Welcome to our
Curriculum Night!
September 22, 2015
Dear Parents,
Welcome to our Curriculum Night. I would like to take this opportunity to explain
some of our goals and procedures for the various subjects for this school year.
Please do not ask questions regarding your child’s individual progress at this time.
I will be happy to discuss this with you at a later time, just e-mail me to set up a
meeting. Thanks in advance!
Spelling: Students should learn to recognize the spelling patterns that most words
follow and also listen to the sounds in words to help in their spelling. Our spelling
this year is new and included in the McGraw Hill Reading Wonders series for
grades 5 and 6. Even when we are in a genre unit, we will continue to follow the
spelling weeks provided.
Math: Students will be learning about many topics in Core Curriculum Math and
Utica has divided them into seven units for the sixth grade: Factors & Multiples,
Rate & Ratio Reasoning, Fractions, Rational Numbers, 2D/3D Measurement,
Decimals and Percents, and Algebra Foundations. In fifth grade the units are:
Numbers & Estimation, Reasoning about Shape, Multiplying/Dividing Decimals,
Connecting Fractions to Decimals, Operations with Fractions, Measuring Volume,
and Algebraic Concepts. In core curriculum, students will be asked quite often to
explain their thinking and learn multiple ways to approach a math question.
http://www.corestandards.org/Math/
Science: This year sixth grade will be focusing on various topics including matter &
energy, ecosystems, rocks/Earth’s surface, and plate tectonics and volcanoes.
Fifth grade will focus on changing motion, body systems, heredity, changes in living
things, and Earth/Sun/Moon. In the spring, students will be participating in a
science fair. We will have our science online at Discovery Education and I will
supplement with various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
activities. We will have a Growth and Development lesson in the spring for boys
and girls and an HIV lesson during a gym class. Permission slips on both will be sent
home. If you would like to preview either lesson, please ask.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/6-Science_COMPLETE_12-1007_218321_7.pdf
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/5-Science_COMPLETE_12-1007_218320_7.pdf
https://utica.discoveryeducation.com
Writing/English: We will spend a lot of time working on the writing process in
Writer’s Workshop. We will focus on 6 + 1 Traits, creative writing, responding to a
variety of texts, and informative (report/essay) writing. Our Writing and English
is also embedded within the McGraw Hill Reading Wonders series. This year,
students will have three Utica writing responses and prompts on the MStep.
Reading: It is a proven fact that students who read more are more successful in
school, so we encourage students to spend time reading on their own at home. Our
Board of Education suggests that 5th and 6th graders read 20-30 minutes daily. In
addition, our McGraw Hill Reading Wonders series and three chapter book units
will hopefully spark a love of reading for your child this year!
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/
Social Studies: The 6th grade focus this year is Western Hemisphere studies
(Canada/Mexico), Geography, and Economics. In 5th grade they will learn about
colonial times. We’ll use both our social studies book and online MC3 resources.
Social Studies is taught by Mrs. Larson and Mrs. Miller and their contact
information is on our class website.
http://michigan.gov/documents/mde/SSGLCE_218368_7.pdf
http://members.scope.oakland.k12.mi.us/grade.aspx?id=57
Homework: My policy on homework is that all work started in class is due the next
day in the morning (unless otherwise stated). Assignments may be turned in early
in the homework basket if completed in school. I also believe that even if there is
no written assignment due the next day, students should be studying (Spelling
words, Math facts, etc.) and reading for a small amount of time.
Late Work/No Name: Late work is accepted, but at a reduced grade of 10% per
day late. Missing work is calculated as a 50% until it is turned in. If a student has
an incomplete or assignment turned in more than a week late their grade will be a
59%. All late work is noted and tracked on their progress reports in the comment
box. If extra time is needed because of an emergency, please let me know as soon
as possible and extra time will be given without grade penalties. No name papers
will need to write their name and return, but if it is a reoccurring situation their
grade may be reduced 10%.
Progress Reports: The fifth and sixth grade will be sending home Progress
Reports every on district progress report days, however you may view your child’s
grade in Power School at any time. Weekly and daily progress reports are available
digitially online at anytime. To obtain your PowerSchool password, please bring a
photo ID to the office. On the once per card marking paper copies, please sign and
return the bottom portion to school on the following day and keep the progress
report for your records. Students will receive graded work and notes in their
mailbox daily, so please check their homework folder for important flyers and
information.
Snacks/Drinks: I allow students to have a healthy morning/afternoon snack if
needed. I do not set aside a snack time, but allow students to eat it quickly during
a work time of their choice. Please be aware that we have several severe peanut
allergies in our school, so I am also politely asking that you keep this in mind when
picking your snack for the day. I encourage reusable water bottles and ask that
they are taken home and washed every Friday.
Rewards: I reward positive behavior individually with Swartz Singles and Golden
Eagle tickets. Please see my behavior plan for details.
Discipline: Students will be asked to follow the Eagle Expectations and have no
additional rules at this time. Bullying, of any type, is not tolerated and will be
addressed with the parents/guardians and our principal as needed. Students with
extreme misbehavior or missing work may be asked to loose their second recess to
write apology notes, fill out a behavior plan, or write a reflection on their actions
accordingly. Phone calls and letters home will be sent if needed and require to be
signed and returned the next day. Please also review with your child your
expectations for their behavior in our classroom as well.
Note: Please be aware that for severe discipline/behavior as a 6th grader students
fall until UCS Junior High/Secondary rules in our handbook!
Weekly Calendar: Each Friday I will be writing a calendar keeping you informed of
upcoming events, tests/quizzes, in addition to projects completed throughout the
week. I will e-mail a digital copy at the end of each week and it can be viewed
anytime at http://msswartz.weebly.com. The school’s calendars and principal’s
newsletter are also found on our school’s web page:
http://www.macomb.k12.mi.us/utica/harvey/.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our curriculum, please feel free to
contact me here at school by phone, e-mail, or notes. I will be happy to discuss
these with you. I hope you and your child have a wonderful year.
Sincerely,
Ms. Swartz
[email protected]
http://msswartz.weebly.com
(586) 797-5126