SIXTH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS and RELIGION
CLASSROOM POLICIES

ATTENDANCE  AND ASSIGNMENTS 

Regular attendance is expected and required of all students. Students should be prompt (seated and ready to work by the second bell) and prepared for every class meeting, with the appropriate books, supplies, and assignments.  Class roll will be taken at the second bell, and names of late or unprepared students will be noted. Students who arrive at class late or come to class unprepared will receive a verbal warning the first time; subsequent, regular infractions will be dealt with at the teacher's discretion and will affect the conduct portion of the student’s grade.

Homework is assigned in order for students to independently practice and review concepts introduced in the classroom.  As language arts concepts, in particular, typically build on one another, it is critical that students complete all assignments and turn them in on the date they are due.

If a student is absent, the student will be given one day per day of absence to complete and turn in the assignments (as per St. Thomas More School’s Parent and Student Handbook).  Absent students are responsible for procuring any work distributed during their absence, and they must confer with the teacher on the day of their return (at lunch or recess) to verify just what they have missed and to clarify due date(s). Work that is not handed in by the agreed upon due date will result in a grade reduction.  

Late work not due to absence will be dealt with as follows:

·       Semester 1 – late work will receive a 10% grade reduction if it is one day late and a 25% grade reduction if it is two days late.  Work turned in beyond two days late will receive a 50% grade reduction.

·       Semester 2 – late work will receive a 25% grade reduction if it is one day late and a 50% grade reduction if it is two or more days late.

Handouts distributed during a student’s absence can be found in the appropriate envelope on the “Classroom Information” bulletin board.   These copies will remain there until two weeks after their original distribution. 

All assignments turned in (homework or essays) should have the information below included in the upper right hand corner of the page (single-spaced). No title page is necessary.

                        Name (first and last names please)
                        Class (for which assignment has been completed)
                        Date

Unless otherwise directed, essays and reports must be typed and double-spaced, following the guidelines indicated on the essay assignment handout.  Those not completed as specified will not be accepted. 

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

Books:              Each student is responsible for all books or printed material distributed and used for class, and must return all such items in good condition or pay for replacement copies.  All hardbound textbooks must be covered with heavy paper; it is strongly suggested that vocabulary and religion texts are covered with clear contact paper to help extend the life of the book(s).   

Supplies:            Each student must have his or her assignment book, appropriate binder, and a sturdy pencil case (filled with appropriate writing utensils) on hand at all times.   In addition, each student must have the appropriate books and other supplies, as indicated by the teacher.

At home, a well-lit study area and the availability of dictionary, ruler, scissors, stapler, and highlighters is strongly suggested.

COMMUNICATION AND CONFERENCES

It is advisable to check Mrs. Dekle’s web page (accessible from school.st-thomasmore.org) regularly, as it can include information on class material currently being studied, homework assignments, upcoming test information, and a sixth grade calendar identifying dates of importance (test dates and due dates of projects and essays).  The calendar should be checked weekly as it is subject to change.  Class notes, project descriptions, review games, and useful links may also be accessible on the web page. 

As students benefit from regular communication between school and home, a note will come home on alternate Fridays (look for the first note on Friday, September 2, 2011), which includes information on upcoming events and other items of interest to parents, such as book order forms and tests to be signed.

Regarding tests, once assessments are graded, time is used to review them to ensure students’ understanding of the material.  When tests come home, they must be signed by a parent and returned the next school day.  Their prompt, signed return counts as a homework grade.  Like all assignments, this may be affected by lateness or lack of return.

Although conferences are scheduled in early November, parents or teachers may schedule conferences as needed during the year. Feel free to communicate any concerns to me in writing, via e-mail, or by phone (969-6707 during the school day), and you will receive a response in writing, via e-mail, by phone or in person, as warranted by the situation.

CONDUCT AND GRADING

Students who follow the guidelines below (AKA “ABC’s of Appropriate Behavior”), and adhere to the uniform policy (delineated in the Parent and Student Handbook), should easily achieve a conduct grade of “2” (the lowest conduct grade needed to attain first or second honors).

*Arrive at class prepared.
*Behave in a respectful manner.
*Communicate appropriately; speak only when you have been acknowledged.
*Do not disrupt the class with your behavior.
*"Egging", "fueling" or goading others toward negative behavior is not welcome.
*Do not harm another student physically or emotionally.
*Interrupting teachers or peers is deemed inappropriate behavior.

Students who not only follow the above guidelines, but also serve as models for their peers, by showing respect to peers and adults alike, and by consistently engaging appropriately in class activities, should easily achieve a conduct grade of “1”.

Students earn grades in language arts and religion based on a variety of assessment tools. These may include essays, journal entries, and outside reading (in language arts); tests and quizzes; projects and presentations; homework and in-class assignments, and class participation.  Significant work, such as tests, final essay drafts, and projects are typically weighted most heavily in the overall average.

Please note:
* Sixth grade classroom policies are subject to change at the teachers’ discretion.*