Mrs.+Miller's+Class+Syllabus


 * Mrs. Miller **
 * Sixth Grade Course Syllabus **
 * Come to class on time. **
 * Be prepared to learn. **
 * Give your best effort! **

|| ** 6D Room: 163 ** || The math curriculum is organized around mathematical "big ideas", or clusters of important, related mathematical concepts, processes, and problem solving strategies. These concepts are studied in depth, with the development of deep understanding as the goal. Students will study data investigations, reason about shapes, shape properties, and angle measurement. They will study rational numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, area, perimeter, and will study probability if time permits. 6th grade Science is an integration of Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences with a focus on the inquiry approach to learning. Students will be engaged in scientific lab experiments that allow them to formulate their own conclusions based on their data. It is an introductory course designed to include the study of plants and animals, the investigation of the Sun, Moon and Earth, the Earth's crust and basic concepts of matter. The main goals of the course are to provide students with an understanding of our world and the importance of our interactions within the different systems.
 * ** Course: **
 * Year: **
 * Instructor: **
 * Availability: **
 * 2009-2010 **
 * Mrs. Miller **
 * Mon.-Fri. 7:15-7:45, 9:40-10:30, 3:00-3:30 Contact Information: **
 * ATA Office : ** ** (313) 625-4700 **
 * Email: amiller@atafordpas.org **
 * Website: mrsmillerata.wikispaces.com ** ||
 *  ||
 * Course Description: ** 6th grade
 * __ Mathematics __**
 * __ Science __**

This is an exciting program that has been introduced to ATA from grades 3-12. In the 6th grade, your child will be using the computer lab to integrate real world skills with what they are learning each day in their regular core classes. It is a program designed to apply the skills they learn at each grade level to the work place or college when they graduate from high school. Students will learn computer skills as well as foundational and personal skills that provide reliable and relevant information about their career goals.
 * Work Keys: **


 * Textbook(s): **// Scott Foresman Science // and //Prentice Hall: Concepts In Math//

Textbooks and supplemental works are the property of ATA. Books are to be used in the classroom only. If a book is signed out with the instructor, it is to be returned to the classroom the following day. Math textbooks will be distributed to students for home use and must be returned to the instructor at the end of the year in good condition, or a fee may be charged. Students will not be given the following semester's schedule until all books are turned in, replaced or paid for (if lost or damaged).
 * Textbook Policy **

Students should own or have access to necessary course materials and resources. There will be times when I may need extra materials from home such as poster boards, newspapers and shoe boxes. I will write a written request for these materials in advance and send it home. For Science, students must also have a notebook to organize journals, lab investigations, and all other class work. Notebooks will be collected regularly to insure organizational and academic skills.
 * Materials **

There is no curve. Grades will be determined based on the total number of points earned. The scale is as follows: In order to promote a healthy and engaging learning environment, we need to follow classroom procedures and policies. Below I have outlined my expectations for our class. I reserve the right to adjust any policies or procedures as I see necessary in order to promote a safe and stimulating classroom community.
 * Grading Scale **
 * A = 93% -100% || C = 73% -76% ||
 * A- = 90% -92% || C- = 70% -72% ||
 * B+ = 87% -89% || D+ = 67% -69% ||
 * B = 83% -86% || D = 63% -66% ||
 * B- = 80% -82% || D- = 60% -62% ||
 * C+ = 77% -79% || F = 0% - 59% ||
 * Classroom Rules, Procedures **, **Policies**

