accommodated programs for Math, Language, Social Studies and Science. Students are integrated for all other subjects, with appropriate accommodations.  Students in the HSP classes each have an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The IEP outlines individual academic goals for each student.  Individual Education Plans will be updated and revised according to student success on an ongoing basis. All teachers have input into the IEPs of the students they teach.  Parents will be consulted in the development of their child’s IEP.  The HSP teacher work closely with students, other teachers, educational assistants, and parents to ensure that HSP students experience success at school.  Students in the HSP program will be integrated for all field trips and special school events with the other Westwood students in their grade and are expected to participate fully.

Our Goal: To ensure student success. Gifted Program

2013 – 2014

This is our fifth year hosting the Gifted Program at Westwood Middle School!

We have three classes: Grade 6 – Ms. Tidgwell Grade 7/8 – Ms. Gudov Grade 7/8– Ms. Sarai

 Each class follows the grade-specific Ontario Curriculum.

 Gifted programming includes rich inquiry based, hands-on learning.

 All Gifted students will follow a rotary schedule and travel for some classes (e.g. French, Music, Physical Education).

 Students in the Gifted Program all have an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The IEP outlines the general alternative program for gifted students in the areas of Research, Thinking, and Awareness of Self and Others.

 Parents will be consulted in the development of their child’s IEP.

 The Gifted teachers work closely with students, other teachers, and parents to ensure that students experience success at school.

 Students in the Gifted Program are included in special school events with other Westwood students in their grades and are encouraged to become active members of the Westwood community.

 Our goal: STUDENT SUCCESS! Westwood Middle School Learning Commons Facilitator of the Learning Commons: Ramandeep Sarai

Mission Statement: Through access to diverse literature, technology and creative learning partnerships with staff, students acquire the skills to become lifelong learners at the Westwood Middle School Learning Commons and for the future.

Learning Commons Program: As our mission statement identifies, the purpose of the Westwood Learning Commons program is two-fold: to inspire a love for reading and to teach the necessary information and inquiry skills to thrive in our digital world and to reach the 21st century learner. As such, the teacher- librarian works closely with the teachers to support and enhance classroom endeavours. Furthermore, students have access to a range of technology in the Learning Commons. Through innovative partnering with teachers and the teacher-librarian, students will have opportunities to use various technologies to demonstrate their learning in rich meaningful ways. The program focuses on reading for meaning and joy, learning and utilizing technology, and acquiring research skills. The diversity of our Canadian culture is also reflected in the resources that are chosen and used in the library program.

Extracurricular Clubs & Events: LC Crew: An opportunity for Scholastic Book Fair: An important fundraiser interested students to assist in the for the library, scheduled to take place later in Learning Commons by checking in the fall. Both student and parent volunteers will books, re-shelving materials, creating be greatly appreciated. More details will follow. book displays and helping out with library events. A notice will be going home shortly.

Forest of Reading Book Club: A program for students to read new Canadian fiction novels and discuss them with their peers. The club will start in December.