** Classroom Expectations ** Everyday when the students walk into class they need to sit in their assigned seats with their materials out and all non-related materials put away and follow the following classroom procedures: ** Classroom Procedures ** · Even if you hear a bell, stay in your seat until you are dismissed by the teacher. · Upon teacher instruction, line up in the designated area quickly and quietly. When teacher begins to count backward starting from 5 or says “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please?” students will: · Immediately stop what they are doing and look at the teacher · Silently wait for teacher instruction. Students are required to walk through the hallways in a respectful manner that is both safe and efficient. Students will: · Line up in a single-file line at the classroom door as directed by the teacher. · Face forward in line · Walk **silently** on the **right** side of the hallway to the destination · Keep hands and feet to themselves · Secure all books and/or supplies in hands in front or on sides · Look at the weekly planner and find the day (s) you were absent · Write the assignment in your planner and collect any work from the copy bin that may go with it. · You have one day for every absence to finish the work. · After completing, return the work to the absent tray. 1. If I raise my hand and the teacher calls on me. 2. If talking is necessary to complete my assignment 3. If it is free time and I have completed all of my assignments · ** It is not okay to talk: ** 1. When the teacher is talking 2. When a student is asking or answering a question 3. When a guest enters the room 4. When the teacher has instructed the class to be quiet 1. Enter class quietly. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; msobidifontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msolist: Ignore;">2. Sign the tardy log. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; msobidifontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msolist: Ignore;">3. Proceed **quietly** to your seat and join in the lesson. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; msobidifontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Comic Sans MS'; msolist: Ignore;">4. Loss of participation points will occur, as well as school policy consequences. (depending on the length of time late.) 1. Pass your paper to the student closest to the center of the room. 2. I, or another student, will collect the papers from the student at the end of each row. <span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: Symbol; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore;">· Silently get out their materials needed for that subject without getting out of their seat. <span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: Symbol; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore;">· Silently wait for Mrs. Miller’s instruction ** Making poor choices ** <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; msobidifontsize: 10.0pt;"> 1st time – Verbal warning 2nd time – Conference with student 3rd time – Parent contact (phone, e-mail, or card sent home) 4th time – Teacher detention 5th time – Office Referral which may lead to Parent/Student/Dean/Teacher conference
 * 1) Take out their homework folder and assignments from the previous day and place in the homework bin for instructor to review or check.
 * 2) Completely empty and place **backpacks** and coats in their assigned lockers.
 * 3) Students will enter the room quietly and write down the assignments for the day in their planners.
 * 4) In their notebooks, students will copy down and complete their opening activity questions. The purpose of these exercises is to review information from another day before moving onto a new topic, subject, or idea; it may also be used to get the students thinking about a new topic or subject.
 * 5) Afterward they must sit silently until the teacher begins instruction for that day (approx. 5 minutes).
 * 6) After the instructor leads the class in reviewing the opening activity the class will move onto that days lecture or activity.
 * 7) Students will be expected to participate in class discussions, review of assignments, brainstorming, etc. - Positive **participation** may allow a student to earn back lost participation points while negative behavior or lack of involvement may result in points loss.
 * 8) Students **MUST** raise their hands to be called on. **Shouting out answers or talking out of turn** will result in participation points being lost, a warning, a call home to the parents, refocusing or being sent to Mr. Cook’s office.
 * 9) Unless permission is given by teacher, students **may not leave their seats** or change seats. Students **MUST** remain in their seats until the end of class and when dismissed by the teacher. Students are **only permitted to leave** their seats if instructed by the instructor.
 * 10) All class work must be completed independently unless otherwise stated by the instructor- **copying is not allowed** (see plagiarism) and any students involved will receive a zero for that assignment and possibly face further disciplinary action.
 * 1) ** Entering the classroom: **
 * Go directly to your seat
 * Copy today’s assignment(s) in your planner
 * Begin the opening activity
 * Wait quietly for teacher instruction
 * 1) ** Dismissal at the end of the period: **
 * 1) ** Getting students attention: **
 * 1) ** Walking in the Hallways **
 * 1) ** Finding work after being absent: **
 * 1) ** Talking Procedure: **
 * ** It is okay to talk: **
 * 7. Tardiness: **
 * 8. Passing in papers – **
 * 9. Transition Procedure: When stopping one subject of study and starting a new subject of study, students will: **

** Classroom Policies ** <span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; msobidifontfamily: Wingdings; msofareastfontfamily: Wingdings; msolist: Ignore;">Ø HOMEWORK folder- All homework will be turned in via this folder. You will need to bring this folder every day to class.
 * Class Notebooks **
 * ** You are required to have a notebook folder for EACH class. ** Your notebook will help you to study and to stay organized for the entire year.

** Homework Policy ** ** Pass Use ** ** Tardy Policy **
 * ** Yes, there will be daily homework! ** Parents please check your child’s daily planner and homework folder. We will take time everyday to write assignments in the student’s planner for every subject.
 * You will need to fill out the pass portion of your planner in ink. Do not interrupt and ask to use the pass when I am talking to the class or if a student is presenting or addressing the class.
 * Abuse of pass use will result in limited use of the pass.
 * Students are expected to be in class and seated when the bell rings, otherwise they are considered tardy. When the bell rings, students should have all materials out and ready to work.
 * Absenteeism Policy **
 * ** Students have one day for each absence to turn work in. ** For example, if a student is absent on Tuesday and returns on Wednesday**,** Tuesday’s work is due on Thursday. If a student misses Tuesday and Wednesday, then work for both of those days is due on the following Monday.
 * If a student is absent on the day the assignment or project is due, the assignment is due the **first** day the student returns. If the student is absent on test day, he/she is responsible for taking the test the day that he/she returns. **It is the student’s responsibility to see me about taking the test.**
 * ** Not all work can be made up. ** Sometimes we watch videos in class, conduct lab investigations, hold class discussions and students are given credit for these activities. If a student misses class, they may not be able to make up the assignment. It is imperative for students to be in class every day. **It is the responsibility of the student to collect all missed work.**
 * __ The following selected items from the Student Handbook are important rules for the day to day performance in the classroom and will be strictly enforced: __**

Cheating is not tolerated at ATA. Students who choose to cheat may expect a variety of consequences, including, but not limited to, loss of grade, suspension, or loss of privilege. Consequences will be at my discretion and will be discussed with the student, parent(s), and administrators.
 * __ Electronic Devices: __**
 * Portable radios, Walkman’s, iPods, CD/DVD players, laser pointers, tape recorders, **cell phones,** and/or any item that is noisy and/or disruptive are not to be brought to school unless they are needed for particular class assignment.
 * ** These items will be confiscated for the remainder of the school year. **
 * The student will be written-up and escorted by the instructor to the Dean of Student’s office.
 * __ Food and Beverages: __**
 * Food and beverages are not permitted in classrooms or school offices. Food includes but is not limited to candy and gum.
 * Food and beverages are not to be consumed in any hallway or restroom.
 * Food and beverages may only be consumed in the cafeteria.
 * Note: ** Parents and students have both a right and a responsibility to know the contents of the ATA Handbook.
 * Academic Integrity **

All parties agree that academic success is the product of a cooperative effort. To ensure that (students name) will benefit from this effort, each party has the following responsibilities: 1. Practice the //Amistad// values: ** REACH ** : **R**espect, **E**nthusiasm, **A**chievement, **C**itizenship, **H**ard Work 2. Put my best effort into my school work. 3. Obey all classroom rules and procedures. 4. Come prepared to school with assignments and materials. 5. Read syllabus thoroughly. 1. Monitor my child's school work and extracurricular activities. 2. Support classroom discipline policy. 3. Contact Ms. Green as needed and attend parent-teacher conferences. 4. Ensure my child is on time and attends school regularly. 5. Read syllabus thoroughly. 1. Provide a safe, comfortable environment for all students. 2. Enforce school and classroom rules consistently. 3. Provide students with clear and concise expectations. 4. Work to make learning an enjoyable experience. 5. Provide a syllabus to each student.
 * Course Responsibility Contract **
 * As a student, I will: **
 * As a parent, I will: **
 * As an instructor, I will: **
 * Please sign and return by Friday, September 11, 2009. **
 * ** Student Signature **

Date: || ** Parent Signature **

Date: || ** Teacher Signature ** __ Mrs. Miller __ Date: 9/8/09 ||